Coal City Courant

Former Angels pitcher savors his glory days

Published by admin on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 4:09pm

Those of us of a certain age maintain a store of memories from the “glory days” of our youth. When we start yapping about that time we got Robert Plant’s autograph, everyone finds a reason to leave the room.
When 77-year-old Greg Washburn of Diamond talks about glory days, not a soul leaves the room. That’s because he’s achieved true glory, all by himself.
Washburn was drafted by the California Angels out of Lewis University in Romeoville in the first round of the 1967 amateur draft as the 19th overall pick

Five-day detour planned for Coal City crossing

Published by admin on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 4:33pm

nt of Transportation is warning motorists that Illinois 113 will be closed for repairs at the BNSF Railroad crossing in Coal City on Monday, Oct. 7, for approximately five days.
A posted detour will direct eastbound Illinois 113 traffic to use Broadway Street, North Street and First Avenue. Westbound Illinois 113 traffic will use Fifth Avenue, North Street and Broadway Street.

North Park tennis courts to become pickle ball courts

Published by admin on Tue, 09/24/2024 - 4:08pm

The growing popularity of pickle ball is coming to Coal City.
Mayor Dave Spezia and the board of trustees, in search of more recreational opportunities for residents, identified pickle ball courts as an easy, affordable improvement for North Park.
Pickleball is a simple paddle game played with a baseball-sized wiffleball over a tennis-type net on a badminton-sized court. Its appeal is the size of the court is smaller than tennis so people of all ages, as singles or doubles, can play.

Community Service Award

Published by admin on Tue, 09/17/2024 - 3:41pm

Operation Firm Handshake a huge success

Published by admin on Tue, 09/10/2024 - 4:24pm

It was a picture-perfect day Saturday for the 11th annual Operation Firm Handshake veterans picnic held under the pavilion at the Coal City Area Club.
“It turned out to be a wonderful day with ideal weather and a volunteer group that really loaned their support, said Scott Sines, vice president for the non-profit.
Illinois’ largest free veterans picnic this year attracted 1,280 veterans and their family members. Sines estimated there were 80 volunteers who setup and did the cooking that included a pig roast, grilled burgers andhot dogs and all types of homemade sides.

Husband donates kidney to save his wife

Published by admin on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 4:28pm

It was Aug. 31, and Joseph Morris, 29, was experiencing “discomfort,” as doctors prefer to say when referring to excruciating pain
The “water bottle sized” incision in his abdomen was hot and throbbed from the surgery he had endured two days earlier. Not only that, his head was still muzzy from anesthesia, and he was feeling generally unwell. That’s all to be expected when you’ve just had a kidney removed.
Despite the discomfort, Aug. 29 – the day he lost a kidney – is the best day of his life to date. You see, his kidney will save the life of his beloved wife, Katy.

City eyes $12 million senior housing project

Published by admin on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 4:43pm

If approved by the village board, Coal City seniors will soon have an affordable housing option.
Hunter’s Run, a $12 million townhouse development for people age 55 and older, will enable area seniors to age in place, close to their families and friends.
The developer, North Arrow Partners of Villa Park, are proposing the development of 11.5 acres – consisting of nine vacant lots – at the southwest corner of West Maple Street and South Marguerite Street.

All veterans invited to Operation Firm Handshake

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 4:07pm

Max Valdez would like everyone to prepare for the upcoming Firm Handshake annual event on Saturday, Sept. 7, by taking their organization's mantra to heart.
“We're here to have fun and enjoy the day. Bottom line: we did our duty, now let's enjoy a day together! All vets are welcome,” Valdez said.
Thanks to the continuing efforts of the Operation Firm Handshake organization, the Village of Coal City recently added the non-profit organization's logo onto its welcome sign at the southeast corner of Carbon Hill Rd. & State Route 113.

Coal City welcomes new teachers

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 4:05pm

Student attendance at Coal City schools began this morning and with the start the new academic year comes 14 new educators.
Staff orientation for new teachers started on Tuesday, Aug. 6 with three days of training overseen by Jennifer Kenney, the district’s director of curriculum and instruction. She was assisted by district administrators and staff members.
Joining the faculty for the 2024-2025 school year are individuals who will work across the district’s academic buildings.

Unit 1 schedules back to school, orientation events

Published by admin on Tue, 07/30/2024 - 3:10pm

Student orientation days and Back-to-School events have been scheduled as the Coal City School District draws closer to the start of a new academic year,
Orientation events will be held on Monday, Aug. 5 at Coal City Middle, Intermediate and Elementary Schools.