News

Plans for a city center firming up

Published by admin on Tue, 07/15/2025 - 4:00pm

Braidwood Mayor Todd Lyons and Administrative Consultant Steve Gulden continue to seek information, consultants, and grants for a city center.
Tentatively, the center is planned for city-owned vacant property behind Casey’s on Main Street.
“Steve and I met with and had lunch with State Representative Anthony DeLuca in Essex,” Lyons said. “We met with the mayor also. Just a meet and greet to get to know him, and we just talked to him about some possible grant opportunities.”

Small Town Theatrics to present "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"

Published by admin on Tue, 07/15/2025 - 3:56pm

At its heart, community theatre is just that-community. It takes people from all walks of life coming together-sharing their time, talents, and resources-to bring each show to life. This summer, Small Town Theatrics celebrates its 16th season, a milestone made possible by the ongoing commitment, encouragement and generosity of a community that extends across the miles. For summer 2025, individuals from 18 communities have come together to present the powerful and timeless musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Mussel Mission: Survey to shell out the truth on Kankakee River’s hidden life

Published by admin on Tue, 07/15/2025 - 3:51pm

Wading knee-deep through the shallows below the Wilmington dam Monday morning, six researchers from the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) combed the Kankakee River bed by hand, searching for freshwater mussels—silent sentinels of river health.

Pup patrol made easier with donation

Published by admin on Tue, 07/08/2025 - 4:23pm

The Coal City Police Department will be able to identify lost pets, potentially reuniting them with their owners quicker, thanks to a recent donation by a group of car enthusiasts.
Subies of the Corn NFP, a registered nonprofit, donated microchip readers to both the Coal City and Wilmington Police Departments. These contributions were made in honor of Subaru Loves Pets®, a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving the lives of animals.

Braidwood's new police chief

Published by admin on Tue, 07/08/2025 - 4:19pm

Braidwood Mayor Todd Lyons announced July 2 that Eric Allen has been selected as Braidwood’s new police chief.
Allen will replace Brett Goodwin who retired in April.
“Chief Allen brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience and a distinguished record of leadership, training, and community engagement to the Braidwood Police Department,” Lyons said on the city’s Facebook Page.
Allen was selected following a hiring process that included a review of numerous applications and a comprehensive interview process.

Annexation of solar energy plants tabled again

Published by admin on Tue, 07/08/2025 - 4:15pm

Once again, Wilmington City Council held a public hearing for the proposed annexation of approximately 100 acres located along Illinois 53 and Coal City Road.
The ultimate purpose of the annexation will be to obtain a special use permit for two separate solar farms for review by the Will County Board at a later date.
A decision was withheld at the June 17 council meeting as Cypress Creek Renewables and Emeren, neglected to advise Custer Township of the annexation in writing as legally required.
Their efforts to notify Custer Township proved easier said than done.

Four-way stop being planned near Mastodon Travel Center

Published by admin on Tue, 07/01/2025 - 3:44pm

Talk about one of Braidwood’s busiest intersections, which is about to get a lot busier, occurred during the June 24 city council meeting. It seems state transportation officials want a four-way stop installed at Illinois 113 and Coal City Road with the contruction of the nearby Mastodon travel center and car wash.
City Management Consultant Steve Gulden reported that Dave Smith, owner of Ridgeway Petroleum of Lansing, briefed him on the progress of the Mastodon travel center that will be located at Coal City Road and Division Street.

Wilmington re-dedicated onto Will County Historical Register

Published by admin on Tue, 07/01/2025 - 3:39pm

Village likes developer’s plan for 89-unit subdivision

Published by admin on Tue, 07/01/2025 - 3:35pm

Officials in Diamond got a first look at a proposed residential subdivision for the village’s north side.
Developer Bill Slavik presented a concept plan for 53 single family homes and 36 duplexes for a site located off North McGinty Street.
Slavik - whose company, E.E.C. IL, developed Creekside Estates in Channahon - appeared at a recent meeting to see if the village board would be receptive to his proposal.
“We’re willing to listen,” village board member Denise Brown said, adding that the new subdivision could be beneficial for Diamond.

Forest Preserve buys 241 acres in Custer Twn.

Published by admin on Tue, 06/24/2025 - 3:14pm

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has completed its first major land acquisition under its 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program, purchasing a Custer Township property long known as the Savage Farm.
The 241-acre purchase, located near Coal City Road and Route 53, was finalized June 13 bringing the District's total land holdings to 23,449 acres. The acquisition is near two state-owned preserves, Hitts Siding Prairie Nature Preserve and Wilmington Shrub Prairie, and three Forest Preserve properties.