News

WHS graduation with some bling

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 6:29pm

The WHS graduation exercises on Saturday included a little extra bling.

Among the 92 seniors awarded diplomas during a 60-minute ceremony were 13 wearing state championship football rings.

While it was the perfect occasion for donning the gold ring emblazoned with a purple “W”, the commencement was more about honoring the Class of 2022 and its academic accomplishments.

WHS Principal Scott Maupin, also wearing a championship ring, recognized seniors for their successes.

Aging squad cars will need replacement

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 6:27pm

Wilmington’s police force is planning to add some new squad cars to their fleet.

Police Chief Joe Mitchell gave an update on the city’s police vehicles during the May 10 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Mitchell said shortly after two of the department’s aging vehicles were declared as surplus property for the city earlier in May, a third was placed out of service after a blown engine.

Quick jump by firefighters prevents total loss of home

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 6:24pm

A two-story house on East Baltimore Street in Wilmington suffered extensive damage during a Tuesday morning fire that shutdown Highway 53.

Wilmington firefighters responding to 520 E. Baltimore at 7:44 a.m. Tuesday found a fully involved fire in the rear portion of the house.

Wilmington Deputy Chief Todd Friddle was among the first to arrive and said fire and heavy smoke were coming from two first floor windows on the north and west sides of the home. Luckily, no one was home at the time.

Hiring brings police department back to full force

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 6:20pm

Coal City’s newest police officer will report for training next week for 14 weeks of basic law enforcement instruction to prepare him to serve and protect the community.

Kolton Stockdell was sworn in to his new post before the Village Board last week and presented with silver star badge #922 by Coal City Police Chief Chris Harseim.
The 21-year-old Joliet resident is the third officer to be hired by the village in just two weeks and fills the final vacancy on the department’s roster.

Coal City Library recognized by Grundy Chamber

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 6:19pm

As the nominations were received for this year’s Grundy County Chamber awards, numerous submissions pointed to the libraries in Grundy County.

So, the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board decided to recognize the area libraries—Coal City Public Library District, Morris Area Public Library District and Three Rivers Library District—with its Organization of the Year Award.

Young philanthropists give back to the community

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 6:17pm

Students from across Grundy County are learning what it means to give back through the Community Foundation of Grundy County’s Young Philanthropy program.

The program, overseen by program director Devan Gagliardo, promotes youth development, encourages programs and services that address concerns of our youth, exposes youth to the organizations serving their communities, and builds a future of strong community leaders and philanthropists.

The Young Philanthropy program is active at four high schools—Coal City, Gardner-South Wilmington, Seneca and Morris.

Liquor store, Blu Taco restaurant coming to Broadway

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 6:16pm

Ketankumar and Kamleshkumar Patel’s plan to transform one of Coal City’s vacant buildings into multiple businesses has been given the go ahead from the Village Board.

The plan was submitted to the Planning and Zoning Board back in March and after a series of meetings and public hearings they’ve been given the green light to move forward. The first step will be closing on the sale of 301 S. Broadway.

Street improvements moving forward

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 6:15pm

After months of review and planning, the village of Coal City is moving forward with $700,000 in street and alley improvements.

Earlier this year the Village Board adopted a resolution outlining $300,000 in motor fuel tax funded improvements in the budget.

However, as Village Administrator Matt Fritz told trustees last week, the $386,000 they budgeted fell short of the $600,000-plus they needed this year for necessary road improvements.

Once a Coaler, always a Coaler

Published by admin on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 5:29pm

Jennifer Kenney’s definition of a Coaler is someone who has character, is organized and has a positive attitude.

Coalers, she said, are leaders in every aspect of life, individuals who show a great amount of effort, are always responsible and commit to acts of service.

As she looked out at the students seated before her in their green and white caps and gowns, Kenney proclaimed every one of them has met the qualifications of a Coaler.

Dresden Station to pay $2 million more

Published by admin on Tue, 05/10/2022 - 4:56pm

Constellation and seven local taxing districts have negotiated a five-year property tax agreement that will have the power generator paying $26.2 million annually.