News

Comets seek turnaround under new leadership

Published by admin on Tue, 08/26/2025 - 4:37pm

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
In the last two seasons, the Reed-Custer football team compiled a 4-14 record, but seven of those losses were by one score.
With coach Gavin Johnston moving to Florida, R-C is turning to a man with a strong pedigree for success in Joe Turek.
Turek spent the last 10 years as the head sophomore/junior varsity at Lincoln-Way East, a perennial contender for state titles. The varsity lost only seven total games in the last eight seasons.

Love’s Travel Stop agrees to screening for neighbors

Published by admin on Tue, 08/26/2025 - 4:24pm

At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Wilmington City Council waived the bidding requirements and approved a contract with Allied Landscaping Services for a natural screening for five properties located in the Waters Edge Subdivision.
Residents in the Water’s Edge subdivision requested landscape screening during negotiations with the Love’s Travel Stop. The properties are adjacent east of the new travel stop along Highway 53. Love’s agreed to provide the landscaping at a total cost of $22,105.

Which Fall Fest button will win you $$$?

Published by admin on Tue, 08/26/2025 - 4:22pm

The Coaler Drive Festival and Events Committee has launched the sale of the commemorative 2025 Fall Fest Buttons. These five uniquely designed buttons are only $1.00 and proceeds will be used to fund future Coaler Drive community events.
Each creative button was selected from Coal City student submissions and celebrates their creativity and connection to this community event.

Water tower is as good as new again

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 3:53pm

Repainting and maintenance on a water tower on the north side of CoalCity is finished, officials said at the village board meeting last week.
Village Engineer Ryan Hansen said the updating of the water tower, which started in June, is completed and the tower is back in service.
After draining the tower, located in North Park, the interior was stripped, reprimed and repainted. Hansen estimated that it had been about 20 years since the tower last received significant maintenance.

Are you under the ‘Impression’ that iconic beauty shop is closing? Think again

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 3:38pm

Yes, the rumors are true. The shop that houses Impressions Hair and Tanning Salon at 605 N. Baltimore St. is up for sale.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the iconic salon will be going out of business any time soon.
Owners Rhonda Schaefer and Audra Bushue, and their father Neil Robertson, have no immediate plans to close up shop. Instead, they will bide their time, hoping for a scenario that allows them to carry on, at least for a little while.

Grocery tax one topic brought up during Braidwood's first Committee of the whole

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 3:30pm

Braidwood’s first committee of the whole meeting on August 12 focused on five areas of discussion:
1. Whether or not to drop the 1% state tax on food or to keep it.
2. Hiring firm, 120 Water, to assist in the Lead survey required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
3. Dumping fill on lots.
4. Internet upgrade for city hall and the police department.
5. Revamping ordinance about who should be required to obtain a permit before working in Braidwood.
Grocery tax

Signup now for Megan’s Mission 5k Run/Walk

Published by admin on Tue, 08/12/2025 - 4:03pm

The annual “Megan’s Mission 5k Run/Walk” is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m.
This family-friendly event is part of the Village of Coal City’s Fall Festival. Competitive and recreational runners, walkers, strollers, and dog walkers are welcome as the goal is to bring as many people together as possible in support of the childhood cancer community.
Parents should encourage the participation of youth to teach “kids supporting other kids”.

IDOT's plan is to add a second set of tracks

Published by admin on Tue, 08/12/2025 - 4:01pm

The Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) presented a public hearing last week at Fossil Ridge Public Library, to outline plans for rail improvements between Braidwood and Elwood.
One down side of the project is the time it will take. The project is expected to begin in 2028 and continue well through 2029. However, at its conclusion, there will be a significant reduction in blocked railroad crossings in Braidwood, Braceville, and Godley.

Council wants to change boundary for Lorenzo Road TIF

Published by admin on Tue, 08/12/2025 - 3:47pm

Wilmington’s 15-year-old TIF District that’s resulted in the warehouse hub at Lorenzo Road and Interstate 55 is being changed again.
City aldermen approved an ordinance Aug. 5, calling for a public hearing and Joint Review Board meeting to consider a new boundary to the TIF Redevelopment Plan with developer, Elion Partners, doing business as Adar Ridgeport, LLC.
Wilmington’s TIF District was formed in 2010, with a term of 23 years, ending in 2033.

Fish scofflaws should have gone to Red Lobster

Published by admin on Tue, 08/05/2025 - 3:39pm

Last week the Braidwood Journal reported on the arrest of three unidentified individuals caught poaching fish at the Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife area on July 17.
The Journal filed a FOIA for the field report by Illinois Conservation Police officers which identified the suspects as Kyaw Kway, Kho Tan, and Hemlal Haokip. Redacted from the report were their ages and address.