Coal City Courant

Making it through together

Published by admin on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 4:46pm

It certainly wasn’t a traditional three years of middle school for the class of 2023. But together they found their way and achieved success in academics, the arts and athletics.

“There were times it was definitely a struggle, but as we get to the end of your time at Coal City Middle School, I can see all of you growing and developing into the students and citizens that are ready for the next step in your journey,” Principal Travis Johnson told the class.

Remembering those who gave their life for freedom

Published by admin on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 4:44pm

Memorial Day, as writer/photographer Tamra Bolton said, “is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home.”

The Memorial Day observance, organized by St. Juvin Post 1336 Veterans of Foreign Wars [VFW], was held Monday around the Community Veterans Monument on the campus of Coal City Intermediate School.

In keeping with tradition, the VFW’s honor guard conducted its volley and the names of the community’s 24 honored war dead were read by VFW life member and Korean War veteran Jack Micetich.

Trash pickup delayed this week

Published by admin on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 4:42pm

Trash and recycling services will be delayed one day this week in the villages of Diamond and Coal City.

Due to the Monday, May 29 observance of the Memorial Day holiday, Environmental Recycling & Disposal will collect from residential households one day late, so trash will be collected on Friday, June 2 in the village of Diamond.

Coal City residents with Thursday pickup will also have their trash, recycling and yard waste collected on Friday, and those with a traditional Friday pickup will have their trash collected on Saturday, May 3.

Mayor says three years better than five when asking residents to serve on boards

Published by admin on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 4:41pm

With the strike of the gavel, Dave Spesia called to order his first meeting as the mayor of Coal City.

In his new capacity, Spesia is responsible for making appointments to the various town boards and commissions.
The new mayor has found it difficult to find individuals willing to serve in various positions.

Commissioners on the Planning and Zoning Board and members of the Park Board receive five-year appointments.

Unit 1 to ease traffic congestion at CCMS

Published by admin on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 4:40pm

Summer break school construction season and the Unit 1 School District has a few projects scheduled to take place over the next two and half months.

One of the most visible projects will be $920,000 to improve parking and traffic flow at Coal City Middle School.

A facility improvement plan commissioned by the Board of Education at the start of the 2022-2023 school year noted a need for additional parking.

Mincey appointed to Coal City Village Board

Published by admin on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 2:44pm

One of the first decisions Dave Spesia had to make as the village’s new mayor, was who would take his seat at the table as trustee.

The decision took him back to a chance meeting he had with Bill Mincey.

While campaigning for mayor, Spesia would drive around town and the various subdivisions and when he saw a resident outside he would pull over, introduce himself and engage in conversation.

Ehman selected CCHS Business Student of the Year

Published by admin on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 5:23pm

Coal City High School senior Brady Ehman has been selected the school’s Business Student of the Year.

The award, presented annually by the school’s business department, recognizes a business student who displays the characteristics and self-motivation to have a successful future. Candidates must have at least six semesters of business courses and maintained a B average or higher.

Building a brand

Published by admin on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 5:21pm

As the saying goes, “Once a Coaler, Always a Coaler” and as the Unit 1 School District moves into a new academic year that passage takes on new meaning.

Starting with the 2023-2024 school year, all Coal City students will be known as Coalers. The Board of Education made the decision earlier this year to drop the Warrior mascot at the middle school and bring all levels under a unified identify.

The mascot change is part of an overall branding that is taking place across the school district as outlined in annual strategic plan.

Post 1336 to mark Memorial Day with ceremony

Published by admin on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 5:20pm

Post 1336 will join the community in saluting the men and women who served in defense of our nation, paying particular note to those from the community who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom. In all, 761 Coal City area residents were called to military service from World War I to Vietnam and 24 of them did not return home.

Registration fees increase for new school year

Published by admin on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 5:19pm

As one school year comes to a close, registration has begun for students returning in August.

The Unit 1 School District’s on-line registration for parents of returning students is open and accessible through the district website and its new mobile app available for download on the App Store.

Superintendent Chris Spencer reports enrollment fees for the 2023-2024 school year have increased by $10 across all grade levels.