Coal City Courant

Pritzker asks residents to be ‘All In’ in helping state’s coronavirus fight

Published by admin on Thu, 04/02/2020 - 6:16pm

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday announced a public service initiative to mobilize the state’s “strongest weapon” against the spread of novel coronavirus — Illinoisans.

 

Pritzker said his administration has “nearly exhausted every avenue available” to mitigate COVID-19’s expansion. It instituted a stay-at-home order, banned dining in at restaurants and bars, limited public gatherings and shuttered schools.

 

Now, the governor is asking Illinoisans to not only stay at home, but to celebrate it.

 

Coal City outlines $219,000 in street repairs

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 7:37pm

Each year the village of Coal City outlines a plan to improve its street infrastructure, and this construction season the priority is alleys, intersections and roadways.
Village administrator Matt Fritz reports the budgetary allotment for the work is $200,000, however the proposal currently before the Village Board comes with an estimated cost of just over $219,000.
Village engineer Ryan Hansen noted the estimated costs come with 15% in contingencies and believes the final costs can be brought within budget.

Coal City implements CodeRED emergency system

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 7:34pm

The village of Coal City has implemented a villagewide alert system to provide citizens with important information regarding emergency situations and important community information.
Town officials agreed to move forward with the system a year ago, and after months of preparation the program became available to residents within the last week.

Park restroom project moving forward

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 7:33pm

A construction budget has been approved, now it’s time for the village of Coal City to find a contractor to construct the new handicap accessible restroom in Lions Park.
A $96,000 grant the village received from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will be used to build the restroom facility adjacent to the Hope Helps inclusive playground.
Village engineer Ryan Hansen presented the final design and $150,000 construction budget at the Village Board’s March 25 meeting.

Unit 1 providing lunches to district students

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 7:32pm

The Unit 1 School District is providing breakfast and lunch to any district student who needs a nutritious meal.
Breakfast and lunch meals are served on a grab-and-go basis. When students pick up their lunch, they also receive breakfast items for the following day.
This service is available through the existing stay-at-home and school closure order. Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg reports about 25 students are currently participating in the lunch offering.

Unit 1 students getting back to the books

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2020 - 7:31pm

Moments after Gov. JB Pritzker announced his intent to extend the state’s stay at home order and required school closure, Unit 1 School Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg sent out a communication to his staff.
“It is safe to assume that the current remote learning format will continue through April 30,” he stated.
Remote learning in the district is set to begin Thursday, as school districts across the state transition from Act of God Days to remote learning days.

Stateville inmate among 8 dead as state reports 461 new COVID-19 cases

Published by admin on Mon, 03/30/2020 - 3:41pm

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 461 new cases of COVID-19 and eight new deaths in the state Monday as an outbreak worsened at Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill.
IDPH said one of the deceased was an inmate at Stateville, and 12 other inmates from the facility are now hospitalized with several requiring ventilators. IDPH said 77 others imprisoned at the facility have symptoms and are in isolation, and 11 prison staff members are isolated as well.

Kernc: “Stop flushing all wipes”

Published by admin on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 3:10pm

“Stop flushing all wipes,” is the continuing call of Diamond Mayor Terry Kernc.
The mayor is joining municipal officials across the state and country in requesting citizens stop flushing wipes—baby wipes, disinfecting wipes and even moist towelettes and cleansing cloths marketed for bathroom use—as these products are damaging public sewer systems and causing sewage backups into homes and businesses.

Senate, House cancel next week’s session once again

Published by admin on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 1:17pm

SPRINGFIELD – Lawmaking remains on hold in Illinois amid the COVID-19 pandemic as the state’s Senate and House each canceled next week’s scheduled session.

The House was scheduled to be in Tuesday through Friday and the Senate was set to be in Tuesday through Thursday ahead of a scheduled two-week spring break from April 6 until an April 21 return.

Pritzker delays Illinois’ tax deadline to July 15

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2020 - 6:33pm

Gov. JB Pritzker announced a number of financial initiatives Wednesday to assist owners of bars, restaurants, hotels and other small businesses during the economic slowdown caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.