Kankakee River

Residents to Wilmington officials: Take the dam out

Published by admin on Tue, 10/20/2020 - 5:32pm

It’s been two months since the city of Wilmington sent surveys through the mail, asking the public to weigh in on the fate of the Kankakee River dam.

Now, with just two weeks before the deadline to get those surveys in, the initial results show overwhelming support for removal.

The surveys went out in August, and presented residents with options for how to address the dam.

The survey is based on guidance from a 2017 study, conducted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), that compared the costs of changes at the dam.

Kankakee River Dam survey due back to city by November

Published by admin on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 3:05pm

The city of Wilmington began sending out surveys this month, looking for public input regarding the dam along the Kankakee River.

Members of the Buildings, Grounds, Parks, Health and Safety Committee discussed the survey during their meeting in July, hammering out the details of how to reach out to the public and learn as much as they can on public opinion for the future of the dam.

Since March, the subject of the dam has been resurrected on the committee level, with some aldermen seeking options and public opinion on revamping the dam or removing it altogether.

Wilmington officials to public: Tell us your thoughts on dam removal

Published by admin on Tue, 05/19/2020 - 4:51pm

Elected officials in Wilmington are looking for some feedback from the public regarding the ongoing issues at the Kankakee River dam.

Alderman Ben Dietz made a presentation on the dam to the Buildings, Grounds, Parks, Health and Safety Committee May 13, providing to the committee information he gained after conversations with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Dietz has corresponded via phone and email over several weeks with Wes Cattoor, the acting section chief of engineering studies with the IDNR’s Office of Water Resources (OWR).

Council members want the public to give a dam

Published by admin on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 4:37pm

It’s a conversation that comes and goes throughout the years, but without any changes once it’s all said and done.

Discussions of what to do about the roller dam along the Kankakee River in Wilmington have resurfaced on social media, with two city aldermen seeking public feedback on the river feature where people have drowned.

Aldermen Ben Dietz and Jake Tenn both took to the internet recently, asking for input on the possibility of removing the dam.

River alliance seeks Will County support

Published by admin on Tue, 10/16/2018 - 7:03pm

Turning on the faucet, most folks take for granted that the water coming from the tap is safe.

But, what it takes to provide safe, abundant and affordable water is seldom something people consider, including where that water comes from, what it takes to bring it to homes and businesses, and what funds are available to develop new water sources, treatment options, and storage and delivery systems.

It pays to go fishing!

Published by admin on Fri, 06/29/2018 - 11:53am

For the next 10 days, it very well could pay to do a little fishing in the Kankakee River. That's because the 35th annual Kankakee River Valley Fishing Derby is underway, offering thousands of dollars in prizes to pre-registered anglers who land any  95 tagged fish that are worth $500 or more in cash and/or merchandise.

Godley Water moves forward with river permits

Published by admin on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 5:51pm

The Godley Public Water District has taken the first official steps toward gaining access to the Kankakee River.

On Oct. 4, the water district filed a joint application with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for a permit to withdraw water from the Kankakee River.

The permit request follows the formation of the Kankakee River Valley Water Planning Area Alliance (KRVWPAA). Membership in that alliance was approved in recent weeks by the local boards in Braidwood, Diamond and Coal City.

Braidwood joins water planning alliance

Published by admin on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 7:15pm

Local municipalities are pooling their resources when it comes to water, joining forces to create a local alliance.

On Sept. 26, the Braidwood City Council signed off on an intergovernmental agreement to establish the Kankakee River Valley Water Planning Area Alliance (KRVWPAA).

Braidwood joins Diamond, Coal City and the Godley Public Water District in making the agreement.

Body found July 8 in river identified

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 10:22am

The body of a woman found more than five weeks ago in the Kankakee River in Wilmington has been identified.

According to Will County Coroner Patrick K. O’Neil, the woman is Martha E. Sanchez, age 24, of Chicago, who was last seen July 4.

Godley, R-C reach easement agreement

Published by admin on Tue, 05/23/2017 - 6:01pm

The Godley Water District and the Reed-Custer School District have come to an initial agreement, on the way to turning school district property over to their neighbors to the south.

On May 17, the school board approved a resolution authorizing the execution of a permanent easement for the Godley Water District on the property of the Reed-Custer Primary School in Custer Park.

The 200-foot easement over vacant land adjacent to the school will be used as the water district looks to expand.