News

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.

Mrs. Dennis retires from Wilmington 209-U

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

After more than 30 years in education, Stevens Intermediate School principal Venita Dennis walked the halls for the final time as the school year closed. Mrs. Dennis retired at the close of the 2022-2023 school year.

Faculty, staff and administration held a retirement party for Mrs. Dennis in May.

The Free Press Advocate asked Mrs. Dennis about some of her memories about her time at Wilmington School District 209-U. Here is what she had to say:

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.

Wilmington's Caitlyn Brown makes history during Indy 500 win

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

Just six races into the 2023 IndyCar season and already Caitlyn Brown, a 2017 WHS graduate, can call herself a champion.

The Wilmington native chugged milk from a bottle and donned an “Indy 500 champion” cap Sunday to become the first female crew member to win the Indy 500.

Brown is the left-front tire changer for Team Penske IndyCar driver Josef Newgarden who made a thrilling last-lap pass to win the 107th running of the Indy 500. The payout, at $3.6 million, is part of Indy 500’s largest purse in history.

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.

Hart sworn in as Mayor of Braidwood, Altiery back as administrator

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

Following the sudden resignation of Mayor Chris Earley just three weeks into his term, the Braidwood City Council has a new look, with a new mayor, finance commissioner, and several appointments approved.

On May 23, Karen Hart was sworn in as Mayor. Hart, who was elected as Finance Commissioner in April, was elevated to the role of mayor per the regulations of state code on how a Commission Form of Government operates.

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.

Veterans the real winners of Braidwood Memorial Day 5K

Published by admin on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 4:35pm

Memorial Day weekend is often thought of as the unofficial start to summer. And while local towns took time out of the weekend festivities to remember the reason behind the holiday—to recognize and remember the men and women who died serving the United States as members of the Armed Forces—one local veteran wanted to do more.

That’s how Ryan Dodge, an outage scheduler with Constellation Energy, came up with the idea of a race to benefit those who offer their service to the country.

Braidwood leaders promise order, transparency

Published by admin on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 4:32pm

With a new City Council in place, some residents said what they want the most from the city’s leaders is transparency.

After several residents voiced their thoughts on open government, newly re-appointed city attorney Bryan Wellner gave an overview on how the city handles agendas, paperwork, and accessibility to the public during the May 23 regular meeting of the mayor and commissioners.

In particular, Wellner addressed how the city prepares an agenda for a public meeting, and the procedures for running each meeting from start to finish.