News

UP has tentative go on Kankakee Street plan

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 8:35pm

The Union Pacific Railroad has a tentative go-ahead to proceed with modifications at the Kankakee Street crossing with the filing of a proposed order by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
The UP and the Illinois Department of Transportation are nearly finished with rail and crossing improvements between Chicago and St. Louis that will allow for high speed passenger rail service.
A second track is being installed between Joliet and Braceville to allow slower-moving freight trains traveling through the Will County rail hub to pull over and let the passenger trains pass.

City officials to clarify fees for multi-use buildings

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 8:31pm

Because they have been “challenged,” the staff at city hall has asked for clarification about water and sewer base fees as they apply to apartment and multi-use buildings.
“The city staff is looking for more clarification on the base rates where it says ‘each unit of service,’” explained city administrator Joie Ziller in last week’s License and Ordinance Committee and Water, Sewer, Streets and Alleys Committee meetings. “... the definition of unit of service I can’t find in the ordinance, so it needs to be clearly defined.”

Firecracker tourney returns

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 8:23pm

The Firecracker softball benefit tournament that was once an Independence Day weekend tradition in Wilmington makes its return this year.
Organizer Dan Brimer said he’s shooting for participation from 10 to 12 teams. He has several already signed up, but can accept more.
Play will start Friday, July 5, in the North Island Park. The last game is scheduled to begin Saturday, July 6, at 8 p.m.

Council approves new city clerk after 3-2 vote

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 7:45pm

Teresa Fisher was approved as the new city clerk June 11 during the city council meeting after a 3-2 vote. Mayor Bob Jones appointed her, and she was voted in favor by everybody on the council except Finance Commissioner Wayne Saltzman and Streets and Alleys Commissioner Fay Smith. Smith did not comment on why he did not approve Fisher. “She may be really good,” Smith said. “I don’t have anything against anyone. I like to see everybody do good.” Fisher replaces Sue Grygiel, whose contract was extended for another month after a request from Saltzman.

I like what I have found in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 7:44pm

Hello Braidwood!
In the June 12 issue of the Braidwood Journal you may have read a brief news item that I have been hired as a reporter for Free Press Newspapers. I couldn’t be more excited to introduce myself and get to know the community, especially in Braidwood where my focus of reporting will be.
I’ve lived in Joliet 22 years and even though it’s less than 25 minutes away, up until this week I’ve visited Braidwood only two times

Good bargains, good times

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 7:43pm

The threat of rain didn’t stop people from coming in droves to browse the 60 sales around Braidwood during Garage Sale Days held Friday and Saturday.
The all town sale was coordinated by The First Presbyterian Church of Braidwood, and at their location they provided maps, shoppers’ first sale, and sold food and baked goods.
At Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, everything was 25 cents apiece unless marked otherwise. Other places were selling boats, a Chevrolet Corvette, even a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for thousands of dollars.

Phase II

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 7:37pm

There were plenty of hugs and high-fives for the young girl who arrived with a basket full of beverages for volunteers working in the playground not far from her home.
Sophia brought bottles of water and an assortment of canned soda for the workers who spent hours putting together playground equipment for the expansion of Hope Helps’ all-inclusive playground at Coal City’s Lions Park, 460 S. Illinois St.
Standing along the orange plastic fencing, the youngster greeted the workers with a smile and in turn, they thanked her for her generosity.

House going to highest bidder, but there’s a catch

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 7:35pm

The village of Coal City is taking bids for a single family home and the price starts at just $10, but there’s a catch and it could be costly.
In October 2018, the village purchased 160 S. Broadway in order to provide businesses with additional parking once the South Broadway reconstruction was complete, but in order to move forward it needs to clear the property.
Village Administrator Matt Fritz and the board had been working with a couple of non-profit groups who were interested in acquiring the home and moving it to a new site, but that plan fell through.

Project progressing

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 7:34pm

Coal City Village Trustee Dave Spesia reports the South Broadway project is moving along well.
As noted in updates provided by the project engineer, Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. (CBBEL), the contractor completed the storm sewer installation last week and that paved the way for Nicor Gas to return to complete some remaining utility work.

Fritz gets four-year contact

Published by admin on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 7:33pm

Matt Fritz has signed on for another four years as the village of Coal City’s administrator.
“It’s been a wonderful ride in Coal City,” said Fritz, who’s been on the job since January 2008.
From the first day on the job, Fritz has been responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the village, as well as handling a myriad duties from negotiating development agreements and seeking out grants, to town planning and disaster response and recovery.