News

Fire District intends to issue bonds

Published by admin on Wed, 06/26/2019 - 8:00am

The public can petition the Braidwood Fire Protection District to go to referendum to complete what amounts to refinancing its existing debt, but refinancing is the smart way to go.
The district published notices in The Braidwood Journal this week announcing its intent to issue up to $2.5 million in bonds to repay a 2010 bond issue, and informing residents of their right to file a petition to place the question to a public vote in the March 17, 2020 presidential primary election.

Grand opening set for all-inclusive park expansion

Published by admin on Tue, 06/25/2019 - 7:59pm

In 2018, Hope Helps, the autism awareness non-profit serving Will and Grundy counties, proposed plans for a Phase II expansion at Hope Helps all-inclusive park located at 460 S. Illinois St., in Coal City.
Two years earlier, Hope Helps built the nearly 6,000 square foot inclusive playground through a community build project and the 2,775 square foot expansion project was the same concept.

Improvements needed, expansion not necessary

Published by admin on Tue, 06/25/2019 - 7:57pm

A sanitary treatment facility expansion report commissioned by the Coal City Village Board has yielded positive results.
Engineers assigned to the project have determined improvements are necessary, but a costly expansion of the town’s wastewater treatment plant is not necessary.

Study to pave way for road improvements

Published by admin on Tue, 06/25/2019 - 7:57pm

Construction cones, limited parking and short traffic delays are common in the village of Coal City now that the reconstruction of South Broadway is underway.
One thing residents might not recall is the project actually began several years ago with an engineering study, and that’s just what the village is once again preparing for as it looks to extend the roadway improvement to the north.

We tell the story

Published by admin on Tue, 06/25/2019 - 7:56pm

There is something uniquely special about community theater. Not only does it provide a creative outlet for those appearing on stage, it has a way of bringing people together. It helps us reflect on our lives and provides each of us with a gentle reminder of how truly amazing the world can be. It is through the stories told on stage we learn about life, love, pain, grief, hope and faith. We discover that in one way or another there is more that brings us together than divides us.

Most drivers were distracted

Published by admin on Tue, 06/25/2019 - 7:47pm

“It used to be you’d see someone driving and think, ‘oh that person’s drunk’ and now it’s ‘oh, that person’s texting,” commented Chief Phil Arnold of the Wilmington Police Department. The department’s April distracted driving awareness campaign supports his observation, as 72 percent of the vehicles stopped were ticketed for that infraction.

School principals, others receive raises

Published by admin on Tue, 06/25/2019 - 7:43pm

School principals, non-certified administrators and other District 209-U staff will have a little bit bigger paychecks next year after the Board of Education approved raises comparable to those received by the teachers and support staff.
Certified administrators; which includes the elementary and high school principals, the high school athletic director, high school assistant principal and the assistant superintendent; received a 3 percent increase, the same as the teachers union members.

Gas tax hike takes effect Monday

Published by admin on Tue, 06/25/2019 - 7:41pm

You might want to get in line at your favorite gas station Sunday, to save the extra 19 cents per gallon gas tax that goes into effect on Monday, July 1.
The motor fuel, or “gas” tax will double, from the current 19 cents per gallon to 38 cents, and the tax on diesel fuel will jump from 21.4 cents to 45.5 cents per gallon. It’s been almost 20 years since the state increased the motor fuel tax.

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.”