News

Elrod selected for Illinois Boys State

Published by admin on Tue, 04/30/2019 - 6:51pm

Gavin Elrod has been selected to represent Coal City High School and Coal City American Legion Post 796 at the 84th annual session of Illinois Premier Boys State, June 8-14, at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State is a unique program for outstanding high school juniors that focuses on participation and personal experience in a model state. It is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction.

Planting season delayed

Published by admin on Tue, 04/30/2019 - 6:51pm

Planting was about 10 days late by the end of last week, but the extended rain forecast for this week has likely pushed that estimate considerably farther out.
“I think what I just read statewide figures, only 1 percent of the corn has been planted, some of those might be changing — but we’re probably running right now, 10 days behind schedule,” Will County Farm Bureau manager Mark Schneidewind said Friday. Beans, he added, are usually a second thought. Farmers put their corn in first, then start planing beans in mid- to late-May.

Coal City once again looking at raffle rules

Published by admin on Tue, 04/30/2019 - 6:49pm

A little known state law put the brakes on a local raffle with a big prize. It’s been about 18 months since the big prize made headlines and forced municipalities across the state to look at or establish their own raffle rules.
In response, the village of Coal City had its attorney draft an ordinance, but never moved it forward to adopt the guidelines.
A recent inquiry about the village’s raffle rules has prompted a new proposal to be drafted, and although the matter was once again tabled it was simply for further review.

Fallen police, firefighters to be honored

Published by admin on Tue, 04/30/2019 - 6:47pm

The Coal City Police Department, in partnership with the Grundy County Law Enforcement Managers Association (GCLEMA), will host the county’s annual police and fire memorial service on Thursday, May 16.
The ceremony is being held in conjunction with National Police Week, May 12-18. The observance offers the public an opportunity to reflect on the individuals within their communities who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the lives of others.

After 12 years, Nelson stepping aside for now

Published by admin on Tue, 04/30/2019 - 6:46pm

For a dozen years Neal Nelson served the village of Coal City, first as mayor, and most recently as a town trustee. His time in municipal government is quickly coming to an end.
Five years ago Nelson announced he wouldn’t seek a third term as mayor, yet he wasn’t quite ready to walk away from public service. He put his name on the ballot and was elected to a trustee post in 2015. That appears to have begun the transition he needed to step down from a seat on the board, at least for now.

Red Carpet Star Car Caravan starts here

Published by admin on Tue, 04/23/2019 - 6:19pm

The stars of the classic car community and a celebration of Smokey Bear’s 75 years of fire safety will highlight the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor festival in Wilmington. The festival takes place on Saturday, May 4.
Star Car Caravan
Led by long time curator-at-large Larry Tarantolo, a caravan of classic cars, with the possibility of some movie prop, rare or with a story all their own, will begin in Wilmington. The caravan, weather-permitting, will pass by the Chamber tent in the 200 block of North Water St at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Cars to be featured include:

UTVs join golf carts on the streetsp

Published by admin on Tue, 04/23/2019 - 6:15pm

Mayor Roy Strong voted on an exception to the rules, and approved the passage of an amendment to city ordinances that now allows a variety of non-highway vehicles to use city streets.
The city approved an ordinance in 2017 that allows residents to use golf carts — and golf carts only — on city streets. The vehicles have to have certain safety equipment, can only be used on city streets, and have to be permitted.

Just part of Route 102 to close

Published by admin on Tue, 04/23/2019 - 6:12pm

The signs say “Route 102 to close April 22,” and nothing more, so who wouldn’t think they’d have to find another way to get to Kankakee as of that date?
The Free Press Newspapers received calls Tuesday asking for clarification. Since the sign says that Route 102 will close April 22, which was Monday, it seemed logical to assume all of the state highway ahead on will be closed. The sign lacks some critical information.

Coal City’s ‘Tuck Everlasting’ nominated for musical theatre awards

Published by admin on Tue, 04/23/2019 - 5:50pm

Coal City High School Theatre Department’s production of “Tuck Everlasting,” is in the running for four Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards presented by Broadway in Chicago.
“We are ecstatic to have nominations for Best Actor, Best Scenic Design, Best Direction and a first for our program, Best Production,” Coal City Theatre Department’s director Jack Micetich said.
Coal City is one of five schools to be nominated for Best Production, an award that recognizes overall achievement including acting, vocals, choreography, direction and technical elements.

Slammers to host game at Cullick Field

Published by admin on Tue, 04/23/2019 - 5:49pm

Joliet Slammers, the city of Joliet’s professional baseball club, will be heading to Coal City for an exhibition game against the Windy City Thunderbolts.
The two teams, members of the independent Frontier League, will play an afternoon game at Coal City High School’s Cullick Field on Sunday, May 5. The first pitch set for 2 p.m. Admission is free.
The Joliet Slammers enter the season as the 2018 Frontier League Champions. The team’s home opener is a 7:05 p.m. game against the Thunderbolts on Thursday, May 9 at Route 66 Stadium.