News

R-C District responds to hazing lawsuit

Published by admin on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 7:28pm

The Reed-Custer School District has taken a defensive stance against a lawsuit alleging hazing and sexual assault inside the high school football program.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Nov. 28. Richard and Allison Brookman, parents of a former RCHS student, filed the suit accusing the district of engaging in and covering up hazing activity among its high school football program in the summer of 2017.

Railroad proposes shift of Kankakee Street

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 8:00pm

    The Union Pacific Railroad has proposed shifting Kankakee Street between Canal Street and the tracks to the west to accommodate a new high speed rail crossing plan.
    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.

Express yourself

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 8:00pm

    Chris Mazur thinks everyone should have a chance to create, to express themselves, and take a break from the day’s routines.
    Mazur, who has been doing pottery since high school, and art for her whole life, is the owner of Dragon’s Breath Raku, at 219 N. Water St., where classes in pottery begin later this month, and watercolor painting classes are already underway.

Mayor looks ahead - Infrastructure key in 2019

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 6:16pm

While the election this spring could mean a new leader at the helm in Braidwood, that possibility isn’t stopping the seated mayor from planning ahead.

As 2019 gets into gear, Mayor Jim Vehrs said he has plans for the city this year, including work to improve roads and infrastructure.

“We’ll see where we’re at with our MFT funds, we’ll pave some more roads,” Vehrs said of his plans for 2019. “I’d like to finish Walker Street. We’ve got a brand-new school, but we’ve got a road that’s all patched together, so we’d like to finish that.”

Restraining order issued in Deputy Chief discipline case

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 6:10pm

The former deputy chief of the Braidwood Police Department won a petition this week for a temporary restraining order (TRO), putting the brakes on the city’s plan to bring her to the Police and Fire Board for an official disciplinary ruling.

On Jan. 8, Judge John Anderson issued the TRO in the case of Michelle Soucie versus the board. On Monday, Jan. 7, attorneys for Soucie, as well as for the board, the city of Braidwood, and police Chief Nick Ficarello, made oral arguments in downtown Joliet.

Mayor to critics: City money is well spent

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 6:08pm

Braidwood’s mayor is answering at least one outspoken critic of the city’s financial situation.

In November, former mayor and current finance commissioner candidate Bill Rulien approached members of the City Council with some questions about where exactly the city stands when it comes to its financial stability.

At the time, Rulien accused the mayor of spreading propaganda and “fake news” by giving false statements to The Braidwood Journal.

Summerfest plans already in the works

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 6:07pm

It might be the dead of winter, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about Summerfest!

The Braidwood Lions Club is already in the midst of planning for the annual summer festival, set to take over Old Smokey City Park with rides, games, and entertainment from July 18-21.

The upcoming festival marks the 38th year for the annual event.

Educator faces sexual abuse charges

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 6:04pm

A consumer science teacher in the Reed-Custer School District remains behind bars this week, accused of multiple charges of allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy.

Dayna Chidester, 50, who taught consumer science and served as the sponsor for the Reed-Custer High School FCCLA program since August 2017, was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 3, by Manhattan police. She is a resident of Manhattan.

Raising kids in a toxic culture

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 5:21pm

    Do you really think you know what your child faces on a day-to-day basis? You might be surprised to learn what kind of challenges society throws at today’s youth. The Wilmington Coalition for a Healthy Community is offering parents an opportunity to come up to speed in a free eight-week series, Operation: Parent.
    Operation: Parent is a support group for parents, and will help parents become socially informed about today’s teen culture.

Building on Blackstone

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 4:40pm

BDR Properties is planning a residential development on Blackstone Street, including turning a former commercial building into apartments.
The Coal City's Planning and Zoning Board just received the latest draft of the residential development and rental company's plan for re-developing the site at 130 E. Blackstone St., the site of the former Anderson Auto Supply and most recently the Coal City Clothes Closet.