News

Turning on those Friday night Lights

Published by admin on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 4:31pm

Husband donates kidney to save his wife

Published by admin on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 4:28pm

It was Aug. 31, and Joseph Morris, 29, was experiencing “discomfort,” as doctors prefer to say when referring to excruciating pain
The “water bottle sized” incision in his abdomen was hot and throbbed from the surgery he had endured two days earlier. Not only that, his head was still muzzy from anesthesia, and he was feeling generally unwell. That’s all to be expected when you’ve just had a kidney removed.
Despite the discomfort, Aug. 29 – the day he lost a kidney – is the best day of his life to date. You see, his kidney will save the life of his beloved wife, Katy.

Doomed restaurant aids firefighting training

Published by admin on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 4:45pm

When it comes to being a firefighter you can never have enough training. Not only is there the risk of injury and death on the job, without training it’s far easier to fall, suffer burns. Training is a critical factor to mitigate the risks of a dangerous job and to improve effectiveness.
Yearly training is required, but this year the Braidwood Fire Protection District got the opportunity to test their skills in an actual commercial building rather than in a simulated situation.

City eyes $12 million senior housing project

Published by admin on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 4:43pm

If approved by the village board, Coal City seniors will soon have an affordable housing option.
Hunter’s Run, a $12 million townhouse development for people age 55 and older, will enable area seniors to age in place, close to their families and friends.
The developer, North Arrow Partners of Villa Park, are proposing the development of 11.5 acres – consisting of nine vacant lots – at the southwest corner of West Maple Street and South Marguerite Street.

Local veterans take on PTSD, suicide

Published by admin on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 4:36pm

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to raise awareness about the staggering suicide rates among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) and what we can do to reduce veteran suicide by removing the stigma of asking for help.
As part of this effort the national American Legion established the “Be the One” program as a way that veterans can help other veterans.

All veterans invited to Operation Firm Handshake

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 4:07pm

Max Valdez would like everyone to prepare for the upcoming Firm Handshake annual event on Saturday, Sept. 7, by taking their organization's mantra to heart.
“We're here to have fun and enjoy the day. Bottom line: we did our duty, now let's enjoy a day together! All vets are welcome,” Valdez said.
Thanks to the continuing efforts of the Operation Firm Handshake organization, the Village of Coal City recently added the non-profit organization's logo onto its welcome sign at the southeast corner of Carbon Hill Rd. & State Route 113.

I-55 project a game changer for growth, jobs

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 4:03pm

At one time, anything south of Route 59 on Interstate 55 was considered the “wild blue yonder,” with little on the horizon except corn and soybean fields.
Ready or not, that will soon change forever. The Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) has masterminded a project that will open the west side of Wilmington to commerce and industry, and ultimately, growth.

Fighting solar energy plants means crossing swords with big developers

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 3:59pm

Last week, we shared the story of Mark and Grace Youle and Ed Dunn, who took on a corporation – and won – in an effort to prevent a solar energy plant from being built off Rivals Road in rural Wilmington. The trio won a battle against Renewable Properties of San Francisco, CA. In an unprecedented victory, the Will County Board unanimously voted against the solar plant. “We fought because if we hadn't, my family would have to endure an industrial plant for 36 years,” Mark Youle said.

Exceptional RCHS teacher named Teacher of the Year

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 4:09pm

Big plans to improve I-55 interchanges

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 4:06pm

It’s been almost 13 years since the Route 129 exit (238) off Interstate 55 was razed, creating an inconvenience for travelers wanting to reach Wilmington and Braidwood.
But the plan to rebuild the interchange and for revamping the Lorenze Road (exit 240) brings renewed hope for commercial growth and will be made public on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. during an open house.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will host the public hearing concerning the preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) for the I-55 improvements for both locations.