News

Freak to serve as Summerfest Grand Marshal

Published by admin on Tue, 06/10/2025 - 3:32pm

The Braidwood Lions Club is pleased to announce that Freak, owner of Top Fuel Saloon in Braidwood, has been chosen to serve as Grand Marshal of the 44th Annual Braidwood Lions Club Summerfest Hometown Proud Parade.
Freak's passion for helping those in need, his unwavering dedication to military service men and women, and veterans, along with his outstanding support of local organizations and the community, are what made the club's decision this year a very easy one.

Lilleys to be honored as Homecoming grand marshals

Published by admin on Tue, 06/10/2025 - 3:29pm

Carbon Hill’s 75th Homecoming Week will be June 18-22, and this year we will honor long-time residents Allan and Ruth Anne Lilley as our Grand Marshals.
Mr. and Mrs. Lilley join a long list of neighbors who over the years have served the community during homecoming weeks and throughout the years.
The Lilleys live in their neat and tidy home on the north side of Judson Street. Their shady lot is noticed for its cheerful well tended border garden of roses and daylilies set among other annuals and perennials and larger shrubs in the landscape.

‘Nurse of the Year’ found niche by comforting those in crisis

Published by admin on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 3:53pm

On May 7, Joanne Forsythe, 71, was named Nurse of the Year 2025 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. Except for a break in between 1990 and 1991, Forsythe has worked at Saint Joseph for 50 years.
“I'm rather embarrassed about it,” Forsythe said. “There are really a lot of great nurses. They do a lot more. They're active with the union and serve on committees.”

Board approves payment from solar developer

Published by admin on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 3:48pm

A green energy developer will pay Coal City over $60,000 to install solar panels on a parcel of land west of Dresden Road, according to an agreement approved by the village board of trustees.
By unanimous vote at their May 28 meeting, the board authorized Mayor Dave Spesia to enter a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement with Coal City Solar for a planned solar installation.
The company is leasing approximately 30 acres on the property – located in the northernmost section of Coal City’s land use planning area – from a local business entity, 565 Farm LLC.

Braidwood resident questions feasibility of data center

Published by admin on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 3:37pm

Resident Marylu Jensen expressed concerns about a data center proposed for Braidwood.
The $40 million data center would be located near I-55 and Kennedy Road, consisting of eight buildings and two substations. The data center was proposed by Western Hospitality Partners, and will require three to five years to complete.

Dog alerts sleeping couple of house fire

Published by admin on Thu, 05/29/2025 - 1:15pm

A Wilmington couple sleeping in their home are thankful for their dog who alerted them of a fire which they were able to escape without injury early Thursday morning. The Wilmington Fire Protection District was called at 4:06 this morning for a structure fire at the Lakepoint Resort, 24801 Lake Point Rd located on the far west side of its district. Firefighters found a park model home with an attached screen room heavily involved with fire, extending to the exposed side of an adjacent mobile home.

Lady Coalers rally for regional title

Published by admin on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 4:25pm

The Lady Coaler softball team rallied from a 5-0 deficit Friday to defeat Bishop McNamara 7-5 to claim the regional championship.
“It was a total team winm,” praised Coal City coach Rodney Monbrum. “I'm so proud of our girls as players 1 through 9 contributed and it was a full 7 inning battle.”
The visiting Irish scored three runs right off the bat and added two more in the second thanks to a home run by their lead off batter T.McCue.

A complex story of a local prisoner of war

Published by admin on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 4:20pm

Memorial Day serves as a reminder that we never forget those who serve. So we share the unique story of a World War II hero, a Japanese-American traitor, and a memorial plaque that mysteriously vanished in 2016.
Eighty years have passed since the end of World War II and the day Air Force Staff Sgt. William O. Calhoon was released from an internment camp in Kawasaki, Japan.
Bill Calhoon died on April 11, 1998, but his daughter Marie Calhoon, is keeping his memory alive, sharing a mysterious story that has grown increasingly complex over the years.

Ribbon cutting held at the Landing Pad

Published by admin on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 4:12pm

The Landing Pad, Wilmington's newest Route 66 attraction, held a festive ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday.
The event, held near the iconic Gemini Giant, welcomed visitors with entertainment, including a caricature artist, a Route 66-themed food truck and photo opportunities.
“Towns don't die when they fail; they die when they quit,” said Joliet Area Historical Museum CEO Greg Peerbolte.

Fire district moving into new station

Published by admin on Tue, 05/20/2025 - 4:07pm

After 11 months of construction, the Wilmington Fire Protection District is preparing to move into its brand-new headquarters—without costing local taxpayers a dime.
Fire Chief Tim Zlomie confirmed on Friday that the new station at Kankakee and Jackson streets has passed its final inspection and received occupancy.
“The contractor texted me as I was walking out—we’re good to go,” Zlomie said. “We’re moving things over as we speak.”