Braidwood Journal

Finishing touches expected soon at RCES

Published by admin on Tue, 11/28/2017 - 5:26pm

With the winter break fast approaching, officials with the Reed-Custer school district are going through the final list for fixes and tweaks at the new school in town.

On Nov. 15, Superintendent Mark Mitchell gave the board of education an update on work at Reed-Custer Elementary School. Mitchell said he and the contractor did a walk through earlier this month, as finishing touches are added into the building.

EMT students earn certifications

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 6:41pm

Local fire departments have some newly trained staff on hand.

Thirty-two students from 11 departments received their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications during a brief ceremony at the Braidwood Fire House on Saturday, Nov. 18.

“Not that it’s a surprise because of the instructors that we have, but we have a 100 percent pass rate in this class,” Braidwood Chef Barry Eggers said of the students.

Custer Fire looks to taxpayers for help

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 6:39pm

The Custer Township Fire Protection District has a big ask for its taxpayers — consider paying more to keep the fire department intact, or close it down completely.

On Nov. 15, members of the board and Fire Chief Frank Davito held a meeting at the Custer Township Hall, updating residents on finances and potential plans for the future of the fire service in Custer Park.

The fire district has been contracting services with the Braidwood Fire Department for the past three years. Braidwood charges the district $1,200 per call.

Industrial tech class boosts students skills

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 6:37pm

Students in the Reed-Custer High School Industrial Technology program continue to boost their skills and learn real world applications as part of their day-to-day education in one of the district’s fastest growing course offerings.

On Nov. 15, RCHS Industrial Technology instructor Mark Smith gave an update to the Board of Education.

Tar and chip concerns still a problem for city

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 6:34pm

Braidwood residents still unsatisfied with Braidwood’s new tar and chip roads aren’t finished asking the city for relief. But Braidwood’s mayor said the issue is settled, for now.

Kent Lee, a Braidwood resident who saw his street turned over to tar and chip when the city used Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) dollars on roadwork projects this fall, addressed members of the council for a second time on Nov. 14.

Alton in the spotlight for November

Published by admin on Tue, 11/14/2017 - 5:33pm

The Reed-Custer High School Senior Spotlight winner for the month of November is Madelyn Alton.

Madelyn is the daughter of Gerald and Sue Alton.

During her high school career, Madelyn has been involved in volleyball, FCCLA, RC Chatter, WYSE Team, and Math Team. She also served as a Homework Depot Tutor.

Madelyn’s teachers said she’s a natural leader who works hard.

Antique books provide a peek at the past

Published by admin on Tue, 11/14/2017 - 5:30pm

A host of antiques and collectibles are on display each week when the Braidwood Area Historical Society (BAHS) depot museum. Now, the museum has a few new additions, which date back more than 120 years.

Two Will County plat books, dating to 1873 and 1893, have been donated to BAHS. The group is also in possession of three plat books dating to the mid-1930s, which originally were owned by M.J. Donna, author of The Braidwood Story.

Lions prep for a Merry Christmas

Published by admin on Tue, 11/14/2017 - 5:28pm

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

After folks enjoy that family mean and put away the leftovers, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas. And as is tradition, the Braidwood Lions Club is set to make seasons bright, with this year’s annual Christmas tree sale fundraiser.

The sales kick off on Friday, Nov. 24, in the Whitmore Ace Hardware parking lot in Braidwood, and will continue until supplies run out.

Mayor defends tar and chip roads

Published by admin on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 5:41pm

Residents continue to fuss over road maintenance in Braidwood, worried that the city’s plan to tar and chip some roads will come with negative consequences for cars, neighborhoods and home values.

But Braidwood’s mayor is urging patience, telling the public that the tar and chip roads will not just work out well in the long run, but will save the city a lot of cash.

Students chill out for a good cause

Published by admin on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 5:39pm

Students at Reed-Custer High School spent some time getting firsthand experience on what it’s like to live without food or shelter.

Members of the RCHS chapter of the  Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) worked this fall collecting funds and food for the needy, then taking a night to live in someone else’s shoes.