Braidwood Journal

City to spend $114,000 to upgrade meters

Published by admin on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 5:16pm

The city of Braidwood is moving ahead with a plan to upgrade water meters for about half the city, using just over $114,000 in coronavirus relief funding, announced city officials last week.
The money, with wiggle room up to $115,000 — comes from Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The city is aiming to have the upgrade up and running on all water meters by the end of the year.

City regulates small cell wireless facilities

Published by admin on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 5:14pm

If, at some point in the future, you see antennas begin to pop up across the city on light poles, utility poles or traffic signals, don’t be surprised. It means better 5G coverage will be coming to Braidwood.
In June 2018, the state of Illinois adopted a state statute that allows telecommunication companies to install small cellular facilities on, above or below public right-of-ways, such as on tall structures like utility poles, in order to help extend the reach of their services.

Survey: Less R-C students report using marijuana

Published by admin on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 5:13pm

Despite the January legalization of recreational marijuana, use among youth at Reed-Custer School District hasn’t increased — at least according to self-reported results in a survey taken by students last spring.
In fact, the number of students reporting using marijuana over the last year actually decreased from 2018 to 2020.
The Illinois Youth Survey is a survey given to students in 8th, 10th and 12th grades once every two years during the spring semester. The survey collects data related to social health, and it’s a way to gauge youth substance use. 

Reed-Custer 255U sees 11 COVID-19 cases so far

Published by admin on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 5:41pm

Cases of the novel coronavirus were inevitably expected to crop up at school districts having in-person instruction, and Reed-Custer School District 255U is no exception.
The Reed-Custer district has seen 11 cases since the start of the school year one month ago on Aug. 18. It is currently believed that none of the cases have been connected to the school.

Video gaming, eight years later

Published by admin on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 5:40pm

Video gaming went live in Illinois eight years ago in September 2012, and since then players in Braidwood haven’t been shy about hitting the machines.
Numbers released in a monthly report by the Illinois Gaming Board reveal that over the last eight years, players have bet a total of $46.4 million and won $42.6 million — a net wagering activity of $3.8 million.
Yet even though players spend big bucks, the city only receives a small piece of the pie.

Local sales tax revenue up

Published by admin on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 5:39pm

While statewide business shutdowns to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus have undoubtedly hurt some businesses, recent numbers released by the Illinois Department of Revenue indicate that, at least in terms of sales tax revenue, local municipalities are doing better than at the same time last year.
Each quarter of the calendar year, the Illinois Department of Revenue releases sales tax reports for municipalities, the county and the state in its Standard Industrial Classification Report.

Ultimate Rides to cruise into Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 5:06pm

A car dealership is coming to Braidwood, and it could be constructed and operational before the end of the year.
Last week, during a loud, three-hour Braidwood City Council meeting, the city passed an ordinance to enter a redevelopment agreement that will result in the construction of a new sales center for the Coal City car dealership Ultimate Rides in the city’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) III District.

Your voice does matter

Published by admin on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 5:05pm

Last week, the Braidwood City Council held a meeting that was everything but normal.
It was the type of meeting that all who witnessed — whether in person or via Facebook Live — won’t soon forget. I know it’s already become the most memorable Council meeting I’ve attended.
For those who missed it, you can go onto the city’s website to find a link to its YouTube page where you can listen to this meeting and previous City Council meetings.

Cafeteria on track for January opening

Published by admin on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 4:59pm

Construction is moving along on the new Reed-Custer High School cafeteria addition, and Superintendent Mark Mitchell is reporting that the project should be done by December if all remains on course. Students will be able to eat in the cafeteria as soon as January.
Driving by the school along Comet Drive, it may not be immediately apparent from the street, but behind the theater on the far northwest corner of the building, the 8,805 square foot project is swiftly coming together.

Local organizations put out a call for candy

Published by admin on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 4:53pm

With Halloween around the corner, and the novel coronavirus still in full force, parents and children alike may be wondering what trick-or-treating will look like this year.
While in Braidwood, the city has made no official announcements about any changes to trick-or-treating, local organizations are coming together to provide a safe and fun way for children to still receive sweet treats.