Braidwood Journal

Proposed ordinances allow solicitors, stricter open burning regulations

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2019 - 4:25pm

An ordinance proposed at the Tuesday, Aug. 13, Braidwood City Council meeting would allow individuals to solicit alms—donations—in Braidwood.
Soliciting alms door-to- door, on any highway or thoroughfare or other public place in Braidwood — with the exception of organized public charities — is currently prohibited, as stated in Sec. 58-166 of Article VI of Chapter 58 of the City of Braidwood’s Code of Ordinances.
The proposed ordinance repealing this is an effort to comply with the general consensus of the courts in recent cases.

Students encouraged to show ‘Silent Strength’

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2019 - 4:21pm

“Today, my positive actions will speak louder than all of my words.”
This was the “Silent Strength” pledge on the back of the shirt that Doug Reavis, motivational presenter, wore while speaking to Reed-Custer elementary, middle and high school students at the end of their first week of the 2019-2020 school year.
On Friday, each Reed-Custer school attended assemblies encouraging them to follow the pledge and practice “Silent Strength” in their everyday lives.

Rainy forecast couldn’t wash out car show

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2019 - 4:17pm

Car enthusiasts rolled in the beginning of the end of summer at the Braidwood Area Historical Society’s 8th Annual Car Show at the Depot on Saturday, Aug. 17.
Approximately 25 people brought their vintage or high-end cars, and eight trophies and 23 door prizes were given out during the evening.
Typically the annual BAHS-hosted car show draws anywhere between 40 to 70 cars.
“We had a good turnout, even with the threatening weather,” George Kocek, president of BAHS, said.
Despite the uncertain weather forecast, the rain did hold off during the event.

Meet the new teachers at Reed-Custer School District

Published by admin on Wed, 08/14/2019 - 12:27pm

Classrooms are prepped, backpacks are packed and school is back in session for the 2019-2020 school year.
Six new teachers are joining the Reed-Custer community this fall, bringing with them a range of experience and strengths.
Some of the teachers have taught different grade levels at Reed-Custer schools previously or started during the middle of the school year, while others are completely new to the district.
Take a moment to learn more about the newest wave of teachers at Reed-Custer, including their goals and teaching philosophies.

New pastor comes to Ignite Christian Church

Published by admin on Wed, 08/14/2019 - 12:20pm

Last month, Ignite Christian Church in Braidwood gained a new senior pastor.
Jeff Whittum became the non-denominational church’s new pastor in July after the previous pastor, John Costa, stepped down from his position.
Whittum, 36, comes to Ignite after serving as the pastor at Phelan Acres Bible Church in Wilmington.
He was called to the service of ministry in his mid- to late-20s.
“I felt a strong connection with my faith and a desire to share it with others,” Whittum said.

Reed-Custer District 255 summer improvements

Published by admin on Tue, 08/06/2019 - 5:09pm

Once students leave the school doors when that final bell rings in late spring, preparation to ready the building for the following school year begins.
A few changes and improvements have occurred in Reed-Custer District 255 schools since May in order to prepare for the 2019-2020 school year which starts Aug. 14.
A new gymnasium floor at the high school is one that most students will notice right away during their physical education classes or athletic practices.

Exhibit at Fossil Ridge Library features resident’s involvement in historic NASA mission

Published by admin on Tue, 08/06/2019 - 5:07pm

Twenty years ago, history was made when NASA successfully achieved the orbit and landing of the first man-made object on an asteroid during the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Shoemaker mission.
Now, on display at the Fossil Ridge Library is an exhibit featuring a Braidwood resident’s work on that mission and her accomplishments during her years working for the world’s most renown space agency.

Mikki’s Diner owners take over Main Street Pizzeria & Grille

Published by admin on Tue, 08/06/2019 - 5:05pm

New owners have acquired the restaurant and bar on the corner of Main Street and Washington Street in Braidwood, and they might just be familiar to many local residents.
Owners of Mikki’s Diner in Wilmington, Michelle Boyd and Jimmy Boyd, purchased Main Street Pizzeria & Grille from Ragan and Donna Fay in April, and they have been running the restaurant and bar since April 15. The day after the Fays’ ownership ended, the Boyds came in and opened the kitchen the next day.

Heated discussion creates tense atmosphere at council meeting

Published by admin on Tue, 07/30/2019 - 6:35pm

Discussion of the budget created high tension in the council chambers during the Braidwood City Council meeting on July 23.
Central to that was discussion regarding the budget in the administration department.
“We’re looking to do some budget cuts in all departments. There’s no line item for city administrator. That comes out of the administration and we can’t afford that,” Finance commissioner Wayne Saltzman said during his report.
“Good luck,” Mayor Bob Jones said in response. “By the time we come up next time, we’ll have a list for you.”

Therapeutic day school opening in space of former Reed-Custer Primary School

Published by admin on Tue, 07/30/2019 - 6:32pm

This fall a school for students with alternative and special needs is opening in the building that once served as the Reed-Custer Primary School in Custer Park. The Godley Public Water District will still use the building during off hours for community programs.
The water district acquired the space in November 2017. On June 1 it formally leased space to Camelot Education for the company for a therapeutic day school.