Braidwood Journal

Grant brings $120,000 in LED lighting to Reed-Custer 255U

Published by admin on Tue, 02/23/2021 - 5:29pm

Things are a little brighter these days around Reed-Custer schools.

District assistant superintendent of operations Mark Hulbert said the school district received $120,000 from a ComEd grant to upgrade LED lighting.

“They wrote the grant and got us $120,000,” Hulbert informed members of the board of education.

“We replaced all the LED lighting except for can lights in the middle school, athletic director's office, fitness room, weight-lifting room, wrestling room and administration center. Our cost was $10,077, so it was kind of a no brainer.”

Braidwood police look to make community connections

Published by admin on Tue, 02/23/2021 - 5:28pm

Interacting the members of the local police department isn’t always at the top of the list for some folks.

But the Braidwood Police Department is looking to quell some of the stress and concern that folks have when they come face to face with officers, by reaching out to the public and lending a helping hand.

Braidwood Police Chief Todd Lyons said the effort to engage with the community started with the holiday spirit, but continues even as spring is knocking on the door.

Negative post bring postive responses from Reed-Custer parents, community

Published by admin on Tue, 02/23/2021 - 5:25pm

A negative comment on social media has brought out a swell of support for Reed-Custer teachers and administrators.

The issue was discussed last week during the Board of Education meeting when District Superintendent Mark Mitchell referenced a critical post on Facebook made by a member of the community.

Mitchell said he appreciated the response given by President Greg Boyer and others for what the district has been able to accomplish.

Braidwood Marine played key role in local VA clinic

Published by admin on Tue, 02/09/2021 - 5:43pm

Braidwood’s American Legion Commander, who spent years devoting his time to the community, has died.

Jim Canup, aged 74, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 2. The long time Braidwood resident served as Commander for American Legion Koca Post 39. In his role, he took on the responsibilities of hosting the annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at the Reed Township Veterans Memorial, and tirelessly worked to help organize the annual Summerfest parade.

Braidwood ESDA helps keep the public informed during agonizing winter

Published by admin on Tue, 02/09/2021 - 5:40pm

The latest cold weather system has grabbed a hold of the Midwest and refuses to let go, with daily bouts of snow, wind, and treacherous arctic conditions.

But when it comes to keeping folks informed on what is happening locally, Braidwood’s Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) is staying on top of those winter issues.

RCHS teen brings lessons of communication to peers

Published by admin on Tue, 02/09/2021 - 5:38pm

One of the key components when it comes to keeping teens happy, healthy and safe is to keep the lines of communication open. But, focusing on communication is not just for the adults.

RCHS sophomore Tori Loomis is a member of the group Reed-Custer Against Drugs, also known as RAD. The student members of RAD work closely with the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition (BAHCC), bringing the voices of local teens into the prevention organization.

No longer sidelined, sports set to boost overall student morale

Published by admin on Tue, 02/02/2021 - 4:08pm

Student athletes are ready to head back to their respective sporting events, now that the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has cleared the way to bring sports back, even in a limited capacity.

The IHSA Board of Directors met for a special board meeting on Jan. 27, where the Board provided an updated sports schedule and other guidance for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions in the state have kept school sports sidelined for almost a year.

Weaver honored by Braidwood City Council after helping local mom

Published by admin on Tue, 02/02/2021 - 4:06pm

A members of the City of Braidwood’s public works department was honored by the City Council last week, after he was able to lend a helping hand to a local mother in distriss.

Commissioner Doug Money presented a Community Service Award to city employee George Weaver on Jan. 26, for his help in assisting a family whose toddler had been locked inside their home.

Braidwood Police Chief responds to critics of drug policy

Published by admin on Tue, 02/02/2021 - 4:04pm

Braidwood Police Chief Todd Lyons said rumors of an increase in local drug issues are not accurate, citing data based on official reports from the last 20 months.

The chief addressed the issue during the Jan. 26 regular meeting of the city council.

“I received a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request last week about our drug calls for service and I've heard from a couple people in town who have said we are not keeping our drug problem down for two years now,” Lyons said.

Braidwood looks to save cash on printing, paper

Published by admin on Tue, 02/02/2021 - 4:03pm

The city of Braidwood’s new clerk has announced some new policies aimed at saving some cash.

On Jan. 26, city clerk Adam Beaty said there would be some changes in how the city presents documents related to city council meetings, a plan intended to save costs.

Until now, the city would print out copies of agendas, bills, and other related documents for the public and leave them at a table in the council chamber, where they could be picked up, viewed, and kept by attendees.