Braidwood Journal

Budget battle continues between Braidwood commissioner, administrator

Published by admin on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 5:42pm

The battle over the budget continues to be tense for officials with the city of Braidwood, last week culminating in a prolonged argument between the city administrator and one commissioner which led a member of the public to scold the entire City Council.

Braidwood Lions move ahead with Summerfest plans

Published by admin on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 5:40pm

On May 14, the state of Illinois moved from Phase 4 to the Bridge to Phase 5 in the Restore Illinois Plan, an guideline created by Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health to reopen the economy following closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion on Novy Road safety returns to Braidwood council

Published by admin on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 5:37pm

Residents at Shadow Lakes say the lack of a railing along part of Novy Road is just an accident waiting to happen.

Shadow Lakes HOA president Wayne Kancler approached members of the Braidwood City Council during their regular meeting on May 4, looking to address the issue along the roadway that borders the private residential community.

Kancler said he read about the budget and the city finances in the Braidwood Journal on April 29, and was pleased to see it there is additional funding available for road work.

Mikel sworn in as Commissioner in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 5:35pm

The City Council in Braidwood is officially full once again.

James “Moose” Mikel was officially sworn in as Public Health and Safety Commissioner on May 11. Mikel was the winner of a special election held on April 6. Mikel won nearly 80% of the vote — a total of 595 votes — to secure the two-year unexpired term.

The seat was left vacant after former commissioner Charlie Hart passed away in November of last year.

Mikel was appointed as the acting commissioner prior to the election. He will fill the seat until the next municipal election in 2023.

Will County health officials: Keep masking

Published by admin on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 5:32pm

The state of Illinois is starting to open up and if the metrics continue moving in the right direction, the Governor is set to fully reopen the state.

After 15 months after declaring a public health emergency, the state of Illinois is moving closer to a full reopening and that could come as soon as June 11, according to Gov. JB Pritzker who announced last week that all regions in the state would advance into the bridge phase of the state’s reopening planning.

Kinzinger Supports Bipartisan Jan. 6 Commission

Published by admin on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 2:22pm

Washington, DC – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement on H.R 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act, ahead of the House vote this week:

“I fully support a national commission to investigate the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol Complex. Making this effort bipartisan is critical to ensuring we find out what led to this insurrection and what security measures are needed moving forward.

Reed-Custer seniors honored as State Scholars

Published by admin on Tue, 05/11/2021 - 4:58pm

Reed-Custer High School is home to 12 Illinois State Scholars. The academic recognition recently announced by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

“In a year when students and families across the state and the nation have face unprecedented personal and financial challenges as a result of the pandemic, we could not be more proud of the continued focus, dedication and achievement of our State Scholars,” said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC’s executive director.

Braidwood ESDA makes public push for assistance at rail crossings

Published by admin on Tue, 05/11/2021 - 4:56pm

Braidwood’s Emergency Services Disaster Agency (ESDA) is spearheading a public campaign to keep trains moving along when they reach the city of Braidwood.

ESDA coordinator Josh Bolatto submitted a complaint on April 30 to the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) Department of Rail Safety regarding safety concerns due to an increase of stopped or slow moving trains through the city, causing blockages at the Braidwood’s three railroad crossings, as well as the crossings to the north and south of the city.

Text-A-Tip hotline continues to help Braidwood, Wilmington teens

Published by admin on Tue, 05/11/2021 - 4:49pm

A hotline aimed at giving local teens a place to turn to when they need help is showing positive results.

On Monday, the members of the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition (BAHCC) held their regular monthly meeting, which included an update on the recently rolled out “Text-A-Tip” hotline.

The resource, which went live in December, works by connecting teens to counselors when they are troubled, need help for themselves or others, or are in crisis.

Prom night a success at RCHS

Published by admin on Tue, 05/11/2021 - 4:47pm

In a school year marked by masks, quarantines, and social distancing, the students at Reed-Custer High School were able to hold on to one piece of normal this spring.

In addition to the return of sports, concerts, and activities, RCHS students were also able to enjoy the return of prom.

The spring formal was held on April 24.

Unlike years past, where the students head off to prom on charter buses then later to a post-prom event, this year’s event was scaled back. Students attended prom, including dinner and music, at the high school.