Coal City Courant

Where the wild things are

Published by admin on Tue, 06/09/2026 - 4:24pm

The wide rural spaces of Grundy County may not seem to be a likely destination for those seeking colorful tropical birds, saltwater fish or large reptiles, but that’s exactly what’s to be found at 3 Rivers Pets in Coal City.
The family-owned and operated business specializes in an assortment of unique creatures ranging from bearded dragons, desert agamas, and ball pythons to tarantulas, tortoises and moray eels. It’s also the go-to place for the specialized foods and equipment needed to care for such out-of-the-ordinary pets.

Construction on track for Hunter’s Run senior housing

Published by admin on Tue, 06/02/2026 - 3:44pm

Coal City continues to create housing opportunities for older adults with both established senior living communities and a significant new development currently under construction.
Leading the expansion is Hunter’s Run, a new $12 million senior townhouse community –– being developed by North Arrow Partners of Villa Park –– at the corner of West Maple Street and South Marguerite Street (600 Marguerite Circle). The project will add 44 single-story townhomes designed specifically for adults ages 55 and older.
Senior homelessness exploding

EPA warns you should stay indoors today

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:04pm

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the Chicago Metropolitan area for Wednesday, May 27 due to elevated ozone pollution. The Action Day includes the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Lake, McHenry and Will. Regional air quality is expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG)/Orange category on the national Air Quality Index (AQI) today, May 26th, and is expected to extend into tomorrow, May 27th.

Acclaimed Coalers: Graduates ready for the next chapter

Published by admin on Tue, 05/12/2026 - 4:35pm

Having demonstrated what college and career- ready students must achieve to be ready for the next chapter, 31 members of the Coal City High School class of 2026 have been named Acclaimed Coalers.
Students who meet certain requirements through their senior year are celebrated as an Acclaimed Coaler and on May 8, a fifth class of honorees was recognized. Among them are State Scholars, musicians, athletes, performers and class officers.

Graduation is Saturday for Class of 2026

Published by admin on Tue, 05/05/2026 - 4:11pm

The Coal City High School class of 2026 will be awarded their diplomas on Saturday, marking the end of one journey and the start of something new.
Ahead of commencement, a number of activities will take place recognizing the senior class including Scholarship Night, the Acclaimed Coalers Ceremony and Senior Walk—as the students make one final visit to the Coal City schools they attended starting in kindergarten.

Opening Day for Coal City youth baseball, softball

Published by admin on Tue, 04/21/2026 - 4:16pm

Coal City’s youth baseball and softball seasons officially got underway Saturday with an opening day ceremony that felt more like a community festival than a simple first pitch.
The day was about more than just games. Local vendors lined the area, raffle baskets filled tables, and kids eagerly explored a popular “touch-a-truck” display featuring vehicles from the local fire department and equipment brought in by Tyler Curl.

Coal City man dies after vehicle crashes into Nettle Creek

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2026 - 4:07pm

Sean Michael Rentauskas, 21, of Coal City, died late Saturday after his vehicle left the roadway and entered Nettle Creek in Morris.
According to authorities, emergency crews were called at approximately 11:30 p.m. April 11, to the area of Ottawa Bend Drive at the west branch of Nettle Creek after receiving reports of a vehicle in the water.
Police said the vehicle had been traveling east on Old Stage Road and was approaching a curve near the entrance to Gebhard Woods when the driver failed to negotiate the curve and left the roadway, entering the creek.

Coal City Theatre earns top spot in State Finals

Published by admin on Tue, 04/07/2026 - 3:53pm

The Coal City Theatre Department received first place in the Musical Theatre division of the 2026 Illinois High School Association [IHSA] Drama State Series.
The Musical Theatre program at the IHSA Drama State Series is an art form that combines the skills of acting, singing and dancing and encourages creativity. This event lets up to six students present a 10-minute musical review with selections from a published score written for musical theatre.

Heidecke Lake remains closed due to historically low water

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2026 - 12:41pm

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has delayed the traditional April 1 opening of Heidecke Lake in Grundy County to boaters this year because of unusually low water levels caused by ongoing drought conditions.
IDNR staff will continue to monitor the lake and will reopen it once it reaches safe navigation levels. The department expects levels to return to typical ranges as normal precipitation patterns resume. IDNR is evaluating potential options for adding water to the lake if drought conditions persist.

Coal City schools moving forward

Published by admin on Tue, 03/24/2026 - 3:25pm

Coal City School Superintendent Chris Spencer spent just over a half hour Wednesday evening walking residents through the present—and future—of Coal City Unit School District #1, offering a detailed look at building improvements, enrollment trends and new initiatives during a town hall-style meeting at the high school’s performing arts center.
Speaking to a crowd of about 20 attendees, Spencer said the goal was simple: provide clarity.