News

House next to fire station burns to the ground

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 4:28pm

A house on S. De Witt PL next door to the Coal City Fire Station #1 was destroyed by fire on Wednesday.
It’s okay because it was intention, resulting in invaluable training for firefighters from Coal City and neighboring districts.
The Coal City Fire Protection District acquired the house which had been unoccupied for years and has since used it training before letting it go up in smoke the day before Thanksgiving.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 4:18pm

Restored Gemini Giant makes his return

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 4:16pm

The Gemini Giant, an iconic symbol of Route 66 and Wilmington's pride, officially returned to public display on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The unveiling at the entrance to South Island Park marks the culmination of an extensive project initiated in late 2022 to gain ownership and restore it for public display. Local leaders, project contributors and community members gathered to celebrate the landmark's renewed presence and its cultural significance.
Restoration of the Gemini Giant was a meticulous effort, described as akin to a "frame-off automobile restoration."

Large outbuilding destroyed by fire

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 4:12pm

Heavy black smoke from a “barn fire” in Wilmington could be seen in Braidwood Sunday as firefighters from several departments spent six hours controlling and extinguishing the blaze.
It happened around 3 p.m. Sunday when the Wilmington Fire Protection District was called to 22838 Stripmine Rd for a reported structure fire. Based on dispatch information received, a Full Still level response for mutual aid was requested while enroute to the scene.

Vote on solar farm postponed again

Published by admin on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 4:01pm

Though dozens of landowners anticipated a decision on a 3,600-acre solar farm in Custer and Reed townships, the Will County Board voted to table the issue until Feb. 20, 2025.
At its Nov. 21 meeting, board members voted 12-8 to once again delay a decision on the solar energy facility proposed by ACCIONA Energia, headquartered in Spain.
Project history
ACCIONA presented plans for the solar energy facility to Custer and Reed townships during an informal meeting on Nov. 18, 2021.

Sunday will be a fun-filled day in Coal City

Published by admin on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 3:53pm

A full day of holiday fun is coming to town on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Start the day by cheering on the runners and walkers at the 7th Annual “Holiday Hustle” which kicks off at 11 a.m. This 5K is organized by Lori Bonarek Realty and there will be a raffle for a wheelbarrow full of “holiday cheer.” The beneficiaries of this year's proceeds will be Susan's Mission.
Next, keep the holiday fun going by heading over to Campbell Memorial Park to check out the holiday decor provided by the Village of Coal City and the Coaler Drive Festival & Events Committee.

Firefighters quick to extinguish Outer Dr. house fire

Published by admin on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 3:18pm

The Wilmington Fire District was called to the 600 block of South Outer Dr.  around 1 p.m. on Monday for a reported structure fire. 

Based on dispatch information received, a Full Still level response for mutual aid was requested while enroute to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the front overhead garage door and back of the residence with fire also coming from the rear of the home. 

Police chief tells board he soon will retire

Published by admin on Tue, 11/19/2024 - 4:22pm

Coal City Police Chief Chris Harseim announced his plans to retire next year. Harseim informed village officials that he'll step down as chief in May 2025.
"It's been an amazing ride," he told the board of trustees at their November 13 meeting. "But the time has come for me to give the board my last official day of work."

RCHS Industrial Arts makes big impression with other schools

Published by admin on Tue, 11/19/2024 - 4:09pm

It was a busy Tuesday at Reed-Custer High School and Mark Smith, the school’s Industrial Arts teacher, was everywhere at once. Smith reigns over the AutoCad and 3D printer lab, guitar workshop, and woodworking shop. In his world, there is no such thing as a slow day.
His students and coworkers refer to Smith affectionately as “Chief,” and it appears he has earned the moniker.

Family’s ‘pet project’ provides for four-legged friends

Published by admin on Tue, 11/12/2024 - 4:33pm

With high inflation many families have been forced to cut back at mealtime. But what happens when you have pet?
Without a doubt, the cost of feeding a family can be shocking. It gets quite a bit more so when the family has an animal companion or two. When a bag of dog chow runs you $40, the sticker shock is real.
According to ValuePenguin, the cost of pet food increased 22.5 percent in 2024, and the cost of veterinary care rose 29.5 percent between April, 2021 and April 2024.