News

Coal City Food pantry needs your help in filling its shelves

Published by admin on Tue, 08/22/2023 - 4:26pm

A wooden cabinet sits outside the Coal City Food Pantry, and organization members are hoping the community will help them fill it in the coming month.

The cabinet, was a gift to the organization, and in the final weeks of August and throughout the month of September the volunteer group would like to see it filled with items including pancake mix, strawberry jelly, peanut butter, tissues and canned pastas like Spaghetti O’s.

Solar project proposed for Carbon Hill

Published by admin on Tue, 08/22/2023 - 4:25pm

A community solar project has been proposed for the village of Carbon Hill and Mayor Adam Johnson said town officials have agreed to move forward in negotiating the terms.

Community solar has become increasingly popular across the state and nation as the move toward clean energy takes hold.

Pontiac, Chenoa and Limestone are among 10 municipalities in Illinois where Cenergy Power has developed solar. The question of whether Carbon Hill is next will be determined in the coming months.

Extreme heat to set in mid-week

Published by admin on Mon, 08/21/2023 - 7:58pm

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Tuesday and an excessive heat watch for Wednesday through Thursday.

A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of conditions that include a heat index of at least 105 degrees but less than 115 degrees for less than three hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80 degrees for two consecutive days.

Comprehensive plan proposals will move to Wilmington P&Z Commission

Published by admin on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 5:48pm

Long term planning continues to be one of the items at the top of the agenda for the Wilmington City Council.

On Aug. 8, the members of the Committee of the Whole held a discussion regarding two request for qualification (RFQ) submissions received to create a comprehensive plan and a master parks plan for the islands.

Kankakee River dam modifications back for discussion at Wilmington City Hall

Published by admin on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 5:47pm

The city of Wilmington continues to look ahead on plans for the Kankakee River Dam, starting with the approval of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Will County related to one half million dollars in American Rescue Plan grant funds set aside for grant modification.

SIS project slated for on-time completion

Published by admin on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 5:45pm

The 2023-2024 school year is underway at most districts across the region.

But, students in Wilmington 209-U remain at home for a few more weeks, as the district finishes with work at Stevens Intermediate School.

During the Aug. 14 regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education, district officials reported that the overhaul at SIS was substantially complete, and the school will be ready to open at the start of the school year.

Wilmington police, fire to share drone program

Published by admin on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 5:43pm

The Wilmington Police Department will create a drone program to assist with law enforcement and safety operations within the city limits.

During the Aug. 8 meeting of the Committee of the Whole meeting, Police Chief Adam Zink presented a request for the purchase of a drone.

Zink told that committee that the purchase will assist the department in preventing and addressing issues, including violent crime at highly attended events, such as parades and festivals. Zink said the current trend for first responders is the addition of unmanned aircraft, such as drones.

More comments roll in against Tryner Farm development in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 5:36pm

A proposal to develop farmland that sits between Center and Division Streets has only gone through one public comment period.

But public opinion on the initial plans, presented earlier this month to the Planning and Zoning Board by developer Mike Guinta, continues to roll in, much of it negative.

Guinta made a presentation regarding rezoning the property at 1121 N. Division St. during a public hearing at the zoning board’s monthly meeting on Aug. 7.

Braidwood ESDA adds weather station

Published by admin on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 5:33pm

The city of Braidwood now has additional ways to keep the public up to date in cases of emergencies, weather situations, or just to all around keep people in the know.

Last week, Braidwood Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) coordinator Josh Bolatto announced that organization had obtained a commercial weather station.

Braidwood leaders to residents: Don’t be a slob

Published by admin on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 5:29pm

City leaders in Braidwood were talking trash about what goes on along city streets during the Aug. 8 regular meeting of the City Council.

Finance Commissioner Doug Money said the behavior of some folks on garbage day belongs in the landfill along with the rest of the rubbish.

Money said the city’s service provider, Environmental Recycling and Disposal, recently sent the city some photos of what some streets look like when the garbage trucks come by to take out the trash.