News

Ordinance would require everyone to carry loaf of bread

Published by admin on Tue, 04/01/2025 - 3:40pm

The Wilmington City Council is considering an ordinance that would require anyone who lives within the city to carry a loaf of bread in their car.

The reason is due to the large flock of domestic geese that continues to block Bridge Street which is a major highway that runs through town. The geese, who have made the north and south island parks their home, frequently stop traffic when they waddle from one side of the Historic Route 66 to the other.

The problem is they are slow to cross and fearless of cars as they associate vehicles with easy food.

Coaler assistant wrestling coach, athletic director to be honored

Published by admin on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 4:04pm

The Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association [IWCOA] annually recognizes outstanding individuals in the sport of wrestling, and those who work behind the scenes to support the athletes and coaches.
It was recently announced by the IWCOA that Coal City High School athletic director Brad Boresi was selected as the 2025 1A Administrator of the Year. The organization’s membership selected Boresi for the honor based on a nomination submitted by Coalers head coach Mark Masters.

Date set for Easter egg hunr

Published by admin on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 3:45pm

The Braidwood Park District’s annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, April 12, beginning at 1 p.m. at Old Smokey City Park.
Age groups and locations are as follows:
1-3 years-old: Tee-Ball Field Parents/Guardians may walk with their children as the children pick up eggs.
4-6 years-old: North boys’ baseball field): If necessary, one parent or guardian may walk with the child as the children pick up the eggs.
7-10 years-old: South girls’ softball field. Parents/guardians will not be allowed in the grass area where the eggs are spread out.

Mayoral candidates make final plea to a full house

Published by admin on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 3:35pm

With one week to go in the election to decide who will serve as Wilmington’s mayor the next four years, the three candidates—incumbent Ben Dietz, former mayor Roy Strong and former building inspector Jayson Walinski—took the stage at Tuffy’s Lounge for a public forum on Monday.
Over the course of one hour, 20 minutes they took turns answering 25 questions presented by moderator Ralph “Tuffy” Stevens.

$40 million data center proposed in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 3:31pm

It’s early in the process but Braidwood may some day land a $40 million data center built on the city’s west side.
“After they get approval from the city, probably sometime in May or a little later, they’ll start breaking ground,” said city administrator Tony Altiery. “Bear in mind, the project is likely to take anywhere from three to five years from start to finish.”

Mayoral candidates out to win your vote

Published by admin on Tue, 03/18/2025 - 4:10pm

The campaign for Braidwood mayor for the next four years is heating up with a significant number of residents on opposite sides of the fence.
In the April 1 election for the mayoral race, incumbent Karen Hart is being challenged by former police chief Todd Lyons. Each candidate was asked four questions, hoping their responses will provide sufficient insights so voters can make an informed decision.
Karen Hart
As a candidate, what will you bring to the table?

Excitement building over ‘Spring into Wilmington’ event

Published by admin on Tue, 03/18/2025 - 4:00pm

Buying a $20 passport and doing a little leg work could result in someone winning a new vehicle.
It’s just one of the prizes listed in the “Spring Into Wilmington” event, sponsored by the Wilmington Rotary Club, going on now through March 30.
Excitement is growing since Saturday when the shop Wilmington challenge kicked off with three ways to win:
1. Purchase a Passport: $20 entry for a chance to win three amazing prizes.

Goodwill opens local donation center

Published by admin on Tue, 03/18/2025 - 3:55pm

Goodwill of Central Illinois officially opened their newest donation center in Coal City at 155 E. Division St. in a location previously occupied by Ultimate Rides.
Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m..
“We are proud to be opening a donation location in Grundy County,” said Goodwill President & CEO Don Johnson. “We want to make donating as convenient as possible for Coal City and the surrounding communities.”

Water, sewer rates don’t differ significantly among area towns

Published by admin on Tue, 03/11/2025 - 3:55pm

In response to comments about rising water, sewer and garbage services, following is a breakdown of costs for Wilmington, Braidwood, Diamond, Coal City, Elwood and Manhattan.
Most area towns charge per 1,000 gallons of water. Diamond charges $100.42 for up to 10,000 gallons of water.
Costs for water, sewer, and garbage pickup among towns are comparable. While some towns charge more per gallon of water, others are higher on garbage pickup or base fees for services.
Noteworthy is the Village of Diamond’s video gaming credit of $15 per single family household.

Candidates share why they want your vote

Published by admin on Wed, 03/05/2025 - 11:31am

There was plenty of common ground between candidates running for city council or for mayor Monday night during a forum that ended up being quite tame.
Pretty much all of them said they were running because they care about the community, wanting to see more commercial and residential development, better roads and sidewalks, and improvement of parks; words heard four and even eight years ago during the previous two elections.