News

Painting up spooky fall fun

Published by admin on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 4:18pm

A night of spooky fall fun was had by all who attended a special art event at Coal City Elementary School.

A black light paint night was organized for pre-kindergarten to fifth grade students and their families, and event hosted by art teachers Julie Brncich and Becky Bajt.

There were 576 people in attendance at the Oct. 27 event that featured glow in the dark artwork created by students.

"We are so proud to live in a community supportive of making art. It was wonderful to see families painting together and having so much fun," Brncich said.

Graduation rates up statewide, local schools above 90%

Published by admin on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 4:14pm

Illinois high school students posted the highest graduation rate in over a decade.

Locally, Coal City, Reed-Custer and Wilmington high schools all posted graduation rates above 90%.

The graduation rates for Illinois high school students were announced last week with the release of the Illinois Report Card, a document published each fall by the Illinois State Board of Education [ISBE].

Scouting for food

Published by admin on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 4:13pm

The Boy Scouts of America pledge includes, among other things, that scouts be helpful, courteous, kind and loyal. Through its annual food drive, Cub Scout Pack 466 seeks to display those characteristics and keep their promise to help others.

Pack 466 organizes the food drive to benefit the Coal City Food Pantry. The scouts are calling on area residents to support the effort by purchasing a few extra items at the grocery store this week.

Coal City Police to provide security detail at Dresden

Published by admin on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 4:12pm

Officers from the Coal City Police Department will help beef up security at the Dresden Generating Station during a month-long refueling and maintenance outage.

Off-duty officers will be part of a special security detail working at the plant through Nov. 20.

Constellation Energy (formerly Exelon) approached the village years ago for assist with security during scheduled outages and the village has always done its best to fulfill the request.

The police department has agreed to provide one officer and a vehicle in three-hour shift.

Coal City finances in order

Published by admin on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 4:11pm

An audit of village finances shows just over $1 million more in the bank and investments over the previous year. That’s according to Brian Zabel, the village’s long-term auditor, who issued a clean opinion of the town’s finances. Zabel provided the Village Board with an overview of the audit done at the close of the village’s fiscal year—April 30.

Constellation wants to extend Dresden’s life by 20 years

Published by admin on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 4:09pm

Constellation announced Monday it is seeking a 20-year extension of its operating license for Dresden Generating Station, Morris. That’s good news for the Coal City School District and surrounding taxing bodies who receive $26.2 million annually in Dresden property taxes. The company is asking the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [NRC] to extend the licenses of Dresden’s two nuclear units and those at the Clinton Generating Station.

Senator Rezin seeks photos, stories of veterans to be showcased at Illinois Capitol

Published by admin on Fri, 10/28/2022 - 10:19am

SPRINGFIELD – To help pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, State Senator Sue Rezin is encouraging constituents to submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from Nov. 10-28 in honor of Veterans Day.

Reed-Custer, BPD look to ease concerns over safety protocols

Published by admin on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 5:07pm

A small group of Reed-Custer parents said they have some ideas to make sure communication is top tier when it comes to the district getting messages to students’ homes.

On Oct. 19, two parents approached the members of the Board of Education to discuss the notification process when a potential emergency is on hand.

Reed-Custer readies for next phase of improvements

Published by admin on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 5:05pm

The Reed-Custer High School football team is headed to the playoffs.

And this historic year for the Comets was made even better thanks to the new field at Comet Stadium.

On Oct. 19, Superintendent Mark Mitchell have an update of the district’s facility improvements to the members of the board of education.

Wilmington City Council extends time limit for condemned structure to come down

Published by admin on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 5:01pm

The Wilmington City Council has approved a two week extension for a property owner looking to knock down a derelict structure on Main Street.

The property at 313 N. Main St. is in foreclosure, but is currently under contract for sale with Safeguard Properties of Ohio. At issue is a garage/barn structure at the rear of the property.

“This is a structure that’s falling over. The property [investor has] requested two additional weeks to do something about it, or the city will take action,” Mayor Ben Dietz explained to the council during their regular meeting on Oct. 18.