News

Community won’t support park district

Published by admin on Tue, 08/16/2022 - 3:17pm

The lack of support for the formation of a park district and community center in Coal City has put a stop to the proposal.

A community survey determined 60% of respondents did not support the formation of a park district and 59% were opposed to funding a community center at an estimated cost of $18.2 million.

As part of its strategic plan, the village of Coal City commissioned the survey and covered the cost of sending it out to 4,063 registered voter households within the boundaries of the Unit 1 School, Fire and Library districts.

2022 Illinois State Fair officially opens

Published by admin on Fri, 08/12/2022 - 7:55am

SPRINGFIELD – The 2022 Illinois State Fair officially got underway Thursday when Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary of State Jesse White cut the ceremonial ribbon in front of the main entrance to the fairgrounds.

“As many of you know, the Illinois State Fair, one of my favorite events of the year – and First Lady MK Pritzker and I could not be happier than when we come to the State Fair,” Pritzker said at the ceremony.

I-55 patching & paving starts Monday

Published by admin on Thu, 08/11/2022 - 4:52pm

The Illinois Department of Transportation said that patching and resurfacing of northbound and southbound Interstate 55 from Weber Road to Interstate 80 in Will County will begin on Monday.
Overnight and weekend lane closures will be needed over the next eight months. Major travel delays are anticipated; use of alternate routes is encouraged.

‘Grow with Us’ State Fair, butter cow theme a nod to agriculture, infrastructure

Published by admin on Thu, 08/11/2022 - 8:07am

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois State Fair organizers unveiled the 101st State Fair butter cow on Wednesday, an unofficial kickoff of the fair that runs through Aug. 21.

The sculpture – by Iowan Sarah Pratt – consists of more than 800 pounds of recycled butter in the shape of a cow munching on a sunflower. It also pictures a farmer tending the land and growing sunflowers, one of which was eaten by the cow.

The theme of the 2022 fair and butter cow is “Grow with Us.”

Firearms stolen from Coal Cty gun shop

Published by admin on Wed, 08/10/2022 - 3:24pm

It took just 60 seconds for a band of burglars to break-in to a Coal City business, grab an assortment of firearms and head out of town.

The Coal City Police Department is now working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives [ATF] on the case that involves the theft of guns from Southland Firearms & Shooting Supply at 692 E. Division St.

It was in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 27 that police were notified of an activated alarm at the business and by the time officers arrived the offenders were gone.

The Grundy County VAC continues to reach out to veterans

Published by admin on Wed, 08/10/2022 - 2:54pm

The Grundy County Veterans Assistance Commission has worked with various veterans’ organizations and other community partners for years to engage and educate veterans of all generations regarding veterans benefits. That work continues in collaboration with the Edward Hines Outreach Coordinator and the Community Foundation of Grundy County in Gardner during the August outreach event.

Heading off to college

Published by admin on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 4:23pm

If you’re heading off to college for the very first time, it’s okay to be nervous. College is a major chapter in your life. But four months from now, after you complete that first semester, you’ll look back and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Sure, it may be your first time away from family and the comforts of home. But with the right mindset and a little preparation it can be one of the more exciting times of your life.

Firearms stolen from Coal City gun shop

Published by admin on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 4:20pm

It took just 60 seconds for a band of burglars to break-in to a Coal City business, grab an assortment of firearms and head out of town.

The Coal City Police Department is now working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives [ATF] on the case that involves the theft of guns from Southland Firearms & Shooting Supply at 692 E. Division St.

It was in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 27 that police were notified of an activated alarm at the business and by the time officers arrived, the offenders were gone.

Time to head back to class

Published by admin on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 4:18pm

Unit 1 School Superintendent Chris Spencer is looking forward to the start of a new school year.

“One of the most exciting days for me is when students return back to the buildings,” said the district’s new superintendent.

The first day of student attendance is Tuesday, Aug. 16, with teachers returning on Friday, Aug. 12 for the first of two professional development days heading into the academic year.

Tammy Elledge, the district’s director of curriculum and instruction, leads the district’s professional development throughout the school year.

Unit 1 custodians sign on to new 5-year contract

Published by admin on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 4:15pm

Custodians for the Unit 1 School District have signed on to a new five-year contract.

The Unit 1 Board of Education and Service Employees International Union [SEIU] Local 73 agreed last month to a long-term collective bargaining agreement that addresses staff salaries.

Approval of a new contract comes 16 months after the Board and union reached agreement on a three-year extension that was set to expire this year.

The extension focused on salary adjustments specifically related to probationary employees and full-time staff.