Coal City Courant

Let there be (new) light

Published by admin on Tue, 11/28/2017 - 6:44pm

     From time-to-time the village of Coal City has been presented with offers to enter into various energy efficiency programs, the most recent proposal has been accepted and will result in new streetlights.
    Having seen the success the village of Diamond had with a program to replace  its streetlights this fall, village officials made the decision to enter into an agreement that would provide the same service.

A humble hero

Published by admin on Tue, 11/28/2017 - 6:43pm

Sergio Lopez was born in Mexico City and emmigrated to the United States at the age of 10. He graduated from high school and following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Lopez, who is now retired from the military, shared his story with Grundy Area Vocational Center students enrolled in Jeff Hanley’s criminal justice class at Coal City High School.
As Hanley reports, Lopez’s story is, “one of courage, self sacrifice and patriotism.”

Last chance for tickets

Published by admin on Tue, 11/28/2017 - 6:39pm

Time is running out to get your tickets for this year’s Coal City Madrigal dinners.The last day to reserve a seat for this holiday tradition is Thursday, Nov. 30.

This year’s dinners will take place at 7 p.m.  Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 at Coal City High School, 655 W. Division St. The dinners include the concert and comedic play, along with a catered dinner. The final performance of the weekend will be Sunday, Dec. 10 with high tea at 3 p.m. The cost to attend is $18 per person. Reserved seat tickets  are available at brownpapertickets.com/event/3097343.

Art students decorate tree at Brookfield Zoo

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 6:43pm

     Coal City Elementary School students are doing their part to brighten the holiday season, and their efforts support the work of the Chicago Zoological Society.
    Under the direction of art teacher Julie Brncich, third grade students created ornaments for a tree to be featured as part of the Community Tree Trim at Brookfield Zoo.
    Coal City Parent School Organization (PSO) provided the registration fee that goes directly back to the zoological society, a non-profit organization focused on animal care and conservation.

Auditorium may get a name change

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 6:40pm

    The Unit 1 Board of Education has directed a group of high school students to proceed with a recommendation to rename the Coal City Unit 1 Auditorium.
    Students in Jack Micetich’s events management class have been working on a proposal to rebrand the space. The belief is that a name change would have multiple benefits for the school district and community.
    The proposal before the board recommends the name be changed to Coal City Performing Arts Center.

Holiday Headliner

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 6:39pm

     Sometimes the least expected actions have the biggest impact, and that is what one local newspaper editor comes to realize just in the nick of time.
    As a kickoff to the holiday season, the On Broadway Dancers are taking the stage to share an inspiring story about friendship and the joy of the season even when it seems like we all have a deadline to meet.
    Through music, dance and a bit of acting, the dancers and a cast of characters will present “Holiday Headliner,” an original Christmas tale.

Donations get dinner on the table

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2017 - 6:37pm

    Cathy Milne was all smiles as she stood at the entrance of the new Help for Hope office collecting turkeys.
    At the request of Coal City High School’s choral groups and their director Bonnie McDowell, employees of the Unit 1 School District donated dozens  turkeys on Tuesday morning. A day earlier, the staff at Reed-Custer  School District 255-U delivered around a dozen frozen birds for the non-profit organization to hand out to local families in need.

Coal City man arrested in connection with murder of Joliet bartender

Published by admin on Fri, 11/17/2017 - 2:26pm

The Will County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday, Nov. 17, that the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a warrant today for the arrest of Jeremy Boshears, 32, of 495 E. Third Street in Coal City in connection with the disappearance of Kaitlyn Kearns. Boshears is being charged with one count of concealing a homicidal death, a Class 3 felony.  His bond was set at $250,000.

Wish granted

Published by admin on Tue, 11/14/2017 - 5:24pm

Brianna Bell knows first hand that wishes can come true.
    A student at Coal City Middle School, Brianna was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois and last week she learned the non-profit organization arranged for her to travel to Paris, France with her family.
    Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions.

$28.3 million solar farm proposed in Grundy County

Published by admin on Tue, 11/14/2017 - 5:23pm

    Grundy County’s Zoning Board of Appeals has  scheduled a public hearing on a special use request for the installation of a solar farm in Mazon Township.
    Cypress Creek Renewables is seeking county approval to develop a 234-acre site southwest of Mazon  on South Hadden Road. The property is owned by Mazon residents Jim and Laurie Fleischman.
    The planned project comes with an initial $28.3  million investment and once completed, would generate roughly 27.3 kilowatts of power annually, enough to power 2,412 single family homes.