News

Halliday begins second term

Published by admin on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 5:09pm

Raising his right hand, Terry Halliday agreed to faithfully discharge the duties of village president for another four years.
His first term certainly had its challenges, namely a powerful EF-3 tornado that struck the village just one month after he took office. Working closely with the village administrator, Halliday and the Village Board led the community through the days and months that followed as residents, businesses and the village itself rebuilt what the storm blew down.

Coal City to hire another patrol officer

Published by admin on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 5:07pm

A request by Coal City Police chief Tom Best to expand his patrol division was granted by the village’s Board of Trustees, but the process of getting a cop on the street could take several months.
A letter outlining the village’s plan to add an officer to the police force has been sent to the town’s Police and Fire Board, directing the three-member commission to move forward with the hiring process.

Fallen, but not forgotten

Published by admin on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 5:06pm

In 2015, the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) was formed with the goal of providing a full accounting of U.S. men and women missing from past military conflicts.
It’s estimated more than 82,000 U.S. service members who died in war remain unaccounted for and the agency is working to bring them home.

Scholastic success

Published by admin on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 5:05pm

During his four years at Coal City High School, Preston Johnson has achieved great success, a word he defines as “the ability to be proud of your accomplishments.”
“If what you are doing is meaningful to you, then you are successful in every possible way,” said Johnson, who is valedictorian of the class of 2019. Salutatorian is Alicia LaRouech.
Johnson earned top academic honors for the class of 2019 by having a 4.795 grade point average over seven semesters.

Diamond to kick-off summer with a celebration

Published by admin on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 5:02pm

The sun is shining, temperatures are warming up and the village of Diamond has announced it will host a Summer Kick-off Celebration on Saturday, June 1.
An event for all ages, activities will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the town park. Local resident Matt Leman will be creating balloon sculptures from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the ever popular Jim Nesci will bring his Cold Blooded Creatures to town for a show at 1 p.m. Among the creatures slated to join him in the park is Bubba, a 10-foot long alligator. There will also be other creatures including a tortoise and snakes.

Parsley says he’s done as Wesley RC

Published by admin on Tue, 05/07/2019 - 8:28pm

Embattled Wesley Township Road Commissioner Travis Parsley has notified The Free Press Advocate of his resignation, effective May 7.
In a letter postmarked from Nashville, Tennessee, Parsley wrote:
“To whom it may concern:
“I would like to notify you that I am resigning from my position as Road Commissioner of Wesley Township effective 5-7-19.
“Due to personal reasons, I, Travis Parsley, can no longer hold this position.
“Please post an ad in the local paper for 30 days to hire your next road commissioner.”
Sincerely,
Travis Parsley

School Board changes meeting dates, reorganizes

Published by admin on Tue, 05/07/2019 - 8:23pm

The School District 209-U Board of Education welcomed new members, selected its officers and changed the day of its regular meetings during a special meeting on Monday, April 29.
New members Ben Stickel and CJ Dzuiban, as well as returning member Terry Anderson were sworn in by Board President Tim Cragg.
Cragg was re-elected as president, Stephanie Southall retained her position as vice president and Peggy Kunz will continue as secretary.
Representatives were appointed to the external groups, including:
• Wilco Board of Control—Kunz

Friendly goose makes the rounds

Published by admin on Tue, 05/07/2019 - 8:20pm

Bonnie Swift has taken a friendly Canada goose under her wing, but knows the animal is not a pet and hopes others understand that too.
“She’s wild, she’s not tame,” Swift said.

Hiring practices

Published by admin on Tue, 05/07/2019 - 7:35pm

A teacher shortage in Illinois is impacting school districts across the state. So, when Unit 1 School District saw a reduction of certified teachers applying for open positions, it took action.
School administrators started talking and looking at what, if any factors played a role in a lack of candidates.
It was during this time building principals and department heads were working with the district’s director of curriculum and instruction to develop a formal hiring process.

Fewer kids in kindergarten

Published by admin on Tue, 05/07/2019 - 7:34pm

For a second consecutive year the Unit 1 School District anticipates a smaller class of kindergartners when a new school year begins in August.
Preliminary enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year is at 115, down five students from one year ago and 25 kids from spring 2017.
School officials say kindergarten enrollment numbers will go up by the time classes begin in August, but if the trend continues the number of students reporting will still be at a 10-year low.