Braidwood Journal

Backups begin with Interstate 55 bridgework

Published by admin on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 4:51pm

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that repairs to the bridge carrying Interstate 55 over the Des Plaines River, in Channahon, will begin, weather permitting this week.
To complete the work, the public should expect overnight and weekend lanes closures in both directions of I-55 approaching the bridge.

Doomed restaurant aids firefighting training

Published by admin on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 4:45pm

When it comes to being a firefighter you can never have enough training. Not only is there the risk of injury and death on the job, without training it’s far easier to fall, suffer burns. Training is a critical factor to mitigate the risks of a dangerous job and to improve effectiveness.
Yearly training is required, but this year the Braidwood Fire Protection District got the opportunity to test their skills in an actual commercial building rather than in a simulated situation.

Fighting solar energy plants means crossing swords with big developers

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 3:59pm

Last week, we shared the story of Mark and Grace Youle and Ed Dunn, who took on a corporation – and won – in an effort to prevent a solar energy plant from being built off Rivals Road in rural Wilmington. The trio won a battle against Renewable Properties of San Francisco, CA. In an unprecedented victory, the Will County Board unanimously voted against the solar plant. “We fought because if we hadn't, my family would have to endure an industrial plant for 36 years,” Mark Youle said.

Exceptional RCHS teacher named Teacher of the Year

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 4:09pm

Big plans to improve I-55 interchanges

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 4:06pm

It’s been almost 13 years since the Route 129 exit (238) off Interstate 55 was razed, creating an inconvenience for travelers wanting to reach Wilmington and Braidwood.
But the plan to rebuild the interchange and for revamping the Lorenze Road (exit 240) brings renewed hope for commercial growth and will be made public on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. during an open house.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will host the public hearing concerning the preliminary engineering and environmental study (Phase I) for the I-55 improvements for both locations.

Local high school teams catch fish during Nationals

Published by admin on Tue, 08/06/2024 - 3:56pm

Three area bass fishing teams compete in the Bassmasters National High School Championship tournament last week on Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee with one team missing the final cut after Day 2 by just one ounce.
Grace Olsen and Cole Hampson from Gardner-South Wilmington High School finished 13th out of 271 boats, needing one more ounce to advance to the final day on Saturday.

Mastodon Travel Center to break ground

Published by admin on Tue, 07/30/2024 - 3:13pm

Braidwood is growing by leaps and bounds. What was once the site of a small town restaurant will soon be transformed into a mastodon-sized travel center at Interstate 55 and Coal City Road.
And, that's not all. If the travel center is a success, there are tentative plans to construct a hotel just south of the travel center.

R-C team departing for Bassmaster National with a plan

Published by admin on Tue, 07/23/2024 - 3:56pm

Reed-Custer fishing buddies Bret Cavanaugh and Alex Bielfeldt were taking things in stride Sunday despite being days away from competing on a national scale.
The two Casting Comets have qualified for the Bassmaster High School National Championship on Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee making them the first RCHS athletes to make it to a national event.

Press problems delay this week's edition

Published by admin on Wed, 07/17/2024 - 11:32am

The July 17 editions of the Braidwood Journal, Coal City Courant and Free Press Advocate are being offered FREE online!

That's because the company who prints us, the Chicago Tribune production facility in Schamburg, IL had a power surge Monday which knocked out its press.

It will be printed hopefully today. We're giving everyone full access to our digital edition. Just click above on the icon for which edition you want to read. Thanks for understanding. We hope to have the print editions distributed later today or Thursday.

Hop on the local PACE bus

Published by admin on Tue, 07/16/2024 - 4:32pm

Local seniors and individuals with disabilities will be able to get where they need to go without having to rely on friends, relatives, or Uber.
Access Will County is coming to Wilmington, Braidwood and surrounding townships to provide independence to these individuals.
Will County Access is a Dial-A-Ride service provided through Pace, a suburban transit provider. Pace is one of the largest bus services in North America, covering more than 3,600 square miles.
However, those miles hasn’t included Wilmington, Braidwood and southwest township until now.