Braidwood Journal

CMAP plans for public presentation Dec. 12 in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 12/05/2023 - 5:51pm

Dozens of Braidwood residents waited in line and slowly filed into the Fossil Ridge Public Library’s large meeting room on Nov. 30, looking for information on the city’s plan to create a new comprehensive plan.

In 2022, city officials announced that they had been awarded technical assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to create the plan.

E-learning over snow days again the plan for Reed-Custer schools

Published by admin on Tue, 12/05/2023 - 5:47pm

Winter weather might keep kids out of the classroom when heavy storms blow in this season. But it won’t stop the learning process.

Reed-Custer Superintendent Mark Mitchell told members of the Board of Education on Nov. 15 that the district will continue to utilize e-learning days over snow days or emergency days this year, whenever possible.

Using those days means students will log in to their classes online, rather than have the day off and making it up at the end of the year.

Final town hall explores role of Braidwood city administrator

Published by admin on Tue, 12/05/2023 - 5:42pm

The city of Braidwood held the last of three town hall style meetings scheduled for this year last week. The final meeting attracted fewer than 20 residents asking some questions about how the city government is run.

At the top of the list and the issue that kicked off the meetings last summer: The duties of city administrator Tony Altiery.

Commissioner Dale Walsh scheduled the town hall sessions in July, September and November after the election and then quickly the resignation of Mayor Chris Earley had residents questioning how things operate at City Hall.

Reed-Custer schools make the grade

Published by admin on Tue, 11/28/2023 - 3:52pm

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the 2023 Illinois Report Card late last month, with local schools showing strong progress three years after COVID-19 changed the face of education.

The annual report breaks down the academic performance of public schools in Illinois, both districtwide as well as for individual buildings. For the Reed-Custer School District, all three schools ranked as “commendable.”

Goodwin to Braidwood: The citizens are our customers

Published by admin on Tue, 11/28/2023 - 3:49pm

Braidwood’s new chief of police has a plan when it comes to setting the agenda for the department.

And that plan starts with community.

Bret Goodwin was officially sworn in as the chief last month, following the departure of Chief Todd Lyons. Goodwin is just shy of 23-years with the Braidwood Police Department, serving most recently as sergeant.

He said it’s his promotion from within that has given the department a unique opportunity for growth.

Reed-Custer sees another year of strong financials

Published by admin on Tue, 11/28/2023 - 3:47pm

The Reed-Custer School District has delivered another year of healthy financial statements.

On Nov. 15, Nick Cavaliere of Baker Tilly delivered a report to the members of the board of education on the audit that was completed for the 2023 fiscal year, which ended on June 30.

Cavaliere said clean audit shows the district has once again done a good job utilizing revenue, including successfully negotiating another tax agreement with Constellation Energy and managing budgets inside all district funds.

Comprehensive Plan open house this week

Published by admin on Tue, 11/28/2023 - 3:45pm

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning (CMAP) and the city of Braidwood will host an open house this week, to discuss the creation of the city’s long term Comprehensive Plan.

The open house will inform residents on where CMAP is on the planning stages to crate a new plan for the city to replace the last Comprehensive Plan, which was completed nearly 20 years ago.

“They’re looking for input from residents,” city administrator Tony Altiery said. “Some thoughts on what areas might work better for different zoning, and things like that.”

Braidwood Lions Club selling Christmas Trees

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2023 - 3:07pm

The Braidwood Lions Club is holding its annual Christmas Trees Sale fundraiser.

The club’s stand is located in the Whitmore Ace Hardware parking lot in Braidwood. Balsam trees ranging in height from 6 to 9 feet, along with small and large size decorated greenery wreaths, grave blankets, grave pillows, crosses, swags, sprays and various artificial greenery decorations will be for sale.

Reed-Custer eyes future addition for elementary school

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2023 - 3:06pm

It’s been just five years since Reed-Custer Elementary opened its doors to the district’s youngest students.

Now, the school district will consider an addition to make sure those students have all the space they need to learn.

Braidwood City Council declares items as surplus property

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2023 - 2:55pm

The city of Braidwood will shed itself of some excess and unused property that’s been taking up space at the public works buildings.

On Nov. 14, the City Council approved a measure to dispose of surplus property.

By state stature, municipalities can deem property that is “no longer necessary or useful to, or for the best interests of the city” as surplus, which can then be scrapped or sold, with the proceeds going back into the budget.