News

Wilmington ready for winter… if it ever arrives

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 5:08pm

For a brief moment on Sunday, it looked like winter was finally making its first big showing of 2023. But after around a half inch of snow fell, it quickly melted.

The National Weather Service reports that so far in 2023, total accumulation in all of Chicagoland is only around two inches.

The area has only seen one major snow event this season: Measurable snowfall followed by a deep freeze during the days before Christmas.

Once that snow melted by Dec. 28, the streets have been void of the white stuff.

Wilmington plans for public works improvements

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 5:04pm

The Wilmington Public Works Department has a lot on its plate for the new year.

This month, Public Works Director James Gretencord told members of the city’s Committee of the Whole that planning is underway for projects set to take place for spring, summer and fall.

On the top of the list: Hydrants.

While hydrant flushing is standard practice each spring, Gretencord said the city is also taking aim at repairing and replacing out of service hydrants.

Wilmington City Hall set for second round of upgrades

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 5:02pm

It’s been 30 years since the new Wilmington City Hall opened its doors. And in some ways, much of the site hasn’t changed a bit.

On Jan. 17, members of the Wilmington City Council approved two measures to change that, approving upgrades to City Hall to include new flooring and new furniture.

The council voted to purchase new office furniture, including desks, chairs, and conference table, from National Business Furniture in an amount not to exceed $26,034.

A contract for flooring from West Flooring Company, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $16,400 was also approved.

Terms extended in Elion annexation agreement

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 5:01pm

The extension of water and sewer lines for properties annexed into Wilmington more than a decade ago will take a bit longer.

On Jan. 17, the members of the Wilmington City Council approved three ordinances, authorizing amendments to the annexation agreements with Adar Ridgeport Industrial Partners, the parent company for Elion Logistics Park, and two additional landowners who are part of that annexation agreement.

One of those adjoining properties is owned by Tameling Management and Investment Series, the other owned by Rink Agricultural and Investment Partnership.

Reed-Custer school board gives green light to 23/24 calendar

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 4:58pm

The dates are set for students and staff for the next calendar year at the Reed-Custer School District.

On Jan. 18, the board of education approved the calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.

Superintendent Mark Mitchell said the calendar was presented to staff as well as the board in the month prior to final approval. The school year will kick off on Aug. 14 as the first day of student attendance. Teachers will attend two institute days the week prior to the return of students.

Braidwood to install license plate readers near schools

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 4:55pm

The Braidwood Police Department is getting another tool for law enforcement investigations, this time with an emphasis on keeping the area safe where school is in session.

On Jan. 18, Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow presented the Braidwood Police Department with a check for $5,000 to install a Flock Safety camera, which is expected to be placed near the high school and middle school campus.

The presentation was made during the regular monthly meeting of the Reed-Custer Board of Education, since the camera will be located near the school district grounds.

Reed-Custer facility improvements near the finish line

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 4:47pm

The warmer than normal January weather has allowed work to continue on the facility improvements at the Reed-Custer School District.

Superintendent Mark Mitchell reported to the board of education on Jan. 18 that the last portion of the slated work is well underway.

“We have the final stage of the outdoor field improvements, the bleachers and press box,” Mitchell said. “They have those demo-ed, and they’ve been in the process, luckily the January weather has let them pour some concrete pillars. They’ve done a nice job.”

Coal City taking a new look at solar panels

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 4:44pm

A homeowner’s request to install solar panels is prompting a fresh look at the town’s code.

When Sarah Stroner’s permit application was denied because it failed to comply with Coal City’s rules for small scale solar energy conversion systems, she filed a variance request.

Prior to a scheduled public hearing on Feb. 6, Stroner appeared before the Planning and Zoning Board to layout her request that seeks relief from the rules that govern the placement of solar panels’ alignment, surface area and inset from the roof edge.

Multi-year road plan coming for Diamond

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 4:42pm

When the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning [CMAP] put out a call for projects, the village of Diamond requested help with road improvements so that the village could get the most bang for its buck.

CMAP granted the town’s request and a multi-year plan to improve the town’s roadways is forthcoming.

“I’m really excited about this grant,” Mayor Terry Kernc said about the written plan.

The process will begin this spring with a survey vehicle traveling village streets to collect digital imagery of the pavement surface and roadside assets.

Conference champion speaksters

Published by admin on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 4:41pm

The Coalers are the top speaksters in their conference. With eight individual first place finishes and 19 medals overall, the team won the conference championship title in the Illinois Central Eight.

In a rare weekday tournament, 19 members of the speech team traveled to Wilmington High School for the conference meet on Wednesday, Jan. 18.