Braidwood Journal

Santa makes a stop in Braidwood

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 3:20pm

Large outbuilding destroyed by fire

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 4:12pm

Heavy black smoke from a “barn fire” in Wilmington could be seen in Braidwood Sunday as firefighters from several departments spent six hours controlling and extinguishing the blaze.
It happened around 3 p.m. Sunday when the Wilmington Fire Protection District was called to 22838 Stripmine Rd for a reported structure fire. Based on dispatch information received, a Full Still level response for mutual aid was requested while enroute to the scene.

Vote on solar farm postponed again

Published by admin on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 4:01pm

Though dozens of landowners anticipated a decision on a 3,600-acre solar farm in Custer and Reed townships, the Will County Board voted to table the issue until Feb. 20, 2025.
At its Nov. 21 meeting, board members voted 12-8 to once again delay a decision on the solar energy facility proposed by ACCIONA Energia, headquartered in Spain.
Project history
ACCIONA presented plans for the solar energy facility to Custer and Reed townships during an informal meeting on Nov. 18, 2021.

RCHS Industrial Arts makes big impression with other schools

Published by admin on Tue, 11/19/2024 - 4:09pm

It was a busy Tuesday at Reed-Custer High School and Mark Smith, the school’s Industrial Arts teacher, was everywhere at once. Smith reigns over the AutoCad and 3D printer lab, guitar workshop, and woodworking shop. In his world, there is no such thing as a slow day.
His students and coworkers refer to Smith affectionately as “Chief,” and it appears he has earned the moniker.

Family’s ‘pet project’ provides for four-legged friends

Published by admin on Tue, 11/12/2024 - 4:33pm

With high inflation many families have been forced to cut back at mealtime. But what happens when you have pet?
Without a doubt, the cost of feeding a family can be shocking. It gets quite a bit more so when the family has an animal companion or two. When a bag of dog chow runs you $40, the sticker shock is real.
According to ValuePenguin, the cost of pet food increased 22.5 percent in 2024, and the cost of veterinary care rose 29.5 percent between April, 2021 and April 2024.

Area fuel stations to Braketime Marts

Published by admin on Tue, 11/05/2024 - 4:21pm

Seven area Minit Mart convenience stores will soon be transformed into Braketime Convenience Marts LLC (BTCM).
BTCM, headquartered in Houston, TX, plans to open the former Minit Mart stores in Coal City, Wilmington, Braidwood, Elwood, South Wilmington and Mazon as Braketime Convenience Marts in November. Each of the stores will close a day or two this week as the transition is made.
Slow but sure
Bret Sullivan, regional operations director for BTCM, is overseeing the transition, reassuring existing staff that their positions are safe and their loyalty appreciated.

District 255-U, city agree to keep officer in the schools

Published by admin on Tue, 10/29/2024 - 5:15pm

At the Oct. 22 City Council meeting, Mayor Karen Hart re-appointed George Kocek and Raymond Doogan as members of the Plan Commission board.
Though Doogan was not present, Bryan Wellner, the attorney representing the city of Braidwood, advised that his appointment could be approved.
“If you want to do appointment tonight, you could and then just swear him in at a future meeting,” Wellner said.
The council approved both re-appointments, and Kocek was sworn in.
School resource officer

RCHS recognizes State Scholars

Published by admin on Tue, 10/29/2024 - 5:13pm

Braidwood Museum features camera exhibit

Published by admin on Tue, 10/22/2024 - 3:18pm

Does anyone use a stand- alone camera to take photos these days? In the past 20 years, it appears that even professional photographers wield the latest iPhone rather than an “old fashion” 35mm camera.
Yet, true photography is an art form. While anyone can take a duck-face selfie, most of us can’t claim to be artists. True photographers are a delicate blend of technician and artist. They’re able to use their photography equipment and skills in ways that capture a subject in unique and interesting ways. Their photos elicit emotion.

Learn how to Dial-A-Ride in Custer Park

Published by admin on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 4:16pm

Colin Phillips, mobility manager at Access Will County Dial-a-Ride program, will meet with Custer Township residents on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Custer Township Hall, 35332 Grant Ave., Custer Park.
Phillips will outline the program and accept registrations for the program.
Access Will County Dial-a-Ride is available to seniors, age 60 and older, and individuals with disabilities. The program offers access to destinations within Will County, one mile outside the county border, and parts of southern Cook County.