Free Press Advocate

Willy doing a fine job being a Wildcat

Published by admin on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 4:24pm

The energy at WHS sporting events has been through the roof thanks to the town’s beloved school mascot, Willy the Wildcat.
It’s no question Willy has been killing his job of keeping the crowd entertained and in good spirits. It just makes you wonder who is beneath the mask. Who is Willy?
During the week Willy was able to set time out of his day for a short interview where we got to learn more about the marvelous mascot.

Search, rescue training done right

Published by admin on Tue, 09/24/2024 - 4:22pm

Two dozen unpaid professionals converged on a Wilmington cornfield in the 90-degree heat on Saturday for a little hide-and-seek.
Wearing blaze orange, backpacks and communications radios, a team of eight volunteers spread two rows apart forming a line to comb through an 8-acre field. It took just a few steps into the field before, like a scene from the movie “Field of Dreams”, they vanished into the 10-foot high corn.
Their objective was to find a “victim” who was hiding among the rows of corn.

Will County coroner exumes woman's body from Wilmington cemetery

Published by admin on Tue, 09/17/2024 - 3:24pm

On Friday September 13th, 2024, the Will County Coroners Office, Cold Case Unit, along with the Will County Sheriff’s Police, exhumed the remains of a 1968 Cold Case Homicide. On September 30th, 1968, a highway department worker while on assignment on I55 near Blodgett Road in unincorporated Will County found the deceased remains of a female body located in that area covered by brush from a nearby tree.

Library offering free streaming services

Published by admin on Tue, 09/10/2024 - 4:36pm

Wilmington Public Library is thrilled to announce its latest offering, Kanopy, an innovative streaming service designed to enrich the library's digital landscape with entertainment and educational resources.
Wilmington Library cardholders are now granted access to a remarkable array of over 30,000 films, television shows, documentaries, educational courses, and more, far exceeding the library's existing collection of approximately 7,500 movies.

Turning on those Friday night Lights

Published by admin on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 4:31pm

Local veterans take on PTSD, suicide

Published by admin on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 4:36pm

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to raise awareness about the staggering suicide rates among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) and what we can do to reduce veteran suicide by removing the stigma of asking for help.
As part of this effort the national American Legion established the “Be the One” program as a way that veterans can help other veterans.

I-55 project a game changer for growth, jobs

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 4:03pm

At one time, anything south of Route 59 on Interstate 55 was considered the “wild blue yonder,” with little on the horizon except corn and soybean fields.
Ready or not, that will soon change forever. The Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) has masterminded a project that will open the west side of Wilmington to commerce and industry, and ultimately, growth.

Locals convince county board to reject solar project

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 4:00pm

Green energy is good energy, or so we’ve been told. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker agrees. In 2021, the governor signed legislation into law that puts Illinois on a path toward 100 percent clean energy by 2050. In 2023, Pritzker signed a law preempting counties to enact ordinances that prohibit wind and solar projects.
But, at what point does state law interfere with the right of quiet enjoyment of property by land owners or tenants?
This is the story of three individuals who stood up to big government and big business, and so far have won.
The contenders

Wilmington firefighters quick to put out attic fire

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 3:58pm

On Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 7:46 a.m., Wilmington Fire Protection District personnel were called to 29040 S. Route 53 north of Wilmington for a reported structure fire.
Based on dispatch information received, a Full Still level response requesting mutual aid was requested immediately while enroute to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a 2 1/2-story single family residence with smoke and fire coming from the attic 1/2 story level. Wilmington firefighters, receiving assistance from several surrounding agencies, quickly extinguished the fire.

Here's what you need to run for mayor or city council

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 3:54pm

The City of Wilmington will hold a Consolidated Election on April 1, 2025 to determine who will serve the next four years as mayor, city clerk, and four alderpersons.
The is election will be for the seats held by Mayor Ben Dietz, and alderpersons Ryan Jeffries (1st ward), Ryan Knight (2nd), Jonathan Mietzner (3rd), and Tom Smith (4th).
Information and petition forms will be available at Wilmington City Hall, 1165 S. Water Street beginning Aug. 20.