Free Press Advocate

Her murderer may never be found

Published by admin on Tue, 09/16/2025 - 1:48pm

Will County Coroner Laurie Summers summed up the relationship between Martha Bassett and residents of Will County, Wilmington in particular.
“She’s been in Will County for 57 years; she’s kind of a Will County baby,” Summers said. “But, she has a home.”
Last week, this newspaper shared the story of Martha Bassett, who was murdered in September 1968 and identified nearly 57 years later.

Council quibbles over purchase of city vehicle

Published by admin on Tue, 09/09/2025 - 4:12pm

The Wilmington City Council rejected a motion to approve the purchase of an administrative vehicle not exceeding $35,000.
Alderperson Marty Orr asked why the city did not send out a request for open bids during the Sept. 2 meeting.
In a memo dated Aug. 27, 2025, City Administrator Jeannine Smith asked the council to consider a motion to approve the purchase of a vehicle for use by city staff, the code enforcement officer in particular.

After gritty loss Wildcats know they have something special

Published by admin on Tue, 09/02/2025 - 4:13pm

The last time Wilmington dropped its first game of the season, the Wildcats responded with one of the most memorable runs in program history. In 2023, a season-opening loss to Seneca was followed by 13 straight victories and a Class 2A state championship.
From that night forward, Wilmington rattled off 25 consecutive wins and advanced to the Class 3A state semifinals before finally falling last November.

Reents looking forward to season opener where he played

Published by admin on Wed, 08/27/2025 - 11:42am

Death, taxes, playoff football in Wilmington.
Those are the constants in life. Well, at least they have been for 28 straight years for the purple and white. With the WHS enrollment officially listed at 406, the ‘Cats very well could be bumped down to 2A again.
With six home games on this year's schedule, number 29 appears to be a sure thing. In the last 25 years, the Wildcats have compiled a 144-18 record in front of the home faithful at Jeff Reents Stadium.

Love’s Travel Stop agrees to screening for neighbors

Published by admin on Tue, 08/26/2025 - 4:24pm

At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Wilmington City Council waived the bidding requirements and approved a contract with Allied Landscaping Services for a natural screening for five properties located in the Waters Edge Subdivision.
Residents in the Water’s Edge subdivision requested landscape screening during negotiations with the Love’s Travel Stop. The properties are adjacent east of the new travel stop along Highway 53. Love’s agreed to provide the landscaping at a total cost of $22,105.

Are you under the ‘Impression’ that iconic beauty shop is closing? Think again

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 3:38pm

Yes, the rumors are true. The shop that houses Impressions Hair and Tanning Salon at 605 N. Baltimore St. is up for sale.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the iconic salon will be going out of business any time soon.
Owners Rhonda Schaefer and Audra Bushue, and their father Neil Robertson, have no immediate plans to close up shop. Instead, they will bide their time, hoping for a scenario that allows them to carry on, at least for a little while.

Council wants to change boundary for Lorenzo Road TIF

Published by admin on Tue, 08/12/2025 - 3:47pm

Wilmington’s 15-year-old TIF District that’s resulted in the warehouse hub at Lorenzo Road and Interstate 55 is being changed again.
City aldermen approved an ordinance Aug. 5, calling for a public hearing and Joint Review Board meeting to consider a new boundary to the TIF Redevelopment Plan with developer, Elion Partners, doing business as Adar Ridgeport, LLC.
Wilmington’s TIF District was formed in 2010, with a term of 23 years, ending in 2033.

Breaking the Chain: Town Hall session filled with hope

Published by admin on Tue, 08/05/2025 - 3:02pm

The Wilmington Coalition for a Healthy Community will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on Monday, Aug. 11 at the Mar Theatre, 121 S. Main St.
Michael Menard, a Kankakee native and bestselling author, will be the keynote speaker. His memoir, "The Kite That Couldn't Fly" became an unexpected catalyst for trauma awareness, leading to his groundbreaking new book, "Greater Than Gravity: How Childhood Trauma is Pulling Down Humanity."

The Garage on Water opens with ribbon cutting

Published by admin on Tue, 07/29/2025 - 4:44pm

Wilmington’s downtown just got a little livelier. A ribbon cutting was held Friday morning to welcome the city’s newest business, The Garage on Water, a sports bar located along the millrace at 118 S. Water Street.

Will County Board continues fight against Rivals Road solar plan

Published by admin on Tue, 07/22/2025 - 4:02pm

In September 2021, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker set a goal of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by the year 2045.
When cities and counties began speaking out about the establishment of solar energy plants, the governor usurped the power of Illinois counties.
In January 2023, Pritzker passed a law preempting county authority to enact local ordinances that prohibit wind and solar energy projects.
Since then, green energy corporations have descended upon Illinois making farmers an offer they can’t refuse.