Free Press Advocate

‘Nurse of the Year’ found niche by comforting those in crisis

Published by admin on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 3:53pm

On May 7, Joanne Forsythe, 71, was named Nurse of the Year 2025 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. Except for a break in between 1990 and 1991, Forsythe has worked at Saint Joseph for 50 years.
“I'm rather embarrassed about it,” Forsythe said. “There are really a lot of great nurses. They do a lot more. They're active with the union and serve on committees.”

Dog alerts sleeping couple of house fire

Published by admin on Thu, 05/29/2025 - 1:15pm

A Wilmington couple sleeping in their home are thankful for their dog who alerted them of a fire which they were able to escape without injury early Thursday morning. The Wilmington Fire Protection District was called at 4:06 this morning for a structure fire at the Lakepoint Resort, 24801 Lake Point Rd located on the far west side of its district. Firefighters found a park model home with an attached screen room heavily involved with fire, extending to the exposed side of an adjacent mobile home.

Ribbon cutting held at the Landing Pad

Published by admin on Tue, 05/27/2025 - 4:12pm

The Landing Pad, Wilmington's newest Route 66 attraction, held a festive ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday.
The event, held near the iconic Gemini Giant, welcomed visitors with entertainment, including a caricature artist, a Route 66-themed food truck and photo opportunities.
“Towns don't die when they fail; they die when they quit,” said Joliet Area Historical Museum CEO Greg Peerbolte.

Fire district moving into new station

Published by admin on Tue, 05/20/2025 - 4:07pm

After 11 months of construction, the Wilmington Fire Protection District is preparing to move into its brand-new headquarters—without costing local taxpayers a dime.
Fire Chief Tim Zlomie confirmed on Friday that the new station at Kankakee and Jackson streets has passed its final inspection and received occupancy.
“The contractor texted me as I was walking out—we’re good to go,” Zlomie said. “We’re moving things over as we speak.”

Rivals Road solar developer offers $$$ for city council's approval

Published by admin on Tue, 05/13/2025 - 3:43pm

On July 18, 2024, the Will County Board unanimously rejected a special use permit from RPIL, LLC (Renewable Properties of San Francisco, CA for a 40-acres solar facility off Rivals Road in Wesley Township.
The 217 residents who signed a petition against the solar plant were relieved at the time but they knew the battle was far from over.

World War II veteran to be laid to rest after 80 years MIA

Published by admin on Tue, 05/06/2025 - 4:20pm

On Friday, U.S. Army Private James C. Loyd, will return home after 80 long years.
A gathering for family and friends will be held on May 15, at Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington, Illinois, beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a solemn procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 11:30 a.m., where he will be laid to rest with funerary honors.

Landing Pad newest stop for Route 66 memorabila

Published by admin on Tue, 05/06/2025 - 4:12pm

It’s was 36 minutes to opening time on May 1, and Kirsten Van Duyne and her crew were putting finishing touches before the Landing Pad opened at noon.
The Heritage Corridor Destinations, Joliet Area Historical Museum, City of Wilmington, and Wilmington Park District are excited to announce the grand opening of The Landing Pad, a Route 66-themed souvenir shop located just steps away from the new home of the World-famous Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois.
Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz was also there cheering on the crew and surreptitiously eyeing the merchandise.

Holman honored for 20 years of serving the WBSA

Published by admin on Tue, 04/29/2025 - 4:13pm

There are dozens of volunteers who contribute to the success of the Wilmington Baseball Softball Association, but on Saturday the organization singled out one of their own, Van Holman, the outgoing president.
New president Tony Vercelli introduced Holman during an opening day ceremony that included throwing the first pitch.

Aldermen vote to keep local grocery tax

Published by admin on Tue, 04/22/2025 - 3:36pm

Aldermen voted Tuesday to keep a 1 percent grocery tax for everyone who shops in Wilmington. The state of Illinois is dropping the tax in January 2026 but local residents will continue to pay it.
According to finance director Nancy Gross, the Wilmington collects approximately $270,000 in grocery sales tax annually.

New owners plan to convert vacant grocery into a youth center

Published by admin on Tue, 04/15/2025 - 4:05pm

Shawn and Donna Matthews are the proud new owners of the former Valle’s Produce Market at 1085 S. Water Street.
The rural Wilmington couple purchased the property, in part, to establish a youth center. Shawn Matthews spoke of his plans for the building.
Though the deal has not yet been finalized, the Matthews are currently working with a Christian youth group to administer programs for teens. He said the group is enthusiastic, but since contracts have not yet been signed, Matthews cannot share the name of the organization.