News

Butter Cow unveiled

Published by admin on Sat, 08/15/2026 - 3:32pm

Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois State Fair officials unveiled the 2026 Butter Cow in the Dairy Building last week. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, this year's butter sculpture invites fairgoers to "Take a Spin on Route 66," highlighting the historic Mother Road.
While the iconic Butter Cow remains the centerpiece of the display, this year's companion sculpture features a woman and her dog heading out on a Route 66 adventure aboard a classic scooter in search of ice cream (and a pup cup, of course).

Grundy Chamber hosting Coffee & Company

Published by admin on Sat, 08/15/2026 - 3:10pm

The Grundy County Chamber and J.R Hock of Edward Jones are hosting a free-to-attend networking event Aug. 19 for local business representatives looking to foster new connections.
Coffee & Company is a monthly Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry event hosted by varying chamber members that gives professionals of all backgrounds the opportunity to enjoy coffee and breakfast alongside peers, creating a relaxed environment for people to connect with potential customers and nourish existing relationships.

Firefighters quick to knock out downtown basement fire.

Published by admin on Thu, 07/30/2026 - 3:03pm

At 4:28 p.m. on Monday July 27th the Wilmington Fire District responded to a reported structure fire at The Corner Tap located at 201 N. Water St. Upon arrival, a component on an electrical pole was on fire at the rear of 205 N Water St and 110 N Jackson St. with power lines down in the alley way South of Jackson St.

Fire District to place tax increase question on November ballot

Published by admin on Tue, 07/28/2026 - 6:00pm

The Braidwood Fire Protection District Board of Trustees voted July 21 to place a proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot asking voters to approve a 32-cent increase in the district's property tax rate.
The referendum will require a simple majority of voters to pass.
The proposal follows the district's "Planning for a Safer Future" community engagement initiative, which began in February.

AI is coming to Wilmington

Published by admin on Tue, 07/28/2026 - 6:00pm

Artificial intelligence-powered logistics giant Exol has confirmed plans to establish its Chicago-area fulfillment center in Wilmington, bringing one of the company's next-generation robotic logistics facilities to the city's rapidly growing industrial corridor.
Amber Rubin, Exol's senior account director, confirmed to the Free Press Advocate that the company's planned Chicago facility will be located at 30542 S. Elion Blvd., ending speculation fueled by city permit records and industry databases that link Exol to the site.

Residents want answers on Coal City data center plan

Published by admin on Tue, 07/28/2026 - 3:17pm

To some Coal City residents, something simply isn’t adding up.
Nearly two years after plans first surfaced for a massive data center campus, residents continue to question how one of the nation's largest data center developers came to the doorstep of their village and why so many preliminary decisions have moved forward before the public has seen detailed plans.
The corporation behind the proposal, Texas-based Aligned Data Centers, is one of the country's fastest-growing developers of large data centers.

Worker rescued from high sign tower near Interstate 55

Published by admin on Wed, 07/22/2026 - 11:34am

A worker stranded 130 feet high on a highway sign was rescued by the Wilmington Fire Protection District early Tuesday afternoon.

Fire District personnel responded to the intersection of Lorenzo Rd and the Southwest Frontage Rd at 1:55 p.m. to find that a contractor conducting work was stranded 12 stories high inside an enclosed sign structure toward the top of a sign pole. The telescopic boom lift used by the worker had malfunctioned and Fire District personnel were told he had been at the elevated position for around three hours. 

Berkot’s roundup results in $1,350 for VFW

Published by admin on Tue, 07/21/2026 - 4:27pm

Braidwood exploring ordinance targeting synthetic drugs

Published by admin on Tue, 07/21/2026 - 4:25pm

In slickly packaged, neon pouches with names like “Scooby Snax” and “Spice,” unregulated chemicals are displayed next to candy bars at friendly neighborhood gas stations and stores.
For years, chemists have managed to skirt the law by swapping one molecule for another, flooding Braidwood and nearby towns with legal but sometimes lethal chemical cocktails.

Gatties to lead Catfish Days parade

Published by admin on Tue, 07/21/2026 - 4:21pm

When this year's Wilmington Catfish Days parade steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday, two of the people who helped preserve one of the city's most recognizable Route 66 landmarks will be leading the way.
The Catfish Days Committee has named Sharon and Jerry Gatties as the 2026 Catfish Days Parade grand marshals in conjunction with this year's theme, "Cruisin' Route 66," celebrating the 100th anniversary of America's famed Mother Road.