Free Press Advocate

Mudpuppies search may lead to vanished mussel

Published by admin on Tue, 11/11/2025 - 3:17pm

Sarah Douglass is a malacologist––a scientist who studies mollusks with the University of Illinois’s Illinois Natural History Survey in Urbana-Champaign.
In Oct. 2024, Douglass and her colleagues made a once in a lifetime discovery, locating a mussel that hasn’t been seen in Illinois in well over a century.
After more than seven hours of scouring the slippery Sangamon River bottom, salamander mussel were discovered tucked under cement slabs.

Mayor: Hotel would fill serious need

Published by admin on Tue, 10/28/2025 - 4:19pm

Wilmington may be getting a new hotel. The proposed facility will be four-stories with 126 rooms. It will be located across the street from the new Love’s gas station on Illinois 53.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Wilmington Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider testimony from the petitioner. All persons interested in attending will have an opportunity to speak.

Planning Comission to hold hearing on four-story hotel

Published by admin on Tue, 10/21/2025 - 4:04pm

The Wilmington Planning and Zoning Comission will consider a request by Gompers-Lewis Hospitality, LLC of Countryside, IL to build a four-story hotel at the northeast corner of Wilmington-Peotone Road and Illinois 53.
The developer is seeking a Planned Unit Development, plat and concept plan for the 11-acre site.
The vacant Illinois 53 parcel is currently owned by M20 Land Investments, LLC of Chicago.
The hearing will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. at the Wilmington City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

Route 66 photographer to make local worldwide premiere

Published by admin on Tue, 10/07/2025 - 3:47pm

After logging thousands of miles and snapping hundreds of photos along America’s Mother Road, David Schwartz will make his worldwide premiere in Wilmington.
The renowned photographer will exhibit his award winning photography at Art of 66 on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a formal public reception, after which time Schwartz’s photos will be on display until Nov. 21.

Event to tell how to shield kids from predators

Published by admin on Tue, 10/07/2025 - 3:39pm

The Wilmington Coalition for a Healthy Community (WCHC) will host its 2nd annual Human Trafficking event on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., raising awareness about child online exploitation.
Sexual predators increasingly use online games as a means to easily gain access to and connect with children.
Learn more about keeping our youth safe while online by attending this free event at the South Island park pavilion in Wilmington.
It is open to parents from all towns. For more information, call WCHC's office at 815-476-1660.

Step back in time at a 1925 inspired Hallowe'en Party

Published by admin on Tue, 09/30/2025 - 3:46pm

Travel back to a time of flickering jack-o'-lanterns, candelabra-lit dinners, and ghostly games at a Hallowe'en celebration inspired by an actual party hosted in Wilmington nearly a century ago.
On Saturday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m., the library will be transformed for a Hallowe'en Party inspired by the legendary 1925 gathering hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Blake.

FLOATING FOR FREEDOM

Published by admin on Tue, 09/23/2025 - 4:00pm

Patriotic colors, waving flags, and the sound of “The Star-Spangled Banner” filled the air at The Quarry subdivision on Sept. 13, as more than 20 military veterans from the Manteno Veterans’ Home were honored with a river cruise during the fourth annual Floating for Freedom event.

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.