Wilmington

Outdoor areas set to open to the public

Published by admin on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 4:28pm

The stay-at-home order put in place by Gov. JB Pritzker in March will stick around until May 30, but with modifications.

The governor announced the changes last week.

One key change that could be a welcome one for folks itching to get outdoors is the plan to reopen some state parks for limited activities starting Friday, May 1.

The change will allow residents to visit select state parks, recreation areas, fish and wildlife areas and trails, provided visitors comply with social distancing guidelines and other COVID-19 best practices.

Summer concert series in Wilmington canceled

Published by admin on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 4:23pm

The Wilmington Area Community Band will remain silent during the summer.

Organizer Wes Smith sent out an email to members saying the 2020 season is being canceled due to the current Covid-19 situation

“This is a disappointment to many of us, but the safety of our members and audience is the priority at this time,” Smith said.

“With some of the startup expenses due soon (liability insurance) and the uncertainty of securing locations and permission for an audience to gather, we didn't think the odds were very good for practices or performances this summer.”

IDPH: 18 COVID-19 cases in Wilmington and Braidwood

Published by admin on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 3:21pm

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced on Monday 1,980 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 50 additional deaths. Deaths include three people in Will County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 70s, and 1 female 80s.

According to the map released on Monday by the IDPH, the total number of positive tests in the 60481 zip code are 12, out of 101 tests administered, a positive rate of 11.8% of those who have been tested.

Coronavirus cases reach 10 in Wilmington zip code

Published by admin on Sat, 04/25/2020 - 4:38pm

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 2,119 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois on Saturday, including 80 additional deaths. Those deaths include six in Will County: 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 males 80s.

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 41,777 cases, including 1,874 deaths, in 96 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.

Wilmington water rate hike to take place as planned

Published by admin on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 4:50pm

The city of Wilmington’s utility rate increase looks to go forward as planned.

Water and sewer rates are set to increase automatically by 2% in June. On April 15, the city’s water, sewer, streets and alleys committee held a discussion on that planned increase.

Members of the committee recognized that there have been calls for addressing payments due to the city during a time when many people are not working or bringing in their usual pay due to the current stay-at-home orders.

However, city officials said decisions on water rates are more complex.

Wilmington awards $2 million for intersection project

Published by admin on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 4:39pm

The city of Wilmington has approved a multi-million dollar bid for a long-awaited construction project at Route 53 and Wilmington-Peotone Road.

On April 7, members of the city council approved a bid from Austin Tyler Construction, Inc., in the amount of $2.6 million for a phased construction project at the Route 53/Wilmington-Peotone Road intersection.

That contract will include pavement removal, earth excavation, Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) and hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement, HMA resurfacing, curb and gutter, storm sewer, and traffic signals.

Winter storm advisory in effect Thursday night

Published by admin on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:39pm

The calendar may read mid-April, but we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to a visit from Old Man Winter.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for the area, with another late season round of accumulating snow expected Thursday night into early Friday.

The advisory goes into effect at 11 p.m. on April 16, and includes Will and Grundy Counties.

Family surprises Wilmington woman on her 93rd birthday

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 4:17pm

On her 93rd birthday, Ruby Green was not expecting to open her front door and see a parade of cars full of her favorite people with balloons and banners, honking and waving just for her.

But, when her family couldn’t physically be there to celebrate with her on her birthday on April 9 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they knew that that this was a way they could show her that they were thinking about her.

Green said she was sitting at home on her birthday when her granddaughter, Kristin, called and asked what she was doing.

Bishop to St. Rose: “My decision is final”

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 4:00pm

Signs have been popping up all around Wilmington in support of St. Rose School, and efforts to keep the 73-year-old institution open.

The announcement was made on March 30 that St. Rose would close in the 2020-2021 school year, merging with St. Joseph School in Manhattan.

The news kicked off a campaign from parishioners, alumni, community members and supporters of St. Rose who want to see the school remain open. They have created the Save St. Rose Task Force, and have sent letters to the Diocese of Joliet asking to reconsider the closure

Wilmington 209-U school board completes first remote meeting

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 3:51pm

The meeting was somewhat unconventional, but the Wilmington School District 209-U Board of Education was able to conduct business during a smooth transition to videoconferencing.

The school board’s first remote meeting was held on April 13, with five members attending via Zoom, while two members and the administration took part in the board meeting at the district headquarters behind the high school.

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Feeney told the board that remote learning for the district is going well.