Wilmington

Wilmington City Council approves rules for holding offsite meetings

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 3:45pm

The Wilmington City Council has approved rules for members’ participation in meetings through electronic conferencing.

But, the rules don’t specifically affect how the city is operating currently; rather, the ordinance will allow the city to continue to operate via electronic means should the COVID-19 pandemic necessitate such meetings longer than the state’s current guidelines for social distancing, or for additional reasons where members cannot attend.

Our Caring Closet asks public to hold donations

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 3:33pm

Our Caring Closet in Wilmington is currently closed due to the stay-at-home orders in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local non-profit is currently only providing emergency clothing and household goods by request.

Residents can call or text their needs to Our Caring Closest, and volunteers will pick out supplies and bag them. Pick up is then arranged at the front, a process that organizers said is working well so far.

But, while the public may be eager to help, Our Caring Closet has asked for those who want to donate items to hold off, for now.

Zoning decision on vacant lot kicked down the road

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 2:50pm

The city of Wilmington’s zoning board has asked one resident to try a little harder with plans to build a home on a vacant lot.

Gary Van Duyne came before the zoning board on April 2, seeking a variance to build a single family home on a vacant lot at Oak and Pearl Streets.

Van Duyne does not yet own the lot, but has plans to purchase the 165 feet by 82.5 feet property and place a ranch home on the site, if the city allows him to alter the setbacks allowed by code. Van Duyne is asking for a front setback from 30 feet to 20 feet, and a rear setback from 25 feet to 15 feet.

Start of remote learning looks positive for 209-U, but the future is uncertain

Published by admin on Tue, 04/07/2020 - 3:44pm

Students in Wilmington School District 209-U are settling into a new normal, with remote learning now mandated for all schools in the state through April 30.

With the first several days of the new learning plan under their belts, district officials said so far, so good.

Superintendent Dr. Matt Swick said the initial rollout of remote learning has been positive.

Wilmington meetings moved to online platform

Published by admin on Tue, 04/07/2020 - 3:41pm

The city of Wilmington will continue to conduct public business as scheduled, but it will hardly be business as usual.

The city will conduct public meetings of the city council and its related committees electronically via Zoom, an online meeting portal.

The city’s workshop, city council, and commission meetings will be held remotely in an effort to keep the community safe.

Those hard-hit showing up at Kuzma Care

Published by admin on Tue, 04/07/2020 - 3:39pm

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home order put in place by Gov. JB Pritzker have forced residents to cut back on spending, with companies cutting workers’ hours and a record number of folks applying for unemployment benefits.

But in Wilmington, Kuzma Care Cottage remains fully operational, there to assist the public when it comes to stocking their pantries with nutritious foods and household goods.

Kuzma Care Cottage director Heather Hobbs said the non-for-profit is urging the public to take advantage of what Kuzma can offer during uncertain times.

Will County earns cash for drug prevention

Published by admin on Tue, 10/16/2018 - 6:57pm

The Will County Sheriff’s Office has an additional resource for its drug prevention efforts.

On Oct. 11, sheriff’s office social worker Bonnie McPhillips made a presentation in front of the Will County Board Executive Committee, announcing that the department-supported coalition, the Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, is the recipient of a $125,000 federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Grant.

Coalers, Comets win; 'Cats in trouble

Published by admin on Sat, 09/22/2018 - 12:22pm

 

Transportation fix? Don’t count on it

Published by admin on Tue, 09/04/2018 - 6:21pm

Congress gets set to head back to work following the August recess, and representatives will duke it out when it comes to getting their issue pushed to the top of the list.

One issue that isn’t likely to see much action is transportation — bad news for drivers fed up with crumbling roads and backed up lanes in Will and Grundy counties.

Earlier this month, U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger, R-16, said there was little good news when it comes to federal funds allocated for work to improve the area’s roadways, particularly the Interstate 55 and Interstate 80 corridors.

It pays to go fishing!

Published by admin on Fri, 06/29/2018 - 11:53am

For the next 10 days, it very well could pay to do a little fishing in the Kankakee River. That's because the 35th annual Kankakee River Valley Fishing Derby is underway, offering thousands of dollars in prizes to pre-registered anglers who land any  95 tagged fish that are worth $500 or more in cash and/or merchandise.