News

The Wilmington Fire District was called to the 600 block of South Outer Dr.  around 1 p.m. on Monday for a reported structure fire. 

Based on dispatch information received, a Full Still level response for mutual aid was requested while enroute to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the front overhead garage door and back of the residence with fire also coming from the rear of the home. 

It was a busy Tuesday at Reed-Custer High School and Mark Smith, the school’s Industrial Arts teacher, was everywhere at once. Smith reigns over the AutoCad and 3D printer lab, guitar workshop, and woodworking shop. In his world, there is no such thing as a slow day.
His students and coworkers refer to Smith affectionately as “Chief,” and it appears he has earned the moniker.

With the holiday season on the horizon, and people need cash to buy gifts, expect thievery to begin in earnest.
There have been multiple reports of cars being broken into in Wilmington.
On the Wilmington IL Community Group, there were posts from residents who claim their car was broken into or may have been tampered with.
Jerine Nicole said her car was targeted. “I didn’t lock up,” she said. “They got a few bucks is all.”
Josie Russell was also a victim. “Yes, on Bremer Street,” she posted, “Left cigarette ash everywhere and took my change.”

A house fire in the 800 block of Crystal Lane in Diamond claimed the lives of two members of the same family on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is reporting the death of Charles W. “Bill” Tabler, Jr., 63, and his son, Alex Tabler, 26, who tragically died as a result of the blaze. Betty Tabler and Dan Tabler, were hospitalized, their condition currently unknown. The Coal City Fire Protection District reported that at 5:56 a.m. it was dispatched to the home on Crystal Lane.