Free Press Advocate

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.”

On the radio Thursday morning, Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz answered the million-dollar question: When will the Gemini Giant make his grand re-entry?
But first, a little suspense with details about the work that’s been done to prepare the “launch pad” at the entrance of the South Island Park, and what’s being planned for a re-entry celebration.
The city has created a destination on the Mother Road with a walking path, Route 66 photo op, new digital sign board, dedicated parking and landscaping with native plants. The giant will stand atop a giant Route 66 shield.

The landscaping is installed, the concrete pad is in place and Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz has teased that he has a confirmed date for the return of the Gemini Giant. When the Route 66 icon returns, can he be expected to stay a while?
The Gemini Giant is currently on loan to the city of Wilmington for a period of two years.
With a bid of $275,000, the Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) won the giant at auction on March 20, and had it removed from its home of nearly 60 years that very afternoon.