Free Press Advocate

Turning on those Friday night Lights

Published by admin on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 4:31pm

Local veterans take on PTSD, suicide

Published by admin on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 4:36pm

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to raise awareness about the staggering suicide rates among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) and what we can do to reduce veteran suicide by removing the stigma of asking for help.
As part of this effort the national American Legion established the “Be the One” program as a way that veterans can help other veterans.

I-55 project a game changer for growth, jobs

Published by admin on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 4:03pm

At one time, anything south of Route 59 on Interstate 55 was considered the “wild blue yonder,” with little on the horizon except corn and soybean fields.
Ready or not, that will soon change forever. The Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) has masterminded a project that will open the west side of Wilmington to commerce and industry, and ultimately, growth.

Locals convince county board to reject solar project

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 4:00pm

Green energy is good energy, or so we’ve been told. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker agrees. In 2021, the governor signed legislation into law that puts Illinois on a path toward 100 percent clean energy by 2050. In 2023, Pritzker signed a law preempting counties to enact ordinances that prohibit wind and solar projects.
But, at what point does state law interfere with the right of quiet enjoyment of property by land owners or tenants?
This is the story of three individuals who stood up to big government and big business, and so far have won.
The contenders

Wilmington firefighters quick to put out attic fire

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 3:58pm

On Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 7:46 a.m., Wilmington Fire Protection District personnel were called to 29040 S. Route 53 north of Wilmington for a reported structure fire.
Based on dispatch information received, a Full Still level response requesting mutual aid was requested immediately while enroute to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a 2 1/2-story single family residence with smoke and fire coming from the attic 1/2 story level. Wilmington firefighters, receiving assistance from several surrounding agencies, quickly extinguished the fire.

Here's what you need to run for mayor or city council

Published by admin on Tue, 08/13/2024 - 3:54pm

The City of Wilmington will hold a Consolidated Election on April 1, 2025 to determine who will serve the next four years as mayor, city clerk, and four alderpersons.
The is election will be for the seats held by Mayor Ben Dietz, and alderpersons Ryan Jeffries (1st ward), Ryan Knight (2nd), Jonathan Mietzner (3rd), and Tom Smith (4th).
Information and petition forms will be available at Wilmington City Hall, 1165 S. Water Street beginning Aug. 20.

Body of missing woman found at state park

Published by admin on Tue, 08/06/2024 - 3:54pm

The search for Jennifer Tannhauser, 41, of Wilmington came to an unfortunate end on July 31, when her remains were discovered by searchers in the Kankakee River State Park.
Tannhauser had been missing from her Wilmington home on July 10. The next day, her vehicle was found in the fisherman’s parking lot on Warner Bridge Road.
Tannhauser’s remains were discovered by searchers just after 2 p.m. in a heavily wooded area west of Warner Bridge Road in Will County.

Author’s otherworldly experience leads to MGM film deal

Published by admin on Tue, 08/06/2024 - 3:51pm

Gina Wysocki is a thoroughly modern woman whose soul lies in yesteryear. She's a fossil hunter, historian, and author. She has written two books. The first book is the fruit of her years as a historian and is strictly non-fiction. The second is also non-fiction. Though the book is autobiographical in nature, it reads like a horror story.

Largest solar facility in Will County coming to Custer, Reed Townships

Published by admin on Tue, 07/30/2024 - 3:26pm

One of the largest solar energy sites in the county is coming to town. If approved by Will County, the nearly 3,600 acre industrial solar site will be built on 63 parcels ranging from 5 acres to 160 acres in Custer and Reed townships.

Fee Day Aug. 7 for all Wilmington students

Published by admin on Tue, 07/30/2024 - 3:01pm

Fee Day for returning Wilmington School District 209-U students who have not pre-registered or paid their school fees will be held Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Parents are asked to report to their child's attendance center, beginning with the oldest child, to complete on-line registration.
Complete school physicals for students entering pre-school, early childhood, kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades should be presented to the school nurse during these times.