Free Press Advocate

Thanks Coach Floyd

Published by admin on Tue, 04/21/2026 - 4:24pm

For nearly four decades, Floyd Combes has been a constant presence on local ballfields — coaching, organizing, building and, most importantly, shaping generations of young athletes.
On Saturday, the Wilmington Baseball Softball Association recognized his lifelong commitment, naming Combes the grand marshal and honoree for its Opening Day festivities.
For Combes, the honor was both humbling and reflective.
“Oh, I am very honored,” he said. “I moved here almost 37 years ago, and hopefully I’ve made an impression on the people in Wilmington.”

Work starts for Wilmington kayak launch

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2026 - 3:52pm

Earth moving has begun for a new kayak launch and parking lot on the North Island Park.
A crew from Austin Tyler Company began moving dirt for the enhanced parking lot that will be near the north tip of the park. The project has been two years in the making after the city originally rejected a possible grant in the summer of 2021 fearing liability if someone drowned.

Will County committee deadlocks on mega solar project

Published by admin on Tue, 04/07/2026 - 4:00pm

A 6,100-acre solar development proposed for Will County remains undecided after the Will County Land Use and Development Committee split in a tied vote of 3-3, following weeks of intense public scrutiny and testimony.
The project, known as the Pride of the Prairie Solar Complex (Zoning case ZC-25-129) and proposed by Earthrise Energy, would span approximately 6,100 acres across 96 properties in Manhattan, Green Garden and Wilton townships, generally southeast of the Village of Manhattan, and including properties on Wilmington-Peotone Road.

Walleye Roundup again hits record pace on the Kankakee

Published by admin on Tue, 03/31/2026 - 12:49pm

What once took hours now takes minutes.
For the second straight year, biologists with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources needed little more than a single pass along the Kankakee River to collect all the walleye needed for their hatchery program — a sign that decades of careful management are paying off in a big way.
Last Thursday, the crew launched their electrofishing boat near the Wilmington pool and quickly got to work. Within just 15 minutes, enough broodstock had been gathered to supply the LaSalle Fish Hatchery for the season.

City taking a hard look at improving roads

Published by admin on Tue, 03/24/2026 - 3:33pm

The City of Wilmington is moving forward with a series of infrastructure upgrades, public safety initiatives and community event plans.
Among the most significant developments is progress on the city’s Fiscal Year 2027 road program, a roughly $500,000 investment targeting priority street repairs. Construction is expected to begin in May and conclude by early August, pending IDOT approval.

Auto overturns into ditch during two-car crash

Published by admin on Wed, 03/18/2026 - 4:10pm

The Wilmington Fire District responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries reported near the intersection of Lorenzo Rd and Will Rd shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 17.

While enroute, Wilmington Fire units received additional dispatch information advising one vehicle was upside down in a ditch filled with water. Based on additional dispatch information received enroute regarding the severity of the crash, Lifestar medical helicopter was requested to be placed on standby.

Library adds privacy booth for quiet conversations

Published by admin on Tue, 03/17/2026 - 4:12pm

Quiet has always been expected in libraries. But inside the Wilmington Public Library, silence has never been easy to achieve.
Housed inside a former church with a high ceiling and open floor plan, the building tends to carry sound throughout the space.
“This building, you can hear everything,” said library director Maria Meachum. “When people say ‘use indoor voices,’ you might as well not bother, because they can hear you whisper too.”
Because of that design, the library has long felt more like a community gathering space than a traditional silent reading room.

D Construction awarded $18.9M to build rail overpass

Published by admin on Tue, 03/10/2026 - 7:00pm

Those who drive busy Lorenzo Road in Wilmington will soon see a major improvement to one of the region’s most frequently delayed railroad crossings.
BNSF Railway has awarded an $18.9 million construction contract to D Construction, Inc. of Coal City to replace the existing at-grade railroad crossing on Lorenzo Road with a new overpass bridge.
The project will carry vehicles above the busy BNSF rail line, eliminating the need for traffic to stop for passing trains, thus eliminating the frustration of long delays.

D Construction awarded $18.9M to build rail overpass

Published by admin on Tue, 03/10/2026 - 7:00pm

Those who drive busy Lorenzo Road in Wilmington will soon see a major improvement to one of the region’s most frequently delayed railroad crossings.
BNSF Railway has awarded an $18.9 million construction contract to D Construction, Inc. of Coal City to replace the existing at-grade railroad crossing on Lorenzo Road with a new overpass bridge.
The project will carry vehicles above the busy BNSF rail line, eliminating the need for traffic to stop for passing trains, thus eliminating the frustration of long delays.

Time to get your $5 prom dress

Published by admin on Tue, 03/03/2026 - 2:23pm

Excitement is building as the beloved annual prom dress sale—Melissa’s Closet & Crystal’s Jewelry Box—takes place Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Godley Park District gymnasium, 500 S. Kankakee St.
Laurie Becker, marketing director for Whitmore Ace Hardware has coordinated the event for more than 15 years. She’s anticipating crowds of budget-conscious girls and moms on Saturday.