COVID-19

In-school learning scrapped for remainder of year

Published by admin on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 4:48pm

Hope that students would be able to return to their classrooms this academic school year were dashed late last week, as Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday that Illinois’ public and private schools will remain shuttered for the rest of the school year.

The move means the state’s 2 million K-12 students will finish up the year via remote learning.

Wilmington 209-U Superintendent Dr. Matt Swick informed students and their families on Friday via email.

Illinois schools to remain closed for academic year

Published by admin on Fri, 04/17/2020 - 3:29pm

Illinois students will not return to their classrooms for the remainder of the school year.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced on April 17 that schools will remain shuttered for the rest of the academic year, and remote learning will continue for all pre-k through 12th grade students.

“I’ve said time and time again, our decisions must follow the science, and the science says our students can’t go back to their normal routine this school year,” Pritzker said.

Family surprises Wilmington woman on her 93rd birthday

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 4:17pm

On her 93rd birthday, Ruby Green was not expecting to open her front door and see a parade of cars full of her favorite people with balloons and banners, honking and waving just for her.

But, when her family couldn’t physically be there to celebrate with her on her birthday on April 9 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they knew that that this was a way they could show her that they were thinking about her.

Green said she was sitting at home on her birthday when her granddaughter, Kristin, called and asked what she was doing.

Wilmington leaders see the positive in pandemic response

Published by admin on Tue, 04/14/2020 - 4:02pm

Day-to-day life has changed across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Wilmington is no different.

This week, the Will County Health Department announced that so far, seven cases of the novel coronavirus had been diagnosed in the 60481 area code.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), cases in the state of Illinois have topped 23,000, with more than 860 deaths.

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.

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 deputy tests positive for COVID-19

Published by admin on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 2:52pm

Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley announced on April 6 that one of his deputies tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

This is the first Sheriff’s employee who has been reported with the virus, according to a press release issued by the department.

The male deputy is a member of the Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit and began experiencing symptoms 10 days ago, the release noted.
The deputy is at home and has self-quarantined since then.