News

Final ride to fight cancer

Published by admin on Tue, 06/09/2026 - 4:27pm

The familiar rumble of motorcycle engines again filled North Water Street on Saturday as nearly 175 riders participating in the annual Ride4Life motorcycle rally rolled into Wilmington during the organization's 25th anniversary fundraising ride.
Motorcycles stretched the length of the downtown street as participants arrived aboard Harley-Davidsons, Indian motorcycles and Honda Goldwings, continuing a tradition that has become a highlight the first Saturday in June. But this will be the end as organizers said that after 25 years it was a final ride.

Where the wild things are

Published by admin on Tue, 06/09/2026 - 4:24pm

The wide rural spaces of Grundy County may not seem to be a likely destination for those seeking colorful tropical birds, saltwater fish or large reptiles, but that’s exactly what’s to be found at 3 Rivers Pets in Coal City.
The family-owned and operated business specializes in an assortment of unique creatures ranging from bearded dragons, desert agamas, and ball pythons to tarantulas, tortoises and moray eels. It’s also the go-to place for the specialized foods and equipment needed to care for such out-of-the-ordinary pets.

Sibling duo reels in memorable state finale

Published by admin on Tue, 06/09/2026 - 4:14pm

Reed-Custer's Casting Comets once again proved they belong among Illinois' elite high school bass fishing teams as siblings Mady Meyer and Nathan Banach represented the school at the 2026 IHSA Bass Fishing State Finals on Lake Shelbyville.
Competing alongside their coach and boat captain, Pete Banach, and Head Coach Connie Rutherford, the Comets battled through two days of competition against the state's top anglers after earning their spot through an impressive postseason run.

Wildcats one win away from repeat Sectional title

Published by admin on Thu, 06/04/2026 - 12:05pm

Wildcats One Win Away From Repeat Sectional Final Glory

HERSCHER — For the second straight season, Wilmington is headed to the sectional championship game.

Behind a masterful pitching performance from senior Dierks Geiss and timely offense throughout the lineup, the Wildcats defeated Manteno 6-2 Wednesday evening in the Class 2A Herscher Sectional semifinal.

Braidwood planning network for future bike and hike trails

Published by admin on Tue, 06/02/2026 - 3:59pm

Braidwood may soon offer walking and bicycle paths. While the project may not come to fruition for a few years, the city council has taken its first steps to making it a reality for residents.
Sidewalk gaps, missing trail connections, and future walkability improvements will soon be mapped out across Braidwood under a new Pedestrian and Bike Trail Master Plan approved May 26.
The initiative is designed to guide future infrastructure investments, improve connectivity throughout the city, and position Braidwood to compete for future transportation grants.

Wildcats capture third straight Regional crown

Published by admin on Tue, 06/02/2026 - 3:51pm

For four innings Saturday, it looked as though Wilmington and Coal City were headed for another tense postseason battle. Then the Wildcats exploded. Behind a dominant two-hit pitching performance from senior Ryan Kettman and a five-run fifth inning, third-seeded Wilmington rolled past Coal City 9-0 to claim its third consecutive regional championship and earn a trip to the Herscher Sectional. The victory was especially sweet for the Wildcats, who entered the game looking for revenge after Coal City defeated them twice during the regular season.

Construction on track for Hunter’s Run senior housing

Published by admin on Tue, 06/02/2026 - 3:44pm

Coal City continues to create housing opportunities for older adults with both established senior living communities and a significant new development currently under construction.
Leading the expansion is Hunter’s Run, a new $12 million senior townhouse community –– being developed by North Arrow Partners of Villa Park –– at the corner of West Maple Street and South Marguerite Street (600 Marguerite Circle). The project will add 44 single-story townhomes designed specifically for adults ages 55 and older.
Senior homelessness exploding

EPA warns you should stay indoors today

Published by admin on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:04pm

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Air Pollution Action Day for the Chicago Metropolitan area for Wednesday, May 27 due to elevated ozone pollution. The Action Day includes the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Lake, McHenry and Will. Regional air quality is expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG)/Orange category on the national Air Quality Index (AQI) today, May 26th, and is expected to extend into tomorrow, May 27th.

IDOT keeps Mastodon in prehistoric limbo

Published by admin on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 4:02pm

By Rose Panieri
Staff Writer
Dave Smith has a mammoth-sized headache. He can’t sleep. On the very worst days, he finds himself close to tears.
Smith, CEO of Ridgeway Petroleum in Lansing, is an experienced gas station developer. The latest jewel in his crown is the Mastodon station nearing completion in Braidwood. Mastodon was scheduled to open for business on June 1, but odds are that will not happen.
The station is currently mired in the tar pits of Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT).

River kayak launch completed

Published by admin on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 3:59pm

Area residents heading into a holiday weekend got some refreshing news as Wilmington officially opened a new North Island kayak launch, a project city officials say expands recreation opportunities along the Kankakee River.
“This amazing new launch is 100% ADA accessible and also features a wheelchair transfer station for those needing assistance,” Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz said in a public update announcing the opening. “The project also includes a new parking lot and path to the launch.”