Free Press Advocate

Wilmington 209-U stays within its budget

Published by admin on Tue, 09/19/2023 - 4:43pm

Finances for Wilmington School District 209-U look to be in good shape, following the audit of the fiscal year that concluded on June 30. On Sept. 11, Tawnya Mack, CPA and Partner with Mack & Associates, delivered to the members of the board of education the results of the 2023 fiscal year (FY23), which concluded on June 30. The audit shows that the district’s general fund, which is comprised of educational, operations and maintenance, and working cash funds, ended the year with a fund balance of $15.5 million.

Changes coming to Wilmington’s South Island Park

Published by admin on Tue, 09/19/2023 - 4:41pm

The city of Wilmington has settled on a spot for its new Route 66 monument sign. And the decision looks to come with some attractive changes for the South Island Park.

The City Council was expected to approve two measures this week regarding the monument, which were each discussed at length at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Committee of the Whole.

WPD continues to fill out roster

Published by admin on Tue, 09/19/2023 - 4:37pm

The Wilmington Police Department is continuing its efforts to fill empty slots on its roster.

The department has been shorthanded over the past several months due to retirements and leave of several members.

On Sept. 12, Wilmington Police Chief Adam Zink reported to the members of the Committee of the Whole that another officer is expected to be selected for employment this month, with two more potential new hires on the horizon.

Seat opens up on 209-U school board

Published by admin on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 4:49pm

Lisa Holmes has resigned her seat on the Wilmington CUSD 209U Board of Education to fill a secretary’s position at the Steven’s Intermediate School.

The members of the board of education accepted Holmes’ resignation during their regular monthly meeting on Sept. 11.

Holmes began a 4-year term on the board this past spring following the April election, but was recently hired to move back into the school setting. A 1990 graduate of WHS, Holmes spent almost 20 years working in the front office at the high school.

Fixes on the way following SIS upgrade project

Published by admin on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 4:48pm

It’s rare to complete a multi-million dollar project without a few kinks.

And the improvements at Stevens Intermediate School are no exception.

On Sept. 11, Wilmington School District 209-U Superintendent Kevin Feeney gave his monthly report to the members of the board of education, which included just a couple of issues to be smoothed out with the SIS project, a massive overhaul of the building’s 30 year old heating and air conditioning system as well as additional upgrades to the building.

Electronics dropoff event Thursday in Wilmington

Published by admin on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 4:45pm

Will County’s free electronics drop-off event will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5-7 p.m. at the Wilmington City Hall parking lot, 1165 S. Water St.

Participants are reminded to remain in their vehicles at all times, show ID by holding it to the window for staff to see and then allow staff to remove items without assistance from each vehicle.

Wilmington continues as part of Heritage Corridor Destinations

Published by admin on Tue, 08/22/2023 - 5:12pm

The city of Wilmington has re-upped for another year as a member of Heritage Corridor Destinations Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The city became a member of the Heritage Corridor last year. City administrator Jeannine Smith said the investment has paid off.

Since joining Heritage Corridor, Wilmington has already been awarded two grants. The first grant, totaling roughly $250,000, was used to pay for the city’s new downtown parking lot and installation of the two electric vehicle charging stations.

Wilmington to homeowners: Keep your trees and shrubs maintained

Published by admin on Tue, 08/22/2023 - 5:11pm

Residents in Wilmington who don’t take care of their overgrown grass, shrubs, and trees now have less time to get into compliance before the city hands out a fine.

On Aug. 15, the members of the City Council approved an ordinance to amend the city’s regulations on the removal of “nuisance greenery” on properties in town.

Nuisance greenery is addressed in Chapter 91 of the city’s code of ordinances, which defines nuisance greenery under four categories:

• Weeds and grass in excess of eight inches in height

County work on West River Road lands Wilmington a bill

Published by admin on Tue, 08/22/2023 - 5:09pm

The city of Wilmington will pay nearly $350,000 for a project that city officials aren’t too keen on.

On Aug. 15, the City Council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for proposed improvements on West River Road.

The Will County Department of Transportation is reconstructing West River Road from Route 53 to Coal City Road, despite the fact that the road was recently resurfaced.

Because the project will impact the city’s sidewalks and water lines that fall in that area, the city is responsible for replacement.

Wilmington’s golf cart ordinance amended, but not yet on the books

Published by admin on Tue, 08/22/2023 - 5:07pm

Residents who own golf carts in the city of Wilmington will be able to legally drive those vehicles across Route 53.

But not just yet.

Earlier in August, the Wilmington City Council’s Committee of the Whole held a discussion on changing the language in the city’s ordinance on golf carts to allow them to pass over state-owned roads.