Free Press Advocate

A Grand Slam Christmas: Second grader gifted massive baseball card collection

Published by admin on Tue, 01/06/2026 - 3:25pm

A letter to Santa written by a Steven’s Intermediate School second grader did more than make it onto the front page of the Free Press Advocate, it set a chain of generosity in motion that turned one young baseball fan’s Christmas break into something he will remember for a lifetime.
The Free Press Advocate featured 20 unedited letters to Santa on the front page of its Dec. 24 edition, showcasing the curiosity and holiday wishes of local second graders.

Football heroes, new hotel, hit and run death mark 2025

Published by admin on Tue, 12/30/2025 - 12:13pm

The year 2025 was one of mixed blessings for the City of Wilmington. From the highs of the South Island Park playground to the lows of finding the unmarked grave of a newborn and the hit and run death of a resident, the year was one of ups and downs.
December
Wildcats play Santa

Mao, who saved partner’s life, was a crime fighter for 8 years

Published by admin on Tue, 12/23/2025 - 12:47pm

On a muggy night in July of 2019, Wilmington Police Sgt. Kristopher Hopper and his partner were out patrolling. Hopper, the more experienced of the pair, was at the wheel of the squad, while his partner, Officer Mao, remained silent, keenly observing the world around him.
Cruising the north end of town, Hopper spotted a shadowy form creeping around the lot of the Launching Pad. As he pulled into the lot, a frisson of anxiety hit him in the gut.

Elwood District names Swick as superintendent

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 1:33pm

The Elwood CCSD 203 Board of Education is pleased to welcome Dr. Matt Swick as the next Superintendent of Elwood Schools.
Dr. Swick was approved last week during the regular Board Meeting and will begin his new role on July 1, 2026 following the retirement of Tim Page on June 30.
Dr. Swick is currently served as the assistant superintendent at Wilmington School District 209U.
“I am truly humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the students, families and staff of Elwood as the next Superintendent,” Dr. Swick said in a press release.

Pair arrested after infant’s body found buried in backyard

Published by admin on Tue, 12/09/2025 - 2:31pm

A Wilmington woman and Manhattan man were charged with desecration of a corpse after the remains of an infant girl were discovered buried on property in the 1900 block of Roberts Street in Wilmington.
Nicole L. Pokrzywa, 36, of Wilmington, and William Cosmen, 38, of Manhattan were taken into custody in Will County Adult Detention Facility on Saturday, Dec. 5, and later charged with the abuse of a corpse.
Detectives learned Pokrzywa, the mother of the infant, had given birth in Oct. 2024.
At this time, it is not known whether Cosmen is the father of the child.

Dominant 'Cats

Published by admin on Tue, 12/02/2025 - 5:02pm

Fitting that a defense that had allowed only 15 points in four playoff games got the ball rolling for Wilmington (13-1) in Friday's Class 2A championship game against Maroa-Forsyth (11-3) in Normal.
Defensive back Billy Moore intercepted a pass at the Wilmington 25 and five plays later, he broke away for a 43-yard touchdown run and an early 7-0 lead.
The 'Cats would score on every first half possession and roll to a 42-6 win for their fourth championship in school history.

Kuzma Care named Chamber’s 2025 Member of the Year

Published by admin on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 4:02pm

Kuzma Care Cottage will be recognized as the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year, serving as the grand marshal of this year’s Christmas parade on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. on Water Street.
Heather Hobbs, director of the food pantry said that the recognition is a humbling reminder of the strength of our community and the impact that can be made when neighbors come together with compassion and purpose.

Wilmington Park District planning biggest Christkindl Market yet

Published by admin on Tue, 11/18/2025 - 3:52pm

Wilmington is kicking off the holiday season in a big way on Saturday, Nov. 29, with a bigger than ever Christkindl Market, classic Christmas movies, ice carving demonstration, holiday parade and the North Island lighted Christmas walk.
It’s hopeful the town will be celebrating a state championship football trophy too.
The Wilmington Park District has over 45 vendors signed up so far, so many that the Christkindlmarket is being expanded across the mill race.

Mudpuppies search may lead to vanished mussel

Published by admin on Tue, 11/11/2025 - 3:17pm

Sarah Douglass is a malacologist––a scientist who studies mollusks with the University of Illinois’s Illinois Natural History Survey in Urbana-Champaign.
In Oct. 2024, Douglass and her colleagues made a once in a lifetime discovery, locating a mussel that hasn’t been seen in Illinois in well over a century.
After more than seven hours of scouring the slippery Sangamon River bottom, salamander mussel were discovered tucked under cement slabs.

Mayor: Hotel would fill serious need

Published by admin on Tue, 10/28/2025 - 4:19pm

Wilmington may be getting a new hotel. The proposed facility will be four-stories with 126 rooms. It will be located across the street from the new Love’s gas station on Illinois 53.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Wilmington Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider testimony from the petitioner. All persons interested in attending will have an opportunity to speak.