Free Press Advocate

Business license fees get final approval

Published by admin on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 5:20pm

After more than a year of discussions among the city council and with local business leaders, the city has finally signed off on a new fee structure for business licenses.

The ordinance repealed 15 separate definitions of businesses, each that carried different prices and definitions for those annual licenses.

The city instead implemented a fee structure based on the size of the establishment.

The new annual fees are as follows:

Wilmington PD on the lookout for summer speedsters

Published by admin on Tue, 07/18/2023 - 4:48pm

It goes without saying that one should always obey the speed limit. But for those drivers who prefer to put the pedal to the metal, the Wilmington Police Department is keeping an extra eye out on you this month.

On July 11, WPD Chief Adam Zink told the members of the Committee of the Whole that the department is upping patrols through the end of the month, specifically for traffic and speed enforcement.

Dairy farm connected them with community

Published by admin on Tue, 07/18/2023 - 4:46pm

Few families are as qualified as the Hazzards to serve as Grand Marshals of the “Down on the Farm” Catfish Days parade.

For 30 years the Hazzard Dairy provided the community with wholesome milk and dairy products where Wilmington Middle School stands today. Former Hazzard farmland has been turned into city subdivisions and school grounds. And early ancestors even served in city government. Hazzard kin has been living in Wilmington for nearly 170 years.

Wilmington works on development of comprehensive, parks plans

Published by admin on Tue, 07/18/2023 - 4:44pm

The city of Wilmington is looking to create a new comprehensive plan.

But first, the price needs to be right.

On July 11, city administrator Jeannine Smith gave an update to the Committee of the Whole on the effort to customize and develop that plan. The city’s planning and zoning board first began discussions on updating the plan back in January 2022.

Wilmington City Council works on annual budget

Published by admin on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 3:30pm

The new fiscal year is already more than two months old. But the members of the Wilmington City Council continue to chip away at revenue and expenditure needs, hoping to soon pass an appropriations ordinance outlining spending from May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 (FY24).

The mayor and aldermen held a third special meeting of the finance committee on July 5 to work on the budget.

Long awaited road projects coming to Wilmington, Will County

Published by admin on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 3:28pm

Plans to address much needed road work not just locally but across the state have finally started to take shape.

On July 5, Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz told members of the City Council that he hoped to have information on local road repairs by the end of the week.

True to his word, Dietz announced plans to address more roads than expected within the city limits.

Wilmington City Council approves agreement for police training

Published by admin on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 3:26pm

Delayed a day due to the 4th of July holiday, the members of the Wilmington City Council held a quick meeting on July 5, taking care of just a few items on the city’s to-do list.

On that list was unanimous approval of an intergovernmental agreement with Mobile Training Region #16 (MTU 16).

A lifetime of volunteering inspires group to donate $5,000 in her honor

Published by admin on Mon, 07/03/2023 - 2:09pm

The Women of Wilmington, a small dedicated group who give to community causes, are so inspired by the volunteerism of Sheryl Puracchio that they’ve donated $5,000 for the purchase of playground equipment for the inclusive playground project in her honor.

Women of Wilmington chose to honor Puracchio because of her lifetime of service and volunteerism. Her passion is evident

Leadership changes at Wilmington School Dist. 209-U

Published by admin on Mon, 07/03/2023 - 2:06pm

As the Wilmington School District officially enters its new fiscal year, there’s been a change at the helm in the district’s administrative offices.

As of July 1, Kevin Feeney is now the District 209-U Superintendent, swapping seats with Dr. Matt Swick who will take over as Assistant Superintendent.

Over the past seven years, the pair have been the top two administrators in the district, with Swick in the superintendent’s chair and Feeney serving as the assistant.

Dole named Wilmington's new Deputy Police Chief

Published by admin on Tue, 06/27/2023 - 4:43pm

The Wilmington Police Department has a new Deputy Chief.

On June 20, Mayor Ben Dietz swore Sgt. Justin Dole into the new leadership position, after being recommended for the role by Chief Adam Zink.

Dole has served as the second in command with the department since January, performing many of the administrative duties consistent with those of a Deputy Chief