News

Firefighters quick to knock out downtown basement fire.

Published by admin on Thu, 07/30/2026 - 3:03pm

At 4:28 p.m. on Monday July 27th the Wilmington Fire District responded to a reported structure fire at The Corner Tap located at 201 N. Water St. Upon arrival, a component on an electrical pole was on fire at the rear of 205 N Water St and 110 N Jackson St. with power lines down in the alley way South of Jackson St.

Fire District to place tax increase question on November ballot

Published by admin on Tue, 07/28/2026 - 6:00pm

The Braidwood Fire Protection District Board of Trustees voted July 21 to place a proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot asking voters to approve a 32-cent increase in the district's property tax rate.
The referendum will require a simple majority of voters to pass.
The proposal follows the district's "Planning for a Safer Future" community engagement initiative, which began in February.

AI is coming to Wilmington

Published by admin on Tue, 07/28/2026 - 6:00pm

Artificial intelligence-powered logistics giant Exol has confirmed plans to establish its Chicago-area fulfillment center in Wilmington, bringing one of the company's next-generation robotic logistics facilities to the city's rapidly growing industrial corridor.
Amber Rubin, Exol's senior account director, confirmed to the Free Press Advocate that the company's planned Chicago facility will be located at 30542 S. Elion Blvd., ending speculation fueled by city permit records and industry databases that link Exol to the site.

Residents want answers on Coal City data center plan

Published by admin on Tue, 07/28/2026 - 3:17pm

To some Coal City residents, something simply isn’t adding up.
Nearly two years after plans first surfaced for a massive data center campus, residents continue to question how one of the nation's largest data center developers came to the doorstep of their village and why so many preliminary decisions have moved forward before the public has seen detailed plans.
The corporation behind the proposal, Texas-based Aligned Data Centers, is one of the country's fastest-growing developers of large data centers.

Worker rescued from high sign tower near Interstate 55

Published by admin on Wed, 07/22/2026 - 11:34am

A worker stranded 130 feet high on a highway sign was rescued by the Wilmington Fire Protection District early Tuesday afternoon.

Fire District personnel responded to the intersection of Lorenzo Rd and the Southwest Frontage Rd at 1:55 p.m. to find that a contractor conducting work was stranded 12 stories high inside an enclosed sign structure toward the top of a sign pole. The telescopic boom lift used by the worker had malfunctioned and Fire District personnel were told he had been at the elevated position for around three hours. 

Berkot’s roundup results in $1,350 for VFW

Published by admin on Tue, 07/21/2026 - 4:27pm

Braidwood exploring ordinance targeting synthetic drugs

Published by admin on Tue, 07/21/2026 - 4:25pm

In slickly packaged, neon pouches with names like “Scooby Snax” and “Spice,” unregulated chemicals are displayed next to candy bars at friendly neighborhood gas stations and stores.
For years, chemists have managed to skirt the law by swapping one molecule for another, flooding Braidwood and nearby towns with legal but sometimes lethal chemical cocktails.

Gatties to lead Catfish Days parade

Published by admin on Tue, 07/21/2026 - 4:21pm

When this year's Wilmington Catfish Days parade steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday, two of the people who helped preserve one of the city's most recognizable Route 66 landmarks will be leading the way.
The Catfish Days Committee has named Sharon and Jerry Gatties as the 2026 Catfish Days Parade grand marshals in conjunction with this year's theme, "Cruisin' Route 66," celebrating the 100th anniversary of America's famed Mother Road.

Braidwood Summerfest kicks off Thursday

Published by admin on Tue, 07/14/2026 - 3:57pm

The only thing hotter than the weather this season will be the 45th Annual Braidwood Lions Club Summerfest rolling into town July 16-19. This year's theme, "100 Years of Mother Road Kicks," celebrates the centennial of historic Route 66—a highway that has long connected communities, travelers, and memories across America.
In Braidwood, the Mother Road is more than a ribbon of highway. It is part of the city's story. As Illinois joins communities across the nation in celebrating 100 years of Route 66,

Small Town Theatrics to present Parade, the musical

Published by admin on Tue, 07/14/2026 - 3:37pm

Coal City’s Small Town Theatrics will present Parade, the Tony Award-winning musical that tells a powerful and deeply moving true story of justice, prejudice and resilience, this weekend.