Mayor Ben Dietz

05/21/2026

The Kayak Launch is Open!

As we head into the holiday weekend I wanted to provide some updates on the various projects on the Island Parks.

The kayak launch is officially open and ready for use. This amazing new launch is 100% ADA accessible and also features a wheelchair transfer station for those needing assistance. The project also includes a new parking lot and path to the launch.

On the South Island you will notice our new walking path installation is well under way. This path will connect the far south of the Island to the new playground and utimately to the North Island concession stand. Part of this project will also pave the parking in front of the pavillion as well as connect to the new playground.

Next week, construction will begin on the demolition and reconstruction of the concrete pad at the concession stand on North Island.

I wanted to thank our residents for your input on the playground design and parks plan as well as your patience with us on delivering these improvements. Together, these project represent over $1.2 Million dollars of investment into our parks. We're not stopping there though, just taking the summer off to enjoy our parks! All of these projects will be completed prior to our annual Let Freedom Rock party on June 26th.

Have a great weekend and get out and enjoy your city!

05/18/2026

It's National Public Works Week!

Huge thank you to our Public Works team for everything they do 24/7/365 to keep our community moving forward!

05/16/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

I wish nothing but the absolute best for all of you. Our schools have provided an excellent foundation for you to build on. Follow your passions, work hard, and take time along the way to enjoy life.

Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.

05/14/2026

A huge thank you to VFW Post 5422! Tonight they raised $1,000 for the City of Wilmington Police Department Benevolent Fund.

Tomorrow, flags around the county will be at half staff to honor police officers and their families around the county whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you to our first responders for everything you do for our community!

05/12/2026

National Police Week 2026 | Honoring Our Heroes

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week.

During this week, we honor and remember the courageous law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and protection of others. Their service, bravery, and legacy will never be forgotten.

On Wednesday, join me at the VFW during their Queen of Hearts raffle from 6-8 as we raise funds for the Police Benevolent Fund. Up for grabs will be two of our brand new Wilmington PD badges designed in-house by two of our own officers!

On Friday, please stop by Dunkin Donuts in Diamond for their Cop on a Rooftop event benefiting Illinois Special Olympics.

05/07/2026

Come support our City of Wilmington Police Department tomorrow night!

05/02/2026

Beautiful day to enjoy downtown Wilmington. 100 vendors and food trucks lined up downtown.

Stop down at the parking lot to see the Park Districts brand new mobile stage! That new stage is amazing!!

Enjoy Wilmington!

05/01/2026

Great time being on with WCSJ Radio Morris,IL The Voice of Grundy County this morning with some of our local Route 66 Mayors on everything going on this weekend along Route 66. Looking forward to a great weekend!

Make sure to tune in here at 9:13 as
Gardner Mayor Mike Serena, Wilmington Mayor Ben Dietz, Braidwood Mayor Todd Lyons and Godley Mayor Cheryl Schott will be talking about what activities each town will have for the 100 Anniversary of the Route 66. The Red Carpet Corridor event will be happening this weekend.

04/28/2026

🚧 DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC CHANGES 🚧

As part of the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor event celebrating Route 66’s 100th anniversary, downtown streets will be closed on Saturday, May 2nd.

Once the event wraps up and roads reopen that afternoon, there will be an important change to downtown traffic:

• Van Buren Street from Water Street to Main Street will become one way westbound only

• Jackson Street from Water Street to Main Street will become one way eastbound only

This change is being made to improve traffic flow through downtown and increase visibility and safety for vehicles entering and leaving the area.

Over the next few days, City Crew will be installing new signs. These will be covered until the change officially takes effect the evening of May 2nd.

Also new:
• No parking will be allowed on the north side of Van Buren Street to ensure emergency vehicles have proper access downtown.

Please use caution when traveling through the area and watch for updated signage.

04/27/2026

Proud to be featured all over the official Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Visitors Guide!

Order your copy today or send one to a friend.

https://illinoisroute66.org/maps-brochures/ -form