Category: South Wilmington

Dennis R. Tkachik, 76, passed away at his second home on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Born on June 2, 1950, in Joliet, Illinois, Dennis was the son of John and Pearl (Lacore) Tkachik. He attended Gardner-South Wilmington High School in…

GSWB Baseball Camp Open to boys entering 5th-8th grade at Gardner, Braceville, South Wilmington, MVK, and Dwight.

Gardner Area Band Returns Home After Memorable New Orleans Tour The Gardner Area Band recently returned from an unforgettable four-day trip to New Orleans, where students combined musical performance, cultural exploration, and educational experiences in one of America’s most historic…

The GSW varsity defeated Dwight by a score of 7-0 in the Regopnal playoff game. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E Dwight 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 GSW 0 4 2…

GARDNER SOUTH WILMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR MICHAEL LEONE NAMED QUARTERFINALIST FOR 2026 MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD PRESENTED BY THE RECORDING ACADEMY AND GRAMMY MUSEUM   Gardner South Wilmington High School Band Director Michael Leone has been named a quarterfinalist for…

  May 9 The Tigers finished the season strong at the LaSalle Peru 16 team Sectional.  Led by our 8th graders, who all season long demonstrated fierce determination and sportsmanship, pushed the Tigers to finish with several PR’s despite the wind.  The…

The Gardner Area Band, under the direction of Mr. Michael Leone, is proud to announce its upcoming performance at the prestigious National Festival of the States in New Orleans, Louisanna.  The ensemble will take the stage on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 3:00…

Congratulations to the following four Juniors who represented GSW High School at the Grundy County Corn Festival Queen Ceremony.  Pictured left to right:  Olivia Siano, Abby Galass, Abigail Olsen and Tessa Rankovich.  Tessa Rankovich won Queen for GSW and was…

Sept 17 – Regional Championship @ Joliet St. Raymond Joliet St. Raymond 4 vs GSWB 1 Playing in their 5th straight regional title, the Lions had a tough opponent in St. Ray’s.  With 2 outs in the 1st, St. Ray’s…

Gardner Area Band Wins Big at Music in the Parks Competition The Gardner Area Band recently traveled to Beach Park, Illinois, to compete in the prestigious Music In The Parks Concert Band competition and returned home with top honors. The…

Congratulations to GSW High School Salutatorian Ryleigh Dvorak and Valedictorian Kendall Huston.   Gardner-South Wilmington High School held their Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at 12 noon.  Salutatorian was Ryleigh Dvorak, daughter of Nicole Dvorak of Gardner…

Discover the Wonders of Agriculture at the GAVC Ag Open House   On Wednesday, May 21st from 1 – 5 p.m., join the Grundy Area Vocational Center (GAVC) Ag students for an immersive agricultural experience at their Open House event! …

Andrew B. Serena, 37, of South Wilmington, IL, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL.  Andrew graduated from Joliet Junior College and also graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in 2012. …

GSW STUDENTS OF THE MONTH! Patrick Phillips, Sophomore in the GSW was nominated by three staff members who recognized how his acts of service and kindness impacted out school in a positive way! He enjoys fishing, bowling, interested in fitness,…

Daniel Bell, 87, of Gardner, Illinois, completed his life’s journey here on earth on his birthday, March 4, in Joliet. Born March 4, 1938, in Eureka, Illinois, Daniel was the son of Basil E. and Ruth Corrinne (Diehl) Bell. He…

Gardner Area Band Invited to Perform at National Festival of the States in New Orleans, 2026 The Gardner Area Band, under the direction of Mr. Michael Leone, is proud to announce an exciting opportunity for its students to perform at…

Kevin J. Kociss, 69 of Gardner, Illinois, died Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in Morris, Illinois. Born January 9, 1955 in Morris, Kevin John was a son of John and Marilyn (Hansen) Kociss. He was raised and educated in Gardner and…

The Dwight GSW varsity football team hosted Elmwood Brimfield for the 2nd round of the IHSA 2A football playoffs on Saturday, November 9. It was a defensive battle with neither side giving up much, but the Trojans were able to…

Michael Harry Wollgast, 43, of Sanford, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home on September 10, 2024. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 17 from 9-11 am, with Mass following, at  St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 165 E. Rice Road,…

Raymond Louis Serena, 85, passed away on July 2, 2024, in Joliet, IL. Born on September 7th, 1938, in South Wilmington, IL, he was a member of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church. Ray is survived by his wife Mary Lou, children;…

Lester William Rury, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at his home in South Wilmington, IL. Lester was born on May 13, 1941 in Sparta, IL to his parents Marby and Paul Rury….

Richard L. Lenzie, 85, of Union, Missouri, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Richard Louis Lenzie was born January 30, 1939 to Charles and Dorothy (Fritz) Lenzie in South Wilmington, IL. Richard grew up…

Dwight baseball coach Jerry McDowell picked up win number 600 after the Dwight Trojans defeated Streator Woodland  8–5 .  McDowell is pictured here with longtime friend / coach Brett Lardi. Jerry McDowell (right) and Brett Lardi.

Unetta Jirus Age 96 of East Brooklyn, Illinois passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at The ARC of Dwight. Born on March 23, 1928, Unetta Marie was a daughter of Richard and Marie (Wood) Golding. She spent her…

Photo by Shayla Loring Photography

  Photo by Shayla Loring Photography.

Congratulations to the Gardner – South Wilmington High School 2024 Homecoming King and Queen: Sam Tramutolo & Ava Brassard.  Sam is the son of Steve and Andrea Tramutolo of South Wilmington and Ava is the daughter of Mike and Alicia Brassard…

Donald Lardi Age 83, of South Wilmington, IL passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at his home with his loving family by his side.  Born on October 11, 1939 in South Wilmington to the late Armand “Shorty” and Mary…

Elaine G. Joyce (nee Menozzi) Elaine G. Joyce, 93, of South Wilmington, IL passed away July 27, 2023 at Morris Hospital.  Born August 7, 1929 in South Wilmington to Romeo (Dick) and Loretta (nee Burla) Menozzi.  She graduated from Gardner-…

Barbara Susan Bexson (nee Rex), Gardner Barbara Susan Bexson, 75, of Gardner, IL passed away Friday, April 7, 2023 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL.  Born May 14, 1947 in Lockport, IL to the late Fred and…

Donna M. Horrie (nee Lardi) Donna M. Horrie (nee Lardi), age 80, of South Wilmington, IL passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at her home.  Born January 8, 1943 in Joliet, IL to the late Armando Raymond and Mary…

Elaine Elizabeth Testa (nee Donna) Elaine Elizabeth Testa (nee Donna), 97, of South Wilmington, IL passed away peacefully, Friday, March 10, 2023 at Heritage Health Nursing Home in Dwight, IL. Born September 27, 1925 to the late Peter and Effie…