News & Announcements

🩺 Will-Grundy Medical Clinic — Now Available in Gardner

🔥 Need Help Paying Your Home Heating Bills?

🗳️ Petition Packets Available for the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election

Petition packets for candidates in the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election are available at Village Hall beginning Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Countywide Election Information (Grundy County)

The Grundy County Clerk's Office will also begin distributing petition packets on August 25 for several other local offices, including fire and library district trustees, park district commissioners, school board members, regional school trustees, and community college trustees. The statutory petition filing period runs November 16–23, 2026. Questions can be directed to the Grundy County Clerk's Elections Division at (815) 941-3222.

🌠 Still Time to Catch the Perseids

The Perseid meteor shower had its best nights earlier this month, but it's still putting on a show through August 24. Gardner's wide-open, low-light surroundings make it an easy spot to step outside and watch a few streak by.

A few pointers if you go out:

• Give it some time — the later the hour, the darker (and better) the sky.
• Head somewhere away from streetlights with a clear view overhead.
• Leave the binoculars at home; your eyes alone will actually catch more.
• Sit still for 20–30 minutes first so your eyes can adjust to the dark.

Face northeast after midnight for the best odds of catching one.

📋 Missed a Board Meeting? Here's How to Catch Up

Can't make it to a Village Board meeting? You can still stay informed. A meeting agenda is published ahead of each meeting and lists the topics, reports, and votes the Board plans to address — agendas are posted at Village Hall and may take a bit longer to appear on the website. Meeting minutes are the official written record of what was discussed and decided; they're posted online only after being approved by the Board at the following meeting.

Both are open to any resident to review at any time. Residents may also sign up for public comment at each meeting — contact Village Clerk Pat Malinowski by the Friday before the meeting to be added to the agenda.

🏛️ Now Recruiting: Zoning Board of Appeals Members

The Village of Gardner is seeking residents interested in serving on the Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals. Board members are compensated per meeting attended, with the board meeting monthly to review zoning requests, variances, and land-use matters that shape our community.

If you'd like to get involved in local government and help guide Gardner's growth, we'd love to hear from you.

🎒 Back to School — First Day is August 17th

Both Gardner Grade School and Gardner-South Wilmington High School begin the 2026–2027 school year on Monday, August 17th.

As students head back, please slow down and watch for kids and school buses in neighborhoods and along roadways. Remember: it's illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.

🚧 Street Repaving Scheduled for Wednesday, July 22nd

Scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22nd, the repaving of streets that have been ground will begin. Crews will spray primer early in the morning and start paving around 7:00 AM. Please avoid the areas if possible for everyone's safety.

Streets include: North Street, Center Street by the Grade School, and East Street from 53 to Washington Street.

📋 Annual Audit Report Available for Public Inspection

An audit of the funds of the Village of Gardner, Illinois for the year ending April 30, 2026, has been completed by the audit firm of Mack & Associates, P.C., Certified Public Accountants.

A copy of the audit report has been filed with the Grundy County Clerk and is available for public inspection between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Gardner Village Hall, located at 302 North Center Street, Gardner, Illinois 60424.

🛺 Golf Cart & Alternative Transportation Permit Reminder

Operating a golf cart or other alternative transportation vehicle on Village streets? Make sure your permit is current! Permits run June 1 – May 31, require an annual equipment inspection and proof of insurance, and cost $25.

A few reminders: only drivers 18 or older with a valid license may operate the vehicle, the permit must be displayed on the front and rear, and vehicles can't be driven on sidewalks, in parks (other than parking lots), or on state/county highways except to cross.

We've put together a handy one-page poster covering the full rules and required safety equipment — check it out below.

🚧 Sidewalk Construction Project Coming to Gardner

The Village of Gardner has engaged Chamlin & Associates to oversee new sidewalk installation and sidewalk replacement throughout town. Work is anticipated to begin Monday, July 6th at 7:00 AM, weather permitting.

If your property has a driveway that crosses the proposed sidewalk location, your driveway will be temporarily impacted and will need to be removed and replaced to accommodate the new concrete sidewalk. This work will be done at no cost to you — it is fully funded by the Village. Please note that newly poured concrete requires a curing period of 3 to 5 days with no vehicular traffic, so driveway access will be limited during that time.

If anyone in your household has physical limitations that require full driveway access, please contact the Village-appointed project representative in advance to arrange accommodations.

Questions or concerns? Contact David Farrell with Chamlin & Associates at (815) 252-2351 or davidf@chamlin.com.

Official Notice of Proposed Work

🥵 Heat Advisory in Effect for Gardner — Stay Cool, Check on Neighbors

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Grundy County, including Gardner, with dangerously high temperatures and heat index values expected to reach 100°F or higher through the week. Please take the following precautions to stay safe:

☀️ Staying Cool

• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible during the hottest part of the day
• Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine and alcohol
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle — interior temperatures can become lethal within minutes

🐾 Pet Safety

• Provide pets with plenty of fresh water and shade at all times
• Avoid walking pets on hot pavement — if it's too hot for your bare hand or foot, it's too hot for their paws
• Keep pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day when possible
• Watch for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or drooling, and contact a vet if you're concerned

👵 Checking on the Elderly & Vulnerable

• Check on elderly neighbors, relatives, and those with chronic health conditions at least twice a day
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke — heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or hot/dry skin — and seek medical help immediately if these occur
• If someone you know doesn't have air conditioning, encourage them to spend time in a cooled space

❄️ HVAC & Home Cooling Tips

• Change or clean your air conditioner's air filter so it can run efficiently during heavy use
• Set your thermostat a few degrees higher than usual and use fans to supplement cooling and ease the load on your system
• Close blinds and curtains during the day to block direct sunlight
• If your AC isn't keeping up, avoid running it continuously at very low temperatures — this can cause it to ice up or fail; call a technician if it's struggling

🔌 Appliance & Energy Safety

• Avoid running heat-generating appliances (ovens, dryers) during peak afternoon heat — grill outside or prepare cold meals instead
• Don't overload outlets with multiple high-draw appliances or window AC units, which can strain your electrical system
• Unplug unused electronics to reduce excess heat and energy use in the home

Residents without air conditioning can find a list of cooling centers statewide. Questions? Contact Village Hall at (815) 237-2592.

🎆 Happy 4th of July — Please Celebrate Safely

The Village of Gardner wishes everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! As you enjoy the holiday, please keep the following in mind:

• 🎇 Use fireworks only where legal, and keep them away from homes, vehicles, and dry brush
• 🔇 Be courteous of neighbors with noise, especially late in the evening
• 👶 Never leave fireworks unattended around children or pets
• 🧹 Please clean up after celebrating

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and safe 4th of July, Gardner!

🏊 Summer's Here — General Pool Guidelines Reminder

With summer in full swing, the Village reminds residents planning a backyard pool to review the guidelines below before digging or installing:

Questions about permits or inspections? Contact Village Hall at (815) 237-2592.

⛈️ Severe Weather Expected Tomorrow — June 17th

Severe weather is forecast for the Gardner area on Wednesday, June 17th. Residents should be prepared for the following hazards:

• ⛈️ Severe Thunderstorms
• 🌪️ Tornado Watch / Warning
• 💨 High Winds
• 🌊 Flash Flooding

Residents are urged to:

• Monitor the National Weather Service and local alerts
• Watch local news for the latest updates and follow Ryan Hall, Y'all on YouTube for live severe weather streaming
• Have a shelter plan ready and know your nearest safe location
• Keep cell phones fully charged
• Stay indoors and away from windows during storms
• Avoid flooded roads — turn around, don't drown

Questions? Contact Village Hall at (815) 237-2592.

🚒 Hydrant Flushing Begins This Week

The Village of Gardner Public Works Department will begin hydrant flushing this week. This routine maintenance helps ensure water quality and proper fire protection throughout the Village.

During flushing, residents may experience:

• Temporary discoloration of tap water
• Brief periods of reduced water pressure

If you notice discolored water, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until it clears before using water for drinking, cooking, or laundry. We appreciate your patience as we work to maintain your water system.

Questions? Contact Village Hall at 815-237-2592.

🥎 Panthers Softball Finishes 3rd at IHSA State!

Congratulations to the Gardner South-Wilmington Panthers softball team on an incredible 2026 season! The Panthers earned 3rd place at the IHSA Class 1A State Tournament with a 10–5 victory over Okawville in the third-place game, capping a historic run that included Sectional and Super-Sectional Championship titles along the way. The entire community is so proud of these young women and their coaches — way to represent Gardner and South-Wilmington on the state stage! 🧡🖤

🎺 Gardner Area Band Returns Home from New Orleans

The Gardner Area Band is back home after an unforgettable four-day trip to New Orleans! Students performed at the iconic Jackson Square in front of the historic St. Louis Cathedral — drawing visitors from around the world — and represented Gardner with outstanding professionalism, even pushing through a mid-performance rain shower without missing a beat.

Beyond the performance, students visited the National WWII Museum, took a swamp tour through the Louisiana bayou, enjoyed a dinner cruise aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi River, and explored the culture and history of the French Quarter. Band Director Michael Leone praised the students not only for their musicianship but for the respect and character they showed throughout the entire trip.

🚗 Hot Rod Power Tour — June 9th on Route 66

On June 9th, approximately 5,000 classic cars will be traveling down Route 66 through Gardner as part of the Hot Rod Power Tour! The majority of cars will be passing through in the morning hours around 8–9 AM.

Bring the whole family out to watch this incredible parade of classics roll through town — it's a once-a-year spectacle you won't want to miss!

Route Through Gardner

Annual Water Quality Test Results Now Available

The Village of Gardner's annual water quality test results are now available for residents to review. Our water supply is tested regularly to ensure it meets all state and federal safety standards. We encourage all residents to review the report.

Last Day of School — May 21, 2026

Today is the last day of school for local students! As children will be out and about throughout the community this summer, please slow down and watch for children in neighborhoods, near parks, and along roadways. Let's all work together to keep our kids safe this summer.

100 Years of Route 66 — Koozies & Button Raffle

Update: The Village is no longer carrying buttons or koozies for the raffle. Both must be purchased directly through Cassi Carlson or Betsy Hennessy. All proceeds go directly toward Gardner Parks!

How to View Your Utility Bill Online

Residents can now view their utility bills online through the Village's utility billing portal. To sign in you will need:

• Your utility account number
• An email address on file with the Village

If you have not yet registered your email with the Village, please contact Village Hall to get set up:

• 📞 Call Village Hall at 815-237-2592
• 📧 Email Lynn at lwagner@villageofgardner.org

SURF Internet — Construction Resuming

SURF Internet will be resuming construction in Gardner. Residents may notice flags and/or spray paint markings in their yards as part of the underground utility locating process. This is normal and expected during this phase of construction.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as this work continues. Questions? Contact Village Hall at 815-237-2592.

Boil Order Lifted — W. Lincoln St

The boil order previously issued for the following addresses on W. Lincoln St has been lifted. Tap water is safe to use. Thank you for your patience.

• 301 W. Lincoln St
• 304 W. Lincoln St
• 305 W. Lincoln St
• 307 W. Lincoln St
• 308 W. Lincoln St
• 309 W. Lincoln St
• 311 W. Lincoln St
• 312 W. Lincoln St
• 314 W. Lincoln St

Boil Order Notice — W. Lincoln St (Partial Area)

A boil order has been issued as of May 6, 2026 at 12:30 PM for customers at the following addresses on W. Lincoln St:

• 301 W. Lincoln St
• 304 W. Lincoln St
• 305 W. Lincoln St
• 307 W. Lincoln St
• 308 W. Lincoln St
• 309 W. Lincoln St
• 311 W. Lincoln St
• 312 W. Lincoln St
• 314 W. Lincoln St

Residents in the affected area should bring all tap water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until further notice. Questions? Contact Village Hall at 815-237-2592 or lwagner@villageofgardner.org.

Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor — May 2nd & 3rd

Gardner is proud to be part of the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor event on Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd! This year's celebration is extra special — we're marking 100 years of Route 66, America's iconic Mother Road. Join us as communities along the historic highway roll out the red carpet for travelers and celebrate a century of the Route 66 spirit. Expect local vendor booths, food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Come experience what makes Gardner a gem along America's Mother Road!