City Plans Memorials for ‘World’s Largest’ Creator Jim Bolin
City Council of Casey Meeting | February 17, 2026
Article Summary: Mayor Mike Nichols announced plans to honor the late Jim Bolin, the creator behind Casey’s famous “World’s Largest” attractions. Proposals include a dedicated street renaming and a custom silhouette monument displaying his contributions to the city’s tourism.
Jim Bolin Tribute Key Points:
-
Street Renaming: The city is exploring renaming a street in Bolin’s honor.
-
Monument Planned: Jason Chrysler is designing a memorial featuring Bolin’s silhouette and a list of the 13 “World’s Largest” items he helped create.
-
Location: The memorial may be placed near the windchime or the rocking chair attractions.
-
Family Support: Nichols met with the Bolin family to express the city’s continued support for their work and leadership.
During the Casey City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Mayor Mike Nichols unveiled plans to permanently honor Jim Bolin, the visionary behind the town’s “Big Things in a Small Town” tourism identity.
Nichols reported that he recently met with the “Bolin hierarchy,” including Mike, Drew, and Pat, to assure them of the city’s cooperation and support. “I just want to reiterate to them that we’re behind them,”Nichols said. “Whatever help they need to make sure things run smooth… we work with them.”
Nichols detailed two specific tribute projects. The first involves the possibility of renaming a street in Bolin’s honor. The second is a physical memorial being created by Jason Chrysler.
“He’s going to make a memorial for Jimmy that’s going to have his silhouette on it, and then it’s going to have all the 13 world’s largest products that Jimmy has helped create,”Nichols said.
The Council is considering placing the monument near the World’s Largest Windchime or the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, with a dedication ceremony tentatively planned for the summer.
Latest News Stories
Refilling Strategic Petroleum Reserve begins
WATCH: Lawmakers call out Pritzker for lack of transparency with budget cuts
Report: Barriers to social mobility largely manmade
Fetterman hospitalized for heart episode
Federal services to slowly recover following end of government shutdown
IL congressman pushes military to accept CLT, experts say it could shape education
MS-13 members prosecuted nationwide for brutal murders, fentanyl trafficking
Lakers Volleyball Claims Region XXIV Championship
Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue
Jan. 6 panel cost twice previous estimates, hiring TV producers to dramatize attack
Road Warriors: Casey-Westfield Overwhelms Nokomis 48-14 to Rumble into IHSA Elite 8
Lady Warriors’ Season Ends in Hard-Fought Regional Championship Loss to ALAH
Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold