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
Responses due in Virginia redistricting appeal
Illinois Republicans blame taxes, lawsuits after Morton Salt exits Chicago
Data center regulations weighed; some worry over jobs, energy, taxes
Illinois ranks 46th out of 50 states for financial transparency
Solutions differ for Chicago Public Schools’ potential $1B deficit
U.S. Supreme Court rules against trucking industry
Illinois Quick Hits: Dems look at Chicago for national conventions
Judge sets up high stakes baby formula NEC trial vs Mead Johnson
Offensive Explosion Powers Casey-Westfield to 20-12 Victory Over Newton
Illinois Quick Hits: Home insurance regulations approved by Illinois Senate
Illinois Senate passes bill to regulate auto insurance rates
Op-Ed: The FAA’s O’Hare decision is a win for travelers – and for competition