City Plans Memorials for ‘World’s Largest’ Creator Jim Bolin

Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents

Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the...
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms

Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a cannabis company subjected female workers at...
Clark County Graphic.4

Clark County Approves Highway Engineering Agreements, Discusses Infrastructure Upgrades

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Clark County Highway Department received approval for a $20,562 engineering agreement to support a shoulder-paving project near Westfield, alongside...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Helm’s Two-Way Masterpiece Leads Champaign Central Past Casey-Westfield 3-0

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team ran into a buzzsaw on Saturday afternoon, falling 3-0 to Champaign Central in neutral-site tournament action. The contest was defined by a spectacular two-way performance...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Champaign Central’s Early Surge Stuns Casey-Westfield in 3-0 Shutout

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Champaign Central in a neutral-site tournament game on Saturday. A three-run opening inning by the visitors proved...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Powers Past Farina South Central 11-4 in Tournament Play

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team showcased a relentless offensive attack on Saturday, racking up 14 hits to defeat Farina South Central 11-4 in home tournament action. The hosts used a...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield School Board for March 16, 2026

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 The Casey-Westfield School Board convened for its regular session on Monday, March 16, 2026, addressing several key personnel and operational items. Alongside...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Sullivan Holds Off Late Casey-Westfield Rally to Secure 5-4 Victory

The Sullivan varsity baseball team built a comfortable early lead and withstood a late-inning surge to edge out non-conference visitor Casey-Westfield 5-4 on Saturday afternoon. After commanding the first five...
Clark County Graphic.6

Darin Patrick Appointed to Clark County Board Following Passing of Jim Bolin

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026 Article Summary: Darin Patrick was officially sworn in to represent District 3 on the Clark County Board, filling a vacancy left by...
Casey Westfield Track and Field Graphic

Casey-Westfield Track Teams Sweep Titles with Dominant Showings at Stewardson-Strasburg

The Casey-Westfield track and field program put on a masterclass of consistency on Thursday, March 26, 2026, as both the boys' and girls' teams marched to commanding first-place finishes at...
Martinsville School Board Graphic.4

Martinsville School Board Approves Sweeping ‘Press Plus’ Policy Revisions, Seeks Lawn Care Bids

Martinsville C.U.S.D. #C-3 Board of Education Meeting | February 23, 2026 Article Summary: Dozens of district policies were formally updated by the Martinsville Board of Education on Monday, overhauling local...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Explodes for Seven Runs in Sixth Inning to Defeat Waltonville 8-2

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team orchestrated a decisive late-game rally on Thursday, erupting for seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure an 8-2 home victory over...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Teutopolis Cruises Past Casey-Westfield 10-0 Behind Massive Second Inning

The Teutopolis varsity baseball team continued its dominant start to the 2026 season on Thursday afternoon, cruising to a 10-0 non-conference victory over visiting Casey-Westfield in a five-inning contest. Backed...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

High School Career and Technical Students Earn Industry Certifications, Cater Regional Tournament

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: Casey-Westfield High School's Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and Industrial Arts students are translating classroom lessons into real-world professional credentials...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Clark County Board Hears Proposals for 10,000-Acre Wind Farm, Community Solar Projects

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Clark County Board received comprehensive updates on the county’s expanding renewable energy landscape, highlighted by a proposal from Repsol...