As the City of Monticello prepares for its upcoming July 3rd celebration next week, local authorities are encouraging the community to be aware of new traffic patterns as the celebration takes on a new location. 

On the WHOW Morning Show, Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross told the Hart Media Group that a comprehensive site update for the main festival will be used adjacent to Monticello Middle School.

Chief Bross reminds of fireworks are illegal in the State of Illinois, but he is not naive that people will take advantage of the opportunity to buy them in neighboring states and bring them back. 

Chief Bross is calling for neighborhood mindfulness, asking residents to be respectful of their neighbors. Because central Illinois captured roughly six inches of rainfall over the past three weeks, local fire hazards are lower, but residents should still practice caution during all holiday activities.

Authorities across central Illinois are gearing up for festivities happening in their communities with the 250th celebration of America on top of a three-day weekend.