THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS REPORTING AN UPTICK OF COVID-19 CASES. 

MORE THAN 13-THOUSAND NEW CASES OF COVID INFECTION HAVE BEEN LOGGED OVER THE PAST WEEK, AND THAT DOESN'T COUNT THOSE WHO TESTED POSITIVE AT HOME AND NEVER WENT TO THE DOCTOR. ADDITIONALLY, 38 ILLINOIS COUNTIES ARE AT AN ELEVATED RISK FOR TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR SAMEER VOHRA.

VOHRA URGES EVERYONE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE UP TO DATE ON THEIR VACCINES BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS. THAT INCLUDES COVID AND FLU SHOTS, WHICH CAN BE GIVEN AT THE SAME TIME.

AT LAST COUNT, THERE WERE MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND PEOPLE IN THE HOSPITAL WITH COVID.

Many parents are growing concerned about the spread of RSV, a respiratory virus that affects babies and other very young children. While RSV is common this time of year, the number of cases reported this year is higher than normal. So what can parents do to slow the spread of RSV and the potential for serious illness in babies and very young children? RaeAnn Tucker, spokesperson for the Henry and Stark County Health Department says, one of the keys is to make sure you take care of your own health, especially including getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and getting a flu shot.

Children under 6 months old have the biggest risk related to RSV and parents should watch for babies who are lethargic, not eating, wheezing or struggling to breathe. If these symptoms are present you should consider getting your child checked out in a clinic setting or with your primary care doctor.

THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE IS OFFERING SOME HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS. 

FOR STARTERS, DON’T USE CANDLES IN YOUR CARVED PUMPKIN; OPT FOR A FLASHLIGHT OR GLOW STICK INSTEAD SAYS FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ.

FULTZ SAYS PARENTS SHOULD MAKE SURE KIDS WEARING HALLOWEEN MASKS CAN SEE THROUGH THE EYE HOLES AND GIVE THEM A FLASHLIGHT OR GLOW STICK TO CARRY.

THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION SAYS THAT DECORATIONS WERE THE FIRST THINGS TO IGNITE IN APPROXIMATELY 800 HOME FIRES REPORTED EACH YEAR.

THE ILLINOIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD IS REPORTING AN INCREASE IN FALL ENROLLMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN A DECADE. 

OVERALL, ENROLLMENT GREW BY ONE AND A HALF PERCENT COMPARED TO LAST FALL, WITH 28 COMMUNITY COLLEGES REPORTING A RISE IN STUDENTS. 20 SCHOOLS SAW A DECREASE OVER THE YEAR. BOARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRIAN DURHAM:

DURHAM NOTES THAT ONLINE COURSES REMAIN POPULAR AS WELL, WITH 47 PERCENT OF STUDENTS CHOOSING THAT OPTION.

THERE WAS A 30 PERCENT INCREASE IN ADULT LEARNERS THIS FALL COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR. MORE CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENTS ARE COMING BACK AS WELL, SINCE MUCH OF THEIR WORK MUST BE DONE IN-PERSON.

An Illinois college student elected to a National FFA officer position. Gracie Murphy of Macomb will serve as Eastern Region Vice President. It's been a whirlwind for her as she just finished her term as Illinois FFA secretary last June, started college at SIU and now elected to a National FFA office.

The National FFA Convention wrapped up over the weekend in Indianapolis.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IS ANNOUNCING A NEW TAX CREDIT FOR AGRITOURISM.

THE CREDIT IS MEANT TO OFFSET THE HIGH COST OF LIABILITY INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR FARMERS ENGAGED IN AGRITOURISM. THE STATE’S AGRICULTURE MARKETING HEAD, JACKIE SAMBURSKY, EXPLAINS WHAT SORT OF BUSINESSES WOULD BE ELIGIBLE.

SAMBURSKY SAYS THIS CREDIT WILL HELP OFFSET EXPENSIVE LIABILITY INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR THESE TYPES OF VENTURES.

OTHER VENTURES INCLUDE SCHOOL TOURS, PETTING ZOOS AND CORN MAZES. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE CREDIT FOR THIS CURRENT TAX YEAR IS FEBRUARY 28TH. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT: ILLINOIS AGRITOURISM CREDIT DOT COM.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS OFFERING SOME TIPS TO STAY SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN.

THIS IS THE THIRD HALLOWEEN SINCE THE PANDEMIC STARTED, BUT IT’S STILL A GOOD IDEA TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE UP TO DATE ON COVID AND FLU VACCINATIONS, CARRY HAND SANITIZER AND AVOID LARGE CROWDS SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH SPOKESPERSON MIKE CLAFFEY.

CLAFFEY SAYS IF YOU’RE FEELING SICK, STAY HOME. 

ACCORDING TO THE U-S CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, THERE ARE OTHER HALLOWEEN-RELATED DANGERS. ABOUT 32-HUNDRED PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE INJURED EACH YEAR DUE TO PUMPKIN CARVING, FALLING WHILE PUTTING UP OR TAKING DOWN DECORATIONS AND TRIPPING ON COSTUMES.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS OFFERING SOME TIPS TO STAY SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN.

THIS IS THE THIRD HALLOWEEN SINCE THE PANDEMIC STARTED, BUT IT’S STILL A GOOD IDEA TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE UP TO DATE ON COVID AND FLU VACCINATIONS, CARRY HAND SANITIZER AND AVOID LARGE CROWDS SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH SPOKESPERSON MIKE CLAFFEY.

CLAFFEY SAYS IF YOU’RE FEELING SICK, STAY HOME. 

ACCORDING TO THE U-S CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, THERE ARE OTHER HALLOWEEN-RELATED DANGERS. ABOUT 32-HUNDRED PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE INJURED EACH YEAR DUE TO PUMPKIN CARVING, FALLING WHILE PUTTING UP OR TAKING DOWN DECORATIONS AND TRIPPING ON COSTUMES.

Halloween is 5 pm to 8 pm in Clinton and Chief Ben Lowers is offering up his annual reminders about a busy time in our community.

Chief Lowers reminds to visit only houses with lights on during the trick-r-treating hours. Chief Lowers encourages motorists in the busy parts of Clinton and your community to slow down and be mindful of the busy night of pedestrian traffic that comes with Halloween. 

Trick-or-treating hours in central Illinois:

Argenta: 5-8 p.m.

Bement: 5-7 p.m.

Bloomington: 5-8 p.m.

Cerro Gordo: 5-7 p.m.

DeLand: 5-8 p.m.

Lincoln: 5-8 p.m.

Mahomet: 6-8 p.m.

Mansfield: 5-8 p.m.

Maroa: 5-8 p.m.

Monticello: 5-8 p.m.

Mt.Pulask: 5-8 p.m.

Mt. Zion: 5-8 p.m.

Oreana: 5-8 p.m.

Healthy financial statements have Clinton Schools in a position to look at its facilities and find areas to improve.

For the better part of the second half of the calendar year, the district has been doing just that and Superintendent Curt Nettles says the facilities plan will end up being about a three to five-year roadmap.

While the sports complexes have received a lot of attention in this discussion over the last few months, Nettles points out there are many improvements within the school walls that will receive attention and could be addressed soon.

Nettles indicates they have given a 'green light' to the same architects that helped build CES to come up with drawings and renderings of a list of ideas presented to the Clinton Board of Education earlier this month. 

As hunters get out this fall for the annual deer hunting season, the University of Illinois Extension is hoping they'll consider participating in their deer donation program.

Caitlin Mellendorf a Nutrition Educator with Extension explains the deer donation program helps them provide meat to food pantries with an educational component about preparing venison. 

According to Mellendorf, the pantries are primarily located in south central Illinois and she is excited because they just got the first deer of the season donated last week.

Mellendorf calls the process a full-circle program. If you are not a hunter but would like to participate, Mellendorf indicates they are always taking donations to help pay the processors for their time and you can contribute monetarily by visiting the 'Illinois Deer Donation' Facebook page or visiting go.illinois.edu/deerdonation. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that U.S. 51 between Exit Business U.S. 51 South and Exit Business U.S. 51 North in Clinton will be closed Nov. 2-4.

The closure is necessary for the Canadian National Railway to replace signals at its crossing just north of Illinois 54 on the western edge of Clinton. A detour will be posted.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 2,500 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Three of Rebuild Illinois included approximately $8.6 billion of improvements statewide on 4,422 miles of highway, 412 bridges, and 621 additional safety improvements.

Visit gettingaroundillinois.com for the latest in road conditions and reports.

DeWitt County is being targeted as a place for potential underground storage of carbon dioxide. 

DeWitt County Board Chair Terry Ferguson indicates the County is on a short list of locations in downstate and central Illinois for underground storage of the gas that is produced from ethanol plants.

According to Ferguson, this is something that has been going on in Macon County for the better part of a decade. He indicates if this was something the County were to consider, they would have to look at zoning ordinances.

There would be a financial benefit for the County if they were to take this project on. Ferguson believes there are three wells being targeted across 5,000 acres of land in the County.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that carbon capture and storage could have a key role to play if they are to meet their climate goals in the coming years.

The Monticello Board of Education is continuing its exploration into major renovations to its sports facilities.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Superintendent Adam Clapp told Regional Radio it is certainly exciting to talk about and as they visit facilities across the state with turf on football fields, baseball and softball fields, and even soccer fields, the Board has been exploring what it would take for that to happen at Monticello schools.

According to Clapp, the dream would be to turf baseball, softball, and soccer fields. He explains they are exploring moving the soccer field to inside the track field and having bleachers and a press box for that program.

Clapp believes the football venue is very unique in that the bleachers are very close to the field. It's right off the school building and the bleachers and press box are some of the best around. He says the adjustments to the football complex besides turf, would likely be things like new fencing or pavement in some of the parking spaces.

For Clapp, the high school complexes are used across a lot of community programs from youth soccer to JFL. He feels this would be a community project as much as a school project.

He notes the district is in a very good place financially and says revenues like CPPRT (corporate personal property replacement tax) and the one-cent sales tax helps set them up for this. He stresses this will not be something they burden the taxpayer with this project. 

Clapp says things could be ready to go as soon as next fall or still another year away but will leave that up to the Board to decide. 

ANOTHER BRIGHT SPOT IN THE ILLINOIS SCHOOL REPORT CARD IS THAT THE STATE IS MAKING A LOT OF HEADWAY IN OVERCOMING THE NATIONAL TEACHER SHORTAGE. 

MORE THAN 25-HUNDRED FULL TIME TEACHERS WERE ADDED DURING THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR, INCLUDING 500 BLACK AND HISPANIC TEACHERS. BUT STATE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT CARMEN AYALA SAYS THERE IS MORE WORK TO DO.

AYALA SAYS EFFORTS TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN MINORITY TEACHERS ARE PAYING OFF.

AYALA SAYS THERE’S ALSO A DIRE NEED FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS IN ILLINOIS. THE NUMBER OF TEACHERS STAYING ON THE JOB IS THE HIGHEST IT’S BEEN SINCE RETENTION RATES STARTED BEING REPORTED BACK IN 2014.

THE LATEST ILLINOIS SCHOOL REPORT CARD SHOWS THE HIGHEST GRADUATION RATE IN A DECADE. 

MORE THAN 87 PERCENT OF STUDENTS COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL IN THE 2022 SCHOOL YEAR, WITH GAINS DRIVEN BY AN INCREASE IN MINORITY GRADS SAYS STATE SUPERINTENDENT CARMEN AYALA.

THE REPORT CARD ALSO SHOWS STUDENT GROWTH IN ENGLISH AND MATH AND AN INCREASE IN KIDS TAKING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION OR DUAL CREDIT COURSES. 

AYALA SAYS THEY ARE PLEASED TO SEE STUDENT GROWTH IN ENGLISH AND MATH BUT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT AN INCREASE IN CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM. TO FIND DATA FOR YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL, VISIT: ILLINOIS REPORT CARD DOT COM.

THE 2022 ILLINOIS SCHOOL REPORT CARD SHOWS AN INCREASE IN CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM AMONG STUDENTS. 

ALTHOUGH STUDENTS RESUMED FULL IN-PERSON LEARNING LAST YEAR, THERE WAS A TWO PERCENT DROP IN ATTENDANCE RATES. ADDITIONALLY, STATE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT CARMEN AYALA SAYS 30 PERCENT OF STUDENTS MISSED AROUND 17 DAYS OR MORE.

MINORITY STUDENTS WERE MORE LIKELY TO FREQUENTLY MISS SCHOOL. AYALA SAYS THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS ALREADY WORKING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM THROUGH TRUANCY INTERVENTION, COUNSELING AND HOME VISITS.

AYALA SAYS THE REPORT CARD FOUND THAT BLACK AND HISPANIC STUDENTS WERE MORE LIKELY TO BE CHRONICALLY ABSENT FROM SCHOOL.

During October, Social Security recognizes National Savings Day as an important reminder to think about your future financial plans.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates this is a good time to visit your mysocialsecurity account or create one. Once there, review your earnings record for accuracy and your Social Security Statement for estimates of future benefits.

If you’d like to customize your estimate by comparing different future earnings and retirement dates, you can use our Plan for Retirement tool within your mySocialSecurity account. Myers notes these custom what-if scenarios provide helpful information and can also help you plan career changes with an eye toward the impact they will have on your future Social Security benefits.

The website again is ssa.gov/myaccount. 

During the early morning hours of Thursday October 27, 2022, Clinton Police, assisted by Dewitt County Sheriff’s Deputies, were dispatched to the area of East Julia and North Charles Streets to investigate multiple reports of the sound of gunshots. 

A witness was able to provide a suspect description and described seeing the suspect shoot a handgun multiple times into the air. A search of the area resulted in the locating and apprehension of a male suspect, identified as Logan H. Lentz, 24, Clinton. 

A subsequent search of the area by investigating/responding officers and an article search by the Clinton Police Department’s K9 Unit resulted in the recovery of a .9mm semi-automatic handgun, spent and live shell casings and additional live ammunition. Lentz was transported to the Dewitt County Jail where he was processed on charges of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, Obstructing Justice and Resisting Arrest. Additional charges are under review. 

The investigation is ongoing and the Clinton Police Department is being assisted by the Dewitt County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services. 
Citing an increase in officer encounters with illegally possessed guns and gun violence, such as that most recently experienced by Decatur Police, Chief Lowers states “we too will make removing violent offenders and illegally possessed guns from our community a top priority. The safety of our community and our officers is our number one goal every day.”

No other information is being released at this time as the investigation is ongoing. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A MOUNTAIN LION BEING TRACKED BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN SPRINGFIELD. 

NEBRASKA WILDLIFE OFFICIALS WERE ABLE TO PUT A G-P-S COLLAR ON THE COUGAR LAST YEAR, AND MOST RECENTLY, IT’S BEEN ROAMING ILLINOIS. SO, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ACTUALLY ENCOUNTER A MOUNTAIN LION? D-N-R WILDLIFE CHIEF MIKE WEEFER (wee-fer):

WEFER SAYS IF THE MOUNTAIN LION SEES YOU, STAND YOUR GROUND AND TRY TO APPEAR AS BIG AS POSSIBLE BY STANDING UP STRAIGHT AND PUTTING YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR. SLOWLY BACK AWAY AND DON’T PLAY DEAD.

THE MOUNTAIN LION IS BEING TRACKED VIA A G-P-S COLLAR PLACED ON THE ANIMAL BY NEBRASKA WILDLIFE OFFICIALS LAST YEAR.

DURING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH, THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY IS DISCUSSING THE DANGERS OF PHISHING. 

PHISHING IS A TECHNIQUE USED TO GET YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION BY EMAIL OR PHONE. THE COMMUNICATION WILL OFTEN LOOK VERY REAL, LIKE IT’S COMING FROM A COMPANY YOU WORK WITH. BUT DO-IT’S JENNIFER ROMINGER (roam-ing-er) SAYS IT’S BEST TO PAUSE BEFORE YOU CLICK ON ANY LINKS.

THAT INCLUDES VISITING YOUR ACCOUNT TO SEE IF THEY TRULY NEED MORE INFORMATION OR CALLING THE REAL PHONE NUMBER FOR YOUR BANK OR A BUSINESS.

DO-IT SAYS IF YOU DO GET A PHISHING MESSAGE, DELETE IT AND BLOCK THE SENDER.

COVID booster vaccines are here for nearly everyone to get. According to Governor JB Pritzker that includes residents of Illinois Veterans Homes.

Health officials are also encouraging people to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu at the same time they get an updated COVID shot.

ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL IS ISSUING A CONSUMER ALERT ABOUT POTENTIAL STUDENT DEBT RELIEF SCAMS. 

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SAYS HIS OFFICE IS ALREADY HEARING ABOUT FRAUDULENT EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS TO BORROWERS WITH STUDENT LOAN DEBT.

 HERE’S WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

RAOUL SAYS YOU SHOULD ONLY GET INFORMATION FROM THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR YOUR PRIVATE LENDER.

The flu is already showing up at Warner Hospital and Health Services this fall.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, CEO Paul Skowron told Regional Radio this winter's flu season is not only expected to be more pervasive but is going to start much earlier than normal.

Skowron says the next step for him is to make sure they are ready for this coming flu season. He explains they need to make sure they have adequate test kits available as well as other materials and supplies for these individuals.

Staffing at the city-owned facility is as good as its been in a long time. Skowron says now he wants to focus on keeping the staff he has healthy so they can serve the community and part of that will be to follow the newest guidance from the CDC for masking.

Skowron reminds, the walk-in clinic remains an option for the community, it is open 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. While not required, he encourages if possible, to call ahead to let the staff know of your visit. 

Above-normal temperatures are expected to finish out in October and start in November.

Mike Albano at the National Weather Service in Lincoln tells us after the Tuesday rain system moved through, we are going to transition back to above-normal temperatures and a dry pattern.

According to Albano, November is setting up to be mild. Things could be a bit wet in November though.

Albano calls the short-term forecast quite palatable for this time of the year. 

If you're eating very late meals and not getting a lot of sleep, you could be hindering your body's natural processing of nutrients.

Dr. Jim LaValle the author of 'Cracking The Metabolic Code' and the clinical director of the Pro Football Performance Health Program and says when we sleep, our body is breaking down critical nutrients and flushing out all the bad stuff. 

Dr. LaValle believes it is best if we can eat our meals before 7 pm or 8 pm. He points out you want around 12 hours between your last meal of the day and the first meal of the next day.

There are other areas of the world where they do eat meals later in the day but Dr. LaValle points out, many of those cultures have vastly different lifestyles in terms of work and a workday balance.

According to Dr. LaValle, our bodies run on a literal day and night schedule and this is a topic that is getting greater attention through studies in the medical community. 

The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, November 4th, for the WHOW 75th Anniversary Gala Banquet Saturday, November 12th at the Clinton Country Club.  The event will benefit 2 worthwhile local non-profit organizations.

WHOW is paying for all expenses that night, so that ticket sales will be divided and given to 2 causes.  The Neighborhood Care Center's No Fee Grocery Shopping allows those in need locally, to get the groceries to feed their family.  And, the Clinton High School Student Activity Fund, provides students the opportunities to be successful, and purchases items for students in need.

Tickets are 50-dollars each, or a table of 8 is 360-dollars, and can be purchased at the Clinton High School office, and again the ticket deadline is 5pm Friday, November 4th.

Social hour is at 5:30, dinner is at 6:30, and the premiere of the WHOW 75th Anniversary video is at 7:30.

Guest entertainment that night during the social hour and dinner is rising Nashville star Gracia Harrison.  Harrison appeared in season 3 of NBC's "The Voice" and brings her unique styling of country music to the WHOW 75th Anniversary Gala Banquet.

The sit-down served meal includes an 8 ounce butterfly apple wood pork chop, salad with dressing, baked potato, southern style green beans, rolls, and a piece of the WHOW 75th Anniversary cake.    

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources IS fielding plenty of inquiries after a cougar or mountain lion was struck and killed by a motorist in northern Illinois earlier this month.

IDNR Director Colleen Callahan says information on wildlife sightings is available online at wildlifeillinois.org/sightings.

Prices to heat a home in Illinois this winter could double or even triple in some cases due to the war in Ukraine.

GasBuddy's Patrick DeHaan said the reason is the war in Ukraine.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects natural gas prices could increase 22% this winter. It's not just natural gas on the rise, DeHaan reports diesel prices at the pump could be on the rise because of refinery fires in the Midwest.

THE STATE IS LAUNCHING THE ILLINOIS SAFE SLEEP SUPPORT PROGRAM TO HELP REDUCE INFANT DEATHS. 

SUDDEN UNEXPECTED INFANT DEATH IS ONE OF THE LEADING CAUSES OF INFANT MORTALITY. WITH THAT IN MIND, THIS ONE-YEAR STATEWIDE PROGRAM AIMS TO BETTER EDUCATE PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS SAYS ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR KIRSTIN CHERNAWSKY (chir-now-ski).

CHERNAWSKY SAYS THEY WILL ALSO WORK TO REACH MINORITY FAMILIES, WHICH SUFFER MORE SIDS DEATHS. THE SAFE SLEEP SUPPORT PROGRAM IS A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN 12 GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AGENCIES.

THE PROGRAM WILL USE WRITTEN MATERIALS, TOOL KITS AND MORE TO TEACH THE BASICS OF SAFE SLEEPING.

Heyworth Schools are set to benefit from an expiring TIF in the community and its district leader says this is a win/win for taxpayers.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Taylor told Regional Radio, the TIF that fell within the school district is expiring. She explains the City of Heyworth generously kicked back some of those dollars to the school district because the development meant more kids in the school.

As the TIF expires, Dr. Taylor explains those levy dollars now shift to the school district exclusively. This is going to allow them to significantly decrease their levy.

According to Dr. Taylor, property taxes are among the several issues they seem to hear a lot of feedback on from their community members. She hopes instead of turning to social media for information, individuals with questions or concerns will reach out directly to the district office to get more information.

Dr. Taylor notes there is always a lot of moving components to a school district's budget but she is always happy to sit down with any community member and discuss its impact on them.

The DeWitt County Board last Thursday night declined a township consolidation option from the State of Illinois. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, DeWitt County Board Chair Terry Ferguson indicates this option is made available by the State and believes it is an effort to save money but doesn't see it being necessary for DeWitt County.

According to Ferguson, there was also an idea to consolidate road districts but he believes this just wouldn't work in DeWitt County, leaving individuals stranded in the event of inclement winter weather.

The reports were filed with the County Board last Thursday night. 

MORE EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS ARE NOW OPEN IN ILLINOIS.

ADDITIONAL SITES WITH LONGER HOURS OF OPERATION ARE AVAILABLE TO CAST YOUR BALLOT BEFORE ELECTION DAY. STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SPOKESPERSON MATT DIETRICH SAYS ABOUT 67-THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY VOTED, ALTHOUGH THAT’S EXPECTED TO QUICKLY INCREASE.

DIETRICH SAYS THAT’S EXPECTED TO INCREASE WITH MORE OPTIONS AVAILABLE.

DIETRICH SAYS NEARLY 800-THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE REQUESTED MAIL-IN BALLOTS AND ABOUT 266-THOUSAND BALLOTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RETURNED.

RECORD ATTENDANCE NUMBERS FOR THE DUQUOIN STATE FAIR THIS YEAR. 

THE FAIR IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DREW MORE THAN 171-THOUSAND VISITORS. THAT’S AN INCREASE OF 13 POINT FIVE PERCENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND THE HIGHEST SINCE NEW TRACKING METHODS WERE PUT INTO PLACE SAYS DUQUOIN STATE FAIR MANAGER JOSH GROSS.

GRANDSTAND CONCERTS GENERATED OVER 322-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN REVENUE, WITH COLE SWINDELL SELLING THE MOST TICKETS. THIS WAS THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DUQUOIN STATE FAIR.

HERE’S THE LATEST WEEKLY CROP REPORT. 

CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER SAYS 78 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS HAVE NOW BEEN HARVESTED. THAT’S AHEAD OF LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME AND THE FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE.

FOR CORN...

67 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED AND 17 PERCENT HAS EMERGED. PASTURE CONDITIONS DECLINED TO 27 PERCENT IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT SHAPE. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE ALSO DROPPED…TO 23 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 31 PERCENT SHORT AND 46 PERCENT ADEQUATE.

The Central Illinois CEO program is a great opportunity for local high school students to learn the skills of the business community and if owning their own business is for them.

And while it certainly offers that opportunity, Facilitator of the Central Illinois CEO program, Melanie Brown is highlighting the personal growth she sees in the students in the third year of the program.

Brown feels this process prepares students for the workforce and understanding the personalities and strengths of their future coworkers.

Coming up, students of the program will receive some professional development on how to have a business lunch and Brown indicates, those types of lessons are a lot of the focus in the first semester. She feels this is where you see a lot of confidence in the students begin to develop.

Brown points out, recruiting efforts are already underway for next year's program. If you or a student you know might be interested in being a part of the program, visit centralillinoisceo.com. 

October has been warm and dry but some incoming rain could help ease the lack of precipitation concerns for the month.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Mike Albano from the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains the dry October has been somewhat volatile. We've seen days with near record lows and recent days with temperatures near 80 degrees.

While it's been dry to this point so far in October, things could change quickly with some rain moving into the area and Albano says it's going to stick around for a while.

Albano says flooding isn't likely for most of Illinois because of the low and slow nature of the income precipitation. He does warn of some isolation of standing water in areas where there are leaves or harvest debris blocking storm drains. 

Anticipate the rain moving out of the area Wednesday morning.

THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IS HOSTING ITS FIRST VENDOR SUMMIT TO TEACH THE INS AND OUTS OF DOING BUSINESS WITH THE STATE. 

NAVIGATING STATE CONTRACTING AND THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS CAN BE DAUNTING, BUT THIS VENDOR SUMMIT ON NOVEMBER 10TH AIMS TO HELP ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS SAYS ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CENTRAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RAVEN DEVAUGHN.

THE SUMMIT WILL FEATURE SEVERAL STATE AGENCIES AND INCLUDE WORKSHOPS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS. IT WILL BE HELD IN SPRINGFIELD AT THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY.

YOU CAN REGISTER AND FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT AT: ILLINOIS DOT GOV SLASH VENDOR SUMMIT.

SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE'S OFFICE IS WARNING THE PUBLIC ABOUT FLOOD DAMAGED VEHICLES FOR SALE. 

IF YOU'RE IN THE MARKET FOR A USED CAR, SECRETARY OF STATE SPOKESPERSON HENRY HAUPT SAYS YOU SHOULD CHECK CLOSELY FOR WATER DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE IAN OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. A LITTLE RESEARCH DOESN'T HURT EITHER.

HAUPT SAYS SECRETARY WHITE IS WORKING TO MAKE SURE CONSUMERS AREN'T SCAMMED AND UNKNOWINGLY BUY A USED CAR THAT'S BEEN DAMAGED IN HURRICANE IAN OR ANOTHER STORM.

HAUPT SAYS THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE IS CLOSELY MONITORING VEHICLE TITLE APPLICATIONS FROM FLOOD IMPACTED COUNTIES.

MORE THAN ONE MILLION PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS HAVE NOW RECEIVED THE NEW COVID-19 BIVALENT BOOSTER SHOT. 

VACCINATION RATES HAVE INCREASED RECENTLY, AS THE LATEST BOOSTER PROTECTS AGAINST THE MOST PREVALENT VARIANT, OMICRON. ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR SAMEER VOHRA RECOMMENDS EVERYONE ELIGIBLE GET THE SHOT, BUT ESPECIALLY...

PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER IT FOR THEIR KIDS AS WELL.

VOHRA SAYS KIDS AGES FIVE AND UP SHOULD GET THE BOOSTER AS WELL, IN LIGHT OF A RISE IN SERIOUS PEDIATRIC RESPIRTORY ILLNESS. THE C-D-C RATES 26 ILLINOIS COUNTIES AT AN INCREASED RISK FOR COVID. THE HIGHEST RISK RIGHT NOW IS IN WARREN, KNOX AND SALINE COUNTIES.

THE ILLINOIS JUDICIAL CONFERENCE IS LAYING OUT ITS STRATEGIC AGENDA FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS. 

THE CONFERENCE REVIEWS COURT PRACTICES AND SUGGESTS IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. SOON TO BE CHIEF JUSTICE MARY JANE THEIS (tice) SAYS THE NEW AGENDA REFLECTS LESSONS LEARNED DURING THE PANDEMIC, WHEN REMOTE PROCEEDINGS BECAME THE NORM.

CHIEF JUSTICE THEIS (tice) SAYS THE AGENDA INCLUDES A RECOGNITION THAT IT’S OKAY TO CHANGE HOW THINGS ARE DONE.

JUSTICE THEIS SAYS OTHER GOALS INCLUDE INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TO COURT PROCEEDINGS, CONTINUING TO ENSURE ADHERENCE TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONALISM AND INVITING MORE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.

Have you seen the offers for “free solar panels?" 

The Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners there are crooks out there trying to entice unsuspecting homeowners into handing over their personal information, a lot of money, or possibly both using solar power as the root of their ruse. The amazing deal is only available for a limited time, so you must act now, according to their pitch. BBB Investigator Don O’Brien says there are some red flags to watch out for.

He says you should get competing bids. Contact several solar installers if you plan on going solar and get bids from each company. If someone is pulling a con, they will be much easier to spot this way. And ask plenty of questions and consider the answers. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red flag.

Solicitors – and possibly outright scammers - have reportedly been out and about following an announcement that there will be a new delivery company for electric aggregation contracts in the new year. 

The pitch has the solicitors asking the homeowner to see their Ameren bill to "make sure they are getting the lowest rate possible." But if you give them any information, Citizen's Utility Board spokesman Jim Chilsen says you can be victimized by a technique called slamming.

Chilsen says these solicitors are known to use high-pressure sales tactics. Law enforcement reminds you are under no obligation to speak to these people and reminds if you have a "No Solicitors" sign on your property, those pitching their products are legally required to leave you along. 

WHOW will celebrate 75 years on the air next month with a special celebration at the Clinton Country Club.

Mark your calendars for Saturday evening, Nov. 12 at 5:30 pm and join Station Owner Randal J. Miller for a night of food and fun. Miller says the night with entertainment and plated dinner wraps up with a video presentation highlighting the 75 years of WHOW with names and voices fans of the station in its heyday will recognize.

Gracia Harrison will perform during the social hour which begins at 5:30 pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm with more music from Harrison followed by the presentation at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are $50 or a table of eight is $360. Ticket sales will be donated to the Clinton Neighborhood Care Center and the Clinton High School student activity fund.

You can purchase tickets at the Clinton High School office. 

A local group is seeking donations to celebrate the 150th anniversary of a historic landmark.

Susan Kline with the Magill Restoration Centre indicates the Harvest Mercantile store has been opened and now they are looking for donations to open the next part of their vision, the Bakery Cafe.

Lisa Lueras notes they have several boxes set up at other local businesses to go towards funding the bakery. She reminds the bakery is for the community and is calling on the community to help bring their vision to fruition.

The ladies have developed a plan for a smaller bakery initially. The kitchen and seating area will both be on the same floor and later on the kitchen will be moved to the basement. This was done to get the bakery opened sooner.

Lueras says in addition to throwing change in one of the bakery boxes around town, individuals or businesses can also contribute by sponsoring appliances. In the letters, they break down what they still need and the estimated costs.

Donations can also be made online by visiting magillrestorationcentre.org or by finding Magill Restoration Centre or Harvest Mercantile on Facebook.

The busy hunting season is underway in Illinois and despite a very dry summer, a disease that can often run roughshod through the deer population is not showing up as much as anticipated this fall.

EHD is a disease that runs through deer populations when water levels dip severely low due to a lack of moisture. Department of Natural Resources Police Captain John Williamson says it's not showing up as much as in years past.

Capt. Williamson points out EHD will pop up yearly but it takes significant, widespread drought for it to become a big problem statewide. Narrow swaths of Illinois have been impacted by severe drought this summer. 

It's gotten progressively warmer this week with a pleasant weekend ahead. A bit of a wet start to the week could be awaiting us in central Illinois. State Climatologist Trent Ford has more.

WHOW Radio in Clinton is celebrating its 75 years of service to Clinton, DeWitt County, and Central Illinois, with a Gala Banquet Saturday, November 12th at the Clinton Country Club.  

Social hour is at 5:30, dinner is at 6:30, and the premiere of the WHOW 75th Anniversary video is at 7:30.

Guest entertainment that night during the social hour and dinner is rising Nashville star Gracia Harrison.  Harrison appeared in season 3 of NBC's "The Voice" and brings her unique styling of country music to the WHOW 75th Anniversary Gala Banquet.

The sit-down served meal includes an 8 ounce butterfly apple wood pork chop, salad with dressing, baked potato, southern style green beans, rolls, and a piece of the WHOW 75th Anniversary cake.  

WHOW is paying for all expenses that night, so that ticket sales will go to 2 local causes.  The Neighborhood Care Center's No Fee Grocery Shopping allows those in need locally, to get the groceries to feed their family.  And, the Clinton High School Student Activity Fund, provides students the opportunities to be successful, and purchases items for students in need.

Tickets are 50-dollars each, or a table of 8 is 360-dollars, and can be purchased at the Clinton High School office.  

In a partnership with Constellation Energy, DeWitt County will be doing away with the severe weather sirens in place of a more modern system.

At the Thursday night DeWitt County Board meeting, DeWitt County EMA Director Micah Gallardo explained the idea would be to reach the public through notifications on a mobile device or a home phone number. 

According to DeWitt County CENCOM Director Tony Harris, the move saves money for both Constellation and the County. 

Harris adds the current siren system also creates some confusion because anytime a siren has to be activated, every siren in the county is activated. With the geo-coded system, only those in the impacted area would receive a notification.

Harris and Gallardo stress, if you do not have a cell phone or still rely on your home phone, those notices would still go to your home phone as well. 

Bust out those Halloween costumes a week early and join the folks at the Weldon Springs Foundation for a special event this Saturday at the schoolhouse at Weldon Springs State Park.

Patty Kinder with the Foundation explains from 1 pm to 3 pm this Saturday, they'll have fun and games at the school house for kids of all ages.

This weekend's Halloween event is the unofficial mark to the end of the season at the Springs. Kinder indicates they'll host a Christmas party in December. We'll have more on that next month on Regional Radio News.

The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted data from the Illinois Report card, which is set to be updated again in another few weeks, highlighting specific data out of Decatur.

Shocking would is just the start of the revelations that were highlighted by a non-profit publication earlier this summer that discovered among a host of data points, only two percent of black third graders are reading at grade level and one percent are doing math at grade level in Decatur Public Schools. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, State Senator Chapin Rose said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has failed the students of Illinois.

In a recent debate where gubernatorial challenger Darren Bailey brought the data up, Governor Pritzker called the publication that first brought the findings to light a "right-wing carnival barker". Sen. Rose says it's classic progressive liberalism where instead of disputing the facts, they call names.

Getting deeper into the curriculum, the Mahomet Republican calls the common core curriculum an abject disaster, which was brought to K-12 education by people in higher education.

Sen. Rose says there was a time people looked to the experts to have answers that made things better but that is no longer the case. He believes when the experts are not making things better, it's time to replace the experts. 

The state’s first cannabis infuser is open in Pekin. The operation received one of the states’ 48 social equity licenses. The woman and veteran-owned business will make marijuana-based edibles says owner Allison Dries.

The operation currently has 17 employees and is expecting to expand hiring as business grows.

THE ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY IS MARKING THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE’S SAFE-TWO-HELP PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS.

IN IT’S FIRST YEAR, THE SAFE-TWO-HELP LINE HAS RECEIVED NEARLY 900 MESSAGES FROM STUDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT A VARIETY OF ISSUES SAYS I-EMA’S SCHOOL SAFETY POLICY ADVISOR SAMANTHA KANISH (can-ish). SHE SAYS THE MOST REPORTED PROBLEM IS BULLYING.

SHE STRESSES THAT SAFE TWO HELP IS CONFIDENTIAL.

MOVING FORWARD, KANISH SAYS THEY WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT THE SAFE-TWO-HELP LINE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS, INCLUDING THOSE IN PRIVATE AND CHARTER SCHOOLS. THERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO REACH THE SERVICE INCLUDING ONLINE AT: SAFE, THE NUMBER TWO, HELP I-L DOT COM (SAFE2HELPIL.COM).

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS REMINDING THAT ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T AFFORD BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS. 

THE ILLINOIS BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER PROGRAM PROVIDES FREE BREAST EXAMS AND MAMMOGRAMS TO UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED WOMEN. PUBLIC HEALTH’S PHALLISHA (felicia) CURTIS SAYS A VARIETY OF SERVICES ARE OFFERED.

CURTIS REMINDS THAT MAMMOGRAMS SHOULD BE DONE ANNUALLY.

THE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS FREE CERVICAL CANCER SCREENINGS AND PAP TESTS. YOU CAN LEARN MORE ONLINE AT: DPH DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV.

Just as farmers are putting their final touches on the harvest season, another crisis is hurting the grain export industry.

Coupled with high diesel prices and a possible railroad strike, farmers are now facing a rapidly drying Mississippi River. Here's Curt Kimmel, a Hedging strategist at AgMarket-dot-net.

According to Kimmel, if the U.S. does not get rain, exporters would need to rely on the trucking industry more this year compared to years past. Kimmel reports a train of barges can hold around 8-hundred thousand bushels of grain, but they are being forced to fill the barges less than halfway to keep them from running aground.

Earlier this week on Regional Radio, Clinton YMCA Executive Director Rennie Cluver indicated the annual 'Strong Kids' fundraising campaign is underway.

Last month, the YMCA participated in its annual efforts at the Apple n' Pork Festival selling pork cutlet sandwiches. Cluver indicates like most groups that participate in the festival that draws tens of thousands of people, it's hard to duplicate the opportunity they have to fund-raise in two days.

Going into the Apple n' Pork Festival weekend, there were concerns about the availability of food for the various groups and the costs of those items. Some groups had to raise their food prices and Cluver notes the Y was among those.

'Strong Kids' annually raises around $100,000 for the YMCA that helps kids, families and seniors afford programming at the Y. Cluver notes that only goes so far as they subsidize around $130,000 annually in those costs so fundraisers like the Apple n' Pork Festival help get them the rest of the way. 

Students in the Central Illinois CEO program are inviting the public out for a meet and greet event this Friday morning to learn more about the program.

Melanie Brown is the Facilitator of the program that encompasses the school districts Blue Ridge, Clinton, Maroa-Forsyth, and Warrensburg-Latham. On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, she noted this event Friday morning at the Homewood Inn and Suites is for any prospective students, investors, or community business people interested in learning more about the program.

According to Brown, the first quarter of the program has wrapped up with students making progress on their group business.

In addition to working on the group business, Brown explains they are making site visits to various places that are giving students a whole new perspective on what is in their own backyard.

The event is again Friday morning from 7:30 am to 9 am at the Homewood Inn and Suites in Forsyth. If you are a business owner interested in helping out or supporting the program or a student interested in being in the program next year, Brown points you to the Central Illinois CEO Facebook page or centralillinoisceo.com. 

The top brass at the Illinois Manufacturing Association reports the state's manufacturing industry is booming in McLean county, but the rest of the state - not so much.

Despite record growth in McLean County from manufacturers like Rivian Automotive, Ferrero, and Brandt industries - the problem across the state lies with policy in Springfield.

Denzler is president and CEO of IMA.

IT’S DEER MATING SEASON AND THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS URGING DRIVERS TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL. 

DEER ARE MORE ACTIVE THIS TIME OF YEAR, ESPECIALLY AT DUSK AND DAWN SAYS I-DOT SPOKESPERSON PAUL WAPPEL.

LAST YEAR IN ILLINOIS, THERE WERE MORE THAN 14-THOUSAND REPORTED DEER-VEHICLE CRASHES, WITH MOST RESULTING IN DAMAGE. THE TOP COUNTIES FOR ACCIDENTS IN 2021 WERE COOK, MADISON, WILL, SANGAMON AND PEORIA.

WAPPEL SAYS IF YOU DO HIT A DEER, PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER, TURN ON YOUR HAZARD LIGHTS AND CALL 9-1-1 TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT. INFORMATION ABOUT CLAIMING A DEER KILLED IN A CRASH IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: DNR DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV.

Harvest progress continues to advance for the state’s farmers.

Government reports put both the soybean and corn harvest at close to halfway done. Morgan County famer Marty Marr says he’ll wrap up his beans by the end of this week and while happy with yields they aren’t the bin busting ones that many were expecting.

Fall is also planting season for the state’s wheat farmers, about 40 percent of that crop has been planted so far.

ANOTHER ROUND OF MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING NEXT WEEK.

ELIGIBLE HOMEOWNERS STILL FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC CAN GET UP TO 30-THOUSAND DOLLARS SAYS ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SPOKESPERSON ANDREW FIELD.

THE MONEY CAN BE USED FOR OVERDUE MORTGAGE PAYMENTS, CONDO ASSOCIATION FEES, PROPERTY TAXES AND MORE. 

TO QUALIFY, HOMEOWNERS MUST BE AT LEAST 30 DAYS LATE ON THEIR MONTHLY HOUSING PAYMENTS AND MEET CERTAIN INCOME GUIDELINES. THE APPLICATION PERIOD RUNS FROM NOVEMBER FIRST THROUGH JANUARY 31ST. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: ILLINOIS HOUSING HELP DOT ORG.

Clinton School district administrators have been able to weigh in on the future of facilities in the district and recently the building leadership committee put together those ideas.

Clinton Schools Board of Education President Dan Matthews indicated Tuesday night at the Board's regular monthly meeting, the whole board received those ideas and sources of funding from Assistant Superintendent Drew Goebel.

Matthews felt the administration came up with some great ideas and brought some attention to things the board was unaware of as well. 

Not directly related to the ongoing facilities discussion but in the theme of facilities, Superintendent Curt Nettles applauded Goebel for securing a state grant for facility improvements.

The Board will move its next meeting to Tuesday, Nov. 22. 

The latest data from a biennial survey of youth in Illinois is showing an increase in marijuana usage among youth and a central Illinois mental health professional has some concerns.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Tony Kirkman from the Piatt County Mental Health Center says the fact more youth are admitting to the use of marijuana is concerning for the long-term mental health of these individuals.

For Kirkman, he is focusing on why these teens are using marijuana and he's discovering it is a variety of reasons from simple experimentation to self-medicating reasons.

Based on data from the Illinois Youth Survey, it is likely education is going to have to be increased in informing teens about the dangers of early use of legalized marijuana. For Kirkman, instead of instilling these messages with fear, he hopes they will be delivered rationally and with facts.

Looking down the road, Kirkman is encouraged by the initiatives happening at an education institution level with a focus on an individual's emotional and mental wellness and the things their body is communicating to them.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and a central Illinois advocacy agency is hosting a special vigil for victims and survivors of domestic violence tomorrow (Thursday) in Decatur.

Jennifer Tolladay with DeWitt County DOVE indicates tomorrow evening at  St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Decatur, they will be hosting Rachel Louise Snyder for a special presentation starting at 6 pm.

Tolladay indicates recent data from central Illinois shows domestic violence was significantly increased as of 2017. 

Tolladay says while there are laws to protect victims of domestic violence, many victims simply quit their jobs to avoid the embarrassment which turns into lost wages and benefits and then trickles down into lost possessions. She notes recent data shows that nearly 90 percent of homeless women ended up there from a domestic violence situation. 

WHOW is celebrating 75 years on the air and is inviting the public out for a night to celebrate.

Mark your calendars for Saturday evening, Nov. 12 at the Clinton Country Club. Station owner Randal J. Miller is excited about the evening that will feature a plated pork chop dinner, entertainment, and a special presentation video highlighting the history of one of the most storied signals in central Illinois.

Ticket sales from the event will be donated to the Clinton Neighborhood Care Center and the Clinton High School student activity fund. Tickets are $50 per person or a table of eight is $360. 

The event is again Saturday, No. 12 at the Clinton Country Club. Social hour is at 5:30 pm. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm and the presentation video is at 7:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Clinton High School office. 

Harvest season is in full force in Illinois, and the State Fire Marshall's Office encourages farmers to watch out for equipment and field fires.

JC Fultz, spokesman for the Illinois Fire Marshall's Office, says dry, windy weather is perfect conditions for field fires.

A report from the U.S. Fire Administration indicates 20-thousand fires nationwide yearly on agricultural properties. Those fires result in over 1-hundred two million dollars in property losses.

The RSV virus can seriously impact infants and the elderly and is hitting at the same time health leaders are worried about a projected bad flu season and lingering variants of COVID-19. 

The American Lung Association says RSV is so common and spreads so easily, nearly 100% of children are infected with the highly contagious condition before the age of 2. Mara Bessine, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) for OSF HealthCare, says RSV is once again appearing earlier because people aren’t wearing masks, they’re gathering in groups, and they aren’t as vigilant about washing hands.

RSV usually produces symptoms of a common cold: stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, headache, cough and sometimes fever. However, RSV can be much more serious in young children, especially premature babies, and kids with diseases that affect the heart, lungs, or immune system. Parents should seek immediate emergency care if their child’s skin, mouth, or fingernails are blue, or they have problems breathing.

STATE EDUCATION OFFICIALS THE LATEST SCHOOL REPORT CARD WILL SHOW AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT IN STUDENT GROWTH LAST YEAR.

THE REPORT CARDS FOR EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL IN ILLINOIS COME OUT NEXT WEEK, PROVIDING A SNAPSHOT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE DATA FROM 2021. STATE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT CARMEN AYALA SAYS IT LOOKS LIKE GOOD NEWS.

AYALA CREDITS FEDERAL COVID RELIEF MONEY WHICH WAS USED FOR THINGS LIKE TUTORING, SUMMER SCHOOL AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PROGRAMS TO HELP KIDS GET BACK ON TRACK.

AYALA SAYS STUDENT PROFICIENCY, MEANING THE CHILD MEETS OR EXCEEDS GRADE LEVEL STANDARDS HAS NOT YET REACHED PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS. REPORT CARDS FOR ALL ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL BE RELEASED NEXT WEEK.

A few reminders from the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association regarding fall ammonia application. Here’s IFCA’s KJ Johnson.

More info at ifca.com.

Millions in grants are going to community health groups around Illinois to support eliminating food deserts, establishing better health care, and even supporting access to better jobs and housing. The ARISE program is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and IDPH Director Sameer Vohra says areas of the state are leading changes in different ways.

Up to $3.7 million will be awarded to 18 different organizations around the state.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS ANNOUNCING UP TO THREE-POINT-SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANTS TO HELP EASE HEALTH DISPARITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

THE MONEY IS GOING TO 18 ORGANIZATIONS IN HOPES OF IMPROVING CARE FOR THE UNDERSERVED, SUCH AS MINORITIES AND RURAL RESIDENTS. THE PROGRAM IS CALLED “ARISE” SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR SAMEER VOHRA.

GROUPS SAY THEY WILL USE THE MONEY FOR THINGS LIKE TRANSPORTATION TO HELP AREA RESIDENTS GET TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, AS WELL AS SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS.

THE GRANT MONEY IS GOING TO 18 COMMUNITIES. 

The Clinton YMCA's annual strong kids campaign is underway and the Y's Executive Director is hoping to reach new donors for this year's drive.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Rennie Cluver told Regional Radio the 'Strong Kids' Campaign is the largest fund drive they have that helps support kids, families, and seniors in the community through scholarships to afford its programming.

While Cluver is grateful to the point of a loss for words of the support that continuously pours out for this campaign each year, he says they need to start reaching new donors. 

The 'Strong Kids' campaign seeks to raise roughly $100,000 each year and Cluver says while sometimes he wonders if they can make it because of various circumstances, they have always met that goal.

With the harvest in central Illinois in full swing, Cluver reminds those in agriculture of the 'Acres for Kids' program that allows producers the opportunity to plant seed in their fields that at the harvest season will partially go back to the Clinton YMCA and is a part of the 'Strong Kids' campaign. 

The Blue Ridge soccer program has been helping at the ham n' bean booth of the Apple n' Pork Festival for the past few years and it helping the program a great deal.

Coach John Flannell and his team's captain  Dylan Coffey say the weekend is a great source of revenue for the program and Coffey enjoys the work the CH Moore Homestead organizers had them doing.

According to Coach Flannell, the soccer program has been a part of the Apple n' Pork Festival for almost a decade but only recently came into being able to work at the ham n' beans tent. He indicates they use the funds to keep up one of the best fields in central Illinois. 

Blue Ridge was beaten by St. Joseph-Ogden last week in Regional soccer action to end its season. Coach Flannell says it was a young team this year as Coffey was his only senior. 

While the holiday season traditionally kicks off around Thanksgiving, a national renown nutritionist says you could argue the season for sweet treats is Halloween.

Dr. Jim LaValle is the author of 'Cracking the Metabolic Code' and the clinical director for the Pro Football Hall of Fame performance health program. He says parents of kids especially are prone to overexposure to sweet treats. He sees it all the time - people work really hard to lose weight and gain it back in November and December.

According to Dr. LaValle, we're expected to live around four years less and most of the population is overweight or obese. He says we need to understand how stress impacts our desires and cravings.

Another key to keeping those cravings away is to stay hydrated. Dr. LaValle explains the hunger signals and the hydration signals come from the same part of the brain. He says a lot of times if you are all of a sudden hungry, it may be because you are dehydrated. 

Dr. LaValle encourages parents to not give their kids unfettered access to that Halloween candy and use it as a reward system or exchange it for something else.

The Better Business Bureau says responding to that phony bank text message could cost you thousands. One of scammers' favorite tactics is impersonating a person or organization you know and trust. That's the premise of this new text message scam, which has been popping up in recent Scam Tracker reports. This time, con artists are impersonating your bank. Better Business Bureau’s Jessica Tharp says it all starts with you responding to that text that you think is from your bank, credit union, or lender.

Tharp says the best solution is just to ignore the text message, and if you can, block the number. If you spot a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY HAS SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR CREATING AND SAFEGUARDING PASSWORDS.

DO-IT CYBERSECURITY EXPERT JENNIFER ROMINGER (roam-ing-er) SAYS A GOOD WAY TO PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION IS TO USE A PASSWORD MANAGER APP. IT STARTS BY CREATING A GENERAL PASSWORD.

ROMINGER SAYS PASSWORDS SHOULD BE UNIQUE TO EACH ACCOUNT AND INCLUDE A COMBINATION OF UPPER- AND LOWER-CASE LETTERS AS WELL AS NUMBERS AND SYMBOLS. YOU SHOULD NOT USE YOUR NAME OR THE NAMES OF YOUR KIDS OR PETS.

ROMINGER SAYS YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A PASSWORD MANAGER APP AND USE THAT TO SAFELY STORE ALL OF YOUR PASSWORDS FOR VARIOUS ACCOUNTS.

Supply chain worries continue. There’s concern of a railroad strike again and low water levels are impacting grain shipments on the Mississippi River. It’s something Don Schaefer is following. He represents the Springfield, Illinois-based Mid-West Truckers Association. About the potential railroad strike.....

The Mid-West Truckers Association represents 4,100 members in 15 states.

ILLINOIS TREASURER MIKE FRERICHS' OFFICE IS RETURNING THE LARGEST UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AWARD IN THE NATION.

11 MILLION DOLLARS IS GOING TO THE MORE THAN 100 HEIRS OF A CHICAGO MAN, JOSEPH STANCAK (stan-check), WHO DIED BACK IN 2016 SAYS TREASURER FRERICHS.

TREASURER FRERICHS SAYS MILLIONS MORE IN UNCLAIMED PROPERTY IS STILL WAITING TO BE CLAIMED, POSSIBLY BY YOU.

THE MONEY IS BEING RETURNED THROUGH THE TREASURER'S I-CASH UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM, WHICH HOLDS LONG-FORGOTTEN BANK ACCOUNTS, BONDS AND THE CONTENTS OF OLD SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES. 

YOU CAN SEARCH TO SEE IF YOU HAVE ANY FUNDS DUE YOU OR YOUR FAMILY ONLINE AT: ILLINOIS TREASURER DOT GOV.

FARMERS MADE SOME NICE HARVEST PROGRESS IN THE FIELDS AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT.

ABOUT FIVE DAYS WERE SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK THIS PAST WEEK, AND 88 PERCENT OF CORN IS NOW MATURE SAYS STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

55 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS HAVE BEEN HARVESTED, COMPARED TO 58 PERCENT NORMALLY, AND 71 PERCENT OF THE CROP IS RATED IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT CONDITION. 

39 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED WITH EIGHT PERCENT EMERGED. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE IMPROVED SLIGHTLY TO 22 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 31 PERCENT SHORT, 44 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND THREE PERCENT SURPLUS.

Hundreds of people make it a point to stop by the Am Vets post on Center Street during the annual Apple n' Pork Festival to support our local veterans. 

Ed Beck indicates for the first time, they sold out of burgers on Saturday of the festival. He indicates despite some increases in costs, they wanted to offer their crowd-favorite snow cones for a dollar still. 

According to Beck, the Am Vets have been busy visiting the two veterans homes in Illinois, helping out with other efforts in the state and of course, he highlights the local things they continue to do.

Beck hopes to see a younger group of veterans start to get involved in the Am Vets. He explains, like many groups, they battle an aging group of most active veterans.

Beck indicates the funds raised from the Apple n' Pork Festival weekend helps support the efforts they do locally, statewide, and other ventures they deem worthwhile. 

He encourages anyone interested in being a part of the Am Vets to join them for coffee almost every morning at 302 North Monroe Street or the names and numbers of the Am Vets officers are posted on the door of the facility. 

Nutrition plays a vital role in the lives of older adults to ensure healthy aging occurs.

Caitlin Mellendorf, U of I Extension Nutrition Educator, explains as we age our bodies do not absorb nutrients like they once did. She notes it's important for seniors to make sure they are getting enough vitamins in the food they consume and if not to take supplements.

Mellendorf says aging also brings a higher risk of chronic illnesses. To minimize the effects of chronic disease and its symptoms it's important to get the recommended nutrition for your age.

Mellendorf contends anyone experiencing trouble with eating or swallowing to talk to their healthcare provider or a nutrition expert. She notes occasionally with the aging process will need assistance with things they did not need prior.

For more information on seniors and nutrition visit extension.illinois.edu/family.

Social Security is recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates the average monthly disability benefit is barely enough to keep beneficiaries above the poverty guidelines. To encourage those with disabilities to return to the workforce, Social Security offers an incentive such as the Trial Work Period.

Myers notes if an individual continues to work after the 9-month window they will enter into a three-year entended period of eligibility. The individual's disability benefit will either decrease or stop depending on how much they are earning.

Individuals might be hesitant to return to work due to losing their Medicare coverage but Myers says that coverage will continue for 7 years after you begin working even if your disability benefits stop.

Social Security also offers a free program called the Ticket to Work. If you contact the program, Myers indicates you will work with a benefits counselor to understand the impact your work will have on your benefits eligibility.

Myers reminds anyone returning to work to report their wages to Social Security and keep them informed if they continue to work past the 9 months.

The American Red Cross continues to experience lower-than-expected donations and are offering donors a chance to receive a $10 gift card. 

All blood types are needed, but especially those with Type O blood. The agency is announcing more people are now eligible to donate, following a change in policy by the FDA regarding people who spent time in the U.K., Ireland, and France between 1980 and 2001. American Red Cross spokesperson Joe Zydlo says the change is tied to an outbreak of mad cow disease decades ago.

As a thank-you, all who come to give October 16-31 will receive a $10 e-Gift Card by email to a merchant of choice. You can find information on where to donate at redcrossblood.org

IN LIGHT OF AN ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CHARGE AGAINST FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE MADIGAN, ILLINOIS HOUSE REPUBLICANS ARE CALLING FOR CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT TO BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY. (two stories, same lead).

MADIGAN FACES ANOTHER CORRUPTION CHARGE, THIS TIME INVOLVING A-T-AND-T. THE COMPANY HAS AGREED TO PAY A 23 MILLION DOLLAR FINE FOR ILLEGALLY TRYING TO INFLUENCE THE FORMER SPEAKER. REPRESENTATIVE TOM DEMMER OF DIXON SAYS THIS SHOWS THAT NO ONE PERSON SHOULD HAVE SO MUCH POWER IN THE LEGISLATURE.

HOUSE G-O-P LEADER JIM DURKIN SAYS HIS DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES, WHO HOLD MAJORITIES IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE, MUST REALIZE THAT THESE ACCUSATIONS OF TRYING TO INFLUENCE LEGISLATION THROUGH BRIBERY HAVE MAJOR CONSEQUENCES.

MADIGAN HAS ALREADY BEEN FEDERALLY INDICTED OVER AN ALLEGED BRIBERY SCHEME WITH COM-ED.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS URGING PARENTS TO MAKE SURE THEIR CHILDREN GET THE ANNUAL FLU SHOT AS WELL AS THE NEW COVID-19 BOOSTER.

STATE PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE C-D-C THAT KIDS AGES FIVE AND OLDER BE VACCINATED WITH THE NEW COVID BOOSTER, WHICH PROTECTS AGAINST THE OMICRON VARIANT. CHILDREN SIX MONTHS AND UP SHOULD ALSO GET A FLU SHOT. SPOKESPERSON MIKE CLAFFEY EXPLAINS THE CONCERN.

CLAFFEY SAYS THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER SINCE THERE'S BEEN A RECENT SURGE IN SERIOUS RESPIRATORY ILLNESS AMONG KIDS.

MORE THAN 890-THOUSAND ILLINOISANS HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THE NEW COVID BOOSTER.

The Xi Alpha Lota Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority is conducting its 25th annual coat drive in DeWitt County.

Ladies of the sorority are asking for gently worn or new coats, hats, and gloves for children in need in the community. 

Items can be dropped off at any of the Clinton elementary schools, Save-A-Lot in Clinton, the Clinton IGA, the Warner Library, or the Clinton YMCA. 

DOVE will have the coats available starting October 25. 

Young hunters between the ages of 10 and 17 can apply now for youth wingshooting clinics and youth pheasant hunts scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22 at Edward R. Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area in Lincoln and Saturday, Oct. 29 at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in DeWitt.

Registrants will participate in a wingshooting clinic during the morning.

Wingshooting instrutors certified by the National Sporting Clays Association and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will lead the clinic. Young hunters will practice safe shotgun handling and operation while advancing their wingshooting skills. The youth pheasant hunt will take place during the afternoon. Participants must have successfully completed an approved hunter safety course and have a valid hunting license.

Permits are available through IDNR’s controlled pheasant hunting online reservation system. Applicants should review the Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Information and the Illinois Youth Pheasant Hunt Regulations prior to applying at
https://dnr2.illinois.gov/controlledhunt/.  

Its national cyber security awareness month and the state’s department of innovation and technology says stay safer on the internet by using a password manager and stop picking the same login and password for your accounts.

That’s Jennifer Rominger with DO IT. She says if you don’t know what a password manager is – google it and start the process of picking one out.

Out of the Darkness walks are on-going around the state this fall.

Angela Cummings with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says it’s a way to gather people together to shed light on suicide, give people information on how to fight it, and help people to overcome the loss of losing someone to it. She says if you start hearing someone discussing taking their own life - it’s the right time to act.

She says the next step is to ask that person if they are okay and let them know that you want to be there to help.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture hosting an Illinois Products Fall Farmers Market this weekend at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.

That’s IDOA Director Jerry Costello speaking to the RFD Radio Network this week.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and central Illinois advocates are reminding communities of the warning signs of domestic violence.

Domestic violence can take on many forms and Jennifer Tolladay and Andrea Kocher with DOVE, Inc. indicate it is an issue that knows no bounds. Tolladay says abuse can be physical but it often starts subtly through emotional and mental abuse.

According to Kocher, because most abuse starts as emotional or mental, that is typically the most common form of abuse. She also points out most women will not even realize they are being abused because there is no physical abuse.

Abusers will gradually start putting their names on the things that belong to the victim, leaving them feeling powerless. Kocher says it can sometimes go as far as putting their name on a child that isn't theirs.

Next week on Regional Radio, Tolladay will offer some data on local domestic violence and highlights a revamped candlelight vigil ceremony happening in Macon County next week. 

The Monticello Marching Sages high school marching band is off to Bands of America this week.

Band Director Allison Allender is very pleased with how hard her students work and it is paying off in the accomplishments they've attained during the competition season.

According to Allender, the Marching Sages have had a lot of success in the competition schedule. They have had success up against schools of their size and schools bigger than them and so they are looking forward to being in St. Louis against some premier national programs.

Allender has been very pleased with her three drum majors, two of which are first-year drum majors, and also her senior leadership. She says it will be interesting because only her senior class this year has been to the Bands of America competition.

According to Allender, there is an application that needs to be done to enter the competition, but any band can choose to compete in this competition. She feels the students are very excited to be going to St. Louis and performing in the massive The Dome at America's Center. 

Allender indicates the band will leave early this morning (Friday) and perform later in the day at 4:15 pm. 

Other Illinois marching bands performing in St. Louis include Mascoutah, Edwardsville, Belleville East, Danville, Collinsville, Granite City, Normal Community, O'Fallon, Herscher, Huntley, Lake Park, Limestone, Prospect, and Plainfield North.

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police is in the prime of the job description as the busy hunting season gets into full swing.

On October 1 the bow hunting season opened and DNR authorities kick off the real busy season. Captain John Williamson says this is the time year conservation officers got into the field.

Tree stand safety is the number one talking point because that is the top issue for hunters in the fall. Capt. Williamson says to check the integrity of those tree stands and obviously make sure those harnasses are in good shape.

According to Capt. Williamson, you need to let someone know where you are going, especially if you are going alone. He says in the event of something happening, it is helpful to everyone if your location is known.

Capt. Williamson continues to urge hunters to check with the landowners whose property they may be hunting on. He says it's not only a good practice to avoid disputes in the event the land has changed hands but could also be a good way to find more ground if that landowner has acquired more land. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers is sending out his yearly reminders regarding the fall season in Clinton.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Chief Lowers told Regional Radio as the leaves change colors and begin to fall, residents need to either dispose of those at the yard waste facility or bring them to the curb and wait until City crews get around to picking them up.

Central Illinois has received a decent amount of rain the last few days and with some leaves already scattered on some streets in the community, Chief Lowers stresses wet leaves can sometimes mimic ice on the roadways.

As the harvest is in full swing, Chief Lowers encourages motorists to be patient with implements on the roads. He says nowhere you are going is worth the accident or worse that could take place by getting in such a big hurry you are not clear of any oncoming traffic. 

In years past, if you purchased a lemon shakeup on the grounds of the CH Moore Homestead grounds, you were supporting the efforts of the VFW, but this year Encore Developmental Services took over the booth.

Executive Director Stephanie Coonce felt the weekend was a great way to raise awareness about everything Encore does for some of the most vulnerable in our community and they were giving ten percent off coupons hoping for more visitors to the thrift store.

Money raised from this past month's Apple n' Pork Festival went into the day services program for Encore. Coonce explains that is a program that gives their clients the skills to get a job and then maintain employment.

If Encore did not have the Apple n' Pork Festival, they would have to continue to seek out grant funding and other smaller fundraisers. Coonce indicates the festival offers them a great opportunity to raise a good sum of money.

Coonce indicates the Apple n' Pork Festival will become the biggest fundraiser for Encore Developmental Services and they hope to be back again next year. 

Tickets for a couple of holiday events in Monticello will go fast and the Chamber of Commerce is ready to roll with those sales.

Chamber Executive Director Shelly Crawford-Stock indicates Lunch with Santa is the first weekend in December and tickets are already on sale. She is encouraging the community to get those tickets while they can.

They're not on sale yet, but Crawford-Stock indicates Reds of Christmas ticket sales will fire up on Oct. 22.

Makeitmonticello.org and the Facebook page by the same name have all the information for those events. Crawford-Stock says the holidays always bring a lot of excitement to the community. 

The Warner Library in Clinton has one of the prime spots in the community for visibility at the annual Apple n' Pork Festival on Center Street.

Located just off the square for folks coming up and down Center Street, the library has the opportunity each fall to get its name out to all the visitors to the community. Business Manager Samantha Rusk says they hand out books and have information on all its programs.

The Warner Library is bringing back its trick-or-treating activities later this month. Rusk says they always have a lot of great programs for both kids and adults.

The Warner Library also promoted its Master Gardener desk which has been a great resource throughout the summer.

They hope you'll stop in to see them at 310 North Quincy Street or find them on almost any social media platform. 

A Route 66 historian and author is coming to Atlanta next week. 

Jim Hinckley is an author from Arizona and will be coming to the Atlanta library next Tuesday night for a free presentation. Co-Director of the Library, Julianna Nordman sang his praises on the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday.

The $10,000 grant was put to good use throughout the last calendar year for the library. Nordman explains they held a program with a TikTok star over the summer and offered a series of cooking classes as well. 

Hinckley will have several books he's written available for purchase and he'll be signing those books. Nordman indicates he'll be making a presentation and is excited for the community of Atlanta to offer this opportunity.

The program is Tuesday, October 18 at Union Hall in downtown Atlanta at 5:30 pm. 

An every-other-year assessment of Illinois youth is starting to be analyzed by professionals in a variety of fields all over the state.

Nadia Klekamp is the Assistant Director for Community Health at Chestnut Health Systems and explains the Illinois Youth Survey reaches 8th graders, tenth graders, and twelfth graders in Illinois surveying them on a variety of topics from substance use to mental and emotional wellness.

Klekamp indicates in the next month, she will be doing a deep dive into the data but on the surface, one trend she continues to see is that teens are still turning to alcohol as the top substance of choice. The legalization of marijuana is also becoming an increasingly used substance among youth. 

For Klekamp, comparing data to years past will be interesting to see how things are stacking up but she's particularly curious to see what the pandemic will have done to a lot of the data points as well.

Klekamp says there is still work to be done in educating their communities and raise awareness around these issues. She stresses these things start at home and the impact parents make on kids. 

ANOTHER DRY WEEK GAVE FARMERS PLENTY OF TIME FOR HARVESTING.

SEVEN DAYS WERE SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK AND 75 PERCENT OF THE ILLINOIS CORN CROP IS NOW MATURE SAYS STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

SCHLEUSENER SAYS 89 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE DROPPING LEAVES.

16 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE DROPPED TO 26 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 33 PERCENT SHORT AND 41 PERCENT ADEQUATE.

For the first time this winter, boys' and girls' basketball could use a shot clock in tournaments and shootouts.

Earlier this year, the Illinois High School Association unanimously approved a 35-second shot clock only for particular games if the site hosts choose to use it. Here's Sam Knox, the I-H-S-A's Assistant Executive Director.

Depending on the board's feedback from the shootout and tournaments, the I-H-S-A could expand the shot clock into regular season games.

Will rising interest rates cool off the farmland market? Not too likely.

That’s Illinois Farm Bureau senior economist Mike Doherty.

Now through April is prime time for prescribed burns, and the Habitat Strike Team – part of the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in East Alton – is gearing up for a busy season. 

Prescribed burns are controlled applications of fire to the landscape by a team of experts under specific weather conditions. Kathryn Krydynski (CRY-din-skee), Habitat Strike Team Coordinator explains what they do.

The Habitat Strike Team works within a 90-mile radius of NGRREC’s Field Station and depending on seasonal conditions, may conduct or assist on at least 25 burns in a season, covering over 6,200 acres. For more information on the Habitat Strike Team, go to http://www.ngrrec.org/HST/

IT’S FIRE PREVENTION WEEK AND THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL IS URGING FAMILIES TO PLOT OUT THEIR ESCAPE ROUTE. 

IF A FIRE STARTS IN YOUR HOME, YOU MAY HAVE LESS THAN TWO MINUTES TO GET OUT SAYS FIRE MARSHALL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ. THAT’S WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE. THAT INCLUDES:

FULTZ ALSO RECOMMENDS ESTABLISHING A MEETING SPOT OUTSIDE THE HOME SO YOU CAN DO A QUICK HEADCOUNT.

FULTZ RECOMMENDS THE WHOLE FAMILY PRACTICE THE ESCAPE PLAN AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR DURING BOTH THE DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME HOURS.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES IS REMINDING FAMILIES TO PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY. 

THIS IS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK AND D-C-F-S SPOKESPERSON DEBORAH LOPEZ SAYS THEY HAVE A PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES FREE SMOKE ALARMS TO FAMILIES SERVED BY THE DEPARTMENT. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, THE RISK OF DYING IN A HOME FIRE IS CUT IN HALF WHEN WORKING SMOKE ALARMS ARE PRESENT.

LOPEZ SAYS IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A FAMILY ESCAPE PLAN IN CASE OF FIRE THAT EVERYONE PRACTICES PERIODICALLY.

UNDER ILLINOIS LAW, SMOKE ALARMS MUST BE INSTALLED WITHIN 15 FEET OF EVERY BEDROOM AND ONE ON EACH FLOOR OF THE HOUSE. FAMILIES SERVED BY D-C-F-S CAN REQUEST FREE SMOKE ALARMS FROM THEIR CASEWORKER OR LOCAL OFFICE.

The annual Baum Chevrolet Buick antique car show is always a highlight for many of the Apple n' Pork Festival and the dealership is thanking everyone that came out for a banner year for the event. 

Marketing Director for the dealership, Janell Baum-Thomas says perfect weather always lends itself to a great show and the weather again this past September was perfect as they were raising money for the Neighborhood Care Center in Clinton and southern McLean County.

Baum-Thomas indicates the Neighborhood Care Center is a very worthwhile organization helping those in need in our communities between Maroa and Heyworth. She indicates the employees of the dealership come together each year to decide on the non-profit to support.

Baum-Thomas says they raised a record amount of money from the car show and appreciates everyone that continues to come out year after year to be a part of the event. 

The leaves changing colors in the fall months are among the most enjoyable parts of autumn for many.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has an update on when we can start to see a pronounced change in the colors. Ed Shimon indicates the peak of the changes is about this time of the year. But....

According to Shimon, when there's a little more moisture, the leaves tend to have more vibrant colors.

Shimon indicates drought monitors towards the eastern side of the state have improved but drought could be lurking as we head towards the winter. 

Financial exploitation is a form of elder abuse and Social Security is offering advice on helping protect your older relatives and friends from elder abuse in the form of scams.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates while scammers target people of all ages, older adults lose nearly 25 times more money than other age groups. It is estimated that scams cost older adults $113 billion a year and often these scams go unreported due to confusion about how to report or embarrassment.

Myers points those wanting more information to visit a couple of resources at the Social Security website, socialsecurity.gov. The 'Social Security Matters' blog article  www.blog.ssa.gov/slam-the-scam-how-to-spot-government-imposters and its 'Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams' webpage at www.ssa.gov/scam.

Common elements of a government imposter scam include exploiting fears, threatening arrest or legal action, claiming there is a problem with your SSN or your benefits, or claiming your SSN is linked to a crime. Myers reminds, very rarely is Social Security going to make contact with someone without their prior knowledge.

If you encounter an email or phone call that you suspect is a scam, hang up right away or ignore the message. Myers adds never give personal info or money, they may ask you to buy gift cards and give them the numbers or even mail or wire cash. And report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General.  

There is also a report link at www.ssa.gov/scam.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SAYS SQUIRREL HUNTING IS A GREAT WAY TO GET INTO HUNTING FOR THE FIRST TIME. 

SQUIRRELS ARE PLENTIFUL IN ILLINOIS AND PROVIDE A GOOD INTRODUCTION TO HUNTING FOR BEGINNERS YOUNG AND OLD SAYS D-N-R WILDLIFE CHIEF MIKE WEFER (wee-fer).

CHIEF WEFER SAYS YOU’LL LEARN THE BASICS LIKE BEING QUIET, LISTENING FOR ACTIVITY, ASSESSING HABITAT AND SNEAKING.

WEFER SAYS SQUIRREL HUNTING IS RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE. ALL YOU NEED IS CAMOUFLAGE, A BAG AND EITHER A SMALL CALIBER RIFLE OR SHOTGUN. SQUIRREL HUNTING SEASON IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: HUNT ILLINOIS DOT ORG.

Instead of bagging up your leaves to be hauled away, the University of Illinois Extension office suggests using them in your garden. 

Leaves make great mulch, according to U of I Extension Educator Sarah Ruth. She recommends breaking them down with a shredder, mulcher, or lawn mower so they decompose quicker.

Ruth says you can use the leaves around flowers, shrubs, or other natural landscaping as insulation against the frigid temperatures of winter.

The Governor says he remains open to changing the SAFE-T act. 

The bill, which eliminates cash bail has come under fire from Republicans and faces criticism from some Democrats too. Gov. JB Pritzker is ready to have Democratic State Senator Scott Bennett’s proposed changes go through the legislative process.

The eliminating cash bash portion of the bill doesn't take effect until Jan. 1. Other provisions of the measure are already on the books.

It’s time to think about the Census of Agriculture. Pre-mail out publicity takes place Nov 1 through December 15. The official due date is February 6. Mark Schleausener is with USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The Census of Agriculture is done every five years—the last one was in 2017. The first one ever was pre-Civil War.

Tickets are now on sale for the WHOW 75th Anniversary Gala Banquet to celebrate the station's 75th Anniversary Saturday, November 12th at the Clinton Country Club.

Social hour is at 5:30, dinner is at 6:30, and the premiere of the WHOW 75th Anniversary video is at 7:30.

Guest entertainment that night during the social hour and dinner is rising Nashville star Gracia Harrison.  Harrison appeared in season 3 of NBC's "The Voice" and brings her unique styling of country music to the WHOW 75th Anniversary Gala Banquet.

The sit-down served meal includes an 8 ounce butterfly apple wood pork chop, salad with dressing, baked potato, southern style green beans, rolls, and a piece of the WHOW 75th Anniversary cake.  

WHOW is paying for all expenses that night, so that ticket sales will go to 2 local causes.  The Neighborhood Care Center's No Fee Grocery Shopping allows those in need locally, to get the groceries to feed their family.  And, the Clinton High School Student Activity Fund, provides students the opportunities to be successful, and purchases items for students in need.

Tickets are 50-dollars each, or a table of 8 is 360-dollars, and can be purchased at the Clinton High School office.  

A regular review of the facility of a DeWitt County non-profit has left the agency questioning what is next.

Stephanie Coonce, the Executive Director of the Encore Developmental Services in Clinton, says a review by the Illinois Fire Marshall's Office of the facility was vastly different this year than in years past thanks to a new individual who reviewed their facility with a fine-toothed comb.

For Coonce and the leadership at Encore, they are beginning the process of getting estimates for just how much all this could cost them. It is a concerning issue for the organization which is already strapped for cash.

Coonce indicates they are going to start reaching out to the community in hopes of finding support for whatever they are going to have to do. A frustration for her is there is no clear deadline on when plans have to be made, approved or even improvements completed. She notes the Illinois Department of Human Services has required a plan be submitted. 

The Clinton Christ Lutheran Church mans the river rat Potatoe tent across Woodlawn Street on the south side of the Homestead grounds during the Apple n' Pork Festival.

Those funds are very helpful when it comes to providing the church with funds for things that pop up for its building behind Walgreens. Pastor David Dunlop indicates they also do quite a bit to support the community.

Earlier this year, the church held a river rat potato and brat fundraiser that helped with local missions and also displaced refugees in Ukraine. Pastor Dunlop indicates that was a well-received event.

Pastor Dunlop says it is nice to have the Apple n' Pork Festival back. He feels it was disappointing not to see all the community members that support them and it's good to get in touch with those individuals again.

Pastor Dunlop encourages the community to join them for worship on Sunday mornings at 8:15 am. He notes it was a banner year for volunteers from the Church's congregation and appreciates all those that stepped up this year. 

The Scovill Zoo in Decatur is a seasonal zoo and today is the final day to get in to check out all the animals in its care.

With school out for the day, Director Ken Frye is hoping you'll take advantage of the great weather and come by one final time. If you've already paid a visit this year, he is thankful for the support that has made it another great year at the zoo.

Each summer, Scovill Zoo offers the community free attendance on Thursdays, primarily after the Memorial Day holiday. Even though the zoo is a seasonal zoo and so the opportunity to generate revenue is limited, Frye notes the free days don't negatively impact the zoo's overall budget.

Frye indicates the zoo also had another great 'Zoo-rific Evening' gala event last month. Those funds help the zoo take on projects during the winter months when they are closed.

The zoo is embarking on a significant upgrade of its herpaquarium this winter. We'll have more on that half-a-million-dollar project later this week on Regional Radio News. 

Frye encourages anyone wanting to follow along with all the happenings at the zoo to find the Scovill Zoo on Facebook. 

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME? A UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MONEY MANAGEMENT EXPERT OFFERS SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LISTING PROCESS. 

ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS YOU NEED TO DECIDE IS IF YOU ARE GOING TO TRY AND SELL IT ON YOUR OWN OR USE A REALTOR. YOU WON’T HAVE TO PAY THE COMMISSION OF USUALLY AROUND FIVE PERCENT IF YOU LIST FOR SALE BY OWNER, BUT THE U OF I’S ANDREA PELLEGRINI, SAYS THERE ARE SOME ADVANTAGES TO USING A PROFESSIONAL.

PELLEGRINI SAYS A REALTOR MAY ALSO HAVE IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS ABOUT WHAT NEEDS TO BE UPDATED OR FIXED BEFORE SELLING. SHE RECOMMENDS MAKING SURE YOUR REALTOR KNOWS THE AREA WELL.

REALTORS TYPICALLY GET A COMMISSION OF AROUND FIVE PERCENT BUT THAT IS USUALLY NEGOTIABLE AND WILL LIKELY INCLUDE THE COST OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS AND LISTING SERVICES. PELLEGRINI URGES THOSE TRYING TO SELL ON THEIR OWN TO FIRST CONSULT WITH A LAWYER.

TIME TO GET YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT SAYS THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. 

THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAVEN'T BEEN TOO BAD, SINCE MOST PEOPLE WERE TAKING PRECAUTIONS AGAINST COVID-19. BUT THAT'S CHANGED SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR SAMEER VORHRA.

AND WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, VOHRA ALSO RECOMMENDS GETTING THE NEW COVID BOOSTER THAT COVERS THE MOST PREVALENT STRAIN. HE ASSURES YOU CAN GET BOTH SHOTS AT THE SAME TIME.

IT'S ADVISED EVERYONE SIX MONTHS AND OLDER GET A FLU SHOT EVERY YEAR.

THE STATE IS RELEASING THE FINAL 250 MILLION DOLLAR INSTALLMENT OF REBUILD ILLINOIS FUNDING FOR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION NEEDS.

IN TOTAL, ONE AND A HALF BILLION DOLLARS HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO PROJECTS AROUND THE STATE SAYS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPOKESPERSON MARIA CASTANEDA.

THE MONEY IS ALSO BEING USED FOR STATE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES AND SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION HUBS.

THE ILLINOIS STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISSION IS URGING FAMILIES TO GET COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID FORMS FILLED OUT THIS MONTH. 

IT’S TIME TO GET THE “FAFSA” DONE FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR SAYS I-SAC SPOKESPERSON LYNNE BAKER. IT’S THE FORM THAT DETERMINES ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL, MOST STATE AND SOME SCHOOL FINANCIAL AID.

BAKER SAYS IT MUST BE DONE TO QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL, SOME STATE AND SCHOOL FINANCIAL AID.

THERE’S ALSO WHAT’S CALLED THE “ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION FOR ILLINOIS FINANCIAL AID” WHICH IS FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS APPLYING FOR STATE MAP GRANTS.

Proceeds from the Apple n' Pork Festival will help the DeWitt County 4-H Fair Board update its facilities.

Dan Enos with the DeWitt County 4-H Board indicated the funds raised from selling ice cream during Apple n' Pork help with projects on the fairgrounds. He notes a couple of projects they have coming up.

Enos hopes the continuing updates of the fairgrounds will attract more kids to become involved with 4-H.

This past summer at the DeWitt, Macon and Piatt counties 4-H Fair a new addition was the open junior show. Enos says drink sales at the festival will go towards premiums for next year's junior show.

Enos reminds it's not too late into the year to join 4-H. He says anyone interested should contact their local U of I Extension office to learn more.

A facility update to the Maroa-Forsyth school district is going as scheduled.

Dr. Kris Kahler, the Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth schools, indicates they are moving on schedule for their target date of February for the opening of their new middle school. Dr. Kahler reminds they are adding on to the high school.

Part of the driving force behind the new middle school is the district's decision to go one-to-one with technology. Dr. Kahler notes the current middle school makes it difficult to have consistent internet access throughout the building.

The interior of the building is already moving toward the finishing touches. Dr. Kahler says the kitchen and auditorium are still awaiting the installation of equipment but other sections are nearing completion.

Dr. Kahler says he has been working with the architectural firm's graphics department on what murals and designs throughout the building to make it their own. He details a few unique ideas...

Dr. Kahler is anticipating student and faculty reception of the new building. He feels they will be excited about moving into a twenty-first-century learning experience.

Earlier this week we learned about a grant the Vespasian Warner Public Library received from the Illinois State Library. The library also received a few other grants.

Vespasian Warner Public Library Business Manager Samantha Rusk notes the library has been busy applying for grants. They recently received a grant from Illinois Humanities.

With a grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, Warner Library was able to purchase a laptop. Rusk indicates this is something that has been requested by patrons for use for things like online video meetings.

Rusk says a grant from Youth Engaged in Philanthropy has allowed them to add more items to their children's collection regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Youth Services Manager Corey Campbell says the library has added over 100 items so far thanks to the grant. He notes the goal of this collection was to educate the community about the lives and experiences of others.

To stay up to date on all things Vespasian Warner Public Library visit the library at 310 N Quincy St, call (217) 935-5174, online at vwarner.org, and on all social media pages.

Every year the funds from the Apple n' Pork Festival help with the restoration of the C.H. Moore Homestead and keeping the DeWitt County Museum up to date.

Kelby McMath President of the DeWitt County Museum Board of Directors indicates a project this year for the museum is the staircase down to the lower barns and farm museum.

McMath notes a lot of visitors to the Apple n' Pork Festival are not aware that the lower barns or even the Homestead are available for tours. He hopes the new staircase will attract more visitors.

McMath is a newer member of the Museum Board and notes they need new board members as well as volunteers not only during the Apple n' Pork Festival but during the year as well.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or get involved with the DeWitt County Museum is encouraged to contact the museum office at (217) 935-6066.

Mt. Pulaski school district's budget is looking good this year due to a variety of revenue sources.

Fred Lamkey, Superintendent of Mt. Pulaski schools, indicates Mt. Pualski benefits from Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) being up in recent years. He says PPRT makes up around ten percent of the budget.

Mr. Lamkey notes with higher PPRT funds prevent the school district from needing to raise its tax levy. That in term helps local taxpayers.

Lamkey says Mt. Pulaski is using COVID money to help set their students up for success in the future. Examples include updating the security systems at their buildings and the change from iPads to Chromebooks.

The one-cent sales tax in Logan County also helps to fund building improvements and build their reserves. Lamkey notes the tax on online sales has increased the amount brought in.

Mr. Lamkey is thankful for the wind farm revenues the school district receives. He indicates the revenue received allows them to make annual improvements to their buildings. 

Lamkey says the plan for this fiscal year is to update science labs at the high school and renovations at the elementary school. 

AN ILLINOIS HOUSE COMMITTEE IS LOOKING AT WAYS TO TEACH MORE COLLEGE STUDENTS ABOUT MANAGING THEIR FINANCES. 

AT A RECENT HEARING, LAWMAKERS LISTENED TO UNIVERSITY REPRESENTATIVES FROM SEVERAL SCHOOLS DISCUSS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL LITERACY. SOL JENSEN WITH NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY SAYS THEY LAUNCHED A FINANCIAL ADVISING OFFICE LAST YEAR.

AT A HEARING LAST WEEK, LAWMAKERS HEARD FROM STATE UNIVERSITIES ABOUT HOW THEY ARE WORKING TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL LITERACY. AMY HURD WITH ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY SAYS THEY OFFER CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS THAT ARE WELL ATTENDED.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM WINTRUST BANK TALKED ABOUT THE NEED TO START EARLY, SAYING THEY OFFER WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN THROUGH COLLEGE AGE, COVERING TOPICS LIKE SAVING FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, OPENING A CHECKING ACCOUNT AND TRACKING EXPENSES.

IT'S SAFE SLEEP AWARENESS MONTH AND THIS YEAR THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES IS FOCUSING ON THE DANGERS OF CRIB BUMPERS. 

ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION THERE WERE 113 INFANT DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH CRIB BUMPERS BETWEEN 1999 AND 2019. D-C-F-S SPOKESPERSON DEBORAH LOPEZ EXPLAINS WHY THEY ARE SO DANGEROUS.

AN INFANTS HEAD CAN GET TRAPPED BETWEEN THE BUMPER PAD AND THE SIDE OF THE CRIB, OR THE BABY CAN BE STRANGLED BY THE CRIB BUMPER TIES SO THEY SHOULDN'T BE USED SAYS D-C-F-S SPOKESPERSON DEBORAH LOPEZ. SHE URGES PARENTS TO REMEMBER THE A-B-C'S OF SAFE SLEEP.

ADDITIONALLY, LOPEZ SAYS BABIES SHOULD NEVER BE LAID TO SLEEP ON AN ADULT BED OR A COUCH. SHE NOTES THAT UNDER A NEW FEDERAL LAW, IT'S ILLEGAL TO MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTE OR SELL CRIB BUMPER PADS.

DUCK HUNTING MAY BE A LITTLE MORE CHALLENGING THIS YEAR. 

DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN THE CANADIAN PRAIRIES, WHERE MOST ILLINOIS DUCKS BREED, HAVE BEEN THE WORST IN DECADES. THAT'S LED TO A DECLINE IN THE DUCK POPULATION SAYS STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WILDLIFE CHIEF MIKE WEFER.

THE DUCK POPULATION IS DOWN THIS YEAR, THANKS TO MAJOR DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN THE CANADIAN PRAIRIES WHERE ILLINOIS DUCKS BREED. STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WILDLIFE CHIEF MIKE WEFER  SAYS THERE WILL STILL BE DUCKS TO HUNT, BUT THEY WILL BE OLDER AND MORE EXPERIENCED.

YOU CAN FIND INFORMATION ABOUT WATERFOWL HUNTING DATES BY ZONE, REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITS ON THE WEBSITE: HUNT ILLINOIS DOT ORG.

A state lawmaker is calling for a special session in Springfield ahead of the upcoming general election.

State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) told Regional Radio on the WHOW Morning Show this morning (Wednesday) that he is calling for a special session in Springfield to address the SAFE-T Act.

Another issue Caulkins would like the General Assembly to address is gas prices. With prices at the pumps continuing to rise, he is calling for a freeze on the road tax.

Caulkins notes the road tax was doubled a few years ago. He feels the state can afford this freeze because of federal assistance for infrastructure and believes it will have a positive economic impact.

Caulkins implores the public to call their state senators and state representatives to push for a special session. He says legislators should be addressing the issues not out campaigning for the upcoming election.

According to the Illinois Constitution, a special session can be called at any time by either the Governor or a joint proclamation issued by the leaders of the House and Senate.

A local library was able to purchase outdoor furniture due to COVID-related funding.

Samantha Rusk, Vespasian Warner Public Library Business Manager, told Regional Radio on the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday that they recently received a grant from the Illinois State Library.

Rusk notes with the grant the library was able to purchase outdoor furniture. She is excited for the community to be able to do something new at the library.

The benches and tables have been installed for over a month now and Rusk says patron feedback has been positive. She thinks the addition will be beneficial for those utilizing the library's extended outdoor WiFi.

In addition to the outdoor furniture, the Vespasian Warner Public Library also used the grant to purchase mobile programming equipment. Rusk is planning to use it for popup libraries at different events across the community.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio in the coming days as we highlight other grants the Vespasian Warner Public Library received.

A non-profit organization used the Apple n' Pork Festival as a means to promote patriotism and veterans awareness.

Jeff Morlock, the founder of Battle Cross Crusaders, indicated in addition to selling food during the festival they had a unique opportunity for the youth of the community to interact with local veterans.

Morlock said the purpose of Battle Cross Crusaders is to show appreciation to veterans for their service to our country. Some of the ways they do that is by lining funeral processions with flags, honor parades, and Library of Congress veteran interviews.

Dick Wagers, a Vietnam veteran, and a Purple Heart recipient noted the community has been very appreciative of what Battle Cross Crusaders are doing for local veterans. Wagers is also a lifelong Clinton resident and he gave his thoughts on the Apple n' Pork Festival.

Morlock said they are always looking for volunteers who want to give back to veterans and their communities. More information on Battle Cross Crusaders can be found on their Facebook page.

An area hospital is promoting the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Warner Hospital and Health Services CEO Paul Skowron indicate hospitals and healthcare providers around the world recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He says the best form of prevention is to get a yearly mammogram.

Skowron notes the hospital's 3d mammography machine is the same unit that is found at larger hospitals. The machine, despite being acquired a few years ago thanks to the Warner Hospital Foundation, has not seen the usage Skowron would prefer it see due to the COVID pandemic. 

Skowron says while mammography is not always a pleasant experience depending on the patient, the hospital tries its best to make the exam as pleasant as possible.

To schedule a 3d mammography at Warner Hospital patients can contact the radiology department at (217) 935-9571 or contact their healthcare provider.

THE STATE CLIMATOLOGIST SAYS IT’S BEEN A DRY AND MILD START TO FALL SO FAR IN ILLINOIS. 

LAST MONTH’S STATEWIDE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE CAME IN AT NEARLY 67 DEGREES, MAKING IT THE 57TH WARMEST SEPTEMBER ON RECORD IN ILLINOIS. STATE CLIMATOLOGIST TRENT FORD SAYS TEMPS VARIED QUITE A BIT THOUGH.

EARLY TO MID-SEPTEMBER BROUGHT MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF HEAVY RAIN TO NORTHERN, WESTERN AND EAST-CENTRAL ILLINOIS. BUT OVERALL, PRECIPITATION WAS DOWN BY MORE THAN HALF AN INCH LAST MONTH, WITH VERY LITTLE RECENT RAIN SAYS STATE CLIMATOLOGIST TRENT FORD.

THERE WAS ONE VERY WARM WEEK LAST MONTH BEFORE IT COOLED OFF AND THE AVERAGE STATEWIDE TEMPERATURE WAS MORE THAN HALF A DEGREE ABOVE NORMAL.

Busloads of migrants from Texas could soon be dispersed across Illinois, and Congressman Darin LaHood calls it not the 'right thing to do long-term."

In late August, Texas Governor Gregg Abbot began bussing more than 360 migrants from the Texas border to the windy city.

Now, Chicago is calling on cities across the state for help.

Here's reaction from LaHood.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said his council is entertaining the idea of welcoming the migrants, but the logistics are still being figured out.

This is National 4-H Week. It's a big deal for Nicole Hill, who grew up in Dixon and now attends Black Hawk East in Henry County.

Hill currently serves as an Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassador.

Time winding down for the latest Illinois Farm Bureau action request. The organization is asking members to urge the EPA to refrain from implementing stricter limits on the use of atrazine. Here’s IFB Director of Envirmental Policy Lauren Lurkins.

More info on the action request at ilfb.org.

The St. Louis Cardinals are heading into the playoffs, with Game 1 in St. Louis on Friday. As stars like Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina head off into retirement, tickets may be hard to come by. The Better Business Bureau warns fans looking for tickets need to be alert to scammers that could be selling bogus tickets.

BBB spokesman Don O'Brien says most legit sales have gone online or through mobile ticketing, as the scalper outside of the arena is all but a memory.

Tickets purchased for sports and entertainment events are the source of hundreds of BBB complaints by consumers nationwide each year.

An area non-profit is reminding families about an energy assistance program that they may be able to benefit from.

Molly Tenuto is the Program Director for DOVE Financial Assistance and she indicates DOVE is the distributor of the funds for the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties. 

Those interested in seeking assistance should contact DOVE to fill out an application. Tenuto says they will also need a copy of your Ameren bill and proof of income.

Tenuto stresses Warm Neighbors Cool Friends is for individuals and families who do not qualify for LIHEAP. She commonly hears from people that they do not want to take assistance away from those more in need, but she encourages anyone to apply who meets the income guidelines.

Tenuto notes around Christmas and during the dog days of summer, they usually see an increase in applications. She says a helpful tip is to apply for assistance in anticipation of your highest bill of the year.

To apply for Warm Neighbors Cool Friends contact DOVE by visiting doveinc.org, calling or texting (217) 433-7435, or emailing dfa@doveinc.org.

An annual staple at the Apple n' Pork Festival in Clinton is the Waynesville Women's Club and their gingerbread cookies.

Olivia Klemm with the Waynesville Women's Club says the gingerbread cookies are a year-round process with baking approximately 1,000 cookies each month. The cookies are then frozen until the festival and decorated on-site.

Patty Klemm indicates she has been told that their cookies are known on an international level. Over the years festivalgoers have purchased the cookies and let the ladies know that they plan on sending them to their family members who live out of state or internationally.

The Waynesville Women's Club uses the funds from the festival for the upkeep of Gingerbread Park in Waynesville. Recent upgrades include picnic tables and a new slide. Klemm says an idea for this year's funds is to redo the baseball field.

Klemm adds they are also able to make donations to other Waynesville organizations throughout the year. She says the Apple n' Pork Festival is their sole fundraiser.

The Waynesville Women's Club is looking for volunteers to help them bake gingerbread cookies. Anyone interested is encouraged to email waynesvillewomensclub@gmail.com.

With the autumn equinox a few weeks ago folks are ready for all things fall including food.

Caitlin Mellendorf with the U of I Extension indicates fall marks the end of farmers' markets in many communities and the transition from summer crops to more seasonal items like apples, Brussels sprouts, pears, and more.

Apples according to Mellendorf are extremely versatile and can be used to make pies, bread, and crisps. Popular recipes include homemade applesauce and overnight oats.

Mellendorf reminds Illinois is home to the number one processed pumpkin manufacturer. She notes for pumpkin purees it's better to use pie pumpkins or pie squash. Mellendorf also gives her favorite pumpkin recipes.

Fall is a popular time to break out crockpots. Mellendorf says good foods for crockpots include chili, corn chowder, and Italian beef. She notes if you are hosting, hot beverages do very well in crockpots.

For more ideas and seasonal recipes visit extension.illinois.edu.

ILLINOIS TREASURER MIKE FRERICHS IS HIGHLIGHTING A STATE SAVINGS ACCOUNT PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES. 

THE "ACHIEVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE" OR "ABLE" PROGRAM HELPS FAMILIES SAVE AND INVEST FOR EXPENSES WITHOUT RISKING FEDERAL DISABILITY BENEFITS. THE MONEY CAN BE USED FOR SEVERAL THINGS SAYS TREASURER FRERICHS.

THE "ABLE" PROGRAM WORKS MUCH LIKE A COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNT SAYS TREASURER FRERICHS.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES INCLUDE TRANSPORTATION, PHYSICAL THERAPY AND HOME MODIFICATIONS. FEES FOR THE PROGRAM HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REDUCED. MORE DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: ILLINOIS TREASURER DOT GOV.

Water levels on the Mississippi River are low causing trouble to farmers and shippers who move grain down the river at harvest.

With lower water conditions barges’ are being loaded lighter to avoid grounding and shippers aren’t moving as many barges down the river at once. Its’ left the river system less efficient and Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Collation says it makes it more expensive to move grain and other freight.

Just about the only thing that will solve the low water situation on the river is rainfall – and for now the extended forecast around the Midwest shows that October starting out dry.

CORN AND SOYBEAN HARVESTING IS UNDERWAY IN ILLINOIS, BUT REMAINS BEHIND LAST YEAR'S PACE. 

PRETTY MUCH THE WHOLE WEEK WAS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK, AND 10 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS HAVE NOW BEEN HARVESTED. THAT COMPARES TO 26 PERCENT AT THIS TIME NORMALLY. CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER LOOKS AT THE CORN CROP.

63 PERCENT OF CORN ACRES ARE MATURE AND 13 PERCENT HAS BEEN HARVESTED. USUALLY AT THIS TIME, 29 PERCENT OF CORN IS OUT OF THE GROUND SAYS CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE DROPPED TO 11 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 38 PERCENT SHORT AND 51 PERCENT ADEQUATE. FOUR PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED.

As soon as Peace Meal through OSF can find a site supervisor for Clinton, congregate meals at the DeWitt County Friendship Center will return.

The Peace Meal congregate meals were set to return to the Friendship Center today (Monday). On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Shelly Tolley with Peace Meal told Regional Radio they have shifted their current site supervisor to a paid driver role and need a site supervisor.

Peace Meal operates a program in Farmer City through the Farmer's Cafe and then in Weldon, they are looking to bring back a once-a-month program they had in that community. Tolley says once they get Weldon and Clinton back up and going, they will be back to full strength out of COVID.

Get more information about the position open in DeWitt County by visiting osfhealthcare.org and finding the 'Careers' tab and then searching 'Peace Meal'.

A Clinton non-profit is in critical need of contributions to continue its mission of helping those in need in the community.

Cody Monkman is the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Care Center and is also the Secretary of the Clinton Area Ministerial Association or CAMA. According to Monkman, the Neighborhood Care Center oversees the funds CAMA gets for a program within Neighborhood Care Center.

According to Monkman, the fund the Neighborhood Care Center oversees for CAMA is the most utilized fund they offer for community support services. The program offers community members in need a one-time contribution of $100 and two gas vouchers. 

The CAMA fund become so depleted recently, the Neighborhood Care Center contributed to it to have cash on hand to help needy families in Clinton. Monkman says the need for this service is growing and the funds they have are not sufficient.

The demand for the services has already exceeded last year's need. With prices of everything across the board up, Monkman says they will easily out-give last year's dollar figures.

Donors may be hesitant to give for fear of supporting handout programs for what Monkman describes as 'users and abusers' but he points out this program, in particular, is really not a program for those individuals. He stresses that the Neighborhood Care Center seeks to give people the tools they need to get back on their feet.

Monkman directs those interested in learning more about contributing to visit neighborhoodcarecenter.net or give them a call at 217-935-6844. 

The Clinton Presbyterian women each year of the annual Apple n' Pork Festival sell some of the most popular sweet treats on the grounds of the CH Moore Homestead.

There are plenty of sweet treats to choose from but you can take home a bag of chocolates from the day and Sharon Ijams with the Presbyterian Church says when you do, you are supporting their missions efforts.

Ijams reminds a recent addition to their services to the community includes a food pantry that is set up outside the church. Anyone of any need level can utilize that service at any time.

Ijams highlights other services they help with including disaster relief for things like hurricanes and tornadoes. She notes those in need usually reach out to them to make an ask.

Ijams indicates they begin preparing their chocolates - that are homemade - in July and then pull them out roughly a week or so ahead of the annual festival so they are ready to go for the big weekend.

She feels it's a great time of fellowship among the church women and appreciates all the help they continuously get. 

Victims from the Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park have filed lawsuit against the maker of the gun used in the shooting, the shooter, his family, the gun distributor and the gun store that sold the rifle.

The lawsuit targets the marketing practices of Smith and Wesson says attorney Antonio Romanucci.

The lawsuit is similar to one filed after the Sandy Hook massacre. The victims from that shooting reached a $73 million dollar agreement with Remington.

Illinois Farm Bureau managers across the state work continuously to bring the best services to farm bureau members.

One of the ways the Illinois Farm Bureau recognizes professional achievement and staff leadership is through the Farm Bureau Certified Manager program. The program was started by the Illinois Farm Bureau in 1993 and features a series of exams that assesses expertise in various managerial areas.

Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau Manager Lindsay Ryan recently received her re-certification as a Farm Bureau Certified Manager. She says the program helps her and other managers go above and beyond to serve Farm Bureau members on a variety of topics.

Re-certification is granted every five years based on 50 hours of continuing education areas and professional staff leadership. Ryan began her Farm Bureau career in 2007 as manager of the Cumberland County Farm Bureau and received her first FBCM certification in 2012. She has been with the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau since 2014.

The Illinois Farm Bureau recognizes FBCMs during its annual meeting in December.

Gas prices in Illinois are not rising due to Hurricane Ian but rather due to refinery fires across the Midwest.

Over the past month, a BP gas facility in Whiting, Indiana, and an Ohio facility shut down due to fires, pushing prices up at the pump across the Midwest.

Here's GasBuddy Petroleum Analysis expert Patrick DeHaan.

Due to the fires, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has granted an emergency waiver of federal fuel regulations to Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

The Farmer City Council Monday night will take up the future of a needed sidewalk project that stretches up Highway 54 from Main Street to Casey's and Dollar General.

City Manager Sue McLaughlin indicates this is part of a sidewalk master plan and Monday night they will vote to begin the design process of this sidewalk that she says is becoming increasingly necessary.

McLaughlin has explored the possibility of grants to help fund this project but they missed this year's round of grant funding. Additionally, in the master plan, the project has a completion date of 2024. 

USDA recently opened a half billion-dollar program to improve domestic production of fertilizer. It will roll out over two phases.

Mark Gebhards, Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities with the Illinois Farm Bureau says he’s hopeful early dollars can be used improve storage and distribution – something Illinois is in a perfect place to benefit from.

Grants starting a million dollars are opening soon and the second phase of funding is planning to address the need for long term domestic production of fertilizers.

It was a nice fall-like week in Illinois. A fantastic weekend is ahead. State Climatologist Trent Ford has more...