Richland Community College has announced it will not be extending its lease on the Clinton Education Center on the community's west side.

In a statement to Regional Radio, the Decatur-based institution said quote- 

"Richland Community College is committed to providing educational and training opportunities for all individuals from the Clinton Community and DeWitt County with students from DeWitt County receiving the second highest percentage of scholarships from the Richland Community College Foundation. However, over the past few years, enrollment at the Clinton Higher Education Center has declined by an average of 26% annually over the last three years. Additionally, all Clinton High School Dual Credit course offerings for the fall 2022 semester are 100% online. After spending several years exploring all opportunities, Richland Community College has made the difficult decision not to renew our lease in the building where the Clinton Higher Education Center is located. Although we will no longer have a physical presence at the Clinton Higher Education Center, Richland Community College remains committed to providing accessible and affordable educational paths and training opportunities that meet the needs of the Clinton Community."

Richland has occupied the building since November of 2013.

The DeWitt County Board last week approved the Fiscal Year '23 budget. 

On the WHOW Morning Show, Board Chair Terry Ferguson told Regional Radio the budget is highlighted by a slight reduction in the tax rate and several projects within the County Building.

In addition to the overall tax rate being reduced, Ferguson indicates it was a labor negotiating year and so those update terms are reflected in the upcoming budget.

Ferguson notes there will be a flooring project for some of the offices of the County Building as well as a replacement of a door that they hoped they could just leave alone but it is an emergency and needs to be replaced.

Ferguson appreciates the work put in by the various County department heads and Administrator DeeDee Rentmeister who has many years of experience budgeting for the County. 

The Monticello Board of Education has approved a plan to invest over $ 4 million in sports facilities improvements in the next year.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Superintendent Adam Clapp told Regional Radio they will move the soccer facility inside the track and field complex, football turf will be installed ahead of next season, and turf will be installed at the high school baseball and softball fields. 

According to Clapp, work on the soccer field will come first. Later next spring, work on the football field will begin and then after the baseball and softball seasons, the turf will begin on those complexes.

After turf is installed, a facilities plan will look at improving the bleachers and press boxes for the soccer fields. Clapp notes they are looking into a greenhouse for the ag program as well as dugout improvements at the softball field.

According to Clapp, the project will come in north of $ 4 million. He credits the influx of corporate personal property replacement tax dollars, or CPPRT dollars, as well as Piatt County's one-cent facilities sales tax allowing them this opportunity.

Clapp notes there are lifespans on these turf surfaces and depending on how well they are cared for, those can be extended. He indicates there are tools to help keep them cared for. 

Illinois’ seven-day firearm deer season concludes this Thursday through Sunday. A few safety reminders from Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Colleen Callahan.

During the first firearm weekend Nov. 18-20, Illinois hunters harvested 52,354 deer.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SAYS HE’S HOPEFUL LAWMAKERS WILL MAKE SOME TWEAKS TO THE SAFE-T ACT DURING THIS WEEK’S VETO SESSION. 

THE FALL VETO SESSION IS SCHEDULED TO END ON THURSDAY, BUT THE GOVERNOR THINKS A TRAILER BILL CAN BE PASSED BY THEN, CLARIFYING THE LAW THAT ENDS CASH BAIL ON JANUARY FIRST.

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS LAWMAKERS, PROSECUTORS AND OTHERS ARE WORKING HARD TO REACH AN AGREEMENT THIS WEEK.

THE FALL VETO SESSION IS SCHEDULED TO END THIS THURSDAY.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS ANNOUNCING A BIPARTISAN DEAL TO PAY BACK PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE DEBT. 

THE AGREEMENT MAKES GOOD ON THE REMAINING ONE-POINT-FOUR BILLION DOLLAR UNEMPLOYMENT LOAN THAT WAS NEEDED TO PAY CLAIMS WHEN SO MANY LOST THEIR JOBS. IT WILL ALSO ENSURE THE FUND IS REPLENISHED FOR THE FUTURE SAYS THE GOVERNOR.

SENATOR SUE REZIN OF MORRIS WAS ON THE NEGOTIATING TEAM AND SAYS SHE’S RELIEVED SOMETHING COULD BE WORKED OUT.

THE STATE HAD THE PLAN NEEDS TO BE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE TO TAKE EFFECT.

The Greater Peoria Farm Show is underway this week. RFD Radio is on the ground.

There are plenty of exhibitors at this week's Greater Peoria Farm Show.

The Greater Peoria Farm Show runs through Thursday at the Peoria Civic Center.

The Illinois Pork Producers donated 180 hams in “The Give A Ham Challenge” to the Illinois National Guard.

The hams will be included in meal baskets that go out to service members and families in need during the holiday season. Mike Legler, Director of State Family Programs with the National Guard says the help is welcome for families that are struggling.

The donations were made on Tuesday as part of the National Day of Giving.

HARVESTING IS COMPLETE AND WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED AS WE HEAR IN THE LAST WEEKLY CROP REPORT OF THE SEASON. 

THIS PAST WEEK WAS SLIGHTLY WARMER AND DRIER THAN NORMAL AND AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE IS NEARLY UNCHANGED AT 12 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 16 PERCENT SHORT, 70 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND TWO PERCENT SURPLUS. CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER LOOKS AT WINTER WHEAT:

SCHLEUSENER ON ILLINOIS PASTURES:

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE IS NEARLY UNCHANGED AT 12 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 16 PERCENT SHORT, 70 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND TWO PERCENT SURPLUS.

THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT WILL START BACK UP AGAIN IN APRIL.

A Logan County school district is analyzing the recent school report card data and targeting areas of improvement. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Superintendent of Lincoln High School Dwight Stricklin told Regional Radio he felt the report card for his school building was good but recognizes there are areas of improvement to be made.

The 2022 school report card has been of particular interest to school leaders because it is the first real snapshot of what things look like coming out of COVID. Stricklin believes the report card shows students learn best when they are in the classroom.

According to Stricklin, Lincoln High School's 92-percent graduation rate can improve. While it is a good mark, his personal goal is to have that number get to 95 percent.

Lincoln High School received a 'commendable' school and feels good about where they are and will strive to achieve the 'exemplary' status.

If you find yourself stressed during the holiday season, it's possible you may not be sleeping well enough.

Getting a good night's sleep can be critical in making it through the holidays and winter months with reduced stress. Dr. Jim LaValle is the author of 'Cracking the Metabolic Code' and explains even getting a good night's sleep can help curb appetite which leads to a bad diet.

If you find it difficult to maintain sleep throughout the night, there could be several things going on. Dr. LaValle indicates that stress hormones are being released in your sleep. He recommends melatonin before sleep or a supplement like magnesium during the day.

Drinking caffeine too late in the day can cause issues while sleeping but Dr. LaValle indicates alcohol consumption impacts sleep. He also recommends putting the phone and tablets down an hour or so before bedtime as the blue light from the screen impacts brain function.

If you are hearing from your spouse or significant other that you are snoring in the night, Dr. LaValle encourages getting tested for sleep apnea because that can lead to all sorts of risk factors. 

Dr. LaValle points out sleep and its importance is becoming a growing area of study in healthcare. 

What are the weather models showing for December in Illinois? State Climatologist Trent Ford has an update.

The first day of meteorological winter is Thursday, December 1.

Rising interest rates and the impact on the farm is getting attention on the University of Illinois’ farmdocdaily website. Illinois Farm Business Farm Management’s Brad Zwilling authored a piece on the subject this month.

You can find the piece at farmdocdaily.illinois.edu.

The OSF Healthcare Foundation is hoping that residents across Illinois will consider the OSF Healthcare Foundation and their many projects as an option for Giving Tuesday, November 29th. Cathy Foes is a spokesperson for the OSF Healthcare Foundation and she says it's not just about giving money...

Giving Tuesday started in 2012 with a charitable organization in New York City and has since become a global force.

BOBCAT HUNTING SEASON IS UNDERWAY IN ILLINOIS.

IT'S A POPULAR BUT COMPLICATED SEASON, WITH A LIMITED NUMBER OF PERMITS AVAILABLE, SOME AREAS OF THE STATE OFF LIMITS AND HARVEST RESTRICTED TO ONE BOBCAT. THE GOOD NEWS SAYS ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WILDLIFE CHIEF MIKE WEFER (wee-fer), IS THAT MANY HUNTERS ARE SUCCESSFUL.

THE BOBCAT HUNTING SEASON RUNS THROUGH FEBRUARY 15TH BUT IS NOT ALLOWED DURING THIS WEEKEND'S FIREARM DEER SEASON.

WIEFER SAYS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR BOBCAT HUNTERS IS RELATIVELY HIGH, ESPECIALLY COMPARED TO TURKEY AND DEER HUNTERS, WITH NEARLY A THIRD HARVESTING A BOBCAT. THE BOBCAT HUNTING SEASON RUNS THROUGH FEBRUARY 15TH. IT IS SUSPENDED DURING THIS WEEKEND'S FIREARM DEER SEASON.

The Illinois Fire Marshal's Office warns the public to be aware when lighting up the Christmas tree after Thanksgiving.

According to J.C. Fultz, a spokesman for the fire marshal's office, the public needs to do the 'needle test' before putting up the festive lights.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 7-hundred fifty house fires are caused due to lights around the house. Another recommendation - never overload outlets.

IT'S BEEN 20 YEARS SINCE THE FIRST AMBER ALERT WAS ISSUED IN ILLINOIS.

AMBER ALERTS ARE BROADCAST WHEN A CHILD IS MISSING OR HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED AND IS IMMINENT DANGER. STATE AMBER ALERT COORDINATOR CRAIG BURGE SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN AN EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT TOOL.

BURGE SAYS NEW TECHNOLOGY OVER THE YEARS HAVE HELPED MAKE THE ALERTS MORE EFFECTIVE.

SINCE THE AMBER ALERT SYSTEM STARTED BEING USED ILLINOIS, 118 ALERTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. 67 KIDS WERE RECOVERED AS A DIRECT RESULT AND ANOTHER 22 WERE FOUND INDIRECTLY.

An energy assistance program is seeing more people than usual reach out for assistance.

Breann Titus with Community Action notes LIHEAP is a program to help people cover energy and utility expenses. She says they are seeing an increase in people reaching out in part due to the energy companies sending out disconnecting notices.

Titus says if you are in the potential jeopardy of getting disconnected the time to reach out is now. Community Action will schedule an appointment as soon as they have one available.

Do not be alarmed if your appointment is not as soon as you would like it to be. Titus says their office is understaffed and overwhelmed with the influx of appointment requests they are receiving.

Titus notes that LIHEAP works on a percentage system of what you qualify for. Depending on what you receive and how much your bill is it could be either one-time assistance or multiple assistance throughout the LIHEAP year.

To learn more about LIHEAP or to schedule an appointment visit capcil.info.

While the holidays are a joyous time for most, they can be stressful for others.

Nadia Klekamp with Chestnut Health Systems has some tips for managing stress during this time of year. She says the first step is acknowledging how you're feeling.

Klekamp indicates it is important to keep things realistic and acknowledge that traditions can change and that not everything has to be perfect. Having a budget and sticking to it can also help to prevent stress.

Learning to say no and having time for yourself is important to keep in mind this time of year. Klekamp says while it may be hard to do, people will understand and respect you for taking care of yourself.

Klekamp implores anyone feeling overwhelmed or anxious during the holidays to call 988 or contact Chestnut at (888) 924-3786.

A school district in Logan County will get additional tax revenue down the road thanks to a decision by the Logan County Board.

The Logan County Board recently approved the development of two different wind farms that will be in the Mt. Pulaski school district. Superintendent Fred Lamkey says he is grateful for additional tax revenue.

Mr. Lamkey notes the district previously has benefited from wind farm tax revenue. Mt. Pulaski was able to use wind farm money to supplement the tax referendum when they redid the high school.

Lamkey states during his tenure property values in the Mt. Pulaski school district have risen exponentially due, to his belief, the wind farms. He explains the additional revenue will allow the district to plan for the future and cross projects off of their wishlist.

The Mt. Pulaski School Board at its next meeting will be putting together a capital project of what it would like to accomplish in the short term and the long term.

A project planned for the Clinton Lake Marina has been scaled back.

At Wednesday night's DeWitt County Board meeting, Marina committee chairman Dan Matthews asked the board to reject the bids for the float replacement project in light of recent developments.

Instead of the float replacement project, the Board approved smaller repairs to be completed on docks and floats. Matthews hopes these repairs will give them more time before larger repairs are necessary.

The Board was scheduled to consider a bid from Chastain & Associates for the marina rip rap project but was tabled.

If you own a business in Farmer City, the administration is asking you to consider taking advantage of energy efficiency grants. 

City Administrator Sue McLaughlin indicates these are made possible by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and gives a business a chance to make some money-saving investments in their buildings.

McLaughlin can be reached at the Farmer City City Hall at 309-928-3412. 

The Clinton Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual Christmas parade this Saturday. 

Executive Director Marian Brisard is excited about this year's event on Saturday at 2 pm. She hopes to have a big parade this weekend.

According to Brisard, Lou Mollett at First National Bank in Clinton is this year's grand marshal.

The Clinton Christmas parade is Saturday, Nov. 26 at 2 pm. The parade route starts on the east side of the square and travels east down Main Street to the intersection of East Adams and South Center Streets. 

As the construction of the new grade school addition starts to finish up, Maroa-Forsyth staff is beginning to transition what they can to new classrooms.

Superintendent Dr. Kris Kahler is very pleased with the progress being made on the addition on the Maroa campus and says the February move-in day is not far. He indicates as of now, they are starting to move what they can to some of those new spaces.

This Saturday will be the final day for the community to come out and see the old middle school building before it is demolished and any art and materials are moved over to the new building.

The new classroom setting will be made for more collaboration among students. Dr. Kahler explains that is an aspect of the 21st-century education environment that has greatly changed.

Dr. Kahler is looking forward to having new science labs for students because they will be finally updated to what today's student needs for hands-on learning. He notes those have been partially updated in the past but this will be what today's student needs. 

A slew of annual holiday favorites will kick off tonight (Friday) in Monticello.

Shelly Crawford-Stock, Monticello Main Street Executive Director, indicates the Reds of Christmas event this year is sold out. She says even if you don't have a ticket you can still patronize the local businesses and take advantage of the extended shopping hours.

The Monticello Area Arts Council's sixth annual Mini Christmas Tree Festival also begins tonight. The Arts Council will have a display of over 30 trees and wreaths decorated by local artisans. Attendees can vote on their favorite tree for $1.

Next weekend there is plenty to do in Monticello to get into the Christmas spirit from Allerton Park's GLOW event to the Monticello Railway Museum's Lunch with Santa and Polar Express. Crawford-Stocks notes the Monticello Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 3 at 11:30 am.

For the latest information on all of the upcoming holiday events in Monticello, visit the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Monticello Main Street Facebook pages.

Many first- or second-year hunters hit the woods and forests in the state for the opening weekend of firearm deer hunting.

The new or nearly new hunters are part of wave of people that started up during COVID to get outside and explore a new hobby.

Dan Skinner – Forest Wildlife Program Manager with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says after getting hunters out for the first or second time the work is underway to keep them coming back year after year.

The next weekend of firearm hunting season is December 1st through the 4th.

THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE IS OFFERING SIMULATOR TRAINING TO LOCAL DEPARTMENTS.

THE MULTIPLE INTERACTIVE LEARNING OBJECTIVE OR “MILO” RANGE THEATER SIMULATOR IS AVAILABLE AT FOUR LOCATIONS ACROSS ILLINOIS. IT PUTS TRAINEES INTO REAL WORLD, INTERACTIVE SITUATIONS WHERE THEY MAY HAVE TO USE DEADLY FORCE SAY I-S-P SERGEANT JASMIN DIXON.

“MILO” OR MULTIPLE INTERACTIVE LEARNING OBJECTIVE RANGE THEATER SIMULATORS ARE AVAILABLE AT FOUR LOCATIONS. THE STATE POLICE HAS BEEN USING THEM FOR A FEW YEARS TO IMMERSE TRAINEES INTO HIGH-STRESS, INTERACTIVE SITUATIONS SAYS SERGEANT JASMIN DIXON.

MILO FEATURES MORE THAN 900 SCENARIOS. DIXON SAYS THEY STARTED MAKING MILO AVAILABLE TO LOCAL AGENCIES BACK IN JULY AND SO FAR, 19 HAVE PUT THEIR OFFICERS THROUGH THE TRAINING.

Food poisoning could throw a wrench in your holiday plans of you aren't careful, according to nearly all food experts. 

Although there are plenty of other health precautions you are asked to observe each year, food handling should be top of mind, according to a department head at the Madison County Health Department. Erin Boester (baster) says you should frequently wash hands and kitchen surfaces and avoid cross-contamination.

Other advice includes keeping hot things hot and cold things cold, and food should only be left out for about two hours, and then needs to be either thrown away or wrapped up tightly.

The DeWitt County Museum and CH Moore Homestead are ready for the annual candlelight tours this holiday season.

Joey Long is the Director of the historic mansion in Clinton and says things get started tomorrow evening (Friday) with a special event that features a photo opportunity with Santa in the carriage barn.

Each room of the Homestead is decorated for the annual candlelight tours which take place on Friday nights of the holiday season. Long indicates volunteers come together to decorate the home to bring out a special vibe that happens only this time of the year.

People from across central Illinois look forward to the candlelight tours at the museum yearly. Long reminds, these are held on Friday nights of the holiday season.

Long encourages anyone wanting more information to visit chmoorehomestead.org or find the CH Moore Homestead on Facebook. 

New leaders are coming for Republicans in the House and Senate in Illinois.

Tony McCombie from Savanna will be leading the minority party in the House. She says is already thinking about ways to grow the Republican party after losing seats in the House during the November election cycle.

McCombie says she’s been wanting to lead the party in the House for sometime and this election cycle was the right time for her to step up and lead.

The Illinois Corn Growers have a new farmer leader. Matt Rush from Wayne County is the president. He says that the organization will keep pushing forward on many of the same initiatives they have been working for the past few years.

Rush takes over for the outgoing president Marty Marr – a farmer from New Berlin.

The Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting set for next month in Chicago. IFB president Rich Guebert is getting ready.

The IFB annual meeting runs Dec. 3-6.

Multiple concerns from constituents have led to the County Board approving the resolution to reduce the speed limit on a township road.

At the DeWitt County Board meeting Wednesday night, the Road and Bridge Committee asked the Board to set a speed limit for Clintonia Road. County Highway Engineer Mark Mathon indicates the speed limit will be set to 30 mph for the entire length of the road.

During public comment, Clintonia Road resident Tina Massey voiced her concerns to the Board about the need for a speed limit. She says she has noticed an increase in traffic traveling down the road throughout her residency.

The County Board recognized the retirements of Gloria Wills as county treasurer and Dana Smith as county clerk. The Board also recognized the retirements of five board members: Aaron Kammeyer, Travis Houser, Jay Wickenhauser, Christy Pruser, and David Newberg.

It's going to be a busy holiday season for a downtown Clinton non-profit that is celebrating a year being open this week.

Susan Klein and Lisa Lueras are owners of the Harvest Mercantile, Magill Restoration Center in Clinton and on the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday told Regional Radio, they are excited about the upcoming holiday weekend.

For Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, the store will keep its regular hours. Lueras indicates they will offer samples and some special holiday baskets with goods from their various vendors.

Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the Harvest Mercantile being open in Clinton. Klein and Lueras say the last year has allowed them to make a lot of connections to offer more locally grown and made products to the community.

The Harvest Mercantile will also be participating in a Dec. 3 Chamber of Commerce city-wide shopping day. Lueras and Klein point anyone wanting more information on that event to visit the Clinton Chamber of Commerce website, clintonilchamber.com.

To follow them, you can follow the Harvest Mercantile on Facebook or visit magillresotrationcentre.org. 

For a third winter now, La Nina is expected to be a part of the weather patterns but for this year, it will weaken as the season rolls on.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates by January or February, it will become almost a neutral pattern.

According to Shimon, because the system will be weakening, it is leaving a lot of uncertainty in the future outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center.

Temperatures are trending below normal and precipitation is trending to be above normal. Shimon expects wintry conditions to be prominent later this winter.

More short-term outlooks have November finishing out and December starting a bit above normal for temperatures and a dry start to the month. 

While Illinois' new district maps don't take effect until next month, a central Illinois lawmaker will no longer have much of the Regional Radio listening area.

State Sen. Chapin Rose hands-off much of his district to Lincoln Republican Sally Turner and the Mahomet Republican is disappointed to be losing a lot of central Illinois he represented for so long.

Sen. Rose will now not only have a new constituency base to get to know but local leaders in those areas. He indicates that is something he's been working on.

There are a lot of logistics Sen. Rose's team is working on over the next few weeks in preparation for his new district. 

In December, Sen. Rose will join Sen. Turner in the WHOW studio. 

THE ILLINOIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD IS AWARDING MORE THAN NINE MILLION DOLLARS TO ADDRESS EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER EQUITY. 

THE MONEY IS GOING TO 55 ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING 36 COMMUNITY COLLEGES ACROSS THE STATE TO HELP MOVE STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL TO A GOOD JOB SAYS BOARD DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JENNIFER FOSTER.

FOSTER SAYS THIS MAY INCLUDE TRAINING, JOB PLACEMENT AND MORE.

SOME OF THE RECIPIENTS INCLUDE A SAFE HAVE FOUNDATION IN CHICAGO, CARL SANDBURG COLLEGE, HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND ILLINOIS EASTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

THE ILLINOIS TOLLWAY IS EXPECTING EIGHT POINT SEVEN MILLION VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY AND WEEKEND. 

WITH THAT IN MIND, THE TOLLWAY IS SUSPENDING CONSTRUCTION WHERE POSSIBLE AND MOTORISTS HAVING TROUBLE CAN CALL STAR-NINE-NINE-NINE FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. TOLLWAY SPOKESMAN DAN ROZEK:

HE SAYS CONSTRUCTION IS BEING SUSPENDED WHERE POSSIBLE TO HELP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC.

ROZEK RECOMMENDS TRAVELERS FOLLOW THE ILLINOIS TOLLWAY ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS AND ACCIDENT INFORMATION.

THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE IS STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF COOKING SAFETY THIS THANKSGIVING. 

THANKSGIVING IS THE LEADING DAY FOR HOME FIRES INVOLVING COOKING EQUIPMENT. HERE’S A FEW SAFETY TIPS FROM FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESMAN J-C FULTZ.

IF YOU’RE FRYING YOUR TURKEY, FULTZ SAYS TO MAKE SURE YOU DO IT OUTSIDE AND DO NOT OVERFILL OIL IN THE FRYER. THE TURKEY SHOULD BE COMPLETELY THAWED AND DRY BEFORE PLACING IT IN THE FRYER.

FULTZ SAYS IF A FIRE BREAKS OUT IN THE OVEN, KEEP THE OVEN DOOR SHUT AND TURN OFF THE HEAT. SMALL FLAMES IN A PAN CAN BE SMOTHERED BY SLIDING A LID ON TOP.

The holiday season kicks off this Thursday with the Thanksgiving holiday where Americans will consume nearly double the calories of a normal day. 

Clinton YMCA Executive Director Rennie Cluver admits he enjoys a good Thanksgiving meal. On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, he encouraged to stay disciplined in the routines we've created around being healthy.

One of the last things people prioritize during stressful times is a workout and Cluver encourages planning when you're going to get your workout in.

Cluver recommends planning ahead to make sure you don't overeat and you don't end up lounging and continuing to eat once the meal is wrapped up. He recommends having a protein bar or shake at various points of the day as well as a walk at some point to get out and move.

Cluver also notes keeping hydrated will help you a lot throughout the holidays. While also keeping you energized, being hydrated can help curb hunger and cravings. 

The holidays can be a very stressful time for many for a variety of reasons and a local mental health professional is offering some tips to keep our mental health in a positive place.

Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and indicates people can often put off dealing with the things that are impacting their mental health during the holiday season. 

According to Kirkman, finding a community where you find belonging and the people in that community accept you for who are. He reminds this doesn't always have to be family.

Kirkman also worries about those in recovery during this time of the year as overindulgence can be a problem. He is offering encouragement to those individuals.

Seasonal affective disorder oftentimes amplifies some of the challenges individuals face when it comes to mental health this time of the year. We'll have more from Kirkman on this on Regional Radio News. 

A Logan County school district is celebrating a strong report card, particularly because there was a lot of uncertainty coming out of COVID.

Mt. Pulaski Schools Superintendent Fred Lamkey says the Mt. Pulaski report card had a couple of dings against them over things they really do not have a lot of control over so they are trying to dial in on the things they can do to be better.

School leaders were a bit anxious over this year's report cards because they had not seen data since the pandemic started in 2020 and Lamkey indicates he too was seeking out their numbers as soon as he could.

While proud of the school district, he stresses they are focusing now on improving. 

CROP HARVESTING IS NEARLY COMPLETE IN ILLINOIS. 

WITH NEARLY SIX DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK, SOYBEAN HARVESTING IS DONE AND CORN IS NOW 97 PERCENT FINISHED SAYS CROP STATISTICIAN STEVE PARN. HE LOOKS AT WINTER WHEAT:

THAT'S UNCHANGED FROM THE PREVIOUS WEEK. PARN SAYS SOYBEAN HARVESTING IS DONE.

PASTURE CONDITIONS ARE RATED 42 PERCENT IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT CONDITION. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE CAME IN AT 12 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 19 PERCENT SHORT, 68 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND ONE PERCENT SURPLUS.

ILLINOIS STATE FAIR MEGA AND JUMBO PASSES ARE ON SALE NOW. 

THE PASSES COVER RIDES IN THE CARNIVAL MIDWAY AND ADVENTURE VILLAGE AT THE STATE FAIR AND MAKE A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT SAYS SPOKESPERSON KRISTA LISSER.

THEY OFFER UNLIMITED RIDES IN THE CARNIVAL MIDWAY AND IN ADVENTURE VILLAGE AND THE JUMBO PASS ALSO INCLUDES THE GIANT SLIDE.

THESE ARE THE LOWEST PRICES THAT WILL BE OFFERED FOR THE PASSES. YOU CAN ORDER ONLINE AT: ILLINOIS STATE FAIR DOT INFO.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS URGING FAMILIES TO HELP PROTECT LOVED ONES FROM COVID-19 AND OTHER ILLNESSES OVER THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. 

BESIDES THE BASICS OF COVERING YOUR COUGH AND SNEEZES AND STAYING HOME IF YOU'RE SICK, STATE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER DOCTOR ARTI BARNES SUGGESTS IMPROVING VENTILATION IN YOUR HOME DURING LARGE FAMILY GATHERINGS. THAT INCLUDES OPENING WINDOWS IF POSSIBLE AND USING FANS TO CIRCULATE THE AIR. SHE ALSO RECOMMENDS A HEPA AIR CLEANER.

BARNES STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT AND LATEST COVID BOOSTER, CITING A POTENTIAL SURGE IN CASES THIS WINTER. SHE ALSO RECOMMENDS TAKING STEPS TO IMPROVE VENTILATION INCLUDING OPENING WINDOWS AND USING A HEPA AIR FILTER.

BARNES SAYS THE C-D-C HAS A UNIQUE TOOL ON ITS WEBSITE TO HELP FIGURE OUT WHAT SORT OF VENTILATION MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE AND HOW EFFECTIVE THEY WILL BE.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SAYS THANKSGIVING ENFORCEMENT IS UNDERWAY ACROSS THE STATE. 

STATE AND LOCAL POLICE ARE BEEFING UP PATROLS IN ANTICIPATION OF INCREASED TRAFFIC THROUGH NEXT MONDAY SAYS I-DOT SPOKESPERSON PAUL WAPPEL.

HE URGES EVERYONE TO BUCKLE UP AND NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.

12 PEOPLE DIED DURING THE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND LAST YEAR IN ILLINOIS.

ILLINOIS CONSERVATION POLICE ARE BUSY THIS FALL HUNTING SEASON AND ARE LETTING THE PUBLIC KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THE MOST COMMON VIOLATIONS THEY ENCOUNTER. 

CONSERVATION POLICE CHECK MANY HUNTERS DURING THE SEASON, MAKING SURE LAWS AND RULES ARE FOLLOWED. OFFICER ZACH WILLIAMS SAYS ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS IS HUNTERS NOT HAVING THE PROPER PAPERWORK.

WILLIAMS SAYS OTHER COMMON VIOLATIONS INCLUDE NOT WEARING THE REQUIRED BLAZE ORANGE OR PINK OUT IN THE FIELD, USING AN UNPLUGGED SHOTGUN AND FAILING TO TAG THE DEER IMMEDIATELY AFTER HARVEST.

WILLIAMS ADDS THEY ALSO SEE PROBLEMS WITH HUNTERS NOT TAGGING THEIR DEER HARVEST RIGHT AWAY, HUNTERS USING AN UNPLUGGED SHOTGUN OR ILLEGALLY TRANSPORTING FIREARMS.

The RFD Radio Network, an agriculture network with over 85 affiliates across Illinois based in Bloomington, has named WHOW AM and FM in Clinton as their 2023 RFD Radio Network "Gold Radio Affiliate of the Year."

WHOW was one of the charter affiliates of the network in 1967, when it was founded by the Illinois Farm Bureau Information Division.

WHOW will be recognized by being provided media accomodations at the upcoming I-F-B Annual Meeting in Chicago, as well as in a billboard campaign next year.

WHOW airs over 8 hours a day of agriculture programming, with several hours a day coming from the RFD Radio Network.  It's AM 1520 signal reaches an 80-mile radius daytime.  WHOW programming is also heard 24/7 at 92.3 FM in DeWitt County, 106.5 FM in McLean County, and streamed 24/7 at its farm web portal illinoisfarmradio.com.

The station just celebrated its 75th Anniversary earlier this month.

2 familiar voices in agriculture programming on 2 Miller Media Group ag radio stations WTIM in Taylorville and WHOW in Clinton, each won a special award at last week's National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention in Kansas City.

Stu Ellis (left), host of the long-running daily feature called "The Farm Gate", won the "Workhorse of the Year" award from the N-A-F-B.   Ellis has been an advocate for agriculture on-the-air and in print in Central Illinois for decades.  He also helped bring the Farm Progress Show to Decatur at the turn of the century.  

Ellis was presented the award by another long-time farm radio voice and NAFB member, Mike Perrine.

Ellis earlier this year won the "Illinois Agricultural Communicator Excellence in Media" award from the Illinois Soybean Association.

Another award winner at last week's N-A-F-B convention in Kansas City, was Rita Frazier, Director of Radio for the RFD Radio Network and another familiar voice on WTIM and WHOW, who won their "Farm Broadcaster of the Year" award.

Thanksgiving brings together family and friends and local authorities are reminding to be safe during this time of celebration.

As college students return home, some for perhaps the first time, the night before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest at local liquor establishments. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers is imploring anyone going out Wednesday night to be safe.

If you're going to be out and about shopping on Friday, Chief Lowers says you want to do simple things like be mindful of your surroundings, know where you parked your vehicle, and carry a debit or credit card if possible. 

Winter weather isn't out of the question wherever you may be traveling this time of the year so a winter emergency kit in your vehicle is important. Chief Lowers also recommends being dressed appropriately if you're traveling in cold weather. 

Preparing a Thanksgiving meal for some is second nature and an enjoyable labor of love. For others, especially first-time hosts or food preparers, it may be a bit overwhelming.

A University of Illinois Extension nutrition educator is hoping some tips she has today may make things a bit simpler. Caitlin Mellendorf says there are four keys you want to remember when preparing your Thanksgiving feast: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

If you're doing a potluck-style meal, you'll want to be mindful of the two-hour window you have to preserve all that food. She encourages all food preparers to have a thermometer handy.

Extension.illinois.edu/food has plenty of resources for those preparing a holiday feast this week or just simply wanting to learn more about food preparation in general. 

After a bitterly cold weekend in central Illinois, temperatures are expected to return to normal as we get set for Thanksgiving.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service indicates temperatures should get into the 50s at points this week as we come out of the cold snap today.

Getting into December next week, things are going to stay in the above-average trend. Shimon indicates starting in December, things will be dry but as the winter rolls along, it will grow increasingly wet.

La Nina is expected to weaken as the winter goes along. Shimon says that's creating some instability in the outlooks for the late winter and early spring. We'll hear more from Shimon on this later this week. 

ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE'S OFFICE IS REMINDING THE PUBLIC THAT THE EXTENSION ON DRIVER'S LICENSE AND STATE I-D EXPIRATION DATES ENDS SOON. 

DRIVERS WERE GIVEN MORE TIME TO GET THEIR LICENSES RENEWED DURING THE PANDEMIC, BUT THAT EXTENSION IS COMING TO END ON DECEMBER FIRST. SECRETARY OF STATE SPOKESPERSON HARRY HAUPT SAYS THEY HAVE TRIED TO ALERT PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR OPTIONS.

HAUPT SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT TO THOSE ELIGIBLE TO RENEW ONLINE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE IF YOUR LOCAL DRIVER'S SERVICES FACILITY TAKES APPOINTMENTS, VISIT THE WEBSITE: IL SOS DOT GOV.

Cases of the flu are rising, and the American Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donors to help with a potential shortage over the holidays.

As seasonal illnesses increase, the number of healthy donors tends to decrease. Here's Red Cross spokesperson Brian Williamsen.

According to the CDC, many states around the U.S are already experiencing a spike in flu cases this season. To donate you can visit RedCrossBlood.org

Temperatures dropping below freezing could cause problems in your home, including water damage from frozen and burst pipes. 

Cold weather arrived last week, so a spokesperson with Illinois American Water is offering some tips to prepare your pipes for the winter. Karen Cotton says it’s best to take precautions now, before the worst of the cold weather happens.

Cotton says also to make sure everyone at home knows where the main water shut-off valve is. Make sure sprinkler and irrigation systems attached to the home are shut-off and detach your garden hose from the outside spigot. More tips on guarding against winter water pipe damage are available at www.illinoisamwater.com.

ILLINOIS HOUSE LAWMAKERS ARE LOOKING AT AN INCREASE IN SCHOOL VIOLENCE. 

AT THE LATEST HEARING OF THE HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION TASK FORCE, LEGISLATORS HEARD FROM TEACHER'S GROUPS ABOUT THE GROWING NUMBER OF SEVERE STUDENT BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS. SHIANNE SHIVLEY WITH THE ILLINOIS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION READ TESTIMONIALS FROM EDUCATORS ABOUT BEING KICKED, BITTEN, SCREAMED AT AND THREATENED BY STUDENTS.

REPRESENTATIVE LASHAWN FORD OF CHICAGO OFFERED THIS IDEA.

SHIVLEY SAYS THAT TEACHERS ARE LOOKING FOR MORE SUPPORT FROM SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND SOCIAL WORKERS ON STAFF.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS IS LAUNCHING THE ANNUAL OPERATION RISING SPIRIT CAMPAIGN. 

THE EFFORT ENCOURAGES THE PUBLIC TO WRITE TO THE RESIDENTS OF STATE VETERAN’S HOMES IN ANNA, CHICAGO, LASALLE, MANTENO AND QUINCY SAYS AGENCY DIRECTOR TERRY PRINCE.

YOU CAN SEND YOUR LETTERS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S SPRINGFIELD OFFICE OR ELECTRONICALLY. 

PEOPLE CAN ALSO EMAIL A VET ON THE AGENCY’S WEBSITE AT: ILLINOIS DOT GOV SLASH VETERANS.

Thanksgiving is next week and there are families in the community that will experience a huge need to have a traditional holiday.

Clinton's Neighborhood Care Center is taking a unique approach to helping families within its network. Executive Director Cody Monkman indicates they are targeting families internally to offer holiday baskets and he hopes they view those as gifts of love.

Distribution of these baskets will be this weekend in both the DeWitt and McLean County networks. Monkman indicates they need volunteers in both locations to help with distribution.

Monkman says the holiday season is very busy at the Neighborhood Care Center and looks forward to the impact these baskets will make for those in the DeWitt and McLean County areas. 

The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington has a new Executive Director.

Jay Pratte took the leadership role just over a month ago and indicates he has been in all sorts of roles within animal care across the country and found the Bloomington/Normal area very appealing and the size of the Miller Park Zoo just right.

While the Miller Park Zoo has big animals like snow leopards and tigers that draw people to them, Pratte explains he has come to enjoy working with small animals and highlighting the stories and features that make them special in our world.

As Pratte takes the reigns on the zoo, there are a number of things happening. He indicates they are in the midst of a South American project that is going on now and the master plan that was formed several years ago.

Pratte points anyone wanting more information about the zoo to visit millerparkzoo.org and also follow them on Facebook. He has been pleased with how active the Facebook page is and the staff's ability to always share what is happening at the zoo.

A central Illinois Senator is disappointed with last week's election but is not focused on the negatives.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, State Sen. Chapin Rose told Regional Radio while the election results were disappointing, Senate Republicans were able to pick up a seat.

According to the Mahomet Republican, there are issues that he believes are winning issues in Illinois, and says it's likely Gov. Pritzker will not be around much longer in his pursuit of the Presidency.

Sen. Rose believes the abortion issue was what rescued Democrats from a quote - red tsunami. If or when Gov. Pritzker moves on to his pursuit of the Presidency, Sen. Rose says whoever his predecessor is will not have the abortion issue to fall back on.

Sen. Rose believes Illinois Democrats spending this election cycle was very impactful but questions if they will be able to maintain that going forward if Gov. Pritzker, in fact, moves on to pursue the presidency.

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER AND THE CITY OF EAST PEORIA IS GETTING IN THE SPIRIT THIS WEEKEND.

THE 38TH ANNUAL PARADE OF LIGHTS TAKES PLACE THIS SATURDAY IN EAST PEORIA. COREY BROWN, PEORIA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CHAIRMAN, HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HOLIDAY SPECTACLE THAT SPANS 38 YEARS AND STARTED WITH ONE MAN, WALLY JAQUET.

THE PARADE ROUTE IS APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES LONG AND WILL START AT THE INTERSECTION OF EAST WASHINGTON STREET AND DOLANS LANE. FOLEPI'S WINTER WONDERLAND BEGINS THANKSGIVING NIGHT AND WILL RUN INTO THE NEW YEAR.

After a mild start to November, Mother Nature offered quite an awakening we are nearing winter. Illinois State Water Survey Graduate Assistant Bridgette Mason has more...

Service to Metro Communications fiber internet customers across Central Illinois was restored just after 9 o'clock this morning, following a system outage caused by a firmware change.

Officials with Metro tell Regional Radio News, that the overnight firmware change was to have been completed before 6am, but due to problems with the upgrade, service across their network wasn't restored until just after 9 o'clock this morning.

Metro provides business fiber internet service to communities across Central Illinois.

The first experience at the Apple n' Pork Festival in September was a huge success for a DeWitt County non-profit.

Encore Developmental Services took over the lemon shakeup booth on the grounds of the CH Moore Homestead this fall and Executive Director Stephanie Coonce says they kept busy from start to finish each day.

Funds raised from the festival were originally going to go into the day services program but because they were able to raise more than they thought, they are going to be able to diversify those dollars.

For Coonce, the exposure the Festival provided them and the opportunity to make those from outside of Clinton aware of the thrift store and its mission, she feels it could be very beneficial.

Coonce called the weekend great and a great time and says they are planning to return next fall. 

For a small community, the Farmer City Christmas parade is an impressive display.

Over one hundred floats highlight the annual parade that is this Sunday in Farmer City. City Manager Sue McLaughlin says they hope to begin a new tradition as a part of this year's parade and that is a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

McLaughlin says their public works department took advantage of the nice weather last week to get those decorations up even though it was at that time, still a few weeks from the parade. 

The Farmer City Christmas parade is Sunday at 2 pm around the downtown square. 

Bitter-cold temperatures are on the way for Illinois.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio it is going to be a stark contrast to the start of November.

This week has been a stark contrast from the first two weeks of November when we saw temperatures in the 70s just last week. Shimon says the cold air out of Canada is giving us a taste of winter.

The bitter cold of the weekend should arrive late Thursday and be the coldest Saturday morning and last through Monday morning.

Shimon indicates things are still dry and so that is something they are watching as the next drought monitor is released just before Thanksgiving. 

SUPPORTERS OF THE SAFE-T ACT SAY THEY DON’T EXPECT ANY MAJOR CHANGES TO THE LAW BEFORE THE NO-CASH BAIL PROVISION TAKES EFFECT JANUARY FIRST. 

THE MEASURE INCLUDES THE PRE-TRIAL FAIRNESS ACT, AND SENATOR ROBERT PETERS OF CHICAGO SAYS ANY TWEAKS WILL BE TECHNICAL IN NATURE.

PETERS SAYS ANY FINE-TUNING WILL BE TECHNICAL TO ENSURE SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION.

ADVOCATES SAY IT’S UNFAIR THAT ONLY RICH PEOPLE CAN BOND OUT WHILE OTHERS LANGUISH IN JAIL BEFORE THEIR TRIAL. OPPONENTS SAY OFFENDERS MAY BE RELEASED AND RE-COMMIT THEIR CRIMES AND CALL FOR THE ACT TO BE REPEALED.

THE ANNUAL “WINTER WEATHER, GET IT TOGETHER” CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY, REMINDING THE PUBLIC TO PREPARE FOR BAD ROAD CONDITIONS.

WHEN THE ROADS ARE COVERED WITH SNOW AND ICE, MOTORISTS ARE ASKED TO STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE. BUT IF YOU HAVE TO GO OUT, SLOW DOWN SAYS ILLINOIS STATE POLICE CAPTAIN JODY HUFFMAN. SHE ALSO URGES PEOPLE TO BE PREPARED.

EVEN IF THE ROADS LOOK CLEAR, I-DOT HIGHWAY MAINTAINER MIKE BLOMBERG (Bloomberg) SAYS THAT CAN BE DECEIVING.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HAS MORE THAN 18-HUNDRED TRUCKS TO PLOW ROADS ACROSS THE STATE. WORKERS ASK THE PUBLIC TO GIVE THEM PLENTY OF ROOM TO DO THEIR JOBS.

On the heels of a reelection campaign announced by President Trump, Illinois' senior senator is pointing at someone in Illinois as a possible challenger.

Democratic Whip Dick Durbin is 'not ruling out' Governor Pritzker despite being reelected to another four-year term.

Although Governor Pritzker has denied running for President, the state's top elected official has made speeches in New Hampshire and Florida. In the past, Governor Pritzker has said he supports President Biden running for another term.

Firearm season is about to open for deer hunters in Illinois, Dan Skinner with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the cold weather could help deer hunters this weekend.

Skinner says safety is critical out in the woods. Handle firearms with care and wear blaze orange when out hunting and that includes adding blaze orange to any ground blind.

THE ILLINOIS HOUSE AND SENATE WILL HAVE NEW REPUBLICAN LEADERS. 

HOUSE G-O-P LAWMAKERS VOTED TO ELECT REPRESENTATIVE TONY MCCOMBIE OF SAVANNA AS THE CHAMBER’S MINORITY LEADER. HER TOP PRIORITY?

SHE’S THE FIRST WOMAN TO SERVE IN THE POSITION. 

MCCOMBIE WILL BE REPLACING JIM DURKIN IN THE ROLE. SENATE REPUBLICANS CHOSE JOHN CURRAN OF DOWNERS GROVE TO LEAD THEIR CAUCUS. HE REPLACES SENATOR DAN MCCONCHIE.

The annual Great American Smoke Out is Thursday, but health experts say you can resolve to quit the habit anytime. OSF St. Anthony's Hospital is encouraging all smokers to participate, as a recent study shows smoking accounts for about 1 in 5 deaths globally, and more than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.

Dr. Jesse VanLe, a cardiothoracic surgeon with OSF HealthCare says it is important not to get discouraged and suggests surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends and changing habits that can trigger the urge to smoke.

In addition to compromised immune systems, many smokers already have lung problems that leave them more vulnerable to getting the flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, and COVID-19.

The 2022 American farm Bureau Federation Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey has been released. Here’s AFBF Senior Economist Veronica Nigh.

The Illinois average for the traditional Thanksgiving meal is a bit above the national average at $65.53.

Last year was a banner year for the Clinton Chamber of Commerce Haunted House and this year was even better.

Marian Brisard is the Executive Director of the Clinton Chamber and indicates last year, coming back from the COVID year, they did not advertise the haunted house but did so this year.

There are a lot of things about the Clinton Haunted House that make it unique. Brisard points to the concession, the virtual haunted house they have, and the escape room as things for attendees to do while they wait.

Brisard thanks all the groups and individuals that volunteered on the Friday and Saturday nights of the Haunted House season. She says the success of the house is in large part due to them giving of their time to provide their talents for scares inside the house. 

A central Illinois non-profit is raising money for area kids in need to have Christmas presents this holiday season.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Breann Titus, the Agency Director of Development for Community Action, told Regional Radio 'Holiday Hearts for Kids' is a program similar to Angel Tree as they target kids within their programs.

According to Titus, the agency recently received a generous contribution from the Eaton Corporation in Lincoln for the program which allows them to help as many kids in total as they have the first two years of the program combined.

Contributions to the program can be made until Dec. 4. Titus emphasizes all the funds made to the 'Holiday Hearts for Kids' program goes right into the kids in the Community Action communities. 

She points anyone wanting to contribute to find information at the agency website, capcil.info or following Community Action on Facebook. 

Warrensburg-Latham Schools are celebrating a positive school report card that was released late last month.

Cheryl Warner is the Superintendent of Warrensburg-Latham Schools and indicates because school report card data had not been collected in a few years, there was a lot of anxiety among her and her peers. Despite that, she points out her district did very well.

While thankful for the designations, Warner says the district will continue to evaluate and find ways to improve. She points out, the benchmarks continue to increase. 

Attendance rates seem to be an issue all school districts are battling as the last couple of school years were bouncing back and forth between in-person and e-learning.

Another concerning trend districts are noticing is students who were home-schooled last year and are behind in their learning. Warner says that is creating difficult decisions for the district, the child, and the families. 

ILLINOIS SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE UNVEILING NEW LEGISLATION CRACKING DOWN ON FENTANYL DEALERS. 

THE BILL CREATES A NEW CLASS X FELONY FOR DEALERS WHO KNOWINGLY SELL PILLS LIKE ADDERALL OR VICODIN THAT CONTAIN FENTANYL. THE OFFENSE WOULD BE PUNISHABLE BY NINE TO 40 YEARS IN PRISON SAYS SENATOR SALLY TURNER OF BEASON.

DEALERS SELLING PILLS WITH DETECTABLE AMOUNTS OF FENTANYL WOULD FACE NINE TO 40 YEARS IN PRISON UNDER THE BILL SAYS SENATOR SUE REZIN OF MORRIS.

THE MEASURE ALSO MAKES IT A FELONY TO MAKE FENTANYL DRUG DEALS ELECTRONICALLY, SUCH AS ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE. SUPPORTERS HOPE TO GET IT PASSED DURING THE FALL VETO SESSION THAT IS UNDERWAY THIS WEEK.

The Clinton Community Education Foundation is beginning its annual mailing campaign.

The Education Foundation helps provide funding to the school district for things beyond what is covered in line items within the district's budget. On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Parker Toohill with the CCEF told Regional Radio the Foundation uses the funds raised for a variety of good causes.

This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Foundation and Toohill hopes if you receive the letter in the mail this week, you'll consider giving as we embark upon the giving season.

Toohill explains the CCEF takes pride in the fact they make a lot of investments in the school district that give a lot of kids opportunities they may not have otherwise.

Toohill points anyone interested in being a part of the CCEF or supporting them to visit ccef15.org or find them on Facebook. 

A central Illinois lawmaker is disappointed in the results of last week's election that saw Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker re-elected and Illinois Democrats increase its supermajority.

State Rep. Dan Caulkins told Regional Radio on the WHOW Morning Show Monday it was disappointing because Illinois Republicans felt the environment was right for better results in Illinois.

According to Rep. Caulkins, the new map drawn by Illinois Democrats ensured Republicans in Illinois would not do well in the election and it played out as they wanted. He also believes Democrats spending on races was a key difference. 

With Democrats increasing their majority in Springfield and keeping control of the Governorship, Rep. Caulkins is now unsure of what policies they will pursue next.

The Safe-T act in Illinois was something Illinois Republicans tried to campaign on late in the campaigns and Rep. Caulkins is unsure of what the future of that legislation will be. He notes the lawsuit in Kankakee County but isn't sure if Illinois Democrats were serious about cleaning up some of the language in the bill that he calls poorly written. 

HARVESTING IS WRAPPING UP IN ILLINOIS. 

WITH NEARLY SIX DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK, CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER SAYS HARVEST PROGRESS IS MOVING ALONG.

SCHLEUSENER LOOKS AT THE STATE’S WINTER WHEAT CROP.

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE CAME IN AT 11 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 17 PERCENT SHORT, 71 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND ONE PERCENT SURPLUS.

School districts across the state are facing a teacher shortage like never before. In some parts of Illinois, the shortage is so severe that districts are pulling back class offerings and making larger class sizes. Mark Jontry serves as the Regional Superintendent for McLean, Logan, Livingston and DeWitt County.

Jontry added that some teachers are leaving the profession altogether, or some are exploring higher-paying jobs outside his districts. In addition, his districts are looking for more substitutes to fill the gaps.

The fall veto session is ready to start this week at the state capitol. Governor JB Pritzker says he expects a few top priorities to be set by lawmakers and that includes both further protecting the right to have an abortion in Illinois and further strengthening gun laws.

The veto session begins today.

Christmas shopping starts in earnest soon and you may be searching for the perfect gift. 

The Better Business Bureau says it’s always a good idea to get your shopping done early, but especially so this year, as the economy over the last two years has caused a microchip shortage and supply chain issues. Better Business Bureau investigator Don O’Brien says those two scenarios may impact your ability to find the perfect gift.

If you are fortunate to find what you want, O’Brien says it’s important to obtain and keep receipts for all purchases in case the recipient needs to return an item. Many stores will provide gift receipts upon request, which allow returns but don’t show the recipient how much you paid for an item.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS ISSUING SOME REMINDERS ABOUT HUNTING SAFETY. 

THE MOST FREQUENT CAUSE FOR HUNTING ACCIDENTS IS UNSECURE TREE STANDS SAYS STATE CONSERVATION POLICE OFFICER ZACH WILLIAMS. SO, WHAT DOES A SAFE TREE STAND LOOK LIKE?

THAT INCLUDES:

HUNTERS ARE ALSO REMINDED TO WEAR THE REQUIRED BLAZE ORANGE OR PINK WHILE OUT IN THE WOODS, TO CHECK THAT THEIR FIREARM IS WORKING PROPERLY, AND TO BE SURE OF THEIR TARGET BEFORE PULLING THE TRIGGER.

The Clinton Chamber of Commerce will have a new Executive Director starting January 1, 2023.

Marian Brisard is retiring at the end of the year and the Chamber Board has named Janice Petersen as her replacement. Petersen has been in the office for about a month now and Brisard says she's learning the ins and outs of the operation.

Petersen explains she has an advertising background and through a few job losses in the last few years, Brisard reached out to her about the opening and has enjoyed the job so far.

Petersen recently wrapped up her first time helping to organize the Chamber's biggest fundraiser, the Haunted House. She looks forward to guiding the chamber through other annual events like the annual dinner, the business expo, and May Days among others. 

The Scovill Zoo in Decatur will soon get started with a significant renovation to its herpaquarium building on its grounds this winter.

The 2022 season has wrapped up and Executive Director Ken Frye indicates the zoo will be gutting the herpaquarium and bringing it into the 21st century.

According to Frye, the exhibit this time around will be centered around the animal and its amenities. He says a significant financial contribution is helping pay for this over half-a-million dollar project.

Frye indicates the estimates for projects are well beyond what he estimates personally and says the supply chain issues and inflation are not helping things the last few years.

For some animals, the current aquariums can be simply moved from one building to another but for the bigger animals, they will have to find some space in other buildings in the zoo.

He hopes because the herpaquarium is not a big space the project should not take long but does not what kind of challenges they may encounter along the way.

You may or may not know that Social Security handles enrollment into Medicare Parts A and B (not Part D or Advantage Plans) and 2023 will bring some welcome changes to the start date for Medicare part B for some of the enrollment periods.

Jack Myers with Social Security explains enrollment periods aren’t changing, but the effective dates of coverage are for some. If you are collecting Social Security benefits prior to age 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and coverage will start the 1st day of the month of age 65 attainment.

According to Myers, if you aren’t collecting Social Security benefits prior to age 65 you will NOT be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and will need to apply at www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 or your local office. Keep in mind that Social Security considers you to attain your age the day before your birthday, so if your birthday falls on the 1st of the month, your “age 65 attainment month” is actually the month before. 

The special enrollment period is not changing and the general enrollment period is changing to coverage beginning the month after enrollment.

Myers again directs anyone with questions to www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 or your local office. 

WHOW’s AM 1520 signal has scheduled a tower maintenance service outage for today, and will be off the air at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon, weather permitting.   WHOW’s FM repeaters at 92-point-3 in DeWitt County and 106.5 in McLean County, as well as the WHOW stream; and sister station WEZC 95.9 FM, will all remain on the air and are not affected by the AM 1520 outage.

A familiar nighttime voice on 2 of the Miller Media Group radio stations—WTIM in Taylorville and WHOW in Clinton—has died.

Jim Bohannon died Saturday morning after a bout with Stage 4 Cancer.  Bohannon was on leave for several months from his nighttime talk show heard across the country on the Westwood One Radio Network, while battling the disease.  

He then came back in late summer, but officially retired in October and made his illness public.

Bohannon was also a monthly guest on both stations’ Morning Shows to discuss the issues of the day.

He was 78 years old.

WHOW The Big 1520 celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a gala banquet Saturday night at the Clinton Country Club, raising over 3-thousand dollars for 3 local non-profit organizations.

The station paid for the entire night so that the 26-hundred dollars in ticket sales could be split between the Neighborhood Care Center's No Fee Grocery Shopping and the Clinton High School Student Activity Fund.  Another 450-dollars was raised in a raffle, with that money going to the Central Illinois C-E-O program.

Rising country music star Gracia Harrison from Nashville performed during social hour and dinner.

Following the serving of a catered dinner and pieces of the WHOW 75th Anniversary cake, baked at Kirby Foods in Clinton, a one-hour video with the history of WHOW was shown.  That video, which includes audio from Uncle Johnny Barton, Red Cravens, the Sangamon Valley Boys, Denny Sarver, Bill Ward, Ozzie Pearl, Larry Duling, and Wayne R. Miller, can be seen on the station's youtube channel, WHOWTV, by clicking HERE.

Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marian Brisard told Regional Radio News that she's grateful for how WHOW promotes the Clinton community.

WHOW president and general manager Randal J. Miller thanks all those who attended Saturday night's event to honor the station's legacy of service to Clinton, DeWitt County, and Central Illinois.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be making a stop in Atlanta on Monday, Nov. 14th from 4 PM - 6 PM at the Paul Bunyan Hotdog Statue located at 112 SW Arch St.

Tourism Director Whitney Ortiz indicates those who want to can come by for a picture with the iconic vehicle.

Tours of the Wienermobile will be offered and visitors will also get their very own Wiener Whistle, a miniature version of the Wienermobile that has been given out since 1952. 

Only six active Wienermobiles are traveling across the country.

Understanding the means of agriculture can strengthen and expand classroom learning through exploration, creativity, adaptability, and added awareness of everyday life skills.

That's why the University of Illinois Extension is encouraging K-12 McLean County educators to add agriculture to their classrooms. This exclusive grant opportunity is designed to increase student awareness and understanding of agriculture as it plays a large role in our lives and economy every day.

Since 2002, University of Illinois Extension and the family of retired Illinois Senator John Maitland have sponsored a grant in his honor. Senator Maitland was a McLean County farmer and understood the importance of educating youth on agriculture and its impact locally, nationally, and globally. The family of Senator John Maitland continues to take a personal and vested interest in providing an opportunity for teachers to purchase supplies, field trips and other resources that
integrate agriculture-related lessons in their curriculum to provide youth with creative and hands-on learning experiences promoting agriculture.

The Maitland Agricultural Awareness Grant can yield up to $1,000 for a teacher's agriculture-related lesson. Applications for the Maitland grant are due by Monday, November 28.

Questions can be directed by email to Laura Holland at laurarh3@illinois.edu or by contacting staff at the McLean County Extension Office at 309-663-8306. The John Maitland Agricultural Awareness Grant for the 2022-2023 school year is available to apply at go.illinois.edu. 

Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.

McLean County 4-H celebrated youth and volunteers at their annual Recognition of Excellence event this November and is proud to announce local 4-H leader and volunteer Rachel Kridner as one of the 84 honorees inducted into the 2022 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame.

A third-generation Chenoa 4-H member, Rachel has led the Chenoa Space Age Pioneers 4-H Club for 16 years. Her goal is for each member to find a project area in which they excel. Rachel has a strong belief in teaching youth to give back to their community as evidenced by the visible improvements around the club's hometown. Extension is grateful for Rachel's commitment to her 4-H members and the youth of McLean County. 

The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Those inducted have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by either county University of Illinois Extension staff or by the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.

Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles.

ILLINOIS TREASURER MIKE FRERICHS IS LOOKING TO RETURN 11 PURPLE HEARTS TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS.

THE MEDALS END UP IN THE TREASURER’S OFFICE AFTER BEING LEFT IN OLD SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES BUT ARE OFTEN HARD TO RETURN SAYS TREASURER FRERICHS.

FRERICHS. HE WANTS THE PUBLIC’S HELP IN RETURNING THEM.

FRERICHS IS ASKING THE PUBLIC TO CHECK OUT THE LIST OF NAMES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE MEDALS LISTED UNDER “NEWS” ON HIS WEBSITE: ILLINOIS TREASURER DOT GOV.

An unseasonably warm week quickly turned cold. State Climatologist Trent Ford tells us if this cold weather will keep up...

Encore Developmental Services recently learned its facility east of Clinton is going to need improvements that will not only be costly, but physically comprehensive.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Executive Director Stephanie Coonce told Regional Radio they are engaging with architects about what could be next for the facility.

Once the initial shock of needing to make improvements subsided, Coonce decided she would look at this as an opportunity for Encore to improve its facilities and improve its services.

In the meantime, Coonce is keeping in touch with the Encore board and letting the architects they have hired help them. She feels the architects have been excellent in giving them feasible options.

Coonce has to offer a report to the Department of Human Services each week and as of now, they do not have a hard deadline yet.

She implores the community to support them by shopping at the thrift store and keeping up with the latest on their Facebook page. 

Battle Cross Crusaders is hosting a special Veterans Day event tonight.

Jeff Morlock with Battle Cross Crusaders indicates the event is tonight from 6 pm to 9 pm at Circle South in Clinton. He says they'll have a couple of guest speakers and a couple of special presentations for local veterans.

The event is open to all veterans and two guests. Doors open for the event at 5:30 pm. Veterans eat for free and extra guests can eat for $12. 

Get more information by finding the Battle Cross Crusaders Facebook page. 

Veterans are invited to Little Galilee Christian Camp tonight for a special Veteran's Day celebration.

Max Aper is the program director of the camp and indicates they will have some pulled pork available for veterans as well as a special guest speaker.

The event at Little Galilee is from 6 pm to 9 pm. 

Farmer City leadership is in the midst of an education campaign about the extension of a TIF district on the community's southwest side.

City Manager Sue McLaughlin explains they recently held a hearing on the issue to allow the community to learn more about the extension and learn more about how TIFs work.

McLaughlin explains an often misconception about TIF districts is taxes in those areas go up but what happens is as property values increase, the difference in the increase and the levy goes into the TIF fund.

McLaughlin believes the TIF has been very beneficial for the community so far. She points to the businesses along the corridor of Route 54 that runs through it that have benefited from the funds as well as improvements made to the neighborhoods in the footprint of the TIF. 

The American Red Cross is calling for healthy donors to give blood and platelets. 

Blood supplies for patients in need tend to drop off towards the holiday season, a time when donations are a necessity. Being that it's flu season, the Red Cross asks that for the donor's sake, they give blood when they're healthy. Red Cross spokesman Joe Zydlo (ZID-low) says the CDC is predicting a serious spread of the flu this year.

Donors of all blood types are needed, the most useful blood type sought being Type O.

Illinois Farm Bureau asking members to participate in an action request in response to a looming rail strike.

Illinois Farm Bureau executive director of governmental affairs and commodities Mark Gebhards says information on the action request can be found at Ilfb.org.

ONE AND A HALF MILLION ILLINOISANS HAVE NOW RECEIVED THE BIVALENT COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOT. 

THE BOOSTER PROTECTS AGAINST THE LATEST OMICRON STRAINS AND WHILE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE VACCINATED IS PROMISING, STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SPOKESPERSON MIKE CLAFFEY SAYS MORE CAN BE DONE.

BUT THAT’S STILL ONLY 11 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION SAYS SPOKESPERSON MIKE CLAFFEY.

CLAFFEY SAYS THEY ALSO EXPECT AN ACTIVE FLU SEASON SO IT’S RECOMMENDED THAT EVERYONE GET THE FLU VACCINE AS WELL.

The weather is about to take a dramatic turn in the next few days. Trent Ford, the State Climatologist, says a big blast of cold air is coming for nearly everyone in the state. But as things turn colder one bright spot has been recent rains that are slowly turning around a dry fall.

28% of the state is in moderate drought.

CONCERN REMAINS ABOUT THE LACK OF I-C-U PEDIATRIC BEDS AVAILABLE IN ILLINOIS. 

FOR THE MOST PART, IT’S NOT KIDS WITH COVID-19 FILLING UP THE BEDS, IT’S YOUNG CHILDREN WITH R-S-V, A RESPIRATORY ILLNESS. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, FLU CASES ARE STARTING TO RISE. ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER DOCTOR ARTI BARNES SAYS THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE KIDS GET THE FLU VACCINE.

BARNES SAYS FAMILIES SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER THE LATEST COVID BOOSTER FOR THEIR CHILDREN. THERE ARE ABOUT 289 INTENSIVE CARE HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC BEDS IN ILLINOIS STATEWIDE AND 94 PERCENT OF THEM ARE FULL.

BARNES SAYS ONLY ABOUT 22 PERCENT OF KIDS HAVE RECEIVED A FLU SHOT. SHE ALSO ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO THINK ABOUT GETTING THEIR CHILD THE NEW COVID-19 BOOSTER AS WELL.

Illinois stays blue after Election Day.

Democrats swept all statewide races from Governor to Treasurer, and they appear to have won 14 of the state's 17 Congressional seats. Governor JB Pritzker says as he gets ready to lead the state for another 4 years, he’s always ready to work with Republicans.

Democrats also appear set to increase super majorities in the Illinois House and Senate.

THE LATEST ILLINOIS CROP PRODUCTION REPORT SHOWS CORN AND SOYBEANS MAY BE SETTING SOME RECORDS THIS YEAR. 

THE NOVEMBER FORECAST HAS THE ILLINOIS CORN YIELD AT 215 BUSHELS PER ACRE, UP 13 FROM LAST YEAR SAYS CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN YIELD IS FORECAST AT 64 BUSHELS PER ACRE. 

TOTAL CORN PRODUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BE TWO-POINT-TWO-SEVEN BILLION BUSHELS.

Even though harvest is winding down in Illinois, there’s still plenty of farm equipment utilizing local roads. Drivers need to be alert in rural areas.

Rodney Knittel (hard k) serves as assistant director of transportation and infrastructure for Illinois Farm Bureau.

Online shopping continues to grow in popularity thanks to its convenience and local authorities say the increase in local crime is starting to impact homes with packages on the front porch.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers told Regional Radio crime is up locally, and with the busy holiday shopping right around the corner, he is imploring local residents to be vigilant in getting those packages as soon as possible.

Chief Lowers has a couple of recommendations and one being purchasing a delivery lockbox that allows delivery drivers to securely place your packages in one. He also recommends investing in a Ring doorbell system.

Having a good relationship with your neighbors is also helpful when it comes to securing any packages that may be coming to you. Chief Lowers says it is always best to have any packages delivered to an occupied building.

If you are traveling this holiday season, the Chief reminds of the vacation watch program where law enforcement will drive by your home at least a couple of times per day to keep watch over any irregularities. You can get more information on that by calling the dispatch center at 217-935-9441. 

Little Galilee Christian Camp in Clinton has a new Executive Director.

Gabe Rutledge joins the ministry in rural Clinton and calls this opportunity a dream job.

Coming to Little Galilee, Rutledge indicates security and safety are his top priorities for campers and their families. He also has some technology updates around the grounds he would like to pursue.

The ultimate goal of Little Galilee Christian Camp is to introduce young people to Jesus and further the faith already nurtured in a young person's life. Rutledge says the number of young people coming to the camp that have never been to church grows and in 2023, he wants to see 2,023 campers at Little Galilee.

Rutledge now begins the process of getting in front of church leaders and students in central Illinois and inviting them to camp. Having spent many years in Christian ministry, he already knows many in those roles and looks forward to getting to know many others he doesn't know yet.

A Maroa-Forsyth High School student is in custody after an alleged stabbing early this afternoon.

According to the Police Department's Facebook page via a letter from Superintendent Dr. Kris Kahler, authorities were called to the high school around 1 pm this afternoon. A student was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Dr. Kahler believes the incident is isolated and extra law enforcement was at the school the rest of the day out of an abundance of caution. 

The students' names will not be released and further details of the incident will not be released. 

A strong start in the new school year for Illinois’ Ag in the Classroom program.

AITC Education Manager Chris Wyant says a new website has also been unveiled this school year. You can find it at agintheclassroom.org.

The Mississippi River is hitting near-record lows, and farmers are feeling the pinch of how to move their grain.

With high prices on practically everything, farmers are now facing a drying-up Mississippi River. Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert (GEE-Bert) said it's crunch time for farmers.

According to Guebert (GEE-bert), the low levels hurt the nation's coupled supply chain. As a result, farmers are turning to semis, which are facing high diesel prices.

The DeWitt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting a Saturday veteran's roundtable discussion to highlight the stories of local veterans.

Edith Brady-Lunny with DAR says the event will be this Saturday at 2 pm at the American Legion building in Clinton. It will highlight a trio of local veterans, moderated by Nelson Thorpe, a veteran himself.

Brady-Lunny says the idea for this stemmed from some successful community forums they held in conjunction with the Prairie Flyers exhibit at the CH Moore Homestead. She believes you cannot highlight veterans and their stories enough.

Thorpe says he hasn't heard the stories of his fellow veterans that will be a part of this event. He believes it will be good to hear about the experiences these individuals had.

The event is again, Saturday, Nov. 12 at the American Legion building in Clinton at 2 pm. 

A proposed wind farm on Logan County's east side near the National Weather Service has residents in that area concerned.

Dave Opperman farms in Logan County and Kristen Petersen is a resident near Beason and both are concerned about the proximity of this project near the National Weather Service office just outside of Lincoln. Petersen indicates her property was hit by a tornado this past summer and there was little warning of the storm. She attributes that to wind farms in the area and says it would be worse with this proposed wind farm called Top Hat.

Opperman indicates he has spoken with officials at the National Weather Service in Lincoln and points out some are not thrilled with the proposed project. They are hoping the Logan County Board would consider restricting these from being erected at an 11-mile distance from the Weather Service office.

With a couple of wind farm projects up for consideration in Logan County, another just south of the Top Hat project, Opperman points out those two projects would give Logan County roughly one turbine for every two-square miles. He wonders when enough is enough. Petersen says the issue of wind turbines has become something she is concerned about since her move to the rural area. 

Opperman has concerns about a private airway landing strip in the footprint of the project as well as a refuge for eagles in the area.

Other concerns offered by Opperman and Petersen include ice throw and the uncertainty of what that could mean for residents as well as the fact many of the leases for these turbines are with absentee landowners.

A working session is scheduled in Logan County for tomorrow (Thursday) night. 

DeWitt County Election Results

Veteran's Day is Friday and Social Security is reminding everyone of the priority they make for those who served our country.

Jack Myers with Social Security points a veteran or veteran in your life to its Wounded Warriors webpage. It is an important resource for military members who return home with injuries and can be found at www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors.

The webpage shares information about our Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for veterans including how SSDI benefits are different from benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. Additionally, Myers points out it can show how Social Security expedites the processing of Social Security disability claims for service members who develop a disability while on active duty on or after 10/1/2001 - regardless of where the disability occurs.

If active-duty service members are unable to work due to a disabling condition and continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave, they should consider applying for SSDI if their condition is expected to keep them out of work for at least a year. Myers explains a person can’t be approved for SSDI benefits if actively working and earning above substantial gainful activity level wages ($1350/month in 2022), but if they aren’t working, Social Security does not have to count the wages.

The website one more time is, ssa.gov/woundedwarriors. 

HARVEST PROGRESS HAS CAUGHT UP AND SURPASSED THE AVERAGE PACE IN ILLINOIS. 

THERE WERE A LITTLE OVER FIVE DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK THIS PAST WEEK SAYS CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

94 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS HAVE NOW BEEN HARVESTED SAYS SCHLEUSENER.

95 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED AND 45 PERCENT HAS EMERGED. 34 PERCENT OF THE CROP IS RATED IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT CONDITION. 

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE INCREASED TO 10 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 12 PERCENT SHORT, 76 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND TWO PERCENT SURPLUS.

Winter snow could come any time, so the Illinois Department of Transportation is continuing its hiring effort for seasonal employees to help with snow and ice removal in the department's annual "Snowbird" program. 

IDOT is hiring Snow Removal Operators and salaried workers to help maintain more than 45,000 miles of roadway statewide during the winter season. IDOT Engineer Joe Monroe says they have only been able to hire about 50% of the number of people they budgeted for. He explains what happens if they don’t bring more people on for the season.

Applicants will be selected based on availability, experience, and qualifications. More info at idot.illinois.gov.

Veterans Day is Friday, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture is aiding veteran farmers through a free program.

The program is called 'Homegrown by Heroes' and allows military vets to use a special logo on the agricultural products they sell to the public. Here's Illinois Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello.

The Homegrown by Heroes program is free for all veterans with a 3-year renewal. To register, visit farm-vet-co-dot-org.

ILLINOIS HAS HIT SIX CONSECUTIVE MONTHS OF RECORD LOW UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS 

THE LATEST DATA SHOWS THAT CLAIMS HAVE REMAINED UNDER 70-THOUSAND FOR 26 WEEKS IN A ROW NOW SAYS STATE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DIRECTOR KRISTIN RICHARDS.

26 WEEKS IN A ROW OF LESS THAN 70-THOUSAND CLAIMS SHOWS CONTINUED ECONOMIC RECOVERY SAYS RICHARDS.

LAST WEEK, THERE WERE ONLY 57-THOUSAND CONTINUING CLAIMS RECORDED.

Illinois Farm Bureau has some advice for farmers or landowners considering participating in a solar project. Bill Bodine is the organization’s director of business and regulatory affairs.

There is significant interest in solar energy development in Illinois as solar farms are rapidly developing in rural areas in the state.

School report card data was recently released by the Illinois State Board of Education and a DeWitt County district is concerned about one of its building's performance.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Dr. Hilary Stanifer, Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools told Regional Radio one of its buildings received the designation of 'targeted' which means more support from the State will be coming their way.

Dr. Stanifer would not specify which group is struggling but did attribute a lot of the struggles to COVID learning struggles.

According to Dr. Stanifer, the district is already taking steps to mitigate these concerns and explains through the Tri-County Education Association that is going to assess students and help educators understand where each student is at.

Dr. Stanifer says the school report card highlighted a good graduation rate in Blue Ridge Schools as well as good teacher retention despite factors like class sizes that continue to grow. 

The Better Business Bureau is warning the public to avoid election scams.

According to Don O'Brien at the B-B-B, bad actors are looking to attract voters via phone, email and even by mail.

O'Brien added that scams are more rampant this year, compared to past elections. To report an election scam, contact the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at attorney-general-dot-gov-backslash-submit-a-claim.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS REMINDING HUNTERS ABOUT TESTING FOR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE. 

C-W-D IS A FATAL DISEASE OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IN DEER AND ELK. D-N-R HAS CHECKPOINTS AND SAMPLE DROP OFF STATIONS IN SEVERAL AREAS, WHERE HUNTERS CAN OPT TO HAVE THEIR HARVEST TESTED SAYS WILDLIFE CHIEF MIKE WEFER (wee-fer).

IT’S IMPORTANT TO MONITOR WHERE OUTBREAKS MAY BE OCCURRING SAYS WEFER.

HUNTERS CAN ALSO SUBMIT SAMPLES AT PARTICIPATING MEAT PROCESSORS AND TAXIDERMISTS. FOR A LIST OF LOCATIONS, VISIT: HUNT ILLINOIS DOT ORG.

The EPA is currently reviewing how much ethanol and other bio-fuels should be blended into the nation’s fuel supply.

US Senator Dick Durbin and others recently sent a letter to the EPA urging them to “chart a new course” with biofuels, even as electric cars start to come online. Durbin says homegrown fuels are a key part in the movement away from fossil fuels and now is not the time to use less of it.

The letter also encouraged EPA to further expand the year-round sale of E15. Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth also signed the letter.

With election day near, the Safe-T act of 2020 in Illinois is drawing a lot of attention.

Last week on Regional Radio, State's Attorney Dan Markwell told Regional Radio of the issues with the Safe-T Act, specifically in its vague parameters and procedures. Markwell also has a serious issue with the crimes that perpetrators will walk away from.

According to Markwell, the legislation takes away the ability for a judge to hear from himself and the Public Defender. He also points out, some things go against the intent of the legislation.

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker says the legislation is impacting crime in DeWitt County because law enforcement is dealing with the same perpetrators and they are back on the streets sooner. 

Markwell indicates the legislation is also problematic in that once a criminal has been discharged, getting them back to court will be an issue. He explains if a defendant does not show up to court, a civil summons will be issued and it will be up to the Sheriff's office to get that served.

Markwell is not optimistic any trailer bills, even if passed, will make the bill constitutional. The State's Attorney's office and the Sheriff's office are part of a large lawsuit against the State of Illinois declaring the bill unconstitutional they hope to have heard in Kankakee County before the first of the year. 

A local high school thespian group will be the first in the state to put on a new play.

Clinton High School Thespians will debut a new play Finding Corey Taylor Saturday night. Thespian member Nora Larson indicates their performance will be the Illinois premiere production.

Savannah Burton, who plays the role of Corey Taylor, says the play is about a girl who travels the country to meet other people who share her name. Ava Thierry describes it as a coming-of-age story.

Rehearsals for this weekend's play began in September. Larson notes they rehearse three days a week for a total of eight hours.

Thierry indicates they have a rotating stage that has eight sets. In between scenes stagehands rotate the stage and change out props to prepare for the new scene.

Spending time with friends, meeting new people, and having new experiences are just a few things the students had to say about being involved in theatre and the fall play.

You can catch the Clinton High School Thespians' performance of Finding Corey Taylor on November 11-13. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased online at our.show/coreytaylor.

More information can be found by visiting Clinton High School Theatre on Facebook.

November is Diabetes Prevention Month and a University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator is promoting the resources Extension offers.

Caitlin Mellendorf is a nutrition educator in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties and indicates around one in ten Americans has diabetes. She says Extension offers a wealth of resources as well as classes and programs for those with diabetes.

Mellendorf says diet and exercise can help prevent diabetes but if you have diabetes, Extension offers resources for foods and recipes to help manage it as well as guidance to professionals with expertise beyond what Extension can offer.

Mellendorf encourages getting a 'well visit' and getting that blood sugar tested on a yearly basis. She points anyone wanting more information to extension.illinois.edu. 

Free healthcare screenings have been absent from the DeWitt County Friendship Center the past few years in the wake of COVID after being a staple for many years.

Friday morning on the WHOW Morning Show, Paula Jiles told Regional Radio those health screenings are returning this month.

Jiles says a lot of her seniors have been inquiring about the return of that free service for some time and are glad they are coming back. She says Wednesday is the busiest day of the week at the Friendship Center so hopes seniors out for Bingo and Peace Meal will get their screenings. 

A marvelous weather week is giving way to a breezy and somewhat wet weekend in central Illinois. State Climatologist Trent Ford has more in this week's weekly weather summary...

Over $6-million in USDA rural development funding headed to southern Illinois. The money is for Saline River Farms in Creal Springs in Williamson County.

USDA Rural Development State Director Betsy Dirksen Londrigan says the grant is through the Meat and Poultry Expansion Program.

Friday (today) is the final day to purchase tickets to the WHOW 75th Anniversary gala on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The event is a celebration of 75 years of WHOW being on the air and is a fundraiser for two local non-profits. Station President and Owner Randal J. Miller says the station is picking up the costs for the entertainment, food, and venue so ticket sales can go to the Neighborhood Care Center and the Clinton High School student activity fund.

The event is Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Clinton Country Club with a social hour beginning at 5:30 pm, dinner will be served at 6:30 pm, and the special WHOW video presentation at 7:30 pm. 

Tickets can be purchased at the Clinton High School office and those end Friday at 5 pm. Tickets are $50 or a table of eight is $360. 

The Illinois General Assembly passed the 'Safe-T' legislation in 2020 and since its inception, it has drawn criticism across the State of Illinois, with 100 of the State's 102 State's Attorneys coming out in opposition to it.

The next wrinkle is set to become law statewide and if you want a preview of what's to come, look no further than Cook County. On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, DeWitt County State's Attorney Dan Markwell explained the original intent of the legislation was to reform voting rights for incarcerated individuals.

Markwell and Sheriff Mike Walker joined a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this legislation and according to Markwell, that lawsuit has been consolidated to one that will be heard in Kankakee County.

Markwell calls the bill vague because there is very little guidance on this legislation and foresees each County doing something different come January 1. 

The law will allow criminals to be released after several serious charges and Markwell and Sheriff Walker have serious concerns about that, which is also addressed in the lawsuit they've filed.

We'll hear more from the DeWitt County officials next week on Regional Radio. 

It's almost time to turn back the clock, and the American Red Cross is encouraging the public to use the reminder to check their smoke detectors. According to Red Cross Spokesman Brian Williamsen, he calls it the 'turn and test.'

According to Williamsen, smoke detectors should be located outside bedrooms and around sleeping areas. As the clock turns back an hour this weekend, the Red Cross said it's also time to get a fire escape plan that allows all family members to get out in two minutes if a fire occurs.

OCTOBER WEATHER BROUGHT A REAL TASTE OF FALL TO ILLINOIS. 

THE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE LAST MONTH WAS ABOUT 53 DEGREES, WHICH IS ONE POINT SIX DEGREES BELOW NORMAL. NIGHTS WERE PARTICULARLY COOL SAYS STATE CLIMATOLOGIST TRENT FORD.

MOST OF ILLINOIS IS PRETTY DRY, WITH SOUTHERN ILLINOIS IN THE WORST SHAPE.

OCTOBER RAINFALL AVERAGED TWO POINT THREE INCHES. THAT’S MORE THAN HALF AN INCH BELOW NORMAL. FORD SAYS SEVERAL WILDFIRES AND FIELD FIRES BROKE OUT IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS LAST MONTH BECAUSE OF THE DRY CONDITIONS.

The WHOW 75th Anniversary Gala is right around the corner, a week from Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Clinton Country Club.

Station President and Owner Randal J. Miller on the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday told Regional Radio the celebration will highlight some of the top voices of the past including maybe the most famous voice on WHOW, Uncle Johnny Barton. 

The final day to purchase tickets is Friday. You can purchase tickets at the Clinton High School office. Tickets are $50 apiece or a table of eight is $360. 

Social hour is at 5:30 pm. Dinner is at 6:30 pm. The special WHOW 75th video presentation will begin around 7:30 pm. Taylorville native and rising country star Gracia Harrison will perform during social hour and dinner. 

Ticket sales benefit the Clinton Neighborhood Care Center and the Clinton High School student activity fund. 

An annual event in Kenney has gone away and now the organization in charge of that event is selling off the items to make it happen for over 20 years.

The Kenney Heritage Association's Bob Marsh indicates they are having a special sale this Friday and Saturday of its Christmas items that made its annual holiday Christmas tree display a must-visit in DeWitt County. 

From the trees the Heritage Association used to the lights, display trinkets, and much more, Marsh says they need to sell it all to free up space in their building in downtown Kenney.

Funds from the sale will help the Association continue maintenance of the building. Marsh indicates they host events of all varieties at the Center throughout the year.

The sale is from 8 am to 2 pm Friday and Saturday at the Kenney Community Center. 

Later this winter, the Kenney Heritage Association will host its annual pancake and sausage breakfast. Marsh says they will have details on that event available very soon. 

If you're headed to the Maroa-Forsyth Trojans 2A Football Playoff game on Saturday, then a couple of student groups are hoping you'll bring along a toy for those less fortunate.

Taylor Crouch, Maroa-Forsyth FFA Reporter, explains the FFA Chapter and the Trojans football team are hosting a "Toys For Tots" drive prior to Saturday's game...

Again, new and unopened toys can be donated prior to Saturday's Trojan football game at Maroa-Forsyth High School from 11 am to 12:30 pm.  The first 100 donors receive a free pork chop meal.

Kickoff is 1 pm Saturday as the 10 & 0 Trojans host the Farmington Farmers. 

NEED HEALTH INSURANCE? THE A-C-A HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT. 

THIS YEAR THERE ARE 11 INSURERS OFFERING MORE THAN 300 PLANS SAYS GET COVERED ILLINOIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LAURA PELLIKAN. THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE LETS USERS COMPARE PLANS TO DETERMINE WHICH BEST SUITS THEIR NEEDS AND THEIR BUDGET.

OPEN ENROLLMENT IS AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY 15TH, BUT IF YOU NEED COVERAGE STARTING RIGHT AWAY IN 2023, YOU MUST GET IT DONE BY DECEMBER 15TH. PELLIKAN SAYS THE BEST PLACE TO START IS ONLINE AT: GET COVERED ILLINOIS DOT GOV.

THE ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IS OPENING ANOTHER ROUND OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATES.

IF YOU BOUGHT AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN THE PAST 90 DAYS OR PLAN TO SOON, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REBATE SAYS I-E-P-A SPOKESPERSON KIM BIGGS.

THE PURCHASER MUST BE AN ILLINOIS RESIDENT AND BUY THE VEHICLE FROM AN ILLINOIS DEALERSHIP. 

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY THE END OF JANUARY. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE ILLINOIS E-P-A’S WEBSITE.

In recent months, business owners in downtown Clinton have approached the City Council regarding crumbling sidewalks needing attention, and Tuesday night the Council took the conversation a step forward.

Commissioner Ken Buchanan says he has been approached by another business owner regarding the sidewalk in front of their business and he feels the City needs to come up with a plan to deal with these problem areas.

Buchanan says there are several problem areas on the square that need attention. There is already engineering work being done for an area on Washington Street. Commissioner Tom Edmunds was not sure how much money the City could dedicate to the project and a new TIF district is new so there is not a lot of money built up in that fund.

Public Works Director Steve Lobb suggested doing the work all at once. He says it would be more economical for pricing rather than doing one project at a time around a year apart. He noted though, it would all depend on how much money is available. 

According to Lobb, he is looking to the Council for guidance on this. Edmunds notes there is not the money available for the entire square but did suggest using TIF dollars to get as far as possible.

Lobb also notes the Magill side of the square is one of the areas most in need of attention. He feels instead of continuing to have business owners come to them on these issues, they need to take the lead and set the priorities.

Lobb again stressed the Council needed to be the one to give directives, but the conversation ended with nothing decided. 

The recent Illinois Youth Survey data is showing an increase in mental and emotional health-related issues in youth in Illinois along with an increase in the use of marijuana.

Now that marijuana is legal, Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles says these trends shouldn't be surprising but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be upset by them.

With the variety of ways to consume marijuana, Nettles feels they need to continue to educate their kids on the harms of marijuana.

When it comes to the emotional and mental health challenges facing students, Nettles indicates he is right there with them. He admits the pandemic did a number on his well-being to a degree and empathizes with his students and the things they are going through.

Nettles believes as adults, we need to do a better job showing our kids healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety. He credits his administration and staff for doing great work when it comes to arming and working with kids on these issues.

Many other superintendents in central Illinois are not only reporting increases in mental and emotional health issues but behavioral issues at certain grade levels. 

A former WHOW on-air announcer has died.

Regional Radio News has learned that 79-year-old Jon Robert Whitrock of Clinton, IL passed away last weekend at Warner Hospital in Clinton.

Whitlock was part of WHOW's history as a former disc jockey on the station.  Friends tell us that Whitlock's work during his years at WHOW was very important to him.  

A graveside funeral service will be held this Thursday morning at 10 at Graceland Cemetery in Decatur.

His complete obituary can be read on the "obits" page of dewittdailynews-dot-com.

The deadline is this Friday at 5pm to purchase tickets for the WHOW 75th Anniversary Gala Banquet Saturday, November 12th at the Clinton Country Club, benefiting 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 this Friday at 5pm.

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.    

A top honor for an Illinois FFA chapter. The Cambridge FFA has been named a National Premier Chapter in the Growing Leaders category. Trent Taber is Cambridge FFA adviser.

The Cambridge FFA was honored last week during the National FFA Convention in Indy.

THE ILLINOIS STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISSION SAYS HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO FILL OUT COLLEGE APPLICATIONS AND FINANCIAL AID FORMS. 

STUDENTS AND FAMILIES CAN MEET FOR ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING WITH SPECIALLY TRAINED RECENT GRADS AND THERE’S ALSO A FREE TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE WHERE YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS. I-SAC SPOKESPERSON LYNN BAKER SAYS ADDITIONALLY…

BAKER SAYS THE BEST PLACE TO START IS ONLINE AT: STUDENT PORTAL DOT ISAC DOT ORG. THERE YOU WILL FIND LOCATIONS OF WORKSHOPS, ONLINE TOOLS, HELPFUL VIDEOS AND OTHER RESOURCES.

STUDENT PORTAL DOT ISAC DOT ORG.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS OFFERING SOME REMINDERS ABOUT HUNTING ETHICS. 

HUNTERS NEED TO WORK TO MAINTAIN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NON-HUNTING PUBLIC SAYS D-N-R WILDLIFE CHIEF MIKE WEFER (wee-fer). THAT MEANS NOT GRAPHICALLY FLAUNTING THEIR KILL.

WEFER SAYS HUNTERS SHOULD ALSO BE CAREFUL ABOUT PHOTOS THEY POST, AVOIDING PICTURES THAT SHOW BLOODY WOUNDS OR DISRESPECT TO THE ANIMAL. 

WEFER SAYS IT'S OKAY TO HAVE YOUR GUN OR BOW IN THE PICTURE, BUT DON'T LAY IT ON THE ANIMAL LIKE A GUN RACK. HE ALSO SAYS HUNTERS SHOULDN'T WEAR BLOODY CLOTHING IN PUBLIC.

HE SUGGESTS TAKING PICS THAT DEMONSTRATE HUNTER SAFETY AND ETHICAL USE OF THE ANIMAL SUCH AS COOKING THEIR MEAT.

HARVEST SEASON CONTINUES ACROSS ILLINOIS AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT.

DESPITE ABOVE-AVERAGE RAINFALL THIS PAST WEEK, THERE WERE NEARLY FIVE DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK SAYS STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER. THAT INCLUDES CORN HARVESTING.

89 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS HAVE BEEN HARVESTED, AHEAD OF THE FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE. 

80 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED AND 26 PERCENT HAS EMERGED. 35 PERCENT OF THE WHEAT CROP IS RATED IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT CONDITION. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE INCREASED TO 13 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 26 PERCENT SHORT AND 61 PERCENT ADEQUATE.

This Friday is the final date to get tickets to the WHOW 75th anniversary celebration Saturday, Nov. 12 and one of the benefactors is excited about this opportunity.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Cody Monkman, Executive Director of the Neighborhood Care Center told Regional Radio this fundraiser could not come at a better time for them.

According to Monkman, the Neighborhood Care Center receives its funding from contributions from the community. While several businesses help provide them with funding, they have several individual donors.

Monkman indicates the operating budget for the Neighborhood Care Center this year will be a bit short of $150,000.

Ticket sales for the WHOW 75th Anniversary gala will end this Friday, Nov. 4 at 5 pm. You can get tickets at the Clinton High School office. Tickets are $50 apiece or a table of eight is $360. 

The event takes place at the Clinton Country Club with social hour beginning at 5:30 pm. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm and the WHOW video is at 7:30 pm. 

As we get into November, the winter outlooks are a toss-up right now for temperatures but a wet pattern is setting up.

Mike Albano from the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates December, January and February are showing equal chances of above or below-normal temperatures but thanks to La Nina, it will be a wet winter.

Data is telling Albano it is likely we will eclipse the roughly 15-inch snowfall average for the winter as that is something that has happened in central Illinois frequently in the last decade.

According to Albano, November is also becoming wet and maybe a bit warmer than normal.

Starting in November, we'll begin to dry out from a wet finish to October.