It’s that time of year across Central Illinois—nesting season.

Residents are reporting more aggressive wildlife behavior, particularly when it comes to geese in residential areas. Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman warns that while many birds can be a nuisance, there are some that are federally protected, and there are strict limitations on how they can be handled.

Officer Workman acknowledges there are times when intervention is necessary, particularly in high-density housing or commercial areas. Some property management companies hire licensed, professional services to perform population control, which is legal when conducted properly.

If you are dealing with a disruption that you believe requires professional attention, Officer Workman encourages residents to reach out for guidance before taking any action on their own.
 

Two developers are interested in DeWitt County as potential locations for hotels. 

DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC) Executive Director Curt Homann explained to the DeWitt County Board that they are requesting $30,000 for feasibility studies, stemming from two separate investor groups who have expressed interest in building and owning a hotel in the area.

The $30,000 will be pulled from the county’s Economic Development fund to pay the Iowa-based Core Distinction Group. Homann says the study will provide the financial documentation necessary for lenders to get involved.

The DeWitt County Board approved the $30,000 allocation for a comprehensive hotel feasibility study at its April meeting. 
 

From live music and outdoor dining to plant sales, there's lots to enjoy this weekend in Piatt County. 

Shelly Crawford-Stock with the Monticello Chamber of Commerce told the Hart Media Group that on Friday night, there are multiple events where you can experience live music. 

Gardening enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to purchase plants this weekend in Monticello. She adds that there may be some last-minute spots available for the much-anticipated Kirby Derby as well. 

Find a full calendar of upcoming events by checking out monticellochamber.org and monticellomainstreet.org. You can also find information on the Make it Monticello Facebook page, or the respective Chamber and Main Street Facebook Pages. 
 

Cooler days have hit central Illinois, and it looks like they might stick around for a little while. 

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that outlooks are showing a cooler than normal start to the month of May. He adds that we can expect less than average precipitation for the month as well. 

The back half of May is showing similar below-average temperatures, however Shimon says that precipitation should shift back towards normal. He notes that average temperatures for May are typically very comfortable, so they do not expect slightly below normal lows to cause any overnight freezes. 

While March is the most impactful month when it comes to daylight, Shimon indicates that we will gain about an hour of sun from the start of the month to the end. 

The summer outlooks are showing equal chances of above or below normal precipitation and temperatures, but Shimon indicates that heat waves may push in periodically from the western half of the Country. 

The National Weather Service has been teaming up with the University of Illinois Extension to provide better warnings of dust storms or other weather events that are caused by or affect agriculture. We'll have more on that with Shimon in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group.