The Monticello Police Department was involved in an early Tuesday morning high-speed pursuit that ultimately led to the arrest of a Tolono teen in Champaign County.

Just after 2:20 am on Tuesday, Monticello authorities attempted to pull over the driver of a silver Chevrolet sedan; however, the driver was uncooperative in the traffic stop, evading authorities and sped away, leaving the City in excess of 100 MPH. 

Authorities in Champaign County were notified, and the vehicle was discovered in Tolono. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and identified as 18-year-old Travis McCarter, who was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, speeding, and unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver.

McCarter was transported to the Piatt County Correction Center and released. His vehicle was impounded. 

Authorities remind all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

No further details about the incident will be released. 

A group of dedicated community volunteers has been working diligently for months to offer a free and fun weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July and the America 250th.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers says there's a single thing the community can do to support the hard work of these individuals - and that is simply, show up.

According to the Chief, preparations will kick off in the afternoon of Friday when the entire Square closes to all vehicular traffic at 2 PM for vendor setup. The live entertainment schedule launches that evening at 6 PM with the band Blondarosa, followed by Brushville on the Mr. Lincoln Stage.

Chief Lowers reminds the holiday weekend will conclude as it traditionally does on the night of July 5th. Per standard City traditions, the community fireworks display is scheduled to launch at dusk, officially closing out the 2026 celebration.

Check out the Clinton Celebrates America 250th Committee Facebook page for all the happenings for the weekend lineup. Representatives will be on the WHOW Morning Show on Wednesday at 9 am to give Hart Media Group listeners a full rundown of the weekend's festivities.
 

With a long Fourth of July weekend ahead, celebrations will carry on as we celebrate America's 250th.

Whether you're firing up the grill or baking goods in the house, University of Illinois Nutrition Educator Caitlin Mellendorf is sending out some food safety reminders ahead of the long weekend. The four core pillars of home food safety are clean, separate, cook, and chill. She emphasizes these foundational guidelines apply equally whether cooking in an indoor kitchen or at an outdoor grill station. 

Maintaining clean culinary surfaces is a vital part of seasonal safety. Mellendorf advises grill operators to thoroughly scrub down grill grates with soap and water between cooking different types of food.

According to Mellendord, the "chill" protocol dictates leftovers cannot sit out at room temperature or outdoors for an extended period. Because summer temperatures frequently climb into the high 80s and 90s, bacteria grow rapidly in the heat.

Beef and pork should cook to 145°F internal and allow the meat to rest for at least 3 minutes before cutting or eating, while ground meats like beef and pork should cook to 160°F internal, and no rest time is required before consuming them.

Additionally, all Poultry - including breasts, whole birds, legs, thighs, and wings need to reach 165°F internal before they are ready to eat. 

If you have questions about safe food handling, storage, or holiday cooking rules, you can contact the USDA's food safety experts directly, by calling 888-MPHotline, or 888-674-6854. You can also email MPHotline@usda.gov. The hotline is staffed by food safety specialists on weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time.

Local drivers may have noticed some significant construction at a high school just off US Highway 51. 

Maroa-Forsyth Schools Superintendent Adam Ibbotson says the press box at the football field has been completely removed to make way for concrete work and preparation for the new press box. He hopes the project will be complete in time for the football season to begin in August. 

Other than the outdoor facilities, Ibbotson says general maintenance will be taking place all summer long in the high school. Through all the work, Ibbotson feels that summer activities should not be interrupted. 

The district is also hiring this summer. Ibbotson indicates that they are in need of some grade school classroom teachers, as well as substitute teachers and bus drivers. He notes that after condensing bus routes in light of potential transportation cuts, they are fully staffed with full-time bus drivers. 

The district shifted building start times for the upcoming school year to accommodate having to staff fewer bus drivers. 

Those looking for more information on hiring at Maroa-Forsyth should visit the school website at mfschools.net or find the district's Facebook page. 

Warner Hospital and Health Services is announcing the expansion of an existing partnership and is touting partnerships as instrumental to its success.

CEO Paul Skowron explains that while Warner Hospital remains one of the last independently owned rural hospitals, its ability to offer specialized care is built entirely on these collaborations.

Warner is adding Dr. Sid Rohrscheib to its primary family medicine and general surgery practices. Dr. Rohrscheib, a bariatric and general surgery specialist with decades of local experience, is permanently moving his clinical operations into Warner Hospital.

Skowron credits positive word-of-mouth patient experiences for driving the hospital's growth, particularly at its newly expanded west side access.

Last week at the Hart Media Group, Skowron indicated the City-owned hospital will have to continue to rely on and grow its partnerships because of nearly a trillion dollars in cuts to Medicare starting in 2027. 

There are two different disability benefit programs at Social Security, and understanding the difference is the goal for the agency this month. 

You must recognize which benefits you receive to fully understand your reporting responsibilities. Jack Myers with Social Security explains that Social Security Disability - or SSDI - is payable to adults who are younger than full retirement age. But you must have a history of working and paying into Social Security or be eligible on the record of someone who does.

The benefit amount is going to be based on earnings history. Myers indicates that unearned income and resources are not relevant. Earned income must be reported. 

According to Myers, if you are receiving SSDI or SSI benefits, you must contact Social Security when you start a job. If you receive SSI and live with your spouse, you must report their changes, and parental changes must be reported when minor children receive SSI. 

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount. You’ll simply log into your account and be able to report wages for yourself, and if applicable, your spouse
 

The DeWitt County Fairgrounds have been a beehive of activity this summer and that activity carried on Saturday despite some unexpected morning rain showers.

Part of the WHOW Fair Tour coverage on Saturday, DeWitt County 4-H Fair Board President Dan Enos told the Hart Media Group, the annual DeWitt County 4-H horse show took place despite the elements putting a wrench in the plans of the participants.

Stephanie Neisen was among over 30 participants this weekend. She had a mix of young horses and an older horse she was showing this year. She is new to training horses and is learning all the time.

Lexi Merriman has been around horses her whole life and says she is still learning in her pursuit of training and showing horses.

The DeWitt Count 4-H horse show wrapped up Sunday. It's off to the general projects and livestock shows in two weeks at the fairgrounds.

Hear live coverage from the fair on WHOW Saturday, July 11, from 10 am to noon. 

You may see American flags going up across the community this weekend thanks to efforts by the Clinton America 250 Committee. 

Bobbie Perryman explains that the Committee will be decorating yards and properties with American flags. She says it was a fundraising and beautification effort for their Fourth of July festivities next weekend.  

Perryman is grateful to all the community members and volunteers who are not only assisting in this effort but who are helping to make the entire celebration possible. 
 

The Federal government plans to cut Medicaid by a trillion dollars starting January 1, 2027.

Warner Hospital CEO Paul Skowron indicates that while the city-owned hospital is operating at budget for now, these cuts are going to force them to consider further expansion of services going forward. 

Despite 25-percent of the Hospital's patient volume being Medicaid patients, they do not know the total impact on those individuals or the hospital. 

Next week on Regional Radio, we'll hear from Skowron about the expansion of an existing partnership within its system.

In the meantime, Skowron implores those interested to visit warnerhospital.org or find them on Facebook for more information.
 

The City of Lincoln is finally seeing over a year's worth of hard work pay off to honor the Route 66 Centennial.

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch explains that the City has been putting a huge focus on Rt. 66 to honor its 100th anniversary, and he indicates that a soft-launch event was hosted for the community's new Rt. 66 Museum and Economic Development Incubator, and since people have been visiting often. He adds that the grand opening will be on July 11th.

The Mayor indicates that the World's Largest Covered Wagon has been relocated from the edge of town to the old Welcome Park in the community's downtown area. He notes that some damage was found during the relocation, which they plan to repair. 

Mayor Welch says the purpose of moving it was to draw more people to the shops and restaurants in that area. While its previous spot was great for photo ops, he feels that it did not bring people into Lincoln well enough. 

The City of Lincoln took over its own tourism last year. Learn more by visiting lincolnillinoistourism.com or by finding the community on Facebook. 
 

The Clinton School Board approved its amended budget for fiscal year 2026 earlier this week, noting sharp increases in operational deficits, driven primarily by rising health insurance claims.

At the Tuesday night Clinton Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Drew Goebel detailed a worsening deficit in the district's education fund. The fund is currently facing a negative balance of $3.89 million, a significant drop from the $2.3 million structural deficit originally anticipated when the budget was approved earlier this year.

According to Goebel, the district operates under a self-funded model where the district covers its own medical claims up to a stop-gap threshold - Clinton schools ran $1.15 million over budget this year alone.

Minor deficits were also logged in the operations and maintenance fund, which finished $22,000 in the red due to escalating utility rates and ongoing athletic facility upgrades. Goebel notes those expenses included tree removal, stadium fence repairs, drainage improvements, and lighting adjustments on the baseball fields, coming on the heels of the district's recent $5 million multi-sport facility project.

To balance the shortfalls, Goebel indicates that a $5 million fund transfer was made. He adds the adjusted tax levy allocations to pull accumulated surplus funds out of the district's tort and transportation funds, transferring that revenue into working cash bonds to support the education fund.

Board member Tammie Ennis urged the community not to view the amended budget as cause for panic, emphasizing that despite the heavy operational deficits, the district maintains a healthy overall ending fund balance. Additionally, she highlights that long-term fiscal relief is on the horizon, pointing to the power plant expansion projected to be larger than expected, which will make the facility a massive property tax revenue asset for the school district moving forward.

While the reserves of the district have fallen off in recent years, Goebel and Ennis point to the fact that the district has been able to use bonds to maintain its operations as a good thing. 

The district Fiscal Year 26 budget ends on June 30. 
 

This weekend, young equestrians will be showing off their animals and skills at the DeWitt County 4-H Horse Show. 

4-H Youth Development Educator with the University of Illinois in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, Henry Craft, indicates that the horse show takes place this Saturday and Sunday. He says a year's worth of work or more for students culminates in this moment each year. 

From July 9th to July 12th, Craft invites the community to come and appreciate the over 1,500 projects that around 500 4-Hers have put their hearts into. He notes that this fair features students from all three counties in the service area. 

From arts to science, to livestock, Craft feels that the Extension provides the space for students to explore their own interests and cultivate new ones. He notes that to achieve that, it takes a lot of dedicated volunteers. 

The Horse Show and General Project Show take place at the DeWitt County Fair Grounds on US Business 51, north of the CH Moore Homestead. Learn more about 4-H in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties by visiting extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 

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

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

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

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

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

Clinton staff filled the junior high school library Tuesday night for the Board of Education's monthly meeting.

Frustrations from district staff have boiled over in recent weeks regarding compensation, support, and questions of district leadership. Speaking for Clinton Education Association President Nathan Wheeler, Jim Rhoades presented a statement for the district's band director, who is currently overseas with students visiting Germany.

The letter from Wheeler highlights statements shared by Board President Dan Matthews concerning the Clinton Education Association's leadership.

Additionally, the statement from Wheeler noted 80% of the district's professional staff recently completed a school climate and leadership survey. While the specific results have been compiled and shared with the administration and board members, the union chose to let the administration decide how to use those results rather than releasing them to the public immediately.

Board members went back and forth later in the meeting over a compensation increase for district athletic director Matt Koepel. The item was removed from the agenda, but the Board sparred over going to executive session to discuss the matter.

Because the administrative compensation item on the agenda was removed, there was no vote out of the executive session; in fact, the Board adjourned the meeting after the executive session.
 

Area superintendents have been closely following the legislation passed in the recent Illinois State Legislative cycle. 

Maroa-Forsyth Schools Superintendent Adam Ibbotson explains that while he is disappointed by budget cuts, particularly mandated categoricals like transportation, he isn't surprised. He is also interested in the cell phone ban that was passed easily through the House and Senate. 

Maroa-Forsyth already practices its own restrictions on phones that are age-group appropriate. Ibbotson says he trusts instructors to employ their own phone rules per classroom, which many already do in the form of phone caddies. 

Ibbotson understands that the ban is to be implemented in the 2027-28 school year, and it seems to ban phones from the start of the day to the dismissal bell. He and other superintendents around the State look forward to guidance on this issue from the Illinois State Board of Education. 

Ibbotson feels that the balancing act between students having phones for safety purposes and the harmful impact phones can have on them is very delicate. He is encouraging parents to make sure they have access to their kids' phones and to monitor their online activity.

Ibbotson plans to navigate these issues as a community over the next year as he and other administrators learn more about applying this ban. Learn more about Maroa-Forsyth schools at mfschools.net or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

For survivors of domestic violence, breaking free from an abuser is only the initial step in a complex journey toward reclaiming independence, and a Piatt County non-profit is shedding light on the multi-layered support system required to help victims successfully navigate life after leaving an abusive relationship.

Andrea Kocher, Executive Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County, explains that every survivor's situation is entirely unique - while some require emotional support or legal tools like an Order of Protection, many face a total loss of their material lives and rely on the agency's specialized services.

When an abuser strips away a victim's external support systems, their personal items often become all they have left, representing either hard-won personal achievements or cherished family heirlooms. Kocher says survivors will often endure continued volatility just to keep those items out of an abuser's total control.

While legal interventions like Orders of Protection are vital, Kocher emphasizes they are ultimately just a tool. The reality of domestic violence is that an abuser seeking to maintain dominance can be highly unpredictable and willing to go to extreme lengths.

To accommodate these unpredictable dynamics, Kocher reminds Willow Tree Missions tailors safety plans to the specific timeline and comfort level of the individual.

Because victims commonly have every micro-decision dictated to them by an abuser—from their social interactions to how they act in public—Willow Tree Missions implements a strictly victim-centered philosophy from the very first phone call.

Domestic violence survivors seeking confidential safety planning, emergency housing resources, or material rebuild assistance can contact the Willow Tree Missions 24-hour crisis line at (217) 762-2350.

You can also stop into the Willow Tree Missions resale shop at 351 West Monroe Street in Monticello, or find the agency on Facebook. 
 

Despite the green leaves on the trees and warm weather, the Clinton Chamber of Commerce is already thinking about the Haunted House Season. 

Chamber Director Janice Petersen says they have to get started early to craft the perfect scares and spooky surprises for guests. It takes not only time, but volunteers, and she says they are looking for extra hands now. 

The focus right now is on construction as they perform maintenance and change room layouts for this Halloween. Petersen adds that it is common to have to dry the basement due to flooding, which they deep clean before the house opens. 

Petersen emphasizes that volunteers need no experience to lend a hand. She notes tasks can be as simple as painting a wall or assisting with handywork, and they are happy to train any excited volunteers. 

The Terror on Washington Street haunted house is open every weekend in October, including on Halloween night. They are also actively searching for volunteer groups to work the house while it is open. Learn more by visiting clintonilchamber.com or by finding them on Facebook.
 

A growing trend for people of all ages is the use of e-bikes.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers explains that e-bikes have quickly become one of the fastest-growing recreational and transportation trends in the community; however, they have come with an increasing volume of traffic complaints specifically involving younger operators.

Because state law categorizes e-bikes alongside standard pedal bicycles, operators are not required to hold a valid driver's license. Chief Lowers is urging parents who purchase e-bikes for their children to remind them of e-bike safety and standard traffic laws.

Historically, the summer months bring an increase in pedestrian traffic and community mobility extending late into the evening hours. To prevent crimes of opportunity, Chief Lowers reminds residents to lock up their properties and secure their vehicles.

Chief Lowers is imploring property owners to remove valuables—including cell phones, purses, wallets, and cash—from their vehicles each evening, or at a minimum, ensure they are entirely hidden from plain sight.

E-bike ordinances are something the City of Clinton leadership is looking into. Other communities have been proactive in addressing the use of these; however, pending legislation at the State level could impact what local governments are allowed or not allowed to do.
 

The search continues for a new Clinton City Hall, fire station, and police station.

Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris indicates no site has been established yet for those new building locations because land has not been acquired. 

According to Harris, input from the community is welcome. He indicates they have a general idea of the cost of the projects, but are waiting for more details before they commit to that figure.

City Hall, police, and fire stations have been among the top priorities from the City's strategic plan, completed nearly three years ago. 
 

Summertime means more mobility for just about everyone, and that is why a central Illinois domestic violence advocacy group is seeing an uptick in calls for services.

Andrea Kocher with Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County explains that while completely pinpointing the exact cause of the influx is difficult, the months of May, June, and July consistently experience a higher volume of service requests because the summer downtime allows victims to take the necessary steps to build a different life and safely separate from abusive environments before the upcoming school year begins.

According to Kocher, the absence of school schedules means family members spend significantly more time together inside the home. This lack of daily routines contributes to an increase in both the frequency and the overall severity of domestic violence instances.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and needs assistance, please contact the Willow Tree Missions 24-hour support line at (217) 762-2350. Visit willowtreemissions.org or find them on Facebook. 
 

The top baby names from 2025 are out.

Last month, Social Security released its annual list of the top names given to babies born in 2025. Jack Myers with Social Security indicates this is an easy list for them to gather because the information is readily available to them.

According to Myers, the top baby names from 2025 were Liam for boys' names and Olivia for girls' names. There were also two variations of 'Sophia,' which both made the top 10 lists for the United States. And Liam and Olivia were both the top names for the State of Illinois.

Check out ssa.gov/babynames for the complete list for the nation as well as Illinois. 
 

Summertime can sometimes be a bit slower for the Clinton YMCA, as members often take a pause for vacations and opt for exercising outside. 

Rennie Cluver, Executive Director of the Y, says the one program that keeps the facility active is Camp Osage Summer Camp. However, he is noticing the traffic this summer hasn’t just been children.  

Cluver is grateful to all YMCA members and community members who speak highly of the organization and its staff. He indicates that it helps greatly in the effort of growing their membership. 

The Clinton YMCA recently announced a new facility project to be located just off the Clinton Square on the Safe Passage green space. Learn more by visiting clintoncommymca.org or by finding them on Facebook.

The Scovill Zoo is celebrating fathers day with free admission for dads all weekend long. 

On top of free admission, Executive Director Heather Purdeu says they will be hosting Donuts with Dads on Saturday with morning refreshments and special presentations for families to enjoy. 

Again, dads get in free to the Scovill Zoo all weekend long. Learn more by visiting decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

Wednesday's severe weather forced a local nutrition educator to reschedule one of her classes. 

Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, explains that they had to reschedule the Sourdough Class at the Warner Library due to severe storms, and it will be moved to July 8th at 5:30 PM. 

We'll have more with Mellendorf next weekend in a class geared towards building bonds in the kitchen. In the meantime, learn more about the Extension's events by visiting extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 
 

An agreement to supplement funds related to highway engineer projects was discussed at DeWitt County's June Board Meeting. 

At Thursday night's meeting, Road and Bridge Committee Chair Jamie Prestegaard told his fellow board members that this motion would be an $85,000 addition to an agreement made with WHKS for engineering services. He pointed out that the agreement is already good for up to $85,000 and has no end date, bringing the total to $170,000. 

Prestegaard noted that since last July, they have used around $57,000 of the original $85,000 that was agreed upon. With the upcoming Barnett Township Overlay project, he feels that more funds need to be agreed on. 

Board Chair Joe Witte and Finance Chair Melonie Tilley brought up concerns over the timing of the agreement, stating that it should align more closely with the County's budget season in December. 

State's Attorney Dan Markwell clarified that with the extra roughly $27,000 that is left, on top of the additional $15,000 that was budgeted by the County, they could make it through with a supplemental agreement to get them to December.

The Board asked County Engineer Mark Mathon to come back with a rough estimate of the funds needed to get through the rest of the fiscal year, and tabled the discussion until next month. 

Also, during the Road and Bridge portion of the meeting, the Board approved a motion to increase the local share of the total cost of the Revere Road Project. Mathon noted this was due to the original number being based on an estimate that was too low. 
 

After some nasty weather left several central Illinois communities without power on Wednesday evening, a University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator is highlighting preserving food through a loss of power.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Caitlin Mellendorf, a Nutrition Educator with the University of Illinois Extension, told the Hart Media Group when power goes out, the primary objective is to maintain thermal boundaries by keeping refrigerator and freezer doors completely closed.

According to Mellendorf, a refrigerator will hold a safe storage temperature for roughly four hours if left unopened. A fully stocked freezer can preserve food for approximately two days, while a half-full freezer drops that safety window to a single day.

If internal temperatures rise to 45 or 50 degrees or warmer, the risk of foodborne illness increases significantly. Mellendorf notes perishable items like raw or uncooked meats, prepared leftovers, milk, cream cheese, feta cheese, soft cheeses, and active baking batters or cookie dough—must be discarded to ensure safety.

Strategies like utilizing block ice or commercial dry ice within freezers to mimic historical "ice box" designs can help to extend the safe storage life of frozen products until the grid is restored.

If you're without power for an extended period to the point you need to restock your entire refrigerator and freezer, Mellendorf encourages checking with either your electric provider or homeowners' insurance to seek financial reimbursement for those groceries. 

Mellendorf had a sourdough course at the Warner Library from Wednesday get postponed to July. We'll have more on that course series over the weekend at the Hart Media Group. 

Severe storms and threats of tornadoes rolled through DeWitt County on Wednesday. 

DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Will Paveleck told the Hart Media Group that an earlier round of severe storms in the area paved the way for a second, stronger system to come through. 

According to Paveleck, the systems consisted of discrete super cells that had the potential to cause EF3 tornadoes and winds of 90 mph or more. He says the County was not impacted as badly as it could have been, and faced only a handful of downed trees and power lines. 

Paveleck emphasizes that downed trees, and especially downed power lines, can be extremely dangerous and should be reported to the authorities immediately. He notes that these storms are often times of high volume for calls, and hazards will be addressed as quickly as possible by the appropriate entity. 

Staying alert and informed is one of the most important things when facing severe weather, and Paveleck encourages having two methods to do so. He says having a plan in the event of severe weather is also critically important. 

Learn more about the DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency and find severe weather and emergency updates on their Facebook page. 
 

A local financial advisor says scammers are putting new spins on old tricks to get you to hand over your money. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank indicates that she has recently been hearing about scams related to computers, and supposed tech support representatives telling you that there are viruses on your PC, that are not really there.

This scam relies on people moving money from one account into another that the scammer created for you. Miller says this should be an immediate red flag, as creating a bank account for another person is illegal. 

Miller says if you willingly hand over your money to a fraudster, there is little that can be done from the bank's perspective to get it back. The willing nature of the transaction means it is not covered by insurance. 

If you suspect you have been the victim of a scam, report it to your bank and the authorities immediately. Learn more about the DeWitt Savings Bank by going to dewittsavingsbank.com or by finding their Facebook page. 
 

The School House and Nature Center at Weldon Springs are great places for kids to learn about the environment, and soon they will have a new display to view.

Patti Kinder with the Weldon Springs Foundation explains that she is overhauling the Nature Center's tree display. With the help of a group of students, she says they plan to make the piece 3D. 

Kinder would like the project to be completed by the fall; she plans to add on to it even more in the future with the change of seasons. She hopes the display can be an ever-evolving statement piece in the Nature Center for students to learn from. 

Hundreds of guests visit the School House and Nature Center at Weldon Springs each year. Learn more about the state park and the Weldon Springs Foundation by visiting wsfil.org. 
 

On Tuesday night, the Clinton YMCA approached the Clinton City Council to present its plans for a new facility.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, City Administrator Tony Harris told the Hart Media Group that this is another exciting development in many things happening in Clinton.

While having worked in local government nearly his entire professional career, Harris is often reminded how slow things can work in government, but that doesn't change the excitement level of what is happening.

As for the City of Clinton financially supporting the YMCA, Harris says that will be something the City will have to analyze. With their commitments to finding a new City Hall and police and fire station, the City is committing a lot of resources to those pursuits.

The YMCA has visions of hosting youth sports events at its new facility, noting the economic impacts to the community in that way. Harris says a YMCA that is close to downtown would be a huge win for the community. 

YMCA leadership on Tuesday night indicated they would hope to see the final phase of fundraising for the first phase of its two-phase project complete, with dirt to be moved by the spring of 2027. 
 

Earlier this week at the Hart Media Group, we brought you the Clinton YMCA's proposed new building project at the Safe Passage greenspace just off the downtown Clinton Square.

At the Tuesday night Clinton City Council meeting, Clinton Y Executive Director Rennie Cluver brought the proposed drawings of the new facility to the City Council. The YMCA is experiencing incredible participation in almost all its offerings.

Jonathan Teal, with Donor by Design, the firm working with the YMCA in its massive fundraising effort, has been impressed by the community support for this project, but says, oftentimes, the final leg of fundraising is the most challenging.

For  Cluver, the Warner Foundation has been a huge partner for the Y through providing the greenspace for the proposed location. 

Cluver hopes to put the call out for the rest of the community to support this effort by the fall with the goal of breaking ground in the spring of 2027. 

Despite students just getting out for the summer, a local early childhood education center is asking parents to start thinking about next year. 

Krissy Conklen with Community Action's Head Start program explains that registration is already open. The program aims to create well-rounded students who are five years old and younger, and help give them a head start as they advance to kindergarten. 

The Early Head Start program is geared towards at-home education, although both programs utilize the widely used "Creative Curriculum" model. Conklen adds that they also work to support the families of their students. 

To register, Conklen says you can go online, visit their Facebook page, or visit them in person for a paper option. Parents will need to provide proof of income and the child's birth certificate.

Anyone can apply for Head Start, but there are income guidelines that help Community Action prioritize those in need. Conklen explains that children in foster care or those of parents who are eligible for SNAP benefits automatically qualify. 

Learn more about the Head Start Program and register now by visiting capcil.info/head-start or visiting the office at 45 Cedar Drive in Clinton.
 

The University of Illinois Extension is hosting programs all summer long to help keep kids busy and learning. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Extension Director in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, Terri Casey, told the Hart Media Group that the next 4-H program is Cloverbud Camp, where young students can dive into topics like art and STEM. This program took place on Tuesday, but they will be hosting another opportunity on July 7th. 

Students interested in fashion and design should take note of the Clothing Embellishment workshop on June 17th from 10 AM to noon. This program will allow kids to flex their creative muscles and create things they can wear. 

It wouldn't be summer in central Illinois without the 4-H fair season, and Casey indicates that students in her service area will be showing off their projects on June 27th at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds. 

Learn more about 4-H in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties and all of the Extension's offerings by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms or by finding them on Facebook.
 

With the arrival of the summer vacation season, the Clinton Police Department is highlighting its longstanding vacation watch program.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers emphasizes that the program provides an extra layer of structural security, offering peace of mind to traveling homeowners.

While on vacation, Chief Lowers encourages residents to place a temporary hold on all incoming mail and newspaper deliveries to prevent piles from accumulating on the property, notify a trusted neighbor or family member to monitor your residence, and maintain standard yard landscaping.

Contact the Police Department through the non-emergency line at 217-935-9441. Chief Lowers encourages following the Police Department on Facebook as well. 
 

A DeWitt County judge has ordered a Clinton man to remain behind bars until his trial following a pre-trial release hearing on Monday afternoon.

Nicholas L. Smith, 35, has been held in the DeWitt County Jail since his arrest on April 25 for the murder of his wife, 34-year-old Cassandra N. Smith. He faces five counts of first-degree murder, along with charges of obstructing justice, resisting a peace officer, and concealment of a homicidal death.

During Monday’s hearing, defense attorney Daniel Clifton argued for Smith's release ahead of his August 10 jury trial. Clifton contended that if released, Smith could return to work and resume contact with his two young children.

DeWitt County State’s Attorney Dan Markwell strongly objected, arguing that Smith poses a severe danger to himself and the public, as well as a significant flight risk. Markwell called Special Officer Dustin Hoffmeier of the Illinois State Police to the stand to detail the joint investigation with the Clinton Police Department.

Hoffmeier testified that the investigation began as a welfare check on April 24, following an anonymous missing person report. When Clinton officers arrived at the property, they noted a strong odor and observed a 2010 GMC SUV belonging to Smith’s mother.

Local security and doorbell footage later tracked the SUV arriving at the Sunset Inn & Suites in the early morning hours of April 25. The footage showed a suspect matching Smith’s description and two small children exiting the vehicle before walking back toward the residence.

Just three minutes after abandoning the vehicle, Smith contacted the Clinton Police Department after learning authorities were looking for him, asking for time to put his children to bed before speaking with officers.

During subsequent interviews with investigators, Smith allegedly provided multiple conflicting accounts. He initially claimed he and Cassandra were separated and that he had seen her the previous day in Bloomington—a claim contradicted by flock license plate readers that tracked his vehicle in Lincoln and Decatur that day.

Cassandra's body was ultimately discovered in the trunk of the SUV at the Sunset Inn & Suites parking lot. Hoffmeier testified that the body was unclothed, showing signs of decomposition and significant physical trauma, including blunt force injuries, broken ribs, and evidence of strangulation. Upon being informed by investigators that his wife’s body had been found, Smith fled from police before being recaptured by the Illinois State Police.

A subsequent search of Smith’s residence under a warrant revealed extensive evidence, including blood splatter on the walls, blood-soaked clothing, and a chair equipped with wrist bindings. A digital forensic search of Smith’s cell phone also uncovered internet searches from March regarding dead bodies, alongside explicit threats of violence and death directed at Cassandra and others. A bag containing the victim's personal belongings was also recovered from the home.

Following the testimony and arguments, Judge Karle Koritz ruled that continued detention is necessary, officially denying Smith’s release to eliminate flight risks and ensure public safety.
 

While he calls it the 'worst kept secret in Clinton', Clinton YMCA CEO Rennie Cluver says they continue to make very good progress in fundraising for a new facility in Clinton.

A new facility, planned for the property of the 'Safe Passage' greenspace just off the downtown square in Clinton, has been needed for almost a decade. On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Rennie Cluver, Executive Director of the Clinton YMCA, told the Hart Media Group the organization’s long-term capital campaign to build an entire two-phase replacement facility is well underway.

Cluver acknowledged Clinton schools do an exceptional job of allowing outside organizations to utilize its gym facilities, but school programs naturally take priority, leaving the Y with highly restricted scheduling windows to run its youth sports programming. 

While the Y will have to lean into hosting tournaments and other events to meet revenue thresholds, its focus remains on its membership and allowing members access to the new amenities of the facility.

The YMCA has completed a successful one-year quiet phase of fundraising - securing more than 80 percent of its phase one goals from a dedicated group of fewer than 40 primary donors. Cluver notes while certain phases of a capital campaign advance rapidly, others require patience.

The YMCA's current location, located on Alexander Street, is original to the 1960s, with an addition built in the early 2000s. 

With hungry kids home for the year and air conditioners working overtime, summer budgets can get tight quickly. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank indicates that the summer brings a lot of extra expenses like childcare, higher energy costs, and bigger bills at the grocery store. 

Miller says making a plan should always be step one when it comes to getting your finances under control. She points to eating out rather than at home as a big spending place for people that can be avoided. 

For those student athletes in need of equipment, Miller recommends asking community members, thrifting, or checking Facebook Marketplace before buying brand new. Asking guests to bring dishes or other items to get-togethers is also a great way to save money. 

Miller suggests beginning to save for the back-to-school season now, before the expensive trips to the store to get clothes and school supplies. This is another great time to go thrifting or ask around in your community for hand-me-downs. 

We'll have more with Miller in the weeks ahead from the Hart Media Group on the latest ways scammers are trying to fool you out of your money, and how you can avoid it. Learn more by finding the DeWitt Savings Bank on Facebook. 
 

As central Illinois moves deeper into the summer season, weather officials indicate shifting atmospheric patterns that could bring contrasting temperature and moisture trends over the next three months.

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains the official June-Aug summer outlook shows equal chances for above- or below-normal seasonal temperatures across the local area. 

The summer precipitation outlook also highlights equal chances of landing above or below seasonal baselines for precipitation, while below-normal rainfall trends remain closely pinned to neighboring states like Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, indicating that primary storm tracks may slide further south. 

With all the heat and humidity creating pop-up thunderstorms this week, Shimon is imploring those working or recreating outside to be aware of lightning this time of the year. 
 

Last week at the Hart Media Group, we started a deep dive into returning to work after you start drawing your Social Security retirement.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates that when you collect benefits prior to full retirement age, your benefits are permanently reduced based on the number of months you are shy of that full retirement age. 

According to Myers, when you work after receiving benefits, Social Security will automatically review your earnings record annually to see if the most recent year’s earned income exceeds the lowest year we had used previously, keeping the inflation adjustment for those earlier years in mind, though.  

For more information on these rules, visit www.ssa.gov and look for our publication called “How Work Affects Your Benefits”.  And if you want to learn about the rules for working while disabled, look for our publication called “Working While Disabled: How We Can Help”. 
 

Data centers have been a hot topic at every level of government since the explosion of artificial intelligence. 

At this week's DeWitt County Land Use Committee meeting, Pat Ryan brought up Governor J.B. Pritzker's temporary suspension of incentives for data centers. He fears that a state-sponsored ordinance could be coming.

Local residents have largely rejected data centers on social media. A state-sponsored ordinance could make it easier for developers to set up in DeWitt County if local control is lost. 

Getting your finances under control can be a daunting goal, but a local financial advisor is here to help. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank explains that it is very common to feel stress around finances. She adds there is no shame in asking for help, no matter where you are in your financial journey. 

The service is free and you do not have to be a customer of the DeWitt Savings Bank. Whether it is by helping people get their money under control or providing loans, they are dedicated to making a positive impact on the community's wealth and economic development. 

Learn more about the offerings of the DeWitt Savings Bank by finding them on Facebook or visiting dewittsavingsbank.com. 
 

Patriotic activities and events are taking place all across DeWitt County all summer long. 

Edith Brady-Lunny with the Weldon Springs Foundation is asking community members to join them at Veterans Point on Saturday at 10 AM to honor Flag Day and the adoption of the American Flag. The event will be highlighted by the presentation of a community service award. 

Brady-Lunny explains that the event will coincide with the DAR meeting and a picnic lunch for local veterans, their families, and the award winners. 

Learn more about the event by finding the Weldon Springs Foundation on Facebook. 
 

The DeWitt County Public Safety Committee continued a long-standing discussion regarding intergovernmental agreement contracts and payment from municipalities.

Committee Chair Megan Myers indicates that a review of the current agreements raised questions regarding the original intent of the legal contracts. According to Myers, the existing language legally obligates the county to provide a far higher tier of service to participating municipalities than the county originally intended to offer.

John Werts points out that state statutes establish baseline parameters for county animal control responsibilities, including managing rabies risks and responding to running dogs. He adds that if a city chooses to write hyper-local ordinances that exceed those state-level metrics, the municipality must figure out how to independently fund and execute those enforcement needs rather than relying on county personnel.

Buck Carter called for an immediate adjustment, noting the City of Clinton currently generates roughly 70 percent of all service calls received by the department, yet only contributes $15,000 annually to the animal control budget.

Tim Earle believes the County’s actual total operational cost to run the animal control division reached roughly $235,000 last year. With Clinton’s calls comprising the vast majority of that overhead, he calls a $15,000 flat fee not sustainable.

Moving forward, Myers plans to coordinate with shelter leadership to analyze localized call data logs, check State statutory minimums with legal counsel, and draft a simplified, flat-fee or per-call structure to present to municipal partners during upcoming administrative sessions.

No action was taken on the matter on Thursday. 
 

Farmer City has been working to develop its plans to honor and celebrate America 250 this July 4th. 

City Administrator Taylor Baxter indicates that the Council recently approved a request for funding from the Fair Ground Association to help with the extra-big fireworks display this year. The City has pledged $7,000 to the effort, and Baxter notes the display will be on July 3rd. 

While the America 250 plans in Farmer City have largely been community-led, Baxter indicates that the City has been having conversations about getting more involved in planning. 

We'll have more from Baxter on the latest project updates in Farmer City in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group. 
 

City of Clinton officials feel they are on the cusp of announcing the locations of the new City Hall, police, and fire facilities.

Clinton Mayor Helen Michelassi and City Administrator Tony Harris say they are actively negotiating with local landowners to secure the necessary space for each entity.

The City effectively requires an entire city block to accommodate a modern fire facility. The extensive footprint is necessary to guarantee adequate space for vehicle maintenance, staff parking, and housing the department's large emergency apparatus. Harris adds that the current cramped fire station forces the city to order custom trucks modified to fit the existing building, driving up equipment costs.

The search for new facilities has been one of Mayor Michelassi's top priorities since she was elected in the spring of 2025. 
 

DeWitt County once again has heard back from Enel Green Energy after reaching out regarding curtailment violations at the Alta Farms II wind farm. 

DeWitt County and Enel Green Energy have had disagreements in the past over curtailment, as well as an ADLS light system that would turn off flashing lights on wind turbines if aircraft are not present. At Monday night's Land Use Committee Meeting, Zoning Administrator Elizabeth Weikle said they've once again gotten the same response regarding the ADLS system from Enel, stating that they are working on things. 

When it comes to curtailment, the County has run into a he-said-she-said situation, as Enel claims to have not made any violations. This is a direct contradiction of the claims of the County. Committee Chair Buck Carter asked for more follow-up from Weikle, but she believes the County cannot ask for more than what is being provided already. 

Carter pointed out that the agreement states that curtailment must occur when there is a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning in the entirety of the County. Weikle noted that the National Weather Service has actually reached out to discuss only notifying the wind farm when the warning is in the farm's vicinity. 

The Committee also quickly discussed Governor J.B. Pritzker's recent temporary suspension of incentives for data centers in the State. Members briefly jabbed at the move, joking that it would revert after the election and the State would come in over the top to legislate on data centers similar to wind and solar. 
 

This summer, the Warner Library is offering extra Summer Reading Club prize tickets for attending their events. 

Mel Snow, Youth Program coordinator at the Library, explains that they have standing programs like Barbie Club, Lego Club, and Story Times for families to participate in, however they also have special programs going on almost every day this summer. She notes that registration for each program ends by 8 AM on the day of. 

Later in the month, Snow points out that they will be hosting a Mobile Science Lab. On the last Saturday of the month, she adds that they will be hosting "Equipment Day," which is an opportunity for families to see large farm implements and participate in pedal tractor races. 

With the expectation of higher foot traffic at the library this summer, they have decided to partner with the Neighborhood Care Center. Emily Dunham asks the community to donate items to help keep the non-profit's shelves stocked. 

Snow and Dunham remind that you can sign up for the Summer Reading Club any time before the program ends on July 31st by visiting them at 310 N Quincy Street in Clinton. Learn more about the calendar of events by going to vwarner.org or by finding the Warner Library Facebook page. 
 

The first real heat wave of the summer is upon us, and local law enforcement is offering a word of caution for the next few days in central Illinois.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers told the Hart Media Group the extreme summer heat introduces unique challenges that require proactive community awareness. During severe thermal stretches, police experience an uptick in emergency service calls, often related to heat exhaustion or heat-induced medical distress.

A primary concern for local law enforcement is checking in on senior citizens and individuals with pre-existing health conditions who may live alone. Chief Lowers is asking community members to check on elderly neighbors to make sure air conditioning units are functioning properly and that they have water or fans to stay cool. 

Chief Lowers stresses the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for situations where lives are jeopardized in hot vehicles, and officers will respond immediately to any reported sightings.

Temperatures are expected to approach, if not exceed, 90 degrees with heat indices in the triple digits.

As the 2026 growing season begins, an updated ag analysis reveals that despite steep hikes in multi-sector input expenses, projected spikes in commodity market pricing could help insulate profit parameters for regional grain producers.

Reagan Tibbs is a Commercial Ag Educator at the University of Illinois Extension in Logan County and details the mid-year crop budget revisions published by the University's specialized FarmDoc team from earlier this spring. While the baseline 2026 crop projections were drafted back in August 2025 and subsequently revised in January, the recent update incorporates sharp, real-time shifts in operational overhead. 

However, that overhead spike is offset by expected strength in the soybean and corn markets, which have experienced a volatile upward trend. Tibbs points to recent daily fluctuations where cash soybean prices spiked by as much as 30 cents in a single trading session, only to drop by 20 cents the following day. 

A major catalyst behind the spring market surge occurred during a high-volume trading day sparked by positive trade announcements involving purchases of domestic corn and soybeans by the Chinese government. Beyond international trade arrangements, Tibbs says macro-environmental factors such as political tensions in the Strait of Hormuz—coupled with potential 60-day ceasefire extensions—continue to dictate fluctuating fertilizer and fuel costs. 

Visit farmdocdaily.illinois.edu for more on this publication and much more data through the University of Illinois. 
 

Weather officials are watching the impacts of Monday's rainfall as "flash drought" concerns have crept onto the radar.

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates local topsoil and subsoil moisture levels have drastically dropped following an incredibly dry May. 

According to Shimon, central Illinois critically needs to realize a solid inch to an inch and a half of widespread rain to build up baseline moisture reserves. Without that soaking layer, an upcoming intense heat spell will quickly vaporize any shallow surface moisture right out of the ground. 

The 8-to-14-day outlook shows a 40 to 50 percent probability for above-normal temperatures and a slight 33 to 40 percent trend toward above-normal rainfall, indicating the area could capture just enough periodic, short-term moisture to temporarily hold off expanding drought designations.

June concludes as a warm, humid month, carrying an average seasonal high in the mid 80s, with lows in the mid 60s, and just over four inches of total rainfall.

Shimon points everyone to weather.gov/Lincoln for the latest in weather data and upcoming forecasts. 
 

June is 'Men's Mental Health Awareness Month' and a local mental health expert is glad to see the stigma around men seeking help starting to deteriorate. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Tony Kirkman, Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center, told the Hart Media Group that while societal stigmas have historically slowed outreach, local advocates note the community is experiencing a steady cultural shift.

According to Kirkman, entering therapy or seeking external guidance should never be viewed as a sign of personal weakness, but rather as a true demonstration of character and strength. For many men, the most challenging part of the process is simply acknowledging that they do not possess the immediate resources or tools to navigate an issue alone. 

Kirkman advises men, rather than navigating an unfamiliar clinical path blindly, to seek recommendations from friends, coworkers, or social circles to find a counselor whose approach fits their personality.

We'll have more with Kirkman in the days and weeks ahead, with encouragement for men struggling. In the meantime, learn more about the Piatt County Mental Health Center at piattmhc.org or find them on Facebook. 
 

The University of Illinois Broadband Lab has performed a study detailing areas in DeWitt County that could be utilized to reinforce connectivity strength. 

At Monday night's DeWitt County Land Use Committee Meeting, Richard Proffer and Kat Johns with the University of Illinois Extension Broadband Lab provided information on a study they were contracted to do, detailing the vertical assets of the County. 

The importance of these vertical assets lies in their potential to house equipment that could improve an area's wireless connection. This could address concerns in rural areas about reaching emergency services due to bad connectivity. 

The study aims to point out existing structures that could be utilized in areas of high need. This would stop the erecting of possibly unsightly or expensive cell towers and improve safety while still bringing further development into the County. 

Proffer urged the Committee to consider this report and share it with local Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, stating the importance of service areas with low penetration off highspeed connection. 

The duo addressed the Committee during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. The intent was to equip the members with information that could be useful in the future, and was not in response to a specific issue in the County. 
 

The University of Illinois Extension is inviting producers out for a day of great information and demonstrations at this year's annual Dudley-Smith Field Day in Christian County. 

Terri Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that this day is an opportunity for producers to come to the Dudley-Smith Research Farm on June 17th, tour the property, and hear about the latest research and information they are working on. 

Much of this year's focus will include water runoff and tile drainage, which are timely topics in agriculture. Miller says the Extension is focused on providing reliable and relevant information to local producers. 

Not only is it a great opportunity for information, but the day is free and will offer lunch as well. She feels that having the Dudley-Smith Research Farm in central Illinois is a very useful tool for local producers to keep up with. 

They are asking that participants register by June 12th. Learn more and register for the event by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms. 
 

Last Tuesday night, the Clinton City Council pushed pause on plans to build a toddler park at the Peace Park Roque Court at the corner of Walnut and Main Streets after an outcry from Clinton residents voicing concerns over its proximity to railroad tracks.

While the City is committed to finding a better location for it, City Administrator Tony Harris says simply choosing a different location isn't that simple.

While the city purposefully avoids engaging on social media due to negative trends, the administration deeply encourages direct public contact. According to Mayor Helen Michelassi, parents told her a divided park layout creates a major logistical hazard for families who simultaneously care for both older children and toddlers.

An added layer to the discussion was Mayor Michelassi learning new details about the unique heritage of the site. The roque court was originally constructed entirely out of vintage railroad parts by local rail workers, and its perimeter fence was salvaged and refurbished from a local cemetery.

Mayor Michelassi is urging residents who previously emailed in support of preserving the site to call her directly at City Hall to provide hands-on assistance toward its long-term restoration.

Harris indicates that one of the main reasons for the location that was chosen for the proposed toddler park was to have an even distribution of parks throughout the community.

The project's cost was estimated at around $100,000. 
 

A central Illinois law enforcement agency is reviewing its local ordinances following a meeting regarding the state’s complex legal classifications for e-bikes and motorized scooters.

Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross explains that while a pending state bill slated to be in effect at the start of next year aims to address some legislative discrepancies, local municipalities currently retain the authority to construct targeted local ordinances to manage alternative vehicles safely.

The legal framework for e-bikes establishes three distinct operational tiers based on top speed and power delivery, though all three are classified as pedal-assisted. Class 1 e-bikes maintain a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and carry no rider age restrictions. Class 2 models also cap speeds at 20 miles per hour but feature a direct throttle mechanism that operates without pedaling, also without an age limit. While Class 3 models can achieve speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, state law mandates that operators must be at least 16 years of age.

While all three classes are permitted on standard roadways, dedicated bike lanes, and shared paths, Illinois law strictly prohibits riding e-bikes on public sidewalks. The Chief points out that local ordinances frequently bar their use on walking or hiking trails. 

To manage these variations, Monticello officials are exploring regulatory frameworks similar to the city's existing permitting systems for golf carts and utility terrain vehicles  - or UTVs. 

Chief Bross emphasizes any potential local ordinance would focus strictly on basic traffic safety—such as requiring functional lighting—rather than sweeping bans.

The first real stretch of seasonal heat will arrive this week. 

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that as the moisture departs the area, temperatures will climb rapidly. Daytime highs are projected to hit nearly 90 on Tuesday before soaring well into the 90s on Wednesday and Thursday.

Shimon is reminding of the notifications regarding heat safety that may come across the wire this week. The National Weather Service typically issues standard Heat Advisories when the index reaches 105, but upgrades to an Excessive Heat Warning if the heat index is projected to reach 110.

To combat the extended thermal stress, weather officials are urging community members to proactively over-hydrate. Shimon recommends tracking water intake continuously throughout the day, drinking to the point of feeling physically full to ensure the body maintains adequate baseline hydration reserves before facing the heat.

Visit weather.gov/lincoln for more on this week's weather forecast. Keep it to the Hart Media Group this week for the latest in heat advisories or heat warnings.
 

As we hit the midpoint of the year, those who may have retired at the beginning of the year could be finding themselves with the urge to return to part-time employment to pass the time.

Jack Myers with Social Security explains that if you receive disability based Social Security benefits or SSI benefits, different rules apply, and you must report all earnings. 

According to Myers, if you reach full retirement age this year, you can earn up to $65,160 between January and the month before you attain full retirement age.

Myers points out to keep in mind that these limits only pertain if you choose to collect monthly benefits prior to attainment of full retirement. Additionally, these limits only apply to earned income, gross wages, or net earnings from self-employment. 

We'll have more with Myers next week on some of the other specific scenarios relating to returning to work while receiving retirement benefits. In the meantime, visit ssa.gov for more. 
 

Construction season is underway across the state, and leaders from the Illinois Department of Transportation are encouraging driver safety as more highways are covered in orange barrels.

Paul Wappel, Spokesman for IDOT, says drivers need to slow down and pay attention.

Each year, IDOT reports nearly 6,200 accidents in work zones across the state, resulting in more than 1,000 injuries.

In 2025, 35 drivers died in work zone accidents.
 

The Clinton Community Education Foundation is hosting its second annual Trivia Night. 

Secretary of the CCEF, Chris Shaffer, explains that on Saturday, they will once again be hosting the Trivia Night Fundraiser. Teams of up to 10 players will compete head-to-head for prizes at the Clinton Eagle as they help to support the CCEF and Clinton School District. She notes the event will also have a dinner provided.

Reserving a spot costs $100 per team, and Shaffer explains that the funds raised mostly go towards annual classroom grants that help teachers outfit their learning environments with new equipment or other educational resources. 

The Trivia Night Fundraiser starts at 5 PM on Saturday at the Clinton Eagles Lodge, located at 220 North Center Street. Learn more at ccef15.org or by finding the CCEF on Facebook. 
 

DeWitt County is in line to receive a stretching period of much-needed soaking rain heading into the weekend.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln told the Hart Media Group that a localized weather pattern will move into central Illinois today (Friday). The initial wave of precipitation is approaching from the west near the Illinois River and is expected to bring light rain to DeWitt County by mid-to-late morning. 

The primary wave of storm activity is projected to hit after midnight tonight, carrying a marginal-to-slight risk of severe weather. Shimon notes the primary threat associated with tonight's incoming line of storms is high wind. The forecasted wind gusts have the potential to knock down tree limbs and trigger localized power outages overnight.

We'll have more with Shimon next week as he addresses the season's first real heat wave, and later in the week, we'll have more about the potential for some developing flash drought in Illinois. 

Visit weather.gov/lincoln for more on all things weather data and forecasts. 
 

A DeWitt County non-profit has received a $50,000 anonymous donation.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, DeWitt County Friendship Center Executive Director, Paula Jiles, told the Hart Media Group that this contribution will help them address some cosmetic updates to the facility down the road.

Jiles credits working with the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation in Bloomington with the process of receiving the grant. 
 

Organizers of Clinton's America 250 celebration are pointing out some important deadlines for the community to be aware of. 

Bobbi Perryman with the Clinton Celebrates America 250 Committee indicates that they are still in need of volunteers to help with this July 4th's big celebration. She says this Monday on the Square, those interested can attend a volunteer orientation program at 6:30 PM. 

The Committee is also looking for more parade entries. Perryman says it's free, and you don't have to have a float. Entries should be directed to Edith Brady-Lunny by the week of June 22nd. 

Many are looking forward to the America 250 5k race. Perryman says online registration closes on June 6th, but if you miss the deadline, you can register the morning of the event. 

Learn more about this summer's America 250 celebration in Clinton by going to the Clinton Celebrates America 250 Facebook page or by visiting Perryman at the Warner Library at 310 N Quincy Street. 

Those interested in parade entry forms can reach Edith Brady-Lunny at eblunny@hotmail.com. 
 

The work trucks and construction crews around Heyworth Schools this time of year signify the start of project season. 

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Taylor explains that big projects around this district this summer will include upgrading the wireless network, new flooring in areas, and an ag building overhaul courtesy of an anonymous $750,000 donation. 

Dr. Taylor feels that the anonymous donation was a huge blessing for the district's ag department. It will allow them to expand the building's storage and updates it's equipment, adding to the already robust program in Heyworth. 

Summer is also the time for turnover, and Dr. Taylor states that they have a handful of instructors who will be leaving the district and whose spots need to be filled. She notes that while they do not struggle to find candidates who are qualified, the general pool of applicants is small. 

We'll hear more from Taylor in the weeks ahead on the use of technology in classrooms in the coming school year. Learn more about Heyworth Schools by visiting husd4.org or by finding the district's Facebook page. 
 

A local lawmaker is reacting to the State of Illinois' latest budget, totaling $56-billion, and questioning whether all the revenue they are planning on will actually be realized. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, State Sen. Sally Turner told the Hart Media Group, rather than relying on sustainable revenue, lawmakers utilized roughly $150 million in funding and implemented a series of new tax categories to plug the budget hole.

The budget package also introduces a targeted cryptocurrency tax. The measure establishes a 0.2 percent basis point tax tied directly to physical cryptocurrency infrastructure locations operated within Illinois boundaries. Sen. Turner criticized the addition, noting that state officials did not even provide a clear fiscal estimate on what the crypto tax would actually generate before plugging it into the final budget.

The latest spending plan implements a social media platform fee aimed at users with more than 100,000 followers in Illinois. The monthly fee scales from 10 cents to 50 cents per user, which Illinois Democrats claim will bring in $200 million annually. Sen. Turner questioned the logistical validity of the fee, stating that no actual process or enforcement mechanism has been detailed. 

According to Sen. Turner, there are very questionable things being funded in the Illinois budget, leading her to question what Illinois taxpayers are actually getting for their taxes. 

Among other taxes added to the budget this year were a daily sports betting tax, adding to Illinois 50-cents per bet sports wagering tax from last year's budget.
 

The legalities are not an aspect of farming that is often thought of, but it is a very important one for farmers to be aware of. 

Terri Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that they will be wrapping up their legal webinar series with a session called "Five Steps to Protecting Your Farm, Legally Speaking." The Free webinar takes place from six to seven PM on June 9th. 

Casey indicates that most of the session will consist of hearing from experts in the field who can provide reliable information. That will be followed by 15 minutes intended for participants to ask questions on what can be a complicated topic. 

Casey feels that the time spent participating in not only this webinar but all of the offerings of the extension is well worth it. She says if the expertise is not already within their system, they partner with professionals who can provide it. 

If you cannot attend the webinar, as always, Casey recommends registering anyway to be sent all of the useful information and resources that were utilized at the session. Do so at extension.illinois.edu/lms.
 

Many schools this time of year take the empty hallways as an opportunity to keep their facilities top-notch. 

Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Ryan Peyton says the same is true for his district. Large projects at the high school and Snyder Elementary school highlight his belief that strong facilities are important to community support and the educational experience. 

Planning for the next school year is also a significant summer undertaking. Peyton indicates that next year the staff will be taking additional time to review student data. This will allow them to make adjustments and ensure they are meeting students where they are at. 

Peyton feels that the ever-evolving needs of students require an ever-evolving curriculum. The first-year superintendent credits his predecessor, Dr. Hillary Stanifer, for the work that has allowed him to grow and excel alongside the district. 

Last summer, Blue Ridge updated its outdoor facilities, including the track and football field. Keep up with all the latest from the district at blueridge18.org. 
 

The City of Clinton is addressing safety and staffing vulnerabilities within the fire department, driven by recent discussions concerning personnel coverage during higher-risk hours.

At the Tuesday night Clinton City Council meeting, the Council approved a new letter of understanding developed to place a dedicated firefighter alongside the department’s driver engineer. On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris told the Hart Media Group that, because part-time firefighters work outside the department, finding personnel for day-shift emergency responses has become an ongoing challenge.

According to Harris, this agreement will hopefully resolve the safety liability by guaranteeing a minimum of two emergency personnel are on the truck for all day-shift calls.

The Council approved the two letters of understanding on Tuesday night. 
 

The City of Clinton on Tuesday night pushed pause on plans for a toddler park at the Peace Park Roque Court at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets in Clinton.

The issue was hotly contested on social media platforms as too dangerous because of its proximity to the railroad tracks nearby. Commissioner Dan Ballenger says the Council heard the community's concerns.

While the playground project is paused, council members are shifting focus toward preserving the unique history of the Peace Park Roque Court. Commissioner Tom Edmunds reminds that the park was a massive part of Clinton's history through the 1940s, 50s, and 60s—frequently hosting state and national tournaments.

Edmunds adds that the court itself has deep roots in local labor, originally built by area railroaders using old railcar parts, while the surrounding fence was salvaged from a local cemetery. He hopes to work with the mayor to better promote the historic site.

Commissioner John Wise strongly agreed with the push for historical preservation, citing historical records kept by the late Homer Spencer. 

The Council agreed to seek out a better location for the park.
 

Even if you missed the Warner Library's Summer Reading Kickoff, it's not too late to sign up for the Summer Reading Program. 

Mel Snow, Youth Program Coordinator at the Warner Library, told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday that the last day of classes in Clinton was a busy time at the library as students came to sign up for Summer Reading. She notes they've already had over 350 people sign up to avoid the summer slide. 

If you were unable to attend the kickoff event last Saturday, Snow emphasizes that you can sign up anytime before the program ends on July 31st. She recommends keeping track of your reading even before you sign up, as you can backfill your log. 

While the prizes for reading are great, Emily Dunham indicates the main purpose is to help students retain the information they learned throughout the school year and keep them developing through the summer. 

The library will be offering extra prize tickets for attending their programs this Summer. We'll have more with Snow and Dunham on the calendar of summer events in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group. 

In the meantime, sign up for the Summer Reading Program by visiting the library at 310 N Quincy Street in Clinton. Learn more at vwarner.org or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

The Farmer City pool is almost ready to open for the 2026 season. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, City Administrator Taylor Baxter told the Hart Media Group that they are facing slight delays in opening the pool, due to the service that prepares the pool for the year's schedule. That being said, Baxter hopes the pool will open this week. 

Finding lifeguards has been a struggle for pools everywhere, and Baxter hopes that they will not have to reduce hours due to being short-staffed, but he says it is a possibility. 

The pool has had its fair share of hiccups when it comes to maintenance issues in recent years. Baxter says they had the pool inspected not long ago to find any issues and ensure a smooth summer of pool operations. 

Keep up with the latest announcements and news on the Farmer City Pool by finding the community on Facebook. 
 

A Piatt County School district has recently been test-running some new initiatives that they are now planning to make permanent. 

Monticello Schools Superintendent Adam Clapp explains that over the last year, the district has been piloting some new electives into the middle school curriculum, all of which he says were extremely popular with the students who participated in them. 

The new classes were so well-liked that Clapp indicates they will be making the courses permanent and expanding them to seventh graders, in an effort of expanding the district's offerings for middle schoolers. 

The expansion of the Spanish program sets the district up for the incoming State mandate, which will require students to take at least two years of Spanish before graduating. Clapp does feel that districts statewide will struggle to find more Spanish teachers as that regulation rolls out. 

Keep up with all the latest from Monticello Schools by visiting sages.us, or find the district on Facebook.
 

Ag groups continue to follow issues stemming from data center developments. Patrick Giberson is a United Soybean Board member from New Jersey. Farmers in his state have dealt with challenges from warehouse expansions, and now data centers are also in the mix.

Giberson spoke at the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasting "Washington Watch" event.
 

Estate tax reform falls short in Springfield as the spring legislative session winds down. Chris Davis is the director of State Legislation for Illinois Farm Bureau. He says the Family Farm Preservation Act remains a priority of the organization….

Davis says the new state budget does not include any cuts to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts were funded at exactly the same level as last year.
 

Beneficial rains and timely sun this Spring have allowed farmers to make great progress through the planting season. 

Reagen Tibbs, Commercial Ag Educator for the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that corn and soybean progress reports are hovering around or are slightly ahead of the 5-year average of being 80-85% planted by this time of year. The same is true for emergence rates so far.  

Things have been dry over the last two weeks, leading Tibbs to believe a little rain over the next couple of weeks could go a long way for producers. He notes this is a typical challenge for farmers this time of year. 

Pest and disease control are also top of mind as more crops begin to emerge and producers transition to the growing season. Tibbs indicates that wetter conditions are more conducive to pests and disease, so pressures have not set up in a significant way quite yet. 

We'll hear more from Tibbs in the days ahead on the recently released crop budget and how producers can utilize those projections on their farm. In the meantime, learn more about the resources offered by the Extension at extension.illinois.edu/lms. 
 

The DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC) is monitoring the nationwide boom in data center construction.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, DCDC Executive Director Curt Homann told the Hart Media Group he has received at least one inquiry regarding a proposed local data center to the DeWitt County Board. Because data center development carries significant community-wide implications, he believes the issue must be managed and believes the County needs to take up these discussions. 

While community discussions often focus on the negative impacts of data centers—such as heavy water consumption, noise pollution, and the conversion of local farmland— Homann points out the underlying technology is rapidly evolving. 

While the DCDC does not take an official position on data centers, Homann advises the County to engage in proactive planning. His primary operational concern is the potential loss of local zoning control to the State of Illinois. 

The DeWitt County Board at its May meeting shot down a proposal to move forward in planning for data centers through the Zoning Board of Appeals process. The issue is widely rejected by the public. 
 

Today is the last day of classes for Clinton students, which means the Clinton Y's Camp Osage kicks off tomorrow. 

Melinda Akers with the YMCA explains that despite Camp Osage beginning tomorrow, there is no cutoff date for sign-ups, making it the perfect option for families in need of short-notice child care this summer. She reminds that they are moving to an online registration form.

Also online, you can find a full calendar of the summer's activities, to help parents and students decide which days of Camp Osage are right for them. She points out that having a youth membership at the Y provides a discount on camp. 

If you cannot afford to send your child to camp, Akers indicates that there are multiple ways that the costs can be covered or reduced through scholarships. 

Camp begins June 2nd. Learn more and register by visiting clintoncommymca.org or by finding the Y on Facebook. 
 

A Piatt County law enforcement leader is issuing a warning to business owners after an encounter with counterfeit bills. 

Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross is alerting business owners and cashiers to be observant of bills, especially large ones, after a fake $100 bill was almost accepted at a local pool. 

Chief Bross explains that bank pens and other anti-counterfeiting tools are crucial to preventing these crimes before they happen. He adds that uscurrency.gov can be a good resource if you are unsure of a bill. 

If you accidentally accept fake money in your business, Chief Bross indicates that it cannot be recovered. He says if you have any suspicion of a customer attempting to fool you, call the police immediately. 

The Chief is urging young people not to give in to peer pressure, especially if it leads to a crime being committed. 

Keep up with all the latest updates and scam warnings from the Monticello Police Department by finding their Facebook page. 
 

Central Illinois will start to feel the heat as we welcome the month of June. 

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that forecasts for June show above normal temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation. 

The region just recently climbed out of a months long winter drought with some much-needed spring rains. Shimon indicates that the dry end of May could continue into the start of June. He notes some rain could pop up in the second week of the month. 

While the temperatures are high, Shimon says we don't see a huge jump in average daytime highs during the month of June. Things go from around 80 degrees on average to 86 degrees from the start to the end of the month. 

Keep it to the Hart Media Group as we hear from Shimon on the latest weather updates and news. Find more local weather forecasts and updates at weather.gov/Lincoln. 
 

Power bills are on the rise across Illinois, but the Citizens’ Utility Board reports that the costs are not due to companies pocketing more money, but rather to data centers.

CUB, an energy watchdog group, reports the utility summer rate from June through September is 10.39 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Jim Chilsen, a spokesman for CUB, says the price of reserve power has skyrocketed, all due to power-hungry data centers.

For those who need assistance with their power bill, CUB recommends consumers visit helpillinoisfamilies.com.