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. 
 

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. 
 

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.