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.