DeWitt County's economic development leader is restating and standing behind the County's need for additional hotel space.

Last month, the DeWitt County Development Council formally requested $30,000 for a hotel feasibility study for Clinton and Farmer City. DCDC CEO Curt Homann explains that while investor groups have already expressed interest in developing new hotels in the area, a formal feasibility study is necessary for potential owners to secure financing from a lender.

The studies will provide the hard data that lenders and franchises need to determine if Clinton and Farmer City can support a new hotel. Currently, some of the county’s largest manufacturers are hosting their visitors and meetings in nearby Bloomington, and Homann points out that takes that revenue out of the local economy.

The studies will not only determine if a hotel is viable, but also the number of rooms each market could sustain and the expected return on investment for developers. Early estimates from Homann suggest a new hotel in Farmer City would be roughly a $9 million investment, while a similar project in Clinton would cost between $12 and $15 million.

The studies will also address potential ripple effects for other businesses in the community. Homann notes new hotels are often catalysts for other commercial developments, such as new sit-down restaurants and gas stations.

The Core Distinction Group will begin the feasibility studies within the next several days. The final report, which is expected to be delivered by mid-June, will include a full financial breakdown to guide potential investors and the cities through the development process.
 

A local school superintendent is teaming up with area leaders to start a non-profit geared towards supporting their communities.

Cerro Gordo Schools Superintendent Dr. Emily Weidner explains that she and fellow leaders from around Piatt County are creating the Piatt County Women's Giving Circle. She says the goal is for women to pool their resources to support their local communities. 

The yearly membership donation amount is dependent on age, and Dr. Weidner points out that what makes this group unique is that you can join as young as sixteen years old. 

The funds that are donated are handled by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, which Dr. Weidner says does great work in the area to support philanthropic efforts. 

The membership window for the group ends on June 30th. This allows them to assess how much money they have raised and open the grant cycle in the fall for local non-profits. 

If you're interested in becoming a member of the Piatt County Women's Giving Circle, visit the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's website at heartofillinois.org. 
 

A very nice start to the week will be interrupted by a mid-week cool down before we start to feel more like mid-May, just in time for the May Days Festival in Clinton.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told the Hart Media Group, the week begins on a comfortable note with plenty of sunshine and a high near 71 today. However, a cold front is expected to move through Tuesday evening, potentially bringing a few severe storms.

Wednesday and Thursday will return to quiet, sunny conditions with highs in the low 70s. Shimon indicates rain chances return Friday through Sunday.

Despite a 30 to 50 percent chance of showers throughout the weekend, Shimon says the bigger story will be the heat and humidity. Highs are expected to jump to 83 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday, with dew points climbing into the 60s.

Getting further into May, the outlooks start to show temperatures on the rise. We'll have much more with Shimon on the weather outlooks for May and beyond in the days ahead at the Hart Media Group. 
 

May is National Community Action Month, and the organization is highlighting its central Illinois locations and services.

Breann Titus, Chief Visionary Officer for Community Action, explains that in their service area, they work with around 4,000 families who often receive more than one service. While that number is very impactful in central Illinois, she says it is a small part of the work that is being done on a national scale. 

To honor and showcase the work they are doing locally, CAPCIL is hosting open houses at each of its locations in the six-county area they cover. The first will be today at the Clinton location from 4 to 6 PM. 

On Wednesday, an open house will be hosted at CAPCIL's central office in Lincoln, and Titus says representatives from Ameren will be present to talk about clean energy programs and offer free energy kits.

These events will be taking place all across central Illinois, and Titus says the purpose is to bring awareness to the wide scope of their offerings from the Head Start Program to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Learn more at capcil.info or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

Some people who receive monthly Social Security or SSI benefits may need help managing their money, and when we receive information that indicates you need help, we’ll work with you to find the most suitable representative payee to manage your benefits.

Jack Myers with Social Security explained that while many believe a Power of Attorney allows them to manage a family member's benefits, federal privacy laws prevent Social Security from recognizing those documents.

The Representative Payee is typically someone close to the beneficiary, such as a family member or a trusted friend, who receives the monthly payment and manages it on their behalf. In cases where a trusted individual isn't available, social service agencies or nursing homes can sometimes step in to fulfill the role.

To simplify the process, Social Security introduced "Advanced Designation," which allows anyone applying for benefits to name up to three people they would trust to be their payee in the future. Myers notes this can be done during the initial application process—whether online, over the phone, or in person—and can be updated at any time through a "My Social Security" account.

According to Myers, naming potential payees in advance, beneficiaries give the agency a clear lead to follow if a need for assistance is identified later on. This pre-emptive step provides peace of mind for the beneficiary and helps the agency move quickly to ensure benefits continue without interruption.

Find out more about the payee program at www.ssa.gov/payee.
 

The utilization of "working pets" like seeing-eye dogs or drug-sniffing dogs has expanded enormously in recent years, with a focus on mental health and emotional support. 

University of Illinois Extension Director in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, Terri Casey, explains that social isolation in seniors is an epidemic, however the companionship of animals could help with that. The Furry Companions webinar on May 14th at 10 AM will explore just that, and what opportunities are out there. 

Learn more about the free Furry Companions Webinar on May 14th by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms. 

The Clinton Community YMCA is encouraging its members to complete lofty goals this summer in honor of America 250. 

Rennie Cluver, Executive Director of the Y, says that the new America 250 Fitness Challenge is pushing people to complete 250 minutes of activity a week, or to run 250 miles between May 1 and July 4. He says the accountability system will be similar to their Survivor Program. 

Registration is already open for the America 250 Fitness Challenge. Go to clintoncommymca.org to learn more, or visit the Y located at 417 S Alexander Street in Clinton.