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.

Drone technology and its applications in agriculture have expanded widely over the past few years. 

Terri Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that on June 5th at the Georgetown Fairgrounds, they will be hosting a full day of demonstrations and information about drones and how they can be utilized to make an operation more efficient. 

Register and learn more about the event at extension.illinois.edu/lms. 

A small school has been achieving big things when it comes to its FFA program. 

Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Ryan Peyton explains that after being named 2025's State Premiere Chapter, they have been designated in the top 10 this year, and now they will soon learn if they will stay at the top in 2026. 

Peyton indicates that there are many factors considered when choosing the top school. Students must put a focus on competitions as well as serving their community. 

Keep up with all the latest from Blue Ridge Schools and its FFA chapter by visiting blueridge18.org or by finding the district on Facebook.  
 

If your home is in need of some extra Fourth of July spirit this summer, Clinton's America 250 Committee is here to help. 

Jessica Allhands with the Committee explains that on request, they will "flag" your yard and cover it in decorations to make your home extra patriotic. The $25 fee associated with the service goes towards the big America 250 celebration in Clinton this July 4th. 

According to Bobbi Perryman, fees can be brought to the Clinton American Legion. They can be mailed in or dropped off in the building's mail slot at 219 N Elizabeth Street. 

Learn more about this summer's big celebration by finding the Clinton Celebrates America 250 Facebook page.