DeWitt County, among other counties in central Illinois, was recently alerted to a backlog of missed updates to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

DeWitt County Board Chair Joe Witte explains that he received a letter from the EPA stating that they had missed required updates since 2006 to a multi-county plan regarding solid waste management.

Now the County must pursue an engineering firm that could help them develop an update to the solid waste management plan to avoid fines from the EPA. Witte says if doing so would be cost-prohibitive, they could apply for an extension.

DeWitt County was not the only county in the area to receive this notice from the EPA.
 

A staple of the downtown Clinton business district is celebrating a milestone next week.

Peterson Insurance on the west side of Clinton Square is celebrating 60 years in business in the community. Owner Jay Peterson indicates the agency was started by his father and has acquired insurance offices across central Illinois.

The Peterson Insurance Agency is inviting the community out for its open house on Tuesday, August 4, from 10 am at its office on Main Street.
 

The rising popularity of electric and gas-powered bicycles across Lincoln is bringing increased scrutiny from local law enforcement as officers address traffic complaints and navigate new state regulations.

Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister explains his department regularly receives complaints regarding e-bikes and gas-assisted bicycles, particularly concerning operators cutting through parking lots, disregarding traffic signals, and riding on high-speed roadways like Woodlawn Road and Keokuk Street.

Chief Meister notes that while e-bikes historically required no licensing, newly enacted Illinois legislation is introducing stricter standards. Certain higher-speed or higher-wattage models now require a valid driver's license, with additional registration and insurance requirements set to roll out in future phases.

Regardless of vehicle classification or power source, the Chief emphasizes all riders are legally bound by standard rules of the road—including stopping at stop signs and wearing required eye protection on motorized or gas-powered cycles.

In response to nighttime activity, the Lincoln Police Department is actively stepping up night-shift enforcement. Chief Meister points out that city ordinance allows officers to impound bicycles for up to 30 days for equipment violations—such as riding without proper lighting—a tool being used to deter criminal activity and keep the community safe.

For more information on local traffic ordinances or bicycle safety guidelines, residents can contact the Lincoln Police Department.
 

The summer heat creates the perfect conditions for enjoying a frozen treat. 

As we get set to turn the page to August, Monica Nyman with the St. Louis District Dairy Council reminds that July is National Ice Cream Month. She says July has had this designation for over 40 years, and was created by President Ronald Reagan. 

While Nyman emphasizes that ice cream is a sugary dessert, and the serving size is only around a half cup, she says that it does have some calcium and protein because it is a dairy product. 

Nyman indicates that there is a type of ice cream for everyone, from pints to novelties, sugar-free, or frozen yogurt. Outside of the grocery store, there are even more options like gelato or frozen custard. 

We'll have more next week with Nyman on how you can make your ice cream and milkshakes healthier from the Hart Media Group. In the meantime, learn more by visiting stldairycouncil.org or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

As we roll into August, central Illinois crops could use one last rain event to carry them to the finish.

That's according to Reagen Tibbs, Commercial Ag Educator at the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard and Sangamon Counties, who told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW Morning Show Thursday that things are starting to get a bit dry, although drought concerns seem to be isolated.

With the hot and humid conditions of July, Tibbs indicates there is starting to be some disease pressure showing up. 

According to Tibbs, producers are in a wait-and-see cycle as they look to the war in Iran and other macroeconomic factors as the growing season rolls on. He indicates commodity prices have been a rollercoaster this summer.

Tibbs is releasing a new blog post in the midst of the busy summer fair season in the next few days. Follow his writings at extension.illinois.ed/lms for more from him and other experts at the Extension. 
 

The McLean County Fair is celebrating a big milestone at the current fairgrounds on the west side of Bloomington. 

McLean County Farm Bureau Manager Anna Ziegler told the Hart Media Group from the Fairgrounds that, to celebrate 30 years of hosting the fair at their current location,  the Farm Bureau is investing $1 million over 3-years into repairs and improvements. 

Ziegler credits the Fair Board's careful stewardship of their funds, which allowed them to pursue the endeavor. She says they are looking for public input on what improvements the grounds could use. 

Ziegler says today at the fair is Pack the Bus day. If you bring along a donation of school supplies, you will get a discount on your admission. 

Once you've paid admission, Ziegler says there is plenty of free fun, including the Food & Farm fun zone, a kids' game show, and a butterfly exhibit. The main events for the weekend feature fair classics like live music and tractor pulls.

Find more information on the calendar of events and all ticket prices by visiting mcleancountyfair.org. 
 

The extreme heat and lack of rain of the last few weeks could be relieved as more seasonable temperatures and chances of precipitation return to the forecast.

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that daytime highs will hover around the mid 80s the rest of this week, with overnight lows around 60 degrees. 

Friday's rain chances are appearing to be widespread. Shimon says the rain should be steady, which could help alleviate the chances of reaching flash drought conditions in the area. 

After the forecasted storms of Monday missed us to the East, Shimon says Friday's rain likely won't be enough to pull us all the way out of any drought conditions. 

Get the latest severe weather updates, forecasts, and weather news by visiting weather.gov/Lincoln or by finding their Facebook page.