Each year in January the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau holds
their Annual Dinner. Chamber members and their guests, as well as non-members, are
invited and welcome to attend.

At the 2019 Annual Dinner there will be an awards ceremony and the winner of each
catergory will be presented with a plaque. Every member of the Chamber is nominated and
divided into 4 categories.

On Monday, December 3 members will be sent an anonymous ballot by email with the
invitation to follow by mail.

The Annual Dinner will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Clinton Country Club.
Check-in starts at 5pm and the evening will conclude by 8pm. There will be a 50/50 Raffle
and Gun Raffle. The Annual Dinner is also a sponsorship opportunity. There will not be an
auction, as there has been in previous years.

The Clinton High School Jazz Band is the entertainment. Visit the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce website for more information:
www.clintonilchamber.com.

A Small Hand- Piatt County Infant Pantry a non profit organzition provides thousnads of diapers a month. The non profit started by Christina Sanantonio, who saw a need in Piatt County for children abused or homes that don't have a lot of income. The group works all year long providing diapers but also other materials for kids says Dee Ann Smith.

All sorts of donations come from all over said Smith.

Seeing some of the famalies come through the pantry is heart warming said Smith.

A Small Hand- Piatt County Infant Pantry serves all Piatt County residents.A Small Hand- Piatt County Infant Pantry is looking to expand soon but for now it can be located at 1115 North State Street in Monticello.

Preferred Care Medical Center in Monticello is helping to raise funds for the Diaper and Infant Needs Pantry.  Doctor Jason Goldstein of Preferred Care tells Regional Radio News that his staff will be raising money for the pantry thru December.

Dr. Goldstein says there are 3 different jars that donors can put money in for the pantry.

Dr. Goldstein says he may end up being the one with the pie in the face.

Preferred Care Medical Center is located at 313 West Main in Monticello. 

Thursday,  November 29, Corn Belt Energy crews restored power to all members affected by the winter storm earlier this week producing high winds, ice and snow says Director of Communications and Marketing Hillary Cherry.

Corn Belt Energy acted immediately to help restore some of the extensive damage caused including several substations, broken poles, and downed power lines. 

Corn Belt Energy helps to try and make sure all power is up 24/7, and with the storm coming through that was Corn Belt's number one priority said Cherry.

To contact Corn Belt Energy call 1-800-879-0339 to report power outages, partial power, and downed lines or poles.

An El Nino has been on watch from the National Weather Service in the east coast for some time now. An El Nino develops changing weather patterns and has just started to develop says Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chris Miller.

With the El Nino developing affecting the weather patterns making milder temperatures for winter, Miller says looking at records that it could be the case.

In near term for the weather we possibly will still see some cooler temperatures, but looking outward...

Miller says that once that El Nino fully develops in later December we could see those warmer conditions for the winter. You can find your weather at weather.gov from the National Weather Service or dewittdailynews.com

Should local schools have the option to arm properly trained staff members? The subject received much attention at the Illinois Association of School Board annual convention in Chicago earlier this month. A proposed resolution supporting such legislation was narrowly defeated by IASB delegate members 179-to-203 says the organization’s.

A similar proposal was brought up four years ago and then again last year and it could resurface next year with a few tweaks.

Is it over yet? When talking about corn and soybean harvest for the state’s farmers is all local. Some have been wrapped up for weeks while others are waiting to bring in the final acres before it actually becomes winter. USDA’s Mark Schleusener says that the numbers show harvest still lags in the northern part of the state but winter wheat fields in southern Illinois have been planted and are getting established. 

A NEW STATE LAW RAISES THE AMOUNT PEOPLE SUING THE STATE CAN GET FOR DAMAGES. 

THE CAP IN THE ILLINOIS COURT OF CLAIMS IS NOW TWO MILLION DOLLARS...UP FROM THE PREVIOUS ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. REPRESENTATIVE STEPHANIE KIFOWIT OF AURORA SUPPORTS THE INCREASE, WHICH WAS PROMPTED BY THE OUTBREAK OF LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE THAT KILLED 14 RESIDENTS OF THE QUINCY VETERANS HOME.

THE PREVIOUS CAP OF 100 THOUSAND DOLLARS WAS SET MORE THAN 45 YEARS AGO. REPRESENTATIVE PETER BREEN OF LOMBARD SAYS THE INCREASE COULD HIT THE STATE HARD.

THE GOVERNOR HAD VETOED THE BILL…PREFERRING THE CAP BE SET AT 300 THOUSAND TO BRING ILLINOIS IN LINE WITH OTHER STATES AND RECOGNIZING THE STATE’S FISCAL PROBLEMS. LAWMAKERS OVERRODE THE VETO.

A new Sheriff will be taking over this December as Mike Walker will swear into his new position, as the DeWitt County Sheriff Friday. Walker came to the area in 1989 and has filled many positions in law enforcement. Walker helped create the Dare Program at the Clinton Schools, worked as a jail administrator in the early 2000s, became Sheriff Jared Shofner's Chief Deputy, and after all that he looked to retire he thought.

Walker was able to run for Sheriff uncontested getting him the position for DeWitt County Sheriff in the recent elections. Reason Walker ran for Sheriff he said that it was more of a natural progression.

Walker will be sworn in on Friday at 4 pm at the DeWitt County Court House, and will officially take office on Saturday, December 1. 

Clinton School Board approved Eric Douglas to become the new Assitant Wrestling Coach for the Clinton High School. Superintendent Curt Nettles said that the coaching staff change year after year sometimes do to other obligations coaches may have.

Douglas, who teaches 5th Grade for CES, has experience in wrestling. Nettles said that it will be nice with Douglas now as an assistant coach being at the CES because he can talk with the youth, getting a connection with students.

Nettles talked about how this can help lead some kids to get involved in multiple sports teaching them responsibilities.

Want to learn how to use some greenery and different supplies to make arrangements or decor items? Join University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Candice Hart; she is going to demonstrate a wreath making class says, Hart.

The December 4 workshop will meet at the Vespasian Warner Public Library in Clinton from 6-7:30 pm showing what evergreens you can use to make wreaths. Hart will demonstrate each step and even prepare all the items for you to partake in the workshop.

The December 10 workshop will be similar making wreaths, but it will take place at the Macon County U of I Extension Office, also from 6-7:30 pm. 

Hart reason being for doing this workshop is that it brings something she learned growing up and also helps give people a great gift.

The program is free but does have limited seats. Call Hart at 217-935-5764 or email mille116@illinois.edu for more information.

AS COLD AND FLU SEASON GETS INTO FULL SWING…THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS REMINDING THAT ANTIBIOTICS AREN’T ALWAYS THE ANSWER. 

WHEN YOU’RE SICK…THE FIRST INCLINATION IS OFTEN TO HEAD TO THE DOCTOR FOR ANTIBIOTICS. BUT PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR NIRAV SHAH SAYS IN MOST CASES…THAT’S WON’T HELP.

SHAH SAYS COLDS AND FLU ARE CAUSED BY VIRUSES THAT WON’T BE CURED WITH ANTIBIOTICS AND WON’T MAKE YOU FEEL ANY BETTER. HE SAYS THE OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS IS DANGEROUS.

SHAH SAYS WHILE ANTIBIOTICS WON’T HELP A COLD OR THE FLU…THEY ARE NEEDED FOR STREP THROAT, WHOOPING COUGH AND SOMETIMES BRONCHITIS, EAR INFECTIONS AND SINUS INFECTIONS.

Hunting season continues in Illinois and DNR officials want those walking into the woods or climbing tree stands to be safe, Ed Cross with the Department of Natural Resources says safely getting into a tree stand starts with wearing a harness.

Last year 10 hunters reported falling from tree stands in Illinois. 

Governor-Elect J.B. Pritzker has no hard feelings for those who didn't vote for him. Pritzker says he is working to boost the economy with his transition team, for all of Illinois and he wants Illinoisans to stay put...

Pritzker hopes to jump start the Illinois economy, in particular beyond the Chicago region........

Warner Hospital and Health Services are inviting families to see Santa Claus! Saturday With Santa is going be taking place at Warner Hospital Main Entrance said CEO Paul Skowron.

Skowron said that this is a great opportunity to enjoy the hospital when their not sick, like the Health Fair back in September. Families will get to enjoy a fun holiday experience at the hospital.

Santa Claus will be at the Hospital this Saturday, December 1st starting at 9 am and going till noon.

Winter weather has struck twice now, bringing rough weather conditions to drive in. The DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency has tips on how to prepare for the cold.

Winter weather can include some high winds, rain, ice storms, and heavy snow. An excellent place to start preparing for is with your car says Interim DCEMA Coordinator Christine Hasler.

If you are going to be traveling a far distance, Hasler mentioned checking on the routes you might take.

Keeping a full tank or having an extra phone charger are some other items you may need. 

You can also go to ready.gov or getting around illinois.com to help find out routes and weather conditions of ways that you make be taking. 

The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington is adding on additional parking, and a new concession stand over the winter.

Miller Park and the zoo both use the parking which currently doesn't leave many guests to visit. People complained that they didn't go to the zoo because of parking said Miller Park Zoo Director Jay Tetzloff. 

Along with the parking people had complained about not having drinks or food to enjoy while visiting the zoo, now they will be able to said, Tetzloff.

The new parking lot and concession stand will help bring in more people to enjoy the zoo all day making it an even better family experience.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is taking time to chime in on the status of Farm Bill negotiations. The group’s lobbyist David Crow says a good sign early in talks was an effort to stop amendments that would have diluted the crop insurance program. 

Congress adjourns in mid-December and then a new session begins in January with Democrats assuming control of the U.S. House Ag Committee. 

When you gathered at the Thanksgiving table did you think to check up on the health and wellbeing of those family members around you? It was a good time to do says the state’s top doctor. Nirav Shah the Director the Department of Public Health says knowing what’s impacting the health of older family members can help you address your upcoming care.

Once you know what you may be at risk you can share that information with your doctor. 

Want to get rid of Christmas items, or buy some Christmas items?

Swing by the YMCA, they will be hosting their Annual Aquatics Fundraiser from November 29 through December 4. You can pick up various Christmas items during their holiday sale says Executive Director Rennie Cluver.

The sale isn't expensive either, making it affordable for people to buy Christmas items says Cluver.

The money spent at the Holiday Sale goes to the aquatics group and YMCA. Cluver did say that the hours for the holiday sale will vary so to find the hours, call the YMCA front desk at 217-935-8307 for more information.

Clinton Schools approved the employment of Lauren Johnson as their new Pre-K Grant Coordinator for 2018-19. 

The Pre-K grant is what schools have to apply for to help get funding towards early childhood developments. The state changed that a few years back to make it more competitive and this grant is excellent said Clinton Superintendent Cur Nettles.

With doing so well, earning a hundred thousand dollars more, Lauren Johnson will be able to spend more time with the families and early development, though the position isn't here to completely stay unless they continue to receive the grant money.

With the grant money now being more competitive where schools have to apply for the grant it affects other schools says Nettles.

Clinton schools have worked to get these grants providing resources on early development, and they wish to continue providing services to parents and kids. 

The C.H. Moore Homestead is once again hosting their annual holiday tradition of candlelight tours. 

Joey Woolridge, Director of the C.H. Moore Homestead, indicates that they theme this year is "200 years of statehood" which coincides with the celebration of Illinois' bicentennial. 

Woolridge says that the tour is self-guided and live music will be featured during the evenings. Each room is decorated to celebrate the theme and the season.

The candlelight tours take place on November 30, December 7, 14, and 21 from 5 to 8pm. Admission is $5 for adults, ages 12-18 $2, and ages 11 and under are free.

IN THE FINAL POLL CONDUCTED AS PART OF THE ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION…VOTERS CHOSE TOP MOMENTS IN THE STATE’S HISTORY. 

THE TOP 10 MOMENTS IN ILLINOIS HISTORY INCLUDE TRAGEDY AND A HUGE VICTORY SAYS ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY SPOKESPERSON CHRIS WILLS.

OTHER MOMENTS MAKING THE TOP 10 INCLUDE THE ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE ARREST OF FORMER GOVERNOR ROD BLAGOJEVICH.

It's a growing angle for scammers that isn't just limited to the holidays. Fake coupons on social media can be seen any time of the year, and unsuspecting people fall for these scams daily. They often then become victims of the scammers, who use the scheme to spread malware, according to the Better Business Bureau. The scam works because the coupons look real and they offer great deals. By using brands’ official logos, it's nearly impossible to tell if it’s fake or not. But BBB investigator Don O'Brien says if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

When you click on the link to get the deal or discount, there's a chance you could be exposing yourself to identity theft or malware on your computer. When you shared that link, you exposed your friends and family too. If you encounter a social media coupon scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.

City Council extended their Downtown Sidewalk Project. There were three projects in Downtown that they had planned to finish by November 16 but, the weather didn't permit said City Administrator Tim Followell.

Monday, November 19 was the actual start date for the project and they look to finish here in the coming weeks, but the other projects were pushed all the way back till spring.

The 100 block of East Main project looks to get done sometime of around November 30. 
 

The Vespasian Warner Library in Clinton is hosting King Tut's Tomb Opened on Thursday, November 29. The kids' programs are for kids ages 8-13 to learn about Egypt said Business Marketing Manager Samantha Rusk.

Kids will have an opportunity to learn a little about Egypt and pyramids. The kids will also get to build pyramids and more. If you are interested, Rusk did ask to call the library at 217-935-5174 to sign up. 
 

Want to listen or learn some a music from a dulcimer?

Dulcimer Club has meetings at Rock Springs Nature Center to let you discover musical interests and talents. You can bring your instrument, learn a new tune or simply enjoy the musical talents said Rock Springs Nature Center Manager Richie Wolf.

The group meets up on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 am to 12 pm at the Rock Springs Nature Center to play. The music group is free and open to the public. The next meeting for the dulcimer group is on Saturday December 1.

Senator Dick Durbin is calling for the U.S. to take action against Saudi Arabia after the disappearance and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Durbin says the country should keep Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. Prince Khalid bin Salman on the outside looking in....

Durbin also is expressing concerns about Saudi military activity...

Durbin said he doesn't support President Trump's Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia. He's also calling for the Trump Administration to nominate a U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia after a two year wait. Durbin and some Senate Democratic colleagues are calling for President Trump and the Trump organization provide a full accounting of any financial ties between the Trump Organization and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Christian-Macon-Moultrie-Douglas-Coles-Edgar-Shelby-Cumberland-Clark-Effingham-Jasper-Crawford-Clay-Richland-Lawrence-Including the cities of Clinton, Monticello, Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Taylorville, Decatur, Sullivan, Tuscola, Charleston,Mattoon, Paris, Shelbyville, Greenup, Marshall, Effingham, Newton, Robinson, Flora, Olney, and Lawrenceville.

Light snow showers along and west of I-57 early this morning will spread eastward toward the Indiana border through mid morning producing from a dusting to a half inch of snow, especially along and west of I-57. Blustery northwest winds gusting 35 to 45 mph will cause temperatures to slip to around or a few degrees below freezing early this morning. This will create icy stretches on untreated roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses in areas from Danville to Paris to Olney westward. Allow allow time to reach your destination if traveling into mid morning.

Wind Advisory

STRONG WINDS TO CONTINUE EARLY THIS MORNING

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST THIS MORNING...

* TIMING...The strongest winds will occur in central and eastern Illinois through 6 am, then slowly diminish during this morning.

* WINDS...Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph will gust from 40 to 45 mph through 6 am this morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult for high profile vehicles. Some tree limbs may be broken by these strong winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Advisory means that sustained winds of 30 mph or higher or wind gusts of 45 mph or higher are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution if traveling through overnight.

Hours before a gunman killed three people at Chicago's Mercy Hospital, Senator Dick Durbin was asked about what could be done on Capitol Hill about mass shootings. The question was in response to a nightclub mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. Durbin offered a blunt assessment...

Durbin also doesn't believe the founding fathers would be on board with the current state of affairs...

Durbin and the National Rifle Association aren't exactly a mutual admiration society. The NRA gave Durbin an F rating on gun rights issues in February. Durbin said he was proud to receive the grade. 

A new year will bring with it a significant push to legalize marijuana in Illinois. Democratic State Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago will officially introduce the legislation in 2019. 

Cassidy says the state’s medical marijuana program has worked effectively and legalizing marijuana for recreational use is the next logical step Illinois.

U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis  and Darin LaHood announced the Trump Administration will provide the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with $57.5 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 funding to continue major rehabilitation work at the LaGrange Lock and Dam (Versailles, IL) located on the Illinois River south of Beardstown, IL in Cass County. Earlier this year, Davis and LaHood announced the initial $10 million allocated for FY 2018 to begin this project.

There is still time in Medicare’s open enrollment season to get signed up. But the process can be a little daunting with all the different options but help is either online or around the corner. Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program Director Sandy Leith says go to medicare dot gov for good answers or look on the Department of Aging website for one of the 350 centers where they can help with enrollment questions. 

Open enrollment ends December 7th.

They helped create the bounty we enjoy this holiday season and are thankful too. But for Iroquois County farmer Randy Poskin and some other Illinois farmers, 20-18 proved to be an odd year;

For Grundy County farmer Tammy Halterman, she and her family are already busy crunching numbers to get ready for 20-19;

After creeping higher since 20-15, the American Farm Bureau recently reported that farm bankruptcies are down nationwide. But, for the region that includes Illinois, the farm organization says bankruptcy court filings show they rose 16-percent.
 

After four years of conflict between the largest union for state workers and Governor Bruce Rauner, members of AFSCME Local 31 threw more than their fair share of support to Governor Elect J.B. Pritzker. With Rauner declaring talks with AFSCME at an impasse, there has been no sign of two sides meeting at the bargaining table. Pritzker says the union contract issue on his radar screen and his new budget transition committee, but it will be a while before he can step up to the negotiating table...

Prtizker's budget transition committee is headed up by former Comptroller Dan Hynes.

Around 60 groups will be walking through the Clinton Christmas Parade this year. The parade's theme will be Winter Wonderland, with it taking off at 2 pm from the high rise in Clinton says City Adminstrator Tim Followell.

During the parade, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce will announce the 1st annual Eat-Shop-Bank winner said Marketing Coordinator Lacy Phelps.

The Eat-Shop-Bank is a promotion to chamber members shopping local, helping keep tax dollars in Clinton. Once they shopped at a local store, they would get a stamp on a members list where once it equaled 50 dollars you would turn it into the chamber. Reason for doing this promotion had to deal with Wal-Mart closing said, Phelps.

The Christams Parade will be on Saturday, November 24th starting at 2 pm. 

The DeWitt County Board Approved to delete a code in their ordance on their meetings. The code was an old ordinance that was changed a while back said DeWitt County Board Chairman Dave Newberg.

Reason being for changing was because some workers in the court house were part of the county board or departments said Newberg.

The County Board approved deletion of the code on November 15th. They moved their orginal board meeting up one week due to Thanksgiving Day being on the third Thursday of the Month. 

Even though there’s been measurable snow in most of Illinois during November, that doesn’t mean we’re in store for a severe winter across the state. That’s the assessment from meteorologist Eric Schmidt with EJS Weather.

The first day of winter is Dec. 21. 

THE FALL HARVEST IS WRAPPING UP IN ILLINOIS AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT. 

TEMPERATURES WERE ABOUT 12 DEGREES BELOW NORMAL THIS PAST WEEK…AND ONLY ABOUT THREE DAYS WERE SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK. CORN HARVESTING IS COMPLETE AND OTHER CROPS ARE JUST ABOUT DONE SAYS STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

93 PERCENT OF SORGHUM HAS BEEN HARVESTED. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE IS RATED AT FOUR PERCENT SHORT, 70 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND 26 PERCENT SURPLUS.

If you're looking for something to do with the kids or grand-kids over the long holiday weekend, you might want to consider a trip to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. Museum director of special exhibitions, Anne Rashford, says the annual "Christmas Around the World" tradition includes a four-story Christmas tree and a lot more;

Rashford says another popular holiday tradition at the Chicago museum is its indoor rotunda snowfall;

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry also has special exhibits taking place celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 space flight and another on Disney's Pixar animated films. Museum fees and hours vary, so it's best to go online to find out at m-s-i-chicago-dot-org.

The holidays can be a stressful time for many people and a health care professional from northwest Illinois has some advice. Andy Jackson is with Sinnissippi Centers. He says there are many emotions that come with the holiday season…

Jackson also advises steering clear of some of the more political topics during the holiday season. 

Drug overdose deaths in Madison County have hit an all-time high, and in many ways mirrors the fight going on around the state and around the country. With about 6 weeks to go in 2018, the county just logged its 92nd fatal overdose. The previous record of 91 was set in 2014. While these deaths are caused by a variety of drugs, including alcohol, the county coroner says the most common substance found in these deaths is Fentanyl. Madison County Coroner Stephen Nonn tells The Big Z dealers continue to prey on the vulnerable.

Nonn says one of the keys moving forward is educating our children about the dangers of drug abuse, and has a team that goes to local schools to educate kids on the dangers of drug use. He notes those in the age group which have heard their message are not dying of overdoses at the same rate as those who have not. Overdose deaths nationwide account for about 72,000 deaths.

The Clinton Softball field's fence was starting to look a little old. Coach Bill Barretts, the Clinton High School Softball Coach, reached out to the Clinton Athletic Boosters to help financially support him in getting a new fence said President of the Clinton Athletic Boosters Brian Ennis.

The company that puts up the fence is currently working on another project but, the new fence is looking to be finished a put up by the end of the year said, Ennis. 
 

Monticello looks towards their rematch as they get set for the 3A State Finals for High School Football. Monticello who is 13-0 along with their opponent Byron played each other last year where Byron came out on top 21-20. 

The Sages have made to the playoffs all ten seasons with Head Coach Cullen Welter, and he got much support through those seasons.

The team has played well all season long, putting up an average of 40 points. Many of the seniors have a lot of experience and can play with a trait that not many have said Coach Welter.

The Sages again lost to Byron last year in the Quarter Finals by just one point and to give another reminder, Monticello's Atheltic Director Ed Sheehan left the scoreboard up saying 20-21, 4th quarter with 0:00 seconds. 

With it being Monticello's first ever title game Regional Radio News' Will Johnson asked Welter if he thought there might be some nervousness before the big game.

Byron known well for running the ball, and Monticello now and then has let teams catch a break on some runs. Will Johnson asked Coach if there may be some concern with the run.

Coach Welter had some final words on he felt going into the final game.

The Monticello Sages will play at Memorial Stadium on Friday afternoon at 4. Tune in to 95.9 FM WEZC or stream the game live at dewittdailynews.com.

Illinois is on the verge of its 5th decade possibly losing a congressional seat. The idea is if your state grows you can gain seats, but if you are losing residents, then you can lose seats. 

Mike Madigan who is the speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. He has been in charge for around 40 years now, and he overlooks the re-mapping of Illinois. Senator Chapin Rose believes that with the possibility of losing a seat that Illinois is not on the right path.

Now there is talk about losing one and even possibly two in Illinois. Rose said that it depends on where and whom you talk to.

With three Congressional seats that meet near East St. Louis, Rose said that it could very easily select from there, on who gets combined in districts. 

The redistricting won't take place till 2020. The re-map happens every ten years so we won't know till then. 

The state added 10,000 jobs last month but did see a small uptick in the overall unemployment rate. The Illinois Department of Employment Security Bob Gough says that a few industries added more gains than others.

The state unemployment rate now stands at four point two percent.

The IRS has some good news for farmers and ranchers. Changes in the tax code from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act have created new ways for farmers and ranchers to save when calculating their taxes next year says IRS Agent Michael Devine. 

Farmers and Ranchers seeking more information on how they are benefiting from changes to the tax code can go to IRS.gov or contact their accounting professionals for more information. 

Watch where you park this weekend and throughout the holiday shopping season as Secretary of State Police will be increasing patrols for those who are illegally parking in handicap parking places. Secretary of State Investigator Glenn Florkow says for anyone thinking of breaking this law – you’ve been warned police are on the lookout. 

The fines begin at $350 for parking in a disability space and go up to $2500 and a loss of your driver’s license for more serious offenses.

Minnesota is the top turkey producing state raising 20 percent of the nation’s 228 million birds.

The National Turkey Federation says that we will eat more than 46 million at Thanksgiving. Another 22 million are eaten at Christmas. 

American’s eat more turkey than any other country. 

Turkeys raised in commercial production are usually White Hollands.

Over 15 to 18 weeks a turkey will consume about 75 to 80 pounds of feed 
to make it to market weight. 

Ben Franklin was a notable fan of the turkey – he wrote in a letter to his daughter that the turkey should be the national bird - not the eagle. Not sure I’d like to see a Turkey on the back of my money.

President Abraham Lincoln declared the final Thursday in November to be a national day of Thanksgiving. President Franklin Roosevelt set 
Thanksgiving to always be on the 4th Thursday of the month – as not to impact holiday shopping.

There are four towns in the US with Turkey in their name including Turkey, North Carolina. 

Now that Thanksgiving Dinner is over what to do with the leftovers…..

USDA says eat the leftovers in 3 or 4 days and that’s if you get them in the fridge right away and don’t leave them out on the table all afternoon. 

The number one way of enjoying leftovers? A simple turkey sandwich.
 

Want to get a work out in before you eat all that delicious food on Thanksgiving Day? Check out Body Pump at the Clinton YMCA.

The Clinton YMCA will be having a class called Body Pump early in the morning on Thanksgiving Day said Executive Director Rennie Cluver.

Body Pump is a workout using light to moderate weights with lots of repetition, giving you a total body workout. Instructors will coach you through moves, and different lifting techniques said Cluver.

The Body Pump will be available to members and non-members on Thanksgiving Day at 7 am. If you would like to attend you need to arrive early, doors will lock at 6:50 am. If you have questions and need more information call the YMCA at (217) 935-8307 or go to their website at clintoncommymca.org.

DeWitt County Board will be losing three County Board members but will also gain three new after the recent election. 

Rita Sue Whitted, Cris Rogers, and Randy Perring were all running to stay on the county board. They lost the voting, and DeWitt County Dave Newberg thanked them for their hard work they put in and assured that moving forward the county board will stay strong. 

The current County Board though will have one more meeting adopt the budget for DeWitt County. The budget has been on file for 30 days. That special board meeting will be taking place on November 26. After that meeting its time for a change of seats.

The new board will reorganize in December with Terry Ferguson, Christina Pruser, and Travis Houser for District B and Nathan Ennis Melonie Tilley, and Dan Matthews for District D.

This Thanksgiving, Americans will consume more than 46 million turkeys. With so many people preparing a meal they don’t cook very often, hosts must be especially careful not to serve up food poisoning.

The USDA has recommended four steps that can help people protect themselves called clean, separate, cook and chill said USDA's, Nirav Shah. First is clean...

Proper hand washing after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial cross-contamination. The most common mistake was not scrubbing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Second is separate...

Using those separate cutting boards or utensils will help avoid cross-contamination between raw meat or poultry and other foods.

The third is cooking...

Confirm foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature by using a food thermometer. Your turkey should be cooked to 165 degrees checking with a thermometer, and only 12 percent of participants prepare that way.

Last is chill...

Chill foods promptly if not consuming immediately after cooking. USDA research found that only half of its patrons reported that they refrigerate large amounts of leftovers in multiple small containers.

For more information and tips on preparing the Thanksgiving meal safely, people can visit FoodSafety.gov or call the Meat and Poultry Hotline toll-free at 1-888-MPHotline.

Two state lawmakers believe the relationship between the Abrahahm Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and its independent fundraising arm, the Library and Museum Foundation needs a closer look. 

After recent reports the foundation spent $6.5 million for a stovepipe hat that may not have actually belonged to President Abraham Lincoln, State Senator and Legislative Audit Commission Co-Chair Jason Barickman and State Representative Tim Butler are calling for an audit. Butler discusses the goals of their audit push...

Barickman and Butler say an audit of how state funds were spent will shed light on whether taxpayer money was misspent or mismanaged. The process may help determine if the foundation bought the famed hat from a former member of the board for $6.5 million without first authenticating its true origin. Both lawmakers have filed legislation in their respective chambers calling for an audit. If either passes, the Auditor General will conduct an audit and report his findings to the Legislative Audit Commission.

Make cooking a turkey this Thanksgiving a delicious experience not a tragic one. If you are planning on deep frying a turkey this year you’ll want to take a few steps to make sure that you’re doing it safely. State Fire Marshall Matt Perez says do it away from the house and anything else flammable. 

Once you’ve done those things Perez says don’t turn your back on the cooker for too long. Keep checking in to make sure everything is going as it should and then get to enjoying that turkey.

Have you heard of the "Secret Sister" gift exchange? Chances are if you spend any amount of time on social media, you've come across it. But the Better Business Bureau wants you to know that it, as well as similar invitations are illegal and should be ignored.

The premise goes like this: participants will receive up to 36 gifts in exchange for sending one gift valued at $10. Users are encouraged to invite others to participate in the holiday gift exchange, where they will receive information on where to mail gifts. But BBB investigator Don O'Brien says it's not to be trusted.

And there's also the possibility that someone in the chain will use the personal information that is required to be a part of the "secret sister" exchange to compromise your identity, or sell to telemarketing list makers. For more information on scams, check out BBB Scam Tips (BBB.org/ScamTips). Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker).
 

Elections over and new members will take their seat on the DeWitt County Board next month, one of those is Nate Ennis. 

Incumbents Rita Sue Whitted, Cris Rogers, and Melonie Tilley were running along with Nate Ennis and Dan Matthews. Ennis, Matthews, and Tilley were voted in while Whitted and Rogers were voted out. 

Ennis spoke with Regional Radio News about why he ran for the county board.

Ennis went on to run for the county board, but not against anything or anyone in particular. Ennis ran believing in himself.

Some of the candidates had a side on a particular subject that has been part of the county board talk, that subject was about the wind farms. Ennis said that he wasn't for it nor against it. 

Ennis said that there is still more research he has to do before he comes up with a decision on the wind farms. 

The new board will reassign in December to decide who will cover what seats on the DeWitt County Board. 

The difference was big between Governor Bruce Rauner and Elect Governor JB Priztker, 15 points was the difference said University of Illinois Professor Dr. Kent Redfield. 

Incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner and Elect Governor JB Pritzker battled it out in the Illinois Governor race spending more than 230 million dollars. Only one can come out on top, and that one was JB Priztker. The difference was relatively significant, and one of the worst by an incumbent Governor said, Dr. Redfield.

It was a big rejection to Rauner in terms of how things have gone in Illinois said, Redfield. Illinois has many issues, and Rauner tried pointing out those that Democrats had done to the state. It was somewhat effective, but it didn't get all Illinoians on board.

Democrats winning DuPage County provides some concern for Republicans, with that county usually going towards Republican. In all and all Republicans lost, losing two seats in Congress up in the suburbs. 

Redfield did mention that there is some concern now with downstate and Central Illinois with the new legislators coming in.

Governor elect-JB Priztker won the election and looking down the road, Priztker and Mike Madigan will get the chance to re-map the districts in Illinois.  The redistricting could end up losing 1 or 2 congressional seats says, Congressman Rodney Davis.

The drawing will affect the Republicans said Davis with no republicans sitting at the table to decide on the redistricting.

Madigan will get to re-draw the maps in 2020 that could put all the favor in Democrats wiping out Republicans says, Davis.

The re-drawing of the maps won't take place till 2020. 

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC IS HEALTH IS URGING FAMILIES TO KEEP FOOD SAFETY IN MIND DURING THANKSGIVING PREPARATIONS. 

YOU WANT TO AVOID CROSS CONTAMINATION SAYS THE STATE’S CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER JENNIFER LAYDEN. THAT MEANS KEEPING RAW EGGS, MEATS AND THEIR JUICES AWAY FROM FOODS THAT WON’T BE COOKED…AND NOT RINSING THE TURKEY OFF IN THE SINK. SHE ALSO ADVISES PACKING UP LEFTOVERS SOON AFTER DINNER IN SMALL BUNDLES.

LAYDEN SAYS IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO USE A MEAT THERMOMETER. TURKEY SHOULD BE COOKED TO AN INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 165 DEGREES.

Illinois lawmakers are in the middle of their annual veto session, but there are thoughts about what is to come under Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker’s tenure. One of the biggest questions is whether recreational marijuana will become law in the state. State Rep. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro says while she’s a big supporter of medical marijuana, she does not support selling the drug for recreational purposes. 

Bryant says she sees recreational marijuana as a gateway drug that leads to more severe drug use and bigger crimes down the road for some us.

Monticello awarded a Bootcamp Grant to another business this fall. They award one business in the fall and the spring, this fall it went to KDK Designs. 

The Bootcamp program's purpose is to encourage the development and startup of businesses in our community.  Individuals who demonstrate they are in the process of starting a new business in Monticello are eligible to apply for a grant of $5,000 as part of the Bootcamp program.  

Katie Keman who was the winner for the fall with her business using her great designs said Monticello's Community Development Director Callie Jo McFarland.

How the business gets selected is applicants who meet the eligibility requirements may present their business plan to a panel of judges during the 5th week of the Bootcamp Program.  The judges may recommend the grant to one of the applicants or they may not. Keman showed much knowledge in her business said, McFarland.

The Bootcamp program runs in the spring and fall for five weeks.  Classes meet from 6-9pm on Tuesday evenings at the Livingston Center, 224 E. Livingston Street, Monticello.  Classes are free for everyone and open to anyone.
 

Congressman Rodney Davis believes a bi-partisan Farm Bill is in our midst. 

Davis spoke with Regional Radio News talking about a meeting with Chairman Conway, who is in charge of the Agriculture Committee will be able to make a move on the farm bill soon.

Davis said that he couldn't release all the details because nothing has been set in stone quite yet. Though there is still concern that the bill will get left in the house, Davis said that the Chairman talked to the committee to discuss the farm bill saying that they are close. 

Davis believes that with both Chairmans on the same page that the bill will get pushed. The date when it will finish is yet to be known. 

The Rock Springs Nature Center has acquired a new exhibit to display to all the visitors. The nature center rotates every four months of different educational exhibits. Over the late spring, summer, and early fall they had a display on water. Now they have switched it to conservation and preservation thanks to the nature centers historical intern said Rock Springs Nature Center, Richie Wolf.

Some would think that the two are the same, but there are differences in conservation and preservation said, Wolf.

The new exhibit is open at the Rock Springs Nature Center, every day the nature center is. The exhibit is free and self-guided. If you have questions about the exhibit, you can ask the nature center employees, or you can also go to their website for more information at maconcountyconservation.org.

HUNTERS HITTING THE FIELDS THIS WEEKEND FOR FIREARM DEER SEASON ARE URGED TO TAKE BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

THERE WERE 19 HUNTING ACCIDENTS REPORTED LAST YEAR IN ILLINOIS…INCLUDING THREE FATALITIES. 10 OF THOSE INCIDENTS INVOLVED HUNTERS FALLING FROM TREE STANDS…SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO WEAR A SAFETY HARNESS SAYS STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SPOKESPERSON ED CROSS.

HUNTERS MUST ALSO WEAR BLAZE ORANGE AND CROSS ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO TREAT ANY FIREARM AS IF IT’S LOADED. MAKE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU’RE READY TO SHOOT.

REPRESENTATIVE LA SHAWN FORD OF CHICAGO SAYS THE USE OF METAL DETECTORS WOULD GREATLY HELP PREVENT MASS SCHOOL SHOOTINGS.

FORD SAYS FEDERAL MONEY COULD HELP PAY FOR THE METAL DETECTORS, THAT WOULD BE USED WHEN NEEDED AND ALSO MADE AVAILABLE FOR LARGE SPORTING EVENTS, COURTHOUSES, COLLEGES AND HOSPITALS.

SENATE LAWMAKERS ARE VOTING TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF “TOBACCO 21” LEGISLATION” 

THE MEASURE RAISES THE LEGAL AGE TO BUY CIGARETTES, VAPING DEVICES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS FROM 18 TO 21. GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER VETOED THE BILL SAYING THIS WILL JUST CAUSE YOUNG ADULTS TO GET THEIR SMOKES FROM NEIGHBORING STATES. BUT BILL SPONSOR, SENATOR JULIE MORRISON OF DEERFIELD SAYS THE CHANGE IS NEEDED TO PREVENT MORE PEOPLE FROM PICKING UP THE DEADLY HABIT.

UNDER THE BILL…YOU’LL HAVE TO BE 21 INSTEAD OF 18 TO BUY TOBACCO PRODUCTS, CIGARETTES AND VAPING DEVICES. THIS IS NEEDED TO ADDRESS A MAJOR PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM SAYS SENATOR BILL HAINE OF ALTON.

IT’S NOW UP TO THE HOUSE TO ALSO OVERRIDE THE VETO.

CORN AND SOYBEAN HARVESTING IS NEARING COMPLETION AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT. 

TEMPERATURES WERE SEVEN DEGREES BELOW NORMAL AND RAIN WAS ALMOST AN INCH ABOVE NORMAL THIS PAST WEEK. THAT LEFT JUST THREE DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK. CROP STATISTICIAN BRAD SUMMA SAYS PRODUCERS ARE WRAPPING UP HARVEST.

90 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED AND 74 PERCENT HAS EMERGED. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE IS NOW RATED AS FOUR PERCENT SHORT, 70 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND 26 PERCENT SURPLUS.

A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF LAWMAKERS IS LOOKING TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF CAR-SHARE LEGISLATION. 

THE MEASURE ADDRESSES PEER-TO-PEER CAR SHARING, WHERE PEOPLE CAN RENT THEIR PERSONAL VEHICLES TO CONSUMERS. IT APPLIES MANY OF THE SAME REGULATIONS AND TAXES AS CAR RENTAL COMPANIES LIKE HERTZ AND ENTERPRISE ARE SUBJECTED TO SAYS SENATOR TONY MUNOZ OF CHICAGO.

THE GOVERNOR VETOED THE MEASURE SAYING IT STIFLED AN EMERGING INDUSTRY, BUT REPRESENTATIVE GRANT WEHRLI OF NAPERVILLE SAYS THE OVERSIGHT IS NEEDED.

BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE MUST OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR’S VETO FOR THE BILL TO BECOME LAW.

On Friday November 16 National Biodiesel Board annouced that farmers Jeff Lynn and Rob Shaffer were elected to positions on the governing board. NBB deals with trade association dealing with various other companies in biodiesel. 

Shaffer is from El Paso, Ilinois a fourth generation soybean, corn and angus cattle farmer. Shaffer also represents the American Soybean Assoication, Roanoke Farmers Association Elevaotr and Diretor for the National Biodiesel Foundation. 

Lynn who hails from Oakfield, Illinois also works on corn and soybean farms. Lynn farms over in Cass County where he is the president of the National Biodiesel Foundation, Director of Illinois Soybean Association and Chandlerville Township trustee. 

Working with NBB as board members, the two will market soybean oil and other feedstocks made for biodiesel fuel. Lynn and Shaffer will get to work on the board for two-year terms.

The City of Clinton announced Friday, November 16, that the City Clerk will be open from 8 am to 4:30 pm beginning December 10 through December 17, being open till 5 pm on the 17. 

The purpose is for accepting candidate petitions said City Clerk Cheryl Van Valey.

The candidates will file their petitions to be on the ballot but still can pick up forms from city hall if they want to be considered said Van Valey.

The general election is being held on April 2, 2019, for Mayor, Commissioner of Accounts and Finances, Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements, Commissioner of Public Property (water), and Commissioner of Public Health and Safety.
 

Want to enjoy some time at the Vespasian Warner Public Library after the Clinton Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade? You can, by going to their table on the square and enjoy some holiday festivities said Bussiness Manager Samantha Rusk.

The theme for the Christmas Parade will be Winter Wonderland, and the parade will be taking place on Saturday, November 24. The parade will start at 2 pm from the high rise on East Main Street in Clinton. You can find the library at 310 N. Quincy St. in Clinton.

Do you need some support with someone dealing with dementia? Well, you can go the Liberty Village in Clinton, and visit the Dementia Support Group on November 27th.

The support group meets every fourth Tuesday of each month to talk with families. Dementia is a difficult disease, and that's why they bring the support group to the Liberty Village says Director of Marketing and Sales Nick Crimm.

Liberty Village helps with trying to keep those loved ones active doing various activities says, Crimm.

The Dementia support group will be there on Tuesday, November 27th at the Liberty Village starting at 2 pm. 

Winter weather has come early with the snow, and that could affect your gardens. U of I Horticulturist Candace Hart had some tips on what to do with your gardens with the winter weather.

For the leaves, if get them mowed down, can help your yard and you can possibly leave the leaves in your garden said, Hart.

When Spring comes through you would still need to something with the leaves if they were still in your garden or yard. In your gardens, it is still an excellent time to get rid of weeds as well said Hart.

Hart said during this time of the season is a great time to start planning for how you are going to plant your garden next spring. If you have questions about your garden, you can call your U of I extension office or by going to their website at web.extension.illinois.edu.

llinois school kids are heading off to college in numbers larger than a year ago. The State Board of Education is releasing data that shows more kids are choosing to continue with their education and State Superintendent Tony Smith says its great news.

Many of the students heading off to college have head start on college credits as more and more students are taking AP exams.

After weeks of speculation and rumors, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is making it official, she is making a run for Mayor of Chicago. A little more than a week after winning election to a second term, Mendoza revealed she hopes to take the Mayor's office for the City of Broad Shoulders in a campaign video....

The Chicago Tribune reports Mendoza began looking into a run for Mayor within days of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's announcement he wouldn't seek another term.

The DeWitt County Board had their monthly meeting, Thursday, November 17, a little early with Thanksgiving on the way.

Randy Perring, who is in charge of the Marina on the county board, reported that the service dock was getting some repairs done. The process wasn't easy as they had a hard time finding divers said Perring.

The divers were able to work on the service dock and should keep it afloat with more troubling winds coming through said Perring.

Perring thanked the board for all the work they have done over the year, and on working together. Perring will have one more board meeting with the county board before leaving.

Partners in Parenting is having guest speaker Cory Baxter come to Clinton Junior High Library.

The Partners in Parenting meet every third Thursday to talk about parenting related topics. The group was originally called a parent advisory said Clinton School Counselor Amanda Douglas.

The group is open to all junior high parents. The group plans and the beginning of each year and to decide what topics the group will discuss they send out surveys to parents to see what topics they might be interested in said, Douglas. These topics will then get presented to all the parents. 

This month they will be bringing in guest speaker Cory Baxter to talk about speaking teen said, Douglas.

There is no need to rsvp, but it does help to call ahead if you are interested so the school can help provide all the material for the presentations. If you have any questions, you can call the Clinton Junior High at 217-935-2103. The Partners in Parenting will be meeting at 6 pm in the Clinton Junior High Library.

A brand new holiday family musical is coming to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts next month. The musical is to find the joy in our own lives and to rediscover the magic of Christmas. The new holiday family musical is working to go to Broadway eventually said Assistant Performing Arts Manager Ann-Marie Dittman.

The musical is going to tell a story about a little girl who helps find the magic of Christmas said, Dittman.

The musical will take place on Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online at www.artsblooming.org, where you can get discounts or family packs. You can call the BCPA at (309) 434-2777 if you have questions or go to their office in Bloomington at 600 N. East Street.
 

Illinois got some measurable snow mid-week. That assessment from meteorologist Dan Hicks with Freese-Notis Weather.

For the first 12 days of November, temperatures over most of Illinois are running anywhere from 4-to-8 degrees below normal. 

THE FIRST PERIOD OF ILLINOIS’ MOST POPULAR HUNTING RUNS THROUGH SUNDAY. STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SPOKESPERSON ED CROSS REMINDS THAT IN MANY NORTHERN ILLINOIS COUNTIES WHERE CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IS A PROBLEM, HUNTERS ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER DEER TAKEN AT A CHECK STATION BETWEEN EIGHT A-M AND EIGHT P-M.

HUNTERS IN THE REST OF THE STATE CAN REGISTER THEIR HARVEST BY CALLING: 1-866-IL-CHECK OR ONLINE AT: DNR DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV.

Lawmaker’s are working on a veto override of a bill that allows for widespread renting of personal cars to others. Think of it as Air-b-n-b for vehicles. The bill changed under Gov. Rauner’s amendatory veto pen months ago. Now both sides are fighting to either keep the bill or add regulations that would include taxing peer to peer rentals. 

Greg Scott with the American Car Rental Association says his companies aren’t losing business just yet but this emerging car rental market will impact them and state revenues.

About 12,000 cars right now are up for peer to peer rentals in Illinois.

Illinois residents have about a month left to examine health insurance options under the federal Affordable Care Act. Illinois Department of Insurance Director Jennifer Hammer and other I-D-O-I officials plan to travel to all 102 Illinois counties to answer questions and provide some guidance;

Six insurance carriers - that's one more than last year - can provide health insurance to Illinois residents. Some won't have as many plans to choose from, while others could have up to 30 different choices and some subsidized by the federal government based on income;

I-D-O-I says for the first time since 20-15, the cost of most health insurance plans within the federal program will be stable or could drop for those that enroll for coverage next year. The deadline is December 15th. More information can be found online at get-covered-dot-illinois-dot-gov.

The boil order for the area has been lifted. If you have any questions please call 217-935-3432.

The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce gets ready for 60 groups to go through the Clinton Christmas Parade. The Christmas Parade will be taking place this month on November 24. The theme this year will be winter wonderland said Marketing Coordinator Lacy Phelps.

During the parade, the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce will announce the 1st annual Eat-Shop-Bank. 

The Eat-Shop-Bank is a promotion to chamber members shopping local, helping keep tax dollars in Clinton. Once they shopped at a local store, they would get a stamp on members list where once it equaled 50 dollars you would turn it into the chamber. Reason for doing this promotion had to deal with Wal-Mart closing said, Phelps.

The Christmas Parade will be taking place on Saturday, November 24. The parade will kick off at 2 pm starting from the high rise on East Main Street in Clinton.

The Baby Fold gets ready to celebrate their 25th Anniversary of the Annual Festival of Trees.

The special event will be celebrating Christmas Festivities early, but you'll enjoy the sights, sounds, and excitement of Christmas all while benefiting The Baby Fold said Vice President of Development and Public Relations at The Baby Fold Aimee Beam.

Beam says that this is an enjoyable family activity to enjoy because of the atmosphere and festivities to celebrate.

The event brings in over ten thousand people said Beam, and because of the different activities going like the silent auction, Avanti's Family Night, Breakfast with Santa and more. 

All these activities aren't about bringing in the money, but about showing what the Baby Fold is all about said, Beam.

The Festival of Trees will be going on November 16 through the 19 in Normal at the Interstate Center. You can find the full schedule and tickets at www.festoftrees.org.

Do you want to help society and offer your time to a business? Well, you can help with Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois. CAPCIL provides opportunities to volunteer in a variety of roles and positively impact agency programs and create a cohesive society said Volunteer Services Director Breann Titus.

There is even opportunities for a program called Foster Grandparent Program, that help children as well said, Titus.

The candidates must be able to serve 20, 30 or 40 hours per week in a classroom setting,  must enjoy working with children, and receive a tax-free stipend, pre-service orientation, training, and recognition for their service.

There is a screening process that Titus will do to figure out what opportunity works with you.

With you giving to these various services you do get some rewards working with CAPCIL. One is the food pantry said, Titus.

Some other rewards are discounts on the thrift store, and if you need to use a space for a meeting, you can use your CAPCIL facility for those as well.

If you are interested in becoming a CAPCIL Volunteer, you can print and fill out an application and return it to the agency via email btitus@capcil.org, or mail it to 1800 5th Street, Lincoln, IL 62656.

STATE OFFICIALS ARE THANKING ILLINOIS VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE. 

AT AN EVENT IN CHICAGO...GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER SAID RECENT AND LONG-TIME VETERANS ARE OUR HEROES.

STATE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DIRECTOR STEPHEN CURDA  ALSO ATTENDED THE EVENT IN CHICAGO, SAYING IT'S ALWAYS AN HONOR TO SPEAK TO THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH FOR THEIR COUNTRY.

200 ILLINOIS VETS WILL BE HONORED FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND CONTINUED COMMUNITY SERVICE AT THE ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION PARTY IN CHICAGO ON DECEMBER THIRD.

The Fall Veto Session gets underway in Springfield and Northwestern Illinois state senator Neil Anderson says he doesn’t expect a lot of twists and turns.

Anderson has, however, turned his attention to what can be done in Illinois to better the economy.

The veto session is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week, they will take a couple of weeks off, and reconvene on November 27th, 28th, and 29th.

After a bitter 255 million dollar campaign, Gov. Bruce Rauner and Governor-elect JB Pritzker are burying the hatchet for the state's birthday. The pair have issued a joint press release, announcing they will make a joint appearance at the state’s 200th Birthday Party on December 3rd. The event has moved from the United Center to the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. The "more intimate" event will feature a performance by Hamilton's Miguel Cervantes, Blues legened Buddy Guy, performances by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a special acoustic performance by Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon. There will also be a Championship Parade featuring star athletes marching with Chicago team championship trophies. Stuart Layne, executive director of the Governor’s Office of the Bicentennial, acknowledged weaker than expected ticket sales. People who have purchased tickets for the United Center may use them for the party at Navy Pier or contact Ticketmaster for a refund prior to Dec. 2.

Jared White, the local farm broadcaster for NEWSTALK WTIM AM-FM Taylorville and WHOW AM-FM Clinton, won an award earlier this month at the annual meeting of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting in Kansas City.

White, who has been a member of N-A-F-B since 2011, was given an award for 5 years of membership in the organization.  

White produces 2 15-minute morning and noon farm shows each weekday for NEWSTALK WTIM and WHOW.  He travels extensively over some 12 counties in Central Illinois, covering local agriculture, and interviews over 200 farmers and agri-business leaders each year about current farm issues.

White is also station manager at WHOW and WEZC in Clinton.

The Vault has raised over 16.5 thousand dollars in their recent fundraisers, or donations.

In October the Vault had their Harlem Wizards event, which took place at the Clinton High school where more than a thousand people attended. The event raised over 12 thousand dollars from ticket sales. Michelle Witzke said that they were blown away by the turnout and participation from everyone.

Not only did they raise money from the Harlem Wizards but First National Bank and Trust Company donated 3 thousand dollars to the Vault. Five of the students presented a business plan to FNB to show what the money will go towards for the Vault.

The money will go to buying chairs and tables to use the Vault as a venue that people can rent out. 

The money still kept coming for the Vault as the Eagles would help donating 1.5 thousand dollars. The Eagles were a little skeptical at first, but once they saw what the Vault was capable of,  they changed their minds said, Witzke.

The Vault continues to work with local organizations to help promote what they are doing for kids today. Creating a safe place to hang out, have fun, and offering many services that kids may need. 

If you would like to visit the Vault or support them, you can go to their website at www.thevaultclinton.org or calling (217) 934-4003. You can also go to the Vault location at 802 N. Side Square Clinton, IL.

Need gifts for Christmas? How about a gift you made yourself. You can make fun easy gifts from a variety of fun techniques and take home some nice presents from Decatur Area Arts Council says Executive Director Jerry Johnson.

The workshop will use different art experiences such as making an acrylic pour coaster, alcohol ink ornament, magnets, pendant and more said, Johnson.

The Gift Giving Workshop is for all ages where they can make gifts for loved ones. The workshop will take place on Saturday, November 17 at the Decatur Area Arts Studio from 1 to 3 pm. The fee for members is 25 dollars, and for nonmembers, it is 30 dollars. You can call the Arts Council if you have questions at 217-423-3169 or go to their website at www.decaturarts.org for more information. 

Holy Trinity St. Vincent de Paul in Bloomington is repurposing the Parish Junior High Building into a food and clothing pantry.

Over the past few years the volunteer group, who delivers food and clothing to those in need, have outgrown and need a bigger space says Dorthy Deany.

In the past six years, the patrons that attend the pantry have increased threefold serving around 1200 families each month. The clients are seniors, low wage earners, the disabled and the under or unemployed. 

The other reason for growing is that they feel that don't quite serve the people enough because of the space they have right now, said Jim Tuite.

The Holy Trinity Saint Vincent de Paul is the largest food pantry in McLean County and the pantry in the Diocese of Peoria. You can call St. Vincent de Paul if you have any questions at 309-829-9611. 

With a Democratic super-majority arriving with Governor-Elect J.B Pritzker, talk has begun to swirl regarding potential legislation that could arrive as well. One piece of legislation that has received a great deal of speculation is the potential introduction of a mileage tax for drivers in Illinois. 74th District State Representative Dan Swanson says he's not seen any potential mileage tax legislation yet but he believes it is something to be concerned about. 

Swanson was elected to a second term in the state House of Representatives after running unopposed in the recent midterm elections. 

Last week, Governor-Elect J.B. Pritzker introduced his budget and innovation transition team. Former Comptroller Dan Hynes will quarterback that effort. He acknowledges it's no easy task.....

Hynes says when it comes to budget gameplanning, accuracy is everything.....

Pritzker is set to introduce a new transition team that will focus on the needs of veterans.

The first of two periods allowed by the state of Illinois for deer hunters to use firearms opens Friday, November 16th and will run through Sunday, November 18th. In some cases, hunters will double or triple the population of some small Illinois towns, such as Golconda in the Shawnee National Forest. The Pope County Deer Festival starts there Thursday, and Connie Beck - who leads its planning as president of the Golconda Rotary Club - says they’ll be ready;

Beck says Pope County, which borders Kentucky, doesn’t even have one traffic light. But she explains why some roads during peak deer hunting periods can sometimes be tricky to navigate; 

Illinois will also have a second period this year for hunting deer using firearms. That will take place November 29th through December 2nd.

DeWitt County Development Council Board announced First National Bank and Trust Company as their Business of the Month Spotlight for the donations and their involvement in the community. 

Over time DCDC has been working on a Revolving Loan Fund to help local businesses says President DCDC, David Torbert.

DCDC worked on the application process making it easier for businesses said, Torbert. The fund is to help these businesses if they can't get the needed funds from a local bank. 

FNB can help the businesses with the funding but there are sometimes banks cannot fund the entire project said President of FNB Josh Shofner.

Businesses can work with DCDC to help cover that extra funding that they maybe were not able to get from the banks and continue to grow. 
 

Children's Discovery Museum in Uptown Normal will be opening a new exhibit dealing with wind energy. The new exhibit is to go with their Imagine Air Exhibit to learn about wind energy says Education Manager Rachel Carpenter.

Kids will get a chance to build their own windmills and wind farms with different components.

The kids will also get a chance to learn why they build wind turbines in certain areas.

Carpenter said this is an excellent exhibit for parents to learn about windmills and this is a nice exhibit for kids because this relates to schools for kids.

The new exhibit will be opening this month on November 24. You can check out the new wind exhibit at the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal on 101 E. Beaufort St. If you have questions on pricing for admission, you can check out their website at childrensdiscoverymuseum.net or by calling (309) 433-3444. 

For married couples, understanding spouse's benefits is a big part of retirement planning. Whether or not your spouse will qualify for anything on your Social Security earnings record depends on several factors says Public Affairs Specialist Jack Myers.

One of the factors comes down to age and children.

Another factor that could limit your earnings is if your spouse is working.

Then another factor is if your spouse is available for a pension.

These are some the factors that can affect on that social security benefit that may or may not come to you. You can learn more about social security and its benefits by going online to www.socialsecurity.gov.
 

The city of East Peoria is gearing up to get patrons in the holiday spirit once again. The "Festival of Lights" will kick off this month for the 34th year. Jill Peterson with the Festival says the party gets started with a parade of lights on November 17th.

Peterson says many of the displays carry over from year-to-year, but some seasons they are able to make upgrades and new additions to keep it fresh.

Following the parade, the floats are moved to a permanent location and becomes "Folepi's Winter Wonderland" for folks to drive through during the holiday months. The Parade of Lights will be on November 17th, after which you can see all of the floats at the Festival of Lights, open Thanksgiving night through New Year's Eve. Parade route and more information on the festival can be found at folepi.org.

University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Candice Hart continues her how-to gardening
series Hands-on Horticulture with Hart on December 4 with a wreath-making demonstration.
Candice will show you how to begin and what greenery to use and what supplies are needed to
make a gorgeous wreath of your own design! From raw materials to finished beauty, Candice will
demonstrate each step along the way. Each participant will create their own evergreen arrangement
or décor item to take home.

This program will meet at the Vespasian Warner Public Library District located at 310 N. Quincy St.
in Clinton from 6-7:30pm. The program is free and includes all evergreens and items necessary to
create an item to take home. Please register by November 30 at vwarner.org or call 217.935.5764.
Class is limited to the first 15 registrants. Contact Candice at 217.935.5764 or mille116@illinois.edu
for more information.

Eastern Illinois Foodbank will distribute a truckload of food from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank to hungry area families.  The distribution will be held at Clinton High School in Clinton, Illinois on 12/1/2018 from 10 – 11:30am.  All Dewitt County residents who meet income eligibility criteria are welcome.  Those attending are asked to bring boxes or bags to transport food.  

October came and went and left some folks in Illinois with the first snow fall of the season. The month will go down as having something for everyone. State Climatologist Jim Angel says that by mid-month most the state had seen freezing temps. Now he says get ready for a colder and wetter November.

Northern Illinois saw wetter than normal conditions over the month of October and for farmers there it’s created challenging harvest conditions.

Healing Of Our American Heroes, or HOOAH, is a statewide organization in Illinois that has developed a platform for disabled Veterans to pursue outdoor activities.

Board Member, Tom Gaither, says the founding member Tom Huffington, got the idea to create HOOAH after seeing a disabled vet on TV.

Gaither, a Marine Corp Veteran and avid outdoorsman himself, says HOOAH is providing a service to those men and women who have sacrificed for their country.

You can visit hooah-deer-hunt-for-heroes-dot-com for more information. 

In advance of Veterans Day, the Illinois Veterans Affairs Healthcare System offering education about suicide prevention among vets. Dale Horaz (HER-AZ) is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the agency. He says the biggest hurdle for preventing suicide is simply getting vets, of all ages, invested in the care they need.

Someone is always available for veterans at 1-800-273-TALK or you can contact Horaz personally at dale.horaz@va.gov.
 

With Democrats winning back control of the U.S. House Tuesday night, Western Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos has indicated she plans to run for Assistant Democratic Leader. This would be the number four post in Democratic House Leadership. She made the announcement last month on MSNBC. 

Bustos currently serves as a Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.
 

Want to learn about the early days of Illinois from a historian? Well, check out the Vespasian Warner Library in Clinton this Saturday for Illinois Hieroglyphics a detective story presented by the University of Illinois Historian Professor Bob Morrisey.

The library was able to get Morrisey to come to present his history class with a grant from Illinois Humanities. Morrisey will talk about artwork about Illinois history said Business Manager Samantha Rusk.

The event will be going on Saturday at the Vespasian Warner Library from 10 am to 11 am. Rusk did ask if you are interested, call the library to let them know you are coming. You can call the library at 217-935-5174.

The Scovill Zoo has closed for the winter, but during their closed period, they are getting ready for next year. Over the winter Scovill Zoo plans for next spring, and with that planning, the zoo looks to train volunteers to do all sorts of activities and tasks.

The volunteers will go to the Scovill Zoo to help start some of their training and education classes to help prep them says Scovill Zoo Director Ken Frye.

The classes for volunteers will start in February, and there is a volunteer application on the Scovill Zoo website if you are interested. The website for the Scovill Zoo is scovillzoo.com, or you can call if you have any questions at 217-421-7435.

More than 8 million people who get monthly Social Security or SSI benefits need help managing their money. If this sounds familiar, it may be time for you to apply to become a representative payee. 

The program is for family members or a trusted loved one to help represent the person receiving those benefits says Public Affairs Specialist Jack Myers.

Becoming a payee will place your name on the Social Security or SSI record and allow you to conduct business with Social Security on behalf of the loved one receiving those benefits. To become this payee, you will have to contact one of your local Social Security offices. 

The money received is still their money to be used for their expenses, but it is your name on file to help that loved one. Becoming the payee while receiving that money does not affect your tax says Myers. 

You can learn more about the representative payee program at www.socialsecurity.gov/payee or call 877-326-0108.

THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM IS HONORING VETERANS WITH FREE ADMISSION SUNDAY. 

THE MUSEUM WILL FEATURE SPECIAL LIGHTING AND DECORATIONS AND A MEMORIAL FLAME WILL BE LIT IN CELEBRATION OF VETERANS DAY. SPOKESPERSON CHRIS WILLS SAYS THEY WILL ALSO HAVE A GUEST SPEAKER.

VIETNAM VETS IN ATTENDANCE WILL RECEIVE A SPECIAL LAPEL-PIN. THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND THE AL LYNCH EVENT NEED TO RESERVE A SEAT ONLINE AT: PRESIDENT LINCOLN DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV.

VETERANS ARE BEING HONORED AT THE ILLINOIS STATE CAPITOL. 

THE ANNUAL “WALL OF HONOR” IS NOW ON DISPLAY…FEATURING PHOTOS AND STORIES OF MILITARY HEROES FROM ILLINOIS. LORI YATES WITH THE SENATE REPUBLICANS SAYS THEY SET UP THE MEMORIAL AREA AS A WAY OF REMEMBERING AND HONORING VETS FROM ALL OVER THE STATE.

THE ANNUAL “WALL OF HONOR” IN THE CAPITOL ROTUNDA…WILL BE FEATURING SUBMITTED PHOTOS AND STORIES OF COURAGE OF HEROES FROM ILLINOIS SAYS DIRECTOR OF DISTRICT PLANNING LORI YATES.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO WRITE A MEMORY OR THANK YOU TO VETS ON A STAR AND THEN TAPE IT TO THE WALL. THE DISPLAY IS OPEN THROUGH THE 16TH.

The Illinois Bicentennial committee selected a Clinton local AMVET as an Illinois Bicentennial Honor 200 Honoree. The Honor 200 award nominations were evaluated on the achievements and the contributions made by each Honoree that have aided, benefited and provided inspiration to their local communities and their fellow veterans. 

Darrel Tucker with the Clinton AMVETS and AMVETS Department of Illinois Commander was selected, representing recipients from more than 50 counties across the state.

To qualify for the selection, the nominee has to demonstrate involvement in communitties, as a veteran, and Tucker continues to make extraordinary contributions to his community and the people.

Tucker served six years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Tucker and the other Honorees will receive their award and recognition at the December 3 Bicentennial Celebration at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 

Around 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is what causes dementia which is what we know as a memory loss disorder.

Alzheimer's Association Education and Outreach  Manager Daryl Carlson said that dementia isn't a disease itself, but what is the result from Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's currently doesn't have a cure, but Carlson did say that there are ways to pick up on it early to prepare yourself.

One of those early steps to picking up on Alzheimer's is checking in with your doctor. Carlson said it never hurts to do check-ups with your doctor. Another factor is any significant memory loss, not just losing your keys or wallet, memory loss that affects your day. Carlson said if you forgot about a conversation you had five minutes ago, can't remember your schedule for an entire day if you don't write down.

What causes the Alzheimer's to bring the dementia is still unsure other than the fact that the brain builds up some kind of plaque similar to heart disease that builds up in your brain killing cells said, Carlson.

The big factor that comes to play trying to prevent Alzheimer's and it comes down to risk management. Unfortunately one of the more significant risk factors is getting older said, Carlson. The other risk management is heart health, keeping that heart and brain connection. Maintaining a good diet and health and social interaction helps keep a better well being. 

If you have questions about Alzheimer's contact your doctor, or you can speak with Alzheimer's Association at their 24/7 helpline 1-800-272-3900 or go to www.alz.org/illinois for more information.

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 67 million people will increase by 2.8 percent in 2019.

The increase will begin with social security payments paid in January and SSI payments paid on December 31. The raise is a cost of living adjustment tied with a measure of inflation says Public Affairs Specialist Jack Myers.

With the increasing of the benefits, Medicare announced that the standard part B premium is increasing slightly from 134 dollars to 135.50 dollars said, Myers.

The new benefit amounts are not available yet, but will get calculated in December and letters will be mailed out. You can be among the first to know about the amount by creating my social security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount said, Myers.

You can go to www.socialsecurity.gov or call 877-326-0108 for more information.

The polls showing Democrat J.B. Pritzker with a solid lead in the race for Governor turned out to be on target. Pritzker racked up 54 percent of the vote to Bruce Rauner's 39 percent in rolling to victory in the 255 million dollar campaign. Pritzker used the celebration of the state's bicentennial as a rallying cry for change.....

Pritzker highlighted key points of his agenda for the day he gets the keys to the Governor's Mansion....

While money had an obvious impact on the race, Pritzker has maintained the ground game of his campaign and Democrats as a whole, paved the way for victory.

Governor Bruce Rauner has learned his fate, he will be a one term Governor.....

He has pursued his Turnaround Agenda since the moment he took the oath of office. Even though he was soundly defeated in his bid for re-election, Rauner believes it's still possible to make changes to the legislative remapping process and bring term limits, if Democrats are willing....

Rauner says successful Democratic led efforts to enact portions of his turnaround agenda have occurred in a number of states.

Optimism was brimming most of the night at the Downtown Springfield gathering for Democratic Congressional candidate Betsy Dirksen Londrigan. Returns showed her holding a massive lead early and CNN projected her as the winner of the race with Republican incumbent Rodney Davis. But in a moment reminiscent of the newspaper headline Dewey defeats Truman, it was Davis declaring victory in his hometown of Taylorville.....

Davis won by just over 3600 votes. 

Want to celebrate veterans day? Well, you can with the Macon County Honor Guard at the Salvation Army in Decatur.

On Veterans Day November 11, Macon County Honor guard will be hosting a Veterans Day Observance at the Salvation Army to honor veterans says Chairman of the Macon County Veterans Assitance Commission Bill Hanes.

The Observance will have guest speaker Manager of Moran & Goebel Funeral Home David Gobel. The event will start at 7 pm and will take place at 229 West Main Street in Decatur, IL. If you would like to attend and find more information you can call the Veterans Assistance Commision of Macon County at 217-424-1376. 

DeWitt County Development Council Board picked First National Bank and Trust Company for the Business of the Month Spotlight. 

DCDC recognized them for its history and benefits to the community. First National Bank recently donated to Warner Hospital and Health Services, DCDC, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

First National Bank has helped fix some of the needs of the community donating to different organizations said DCDC president David Torbert.

DCDC helps to engage with current or potential business to grow market in DeWitt County to attract jobs. DCDC promotes the local businesses, providing assistance and direction to improve businesses.

If you would like to find more information or help a business grow in DeWitt County, you can call DCDC at (217) 935-5271 or email info@dcdc-illinois.net.

RAINY WEATHER SLOWED HARVEST PROGRESS A BIT AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT.

JUST THREE DAYS WERE SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK…AND AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE INCREASED TO THREE PERCENT SHORT, 75 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND 22 PERCENT SURPLUS SAYS CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

SORGHUM HARVEST REACHED 89 PERCENT COMPLETE. 85 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED AND 66 PERCENT EMERGED.

A state champion will be crowned in Illinois 8-man football this weekend. Jim Taylor reports.

DeWitt County Board Member District B:

Terry Ferguson (R) - 28.98%

Christina L. Pruser (R) 27.16%

Travis E. Houser (R) 227.88%

Randy F. Herring (D) 15.98%

DeWitt County Board Member District D:

Nathan Ennis (R) 23.05%

Melonie S. Tilley (R) 22.85%

Dan Matthews (R) 21.46%

Rita Sue Whitted (D) 16.88%

Cris Rogers (D) 15.77%

https://il-dewitt.pollresults.net/

A LOT OF QUESTIONS USUALLY POP UP ON ELECTION DAY. HERE’S SOME OF THE ANSWERS.

DON’T WORRY IF YOU’RE THE ULTIMATE PROCRASTINATOR…YOU CAN STILL REGISTER TO VOTE...RIGHT AT THE POLLS SAYS STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SPOKESPERSON MATT DIETRICH.

ADDITIONALLY, IF YOU REQUESTED A MAIL-IN BALLOT, DON’T TRY TO VOTE AGAIN AT THE POLLS. EITHER GET THE BALLOT IN THE MAIL RIGHT AWAY OR BRING IT TO YOUR LOCAL POLLING PLACE IF YOU DECIDE TO VOTE IN PERSON INSTEAD.

YES, YOU CAN STILL REGISTER TO VOTE, JUST BRING TWO FORMS OF I-D, AND YES YOU CAN UNDERVOTE IF YOU WANT TO SKIP CHOOSING A CANDIDATE IN A CERTAIN RACE. ADDITIONALLY, IT’S ALSO OKAY TO TAKE A SELFIE, SO LONG AS YOUR PIC DOESN’T INCLUDED YOUR COMPLETED BALLOT SAYS STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS SPOKESPERSON MATT DIETRICH.

DIETRICH SAYS THE BALLOT CAN’T BE IN THE PHOTO SINCE IT COULD BE OFFERED AS PROOF OF VOTING A CERTAIN WAY IN EXCHANGE FOR MONEY. FIND YOUR LOCAL POLLING PLACE AND ELECTION DAY INFORMATION ONLINE AT: ELECTIONS DOT IL DOT GOV.

The 100th anniversary of Armistice Day is coming up and Armistice Day is what we know as Veterans Day on November 11th. Many across the nation look to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, some will even have parades. 

One town looking to have a parade is Monticello. Monticello has the Veterans Parade each year to celebrate veterans said Mayor of Monticello Larry Stoner.

Monticello helped celebrate a veteran on October 20th, a World War I veteran Pvt. Roy W. Hamm, replicating the 100th anniversary of him coming home on the Monticello Railroad. Mayor Stoner said that it honored Pvt. Hamm.

The parade for Veterans Day in Monticello will kick off at 7 pm in Downtown Monticello. The ceremony will be on Main Street with guest speakers, with the parade to follow. 

Two locals of DeWitt County look to host a Jaxton Lee's Toys For Tots Fundraiser, to remember Jaxton Denno. Michelle Denno gave birth to Jaxton Dennon in October 2017 where he passed away just hours after being born from a bilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney disease. To help remember Jaxton, Michelle donated to TOYS FOR TOTS at WCIA'S drive up donation.

Michelle and Carolyn Denno wanted to keep that tradition of donating to TOYS FOR TOTS going increasing their donations. This November 10 they look to host a bags tournament, with raffles, DJ entertainment, and live auctions.

The event will take place at the Blue Ridge High School on 411 N Johns Street in Farmer City, with bags tournament registration from 11 am to 1 pm then 3 pm catering by Two Reds Barbecue and live auctions starting at 4:30 pm. You can find more information on the event on Facebook by looking up Jaxton Lee's Toys For Tots Fundraiser.

Do you know of a child where there has been an allegation that a child may have been sexually abused, physically abused, or a witness to a major crime?

McLean County Children's Advocacy Center helps children with these allegations says Executive Director Molly Evans.

Families may have to travel far for some of these services from Advocacy Center, but the McLean County Children's Advocacy Center helps surrounding counties families sending their services to them.

Children may need to speak with a therapist, which is a quick process sometimes for McLean County Children's Advocacy Center says, Evans.

The Children’s Advocacy Center operates three child-friendly interviewing sites; McLean County Office 200 West Front Street, Suite 500-B Bloomington, Illinois, Dewitt County Office 100 South Center Street, Suite 202 Clinton, Illinois, or Livingston County Office 202 ½ North Main Street Pontiac, Illinois. You also learn more by calling (309) 888-5656 or online at www.mcleancountyil.gov/childadvocacy.

Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Kash Jackson feels that Governor Bruce Rauner and Democratic challenger J.B Pritzker are out of touch with the problems of everyday citizens. 

Jackson is retired from the Navy, a stay at home dad, and a political activist who won the Libertarian nomination for Governor earlier this year. 

In the final hours of the campaign for Governor and other key Democratic races, gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker isn't taking any chances. A hoarse Obama gained strength during his speech and closed by urging the crowd to be supporters with action, not words....

The former Illinois State Senator borrowed a page from President George H-W Bush's playbook and said voting Democrat could pave the way for a kinder, gentler America...

Pritzker traveled with US Senator Dick Durbin, running mate Juliana Stratton, Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Attorney General Nominee Kwame Raoul on the final full day of the campaign. The flyaround tour has reached Rockford, Moline, Belleville and Marion. The tour closed with stops in Springfield and Peoria. Governor Bruce Rauner will host a get out the vote rally at Lisle's Benedictine University with statewide Republicans for a get out the vote rally. Rauner made Sunday stops in Decatur, Gibson City, Morris, and St. Charles. 

AN OUTBREAK OF E-H-D HAS CLAIMED THE LIVES OF MORE THAN 400 DEER IN ILLINOIS.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS REPORTING 432 CASES OF EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE, OR E-H-D IN DEER SO FAR THIS YEAR. IT’S A VIRAL DISEASE TRANSMITTED BY MIDGES THAT HATCH IN MUDDY AREAS. D-N-R’S DOUG DUFFORD SAYS SICK DEER HAVE BEEN FOUND IN 49 ILLINOIS COUNTIES.

THE WORST YEAR FOR E-H-D IN ILLINOIS WAS IN 2012 WHEN NEARLY THREE THOUSAND CASES WERE CONFIRMED. D-N-R ASKS HUNTERS TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR DEAD OR DYING DEER AND TO REPORT ANY INSTANCES TO THE AGENCY.

THE OUTBREAK HAS HIT 49 ILLINOIS COUNTIES…WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CASES ALONG THE ILLINOIS RIVER IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND PARTS OF SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS.

It’s Election Day across the United States.   Polls opened at 6 o’clock this morning, and remain open until 7 tonight in Illinois.

Election officials say if you haven’t voted and are in line at 7 tonight, you’ll still get the chance to vote.

Make your vote count today, and then hear your vote count tonight as WHOW Radio and dewittdailynews.com bring you live coverage of contested races from the DeWitt County Courthouse starting at 8, and continuing until local races are decided.

You’ll hear local reports 6 times an hour, plus extended coverage from CBS News Radio.

Results from contested races will also be posted thru-out the evening on dewittdailynews-dot-com.

Clinton City Council had their meeting Monday to put on file the Mach 1 TIF Amendment. The TIF amendment was placed on file to reflect the time frame showing Mach 1's construction season. City Administrator Tim Followell said this was a typical amendment showing the time frame.

The amendment was to amend the payable taxes in 2018 because they didn't open till early October so they won't pay till 2019 said, Followell.

The city council just put the amendment on file and will discuss more on a later date.

Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center reported around 430 clients in Central Illinois ranging from ages 4 to 80 years old were sexually assaulted or abused. 

You can help volunteer your time to help some of these people says Executive Director Cathy Byers.

There are only a couple of qualifications; commitment to and support sexual assault/abuse victims and must be at least 18 years of age. 

There is training that you must do to prepare for Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center.

The training will be taking place on November 6; it takes over a span of two weeks every Tuesday and Thursday. To sign up for volunteering call the Growing Strong Sexual Center at 217-428-0770.

Forget some of your medical information? Well, don't fret File of Life Medical Information Program helps with that. The Program helps emergency responders to obtain a quick and accurate medical history when a patient is unable to offer one says DeWitt County Triad's, Connie Unruh.

There is also a small card holder to keep the same information inside your wallet or purse.

Unruh said that you should call the county to register your File of Life Medical Information with the county, so when you call 911, they know you have that File of Life. Triad has got more of the File of Life packs to help people update or start a File of Life.

Information on the File of Life can be obtained by contacting the DeWitt County Triad program through dewittsheriff.com or calling 217-935-9507.

Habitat for Humanity is looking for new residents on a three bedroom house in DeWitt County. The house will be released to HFH within a week or two and will need some remodeling on the house.

The house won't open probably for a few months because they are going to replace the furnace and AC unit, along with siding and flooring says Secretary for DeWitt County HFH Robert Cox.

Families can go ahead and apply for the home said, Jessica Devore. The houses though depend on some requirements says, Cox.

HFH will run a credit check, but you don't need a high credit score of 700 plus said, Cox. The three-bedroom house is located at 1835 E. Main Street in Clinton. The house won't be available for move in till February, but HFH is taking applications. You can reach HFH at 217-935-4663 or by going to their office at 401 E. Washington Street in Clinton.

October weather we jumped right into fall, with 50-degree temperatures and a dryer October than average. In November, we could see more mild temperatures for Central Illinois says Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Chris Miller.

Looking towards the future into winter, we still see an El Nino says, Miller.

That does not mean we will not still have a chance of the snow just chance of less precipitation. Get your weather anytime at dewittdailynews.com or go to the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.

THIS IS WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS MONTH AND THE ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY IS URGING FAMILIES TO GET READY FOR THE COLD.

WINTER WEATHER IN ILLINOIS CAN INCLUDE EVERYTHING FROM TORNADOES AND RAIN TO ICE STORMS AND HEAVY SNOW. A GOOD PLACE TO START PREPARING IS YOUR CAR SAYS IEMA SPOKESPERSON REBECCA CLARK, SINCE YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU’LL GET STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

OTHER ITEMS CARS SHOULD BE OUTFITTED WITH ARE A BLANKET, FLASHLIGHT, FIRST AID KIT, WATER, JUMPER CABLES AND A SHOVEL SAYS CLARK. NEXT UP IS YOUR HOME.

CLARK REMINDS THAT POWER OUTAGES CAN LAST SEVERAL DAYS AND NOTES THERE HAVE BEEN 600 COLD WEATHER-RELATED DEATHS IN ILLINOIS OVER THE LAST DECADE.

Have questions on how to use your cell phone? You can join the DeWitt County Triad and Clinton High School National Honors Society on Monday, November 5, from 10 to 11 am and attend a cell phone for seniors workshop at the First National Bank and Trust of Clinton says Connie Unruh.

The Triad and CHS National Honors Society had a class last year and went so good that some people upgraded to new phones says, Unruh.

With having the event at the First National Bank and Trust of Clinton Unruh said they would be showing some of the banks' apps and how safe it can be using your phone with banking.

If you have questions on the event, you can call Connie Unruh at 217-935-7464 or email at connie.unruh@tsinstitue.org. You can call and request any specific topics you'd like to cover.

DeWitt County families are in holiday financial need. To help those families, Samaritan Room will have a sign up for "Angel Tree" holiday assistance. 

The Samaritan Room helps families in need in DeWitt County providing coats, clothing, and holiday gifts for families living below poverty level say Director of the DeWitt County Samaritan Room Sue Calvert.

The Samaritan Room works with Farmer City, providing coats to kids in need.

The Samaritan Room's Angel tree which provides gifts to kids during the holidays, but in recent years the Samaritan Room had to do Angel tree a different way.

After they couldn't use the Elk Club, they used the Clinton Wal-mart. The families would get a certain amount of money to use at Wal-mart. Unfortunately, Wal-mart closed, and this has affected the Samaritan Room says, Calvert.

This weekend they will be having three events going on to help the families with all the changes. November 3 they will have the coat distribution at the Clinton Jr. High School from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You can sign up then for the Angel tree events by going to SignUpGenius.com and enter sucalvert13@gmail.com for the coat distribution and holiday assistance. State Farm Literacy event will also be going on to hang out with the kids playing games and give little gifts.

To sign up for the events go to SignupGenius.com or go to the Vespasian Warner Library for the paperwork signing up. If you have any questions, Calvert said you can reach her at 309-825-5822 or by email at suecalvert13@gmail.com

Monticello is in the process of upgrading a 14.5 million dollar project. 

Monticello are working on the wastewater treatment plant and looks to get finished this year says Mayor of Monticello Larry Stoner.

That is not the only thing getting a change. Monticello's First Mid building that was left unattended looks to get filled in by Christy's Clinic.

The building was modernized to give it a new look at Monticello's square.

Mayor Stoner said that they try and keep everything up with the infrastructure to improve Monticello.

THE FALL HARVEST IS CHUGGING ALONG AS WE HEAR IN THE LATEST CROP REPORT. 

PRODUCERS GOT SOME TIME IN THE FIELDS THIS PAST WEEK…WITH ABOUT FIVE DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK SAYS CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

89 PERCENT OF CORN AND 86 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS HAVE NOW BEEN HARVESTED. 74 PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED WITH 50 PERCENT EMERGED. SORGHUM HARVEST REACHED 86 PERCENT COMPLETE.

As Republicans were learning how to handle President Trump's unique political style, Governor Bruce Rauner seemingly kept his distance. Now, the Governor is saluting the President for helping Illinois, especially when it comes to health care....

Rauner hoped to bring that message to Trump during a weekend rally in Murphysboro but wasn't able to meet with the President.

Did you buy too much candy, to where you got bags of it left and don't know what to do with it?

Well, a local dentist office is helping collect some of this year's unopened Halloween candy for cash. Karen Augenbaugh said that Dr. John Larkin in Clinton is going to be giving a dollar for a pound of candy and then donating them to Operation Enduring a military support group. 

People can donate up to 10 pounds of candy starting Thursday, and through November 5 from 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm and then on Tuesday, November 6 from 12pm-6pm. 

You can find Dr. John Larkin's office at 323 West Washington Street in Clinton. You can also call them at 217-935-5216 to find more information.
 

Warner Hospital and Health Services are thanking First National Bank and Trust for its generous $2,500 donation to assist in our efforts to reduce lung cancer. The funds will be made available to the community for people without insurance or other means to participate in the Smoking Cessation classes which is the first step on the way to reducing lung cancer.

DeWitt County is ranked number two in the state for lung cancer deaths. Warner Hospital with the help of First National Bank and Trust’s donation is fighting back with lung cancer prevention initiatives. Starting January 2019, Warner Hospital will offer a Freedom from Smoking class. The class is an 8-week course offered through the American Lung Association. 

For Warner Hospital Family Medicine patients, the hospital has a lung cancer screening program if they qualify. Criteria are you have to be 50 or over, have a 20-30 or more pack year history of smoking, current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years, and have additional lung cancer risk factors. 

For more information on these great programs, call 217-937-5284 or email Warner Hospital at events@warnerhospital.org. 

DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Tweedy resigned this past week. Tweedy was assigned to take over for Teresa Barnett as the DeWitt County EMA Director this past summer. 

Tweedy left to due to personal reasons says Dewitt County Board Chairman Dave Newberg.

Assistant Director Christine Hasler will take over as interim director till public safety of DeWitt County decides on a new EMA Director says Public Safety Chairman Cris Rogers.

Rogers and public safety had a meeting to decide on what to do moving forward.

Rogers said that they are looking to have a final decision by the end of November, but will have to go through the full County Board before the new director is selected.
 

A Clinton, Illinois custom printing shop that opened up a year ago continues to prosper. 

Meghan Morge and her husband opened up a custom printing shop called C and P Custom Printing, but it wasn't an immediate start says Morge.

C and P have worked with various groups making designs from t-shirts, coffee mugs, and more.

You can find C and P Custom Printing on Facebook, on the Clinton Chamber of Commerce website, or call 847-655-9544 if you are interested in C and P making you some designed items. 
 

Ensign Daniel Sparks applied the lessons learned from Middletown, Illinois, to help in developing the skills to become a naval supply officer. 

Those lessons learned during Sparks’s time in his hometown, turned into an opportunity to learn leadership and the most innovative tactics of naval supply in the world at Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS), located in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Sparks is a 2007 University of Illinois Springfield graduate. 

Considered to be one of the Navy’s greatest assets, the supply officers must first train and be mentored at supply school. 

Prior to any type of extraordinary achievement, the students must first pass a rigorous course structure in order to become a Navy supply officer. 

The mission of supply school is to provide students with the personal and professional foundations for success. This mission lends itself to the vision of the school which is to ensure all supply corps officer graduates are prepared to provide global logistics support to Navy and joint warfare. 

Once these service members finish training, they are deployed around the world putting their skill set to work. 

There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a supply officer and Sparks is most proud of Earning Blue Jacket of the Year in 2017 while he was an enlisted sailor during his tour in Diego Garcia. 

The future of naval warfare is rapidly changing, so the course and materials at supply school are constantly evolving to create the most dynamic, lethal, safe and professional warfighting team for the Navy our nation needs. 

Just as Americans go grocery shopping and conduct car and home repairs, supply officers in the Navy ensure sailors have the tools and equipment they need to deter any threat and maintain warfighting readiness and threat deterrence in an era of great power competition. 

As Sparks and other officers continue to train, they take pride in what it means to serve their country in the United States Navy.

The 100th anniversary of Armistice Day is coming up, which is what we know as Veterans Day. Armistice Day is when the Allies and Germany signed to end World War I. 

To help celebrate and teach some history McLean County History Museum of History is hosting a program with a local historian and retired lawyer Guy Fraker. Fraker will present a program about the experiences of one World War I soldier, his uncle Harry “Hal” Holliday, says Director of Education at the McLean County Museum of History Candace Summers.

Holliday was from the Peoria area, and this program is to commemorate all veterans.

The program is free to the public and will take place on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Museum’s second-floor courtroom. For more information about this program, you can contact the Education Department at education@mchistory.org or by phone at 309-827-0428. 

FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA LEADS THE LIST OF MINORITY TRAILBLAZERS IN THE LATEST ILLINOIS TOP 200 PROJECT POLL. 

THE COUNTRY'S FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN PRESIDENT TOOK THE NUMBER ONE SPOT…FOLLOWED BY TWO NATIVE AMERICANS SAYS ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY SPOKESPERSON CHRIS WILLS.

OTHERS MAKING THE TOP 10 INCLUDE YOU-TUBE CO-FOUNDER STEVE CHEN AND THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN FROM THE MIDWEST TO WIN A SEAT IN CONGRESS: CARDIS COLLINS. VOTE NOW IN THE NEXT CATEGORY…ILLINOIS LEADERS…AT: ILLINOIS TOP 200 DOT COM.

GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER IS URGING THE PUBLIC TO GET THEIR ANNUAL FLU SHOT. 

THE GOVERNOR JUST GOT HIS SHOT…AND RECOMMENDS EVERYONE SIX MONTHS AND OLDER DO THE SAME. HE SAYS IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT KEEPING YOURSELF HEALTHY.

THE GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY WERE JUST VACCINATED…AND SAY EVERYONE OVER SIX MONTHS OF AGE SHOULD AS WELL.

THE GOVERNOR SAYS GETTING VACCINATED PROTECTS YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES FROM THE FLU. IT’S AVAILABLE IN BOTH SHOT AND NASAL SPRAY FORM AND TAKES ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE.