If you pay insurance on a vehicle, home, or any other amenity, a Clinton Insurance agent says you've likely seen those rates go up in the last six to twelve months.

Jay Peterson is the owner of Peterson Insurance in Clinton and indicates rate increases are really a perfect storm of several factors. He calls it a 'hard market'.

According to Peterson, there has been a lot of storm damage in the last several years and Insurance companies are covering claims from those.

Many insurance agents have likely had angry customers walk into their offices demanding the agent do something about the rates or they'll find a new agent to do business with. Peterson understands the frustration but says rates for every company are going up.

Peterson is the Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Insurance Association of Independent Agents. He was recently informed for every dollar of vehicle insurance companies bring in, they pay out $1.10. He says for some it's more, others it's less but he feels it is indicative of what companies are dealing with.

If you've been anticipating the information coming home for the fall flag football program at the Clinton YMCA, you're going to have to wait until the spring.

Executive Director of the Clinton Y, Rennie Cluver says they are transitioning the Y flag football program to the spring for a couple of reasons. The primary reason is the program conflicts with JFL football and he hopes moving it will allow more kids to participate.

According to Cluver, other YMCA's have made this change and he likes the idea for several other reasons. He explains they are going to take out a soccer session and replace it with flag football and just focus on fall soccer.

For Cluver and the YMCA, he hopes adding flag football to spring will allow for collaboration between the high school football program and the YMCA to get non-spring sports athletes involved.

A couple of weeks ago on Regional Radio, we highlighted the YMCA holding off on its spring triathlon this year to sanction the event next year. Additionally, the Y is going to start to introduce volleyball programming. 

We'll hear more on that from Cluver on that program soon on Regional Radio. 

Given the wet nature at the start of July, you might think we were headed to a nice recovery from drought that plagued the start of the summer however, that is not how July played out.

Temperatures for July before the start of a significant heat wave last week were two-degrees below-normal. Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio that is pretty significant for July.

Not only have the final days of July been rather dry in central Illinois but drought conditions are returning and they are starting to return close to the levels we saw in mid-June.

Looking to August, there could be some stretches of rain but Shimon notes there's not a lot to indicate it will be drought bust rains. We'll hear more from Shimon this week on Regional Radio. 

A new law in Illinois will work to transform the state’s probation and supervised release system.

The REFORM Act was passed with bipartisan support – including all Republicans in the House. Starting in 2024 the probation system will incentivize people on parole to get a degree or career certification and strive to address supervision in a much more individualized approach. Governor JB Pritzker says of the 260,000 on supervised release many go back to jail because they couldn’t keep up with finer points of parole.

The REFORM act will also only require drug testing when suspicion warrants and allows for virtual check-ins for parolees so they can better keep up with work, education or childcare.

Illinois will celebrate its second Sweet Corn Appreciation Day this week. The idea was from State Rep. Tony McCombie of Savanna.

Illinois Sweet Corn Appreciation Day is Tuesday from 4-to-7 p.m. at McCombie’s Savanna office along Illinois Route 84.

A RECORD NUMBER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GOING TO CURRENT AND FORMER YOUTH IN CARE OF THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES. 

USUALLY, ABOUT 53 SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED EACH YEAR, BUT THIS TIME AROUND...THE TOTAL IS 259. GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SPOKE AT THE SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON, PRAISING THE STRENGTH THE STUDENTS HAVE SHOWN IN OVERCOMING SEEMINGLY UNSURMOUNTABLE OBSTACLES.

D-C-F-S DIRECTOR MARC SMITH SPOKE TO THE RECIPIENTS AND URGED THEM TO FACE COLLEGE HEAD-ON.

THE SCHOLARSHIP INCLUDES FIVE YEARS OF TUITION AND FEES AT PARTICIPATING STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, A MONTHLY STIPEND AND A MEDICAID CARD.

THE ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION IS WARNING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRINKING TOO MUCH WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE SO HIGH.

SPENDING EVEN A SHORT TIME OUTDOORS IN EXCESSIVE HEAT CAN BE PROBLEMATIC, BUT WHEN YOU ADD ALCOHOL, THE RISKS ARE EVEN HIGHER SAYS COMMISSION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LISA GARDNER.

GARDNER RECOMMENDS DRINKING A GLASS OR TWO OF WATER FOR EACH ADULT BEVERAGE YOU HAVE AND LIMITING TIME OUTSIDE FROM 10 A-M TO FOUR P-M WHEN THE SUN’S RAYS ARE STRONGEST.

GARDNER SAYS IF YOU START TO FEEL DIZZY OR SICK YOU SHOULD GET OUT OF THE SUN, REST AND DRINK MORE WATER.

The DeWitt County Farm Bureau Foundation's Annual golf outing was held on Friday.

It was an excessively hot afternoon for golf but Farm Bureau Manager Grace Clark says the 19 teams they had sign up all showed up and were ready to play.

According to Clark, in addition to the Foundation, the money raised also helps suppor the 'Ag in the Classroom' program which is entering its third year cooping with Piatt County. And also has a new coordinator.

It will be a busy next few months for Clark at the Farm Bureau and the Foundation. Clark says the Illinois State Fair will keep her busy. That will quickly be followed by the Farm Progress Show in Decatur and the Foundation will be active once again at the Apple n' Pork Festival in late September. 

It'll be a short-lived reprieve from the oppressive heat of this week but to usher in August will be more hot weather.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio a dome of heat has set up over the southwest portion of the United States this summer and has drifted to the midwest and is impacting the east coast now too.

We're expecting a short reprieve from the heat this weekend. Shimon indicates some rain storms will hit the northern half of the state Friday night into Saturday morning.

Looking to next week, that heat is going to return but Shimon indicates it won't be nearly as bad as we saw this past week.

On the Morning Show Friday, Shimon also noted drought conditions are returning to concerning levels as July did not offer much precipitation after the heavy rains that began the month. Additionally, things are not looking promising to ease those drought conditions in the next four to six months. 

SECRETARY OF STATE ALEXI GIANNOULIAS IS LAUNCHING A NEW “SKIP-THE-LINE” PROGRAM AT SOME OF THE BUSIEST D-M-V’S IN ILLINOIS. 

THE CHANGE BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER FIRST, WITH APPOINTMENTS TO GET THE REAL I-D, REGULAR DRIVER’S LICENSE OR I-D CARD REQUIRED AT 44 D-M-V’S. THAT INCLUDES ALL CHICAGO AND SUBURBAN LOCATIONS, AS WELL AS SOME CENTRAL AND DOWNSTATE FACILITIES SAYS SECRETARY GIANNOULIAS.

THE IDEA IS TO AVOID THE LONG WAIT TIME THAT CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD TO ENDURE SAYS SECRETARY GIANNOULIAS.

ADDITIONALLY, ALL D-M-V’S STATEWIDE WILL BE OPEN LONGER AND 16 FACILITIES WILL BE OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK. YOU CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND TAKE CARE OF THINGS LIKE RENEWING YOUR LICENSE PLATE STICKER ONLINE AT: IL SOS DOT GOV.

As a stretch of hot and sweaty weather sets up in Illinois, a meteorologist says the longer-term weather pattern should shift back to more normal temperatures and this fall could turn more wet than dry. Eric Snodgrass says the shift could come in a few weeks.

Much of Illinois is expected to see above-average summer temperatures throughout the next 10 days.

Saturday marks one month since 90-mile-an-hour winds and five tornadoes moved through central Illinois, destroying crops.

For Marty Marr, a farmer in New Berlin, some of his corn crops were flattened by the derecho storm. Now, thanks to the heat, his corn is bent like an elbow.

Marr said the storm impacted up to three-hundred acres of his farmland.

Marr added that he's working with insurance adjusters to assess the ongoing damage.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER HAS SIGNED A LAW CRACKING DOWN ON CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTERS THAT USE MISINFORMATION AND DECEPTION TO STEER WOMEN AWAY FROM GETTING AN ABORTION. 

THESE CENTERS ARE OFTEN TIED TO PRO-LIFE OR RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO GIVE WOMEN INACCURATE DETAILS ABOUT THEIR OPTIONS AND RISKS OF THE PROCEDURE. IT’S BECOME A BARRIER TO WOMEN SEEKING AN ABORTION SAYS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL.

IT WAS SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE TERRA COSTA-HOWARD OF GLEN ELLYN.

COSTA-HOWARD SAYS THIS IS ABOUT ENSURING WOMEN HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE.

THE NEW LAW SUBJECTS THESE CENTERS TO STATE CONSUMER FRAUD LAWS, LETTING RAOUL’S OFFICE INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE IF WARRANTED.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER PARTICIPATED IN A GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TALK LAST NIGHT, DISCUSSING WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. 

AT TEMPLE JEREMIAH IN NORTHFIELD, THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT ILLINOIS’ BAN ON ASSAULT WEAPONS, WHICH IS BEFORE A FEDERAL APPEALS COURT AND SAID A NATIONWIDE BAN IS NEEDED. HE WAS ASKED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF SAFE STORAGE LAWS.

THE GOVERNOR WAS ASKED ABOUT VARIOUS GUN CONTROL IDEAS. ONE IS REQUIRING GUN OWNERS TO HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE. HE SAID THAT’S WORTH LOOKING INTO.

GOVERNOR PRITZKER WAS ALSO ASKED ABOUT TAXING AMMUNITION TO HELP REDUCE GUN CRIMES BUT HE SAID THE U-S SUPREME COURT WOULD SHUT THAT DOWN.

Not much change in the drought monitor map for Illinois. Freese-Notis Weather Meteorologist Paul Otto looked at the latest update Thursday morning.

Most of Illinois ranges from abnormally dry to severe drought. You can find the map at droughtmonitor.unl.edu.

The state fell victim to more than $5 billion in unemployment fraud during the pandemic. 

A recent auditor general report says overpayments, identity theft and other forms of fraud were an issue for both regular unemployment programs and pandemic support programs. Governor JB Pritzker says fraud was a problem in every state in America during that time and much of the fraud was part of a thrown-together federal program.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security says they stopped or recovered over $500 million in fraudulent payments in both state and federal unemployment programs.

Department of Natural Resources officials are investigating recent car burglaries at the Weldon Access Area of Clinton Lake.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, DNR Conservation Police Captain John Williamson told Regional Radio the burglaries have been uncommon in that the perpetrators smashed in vehicle windows to gain access.

According to Capt. Williamson, they have been checking in with colleagues at other agencies and they are seeing similar trends. What's standing out is these crimes are happening in more remote places.

Authorities do not believe the crimes happening at Clinton Lake are connected to crimes in other areas. Capt. Williamson notes they have put some cameras up in those areas and they do have car cameras from other vehicles they've been able to access.

Capt. Williamson implores anyone headed to the lake to make sure any valuables are put out of site. 

OSF Peace Meal is pausing its Friday hot meal deliveries due to the excessive heat in the Midwest.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Shelly Tolly told Regional Radio they are concerned for their drivers and so Peace Meal will not deliver on its routes nor will there be congregate meals.

According to Tolly, Peace Meal is sending drivers with an extra meal to deliver to clients today so seniors have food for Friday.

During these extremely hot stretches, Peace Meal is encouraging its clients to remain hydrated. Tolly indicates they are sending along flyers with some great information and tips to beat the heat through hydration.

To learn more about the Friday pause in service or to get more information, contact OSF Peace Meal at 309-665-5900.

DeWitt County Sheriff's staff will receive compensation increases starting December 1, a measure the Sheriff says will help recruit and retain police officers at a time of great turnover for law enforcement across the country.

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker indicates the pay increases come at an unusual time because the department currently has three years remaining on its current agreement but the increases will help keep them in line with not only the Clinton Police Department of other agencies in central Illinois.

According to Sheriff Walker, this shows the Sheriff's staff the County is working in good faith to be supportive of them. Additionally, the Sheriff says unless they hire lateral transfers, they are paying deputies for over half of a year before they can be on the streets of the County.

Sheriff Walker points out one of the other reasons they want to make sure they keep staff around is so the deputies get to know the community and the community gets to know the officers.

Sheriff Walker notes it is way more expensive to bring on a new hire and get them trained than it is to increase the wages of a current officer and provide incentives for them to stay. 

It's nearly time to get those school physicals and sports physicals taken care of and local healthcare officials are encouring you not to wait.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Michelle Valentine, an RN at Warner Hospital and Health Services, told Regional Radio certain school age kids need the school physical and kids playing sports will need the sports physicals.

CEO Paul Skowron warns not to wait to get these taken care of. With school just a few short weeks away, he says a lot of families will put these off until the last minute and Warner Hospital fills up its schedule.

Skowron says they have a tremendous staff to see the kids for their physicals and is pleased to now be able to see much younger patients thanks to the addition of Dr. Natasha Minnaert. 

President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed into law three new national monuments honoring the life of Chicago native Emmett Till.

In 1955, Till, a black teenager, was beaten, shot, and mutilated in Mississippi four days after a white woman accused him of whistling at her. Now, three new monuments, with one in Chicago, will honor the life of till, that sparked the Civil Rights Movement. Illinois Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton was with President Biden as he signed the new law.

Tuesday marked the 82nd anniversary of Till's birthday in 1941. Now that the site is considered federal property, the site will receive around one hundred 80-thousand dollars a year in funding from the National Park Service.

MOWING IS UNDERWAY BESIDE HIGHWAYS ACROSS THE STATE. 

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS ASKING DRIVERS TO SLOW DOWN AND GIVE CREWS PLENTY OF ROOM SAYS SPOKESPERSON PAUL WAPPEL.

WAPPEL SAYS MOWING IS TIMED TO HELP ENCOURAGE POLLINATOR ACTIVITY.

MAINTENANCE MOWING INCLUDES AREAS NEXT TO CULVERTS, DITCHES AND TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES. THE HEAVIEST MOWING OPERATIONS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MID-AUGUST.

The Prairie Heart Institute and the Prairie Heart Foundation are partnering with a local family to meet life-saving equipment needs across Central and Southern Illinois.

The McGraw Family from the Rochester area says their family and the Rochester Junior High Baseball Team witnessed a tragic event when a local community member suffered a cardiac arrest during a baseball practice. Although 9-1-1 was called, the individual did not survive. Members of the McGraw family and Prairie Heart say that an Automated External Defibrillator or AED could have made a difference that day on the field. Brandy Grove, manager of philanthropy for the Prairie Heart Foundation, says a new program has been started to provide AEDs to area organizations to prevent more tragedies from happening.

Grove says that they hope to award 22 machines to organizations in their service territory this year.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS URGING PEOPLE TO WATCH OUT FOR RABID BATS AND OTHER INFECTED ANIMALS. 

BATS ARE THE MOST COMMON SOURCE OF POTENTIAL RABIES INFECTION, AND THE PEAK TIME FOR EXPOSURE IS AUGUST SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH VETERINARIAN DOCTOR CONNIE AUSTIN.

AUSTIN HAS THIS ADVICE:

AUSTIN SAYS IF SOMEONE WAKES UP WITH A BAT IN THEIR ROOM, THAT IS CONSIDERED EXPOSURE EVEN IF THEY CAN’T FIND A BITE MARK. SO FAR THIS YEAR, 27 RABID BATS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN 14 ILLINOIS COUNTIES.

The Governor signs a new law to help end homelessness. 

The effort to make sure everyone has a place to live now has the attention of an interagency task force to help direct millions in funding for homeless prevention, rental assistance, and more housing. JB Pritzker says the state is working to address the needs of anyone who is homeless.

The latest push is for “functional zero” a term that means homelessness is brief and support is there quickly for those who need it.

A former Illinois Congresswoman continues to push for passage of the Next Generation Fuels Act. Cheri Bustos says the measure would benefit the ethanol industry.

Bustos served in the House Ag Committee for ten years,

A week of sweltering summer weather is in store for the state – and it’s key to be safe while working outside or trying to stay cool without air conditioning. Brian Williamson, with the American Red Cross says drink lots of water, find the shade or a breeze and be aware of those who might need to be checked on during this heat wave.

90 degree temps are forecast into the weekend for much of Illinois.

EXPECT TO SEE MORE POLICE OUT ON THE ROADS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR SPEED AWARENESS DAY. 

THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE IS BOOSTING PATROLS FOR THE MULTI-STATE EFFORT, REALLY HIGHLIGHTING THE DANGERS OF DRIVING TOO FAST SAYS TROOPER MELISSA ALBERT-LOPEZ.

ALBERT-LOPEZ SAYS THEY ARE INCREASING PATROLS FOR THE OCCASION.

TROOPER ALBERT-LOPEZ SAYS SPEEDING IS A FACTOR IN ABOUT ONE THIRD OF ALL VEHICLE CRASH FATALITIES IN THE U-S.

THE ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IS EXPANDING ITS AIR POLLUTION ACTION DAY PROGRAM STATEWIDE TO KEEP RESIDENTS BETTER INFORMED. 

THE PROGRAM NOW APPLIES TO ALL 14 SECTORS IN ILLINOIS, NOT JUST THE CHICAGO AREA. IT MEASURES THE AIR QUALITY AND ISSUES AN ALERT IF AIR QUALITY IS FORECASTED TO BE IN THE ORANGE CATEGORY, WHICH MEANS IT’S UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. I-E-P-A SPOKESPERSON KIM BIGGS SAYS RECENT CONCERNS PROMPTED THE CHANGE.

BIGGS URGES THE PUBLIC TO SIGN UP FOR FREE AIR QUALITY FORECASTS. 

YOU CAN EITHER SUBSCRIBE TO EMAIL UPDATES AT: ENVIRO FLASH DOT INFO OR DOWNLOAD THE FREE "AIRNOW" APP ON YOUR PHONE.

AS TEMPERATURES SOAR THIS WEEK, THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS OFFERING INFORMATION ABOUT HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES.

THE MOST SERIOUS CONDITION IS HEAT STROKE SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER DOCTOR ARTI BARNES. SHE GIVES SOME OF THE WARNING SIGNS.

BARNES SAYS IF SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCE THOSE SYMPTOMS OR OTHERS LIKE CONFUSION, SLURRED SPEECH OR SEIZURES, YOU SHOULD CALL 9-1-1. 

HEAT EXHAUSTION CAN PROGRESS TO HEAT STROKE IF LEFT UNTREATED. THAT’S WHEN A PERSON’S TEMPERATURE REACHES 104 DEGREES OR HIGHER, THEIR SKIN IS VERY HOT AND THEY MAY HAVE CONFUSION AND A RAPID PULSE. IN THAT CASE, BARNES SAYS YOU SHOULD CALL 9-1-1.

DeWitt County Board Chair Dan Matthews set out a goal to sell the Clinton Lake Marina as the newly minted DeWitt County Board Chair last December.

Thursday night at the DeWitt County Board meeting he gave the Board an update on that effort. It was announced the Department of Natural Resources had interest in buying the Marina from DeWitt County. 

According to Matthews, the goal is to make sure the Marina is sold to someone that is going to do what is best for the business.

Last Thursday, the Board approved moving forward with taking requests for proposals for the Marina. Matthews hopes to have the process wrapped up by November.

The Neighborhood Care Center in Clinton has been up and going for roughly four years.

The non-profit is unique in the fact it seeks to bring out the best of those in need and Executive Director Cody Monkman believes there not be a better example of that than a recent individual that came to them from the Chicago area.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, he introduced Regional Radio listeners to Lorry Thomas who was in a tight spot just a few months ago.

According to Thomas, she was connected to the Neighborhood Care Center by trying to navigate the non-profit world of Decatur. She calls it a blessing to have been connected to the Center in Clinton.

Monkman explains Thomas has been one of the success stories for the Neighborhood Care Center but indicates it's not a simple process. Getting to know each individual and their story is a big part of the process of helping someone.

Thomas credits Monkman and the folks at the Neighborhood Care Center for being encouraging to her but Monkman says Thomas just needed someone to believe in her.

Thomas has loved her time in Clinton and speaks very highly of the community and its embrace of her multi-racial son.

Get more information about the Neighborhood Care Center by finding them on Facebook or Instagram or visit neighborhoodcarecenter.net. 

A Clinton financial professional says she is seeing some alarming trends in the last year - trends she calls the worst of her career.

Connie Unruh with First National Bank in Clinton has indicated she is seeing more and more people in so much financial trouble they are declaring bankruptcy and it is so prominent she says this is the worst she's seen the financial status of individuals and families in her 20-plus years in financial coaching.

Unruh hopes if this describes you, you will realize there is a way to live financially free and she can help you through her free coaching.

If you'd like to sit down with Unruh and lay out your situation and ask how she can help, contact her at First National Bank by calling 217-935-7464. 

THE CONDITION OF ILLINOIS CORN AND SOYBEAN CROPS IMPROVED SLIGHTLY OVER THE PAST WEEK. 

STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER HAS THE SCOOP ON SOYBEANS:

SCHLEUSENER SAYS 88 PERCENT OF CORN ACRES ARE SILKING.

THE SECOND CUTTING OF ALFALFA IS 90 PERCENT COMPLETE AND THE THIRD CUTTING IS 31 PERCENT DONE. 

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE CAME IN AT 14 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 35 PERCENT SHORT, 46 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND FIVE PERCENT SURPLUS.

WE WILL LIKELY HEAR THE TERM "HEAT INDEX" QUITE A BIT THIS WEEK. A UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION CLIMATE CHANGE SPECIALIST EXPLAINS WHAT THAT REALLY MEANS. 

THE HEAT INDEX IS A MEASURE OF THE ACTUAL TEMPERATURE, COMBINED WITH THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY TO PROVIDE A "FEELS LIKE" TEMP SAYS THE EXTENSION'S DUANE FRIEND.

FRIEND SAYS WHEN THE HUMIDITY IS SO HIGH, NOT AS MUCH SWEAT IS EVAPORATING OFF OUR BODIES TO COOL US OFF. THAT'S WHEN HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS CAN OCCUR.

FRIEND SAYS THE LESSER-KNOWN "WET BULB GLOBE TEMPERATURE" PROVIDES AN EVEN BETTER READ ON HOW DANGEROUS THE HEAT IS OUTSIDE. IT'S AN INDICATOR OF THE HEAT-RELATED STRESS ON THE HUMAN BODY IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND IS USED IN MARATHONS, OTHER ATHLETICS AND BY THE MILITARY.

THE CONDITION OF ILLINOIS CORN AND SOYBEAN CROPS IMPROVED SLIGHTLY OVER THE PAST WEEK. 

STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER HAS THE SCOOP ON SOYBEANS:

SCHLEUSENER SAYS 88 PERCENT OF CORN ACRES ARE SILKING.

THE SECOND CUTTING OF ALFALFA IS 90 PERCENT COMPLETE AND THE THIRD CUTTING IS 31 PERCENT DONE. 

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE CAME IN AT 14 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 35 PERCENT SHORT, 46 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND FIVE PERCENT SURPLUS.

A local health professional is warning about the dangers of the extreme heat as temperatures this week are expected to return to the mid-to-upper 90s. 

The best way to protect yourself is to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if you’re working outside, according to Bethany Huelskoetter (HULL-sketter), Nurse Practitioner with OSF HealthCare. She says you need to listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, and cool and clammy skin. It should be treated by moving the person to a cool spot and giving them fluids. Heat stroke is the most serious and includes a high fever. In that case, seek medical attention immediately and do not give fluids.

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker says last week's Illinois Supreme Court decision regarding the 'Safe-T Act' to uphold the legislation and eliminate cash bail was not surprising.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Sheriff Walker told Regional Radio this bill will be fully implemented in less than two months but there are so many questions associated with it.

Some may argue the amendment to the bill by not giving the option of cash bail to those accused of certain crimes made the bill better but the Sheriff contends there is even some grey area there.

The Sheriff says it is disappointing they aren't going to be able to do much for the victims of these crimes - especially business owners who count on the police to make sure perpetrators don't return to commit more crimes in their business.

Sheriff Walker indicates the community is concerned about this legislation for fear of deterioration of public safety. Additionally, the legislation is causing a mass exodus of police officers across the state. 

If you've ever wondered how much you earned the year you worked your first job, you can find out by creating your own personal, mySocialSecurity account. 

Jack Myers with Social Security says it's also a good reminder to make sure your earnings are being reported accurately. The Social Security benefits you will one day receive will be based on your earnings through the years and the Social Security taxes you’ve paid on those earnings and it is your employer’s responsibility to report those earnings to Social Security, but if they don’t or they make an error in their report, you won’t get credit for your earnings.

While it can be fun to look back historically at your early years of work and see how much (or how little) you actually earned, you should know that when Social Security computes a retirement benefit, they adjust your earnings record for inflation, then select the 35 highest years to base your benefits on. Myers emphasizes if you have fewer than 35 years of earnings, that will reduce your retirement benefit. Therefore if your earnings are under or unreported for a year or years, it could make a difference.  

If you spot a problem it is easy to fix if you still have your W-2 or tax return and proof if self-employment tax paid. According to Myers, the issue is if you wait too long to check and don’t spot the problem until many years down the road.  If you don’t have the tax documents anymore, it won’t be as easy to fix. When looking at your account, you should be comparing the Social Security earnings column with the Social Security wages box on your W-2.

Social Security processes employer wage reports separately so if you work for multiple employers it is likely that one report will be posted to your record before the other.  Check back later to ensure the one shows up. Myers notes this doesn’t apply to many people, but there is a maximum for Social Security.  

In 2022 if you earned more than $147,000 you stop paying Social Security taxes.  If you worked for multiple employers, you may see figures higher than that in your Social Security wage boxes.  

Your online account should only show the $147,000 and any additional Social Security taxes should have been refunded when you filed your tax return for 2022. If you only had one employer, your W-2 should reflect the max in the Social Security box. 

If you want to read more about correcting an earnings record, check out the publications section of ssa.gov and look for one called 'How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record'.

Regional Radio News has learned Clinton Mayor Roger Cyrulik has submitted his resignation effective this Friday, July 28.

Regional Radio is working to acquire further details about the Mayor's abrupt resignation. The mayor submitted his resignation Friday. 

The Commissioner of Finance acts as the Mayor pro-tem, and in this case it will fall to Tom Edmunds who has previously served as Clinton's Mayor twice before in June of 1996 until 2003 and then in 2010 - both under circumstances of the resignation of the current Mayor. The Council will then appoint a Mayor at some point in August. 

Cyrulik was most recently elected Mayor in 2015, re-elected in 2019 and this past April.

The Mayor's resignation comes at an important time for the City. Clinton is still seeking to fill a nearly two-year vacancy in the Administrator's chair. Additionally, the City has major projects coming up in the form of the multi-million dollar water tower project. 

There will be a special election for the Mayor's seat in April 2025 - according to the State Board of Elections. 

While some of us are experiencing harvest baskets overflowing with ripe garden produce, others do not have the space or tools to grow a garden of fresh vegetables. With baskets overflowing, it is time, once again, to share the harvest with our neighbors and celebrate Woodford County's homesteading spirit.

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, partnered with Heartline and Heart House, are preparing for the fourth annual distribution of fresh garden produce to the community in a welcoming, farmers market style event. Join us at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 11 for Vegetable Share at Heartline Community Room, 300 Regan Drive, Eureka - across from Eureka College. This program is open to all who want to give or receive garden vegetables or fruit.

In the past, community members have contributed tomatoes, eggplant, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, apples, and much more to the share. Master Gardeners value the program for the great joy it brings to each attendee, as they witness the bounty of fresh produce, but this program offers much more than a good feeling. Its greatest value is putting fresh fruits and vegetables into the hands of community members who may lack access to this healthy food that is grown in home gardens or purchased at a local farmers market.

With most gardeners growing more produce than they can handle, this program helps reduce fresh produce waste and supports the health of the community. If you would like to contribute vegetables for distribution, please drop them off at Heartline Community Room on August 11, 8:30 - 10 AM.

Consider sharing your extra garden produce to ensure everyone can enjoy the joys of a summer garden harvest.

For questions or if you will need accommodation in order to participate, please email contact us at the Woodford County Extension Office at 309-467-3789. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. For more information about Extension and upcoming programming, visit us at go.illinois.edu/LMW

Due to summer activities, the American Red Cross is seeing a significant downturn in blood donors.

The need is so high the Red Cross reports donors are down about fifty thousand over the past couple of months. Brian Williamsen is the Regional Communication Manager at the Red Cross.

The most needed types of blood are O's. O-Positive and O-Negative. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit Red Cross dot-org.

MORE THAN 66 PERCENT OF THE STATE IS STILL DEALING WITH DROUGHT CONDITIONS, BUT SOME AREAS ARE STARTING TO IMPROVE.

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST U-S DROUGHT MONITOR, THE EXTREME DROUGHT IN SPOTS OF PIKE AND ADAMS COUNTIES LESSENED, BUT WESTERN ILLINOIS AND THE FAR NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN BORDERS OF THE STATE REMAIN IN A SEVERE DROUGHT. NOT MUCH RAIN FELL THIS PAST WEEK NORTH OF I-70 EXCEPT FOR IN MCCLEAN AND VERMILLION COUNTIES, BUT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS GOT PLENTY SAYS STATE CLIMATOLOGIST TRENT FORD.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SAW HEAVY RAINFALL AS A SERIES OF STORMS ROLLED THROUGH WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. THAT WASN'T THE CASE ELSEWHERE.

FORD SAYS THE WEEK AHEAD LOOKS HOT AND DRY, WITH HUMIDITY PUSHING THE HEAT INDEX INTO THE TRIPLE DIGITS SOME DAYS.

ILLINOIS DOESN’T JUST HAVE A TEACHER SHORTAGE…HOUSE LAWMAKERS ARE LEARNING ABOUT THE NEED FOR OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL AS WELL. 

BASED ON TESTIMONY AT A HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE TOPIC, SCHOOLS ARE SHORT SOCIAL WORKERS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, COUNSELORS AND NURSES. MANY OF THE ISSUES ARE THE SAME AMONG THE PROFESSIONS. TOM TEBBE (teh-bee) WITH THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS DISCUSSED SOME OF THE PROBLEMS.

THERE’S ALSO A SHORTAGE OF SCHOOL NURSES, WHOSE ROLE HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS SAYS THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PROFESSOR EILEEN MOSS.

SOLUTIONS PROPOSED INCLUDE SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS FOR THOSE COMMITTING TO WORK IN RURAL AND LOW-INCOME AREAS, PAID INTERNSHIPS AND RECRUITING HIGH SCHOOLERS TO PURSUE A CAREER IN ONE OF THE VARIOUS FIELDS.

ILLINOIS DOESN’T JUST HAVE A TEACHER SHORTAGE…HOUSE LAWMAKERS ARE LEARNING ABOUT THE NEED FOR OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL AS WELL. 

BASED ON TESTIMONY AT A HOUSE COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE TOPIC, SCHOOLS ARE SHORT SOCIAL WORKERS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, COUNSELORS AND NURSES. MANY OF THE ISSUES ARE THE SAME AMONG THE PROFESSIONS. TOM TEBBE (teh-bee) WITH THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS DISCUSSED SOME OF THE PROBLEMS.

THERE’S ALSO A SHORTAGE OF SCHOOL NURSES, WHOSE ROLE HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS SAYS THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PROFESSOR EILEEN MOSS.

SOLUTIONS PROPOSED INCLUDE SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS FOR THOSE COMMITTING TO WORK IN RURAL AND LOW-INCOME AREAS, PAID INTERNSHIPS AND RECRUITING HIGH SCHOOLERS TO PURSUE A CAREER IN ONE OF THE VARIOUS FIELDS.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS OFFERING FREE HEPA AIR PURIFIERS TO LICENSED DAYCARE CENTERS ACROSS THE STATE. 

MORE THAN 20-THOUSAND AIR PURIFIERS ARE AVAILABLE, TO HELP CLEAN THE AIR AND REDUCE SPREAD OF VIRUSES SAYS PUBLIC HEALTH'S CHARLES WILLIAMS.

HE SAYS THEY DON'T WANT A REPEAT OF LAST YEAR.

THE PROGRAM IS OPEN TO DAYCARES OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO THAT ARE LICENSED BY THE STATE, AND INCLUDE A THREE YEAR SUPPLY OF FILTERS. THE WINDOW TO APPLY IS SHORT, ENDING ON JULY 31ST.

Farm visits remain an important tool at the county farm bureau level—for elected officials at all stages—federal, state, and local says Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government and Political Engagement Ryan Whitehouse.

Whitehouse says it’s also a great idea to invite elected officials to county fairs.

The Illinois Farm Bureau promoting a great resource for farmers market vendors. It’s called the Farmers Market Food Safety Guide says the organization’s associate director of food systems development Raghela Scavuzzo.

You can find the guide under “RESOURCES” section at ilfb.org.

A Clinton City Commissioner is calling on the City Council to take action on a couple of items, one of which has been on the radar of the Council throughout this year.

At the Tuesday night Clinton City Council meeting, Commissioner John Wise urged the Council to finally take steps to craft an ordinance regarding Air BnBs. The Council has heard from a few residents throughout this year regarding the issue.

Commissioner Wise is also calling on the Clinton City Council to update its code book. He says there are some things in the code book that are very dated.

Wise says several efforts on those two fronts have been tabled and he believes it is time for the Council to revisit them. 

It's one of the most stressful things zoo administrators across the country deal with - the quadrennial inspection by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA.

Jay Pratte is the first-year Executive Director of the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington and indicates today and tomorrow, inspectors from the AZA will be at his zoo to give a fine-toothed comb examination.

Pratte indicates these representatives from the AZA will leave no stone unturned - both literally and figuratively.

Pratte calls the process very intimidating because it is an evaluation of your practices and policies. He says they want to make sure the missions of zoos are being carried out in their facility.

Upon the departure of the AZA inspectors, the Miller Park Zoo then makes changes to its plans and begins to modify facility improvements marked out. Later this summer in Columbus, Ohio. 

There continues to be positive news regarding Clinton sales tax. 

Commissioner Tom Edmunds Tuesday night at the Clinton City Council meeting...

Sales taxes have been steady in Clinton since the pandemic. Much of that has been thanks to communities ability to now tap into taxes assessed for online sales.

Vegetable garden growers are starting to see some of the things they planted a few months ago starting to yield some produce.

That means the community garden table is back at the Warner Library in Clinton. Business Manager Samantha Rusk calls this one of her favorite things the library offers for the community.

Rusk also reminds there are monthly garden webinars with the University of Illinois Extension master gardeners. She points anyone interested in learning about that to find information at vwarner.org or find them on almost any social media platform. 

THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE IS STRESSING THE NEED FOR POOL SAFETY THIS SUMMER. 

THE NUMBER ONE RULE IS TO ALWAYS KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE ON CHILDREN WHO ARE IN OR NEAR A POOL. THAT APPLIES TO HOT TUBS AND THOSE LITTLE KIDDIE POOLS AS WELL. FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ OFFERS MORE TIPS.

STATISTICS FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SHOW THAT KIND OF SET UP REDUCES A CHILD’S RISK OF DROWNING BY 83 PERCENT COMPARED TO A THREE SIDED FENCE.

IF YOU’VE JUST PUT IN A POOL, FULTZ SAYS AN “ISOLATION FENCE” WHICH IS FOUR SIDED AND SEPARATES THE POOL FROM THE YARD AND HOUSE IS THE BEST OPTION. 

It was another dry week in central Illinois. State Climatologist Trent Ford has more....

The community of Lincoln was devastated a few years ago when Lincoln College closed its doors. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch told Regional Radio the school will reopen. What it will look like though remains to be seen.

If it were to come to fruition, the Mayor calls the re-opening of Lincoln College a huge positive for the community. 

President of the Illinois State's Attorneys Association and Morgan County State's Attorney Gray Noll says the Supreme Court's ruling on the Pretrial Fairness portion of the Safe-T Act is going to change the face of the state's court system.

In the 5-2 decision, the Supreme Court voted to eliminate the cash bail system. Proponents of the measure say the new system will ensure pretrial detainment will be determined by the danger an individual poses on the community. Noll says state's attorneys and circuit judges across Illinois will now have much more work to do.

Noll says the wider spread effects of no cash bail will hit smaller, downstate counties the hardest because it eliminates a direct revenue stream to run the court system and the affordability to run local county jails. He says that another strain local courts may face is possibly that defendants will continuously fail to appear for criminal cases.

The state's court systems will now have to spend the next 60 days getting ready to put in place mechanisms of having no cash bail for arrests moving forward. The stay on the Pretrial Fairness Act will officially be lifted by the Illinois Supreme Court on September 18th.

JOBS WERE UP AND THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS DOWN LAST MONTH IN ILLINOIS.

THERE WERE SOME POSITIVE SIGNS IN THE LATEST JOB NUMBERS SAYS STATE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY ACTING DIRECTOR RAY MARCHIORI (mar-chee-or-ee).

MARCHIORI (mar-chee-or-ee) SAYS 84-HUNDRED JOBS WERE ADDED FROM MAY TO JUNE AND ALSO WORTH NOTING…

JUNE MARKED THE SIXTH MONTH IN A ROW FOR JOB GAINS. 

Heat expected to impact Illinois next week.

John Baranick is an ag meteorologist for DTN.

The DeWitt County Board Thursday night agreed to assess a fine of $5,000 to Enel Green Power for not curtailing its Alta Farms II wind turbines during the storms of June 29.

Buck Carter chairs the DeWitt County Board's Land Use Committee - he says Enel has agreed to curtail the turbines when thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued, both of which were issued on June 29 during a derecho storm that rolled through DeWitt County.

Terry Ferguson, the author of the condition in the special use permit, felt initially they could give Enel a pass on the mistake but changed his mind after reading the entirety of the ordinance and its wording.

Joe Witte points the Board to some of the specific language in the special use permit and believes Enel should have curtailed the turbines based on several examples.

Witte believes there is enough to fine Enel but offered the question - do they fine Enel for two events or one? On June 29, both a tornado warning and thunderstorm warning were issued within the footprint of the wind farm.

Megan Myers and Kristina Deerwester both agree that Enel needs to be put on notice they are being monitored to hold up its end of their agreement. They agree - not taking action in this circumstance would be a mistake.

State's Attorney Dan Markwell believes the notice, because it is not litigation, should come from the County Board and Carter offered the suggestion Administrator DeeDee Rentmeister - who is also serving as the zoning officer - be the one to send the notice.

As it pertains to how much to fine Enel for the multiple warnings they did not curtail, Witte believes fining them for the events of that day was sufficient. Board Chair Dan Matthews agreed. 

Witte also insisted on getting a written reason from Enel why they did not curtail the turbines and get written reassurance it would not happen again.

The Board unanimously approved fining Enel Green Energy for $5,000.

A central Illinois lawmaker is reacting to Tuesday's Illinois Supreme Court decision to uphold the Safe-T Act which eliminates cash bail in Illinois.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Illinois Senator Sally Turner told Regional Radio this ruling wasn't surprising but is disappointing and greatly diminishes public safety.

Sen. Turner believes the claims that this law will keep people without the means to post bail for low-level crimes out of jail cells is completely inaccurate.

After the law was passed, lawmakers went back to amend it and Sen. Turner believes it shows how rushed the legislation was initially.

Illinois Republicans are calling on the House and Senate leadership to call an emergency session to further discuss the bill as it is expected to take effect in September. 

Tuesday night at the Clinton Board of Education meeting, the final piece to the district leadership team was hired.

Beckah Novak-Ewell was named the assistant principal of Clinton Elementary School rounding out the building's leadership. On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Superintendent Curt Nettles told Regional Radio it has been a busy summer full of change for the district.

According to Nettles, Novak-Ewell has applied for other positions within Clinton Schools and unfortunately, it has not ever worked out until now. 

The new administrators will have a chance to get to know their building staff at a meet and greet coming up at The Vault in Clinton. Nettles indicates many teachers and staff have already reached out with introductory messages.

Clinton Elementary School suddenly found itself without any administration in late May after the departures of Ben Mooney and Sasha Young. Nettles touts the experience of the two new administrators and believes the skill set they bring will allow for excellent student achievement. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers is reacting to the Tuesday decision by the Illinois Supreme Court to uphold the 'Safe-T' legislation and the elimination of cash bail.

At the Tuesday night Clinton City Council meeting, Chief Lowers told the Council there is already an issue with releasing criminals back on the streets after they've committed a crime but it's only going to get worse.

The ruling on the Safe-T legislation came on a vote of 5-2. 

The new body shop at Baum Chevrolet-Buick in Clinton is taking shape.   Owner Scott Baum tells Regional Radio News that crews from local contractor Dave Waters Construction are making progress.

Baum adds the new facility will be beneficial for both employees and customers.

Baum is hoping that they'll be into the new body shop building this fall.

And, Baum adds the present Baum Chevrolet-Buick body shop will be torn down and made into a parking lot once the staff moves into the new building.

The Illinois Commerce Commission is hosting a public forum on Ameren Illinois’ $1.3-billion, four-year electric rate hike request. 

You can give your thoughts on Wednesday at 6pm the Decatur Civic Center, or remotely either online or by calling in to a special toll-free number. Ameren Illinois filed paperwork with the Illinois Commerce Commission to seek the rate adjustment in January. Jim Chilsen, spokesman for utility watchdog Citizens Utility Board says your voice can be heard.

In addition, the utility is requesting a natural gas increase that Chilsen says comes in at about $149-million, and you can also submit comments on that. To do so, you can go to the ICC website or call 1-800-524-0795 during regular business hours.

THE STATE’S ILLINOIS WORKS PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IS EXPANDING ITS REACH WITH ANOTHER 10 MILLION DOLLARS IN FUNDING. 

THE PROGRAM HELPS PEOPLE PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING TRADES INDUSTRY SAYS ILLINOIS WORKS DEPUTY DIRECTOR NORMAN RUANO (roo-ahn-oh).

THAT MEANS HAVING LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS HOST THE PROGRAM IN AREAS OF THE STATE WHERE IT’S NOT YET AVAILABLE.

THIS ADDITIONAL MONEY WILL ENSURE SPECIFIC REGIONS AND RACIAL GROUPS HAVE ACCESS TO THE PROGRAM. INTERESTED GROUPS THAT WANT TO OFFER THIS SERVICE AND APPLY NOW FOR GRANTS RANGING FROM 55 THOUSAND TO MORE THAN HALF A MILLION DOLLARS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: DCEO DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV.

The Illinois Supreme Court says changes made to the state’s cash bail system are constitutional and can proceed. Justices ruled 5-2 that the “Pretrial Fairness Act” should take effect on September 18th. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he applauds the decision.

Those arrested for certain crimes — including first- and second-degree murder, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual assault, robbery and burglary “where there is use of force against another person,” residential burglary, home invasion and vehicular invasion — can still be denied pretrial release.

We're six weeks out from the 2023 Farm Progress Show in Decatur. The grounds are shaping up nicely says national events manager Matt Junggman (young-man).

The Farm Progress Show takes place Aug. 29, 30, & 31.

Throughout the City of Clinton, workers have been tirelessly working to dig lines for coming broadband service providers.

The work has caused a stir already with numerous gas lines being struck causing issues with residents in those impacted areas. Clinton City Council members discussed the issue Tuesday night at the Clinton City Council meeting. Commissioner of Public Property John Wise said City crews were doing their best to mark out water lines but storms have slowed that work and the companies doing the work need to respect the fact storm cleanup efforts will take priority.

Commissioner Wise says with a fourth company coming to work in the City, it is going to be even more difficult to keep up with the demands of the companies. Additionally, Commissioner Tom Edmunds suggested if a storm rolls through, those folks are simply going to have to wait for cleanup efforts to finish.

Commissioner Ballenger was upset that work being done on the square was not being left the way those workers found it and feels that needs to be addressed.

Later this week on Regional Radio, we'll have more coverage from the Tuesday night City Council meeting including Commissioner Wise addressing things that need to be updated like finally getting around to air BnB ordinances and updating the City code book.

Additionally, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers spoke about the Illinois Supreme Court's decision to uphold the 'Safe-T Act' Tuesday morning. 

It's Christmas in July at Encore Developmental Services in Clinton on Saturday.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Executive Director Stephanie Coonce told Regional Radio they will be pulling more Christmas items for purchase and will have food and drinks for purchase at the store from 10 am to 2 pm.

Coonce reminds the agency is in the midst of a dire need to improve its health/life safety at the location just outside of Clinton because of an assessment from the Fire Marshal's Office last year.

Coonce indicates they hope to raise $3,000 this weekend. Next week on Regional Radio, we'll hear more from Coonce on the latest in the process to get those improvements done and the pursuit of funding for everything.

Registration is underway for a non-profit program aimed at introducing young kids to the school setting.

Krissy Conklin is the Director of Head Start for Community Action of Central Illinois and outlines the birth to three years old program, Early Head Start, and it is geared at getting children up to speed in terms of developmental milestones.

The primary Head Start program is geared at getting kids acclimated to the classroom setting and ready to attend school for Kindergarten.

According to Conklin, those that come through the Head Start program will be ready at a variety of levels for the school setting.

Head Start registration is underway and Conklin encourages anyone that thinks they might qualify for this program to apply now because space is limited and it fills up quickly.

Visit capcil.info for more information. You can also contact the corporate office for Community Action in Lincoln by calling 217-732-2159. 

ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL SAYS ILLINOIS IS JOINING A NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL TELEMARKETING AND ROBOCALLS. 

THE EFFORT IS DUBBED “OPERATION STOP SCAM CALLS” AND IS TARGETING TELEMARKETERS, THEIR EMPLOYERS AND OTHERS. ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SAYS THEY ALSO WANT TO HOLD TELECOM SERVICE PROVIDES ACCOUNTABLE.

RAOUL SAYS THEY ALSO WANT SERVICE PROVIDERS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

ADDITIONALLY, RAOUL SAYS ILLINOIS IS PART OF A MULTI-STATE LAWSUIT AGAINST AVID TELECOM. THE COMPANY IS ACCUSED OF INITIATING AND TRANSMITTING MORE THAN SEVEN AND A HALF BILLION ROBOCALLS TO CONSUMERS ON THE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY.

The DeWitt County 4-H fair was held a few weeks ago and it was another great year for the community's youth.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Kendra Wallace, 4-H Coordinator for DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties told Regional Radio she was very pleased with how everything went earlier this month.

All of the kids' projects and animals are judged during the weekend. Wallace says the tractor driving kicks off the show each year and things finish up with the awards show on Sunday night.

Wallace appreciates the fact the 4-H show is a family affair. She points to the livestock shows that are often family events because of all the things they do leading up to and throughout the show season. 

The 4-H show has in the last couple of years welcomed 4-H ers from Macon and Piatt Counties and Wallace believes that partnership has worked out very well. 

The horse show was postponed to Aug. 5-6. 

The Clinton YMCA is electing to forego the 2023 version of its annual sprint triathlon to get the event sanctioned for 2024.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, YMCA Executive Director Rennie Cluver told Regional Radio the event has dropped off in participation in recent years and he notes it is not necessarily because of COVID.

Because of the drop off in participation plus the timing of the event, next year, Cluver says they are going to do two things. They are going to sanction their event and they are going to move it up a month into June.

According to Cluver, one of the benefits of having the event sanctioned is it will be advertised on a greater scale. He also notes it provides the opportunity for so much more to go on around the event itself.

Cluver notes they have begun communication with participants of events past to let them know about this change and he is very excited to see where this event can go in the future.

Get more information about the change in the event by visiting clintoncommymca.org. 

WINTER WHEAT HARVESTING IS NEARLY COMPLETE AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT.

95 PERCENT OF THE WINTER WHEAT CROP HAS NOW BEEN HARVESTED, WHICH IS ABOUT ON PAR WITH THE FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE SAYS STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER. AS FOR OTHER CROPS…

SCHLEUSENER SAYS 61 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE BLOOMING.

 AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE DECLINED A LITTLE TO 19 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 28 PERCENT SHORT, 51 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND TWO PERCENT SURPLUS.

Out of the spring legislative session, Governor J.B. Pritzker signing legislation establishing the Rock Island Regional Port District. Bob Sinkler is with Corn Belt Ports.

The Rock Island Regional Port District legislation won unanimous approval in the Illinois General Assembly.

THIS IS LOTTERY WEEK…AND THE THEME FOR 2023 IS “MORE THAN A GAME.”

THE GOAL OF THE DESIGNATION IS TO HIGHLIGHT THE POSITIVE IMPACT THAT LOTTERIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE ON THEIR STATES AND COMMUNITIES. FOR THE ILLINOIS LOTTERY, ABOUT 25 PERCENT OF EVERY DOLLAR PLAYED GOES TOWARDS KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12TH GRADE EDUCATION AND OTHER CAUSES SAYS SPOKESPERSON MEGHAN POWERS.

POWERS SAYS THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO PLAY.

THERE’S BEEN A LOT OF ILLINOIS LOTTERY EXCITEMENT THIS YEAR, WITH SOME BIG JACKPOTS FOR GAMES LIKE POWERBALL, MEGA MILLIONS AND LOTTO.

The summer vacation season is in full and if a trip is still on your agenda for this year, local authorities have a few reminders for you.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers is reminding of the vacation watch program through the Clinton Police Department that provides a periodic look over your home while you may be away.

As you're on vacation, Chief Lowers has other annual safety reminders like making sure your house has someone looking after it while you're away. He points out there are several indicators to those with nefarious intentions of your absence.

Chief Lowers reminds they frequently see when there is a theft or burglary to a residence, it is someone known to that individual or family.

To get more information about the vacation watch program, contact the non-emergency line of the Clinton Police Department at 217-935-9441. 

A central Illinois domestic violence advocate is highlighting the planning process for victims who are both planning to leave a relationship but also those that are planning to stay in a relationship.

Andrea Kocher with Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County indicates often planning is focused on those that are leaving a relationship but she says if you plan to stay, there are plans you can put in place. It starts with being prepared for when a situation escalates and being aware of what room of the home you're in.

According to Kocher, victims can tell when things are building to a serious incident and can see the signs and warnings in real-time. Because of this, Kocher says you want to have a to-go backpack ready and strategically place certain every day items.

Kocher stresses for victims to have a plan of where they are going to go and how they plan to get there. She indicates transportation is always an issue for a victim.

Unfortunately, kids are often roped into these situations and Kocher says prepping your kids how to speak with 9-1-1 dispatchers and what they should do is important and often overlooked.

Kocher implores victims to contact Willow Tree even if they are planning to stay in a relationship. She says they want to make sure every woman is safe and having a plan can be very instrumental in ensuring that safety. 

Find Willow Tree Missions on Facebook, visit willowtreemissions.org or call 217-631-1018.

We'll hear more from Kocher on Regional Radio regarding planning for those that are leaving a relationship. 

The Social Security Administration is promoting a program through the Federal Communication Commission that is helping reduce the costs of internet access to individuals and families.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.

Other discounts include a $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands and a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers - with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50. Myers notes any household with an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income is eligible to receive discounted internet service through the ACP. 

Myers also notes if nobody in your HH gets SSI,  you may still be eligible if your household participates in other assistance programs such as SNAP benefits, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, WIC benefits, Lifeline, and more.

Myers adds you can also qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines

For more information, you can visit their website at www.getinternet.gov or just go to fcc.gov and look for it. You can also e-mail them at ACPinfo@fcc.gov or call 877-384-2575. 

THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT IS SET TO ISSUE ITS RULING ON A STATE LAW ELIMINATING CASH BAIL NEXT WEEK. 

THE PROVISION OF THE SAFE-T ACT THAT ENDS CASH BAIL FOR THOSE CHARGED WITH CERTAIN CRIMES WAS SUPPOSED TO GO INTO EFFECT JANUARY FIRST. BUT IT WAS PUT ON HOLD AFTER A GROUP OF MORE THAN 60 STATE’S ATTORNEYS FILED A LAWSUIT. ORAL ARGUMENTS WERE HEARD IN MARCH, AND AT THE TIME, GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER WAS ASKED FOR HIS THOUGHTS ON HOW IT WENT.

PRITZKER SAID HE BELIEVED IT WOULD BE UPHELD.

THE COURT’S OPINION IS SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED ON TUESDAY MORNING.

CORN SWEAT? YEP, IT’S A REAL THING IN THE MIDWEST. 

MORE THAN 90 MILLION ACRES OF CORN ARE PLANTED EACH YEAR IN ILLINOIS. AS THOSE SEEDLINGS GROW…THEY CAN PUT OFF A LOT OF MOISTURE SAYS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION CLIMATE SPECIALIST DUANE FRIEND. CORN SWEAT PEAKS DURING THE TASSEL STAGE, WITH JUST ONE ACRE PUMPING UP TO FOUR THOUSAND GALLONS OF WATER INTO THE AIR EACH DAY.

FRIEND SAYS THE CORN PLANT DRAWS MOISTURE FROM THE GROUND AND RELEASES IT INTO THE AIR.

FRIEND SAYS THE CORN SWEAT HASN’T BEEN AS BAD THIS SUMMER SINCE IT’S BEEN SO DRY.

Bringing attention to the issue and then submitting an Illinois Farm Bureau resolution. The process eventually leads to a piece of state legislation being signed into law. It originated from the Edwards and Wabash County farm bureaus.

Jason Balding served as Edwards County Farm Bureau president for 14 years.

2023 IS SHAPING UP TO BE A BIG YEAR FOR TORNADOES IN ILLINOIS.

THE YEAR KICKED OFF WITH SEVERAL TORNADOES IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS ON JANUARY THIRD, FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER ROUND IN FEBRUARY AND IN MARCH. THAT’S UNUSUAL SAYS STATE CLIMATOLOGIST TRENT FORD.

WHAT’S UNUSUAL IS THAT THE MAJORITY OF 2023’S TORNADOES WERE IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY SAYS STATE CLIMATOLOGIST TRENT FORD.

THAT IS UNTIL THIS WEEK, WHEN AT LEAST 11 TORNADOES HIT THE CHICAGO AREA, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER SO FAR IN 2023 TO 111. FORD SAYS ILLINOIS USUALLY AVERAGES ABOUT 54 TORNADOS PER YEAR.

ILLINOIS USUALLY AVERAGES ABOUT 54 TORNADOES EACH YEAR. SO FAR IN 2023…THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 111 TORNADOES, INCLUDING THE 11 TWISTERS CONFIRMED SO FAR THAT SWEPT THROUGH THE CHICAGO AREA THIS WEEK.

A Clinton law enforcement official is giving kudos to those that stepped up and worked very hard to bring back the Fourth of July activities in Clinton.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers is calling out Josh Thielen with the Clinton American Legion for his efforts to bring back the Fourth of July activities on the Clinton Square and indicates it looked like a great turnout and those that came out had a good time.

Chief Lowers also applauds the Celebrate Clinton Association for once again taking the lead to fundraise for the fireworks display the day after the Fourth of July. 

It has been a busy summer at Weldon Springs State Park as the Weldon Springs Foundation has hosted a bevy of activities and they have plenty more to take advantage of.

Patti Kinder with the Weldon Springs Foundation says if you have missed any of the events from May or June, worry not because there are many more to come in July, August, and beyond.

There are several more events as the season turns to fall in September and even October. Kinder points anyone wanting more information to find the 'Weldon Springs State Park Foundation' Facebook page to keep up with all the latest. 

A program on the Clinton Square on Saturdays that promotes children's literacy needs more books.

Elizabeth Burns with the Clinton Farmer's Market explains the 'little library' has been well received the last year or so but they are seeing the need to replenish the stand at the market on Saturdays with more literature.

Burns encourages families that have benefitted from the little library or have the means and extra materials to consider giving an item or two to the library on Saturdays of the market.

The Farmer's Market on the Clinton Square is each Saturday from 8 am to noon. Find the Clinton Area Farmer's and Artisan's Market on Facebook for more information. 

Job seekers may think twice about applying for a job on social media.

According to the Better Business Bureau, in the first three months of 2023, the bureau received reported losses of almost 9-hundred thousand dollars. Don O'Brien at the Bureau says that's up over 2-hundred 50 percent over the past year.

In some cases, O'Brien says individuals found themselves in a deep financial hole with little recourse.

Deadlines loom about a new farm bill as lawmakers work their way to meet a September deadline.

One of the main focuses this year is the supplemental nutrition assistance program, often called SNAP. Carolina Schneider, a registered dietitian, says supplements should be a part of the program in the farm bill.

White House members believe they will have Farm Bill text ready by early September. The last farm bill was signed by former President Trump in 2018.

The Better Business Bureau says you need to do your homework before downloading the newest app. Whatever that app may be, you should check permissions you need to give it to operate, as BBB Investigator Don O’Brien says some will access your personal information if you let it.

Some apps will ask for your credit card information right off the bat, according to O’Brien, which could then allow them to hit your account without your permission. Other apps are more of a nuisance than a threat, hitting you with constant spam.

Xochitl Torres Small has won confirmation as the U.S. Deputy Ag Secretary this week—the number 2 post at USDA. Earlier this year, she was in Illinois twice while serving as USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development—once in Galesburg and again in the Metro East area. RFD Radio covered both visits.

Torres Small will be sworn in next week as USDA deputy ag secretary.

A NEW STATE LAW SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER TO PICK UP YOUR MEDICATION AT THE PHARMACY.

HERE’S THE PROBLEM SAID SENATOR CHAPIN ROSE OF MAHOMET BACK IN MAY.

HE SAYS IT’S RIDICULOUS THAT CUSTOMERS CAN’T PICK UP THEIR ALREADY-FILLED PRESCRIPTIONS UNLESS A PHARMACIST IS ON SITE.

ROSE SAYS THIS HAS ESPECIALLY BEEN A PROBLEM IN RURAL AREAS. HIS LEGISLATION, WHICH TAKES EFFECT JANUARY 1ST, REMOVES THAT REQUIREMENT. IT LETS CUSTOMERS GET THEIR MEDS FROM OTHER STAFF IF THE PRESCRIPTION HAS BEEN FILLED, PACKAGED AND SEALED BY A LICENSED PHARMACIST, EVEN IF THAT PHARMACIST ISN’T ON SITE.

The Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2025 has been selected. They’ll start their 19-month journey next month says the foundation’s Mellisa McMillan.

The Illinois Ag Leadership Program was founded in 1981. There have been more than 600 graduates.

ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE ALEXI GIANNOULIAS’ OFFICE IS LAUNCHING A NEW WEBSITE. 

SECRETARY GIANNOULIAS SAYS THE REVAMPED SITE PRIORITIZES THE OFFICE’S MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, SO CUSTOMERS CAN QUICKLY FIND THE INFORMATION THEY NEED.

OTHER ENHANCEMENTS INCLUDE A JOB PORTAL TO SEARCH FOR OPENINGS WITHIN THE OFFICE, LOBBYIST INFORMATION AND MORE SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES SUCH AS TERMINATING AN L-L-C ONLINE. 

THE SECRETARY OF STATE’S WEBSITE IS: IL SOS DOT GOV.

THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR IS LAUNCHING A “SENSORY-FRIENDLY” INITIATIVE THIS YEAR. 

THE STATE FAIR CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY, AUTISM OR P-T-S-D. THAT’S WHY THE FAIR WILL HAVE “SUNFLOWER HOURS” ON THE MORNING OF SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH, WHERE THEY WILL TONE DOWN CERTAIN PROGRAMS TO CREATE A CALMER ENVIRONMENT. THERE WILL ALSO BE A SILENT DANCE PARTY AND CARNIVAL RIDES WILL RUN WITHOUT THE USUAL BRIGHT LIGHTS AND LOUD SOUNDS DURING THAT TIME SAYS FAIR MANAGER REBECCA CLARK.

CLARK SAYS THEY WANT THE EVENT TO BE INCLUSIVE, AND NOT TOO OVERWHELMING FOR THOSE WITH AUTISM, ANXIETY AND P-T-S-D.

THE SENSORY STATION WILL BE LOCATED IN THE EMMERSON BUILDING. THE FAIR KICKS OFF THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH IN SPRINGFIELD.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WILL BE CREATING A NEW MOBILE APPLICATION UNDER A NEW STATE LAW.

THE IDEA IS TO PROVIDE ANOTHER SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR MOTORISTS. THE LEGISLATION WAS SPONSORED IN THE HOUSE BY REPRESENTATIVE NORMA HERNANDEZ OF MELROSE PARK.

IT WAS SUPPORTED IN THE HOUSE BACK IN MAY BY REPRESENTATIVE CAROL AMMONS OF URBANA.

OPPONENTS AT THE TIME WORRIED ABOUT THE COST OF CREATING AND MAINTAINING A NEW APP. IDOT OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE WORKING ON THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT AND WILL BE DETERMINING NEXT STEPS IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.

Believe it or not, harvest season is approaching, which means cheaper unleaded gas.

In the fall, gas stations switch to cheaper winter fuel that lowers prices for consumers at the pump. Patrick DeHaan at GasBuddy says that could lead to prices below three dollars.

For diesel prices, DeHaan expects prices to rise as farmers use more fuel in the fields.

Award-winning dietitian Sara Umphleet from OSF Healthcare has one grocery item she feels is essential for healthy eating and developing healthy eating habits.

Blueberries contain antioxidants and have been proven to provide nutrients essential to weight loss making them a go-to grocery item for anyone looking to lose weight.

C-N-B-C’S ANNUAL TOP STATES FOR BUSINESS RANKINGS ARE GIVING ILLINOIS SOME HIGH MARKS. 

OVERALL, ILLINOIS IS RATED 17TH …A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT FROM 30TH PLACE BACK IN 2019. STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY DIRECTOR KRISTEN RICHARDS SAYS THE ILLINOIS FARED PARTICULARLY WELL IN A FEW CATEGORIES.

ILLINOIS ALSO CAME IN SECOND FOR EDUCATION AND WAS RANKED NINTH IN THE NATION FOR COST OF LIVING.

ILLINOIS RANKED 14TH FOR TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, WHICH LOOKS AT THE NUMBER OF PATENTS, RESEARCH AND OTHER MEASURES.

State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer of Murrayville is pleased to announce that his legislation to help save volunteer rescue squads in rural areas of the state has been signed into law. 

The new law became effective immediately on June 30 and now allows rescue squads to fix, charge, and collect fees for rescue squad and ambulance services not exceeding the reasonable cost of the service. Davidsmeyer says although rescue squads perform similar services, and have corporate and ambulance service property tax levies, they do not have the same fee options as Fire Protection Districts.

This legislation was supported by the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts, as well as many other emergency service providers throughout the state.

A Clinton non-profit is celebrating its new permanent home in southern McLean County.

Cody Monkman is the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Care Center and explains they have been operating without a place to call home in Heyworth the last few years. 

According to Monkman, the $140,000 price tag for the new location was a little more than the non-profit was wanting to invest however, he indicates there were a few extenuating circumstances for why they landed where they did.

Monkman indicates they will do some fundraising on the other side of the new year. He notes they cannot fundraise during the holidays simply because of how chaotic that time of the year is.

A Clinton financial coach is growing concerned by some trends she noticing.

Connie Unruh is a financial coach with First National Bank in Clinton is seeing so many clients using credit cards for things they cannot afford. 

According to Unruh, the principles of budgeting are simple but most people lack the discipline to properly execute them. She says the number one thing we can do is spend less than we make.

Unruh points out having an emergency fund while you work your way out of debt is the other important principle. She explains having an emergency fund is necessary for those unforeseen expenses.

Unruh mentioned spending money is a somewhat emotional practice and is often a form of self-medication. She believes people are often buying things they don't need or think they are getting a deal when they, in fact, are not.

If spending on things you cannot afford is an issue for you or someone you know, Unruh encourages putting all the things you want into the "cart" of the website you're shopping at and then waiting 24 hours before you click the "checkout" tab. She indicates you might find the desire to purchase that item or items will likely go away. 

One of the most severe storms DeWitt County and other areas of central Illinois has experienced rolled through on June 29.

The lesson from a local law enforcement official isn't necessarily some of the typical reflections you've heard so far. On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers told Regional Radio he is taking away from the severe weather that day an appreciation for how good we have it in our lives today.

Chief Lowers says we were fortunate we only lost power and not access to information or our means of communication. He believes it is a good opportunity to think about the 'what if' scenarios and our preparedness.

According to Chief Lowers, many families dealt with power outages for hours and days and for some, no power means no water. 

Chief Lowers believes this was a good reminder we cannot take for granted the security of safety we have and the need to be prepared for weather events like this no matter how infrequent they may take place.

Chief Lowers praises the work done by fire crews across the county. He also points out they had one of their vehicles damaged by a tree limb that had fallen during the storm. 

A DeWitt County non-profit aimed at the upkeep and beautification of a natural resource outside Clinton is hoping more people will step up to be a part of its efforts.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Stephanie Russell with the Weldon Springs Foundation told Regional Radio the Foundation's next meeting is this evening at 6 pm and they are hoping prospective individuals that care about Weldon Springs will join them to learn about how they can help keep the park and the school house nice for its visitors.

If you're interested in volunteering, Russell indicates they ask only of the time you're willing to give. She explains they have a lot of things at the park and around the schoolhouse that can be done.

The Foundation meets just four times per year and the meetings are largely spent deciding who will help the Foundation's Patti Kinder during weekends as the schoolhouse is open on the weekends. 

A wet trend for the remainder of the summer could help us break an ongoing drought in Illinois.

Recent rains have been immensely helpful but it's not been nearly enough however, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates we are trending above average for rainfall for the rest of July.

According to Shimon, the above-normal precipitation trend is going to hang around for the next few months.

The trend for the next few months has Shimon optimistic we'll improve the drought conditions. He indicates this is quite the change from outlooks earlier in the spring and summer that were calling for a widespread dry summer. The change, he notes, is largely due to the rapid setting up of El Nino in the Pacific.

Below-normal temperatures for the back end of July indicates to Shimon we could be in store for more storms in that time frame. 

LEGISLATION PROMPTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WAS RECENTLY SIGNED INTO LAW. 

THE BILL WAS FILED IN RESPONSE TO THE HEARTBREAKING ISOLATION THAT RESIDENTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES FELT DURING THE PANDEMIC. IT WAS SPONSORED IN THE SPRING BY SENATOR JIL TRACY OF QUINCY.

TRACY NOTES IT LETS RESIDENTS APPOINT A PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ESSENTIAL SUPPORT PERSON.

UNDER THE NEW LAW… A STATEWIDE POLICY FOR VISITING LOVED ONES DURING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES WILL BE ESTABLISHED. IT WILL LET RESIDENTS NAME AN ESSENTIAL SUPPORT PERSON THAT WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO VISITATION RESTRICTIONS.

An Illinois lawmaker's bill is now law after Governor Pritzker signed the dotted line.

State Representative Jason Bunting's bill is designed to bring awareness to the soil and water conservation district to work hand-in-hand with the Department of Transportation.

Under the new law, the Department of Transportation is posting signs letting drivers know they are in a soil and water conservation district.

ILLINOIS TREASURER MIKE FRERICHS’ OFFICE IS OFFERING A NEW LOAN OPTION FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS. 

TREASURER FRERICHS SAYS THE LOAN PROGRAM IS MEANT TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN COLLEGE SAVINGS AND FINANCIAL AID. QUALIFYING STUDENTS GOING TO AN IN-STATE SCHOOL WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE LOW-INTEREST LOANS AND ENSURE THEY CAN CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION.

THAT’S WHERE THIS NEW LOAN PROGRAM CAN HELP SAYS TREASURER FRERICHS.

THIS IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NON-PROFIT…I-S-L EDUCATION LENDING. LOAN APPLICATIONS FOR FALL ENROLLMENT ARE BEING ACCEPTED AT: STUDENT LOAN DOT ORG FORWARD SLASH ILLINOIS.

Illinois FSA Director Scott Halpin reminding producers about the application deadline for the Pandemic Assistance Revenue or PARP program and the Emergency Relief Program or ERP Phase 2.

Information is also available at farmers.gov/parp or you can contact your local FSA office.

The DeWitt County 9-1-1 Director is reflecting on the events of June 29 when a derecho produced a tornado near Wappella and what his office went through that day.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Tony Harris told Regional Radio they received an overwhelming number of calls that day, and most of the calls they received were a lot of wind damage reports and a need for assistance for trees on fire in contact with live power lines.

CENCOM faced its own challenges that afternoon. According to Harris, the wind impacted one of its repeaters for fire communications, and that led to having to call in Blake West to communicate with his guys via their portable radios.

A challenge for dispatchers during an emergency is fielding multiple calls regarding the same incident. Harris notes there was some of that and because of the widespread nature of the storm and damage, that made it challenging to make sure they weren't fielding calls on a duplicate emergency.

Harris indicates one issue they did encounter was people calling 9-1-1 for things that were not emergencies - primarily power outages. While he recognizes the stress a lot of people were under that day, he encourages those needing call dispatchers to consider the severity of the situation and if it truly is an emergency.

The public was very patient with authorities on that Thursday and Harris is appreciative of the public's understanding that many first responders were getting to other emergencies.

Harris also gives kudos to Ameren utility workers who were hard at work for several days following the storm working to get power back up for impacted residents. 

He notes the calls about the storm have not stopped. He explains as Ameren would turn the power back on for certain areas, there might be active lines up against a tree and that would create more tree fires. He says they have received numerous calls like that in recent days. 

Drought still lingers in central Illinois despite a lot of rain that ushered in July.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates from June 29 until just after the Fourth of July, several inches of rain drenched Illinois.

Shimon indicates of the issue with the rains of the last week and a half is that there were just too many downpours and that created runoff. While it is good creeks and rivers were replenished a little bit, we still need more rain.

Looking into the remainder of July and the rest of the summer, there's still an above-normal precipitation signal which has Shimon optimistic we may break out of this drought sooner than later.

School facility updates seem to be one of the hottest topics among Illinois administrators in recent years as money is more available for improvements thanks to green energy developments and sales tax expansion in some places.

Clinton Schools this summer are embarking on a needed renovation of its kitchen and commons area and of the gymnasium. Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles also points out they have done a lot behind the scenes not many know about.

According to Nettles, there are communities with what he terms 'fast cash' as they can tap into one-cent sales tax figures. He points to Tolono Unity as a community that is doing good things with those dollars.

The Alta Farms II wind farm project went live last month and Nettles indicates the windfall from that operation will be significant for the district as well.

The topic of the one-cent sales tax proposal has come up at the School Board level as recently as late last year. For now, that is not something they are actively pursuing. 

Administrators at Clinton Schools remain optimistic the work being done this summer will be done in time for the start of the school year on Aug. 16. 

More showers and storms are on tap for this week in Illinois.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio Tuesday and Wednesday are the highest threats for severe weather and while central Illinois is in the lower end of the risk, he says rain is likely.

After the derecho on June 29, Shimon says it is always best to be weather aware and understand when rain may be arriving and keep an eye to the sky and an ear to however you monitor weather.

After starting the week with temperatures in the upper-80s, they will hit the mid-80s as those chances of rain increase. Slight chances of rain linger into Friday and Saturday. 

Power is back on for Central Illinois residents, but it took a herculean effort to restore electricity to hundreds of thousands of people.

According to Tucker Kennedy, the Director of Communication for Ameren, the Derecho storm knocked out over 1-thousand power polls across the state. That led to workers coming in from 12 different states.

For those who lost groceries, they are encouraged to file a claim on Ameren dot-com.

2023 marks 33 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA.

Jack Myers at Social Security is promoting the program, 'Ticket to Work Program' and explains it helps beneficiaries reach their goals of getting back to work despite a disability they may have.

The program supports career development for people ages 18 to 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Myers explains through this free and voluntary program, approved service providers offer support and services as participants move toward financial independence through work. 

Myers stresses, for most people, being disabled and being on Social Security isn't the end of your working life and many don't want it to be.

Myers stresses it is very important that you communicate with Social Security and let them know that you are doing that. If you don’t go through the Ticket program, call your local office to report your return to work.

You can learn more about working while disabled by checking out our website at www.choosework.ssa.gov or by calling 866-968-7842.

A LITTLE PRUNING OF YOUR PERENNIALS CAN TIDY UP YOUR GARDEN. A HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION EXPLAINS SOME OF THE METHODS.

FOR PERENNIALS LIKE ASTERS, SEDUM, CARDINAL FLOWER AND GOLDEN ROD, CUTTING BACK ONE WAY TO GO SAYS THE EXTENSION’S NICOLE FLOWERS-KIMMERLE (kimmer-lee).

FLOWERS-KIMMERLE (kimmer-lee) SAYS ANOTHER OPTION IS DEADHEADING, WHERE YOU REMOVE OLD BLOOMS.

MANY PERENNIALS BLOOM FOR THREE WEEKS OR LESS AND DEADHEADING, ANOTHER PRUNING METHOD, CAN ENCOURAGE A LONGER BLOOM TIME. 

FLOWERS-KIMMERLE SAYS PERENNIALS THAT RESPOND WELL TO DEADHEADING INCLUDE BUTTERFLY WEED, COREOPSIS (core-ee-op-sis), PURPLE CONEFLOWER AND GARDEN PHLOX. THEY SHOULD BE DEADHEADED TO THE NEXT LATERAL FLOWER, BUD OR LEAF.

AN INITIATIVE THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CAN HELP FARMERS GET THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE THEY NEED. 

THE ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL MENTAL HEALTH VOUCHER PROGRAM CONNECTS FARMERS WITH LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. PRODUCERS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS CAN REQUEST VOUCHERS FOR THREE FREE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SESSIONS, SAYS U OF I ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOSIE RUDOLPHI.

RUDOLPHI SAYS SOMETIMES PRODUCERS DON’T KNOW HOW TO GET HELP OR WHERE TO GO WHEN THEY ARE STRUGGLING.

RUDOLPHI SAYS SO FAR MORE THAN 40 MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM WITH MORE TO COME. ANYONE IN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY WHO IS INTERESTED CAN VISIT THE WEBSITE: GO DOT ILLINOIS DOT EDU SLASH FARM STRESS VOUCHER TO SIGN UP.

THE ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY IS OFFERING SOME TIPS FOR NATIONAL EXTREME HEAT SAFETY MONTH.

TEMPERATURES CAN GET PRETTY HIGH DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS IN ILLINOIS. THAT’S WHEN YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL SAYS I-EMA SPOKESPERSON KEVIN SUR.

HE ALSO ADVISES NOT DOING ANY STRENUOUS ACTIVITY IN THE AFTERNOON WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE THE HIGHEST, AS WELL AS:

SUR SAYS ABOUT 40 PERCENT OF UNWANTED HEAT BUILDUP IN HOMES IS THROUGH WINDOWS SO YOU CAN TRY KEEPING THE LIGHTS OFF AND SHADES DRAWN WHEN IT’S LIGHT OUTSIDE.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS ANNOUNCING THE LARGEST CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM IN ILLINOIS HISTORY. 

THE SIX-YEAR, 41-BILLION-DOLLAR PROGRAM WILL IMPROVE ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION ACROSS THE STATE SAYS THE GOVERNOR. 

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS PROJECTS ARE LOCATED IN ALL 102 ILLINOIS COUNTIES. THIS RECORD-LEVEL INVESTMENT IS PART OF THE STATE’S REBUILD ILLINOIS PROGRAM. 

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS THE PLAN IS PART OF THE STATE’S HISTORIC REBUILD ILLINOIS CAPITAL PROGRAM.

The Clinton City Council Wednesday night discussed the acquisition of property at 611 North Quincy Street.

The property was the topic of conversation a few years ago and had been neglected for some time. Commissioner Dan Ballenger wondered what the intention of the city was for the property and which parcel of land it actually was. City Attorney John Hoblit explains they have demolished the house and are looking to recoup the costs of that.

Mayor Roger Cyrulik explains the goal is to not only recoup money from the demolition but to get something built on the land for tax purposes.

The Council approved the purchase of the property on a 4-0 vote. 

At Wednesday night's Clinton City Council meeting, the Council approved funding for the ReBUILD Illinois project targeting Madison Street and Washington Street. 

City Attorney John Hoblit explains this will target some streetscape work that falls in line with ADA compliance in areas need in the community.

The funding breaks down to over $475,000 from the ReBUILD Illinois Funds and $400,000 from motor fuel tax. 

The Macon, DeWitt and Piatt County Farm Bureaus are among many other community partners whow will host a field day to provide an update on Lake Decatur watershed improvement efforts.

The event is Wednesday, July 12 at at 1139 E. 1780 North Rd. in Monticello from 10 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be provided.

This work includes supporting a U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural  Resources Conservation Service and Regional Conservation Partnership Program proposal, which was awarded to the city of Decatur in August 2022. 

This field day is an opportunity for local stakeholders to learn more about the RCPP and what to expect in the coming years.

Representatives with IFB, Macon, DeWitt and Piatt County Farm Bureaus, the Illinois State Water Survey staff, and the Illinois state climatologist and hydrologist.

IFB has administered its Nutrient Stewardship Grant Program to CFBs and their members for eight consecutive years to help support locally led nutrient stewardship, soil health and water quality projects. 

These projects include Nutrient Stewardship Field Days to inform attendees about the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and practices farmers are using to protect soil and crop health.

Those inside and outside of agriculture are invited to join and learn more about agriculture’s role in protecting the environment and helping meet NLRS goals.

Lunch will be provided to all attendees are asked to RSVP by email to Sierra Henry at shenry@ilfb.org by Tuesday, July 11.

A new state coordinator for Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education or FCAE. Jennifer Waters is replacing the retiring Dean Dittmar. Waters had been serving as the District 3 Program Adviser in central Illinois. She is also a former classroom teacher and former FFA officer.

RFD Radio spoke with Waters at last month’s Illinois FFA Convention.

A NEW STATE LAW PUTS AN END TO DETENTION CENTERS KEEPING YOUNG OFFENDERS IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT. 

THE PRACTICE IS ALREADY BANNED AT THE FIVE YOUTH CENTERS RUN BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE. THIS LAW ADDS COUNTY DETENTION CENTERS AS WELL AND WAS SUPPORTED BY SENATOR RACHEL VENTURA OF JOLIET.

IT WAS BACKED BY SENATE MINORITY LEADER JOHN CURRAN.

THE A-C-L-U OF ILLINOIS FILED A LAWSUIT OVER THE ISSUE LAST WEEK. THEY ALLEGE THAT KIDS AS YOUNG AS 11 YEARS OLD ARE BEING LOCKED UP ALONE FOR UP TO 23 HOURS A DAY AT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY DETENTION CENTER IN DOWNSTATE BENTON.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin—a member of the Senate Ag Committee and U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson—a member of the House Ag Committee—both at the Illinois Farm Bureau in Bloomington on Thursday. Much of the talk centered on the timeline for getting a new Farm Bill done.

Other commodity groups were also part of Thursday’s session at Illinois Farm Bureau.

It's been a pretty quiet summer at the Warner Hospital and Health Services walk-in clinic.

That's according to the nurse practitioner at the walk-in facility Colleen (call-een) Elliot-McCandless. She explains they continued to see some unusual illnesses through May and then things really went quiet.

CEO Paul Skowron highlights a positive change at the walk-in clinic and that is now a policy they will see anyone of any age. He explains they were not seeing patients under five years old.

Elliot-McCandless also points out they are exploring expanding the symptoms they can treat at the walk-in clinic.

Find Warner Hospital on Facebook to keep up with the latest in all the developments and expanding services at the facility. 

There's still time to get registered for the summer reading club at the Warner Library.

Children's librarian Corey Campbell indicates the summer reading club is off to a great start with a record number of registrations.

So far this summer, there's been a host of programs and activities and more are still on the calendar as the summer reading club shifts to July.

Campbell explains one thing he's added to the summer reading club in recent years is an end-of-year celebration with a great performer and a pizza party after.

Anyone can sign up for the summer reading club. Campbell says even if you've missed out on the first month of the program, there is still plenty of time to get signed up and still complete all the reading goals. 

He encourages stopping by the library at 310 North Quincy Street and heading up to the children's floor to get registered. 

One of the more severe weather events Clinton has seen in the last decade happened last week as power outages impacted hundreds of residents for several days.

Monday night at the Clinton City Council meeting, the council sang the praises of City crews and volunteers. Commissioner John Wise noted there were a few hiccups but he felt things in place to handle those kinds of emergencies worked out very well.

Dan Ballenger applauded all the city workers that put in a lot of work during those days to get things cleaned up as well as the volunteers who ran roughly 100 calls in those hours after the power went out.

Commissioner Ken Buchanan hopes residents will take advantage of expanded hours of operation at the yard waste facility.

Also at the Monday night City Council meeting:

>>The Council approved the loan for the Fire Department's new fire truck at just over $565,000 

>>The Council rejected bids for the demolition of property at 216 East Adams Street

>>The Council approved funding for property improvement at the corner of Madison Street and Washington Street through the ReBUILD Illinois Funds and MFT funds at just over $875,000. 

>>The Council approved the purchase of real estate at 611 North Quincy Street

>>The Council in later July will vote on a proposal for sidewalk streetscape work through the Farnsworth group at a cost not to exceed $9,300 for the area designated 'Area 1', not to exceed $7,500 for the area designated 'Area 2', and not to exceed $6,000 for the are designated 'Area 3'

Get more coverage from the Wednesday meeting this weekend and next week on Regional Radio.

Last week's power outages were no match for a new set of generators at Warner Hospital.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, CEO Paul Skowron told Regional Radio they recently purchased new generators knowing their old ones were not going to be enough for emergency events like we had last week with widespread power outages across the area.

If the hospital had not upgraded those generators, the hospital would have had to shut down the emergency room. Skowron indicates the old generators had much less capacity to handle a storm that we got last week.

Skowron sang the praises of his staff for being available to the needs of the community and rolling with the ups and downs the roughly 36 hours brought for the facility.

A Decatur non-profit has a busy weekend ahead.

The Decatur Area Arts Council kicks off the big weekend with its gallery walk and Executive Director Jerry Johnson told Regional Radio on the WHOW Morning Show the theme of this gallery walk centers around the theme of its summer Anne Lloyd Gallery exhibit.

After the Friday night event, the Decatur Area Arts Council is getting involved in this weekend's Lake Decatur Lakefest event celebrating 100 years of Lake Decatur.

Being a student of history, Johnson says there was a celebration for Lake Decatur when it first opened in 1923 and that celebration had lots of history to it.

Johnson says the Arts Council tries to be involved in the community and its events and being a part of the festivities of Lakefest is another way to do that.

Get more information about all things Decatur Area Arts Council by visiting decaturarts.org or find them on Facebook. 

Stakeholder feedback being sought as the University of Illinois Extension embarks on a new strategic plan.

The extensions Bobbi Lewis Sibley says feedback is being accepted through July 31. More info at extension.illinois.edu.

A banner year for the Goreville FFA in southern Illinois. They were named the Premier Chapter of Illinois at last month’s State FFA Convention. Jeff Robinson is the school’s FFA adviser.

Robinson has been the Goreville FFA adviser for 26 years.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SAYS HE'S HEARTENED BY THE LINE OF QUESTIONING DURING THE LATEST COURT HEARING ON ILLINOIS’ ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN. 

A CHALLENGE TO THE LAW WAS HEARD IN A FEDERAL APPEALS COURT LAST WEEK. PLAINTIFFS ARGUED THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN’T BAN WEAPONS THAT ARE COMMONLY USED, BUT THE GOVERNOR SAYS HE’S HOPEFUL THE LAW WILL BE UPHELD AFTER HEARING SOME OF THE QUESTIONS FROM JUDGES.

JUDGES ASKED IF CONSTITUTIONALITY SHOULD BE DICTATED BY A POPULARITY CONTEST…A NOTION GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS IS RIDICULOUS.

IT IS UNCLEAR WHEN THE COURT WILL ISSUE A RULING. THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAYS HE’S SPOKEN WITH THE PRESIDENT ABOUT THE NEED FOR A FEDERAL ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SAYS HE’S PLEASED TO HAVE TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE’S LARGEST EMPLOYEE UNION…AFSCME. 

DETAILS OF THE CONTRACT WON’T BE RELEASED UNTIL AFSCME MEMBERS REVIEW AND RATIFY THE DEAL. GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS IT WAS IMPORTANT TO FIND A BALANCE BETWEEN WHAT’S GOOD FOR STATE WORKERS…AND ILLINOIS TAXPAYERS.

THE CURRENT CONTRACT EXPIRED AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR, ON JUNE 30TH. BUT A DEAL WAS REACHED IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF JULY FIRST SAYS THE GOVERNOR.

AFSCME TOLD MEMBERS VIA EMAIL IN JUNE THAT ONE OF THE MAIN STICKING POINTS WAS PROPOSED INCREASES IN HEALTH CARE COSTS.

IT’S NOW EASIER FOR ILLINOISANS TO CHANGE THE GENDER ON THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE.

UNDER A NEW LAW THAT TOOK EFFECT JULY FIRST, A PERSON WHO DOESN’T IDENTIFY WITH THE GENDER ON THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE CAN GET IT UPDATED WITHOUT A DOCTOR'S NOTE. SENATOR LAURA FINE OF GLENVIEW SPONSORED THE MEASURE LAST FEBRUARY.

FINE SAYS THIS A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO TRANSGENDER ILLINOISANS.

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH HAS JUST MODERNIZED THE PROCESS FOR UPDATING A BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO REFLECT THE NEW LAW. YOU CAN GET STARTED BY VISITING: DPH DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV AND THEN LOOK UNDER “BIRTH RECORDS.”

The City of Clinton and Celebrate Clinton Association are still planning to have the Fourth of July fireworks display.

At the Tuesday night Clinton City Council meeting, Chief Ben Lowers indicated just before 7 pm, plans were still in place for the display to happen as scheduled for around 9:15 pm. 

Thunderstorms with heavy downpours rolled through Clinton in the late afternoon and early evening hours Wednesday. 

Keep it to dewittdailynews.com for the latest if anything changes. 

Newer phones are equipped with a feature that will automatically dial 9-1-1 if there is a heavy impact or repeated impact.

It's a feature called 'emergency SOS' and DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker explains this feature is in most new phones and it is impacting local first responders. 

If this is something that you don't want your phone doing, explore your settings in your phone to find out if you can disable that feature. Sheriff Walker says these instances are things they have to take seriously in the event there is an actual emergency.

Sheriff Walker believes some would view the feature as a nuisance if their phone was to accidentally dial 9-1-1 and dispatchers are unable to reach that person for whatever reason and the next they know there's first responders at their door. 

While he believes it is a good intentioned feature of our modern devices, he also notes it diverts some of the County's necessary resources to other places. 

At some point in the next month, Monticello schools will have turfed its football, soccer, baseball, and softball fields.

It's been a multi-million dollar and multi-month effort and now the question becomes - what is next at Monticello schools? Superintendent Adam Clapp says it is a question being taken up by the School Board.

One Superintendent called the one-cent sales tax 'fast cash' and Clapp points out those dollars have been a huge boost to the ability to take on so much of this work at once.

Some less flashy but still necessary item the district is focused on is security. Clapp says they have a need to improve security in some areas on its campus.

For Clapp, he feels it is the little things and the big projects they are fortunate to be able to do to make learning in Monticello better and he feels fortunate to be a part of leading the charge in those efforts.

THE CONDITION OF THE ILLINOIS CORN AND SOYBEAN CROP IMPROVED THIS PAST WEEK. 

THE LATE JUNE RAINS THAT SWEPT ACROSS PARTS OF THE STATE HELPED THIRSTY CROPS SAYS STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER. 

HE TURNS TO SOYBEANS:

WINTER WHEAT CONDITIONS IMPROVED AS WELL, WITH 77 PERCENT NOW IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT CONDITION. 82 PERCENT OF THE CROP HAS BEEN HARVESTED. 

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY TO 19 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 13 PERCENT SHORT, 62 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND SIX PERCENT SURPLUS.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER HAS SIGNED A LAW PROTECTING HOTEL WORKERS FROM UNRULY GUESTS. 

THE BILL CAME AT THE REQUEST OF THE INDUSTRY. MICHAEL JACOBSON, PRESIDENT OF THE ILLINOIS HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOCIATION SAID EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT ANGER TOWARDS EMPLOYEES HAS BEEN A PROBLEM.

THE LAW, WHICH TAKES EFFECT IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS, LETS HOTELS TOSS OUT GUESTS WHO REFUSE TO PAY, ARE EXHIBITING TROUBLING BEHAVIOR LIKE USING A ROOM TO LET MINORS DRINK ALCOHOL OR WHO POSE A SAFETY RISK.

INSTANCES WHERE A GUEST COULD BE TOSSED OUT ALSO INCLUDE FAILING TO PAY THEIR BILL, DAMAGING PROPERTY AND USING A HOTEL ROOM FOR MINORS TO DRINK ALCOHOL.

What were the factors in play that led to last Thursday’s severe storm outbreak in central Illinois? Here’s DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick.

The National Weather Service confirmed that five tornadoes touched down in central Illinois last Thursday.

An aborted coup attempt by the Wagner Group in Russia has the attention of an Illinois Congressman.

According to Congressman Darin LaHood, the aborted coup spotlighted the political struggle between Russian and President Vladimir Putin.

During the aborted coup, the Wagner Group halted around 120 miles from Moscow.

In reaction, Ukraine launched an offensive attack on the eastern front.

Since the war in Ukraine, more than two hundred thousand Russian soldiers have died.

On the other hand, more than a 1-hundred 25 thousand Ukrainian troops have died.

The Clinton YMCA's Camp Osage is having a great summer and an adjacent program in Monticello is having a similar experience.

Rennie Cluver is the Executive Director of the Clinton YMCA and indicates Monticello Y-Zone summer camp is nearly halfway through its annual program and is getting a great turnout just about every day.

According to Cluver, Monticello Y-Zone Summer Camp looks a lot like Camp Osage with Clinton where they are doing things with the kids and going places and making each day something to look forward to.

Camp is the same price for Monticello residents regardless if you're a member or not. He points anyone interested in learning more about that program to find the Monticello Y-Zone summer camp on Facebook or visit clintoncommymca.org. 

It was just a few years ago reports about animal shelters being empty because people working from home were adopting animals at never before seen rates.

That problem is now reversed and the DeWitt County Animal Control faciltiy is feeling the impacts of it. Board Chair Dan Matthews says it is a problem the County Board needs to and will start exploring.

The County will have to evaluate things like funds available as well as existing agreements with various entities in the County. 

The issue of an overabundance of animals coming to the shelter is not unique to DeWitt County but what is unique is DeWitt County is a no-kill shelter and many in the area are.

If you're headed to the Clinton Square this Fourth of July for the festivities being put on by the Clinton American Legion, be sure to stop by the Farmer's Market until 2 pm on the square.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Elizabeth Burns told Regional Radio she is very excited about this market because they are likely going to have a wide variety of produce.

Burns points out there are going to be vendors up on the square that are regulars and have a great assortment of offerings. She encourages you to check them out as well.

Burns hopes the exposure of the market to all those coming out to the Fourth of July festivities will get them interested in participating in the market throughout the year.

Check out the Farmer's Market on the Clinton Square for this Fourth of July. They'll be there until 2 pm and are there each Saturday from 8 am to noon.

Get more information by finding the 'Clinton Area Farmer's and Artisans Market' on Facebook. 

Bement - July 4
Decatur - July 4, Lake Decatur,
Farmer City - July 8 Farmer City Raceway (rescheduled)
Macon - July, 7, Macon Speedway
Monticello - July 3, Monticello Railway Museum 
Moweaqua - July 4, North Park
Mt. Zion - July 3, Fletcher Park
Shelbyville - July 4, Lake Shelbyville-Dam West Recreation Are
Seymour - July 4
Warrensburg - July 4, Warrensburg Sportsman's Club

Local authorities are celebrating the fact we finally got some rain this past week and weekend as it was a major concern for the safety of area residents going into the holiday, however, they are still promoting safety this Fourth of July.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers reminds those illegal fireworks are not permitted in Illinois but if you're going to be shooting them off, he heavily advises excessive caution.

According to DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker, his office is not nearly as bombarded with calls over pyrotechnics, they still get those calls and will respond accordingly as necessary.

Chief Lowers reminds of the activities on the square for this Fourth of July and the plans for access to the square.

The Fourth of July festivities are taking place on the square thanks to the efforts of the Clinton American Legion and the fireworks display is being put on thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Celebrate Clinton Association. The fireworks display is again on Wednesday, July 5 at dusk. 

Thanks to an influx of COVID dollars and trying to help absorb the impacts of COVID, a local non-profit says the last few years the LIHEAP program has been able to help a lot of people.

Breann Titus is the Director of Agency Development for Community Action of Central Illinois indicates the Low Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program has been able to reach more people than before.

When the program returns, Titus is encouraging those that will be applying to think about when they want the assistance and get that appointment made early. A change back to before COVID is the return to priority periods.

As you come in to apply, especially if you need assistance with the CAPCIL, Titus hopes those applying understand how understaffed they are compared to the demand they get for this program.

October 1 is the return of the next round for LIHEAP. Visit capcil.info for more or find your local CAPCIL office for information. 

THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHALL’S OFFICE IS OFFERING SOME TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER GRILLING. 

THE WARMER MONTHS MEAN PLENTY OF BACKYARD BARBECUES, BUT GRILLS CAN BE DANGEROUS. FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ OFFERS SOME TIPS TO STAY SAFE:

FULTZ OFFERS SOME OTHER TIPS.

FULTZ SAYS IF YOU SMELL GAS WHILE GRILLING, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY MOVE AWAY FROM THE GRILL AND CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHALL’S OFFICE IS ASKING THE PUBLIC TO LEAVE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS.

LAST JULY, 44 MEDICAL FACILITIES REPORTED 168 FIREWORKS RELATED INJURIES IN ILLINOIS, INCLUDING 20 DISMEMBERMENT OR AMPUTATIONS. MORE THAN HALF OF THE INJURIES WERE TO THE HANDS AND THE MAJORITY WERE SECOND DEGREE BURNS SAYS FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ. HE ADVISES AGAINST USING FIREWORKS IN YOUR BACKYARD.

FULTZ, WHO NOTES THAT LAST JULY, 168 FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURIES WERE REPORTED IN ILLINOIS.

FULTZ REMINDS THAT ONLY NOVELTY ITEMS LIKE SNAPPERS AND POPPERS ARE LEGAL IN ILLINOIS. SOME COMMUNITIES HAVE EVEN BANNED SPARKLERS.

Strong winds and heavy rain damaged many fields across Central Illinois last Thursday, but for one farmer, it's the worst he's ever seen.

Marty Marr is a farmer in New Berlin. Thanks to the high winds, three-hundred acres of corn is now flatland.

Thankfully, Marr said those fields are insured, so the corn will not be a total loss. Around 3 hundred acres of corn are now flatland on the Marr family farm.

Power providers are still reporting numerous outages in the Regional Radio listening area from Thursday's storms.

As of the 4 o'clock hour Sunday afternoon, Ameren is reporting 662 customers in Clinton, 174 in Lincoln, 3575 in Decatur, and sporadic outages in many other towns ni our area.

Corn Belt Cooperative reports as of the 4 o'clock hour Sunday afternoon, that a handful of customers in DeWitt and Logan Counties do not have power.

At the height of Thursday's storms, major power outages were reported by all electric utilities and crews have been working diligently ever since.

Clinton Elementary School has a new principal.

Kelley Morrison was approved at a special meeting of the Clinton Board of Education Thursday inside a powerless Clinton Schools Unit Office. Morrison told the Board of Education Clinton offers a district-wide family feeling.

Morrison cannot wait to get started in Clinton and hit the ground running. She has held an assortment of roles in education and points out she actually started at ADM before moving into education.

Morrison was selected through an exhaustive search by the school district after Sacha Young resigned to take the Superintendent job at Central A&M Schools. 

Now the district and Morrison will begin the search for an assistant principal as the building found itself without an administrator late in the process. 

School Board President Dan Matthews told Morrison Thursday night in the Unit office Board room it was important for them to confirm Morrison's hire despite not having power in the building and the events of the day so they could get her acclimated with the district and not delay any longer the search for an assistant principal. 

After the Fourth of July, the much anticipated and much-needed Revere Road Project should get underway in Clinton.

DeWitt County Board Chair Dan Matthews indicates the project starts with each end of the road getting worked on first.

The work will be done in phases. The DeWitt County Board approved the engineering contract for the project last month. 

THE ILLINOIS BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION SAYS THURSDAY’S U-S SUPREME COURT RULING IS A STEP BACKWARDS FOR RACIAL EQUITY AT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

THE COURT ESSENTIALLY STRUCK DOWN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, SAYING RACE SHOULD NOT BE A SPECIFIC CONSIDERATION IN THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS. JOSE GARCIA WITH THE STATE BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION SAYS THEY ARE DISAPPOINTED.

GARCIA SAY THEY ARE DISAPPOINTED IN THE DECISION BUT THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR EQUITY.

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER ISSUED A STATEMENT SAYING THE SUPREME COURT’S DECISION TO OVERTURN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IS A TRAVESTY.

DEALING WITH DOWNED TREE LIMBS AFTER THURSDAY'S STORMS? A HORTICULTURE EXPERT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION OFFICE HAS SOME ADVICE FOR CLEANING UP. 

FOR STARTERS, YOU SHOULDN'T ATTEMPT TO CLEAR TREES, LIMBS AND OTHER DEBRIS THAT ARE ON OR NEAR POWER LINES. LEAVE THAT TO THE UTILITY COMPANY SAYS THE EXTENSION'S CHRIS ENROTH. SAME GOES FOR BROKEN LIMBS STUCK UP HIGH IN YOUR TREE. THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY A CERTIFIED ARBORIST. HE WARNS NOT TO GET SCAMMED THOUGH, AS FRADULENT TREE TRIMMERS OFTEN APPEAR AFTER A BIG STORM.

ENROTH HAS THESE THREE SAFETY TIPS.

ENROTH ALSO NOTES THAT AN ARBORIST CAN ADVISE WHICH TREES ARE NO LONGER STABLE AND ARE UNSAFE. 

It was certainly a wild weather week. State Climatologist Trent Ford has more in this week's weekly weather summary...