Last week, the Clinton School Board announced the Hiring of Chuck Nagel as the interim Superintendent. 

Board Member Chris Hammer told the Hart Media Group that now that an interim has been hired, they are beginning the search for a permanent Superintendent to fill the role. He says the board is not limiting itself to searching internally or externally exclusively. 

Nagel and the future superintendent will be coming into the district during a season of transition. From new elementary administrators and the elementary restructuring to upcoming contract negotiations, the district is in need of a strong leader. 

The 2026-27 School year will be the last for retiring high school principal Jerry Wayne and assistant principal Bob Svencner, and Hammer indicates that they plan to take a similar approach for that hunt. 

Nagel has years of teaching and administrative experience, including in the Clinton School District. 

Keep up with all the latest from Clinton Schools by finding them on Facebook or by visiting cusd15.org. 
 

A local financial advisor is urging students to start saving for college as early as possible. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Banks says saving for college starts too late all too often, which can force students to put themselves into years of debt. She adds that good communication with your child on tuition expectations is important. 

Pursuing scholarships and financial aid is a crucial step in the college search. Miller encourages parents to be realistic with their students and say no if they want to make a decision that could be fiscally irresponsible. 

Going into careers that are in demand can help ensure competitive wages as well as job security. Miller notes that this could mean pursuing a certification or apprenticeship over a college degree. 

Miller says there are ways to go to college without going into debt, but we'll have more with her in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group on strategies to use if you do take out student loans. 
 

E-bikes are surging in popularity on the streets of communities across the country as a way for legal transportation for those who are identification-challenged or for those who are seeking a cheaper source of transportation.  

But as e-bikes gain more popularity across the country, the attention to the rules of the road is causing a disturbance on busy community roads. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers explains that while e-bikes do not require a driver's license, operators are legally obligated to obey the flow of traffic, ride on the far right side of the roadway, and use proper hand signals.

Chief Lowers points out his department has received a steady stream of complaints regarding e-bikes weaving through intersections and darting through parking lots. In response, they will be ramping up traffic enforcement around e-bikes to prevent a serious accident from occurring.

The Chief reminds the public that e-bikes are prohibited from being ridden on city sidewalks due to the danger they pose to pedestrians. He urges both youth and adult riders to practice defensive driving habits.

Because e-bikes operate virtually silently compared to motorcycles, Chief Lowers stresses that riders must remain highly visible and cautious, as larger vehicles are often not conditioned to spot them at intersections.

Several law enforcement officials in central Illinois have talked recently with the Hart Media Group about this growing trend in their communities and how they are addressing it.
 

After a wet start to July and then a massive heatwave, things might moderate going forward.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service indicates the precipitation outlook is not showing any above-normal chances for rainfall for the rest of the month.

Daylight begins to slightly diminish later in July, while average temperatures remain pretty steady throughout the month.

Getting past August, Shimon says there is not much indicating we could be headed for a flash drought as the harvest season soon approaches. Additionally, the temperature signal for August through October is showing below normal - a rarity.

Visit weather.gov/Lincoln for the latest in forecasts, weather data, and outlooks. 
 

Losing a parent is one of the most difficult experiences a child can face.

Along with the emotional challenges, families often must navigate new financial realities. Jack Myers with Social Security says that what you may not realize is that Social Security can help support children through monthly survivor benefits.

If a parent worked and paid into Social Security, their surviving children should be eligible for monthly survivor benefits. In order to qualify, the surviving child must be unmarried and under the age of 18; unmarried and under the age of 19 but still a full-time high school student; or unmarried and disabled before age 22.  

To learn more about these benefits, visit www.ssa.gov/survivor or go to the publications section and look for 'Benefits for Children'.  
 

The CH Moore Homestead is inviting the community out to have as much ice cream as they care to enjoy. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, CH Moore Homestead Executive Director Joey Long told the Hart Media Group that this Sunday from 2 to 5 PM, they will be hosting the "Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social," which will feature live music from the duo Peaches & Bacon, horse-drawn carriage rides, and of course, free ice cream. 

If rain does not permit gathering on the front lawn of the Homestead, the event will be moved to the carriage barn. Learn more about the event at chmoorehomestead.org or by finding them on Facebook.

More housing is needed for DeWitt County communities to ensure they have the living space to bring in new residents and growth. 

Executive Director of the DeWitt County Development Council, Curt Homann, told the Hart Media Group that more rental units as well as single-family homes are coming to communities like Clinton and Farmer City. 

Homann attributes the national need for more housing to the ever-increasing costs of construction and other expenditures that come with being a homeowner. 

Housing development has been a long-standing discussion at the city and county levels of local government in the area. 
 

After the departure of Drew Goebel as Superintendent of the Clinton School District, the School Board has announced his temporary replacement. 

Board Member Chris Hammer told the Hart Media Group that many community members may remember Chuck Nagel as a teacher or coach, and now he is stepping into the role of Clinton Schools' Interim Superintendent. 

Hammer says the Board did their due diligence when it came to the hunt for an interim; however, it was Nagel's experience and glowing reviews from others that set him apart. 

Nagel joins the district in a very busy state as new administrators take the helm through the elementary restructuring. 

We'll have more next week with Hammer from the Hart Media Group on how Nagel will lead the district through these projects, and how they will take up the search for a permanent superintendent. 
 

DeWitt County has long been discussing the agreements made with municipalities for animal control services, and how they could better assist with that department's budget. 

At Thursday night's DeWitt County Public Safety Committee meeting, Chair Megan Myers had the goal of brainstorming how they can create a pay scale for municipalities that incorporates the number of calls that come up in that area and the services that the municipality desires. 

Robb Walters brought up the idea of charging municipalities at the end of each year based on the activity in that area. Sheriff Mike Walker noted that it would be a similar system to how they do things. 

County Administrator Dee Dee Rentmeister brought up that the County is technically only on the hook for calls that are in unincorporated land, and that Animal Control is currently providing more services than required to municipalities. 

With the City of Clinton taking up around 50% of the animal control calls in the County, the Committee plans to start by finding out how much is budgeted by the City for the service from its taxpayers. They hope to get a baseline of what the total cost is and what all of the needs are. 

John Werts emphasized that he feels residents without pets should not be subsidizing animal control services for those who own pets and do so irresponsibly. He noted it's an unfair cost to the large senior population, many of whom are on a fixed income.
 

Electric bicycles are bringing a new convenience to some central Illinoisans, but local law enforcement is raising concerns over how they are being operated on public roadways.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers indicates low-speed e-bikes have transformed from the homemade motored bikes of a decade ago into a massive, highly commercialized trend that has quickly become a top source of public feedback.

Chief Lowers outlined the three distinct legal classifications of e-bikes under Illinois law, noting that while standard models cap motorized assistance between 20 and 28 miles per hour, none of them require a valid driver's license.

Because e-bikes are legally exempted from standard motor vehicle registration, they have surged in popularity among minors and individuals without standard driving privileges. However, Chief Lowers stresses that the primary hazard stems from operators who lack basic training on standard rules of the road.

Next week at the Hart Media Group, Chief Lowers will outline several more concerns around public safety and e-bikes, as well as note the enforcement efforts of his officers to help keep those who use these modes of transportation safe. 
 

The concept of credit scores can be a very confusing one, but it is very important to have and understand. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank explains that your credit score is crucial for making large purchases like a home, apartment, or car, or for securing loans. She says the best way to increase that number is to simply pay your bills on time. 

Another big portion of your credit score has to do with available balance. Miller recommends only spending up to 30% of your total credit limit to ensure your credit score doesn't decrease. 

Credit history is also important, which is why it can be a good idea to get a credit card early in life, as long as you can be trusted with it. A long credit history provides a record of your on-time payments and good habits for lenders. 

Credit scores will come into play for college students and possibly their parents who are looking to take out student loans for the upcoming school year. We'll have more with Miller on that in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group. 
 

A local non-profit is making an impact on social isolation in seniors by creating fellowship opportunities for them to have alongside a healthy meal.

Shelly Tolley with OSF Peace Meal explains that their restaurant program consists of a specialized menu with affordable prices for seniors who are 60 and up at local establishments. 

Locally, tickets can be purchased in Clinton or Farmer City; however, Tolly announces that there is now a new location in Heyworth. Soon, they will be rolling out a keycard program and getting rid of the paper tickets. 

Monthly, each senior can purchase a booklet of 5 tickets for $20. They are limiting the number of tickets that can be purchased at a time to ensure they are not bought in bulk by a single person or group of a few people. 

To learn more about the Restaurant program or the home-delivered meals offered by OSF Peace Meal, visit OSFhealthcare.org.
 

A central Illinois nutrition educator is offering some tips and knowledge about a sweeping domestic outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite - Cyclospora - in fresh produce.

On the WHOW Morning Show, Caitlin Mellendorf, a University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator in DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties, told the Hart Media Group the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak has been heavily concentrated in Michigan and other northeastern states, and Illinois has seen a very low number of reported cases so far.

Mellendorf explains foodborne outbreaks are generally triggered when at least two connected cases are linked back to a shared food source. While a definitive company or product source has not yet been named nationally, fresh produce—such as pre-washed, bagged lettuce—is often a common culprit for carrying the parasite.

To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, Mellendorf recommends opting for whole heads of lettuce instead of bagged salad mixes, discarding the outer layers of leaves, and thoroughly washing produce under clean, running water.

Unlike bacterial infections, parasitic illnesses like cyclosporiasis actively target the gut and cause severe, watery, and sometimes explosive diarrhea that can last for weeks if untreated. Mellendorf strongly advises anyone experiencing repeated gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical care immediately to avoid extreme dehydration.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic, single-cell parasite. It is a distinctly seasonal pathogen. In the United States, case counts predictably surge during the warm spring and summer months, with "Cyclospora season" officially tracking from May through August.

As high heat indices grip central Illinois, weather officials are warning residents not to wait for formal advisories before taking precautions against dangerous heat-related illnesses.

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that while specific heat index thresholds trigger advisories and warnings, multiple consecutive days of elevated heat create a cumulative toll on the body that can lead to severe heat exhaustion.

Shimon emphasized that waiting to feel thirsty is often a sign that dehydration has already set in. He urges everyone to stay ahead of the heat by continuously drinking water, taking frequent breaks in air conditioning, and recognizing the critical warning signs—such as an end to sweating—before heat exhaustion escalates to a life-threatening heat stroke.

For the latest weather alerts, hourly forecasts, and heat safety resources, visit weather.gov/Lincoln.
 

Two hotel studies were recently performed in DeWitt County to see if two of its communities could be a fit for new development. 

DeWitt County Development Council Executive Director Curt Homann told the Hart Media Group that a need for additional hotels was seen largely because of the new manufacturers in Clinton. He says initial feedback for the ongoing hotel studies is positive. 

Homann explains that manufacturers that are moving to Clinton alerted him to the need, especially as they bring in visitors who are forced to find lodging in nearby Bloomington or Decatur. This takes money out of the local economy. In Farmer City, it is the proximity to I-74 that makes it desirable for hotel investors. 

Homann notes that if it were not for the potential investors he has already been in contact with, they would be further along in the process; however, he wants those interested parties to help make decisions on where their money will go. 

New hotels would bring temporary construction jobs, as well as permanent hospitality jobs, to the communities. It would also bring tax revenue into the County.

When the study is complete, Homann expects a 150- to 200-page result that will provide further details on the number of rooms, specific locations, and which reputable hotel chains could thrive in the area. 
 

Earlier this month, months of hard work paid off for a group of Clinton volunteers who worked tirelessly to put on a three-day Fourth of July celebration to celebrate 250 years of the United States.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Bobbi Perryman and Kenny Atchison told the Hart Media Group that it was great to see the community come out and support their months of hard work for the three-day celebration.

Thanks to the success of the 250th celebration and the volunteerism and community pride shown by all the volunteers, the committee is going to continue on, and Perryman indicates they are going to be known as 'Clinton Spark'.

According to Atchison and Perryman, the committee is looking for volunteers for its next venture - likely a celebration of Halloween in October.

Clinton Spark is taking a break from planning for July but will resume in August. Perryman points anyone interested in volunteering to the Clinton Celebrates America 250th Facebook page. She notes they are working to get Facebook to change its name to match its rebrand. 
 

Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton has announced the beneficiary for the 2026 annual “Scott’s Charity Car Show,” scheduled for Sept. 27 in Clinton. 

The DeWitt County 4-H Fair Association will be the non-profit that Baum and his team raise money for this September during the Apple n' Pork Festival weekend.

The 4-H Fair Association is currently raising money for an 80’ x 160’ awning to cover the fairgrounds’ existing horseback riding arena. The covered area will house poultry and rabbit projects during the fair, allowing those exhibitors to showcase their animals for the duration of the fair. It will also serve as a covered riding space during horse shows. 

Located at the 4-H Fairgrounds located on Business 51 in Clinton, the grounds host the annual DeWitt, Macon & Piatt County 4-H Fair, as well as a variety of open and youth livestock and horse shows.  

The arena covering project has been a goal of the fair board since the early 2000s. The project is 
special to the Baum family, as Stephen Baum was involved in maintaining the grounds and was 
volunteering in the arena to be covered when he passed away suddenly in April 2003.  

The fair board members are working to raise the last $80,000 of the $200,000 project, with plans for the structure to be completed this fall.  

Organizers expect another strong turnout for the car show, which brought out more than 250 vehicles during last year’s show. 

The show will be held on the dealership grounds, located at 810 W. Van Buren, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and an opening ceremony will be held at 12 noon. Awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m. There are car and truck classes, street rod, Jeep, Corvette, and miscellaneous classes.  

Registration for the event is $15 per vehicle, and there is no admission fee for spectators. Food will be available on the dealership grounds. A free shuttle to the DeWitt County C.H. Moore Museum’s Apple and Pork Festival and festival-related activities is also provided. 

In addition to the show, fundraising activities include a raffle for a 1959 Metropolitan restored as a Chicago taxi and a meat/freezer bundle. Tickets are $10 for 1 or $100 for 11 and can be purchased in advance at Baum Chevrolet Buick and Baum Chrysler Jeep in Clinton and Baum Motor Company in Farmer City. 
 

The DeWitt County Museum Association is inviting the public to its “old-fashioned ice cream social,” which will take place the afternoon of Sunday, July 19th, from 2-5 pm at the C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum, located at 219 E. Woodlawn in Clinton. This is a free event, courtesy of the DeWitt County Museum Association and the generosity of America 250 at the Homestead: Celebrating 250 Years of American History sponsors.

The community is cordially invited to join them for all the free ice cream and baked goods they care to eat, as well as ice-cold lemonade and tea, musical entertainment by renowned old-time fiddle and banjo duo "Peaches & Bacon," and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Free parking will be available in the lot directly across from the museum, the corner of Monroe and Woodlawn Streets, the corner of Woodlawn and Center Streets, and the grassy field just north of the museum's red covered bridge.

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets if preferred. The museum will also provide bench seating.

For safety and sanitary reasons, no pets will be allowed on the museum grounds during the event.

The gathering will take place on the museum's shaded front lawn. This is a rain-or-shine event that will be moved to the museum’s carriage barn in the case of rain.

For more information about this or any of the museum’s other America 250 at the Homestead events, call 217-935-6066, visit chmoorehomestead.org, or find us on Facebook at C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum. America 250 at the Homestead events will be taking place each month throughout the year.
 

The dog days of summer are officially upon us as we battle more heat in central Illinois this week.

On the WHOW Morning Show on Monday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates highs will persist around 90 degrees with overnight lows not cooling down very much.

With the summer growing season in full effect, the humidity is spiked thanks to the corn fields. Shimon says a dome of heat is setting up over the Midwest for the next few weeks, with minimal chances of rain until the weekend.

Later this week, we could see some heat advisories being issued by the Weather Service. We'll have more on the various advisories and what they mean for the public later this week on Regional Radio.

The Clinton Board of Education has parted ways with Superintendent Drew Goebel. 

At a special meeting Monday morning, the Board approved a separation agreement with Goebel, who will be placed on administrative leave for the remainder of the 2026-27 school year.

In a statement to the public Monday, the Board indicated Goebel will remain on administrative leave for the remainder of the current school year, which began on July 1 - noting both parties decided it was in the best interest to pursue different paths forward. 

Goebel joined Clinton Schools in 2011 as the Assistant Principal of Clinton Junior High School and was on staff for 15 years in the capacity of Principal of Clinton Junior High School, CFO, and finally as Superintendent. 

No indication was made as to who would lead the district going forward. 

Goebel declined to comment to the Hart Media Group.

The Hart Media Group also reached out to representatives of the Board of Education for further comment but did not hear back at the time of this story.

ILSportsWire, a branch of the Hart Media Group, saw tremendous growth and this fall, more growth is expected.

Matt Hart, owner of the Hart Media Group, indicates there was huge demand for the product they started putting out during the high school football season last fall, and since then, ILSportsWire has only grown.

A video of a Monticello girl's basketball game from February has gone viral. Hart (right) indicates while that is great, it's the ability to bring the action to people wherever they are that has made their platform so valuable.

Looking ahead to the fall, ILSportsWire is expanding from five high schools to ten high schools they will follow. Hart says no matter where they go, there is incredible popularity for what they're doing.

Follow ILSportsWire on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and visit ilsportswire.com.

Navigating coparenting after leaving an abusive relationship presents unique challenges, and a central Illinois advocate says there is a lot to navigate for the victims of those relationships.  

Andrea Kocher, Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County, explains while joint coparenting is a healthy goal in standard breakups, applying that same expectation to domestic violence survivors often exposes them to continued abuse.

According to Kocher (right), Illinois law takes domestic violence in the presence of children very seriously, recognizing that kids absorb the hostility even if parents try to hide it.

Because domestic abuse centers on power and control, former partners frequently use ongoing communication regarding children as a way to maintain that control long after the relationship has ended.

To safeguard survivors and children, Willow Tree Missions helps families establish detailed safety plans, including using specialized court-monitored communication apps to keep interactions strictly focused on the children.

In addition to digital tools, Kocher emphasizes the importance of structuring safe transfer protocols—ranging from public meetups to law enforcement-chaperoned drop-offs—to limit direct contact between parties.

For more information on safety planning or support services in Piatt County, visit willowtreemissions.org.

Social Security number and card-related issues are the most common reason people visit Social Security offices, and depending on what you need to do - and in some cases, where - you may be able to complete your transaction online, or you may need to visit an office.  

Jack Myers with Social Security is reminding, if you need to visit an office, it is likely because Social Security needs to see documents. If that is the case, you need to know that they cannot accept photocopies of documents needed for Social Security card-related business.  

If you must visit an office, it is recommended that you make an appointment. Myers explains you can find out on the Social Security number and card page www.ssa.gov/number-card. Once there, the website will ask you a few questions to determine what you are trying to accomplish.

According to Myers, if you just need a replacement card for yourself, you are age 18 or older and don’t need to change any info, they can typically process those requests online without a visit to an office as long as you have a State ID or driver's license.

If you’ve gotten married and chose to change your name, you must update your name on your Social Security card. Myers adds in some states - not IL - Social Security can verify the proof of marriage electronically and process the application to do so online. 

Once again, that website is www.ssa.gov/number-card.

We're less than two months out from the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa and the demo plots are rounding into shape, says the show’s Matt Jungmann.

If you’re planning a trip to Boone Sept. 1-3, Jungmann advises downloading the Farm Progress Show app for your mobile device.

An Illinois Congressman continues to support year-round E15.

Eric Sorensen serves on the House Agriculture Committee and represents the 17th Congressional District

According to Sorensen, the policy change would increase corn demand by 2 billion bushels.