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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As we get set to turn the calendar to June, May will end up below average for precipitation.

According to Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the region saw roughly 10 to 12 days of measurable precipitation throughout the month. Despite the frequent instances of rainfall, the total accumulation for May remains roughly 1.5 inches below seasonal averages.

Shimon notes a cool spell at the start of the month brought eight to ten consecutive days of lower-than-normal temperatures, which set the tone for the rest of May.

We'll have more with Shimon next week on the June and summer month outlooks. Get more on local weather at weather.gov/Lincoln. 
 

With students out of school for the year, many parents will be looking for opportunities to keep their kids learning and away from screens. 

Terri Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that they are hosting three programs this summer to help beat the summer boredom. The first is a Lego Camp for kids 8-18 on June 9th. 

On June 16th and July 7th, Casey indicates that kids aged 5-7 can participate in Cloverbud Camp. This program is intended to introduce STEM concepts to children at a young age. 

For kids who are more crafty, Casey says they will host a clothing embellishment workshop on June 17th. This program, like the others, requires pre-registration, and spots are limited. 

Learn more about the summer events and other offerings from the University of Illinois Extension by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

Organizers of the Clinton YMCA's Camp Osage summer camp have a whole host of fun activities awaiting kids when the camp season begins next Tuesday, June 2.

Clinton YMCA Youth Program Coordinator Melinda Akers says she and her staff for Camp Osage have finalized its weekly activity calendar with dedicated themes for each day of the week. 

This summer's field trip lineup includes traditional favorites alongside new educational partnerships. Campers will take trips to the bowling alley, regional zoos, multiple outdoor pools, and the Bloomington Children's Museum.

According to Akers, a complete activity calendar detailing exact costs for each specific week is published digitally ahead of time for family review.

To make Camp Osage more accessible, the YMCA does offer scholarships for low-income households. Akers encourages contacting the YMCA for more details on those opportunities.

Again, Camp Osage begins next week, June 2. Follow the YMCA on Facebook for those weekly activities and more information on this year's summer camp. 
 

One of DeWitt County's popular festivals is set for this weekend, with plenty of free fun for all ages. 

Brent Cordes with the Farmer City Heritage Days Committee explains the annual Heritage Days Festival kicks off tonight and runs through this Saturday at the Farmer City Fairgrounds. Visitors this evening can expect a free community dinner, followed by live music and carnival rides. 

Many of the same activities will take place on Friday, but Cordes notes that parking will be slim due to the evening's main event, the rodeo. Like many of the weekend activities, admission to the rodeo is free. 

Saturday will encompass a full day of fun, with a particular kid-friendly focus. Cordes says that there will be a Portillo's sponsored fun-area geared towards children with sensory impairments as well. 

A new addition from last year's festival will be making a return. Cordes says the children's and adult tractor pulls were a fan favorite in 2025. He adds that the Car Show will also be taking place Saturday afternoon, before the day rounds out with the rodeo and a live performance from Randy Houser. 

Learn more about the full schedule of events for Farmer City's Heritage Days Festival by visiting farmercityheritagedays.com.
 

The decision to leave an abusive relationship involves navigating a complex web of threats and isolation that outside observers rarely see.

Andrea Kocher, Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County, explains that abusers intentionally target whatever means the most to a survivor to keep them from leaving. A major and frequently overlooked barrier is the safety of family pets.

Even when a survivor has a strong external support system, abusers work early on to isolate them and diminish those relationships. Furthermore, Kocher points out that victims are often hesitant to seek shelter with loved ones out of a protective fear that they are putting their own family members in immediate danger by showing up. 

Because the situation is incredibly dangerous and unpredictable, it becomes easy for outsiders to blame the individual for staying rather than understanding the lack of safe options. For friends and family members wondering how to best support a loved one experiencing domestic violence, Kocher stresses that the most impactful thing anyone can do is simply listen.

Abusers work hard to make their victims believe they are crazy or that no one else wants them, making non-judgmental support a vital lifeline. Kocher emphasizes that listening without trying to force an immediate "fix" allows survivors to safely process their situation and take the first steps toward rebuilding their lives.

For more information on Willow Tree Missions, visit willowtreemissions.org, find them on Facebook, or, if you feel safe, call 217-762-2350. You can also stop into the agency's resale shop. 
 

With students set to be dismissed for the summer next week, Clinton Schools will see some noticeable projects tackled this summer.

Superintendent Drew Goebel indicates the big summer project will address the deteriorating parking lot at Clinton Junior High. The plan is to completely rip up the degraded pavement and lay down fresh asphalt across the entire front lot, the main circle drive, and the access road that links around to the back of the building.

The installation of a permanent safety fence wrapped entirely around the elementary playground area will take place this summer. Goebel explains this was prompted directly by student safety needs, serving as a protective barrier to prevent younger children from inadvertently drifting onto neighborhood properties or toward nearby Illini Drive.

The parking lot improvements represent a major financial commitment, with Goebel noting that completely resurfacing the district's paved areas can scale up into a half-million-dollar expenditure. 
 

The City of Clinton is advancing its long-term comprehensive plan to stimulate economic growth by pursuing the annexation of unincorporated land on the city’s west end.

Because a TIF boundary can legally only encompass land within the City's jurisdiction, municipal officials are working to bring several unincorporated parcels of county farm ground into City limits to set up the economic development zone. Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris explains the annexation is the crucial first step required to establish a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district out toward Kleemann Drive. 

According to Harris, currently, the City boundary on the west side strictly crosses State Highway 51, encompassing just one immediate parcel before hitting unincorporated county land. The proposed annexation will bring in fields located on the north side of Kleemann Road, joining a few parcels the City already controls further to the south. 

The ultimate vision for the annexed territory involves a diverse, balanced mix of commercial retail spaces and residential housing. Harris notes while the project will take years to fully realize, securing the land and forming the TIF district provides the necessary financial mechanisms to fuel that growth.

While some residents scoff at the City's pursuit of growth, Harris stresses proactive economic expansion is necessary to sustain Clinton’s long-term municipal services and infrastructure. 

City leadership considers the west-end property an ideal location for development, and the City has already engaged in preliminary discussions with an outside developer who has shown strong interest in the project. 

The west side of Highway 51 has long been a targeted location for expansion for the City of Clinton. 
 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a Piatt County behavioral health leader is emphasizing the critical need for structured youth support systems and alternative care models across the region.

According to Tony Kirkman, Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center, data stemming from the biennial Illinois Youth Survey provides local school districts with crucial insights into adolescent anxiety, depression, and safety. He is closely tracking metrics regarding whether local students feel they have access to a trusted adult outside of their parents for advice and counsel.

To meet those emerging needs, local school districts have increasingly embedded dedicated therapists directly within their buildings to provide immediate behavioral health interventions. Looking ahead to the 2027 academic year, Kirkman indicates that state mandates will require school districts to provide formal mental health assessments for grades three through twelve to proactively identify youth in crisis.

Kirkman is highlighting a major shift in how the adult population navigates addiction and wellness. Statistically, roughly 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder also carry a co-occurring mental health diagnosis.

For parents navigating the complexities of raising teenagers, Kirkman feels that introducing a secondary trusted adult who shares the family's core values, ethics, or faith can be an invaluable asset for a child. 

For more information on resources, counseling services, or information on behavioral health programs, contact the Piatt County Mental Health Center at 217-762-5371, visit piattmch.org, or find them on Facebook.
 

A great week of weather is ahead to close out May in central Illinois.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told the Hart Media Group active storm systems are being detoured well around central Illinois—pushing precipitation out into the plains and over into the Ohio Valley.

According to Shimon, a minor pocket of lingering moisture will bring a slight 20 percent chance of an isolated pop-up shower late Tuesday evening and into early Wednesday morning. Most residents, though, might see a brief 30-minute sprinkle capable of wetting the ground before clouds clear out completely by Wednesday afternoon

We'll hear from Shimon later this week on the outlook for June, as we get set to turn the calendar next week - when students in Clinton begin summer break. 

Last Thursday night, the DeWitt County Board voted not to pursue crafting ordinances for data centers in DeWitt County. 

DeWitt County Board Chair Joe Witte says the unanimous vote against sending the issue to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) was simply a signal that now is not the right time to move forward.

Under current regulations, a text amendment or a new zoning ordinance can be initiated in one of three ways: by the County Board, by an individual landowner submitting an application and fee, or by the regional planning commission. Witte stresses Thursday's vote strictly represented the Board’s position that it would not initiate the process itself. 

According to Witte, the County must tread carefully to differentiate between massive hyperscale data centers and the small-scale data setups already used by local businesses and county offices.

There is also a belief that the State of Illinois, like with wind and solar, could impose its own regulations on local governments for data centers. While not in place yet, Witte points out the conversation is not over in DeWitt County. 
 

It's summer reading club time at the Warner Library, and the kickoff event is this Saturday.

Mel Snow and Emily Dunham indicate this year's program theme is "Plant a Seed, Read". The library’s core programming will focus heavily on conservation, local farming, and nature. Registration for the annual program kicks off this Saturday, and participants can track their progress across three distinct reading levels.

Weekly activities will run consistently throughout June and July with no pre-registration required. Snow indicates they are offering a Barbie Club, a Lego Club, and youth story times.

A primary highlight of the summer is the library's newly established Garden Club, which will alternate between Thursday mornings and evenings starting in June. Snow explains that participants of all ages will receive direct instruction on how to start, tend, and maintain a functional garden plot.

According to Snow and Dunham, the library is responding to community feedback requesting more weekend options, so the library has also locked in an extensive series of family-focused Saturday events. June's lineup includes Scovill Zoo presentations, a nature walk at Mettler Woods, and a highly anticipated "Equipment Day" partnership with Clinton's Case IH dealership to bring large farm implements to the library lawn for kids to explore.

While providing a summer of fun for the community's youth, Snow and Dunham remind that just 15 minutes of reading per day during the summer vacation is a vital tool for brain development, keeping students from losing critical academic skills before the fall term.

Join the library for its annual summer reading club kick-off event, coming up this Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm on the library front lawn. There will be inflatables - bring a swimsuit as there will be a wet inflatable option. Additionally, there will be games, balloon animals, and more. You can also register for the summer reading club at the event as well. 

Snow reminds, you can register for the summer reading club at any point during the summer. Stop by the Library at 310 North Quincy Street to get registered.
 

The Peoria Park District is promoting a new Golf Learning Center.

The $6.5 million project was supported through $4.75 million in grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The center provides year-round access, including a two-level driving range, golf simulators, and hitting bays, says Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill.

The Golf Learning Center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
 

Petersburg, Illinois, highlights its deep connection to circus history. The town is hosting a Circus Days event June 19 and 20, and that led Scot Loyd with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Oral History Project to do a little research.

Petersburg, in Menard County, became a major winter home for circus performers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

More info on the oral history project at presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/oral-history.
 

A 16-year-old juvenile is recovering in an area hospital following a late-night shooting in Clinton on Sunday.

Clinton Police officers were dispatched to the intersection of North Center Street and Woodlawn Street—along Business US Route 51— just after 11:30 pm after receiving reports of shots fired. Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders discovered the teenager suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was treated at the scene and transported by emergency medical services to a nearby hospital, where the juvenile is currently reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities emphasized that the shooting is believed to be an isolated incident, and investigators assure residents that there is no continuing threat to the general public. The Clinton Police Department is spearheading the ongoing investigation and is receiving active assistance from the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services.

No further information is being released at this time.

With the summer camp season right around the corner, the Clinton YMCA is rolling out a new registration method for families sending their kids to Camp Osage summer camp.

Clinton YMCA Youth Program Director Melinda Akers announced Camp Osage is moving to a fully digital setup for the first time. While previous years required parents to physically pick up and return paper documentation packets to the front desk, the 2026 registration process is being handled entirely online through the Clinton YMCA website - clintoncommymca.org. 

The system mirrors the same basic questions used in the traditional paperwork and includes a standard $25 registration fee, which secures the child's spot and includes a camp t-shirt.  Akers notes campers wear shirts during scheduled field trips and various active community events throughout the summer. 

Camp organizers are asking parents to carefully consider the "authorized pick-up" section of the registration form. Akers points out that many early registrations are being submitted incompletely or restricted strictly to primary guardians. 

Camp Osage begins on June 2 - the day after school dismisses for the summer. Visit clintoncommymca.org for more information, find the Y on Facebook, or visit them in person at 417 South Alexander Street in Clinton. 

With students out of the building for the year, a Piatt County school district is turning its attention to its summer projects. 

Monticello Schools Superintendent Adam Clapp explains that they have a handful of ongoing projects that should see completion this summer, like sidewalk renovations and multiple HVAC projects. 

The one-cent sales tax in Piatt County is helping to fund these projects. Clapp indicates that having those dollars available has allowed them to go above and beyond band-aid or short-term fixes to things.

While most students are gone during the summer, Clapp notes that between tutoring, offseason sports workouts, and small maintenance projects, there will be things going on for kids all summer long. 

Keep it to the Hart Media Group in the weeks ahead to hear from area Superintendents as they wrap up the school year. In the meantime follow along with all things Monticello Schools at sages.us or by finding the district on Facebook. 

Today, the Nation celebrates Memorial Day to honor military service members who have given their lives for our country.

Social Security is reminding families who have lost loved ones that benefits may be payable to surviving family members, including spouses and children. Jack Myers with Social Security indicates a whole lot more on this is available at www.ssa.gov/survivors.

Social Security disability benefits can help financially if you are unable to return to work. As a thank you for your service, Social Security can expedite disability claims through our Wounded Warrior initiative if you became disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001. Additionally, they can also expedite your disability claim if you have a VA Compensation Rating of 100% Permanent & Total. 

VA Disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits are different, and eligibility for one does not guarantee eligibility for the other, so Myers indicates you should consider applying for both.

Check out the new fact sheet “Social Security Disability and Veterans Affairs Disability -How do They Compare?”, or find that fact sheet and more at www.ssa.gov/pubs. Type “Veterans” in the filter box.

Additionally, visit www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/.

A local school district is hosting its first track meet in over 20 years. 

Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Ryan Peyton explains that they recently hosted their first track meet since revitalizing their football and track facilities. He says hosting the first meet in over two decades was a momentous occasion for the district. 

The district is looking forward to utilizing these new facilities more in the future. Keep up with all things Blue Ridge Schools by visiting blueridge18.org or by finding the district on Facebook. 

Invasive species can be detrimental to a local ecosystem, and the University of Illinois Extension is informing people of the ones right in their own backyard. 

Extension Director in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, Terri Casey, explains that on May 28th, they will be hosting an in-person seminar in Champaign dedicated to invasive species that have taken hold in Illinois, and what we can do to stop them. 

The Invasive Species Seminar takes place at Parkland College in Champaign from 9:30 AM to 3 PM, and includes a lunch. Learn more and register at extension.illinois.edu/lms.  
 

A local law enforcement leader is reminding people to be safe this Memorial Day weekend, while also remembering the reason behind the holiday. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers is asking the community to remember the service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice as they participate in Memorial Day celebrations this weekend. 

The Chief is also asking that people stay aware of their neighbors during celebrations, and to keep noise levels to a respectable level. 

Chief Lowers is offering similar reminders to other popular drinking holidays: celebrate responsibly and always have a sober driver. 
 

The DeWitt County Board decided against pursuing a data center ordinance in action taken at its monthly meeting on Thursday night.

Board Chair Joe Witte (right) opened the floor for discussion on the matter, setting off a wave of unified skepticism from County officials.

State's Attorney Dan Markwell clarified the framework of how a potential request would move to the zoning board. Witte indicated he is following how the County has handled similar matters in the past. 

While he has done his due diligence in researching the issue, Land Use Committee Chair Buck Carter (left) expressed strong reservations about opening the door to data center frameworks before a clear and verified need exists within the County.

Chris Hammer (right) pointed to Logan County, which put a 12-month moratorium on data centers, deferring to Markwell on the County's regulatory limits.

Further opposition was echoed by board member Terry Ferguson, who favored maintaining the County’s current zoning stability. Rather than sending the issue to the ZBA to construct an active ordinance framework, Ferguson believes preemptive action was unnecessary.

Board member Pat Ryan wrapped up the floor debate by supporting the pushback against the request, cementing the board's collective sentiment, which resulted in a unanimous vote to deny sending the issue forward.

The Board unanimously voted down sending any direction to the Zoning Board of Appeals, effectively putting any immediate talks of local data center development on hold.

Hear from Board Chair Joe Witte on the WHOW Morning Show on Friday at 8:30 am. 

The summer grilling season kicks into high gear with this weekend's Memorial Day holiday, bringing friends and family together.

Caitlin Mellendorf, a nutrition educator with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, explains that preparing multiple types of meat on the same grilling surface requires careful planning. Because different items, such as chicken and ground beef, have vastly different required cooking temperatures to successfully kill harmful bacteria, keeping cooking utensils and thermometers separated is vital to preventing cross-contamination. 

To optimize safety when grilling a diverse menu, Mellendorf recommends carefully planning the order of what gets cooked first. Fruits and vegetables, which have grown increasingly popular to grill, inherently carry a much lower bacterial risk compared to raw meats and should ideally be cooked first.

According to Mellendorf, properly sanitizing the grill between uses is another foundational defense, not only for health reasons but also to preserve flavor. If residual debris and char are left behind from a previous cookout, those bitter flavors will directly transfer into the next batch of food, ruining the taste of delicate items like fruits or fresh vegetables. 

When preparing meats, relying on visual cues like color is unreliable. The USDA emphasizes using a food thermometer to verify that the core of the meat has reached these specific safety thresholds.

Mellendorf reminds poultry should reach a temperature of 165°F internally. Whole cuts of meat like steaks, chops, or roasts should reach 145°F internal temperature, and fresh fish should be cooked to 145°F internal temperature. 

The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available toll-free at 1-888-MPHotline, or 1-888-674-6854. You can also email MPHotline@usda.gov, or a live chat option is available via www.ask.usda.gov

The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is manned weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm ET.