The utilization of "working pets" like seeing-eye dogs or drug-sniffing dogs has expanded enormously in recent years, with a focus on mental health and emotional support. 

University of Illinois Extension Director in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, Terri Casey, explains that social isolation in seniors is an epidemic, however the companionship of animals could help with that. The Furry Companions webinar on May 14th at 10 AM will explore just that, and what opportunities are out there. 

Learn more about the free Furry Companions Webinar on May 14th by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms. 

The Clinton Community YMCA is encouraging its members to complete lofty goals this summer in honor of America 250. 

Rennie Cluver, Executive Director of the Y, says that the new America 250 Fitness Challenge is pushing people to complete 250 minutes of activity a week, or to run 250 miles between May 1 and July 4. He says the accountability system will be similar to their Survivor Program. 

Registration is already open for the America 250 Fitness Challenge. Go to clintoncommymca.org to learn more, or visit the Y located at 417 S Alexander Street in Clinton. 
 

The Clinton Community Education Foundation's scholarship window has closed, and now students are waiting to find out if they've been awarded. 

Chris Shaffer, CCEF Secretary, explains that they will be announcing the recipients of this year's scholarships at the Gold Star Awards on Tuesday. She says the district-run event honors the year of hard work put in by all Clinton students. 

The scholarships are largely provided through yearly CCEF fundraisers like the recent Derby Days and the upcoming Trivia Night Fundraisers. Learn more about the Clinton Community Education Foundation at ccef15.org. 
 

Illinois has been in a pretty good spot for replenishing soil moisture this spring, while other areas of the country continue to struggle.

DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick says other areas of the country have not been so fortunate, including the southeast and Plains, which are being impacted by drought concerns this spring.
 

Nothing adds to a summer meal like organic produce that was grown right in your own backyard. 

Terri Casey, University of Illinois Extension Director in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that on Tuesday, they will be hosting a free webinar at 1:30 PM all about growing vegetables in your garden. This program will help you get the season started with the latest research-based information. 

Casey indicates that from the Master Gardeners program to the free webinars, they have noticed their gardening resources becoming more popular. 

If you're looking to improve your green thumb this summer, register for the Vegetable Gardening webinar and find all of the Extension's resources at extension.illinois.edu/lms. 
 

The Piatt County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of revitalizing its K9 program, anticipating a new K9 and handler on the streets by next spring.

Sheriff Mark Vogelzang explains that since the retirement of their former K9, Kato, roughly two years ago, the department has been looking for the right opportunity to rebuild the program. Deputy Connor Brody has been selected as the department’s newest K9 handler and is currently awaiting a position in a training academy.

The transition to a new K9 involves more than just selecting a dog; it requires choosing an experienced handler who understands the legal and operational responsibilities. Sheriff Vogelzang notes the role demands a significant time commitment outside of normal working hours, as the handler is responsible for the dog’s ongoing training and well-being.

The Department is considering several training academies, with the Illinois State Police (ISP) academy being a top choice. However, limited space in these programs means the earliest Deputy Brody and his new partner can begin their eight-week training is next spring.

Beyond their role in law enforcement, K9s serve as a vital connection between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. Sheriff Vogelzang highlighted the popularity of K9 demonstrations at local schools and events, where the dogs can showcase their skills in tracking and apprehension.

Once certified, the new K9 team will be a versatile asset for the Piatt County Sheriff's Office, providing specialized support for everything from tracking missing persons to narcotics detection.
 

The Clinton Celebrate America 250  committee is going all out for its planned Fourth of July celebration this summer, and one of its events has its registration available now. 

Jessica Allhands with the Committee explains that registration is now open for the July 4th 5k. She tells The Hart Media Group that if you use the code WHOW5 at registration on runsignup.com before May 16th, you will get $5 off the $35 cost. 

There will be two packet pickup windows for runners, and limited day-of-registration will be available. Allhands notes that they will also host a baby race with a $200 prize. 

Volunteers are still needed for the event. They are asking for help before and after the race, but the race layout will put everyone on the square just in time for the day's America 250 parade and other festivities to begin.

Registration is already open for the July 4th 5k Race. Register at runsignup.com and again, use the code WHOW5 before May 16th for $5 off. Learn more about the race by visiting the Clinton Celebrates America 250 Facebook page.  

Warner Hospital and Health Services continues to explore expanding its specialty clinic, with a particular focus on bringing dermatology services to Clinton.

CEO Paul Skowron says recruiting specialists in this field is a significant challenge for smaller facilities, as many dermatologists prefer to operate out of larger surgical centers.

According to Skowron, while the City-owned facility is equipped to host these surgical procedures, the current trend of specialists centralizing in larger markets continues to be a hurdle for rural healthcare access.

The Hospital recently had its FY27 budget approved by the Clinton City Council. 
 

With schools increasingly reassessing the impact of screens in the classroom, the Heyworth School District is joining a number of area schools reassessing their technology policies.

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Taylor explains that while districts across the country rushed toward one-to-one device programs over the last 15 years, the current landscape of constant digital access has fundamentally shifted the needs of the classroom. So much so, the district is now questioning the necessity of purchasing individual devices for every student and is considering a shift back to shared classroom carts instead.

The move toward reduced screen time is driven by a desire to prioritize traditional learning methods that many feel have been overshadowed by digital tools. Dr. Taylor feels it might be worth returning to hand-written work and physical books, noting the "addictive" nature of constant connectivity has become a significant barrier to student focus.

Beyond academic performance, the district is also addressing the mental health implications of high-tech environments. Dr. Taylor pointed to the book "The Anxious Generation" as a catalyst for the district's conversations, noting that student anxiety and the pressures of social media are the primary issues administrators deal with daily.

According to Dr. Taylor, a significant portion of school-related conflict and even police involvement now stems from incidents that originate on cell phones. Under a new plan for next year, junior high students will be required to keep cell phones out of sight entirely, with a more restricted "free time" model for high schoolers. 

The Heyworth School District plans to survey parents and meet with student groups as it continues to finalize its technology recommendations for upcoming school board meetings.
 

The City of Clinton continued its efforts to expand local housing, moving forward with new incentives to attract developers and accommodate the County's industrial growth.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, City Administrator Tony Harris told the Hart Media Group while these efforts have been underway for nearly a year, the City is still in the early stages of laying the groundwork for significant residential development.

A primary focus of the Council's action was the approval of inducement resolutions. These non-binding agreements allow developers to potentially tap into Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds if their project falls within the boundaries of a TIF district. Harris notes these incentives are often the first thing builders ask for when considering building in a community.

These agreements signal to the developers the City is open for business. By passing the inducement resolutions before land is purchased, Harris says the City ensures that developers remain eligible for TIF assistance, which can help offset critical infrastructure costs like water and sewer connections.

According to Harris, the City is also working with a consultant to formally establish a new TIF district. Harris explains defining these boundaries is a complex process that requires ongoing coordination with local builders and planners.

This will continue to be an ongoing process to establish TIF districts, but Harris hopes to have dirt moving later this year.

Planters are rolling across the state as producers try to take advantage of windows to get their 2026 crop in the ground.

As of last week, the USDA reported 29% of corn and 36% of soybeans had been planted across Illinois, far outpacing the five-year averages of 19% and 18%. Reagan Tibbs, a commercial agriculture educator at the University of Illinois Extension, says the warm temperatures and beneficial rains throughout April have not only accelerated planting but have also led to early emergence.

The early start was particularly notable for soybean producers, with some reporting completed planting as early as mid-April. Tibbs notes that while the early start is beneficial, some producers may be facing replanting decisions in areas where heavy saturation has impacted the newly emerged crops.

Central Illinois saw an average of seven inches of rain in April, significantly higher than the normal average of four inches. Beyond the weather, economic factors like rising fuel prices have also influenced planting strategies this year. Tibbs points out that some farmers are opting for fewer tillage passes to manage operational costs.

Tibbs anticipates the data from the USDA going forward - particularly as it relates to soybeans - to start to show planting progress being further along around this time of the season, as producers have opted to plant soybeans much earlier than even ten years ago.
 

The AM dial in every new vehicle remains a big priority for the radio industry. John Clark is with the National Association of Broadcasters.

The National Association of Farm Broadcasting is also supportive of the “AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act.”
 

Economic shifts in the agricultural supply chain are bringing significant relief to egg prices - dropping to levels not seen in decades.

Dave Jackson, owner of the Clinton Save A Lot, announced on Tuesday morning that he has lowered the price of a dozen eggs to just 39 cents. Jackson points to a sharp increase in egg supply, and the lack of recent avian flu outbreaks has caused costs to plummet.

While large retailers in neighboring areas are still pricing eggs above $1, Jackson decided to pass the savings directly to his customers. He believes as long as the supply remains stable and free from disease issues, prices should stay relatively low for the short term.

According to Jackson, this as a way to give back to the community after years of high costs, noting that the store previously lost significant money just to keep egg prices at a respectable level for consumers.

The relief at the dairy case stands in stark contrast to other areas of the meat department. While egg prices are hitting historic lows, other protein commodities continue to climb. National data from the USDA shows that beef prices have surged more than 12% over the last year, with ground beef recently surpassing $6.70 per pound. 

Pork and poultry have seen more modest increases of about 1.5% compared to last spring, as tight cattle inventories and high input costs continue to put pressure on grocery budgets across central Illinois.

A major dust storm blew through DeWitt County and the surrounding area on Monday, a weather event that seems to be becoming more common. 

DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Will Paveleck told the Hart Media Group the most important thing to remember while on the roads in the event of a dust storm is to "Pull Aside, Stay Alive."

Communication between the National Weather Service and EMA is crucial to public safety. As dust storms become more frequent, Ed Shimon with the NWS explains that they have been partnering with the University of Illinois Extension to improve alerting the public to quickly changing conditions. 

While Paveleck indicates that there were no reported car accidents or road closures on Monday, he stresses the potentially life-threatening dangers of being on the road during a dust storm. 

Paveleck feels that dust storms will continue to be a problem during this time of year, and again emphasises the mantra "Pull Aside, Stay Alive.” 

Museums across the country are spending this summer finding ways to honor America's 250th birthday. 

Director of the CH Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, Joey Long, explains that as a part of this summer's series of America 250-themed events, the annual Quilt Show will be making a return with a patriotic twist. 

During the month of May, Long is asking for community members to loan their quilts to the museum to be displayed. They are seeking quilts with red, white, and blue themes, or ones that honor the Country and its history in some way. 

The quilts will be on display at the Homestead during the entire month of June. For more information, call 217-935-6066 or send an email to chmoore.homestead@gmail.com. Find a full calendar of America 250 events at chmoorehomestead.org. 
 

Registration is open for those 4-Hers with the goal of showing at the fair this summer. 

On the WHOW Morning Show, Monday, Marissa Capps, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, told the Hart Media Group that fair season kicks off with the DeWitt County Horse Show on June 27th. 

The 4-H fair is not just for 4-Hers and their families. Capps says it is a great opportunity to learn about and appreciate all the hard work that kids in the community put into their projects. 

Those looking to get involved with the fair can volunteer to be a general project judge, which Capps says is a huge area of need. She notes that you do not have to be an expert on the project area, because you are provided with judging guidelines. 

4-Hers or their guardians should have already received an email with a link to register for the fair. Capps reminds you that you must register each of your projects if you are showing more than one. 

Capps hopes that students have not been procrastinating on their projects as the fair grows closer. Learn more about 4-H in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties by visiting extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 
 

Last week, federal lawmakers passed what is being called a 'skinny farm bill,' and a local University of Illinois Extension ag educator is promoting the highlights of the legislation that will impact central Illinois producers.

Reagan Tibbs, a commercial agriculture educator at the University of Illinois Extension, says the legislation includes several key provisions that were excluded from previous iterations of the farm bill. He was watching what lawmakers did regarding renewable fuel standards, pesticide labeling, and SNAP benefits.

A major point of discussion in the bill is the approval of year-round E15 fuel, a topic of consistent interest for various commodity groups and the Illinois Farm Bureau. Tibbs explains that while these decisions are made in Washington, they have direct implications for local producers through updated program requirements and regulations.

The bill also addresses critical conservation programs, including the renewal of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to its traditional five-year cycle. Furthermore, it expands support for specialty crop growers and promotes the use of precision agriculture technology through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Significant adjustments were also made to commodity support programs, specifically regarding effective reference prices for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). According to Tibbs, the bill reallocates conservation funding that was previously managed by the Commodity Credit Corporation under the 2021 Inflation Reduction Act.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for further consideration, where additional amendments and changes are expected before a final version is approved.
 

The City of Clinton is officially launching its new "Block by Block" property cleanup initiative - a program designed to assist residents in beautifying their homes and maintaining community standards.

Mayor Helen Michelassi explains that the program aims to help families who may have gathered debris on their property but lack the physical or financial means to remove it. 

The initiative is closely tied to the city’s updated ordinances, which require properties to be kept clean and sanitized. City Administrator Tony Harris notes that, during conversations with homeowners about property maintenance, the primary hurdle mentioned is often the cost of a dumpster. 

Mayor Michelassi says applications for the program will be available at City Hall starting May 11th. She stresses that the success of the program will rely heavily on community involvement.

The Mayor says this is similar to a program she worked closely with in Decatur that had a great deal of success and proved to be a beneficial long-term benefit for the homeowners they assisted. 
 

The Clinton Board of Education last month approved the hiring of an assistant principal for Lincoln and Douglas schools as the district prepares for major changes in those buildings starting next year. 

Superintendent Drew Goebel explains that this hiring is a critical component of transitioning Lincoln and Douglas Schools from traditional neighborhood models into attendance centers starting next year. 

The addition of an Assistant Principal marks a needed change for these buildings, which have historically shared a single administrator. Goebel notes the 14-block distance between the two schools often left teachers without immediate administrative support during critical moments. By placing a full leadership team across the two campuses, the district aims to provide an extra layer of stability for both staff and students.

Goebel emphasizes that this model ends the "bouncing back and forth" of administrators between buildings, ensuring that a leader is always physically present at each site to handle issues as they arise.

The move to attendance centers aims to better balance classroom sizes and students and teachers of the same grade into one central location. 
 

A domestic violence tragedy in Clinton has local advocates emphasizing that help is available 24/7 for those in dangerous situations.

The community is mourning after a domestic incident resulted in the death of a local woman and subsequent murder charges for a Clinton man. Andrea Kocher, Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions, says while every loss is unique, the potential for lethality is a constant concern when working with victims of domestic violence.

For those who know someone in an abusive relationship, Kocher notes the most important thing to do is offer unwavering support. She explains that victims may not be ready to leave immediately due to fear, safety concerns, or a lack of self-esteem, but knowing they have a support network is critical.

Domestic violence is fundamentally rooted in power and control. Kocher explains that the most dangerous moments often occur when an abuser feels that control is being threatened, leading to unpredictable and violent reactions as they attempt to reassert dominance.

Advocates are urging anyone in a domestic violence situation to reach out for professional assistance. Kocher notes agencies like Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County and Dove, Inc. in DeWitt County are available around the clock to help victims find a path to safety.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or reach out to local resources like Dove, Inc. at 217-935-6072 or Willow Tree Missions at 217-762-2350.
 

It’s that time of year across Central Illinois—nesting season.

Residents are reporting more aggressive wildlife behavior, particularly when it comes to geese in residential areas. Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman warns that while many birds can be a nuisance, there are some that are federally protected, and there are strict limitations on how they can be handled.

Officer Workman acknowledges there are times when intervention is necessary, particularly in high-density housing or commercial areas. Some property management companies hire licensed, professional services to perform population control, which is legal when conducted properly.

If you are dealing with a disruption that you believe requires professional attention, Officer Workman encourages residents to reach out for guidance before taking any action on their own.
 

Two developers are interested in DeWitt County as potential locations for hotels. 

DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC) Executive Director Curt Homann explained to the DeWitt County Board that they are requesting $30,000 for feasibility studies, stemming from two separate investor groups who have expressed interest in building and owning a hotel in the area.

The $30,000 will be pulled from the county’s Economic Development fund to pay the Iowa-based Core Distinction Group. Homann says the study will provide the financial documentation necessary for lenders to get involved.

The DeWitt County Board approved the $30,000 allocation for a comprehensive hotel feasibility study at its April meeting. 
 

From live music and outdoor dining to plant sales, there's lots to enjoy this weekend in Piatt County. 

Shelly Crawford-Stock with the Monticello Chamber of Commerce told the Hart Media Group that on Friday night, there are multiple events where you can experience live music. 

Gardening enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to purchase plants this weekend in Monticello. She adds that there may be some last-minute spots available for the much-anticipated Kirby Derby as well. 

Find a full calendar of upcoming events by checking out monticellochamber.org and monticellomainstreet.org. You can also find information on the Make it Monticello Facebook page, or the respective Chamber and Main Street Facebook Pages. 
 

Cooler days have hit central Illinois, and it looks like they might stick around for a little while. 

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that outlooks are showing a cooler than normal start to the month of May. He adds that we can expect less than average precipitation for the month as well. 

The back half of May is showing similar below-average temperatures, however Shimon says that precipitation should shift back towards normal. He notes that average temperatures for May are typically very comfortable, so they do not expect slightly below normal lows to cause any overnight freezes. 

While March is the most impactful month when it comes to daylight, Shimon indicates that we will gain about an hour of sun from the start of the month to the end. 

The summer outlooks are showing equal chances of above or below normal precipitation and temperatures, but Shimon indicates that heat waves may push in periodically from the western half of the Country. 

The National Weather Service has been teaming up with the University of Illinois Extension to provide better warnings of dust storms or other weather events that are caused by or affect agriculture. We'll have more on that with Shimon in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group. 
 

With the water warming up and fishing activity increasing at area State Parks, local outdoor officials are asking for help in maintaining the cleanliness of public spaces. 

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman says while the State works hard to provide trash receptacles, they can fill up quickly, and the burden of keeping these areas beautiful falls on the visitors.

Workman frequently encounters individuals disposing of cigarette butts directly into the water, which he describes as a particularly inconsiderate action at popular fishing spots.

As the calendar turns toward May and the start of the boating season, Workman also reminds the public that now is the time to ensure all gear, including safety equipment and vessel registrations, is up to date ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

Just a few years ago, outdoor officials threatened to close local sites because trash buildup had become so ubiquitous. Officer Workman hopes it doesn't come to that this summer.