WHOW’s 106-point-5 FM signal in Bloomington-Normal will be off the air on Wednesday, November 6th.  The outage is required due to tower maintenance, and is weather permitting.

None of WHOW’s other signals or audio streams are affected by this outage.  The 106-point-5 signal is expected to be back on the air by the end of the day Wednesday.

A local museum is celebrating a holiday all about honoring and remembering your ancestors. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday Micaela Harris, Director of Communications for the McLean County Museum of History told Regional Radio they are celebrating La Día De Los Muertos this Friday, and this will be their biggest celebration yet. 

La Día De Los Muertos is a Hispanic holiday devoted to honoring ancestors and loved ones who have passed. According to Harris, it's celebrated by creating "ofrendas" or offerings with photos to keep their memory alive. 

Harris notes there is an assortment of community groups coming in to help with the event, from Hispanic student communities to arts groups. 

This event will be held this Friday night from 5 to 8 PM at the Mclean County History Museum and the surrounding area. Find more information at mchistory.org/events. 

We turn over a new calendar month, and normal conditions will continue until early November.

John Bumgardner at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates the first few days of November will be above normal for temperatures, however, after that, it becomes a little less predictable.

According to Bumgardner, we'll transition to a La Nina weather pattern starting in November. He explains the means we could be on the wet side of the forecast for the month ahead.

The temperatures from the start of the month to the end take a drastic turn downward. Bumgardner indicates with the La Nina transition, cold air won't be uncommon - especially as we get into the traditional winter months. 

Bumgardner adds severe weather is not out of the question in central Illinois. Communities across the region won't need the reminder of the severe weather that has struck in November.

According to Bumgardner, a La Nina pattern tends to mean a cold and wet winter on the way. That can often lead to more snow events than usual - if a snowy winter is in your wheelhouse. 

Piatt County authorities have been very busy lately.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Piatt County Sheriff Mark Vogelzang credited his lead investigator and Chief Deputy for their recent work on several crimes in the community.

According to the Sheriff, the poker machine crime is a widespread crime ring hitting communities across central Illinois. He worked with nine different agencies to solve that crime.

The Piatt County Sheriff's Office also assisted with a standoff in Mansfield where a resident barracked himself inside his home after an armed robbery in Champaign County and an arrest warrant was issued.

Sheriff Vogelzang encourages business owners to make sure they have good security in place. He notes those devices have become very affordable and are very useful when trying to solve crime. 

Additionally, he thanks all the agencies they worked with to solve those crimes.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office is transforming the Clinton DMV facility into a “One-Stop-Shop” design, offering reduced wait times and increased efficiency.

The renovation also includes updated signage to create a more logical flow and help customers know where to go, Giannoulias announced Wednesday.

The Clinton DMV will temporarily close from Nov. 4-8, while renovations take place. During that time, a temporary “pop-up” location will service customers at Vespasian Warner Public Library located at 310 N. Quincy St.

The pop-up facility will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. after the office recently shifted hours of operation to better align with customer availability.

As a part of the Secretary of State’s ongoing modernization efforts, the new DMV experience saves customers considerable time and several steps by offering both vehicle and driver services at a single service counter.

Giannoulias said in a statement the Clinton facility is next in line to receive renovations that will give it a modern feel while employing new technology to create efficiencies.

Driver services and vehicle services employees at “One-Stop-Shop” DMVs are now cross-trained to provide both sets of services. The office has also redesigned customer service counters and signage to create a more logical flow.

Property crimes are on the rise in Lincoln and there's no reprieve in sight.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister told Regional Radio they are seeing businesses and homes being forcefully entered and valuables like tools and bikes being stolen.

Lincoln Police are encouraging residents who know they've had their property rummaged through and even if something isn't missing, still report that occurrence. Chief Meister says it can be helpful to know that information.

Officials are encouraging residents and business owners to beef up the security of their homes and businesses. Chief Meister reminds home security systems have become a widely utilized tool in solving crime.

While Lincoln authorities are asking for residents to be mindful of their own security and locking vehicles and doors, they too are doing things to be more present. Chief Meister indicates they are shifting the focus of their nighttime patrols.

According to Chief Meister, the Safe-T Act has been extremely detrimental to crime spikes in the community. He explains they are often not only familiar with the individuals they arrest but they are repeat offenders.

Chief Meister encourages neighbors to look out for neighbors in the community. He encourages getting to know the folks next door and across the street. Being familiar with your neighbors helps when you suspect something out of the ordinary.

Additionally, Chief Meister says the residential burglaries are happening in neighborhoods across the community and a lot of the retail theft is happening on the west side of the city.

The Police Department puts out information on its Facebook page.  

A Clinton Veteran working at the State of Illinois level is promoting benefits to veterans - some they may not have known was available to them. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Josh Thielen, Department Adjutant for the American Legion explains veterans have many benefits available to them and a big one is exemption from property taxes.

Veterans can also receive educational and employment benefits - something Thielen himself and many other veterans have benefitted from. 

According to Thielen, there are even cash bonuses that veterans and survivors of veterans can receive depending on their level of service. 

If you'd like more information on these benefits, reach out to your local American Legion post.

DeWitt County's partnership with the public transportation system Show Bus will expire next summer and at last week's DeWitt County Board meeting, the Board heard about the possibility of bringing Piatt Tran to the area to supplement that leaving service.

Tim Gadbury is the Director of Piatt County Public Transportation, or Paitt Tran, and indicates they have been approached about potentially taking over the public transportation service in DeWitt County.

According to Gadbury, Piatt Tran is a lot like Show Bus in that it transports people to a variety of destinations and a variety of needs. He explains they started out as a service for the Piatt County Mental Health Center and have only grown since.

Gadbury calls Piatt Tran a great service to Piatt County and points out they accept Medicaid rides. He feels there are a lot of people in Piatt County that rely on their service. 

Board Chair Dan Matthews indicates there is funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation for public transportation and reminds DeWitt County remains under contract through the end of June next summer.

Nothing is official as it relates to the prospect of a new public transportation service in DeWitt County and the issue will continue to be discussed going forward in DeWitt County. 

Many school districts in central Illinois are struggling with the same issues when teachers are unavailable. 

Dr. Emily Weidner, Superintendent of Cerro Gordo Schools explains they, and other districts, have been suffering from a substitute teacher shortage for some time now. 

Dr. Weidner says in her district, they try to have competitive pay rates, host substitute teacher recruitment nights, and teach people how to become licensed to increase their pool of subs. 

The first step to becoming a sub is to reach out to your Regional Office of Education. According to Dr. Weidner, as long as you have a bachelor's degree, you can apply for a 5-year license. 

This is an important and widespread issue in Illinois, if you'd like to help end the substitute teacher shortage you can find your Regional Office of Education at isbe.net/roe

It will be a slow veto session in Springfield according to one central Illinois lawmaker.

State Sen. Sally Turner indicates there is nothing to veto in this veto session so she's not really sure what lawmakers will be doing while they're in Springfield. 

As the legislature turns over a new year coming up, Sen. Turner is focused on some wind farm legislation. She explains they are focused on wind turbines and their location to weather radars as well as proximities to communities.

According to the Lincoln Republican, while there will not be a busy veto session, that doesn't mean they are standing around doing nothing. She explains they have committee meetings and meet with constituents associated with various groups in Illinois.

Sen. Turner has spent most of her time this summer and fall making her way around her district getting to know leaders better and the things that are important to them. She recently held a breakfast with area Mayors at The Vault in Clinton. 

The leaves are changing colors which means the leaf cleanup season is upon us.

This week, the leaf-vac systems are hitting the streets in Clinton. Public Works Director Steve Lobb says for this week, they're running just one vac but next week they'll bring out the second and start dedicating entire days to the effort.

Lobb reminds his crews divide the City down into five zones and they just go zone-by-zone each day. He reminds Center Street and Main Street are their dividing lines.

The City's yard waste facility is also an option for leaf cleanup if residents have the means to transport waste to it. Lobb says starting next week, the operating hours of the yard waste facility will change with the time change this weekend.

 According to Lobb, it is hard to commit to getting to and through a zone per day. Especially during the height of the leaf falling times, it may take more than one day to make it through a zone in the community.

Clintonillinois.com and the City of Clinton Facebook page are where the daily information about City Public Works crews will be for leaf clean up starting next week. 

With dry conditions, the harvest continues to make major progress in Illinois.

State Crop Statistician Mark Schluessner says we did get some moisture and temperatures were above-normal once again in Illinois with six days suitable for fieldwork.

The soybean harvest is nearly complete in Illinois and corn harvest made significant strides last week. Schluessner notes both are well ahead of pace. 

Winter wheat is 85 percent planted. 

A local school district is giving a unique STEM-related opportunity to its students.

Doug Kepley, Principal of Bement Middle and High Schools, says their 8th-grade students participated in a STEM competition related to wind power at Heartland Community College in Bloomington.

The students explain going in, they didn't know much about wind power, but they worked hard to research and learn as much as they could before they started building.  

The students competed in multiple competitions, each with their own circumstances and conditions for the windmills. They were also required to give a presentation on their project. 

Superintendent Mary Vogt notes this prompted them to develop STEM at the high school level as well. 

The students featured were Addison Frantz, Silas Olson, and Madelyn Somers. 

Halloween is a fun-filled holiday, but it's important to stay safe from the things that go bump in the night.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers reminds trick-or-treating hours are from 5 PM to 8 PM. He says to remain safe during Halloween, you and your children need to make sure your costumes fit to avoid tripping hazards.

Fake weapons are also something you often see as a part of Halloween costumes, but Chief Lowers says those need to be short, flexible, and soft. Masks can also be a risk so the Chief recommends flipping those up in between houses to have good visibility while walking. 

As for trick-or-treating, Chief Lowers asks any children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult, and everyone should be trick-or-treating in a group.

It's always important to be wary of the candy that is getting handed out, and only eat things that are sealed from the factory. You never know what someone's intentions might be when handing out homemade treats. 

All that being said, remember to encourage your trick-or-treaters to have fun during this spooky holiday, as it only comes once a year.

Expect a dry Monday to start the new work week.

John Bumgardner at the National Weather Service in Lincoln says after a breezy and dry Monday, rain showers are likely late Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Bumgardner indicates if you're planning to be out trick-or-treating with the little ones, the weather should be rather tolerable - compared to some Halloweens of recent memory with rain and even snow.

Right now, forecasts are calling for chances of rain on Saturday and Sunday with temperatures in the 60s. 

A DeWitt County domestic abuse support group is honoring victims and survivors. 

Ashlynn Burrus with DOVE Inc. in DeWitt County explains that they will be hosting a candlelight vigil this evening at 6 PM at Journey Church in Clinton to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Burrus says the event will have a few guest speakers who will share testimonials and information, as well as the candle lighting to honor victims who have died due to domestic violence situations, people who have survived, and advocates of victims. 

According to Burrus, the speakers that will be featured come from Growing Strong in Decatur and the Clinton Police Department. They will also offer refreshments after the ceremony. 

Burrus hopes anyone and everyone will come to this event because whether you know it or not, many people know someone who has been through or is currently in a domestic violence situation. 

The event is tonight, Monday, October 28th at 6 PM at Journey Church in Clinton. Find more information on DOVE at doveinc.org

A central Illinois school district is excited to be able to utilize a new greenhouse.

Lisa Agne is the Warrensburg-Latham High School FFA advisor and explains the program has a lot of new members. This is in large part thanks to the Illinois Department of Agriculture paying the membership dues which means anyone enrolled in an ag class at the high school is automatically signed up for FFA.

Andrew Cornet is the treasurer and he explains ADM provided a grant to them in order to build a new greenhouse. 

Agne says they plan to have a plant sale once the greenhouse is finished and once they have the electricity and plumbing they need, they will begin growing their own plants and have their sale in the spring. 

According to Agne, the vegetables and flowers will serve as a great fundraising effort for their program, but it also gives a sense of pride to the students who are a part of making the sale happen. It also will of course be a great learning tool for the program. 

The Warrensburg Latham High School FFA is very grateful to the organizations that provided grants to them for this greenhouse. 

If you'd like more information you can visit ilaged.org or find them on Facebook.

A top National FFA Honor for a member of the Taylorville FFA Chapter. Lizzie Schafer won the American Star in Agriscience this past weekend in Indianapolis.

Ty Steffen of the Newark FFA Chapter was a finalist for the American Star Farmer Award

The new National FFA President is from Illinois. Thaddeus Bergschneider hails from the Franklin FFA Chapter and is a former Illinois FFA President. He says his dad inspired him to join FFA.

Bergschneider is currently majoring in Finance in Agribusiness at the University of Illinois.

Known for trick-or-treaters and candy, Halloween is around the corner, but a certified K-9 behavior health specialist has a warning for those with animals at home.

Usually, after a candy haul from the neighbors, kids spread out their goodies on the floor to pick out their favorites. However, Dr. Valeri Farmer-Dougan says many animals, like dogs, take advantage of the opportunity to eat the candy. Reports indicate that many sweet treats are toxic to animals.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, some candies, like raisins, can cause pet kidney failure. According to Dr. Farmer-Dougan, pet owners can call the Animal Poison Control hotline if a local hospital is not open on Halloween.

That hotline is 888-426-4435.

A local emergency management put their services to the test.

Will Paveleck, EMA Coordinator for DeWitt County, told Regional Radio that he was tasked with creating a full-scale bus accident exercise to test the county's fire departments and paramedics. 

He says the emergency services always have things they can work on, but overall, the exercise went very well and even finished ahead of schedule. Paveleck also expresses gratitude to the Clinton Auto Auction and all the volunteers who made this happen. 

Paveleck notes that the county and the state require them to do exercises of this nature every 6 to 12 months. 

If you'd like more information on Emergency management in DeWitt County, you can visit dewittcountyil.gov or call the office at 217-935-7790.

Central Cremation Center in Forsyth is hosting its second catered breakfast provided Diamonds Family Restaurant in honor of Central Illinois' Veterans. There will also be a short patriotic program during this event to pay tribute to our heroes.

“Last year was an amazing success,” says Brett Zerfowski, Director of Public Relations. “We had a big turnout for our first year and chose a new venue to accommodate more space for our supporters and our Veterans.”

The Veterans Breakfast will be at the Mt. Zion Convention Center on Tuesday, November 12th at 9am. The Mt. Zion Convention Center is located off Route 121 at 1400 East Village Parkway.

Attendees should RSVP by November 8 so that they can plan accordingly for the amount of food needed. Please call Central Cremation Center to reserve your spot at 217-859-8100. Local businesses have also prepared door prizes and giveaways to Veterans and their guests.

Unless noted, all times are for Thursday, Oct 31

Clinton - 5 pm to 8 pm 

              >>Trick or Treating on the Square at 4 pm

              >>Liberty Village Trunk or Treat - 4 pm to 6 pm

              >>Sun. Oct. 27 - First Christian Church Harvest Party - 4 pm to 6 pm

Argenta - 5 pm to 8 pm

Cerro Gordo - 5 pm to 7 pm

Decatur - 5 pm to 8 pm

Lincoln - 5 pm to 8 pm

Maroa - 5 pm to 8 pm

Monticello - 5 pm to 8 pm

Mt. Auburn - Sat. Oct. 26 - Farmers Picnic Halloween Carnival - 6 pm to 8 pm @ Auburn Elementary School

                   >>Games, prizes, raffles, silent auction, cakewalk, hayrides, fortune-telling, face-painting, haunted house

                    >>Costume grand parade and costume contest at 7:30 PM;

                     >>Trunk or Treat at closing

Mt. Pulaski - 5 pm to 8 pm 

Oreana - 5 pm to 8 pm

Warrensburg - 5 pm to 8 pm

Rain moved through central Illinois late Thursday and early Friday - unfortunately, central Illinois remains in a drought state.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, John Bumgardner at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio rainfall totals were very minimal across the area.

According to Bumgardner, the area remains in a moderate drought. He notes the rain deficit goes back to September, in addition to the below-average rain we've received in October.

There is some rain forecast for the early part of next week. Even still, Bumgardner estimates October could end up among the top ten driest months on record.

Local authorities are reminding residents of leaf-burning regulations in Clinton.

As the leaves start to fall off trees, the leaf cleanup season is now upon us. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers reminds with rain in the forecast, there is the possibility for leaves to create slick conditions on community streets.

As the leaf piles begin to form, ChiefLowers reminds there is a burn ban in Clinton. 

The Chief reminds there are plenty of options for those leaves as they fall. There is the City yard waste facility with hours on the weekends and weekdays. Next week, crews will begin circling the community with the leaf vacs the City utilizes during the fall.

Chief Lowers also reminds to be mindful of the large machinery still out on the roads getting in and out of the fields. 

There's a new experience for a Southern Illinois University recruiter at the National FFA Convention. RFD Radio's Jim Taylor reports from Indianapolis.

The daughter of an ag teacher is now an ag teacher herself, and she's enjoying her role at this year's National FFA Convention. RFD Radio's Jim Taylor reports from Indianapolis.

The National FFA Convention wraps up tomorrow in Indianapolis. 

The Vault in Clinton is a safe space for teens to exist and be themselves while improving their interpersonal and leadership skills.

Tammi Wilson, Executive Director of The Vault explains their mission is to help young people realize their potential and self-worth, and in the age of social media, it's more important now than ever to do this. 

To Wilson, the impact is tangible. She says there are so many cases of teens who may be struggling socially when they first come to The Vault but quickly bloom into confident young leaders. 

Jason Kitson is the Youth Program Director and he works with the Student Leadership Team. He explains they translate their values to their students through their ambassador program.

If you think your student would benefit from The Vault, visit their Facebook page or thevaultclinton.com. You can also stop by The Vault located on the Clinton Square to register them for free.  

A local healthcare system is opening up a new office in Piatt County. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Amber Oberheim with OSF in Monticello told Regional Radio she will be the practitioner at a new satellite office in her home community. 

The plan is for the office to open sometime this winter with a specific date for opening to be announced soon. Oberheim envisions being available later hours so people with a variety of schedules can get in to be seen. 

As a primary care provider, Oberheim can see just about anyone for anything - from newborn babies to the elderly. 

Oberheim notes they will be able to accept all insurances at the OSF satellite office. She believes people should not have to let insurance block them from being healthy. 

If you want to make an appointment, you can call 217-560-6300. The new office will be located at 777 Bridge Street in Monticello. 

Area schools are being asked to help the Bloomington Area Career Center buy a new building.

Clinton Schools Superintendent Drew Goebel tells Regional Radio the BACC is a great opportunity for students in central Illinois to get hands-on experience in a variety of potential career paths.

According to Goebel, the BACC is looking to expand and purchase property to have one centrally located program. They are asking area schools to help foot the bill for that purchase.

The BACC promotes working in the trades and Goebel points out not only are the trades well-paying jobs, but they are also in high demand.

Goebel gave the Board of Education preliminary information on the purchase of the property earlier this month but no financial commitment was voted on by the Board. 

Producers are hard at work in the fields right now and perhaps the winter is the last thing on their minds but a University of Illinois commercial ag educator is hoping they will keep a date in January on their radar.

Reagan Tibbs is the new commercial ag educator at the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties and explains they will have experts from the University on hand to present to Illinois producers.

According to Tibbs, drones, data farm management, and much more will be topics covered at the event in January.

The event is $30 at Lincoln Land Community College on January 21. Tibbs anticipates registration beginning next month. 

A local zoo has a spooky celebration this weekend as a part of their busy fall schedule. 

Jay Pratte, Executive Director of Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, explains that they have recurring events like education sessions and yoga classes for people to enjoy, but they also have bigger events coming up, like Hallaballoo at the Zoo this weekend. 

Pratte says he's been very pleased with the turnout of the events they've hosted so far this fall. They've been so popular that they often have to move them into larger spaces.

Pratte attributes the success of these events to the connection Bloomington-Normal residents have to the zoo and its residents. He says they try to have something for everybody. 

The Zoo has seen a slow and steady growth of its usual attendance of 100,000 guests per season. Pratte notes although the weather may not always hold up, they have plenty of indoor options for the die-hard zoo goers. Find more information and event tickets on The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington at mpzs.org

The National FFA Convention is celebrating a significant milestone this year. RFD Radio's Jim Taylor reports from Indianapolis.

There are many success stories with Illinois FFA chapters at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this week. 

The National FFA Convention includes a National Spanish Creed Invitational, and a member of the Streator FFA hopes for top honors. 

The National FFA Convention wraps up Saturday in Indianapolis.

A utility watchdog is hoping a trio of state regulatory judges will reconsider their position that Ameren Illinois be granted a rate hike of $315 million. 

The Proposed Order, submitted on Oct. 8 by three ICC Administrative Law Judges, granted the utility more than 90 percent of the $334 million Ameren had requested. CUB spokesman Jim Chilsen says that in August, they filed testimony identifying what it says is about $100 million in overcharges in Ameren's proposed rate hike.

CUB claims it identified hundreds of millions of dollars in wasteful or improper spending proposed by Ameren, with a portion to be recovered through the current rate-hike request, and the rest recovered over decades to come. The ICC is scheduled to make a final ruling on the case (Docket 24-0238) before the end of the year.

For several months, DeWitt County's first responding agencies have been looking forward to upgrades coming to its communications.

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker indicates those upgrades went live this month and the early reports are very positive.

Tony Harris is the Director of the DeWitt County 9-1-1 center and indicates this new system has already proven it will be better than what was in place before in DeWitt County.

Sheriff Walker points out the County has not had its communications equipment updated in some time and feels this was a worthwhile expenditure of the COVID money the County has.

Many have been hearing about the NextGen 9-1-1. Sheriff Walker explains this project is completely different from that effort which is aimed at easier avenues for the public to report emergencies to authorities. 

Whether you lead a big-time farming operation or grow produce in your backyard, the end of the growing season is here.

Doug Gucker is a small farms educator and agronomist for the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties and indicates low prices are something producers on a bigger scale are not immune to. A recent publication by the University of Illinois is promoting defensive planning for producers.

For those growing vegetable gardens, Gucker indicates the growing season is about over. Even if growers have a greenhouse, the daylight hours are not sufficient any longer for good growing conditions.

Additionally, Illinois is the nation's top pumpkin-producing state in the country and those specialty growers are starting to see the end of their year.

For more from Gucker on small farm operations and other ag musings, find his offerings at extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 

We're just a few weeks away from the always popular shotgun hunting season.

As hunters anticipate for some, their favorite time of the year, Department of Natural Resources Conversation Police Capt. John Williamson reminds hunters to give those tree stands a good once over. He says it never fails, they seem to always get calls of a hunter falling from a tree stand.

Capt. Williamson indicates last week, leftover tags in certain counties became available. While there are areas of the state that seem to always sell out, there may be a few tags in an area close to you.

It went into effect last year but Capt. Williams reminds hunters to be mindful of the changes around rifles and hunting.

For more information on all things outdoors and hunting in Illinois, visit dnr.illinois.gov and find the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on most social media platforms. 

A Pekin High School senior is making the most of his first year in FFA. RFD Radio's Jim Taylor is covering the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this week.

Taylor says the Illinois FFA Center always has much to be proud of this time of year. 

22 candidates move forward in the national FFA officer selection process, including Illinois' Thaddeus Bergschneider. 

The National FFA Convention wraps up Saturday in Indianapolis.

What are the top items for Congress post-election? Ryan Whitehouse is Director of National Legislation for Illinois Farm Bureau.

Whitehouse was in the nation's capital last week as part of the county managers to Washington visit.

The 56th Annual Apple N' Pork Festival has wrapped up another successful year.

Director of the CH Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, Joey Long explains the large majority of vendors present at the festival sold out or got close to it. 

As many listeners may know, the festival acts as a fundraiser for the homestead grounds, which can be an expensive task. Long says they haven't zeroed in on a project for these funds quite yet but there are a few things it could go towards. 

Long notes the importance of maintaining the homestead's historical integrity, and they do this not only with the architecture itself but also with how they decorate and stage it. This can be part of the reason maintenance is so expensive. 

Long is grateful for everyone who made it happen from the museum staff and volunteers to the attendees who came and graciously gave their money to help support the historical site. 

A central Illinois school district is celebrating Homecoming a little late. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools Adam Ibbotson told Regional Radio they had to move homecoming this year due to Riverton, their planned football opponent, canceling their football season. 

Ibbotson highlights some of the exciting festivities they have this week to celebrate Maroa-Forsyth like the powder puff football game, a bonfire, and the parade. 

Ibbotson and other administrators were nervous about the scheduling and the weather, but things look like they are holding up and he looks forward to a great week celebrating their Trojan Pride.

If you'd like more information on Maroa-Forsyth Schools and the homecoming schedule, visit mfschools.net or find them on Facebook.  

The City of Clinton has hit a wall as it hopes to build a new City Hall, fire department, and police station building.

Earlier this year the City of Clinton got the ball rolling exploring plans and pricing for such a complex. City Administrator Taylor Baxter says for now, those plans are on hold as the pricing was much greater than the City has funds for.

Baxter reminds the current City Hall is very old and its age is showing. He says it is a difficult decision because of the long-term impacts of constructing a new building.

Not only has the project shown to be much more costly than anticipated, but the City does not have a property set to be built on.

With the harvest season in full swing, local authorities continue to remind the public of safety around implements and large machinery. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers explains there are many slow-moving vehicles on the roadways making their way around the area. He asks drivers to be patient and plan accordingly. 

Chief Lowers says you can also expect increased activity in deer and other wildlife due to the pressure from the corn fields they hide in being harvested.

As the deer lose a large portion of their habitat, they are more condensed to wooded areas, meaning when you are traveling in those areas you have a higher likelihood of deer crossing. The Chief recommends using your high beams in areas where it is safe to. 

Always remember, not just during the harvest but year-round, to be aware of your surroundings, stay off of your cell phone, and wear your seatbelt while driving. 

Another dry week allowed producers to continue to make significant progress in the fields.

State Crop Statistician Mark Schluessner with temperatures and precipitation all below normal last week, all seven days were suitable for fieldwork.

Corn harvest continues and Schluessner says it is two-thirds complete, well ahead of the average pace.

Producers continue to make progress in getting soybeans out of the ground. Schluessner says the crop is nearly three-quarters complete, and it is also ahead of pace.

Winter wheat planting is 60 percent complete.

Pasture conditions were rated 31 percent very poor, 40 percent fair, and 29 percent good to excellent.

Summer and Fall are great times to grow your own produce, but how do we ensure that it lasts into the winter months?

Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator for the U of I Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains this time of year grocery stores will have tons of fresh fruit and veggies to choose from, and the extension has plenty of resources on how to preserve them and turn them into delicious dishes. 

Mellendorf says there are plenty of ways to preserve and use apples, and if you aren't interested in jams, ciders, or pie fillings, you can even dehydrate or freeze them. 

According to Mellendorf, hunters can even can things like deer meat. Instructions on how to do that and even more preservation tips are available at extension.illinois.edu/food-preservation.

The Clinton YMCA's annual 'Strong Kids' campaign is underway.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Executive Director Rennie Cluver told Regional Radio many may recall that 'Strong Kids' fundraising efforts were mostly done in the spring but because of COVID, it has since shifted to a fall fundraiser.

This year, the Y kicked off the 'Strong Kids' campaign with an event at the Prairie Passage greenspace off the square on Center Street. Cluver emphasizes contributions big and no matter how small help the Y achieve its mission. 

Cluver reminds 'Strong Kids' only supplements a portion of the funds they pour back into families that participate in Y programming. He believes an investment in the Y makes a difference for so many people who may not otherwise utilize YMCA programming.

According to Cluver, while the 'Strong Kids' campaign helps the Y achieve its mission and is a blessing to a lot of families in the community, it isn't the difference to the extent the Y would close its doors without it.

If you've contributed to the 'Strong Kids' campaign in the past, Cluver indicates you should be receiving information on it again this year. To learn more about making a contribution to the Y, visit clintoncommymca.org or stop by the facility at 417 South Alexander Street to learn more.

DeWitt County Animal Control is facing a critical situation at its facility.

Tony Harris is the Animal Control Administrator for DeWitt County and indicates the County faces a nearly full facility. 

Harris says it is a sad situation. People are abandoning their pets and they are being recovered by DeWitt County Animal Control. He says when they have information to contact the owners, they aren't getting calls answered or returned.

If you own an animal but are facing tough times, Harris has some encouragement. While there isn't a lot Animal Control can do, there are groups in DeWitt County and elsewhere that they can direct you to so you don't have to give up on your pet.

Additionally, to help ease the burden on the shelter, Harris says groups like Second Chance for Pets need help. While they hope more folks would open their homes to foster animals in their transition to a permanent, forever home, financial contributions are also a huge help.

Harris announced last week he will be stepping down as the Administrator of Animal Control but that will not be effective until next spring. 

When Piatt County residents head to the polls in a few weeks, they will be asked to decide on a tax to support a mental health board.

Tony Kirkman with the Piatt County Mental Health Center explains a '708 board' would collect a nominal tax and be able to distribute to qualifying programs in Piatt County.

The tax is allowed to go as high as 0.15 percent. Kirkman has messaged to the Piatt County Board, his agency would not need anything close to that to maintain its services and in fact, neighboring counties have not maxed out their rates on this tax. 

Kirkman explains there is quite a challenge at the Piatt County Mental Health Center because they are vastly underfunded by the State of Illinois and the costs of their services continue to go up.

The State of Illinois promised taxes from the legalized adult-use marijuana would go into agencies like the Piatt County Mental Health Center. Kirkman says he's still waiting on the check from those taxes which have recorded record numbers in the last few years.

The need in the community not only is apparent but it continues to show that people young and old utilize the services of the Piatt County Mental Health Center.

Kirkman notes, if a 708 tax is approved, there would be a Board that is established to decide how those dollars are then distributed to agencies in Piatt County. 

If you receive Social Security you can help them make sure they pay you the right benefit each month.

Jack Myers with Social Security explains you can do that by reporting relationship or other life changes that could affect your eligibility for retirement, survivors, or disability benefits. Additionally, you and your family may miss out on additional payments you may be due if you don't report changes to Social Security in a timely manner.

According to Myers, the types of relationship changes you need to report are a marriage or divorce, the death of a spouse or former spouse, becoming parent of a child - including adoption - marriage of a child who gets benefits on your record or iff a child who gets benefits on your record no longer lives with you.

There are other types of changes that are not relationship based, but still important to report. Myers highlights one like returning to work if you receive Social Security disability benefits. 

Report any changes by calling 1-800-772-1213 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can also call your local Social Security office or visit www.ssa.gov/locator. There is also the option to fax, mail, or deliver your updates to your local office. 

Still plenty of opportunity in the fall agritourism season. And there is a great online resource to help consumers.

Raghela Scavuzzo serves as Associate Director of Food Systems Development for the Illinois Farm Bureau.

The future of Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing is bright, thanks in part to funding secured by Illinois lawmakers.

The Mennonite College of Nursing broke ground on an expanded simulation center earlier this summer. That center doubles the space of the current simulation lab, allowing the state school to enroll 1-hundred additional nursing students. U.S. Representative Darin LaHood and Senator Dick Durbin helped secure two million dollars for the project. He says this funding paves the way for the future of nursing across the state.

The new laboratory, priced at 18 million dollars, also houses new classrooms and patient simulation areas.

The laboratory is at the corner of Locust Street and Normal Avenue - across from the Bone Student Center parking lot.

Former Illinois FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider among 37 National FFA officer candidates. He's leaving for Indy this weekend, thinking about his early days in the Franklin FFA chapter.

Bergschneider is majoring in Finance in Agribusiness at the University of Illinois.

A new bank is setting up shop in Clinton.

Taylor Baxter told Regional Radio this week the planning commission in Clinton has been working on plans for the new bank that will set up on the west side of the community across the street from the high school.

Longview Community Bank will be set up near the FS Station on the west side. Baxter says they are excited to welcome them to the community.

Many may question if the community needs another bank and Baxter says absolutely. He indicates a bank will bring millions of dollars with it and invest it into the community.

Baxter says there is already equipment out at the site ready to move dirt once the contractors get the nod to begin.

The City of Clinton has an intergovernmental agreement with DeWitt County to handle Animal Control, but that may be coming to an end. 

At Thursday night's DeWitt County Public Safety Committee Meeting, the board discussed their intergovernmental agreement with the City of Clinton, because they feel they do not earn enough revenue from the city to sustain it. Board Member Buck Carter feels all municipalities in DeWitt County need to be paying more for Animal Control's services.

Animal Control Administrator Tony Harris notes that although they are issuing citations, it is very hard to follow up on and collect the fines that are administered. This means the county is not receiving the revenue to support the budget. 

Board Member John Werts suggested ending their agreement with the City of Clinton when it expires in 2025 and letting the city decide if it would cost them more to have their own shelter and animal control or to pay the county more money for their services. 

Tony Harris also made the announcement at the meeting, that he will be resigning from his Animal Control position soon after the start of the year, due to the stress he is under being responsible for Animal Control and the E911 Center. He says he wants to be a part of the process to hire someone new, and suggested it be a full-time position. 

Fundraising is a huge part of a zoo's ability to function, and the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington is doing it successfully. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Jay Pratte, Executive Director of the Miller Park Zoo told Regional Radio their biggest fundraiser of the year went great. The Zoo Doo Fundraiser is a gala hosted at the grounds, and this year's theme was Ignite the Night. 

Pratte says that although they are limited in space, he gets a lot of feedback about how much people love being at the zoo, getting dressed up, and having an experience not normally available during a regular zoo visit. 

According to Pratte, the zoo estimates they raised over $150,000 between the tickets sold and the live and silent auctions. Attendees could bid on zoo experience packages and other community donations. 

Pratte explains the funds are in a positive direction and they are working on the next steps for the sloth habitat. If you'd like more information on the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, you can visit mpzs.org

The Clinton Rotary Club serves pulled pork sandwiches, a pickle, and a drink at the Apple n' Pork Festival every year to help support the community.

Tim Holl with the Rotary Club says the festival is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Rotarians and supports its efforts in the community throughout the year.

Holl and his family hosted a foreign exchange student last school year from Italy. He felt it was a great experience and still keeps in touch with Federico. He hopes to see the Rotary do something like that again.

The Rotary does other fundraising efforts in the community as well. Holl explains they have a March Madness fundraiser and they are known for their Nelson's chicken dinner fundraisers - which they will be moving this year.

The Apple n' Pork Festival drew just over 85,000 this year. The Rotary meets on Tuesdays at noon at the American Legion. 

A local restaurant is partnering with a DeWitt County non-profit in the months ahead for a fundraiser. 

Katrina Held with the Friends of the Library explains that they will be hosting a fundraiser with Texas Roadhouse in Forsyth in the near future. Until then, they have provided the Friends with free kids' meal and appetizer coupons to give out at this weekend's book sale fundraiser. 

Held explains that her father, who is also part of the organization, made the connection with Texas Roadhouse just by chatting with the manager during dinner one night. The restaurant is already known for hosting fundraising nights for local groups and schools, so it was not hard to create a plan. 

Held says in addition to a variety of literature genres, you will also find digital media like DVDs, CDs, and the occasional videogame at the fundraiser. Like books, all of those items are only one dollar. 

The event takes place from 9 to 4 this Friday, and 9 to 3 on Saturday at the Warner Library. You can find piles of books organized by genre for very affordable prices. Get more information at vwarner.org/friends-of-the-library.

When Monticello meets Prairie Central this week on the gridiron, something bigger than postseason positioning will be at stake.

The two schools are spending the week raising money for breast cancer awareness. Monticello High School Principal Travis Courson indicates it's part of activities for 'Pink Out Week' at Monticello High School.

'Pink Out Week' is highlighted by buckets set up for the four captains on the football team and money is put into those buckets. Courson explains the bucket with the most money in it will see that captain kiss a goat. 

Courson credits the students for coming up with or even implementing ideas they see on social media. He is proud of the 'Your Impact My Jersey' initiative students in extracurricular activities do during senior night week. 

A viral video on social media earlier this fall showed a school district that had seniors and kindergarteners on opposite sides of the high school football field and met at midfield to exchange letters from the seniors to the kindergarteners. According to Courson, the students at Monticello High School wanted to do that.

Hear tonight's Monticello volleyball action hosting Prairie Central on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com. Hear Friday's football game hosting Prairie Central at the same place.

The LIHEAP program assists with electric bills for low-income families, but what about the gas bills? That portion will be rolled out next year. 

Anita Russell with Community Action explains the LITER program is focused on giving a discount rate on the gas portion of utility bills for people who qualify for LIHEAP. The discount you receive will depend on your income.

This can be a confusing program, but it essentially means that even if there are no funds left in LIHEAP and later LITER, you should still apply so you receive the discount on your bills. Even if you're over the income guidelines, you should still apply because you can self-attest to the gas companies for a small discount. 

You can find more information on LIHEAP and LITER by visiting capcil.info or calling the office at 217-732-2159. 

If you've driven in the Ted's Garage area of Clinton this week, you've likely noticed part of Van Buren Street is closed off.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton City Administrator Taylor Baxter told Regional Radio that is because of expansion at Ted's Garage.

According to Baxter, ownership is going to expand the building to the east and the south for additional space inside the restaurant.

Also on the Morning Show Wednesday, Baxter told Regional Radio about a new bank coming to the community as well as provided an update on the latest with a new City Hall building. We'll have more with Baxter in the days ahead on Regional Radio. 

A historical celebrity annually makes an appearance at the Apple n' Pork Festival in Clinton.

Abraham Lincoln and his ties to the CH Moore Homestead brought Mr. Lincoln to Clinton the last weekend of September. Mr. Lincoln says people often want to know why he returns to Clinton for the annual festival.

Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Moore shared a similar path into the world of practicing law. Mr. Lincoln explains neither went to law school and in fact used libraries as their means to understand and practice law.

Mr. Lincoln was quite an athlete as a young man and during downtime when he would visit Clinton, they would have long jump competitions. Mr. Lincoln points out he was quite the wrestler.

Splitting rails was one of the first skills Mr. Lincoln learned growing up in central Illinois. He says a lesser-known fact about the railsplitting was those were used for fence rails. 

Visitors to the Apple n' Pork Festival take pictures and talk to the former President. He is quite the celebrity on the grounds of the CH Moore Homestead year after year offering presentations every few hours on the front lawn. 

For many years, a staple of Clinton graduates was the requirement to reach a certain number of community service hours.

That program was done away with a few years ago and at the Tuesday night Board of Education meeting, a small handful of community members and a student called on the Board to bring it back.

Ed Cicenas is the Clinton Chamber of Commerce Board President and shared his story of volunteerism in Clinton.

Cicenas cited studies that show volunteering is good for people. Additionally, community groups need volunteers and asked the School Board to reinstate the program to teach kids to volunteer in their hometowns.

Tom Reddington is one of the most involved members of Clinton's American Legion and has served the community in several capacities in his time as a resident of Clinton. He too made the call for the district to reinstate the program.

Zander Cicenas is a senior at Clinton High School and says volunteering has become an instrumental part of his development as a young community member.

The Clinton Board of Education Tuesday night also heard from members of the FFA National Champion livestock judging team and about the potential changes to the Bloomington Area Career Center. We'll have more on those stories in the days ahead on Regional Radio. 

County and Zoning Administrator Dee Dee Rentmeister is approaching retirement, but who will take on her responsibilities? 

At last night's County Land Use Committee meeting, the major topic of discussion was the plan of succession for Rentmeister's retirement. The Committee debated having one full-time employee to take on county administration as well as zoning administration or having one part-time employee for each. One of the major concerns was the workload. 

Board Member Patrick Ryan suggested putting out feelers for the position being full-time, and see if any candidates would be interested in that. He says if no one bites, then they can reconsider. 

Rentmeister expressed concern about finding an experienced candidate. She explains her days are never what she plans on them being when she comes into the office, so they need to find someone who has the knowledge and work ethic to handle that. 

Ultimately, the board elected to make the zoning administrator and county administrator two separate, part-time positions at $32/hr, with the note that they can change the position details before the budget is passed at the beginning of November. This plan will be discussed at the Finance Committee Meeting on the 21st. They also briefly mentioned that three fines were issued to Enel for wind farm curtailment violations, and all 3 fines were paid without issue. 

The harvest continues on under dry conditions as we hear in this weekly crop report.

Dry conditions are dominating the harvest season so far says State Crop Statistician Mark Schluessner.

About half of the Illinois corn crop is harvested notes Schluessner.

The race to get soybeans out of the ground showed. Schluessner notes nearly two-thirds of the crop is harvested - well ahead of the average pace.

33 percent of winter wheat is planted with nine percent emerging.

Schluessner continues to remind motorists to be mindful of the large implements dominating rural roads during this time of the year. 

Reagan Tibbs is the newest member of the staff at the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties and fills a role that has long been vacant.

Tibbs comes to the Extension by way of an Illinois State University master's program and is a commercial ag educator. On the job for about ten months, Tibbs is diving in head first to be a resource for producers in the three-county area.

According to Tibbs, during the growing season, he was hearing a lot about tar spot in fields. He worked with producers to diagnose it and noticed it becoming more prominent closer to harvest. 

As farmers work tirelessly in the fields to get the crop out of the ground, Tibbs is having conversations with them about market prices and concerns about a farm bill that seems to have a long way to before the end of the year.

Tibbs is working to coordinate an agronomy summit in Springfield this winter. We'll hear more on that with Tibbs next week on Regional Radio. He encourages a visit to extension.illinois.edu/lms or email him at rgtibbs@illinois.edu. 

The CH Moore Homestead Board and the Illinois Pork Producers teamed up for this past month's 56th Annual Apple n' Pork Festival.

Nathan Lippert with the Homestead Board told Regional Radio as a part of its live coverage of the Festival in September, they were contacted by the Illinois Pork Producers about a contribution for this year's festival.

Lippert is regularly one of the first individuals on the grounds of the Homestead on an Apple n' Pork Saturday or Sunday. He explains he has to get the fires started and the kettles hot before they start the process of cooking the ham and beans.

Lippert indicates it wasn't an overnight mastery of cooking the ham and beans. The more he does it, the better he gets at it.

The Blue Ridge soccer program has provided support at the ham and bean tent the last few years. Lippert says they have been great to work with the last few years and credits the kids that come over for working very hard and being easy to get along with. 

When the Warner Library struggles to afford the extras in its budget, the Friends of the Library are here to help.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Katrina Held, with the Friends of the Warner Library, told Regional Radio the Friends are a volunteer group that assists in fundraising and supporting the Warner Library.

The Friends bi-annual book sale fundraiser is this weekend. The event will take place 9 to 4 on Friday and 9 to 3 on Saturday at the library. Held says you will not find any books that cost more than a dollar.    

On Saturday you can fill any size bag and pay $1 for the whole thing and Held adds they have an even better deal for educators. 

If you'd like more information on the Friends of the Warner Library, find them on Facebook or vwarner.org/friends-of-the-library

The busy harvest season is in full swing and with days suitable for fieldwork in abundance and a dry crop needing to get out of the ground soon, producers are taking advantage of every chance to be in the field.

A University of Illinois Extension agronomist is imploring farmers to make sure they are getting plenty of rest. Doug Gucker is also a small farms educator at the Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties and encourages farmers to get some rest for the long harvest season.

Gucker adds another important component of wellness is a good diet. He hopes workers in the field are getting more than sugary drinks and snacks.

Gucker indicates some of the traditional things producers see in the fields are not as prevalent this year like weed issues although he continues to be concerned about the dry conditions and making sure field fires or combine fires are prevented. 

From dazzling on the Illinois State basketball court to becoming the number one overall pick in the NBA draft, Doug Collins is now a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer.

Over the weekend, the I-S-U product took the stage to share his memories after being enshrined into the Hall of Fame. Collins coached the Chicago Bulls for three seasons, and he coached Michael Jordan in the late 90s. In his acceptance speech, Collins talked about his time as a Redbird and growing up in Illinois.

Collins joined 12 others in the Hall of Fame class, including Chauncey Billups, Vince Carter, Jerry West, and many more. With this honor, Collins became the 15th inductee from a school in the Missouri Valley Conference, the first since 2018.

Illinois Farm Bureau offering another round of consumer engagement grants says IFB Consumer Engagement Coordinator Jacey Yahne (yay-nee).

Any questions, contact Yahne at JYahne@ilfb.org.

81 Ag in the Classroom programs around the state share $647,000 in funding from the IAA Foundation. Meggan Heistand (hee-stunned) has been an AITC coordinator in Marion County for 16 years.

More information at agintheclassrom.org.

The City of Lincoln is asking for help from its residents with community surveillance. 

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch explains the Home Security Registration Program is intended to allow law enforcement to request footage from home security cameras. This does not give them direct access against the homeowner's wishes. 

The city already has a program supporting its own cameras, and Mayor Welch says it can automatically search for details like what a criminal was wearing. With your permission, the footage from your cameras would be run through this program to assist in finding a perpetrator. 

The Mayor also mentions that this program serves as a prevention method just as much as a method for solving crimes. He hopes any potential criminals will remember that anyone can be a part of this program, and they could be on film anywhere in town. If you'd like more information on this program, visit lincolnil.gov and search for security cameras. 

The Clinton Am Vets has become a mainstay on Center Street at the Apple n' Pork Festival year after year.

Serving up burgers and hot dogs, the Am Vets have become a must-stop on Center Street for those who support veterans organizations. Greg Lux is the Third Vice Commander and says they even set up a photo booth this year for a giveaway they did.

Lux reminds the Am Vets is a veterans organization that has - over time - opened itself up to more and more veterans who have served in a variety of capacities.

The Am Vets is about service to its communities. The Clinton Am Vets helps with both local efforts and statewide efforts.

The Am Vets has its local office t 302 North Monroe Street across from the Clinton Save A Lot. The Am Vets meets the second Monday at 7 pm and Lux encourages any veteran interested in learning more to stop by for a meeting or find the Clinton Am Vets on Facebook. 

There's an energy assistance program in central Illinois that is helping low-income families with their bills. 

Anita Russell with Community Action explains the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LI-HEAP is a program geared to low-income families to help with their energy bills.

Russell says they are rolling the assistance out in priority periods. This is for people who are elderly, have families with young kids, or already have a disconnection or disconnection notice. 

According to Russell, the amount of funds they have this year has decreased compared to years past, which is why they have implemented priority applications. If you receive money, you have to use it up within the program's year. 

If you think the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program could be helpful for you or your family, visit capcil.info for more information, and follow Community Action on their Facebook page. 

It has been extremely dry in central Illinois and unfortunately, there is little relief on the horizon.

Nicole Albano at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates they have recorded less than a tenth of an inch of rain this month. She notes the rest of the month looks pretty dry.

Looking beyond the next seven to ten days, Albano says there is still little to show a potential break in the rain. 

In the fall, central Illinois can experience the remnants of tropical storms that move north. Albano indicates with the hurricane season starting to wrap up, those showers become less and less likely.

After the eighth driest September on record at the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Albano speculates October could be headed to another similar finish if we don't see some rain. 

Social Security is - by law - required to issue past-due Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in installments when SSI back pay equals or exceeds three times the current maximum individual Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) plus any federally administered State supplement.  

According to Jack Myers at Social Security, in Illinois there is no federally administered State supplement, so it is 3 times the FBR - currently $943 per month - or $2829 in back pay. This means that if a person is eligible for more than $2829 in SSI backpay, Social Security often has to pay that in installments rather than all at once. 

The installments are generally limited to three installments spaced 6 months apart. However, Myers notes the installment payment process is not required when an individual has a medical condition which is expected to result in death within 12 months or is no longer eligible for SSI and is determined likely to remain ineligible for SSI for the next 12 months.

According to Myers, Qualifying debts and expenses that will enable us to release more than 3 times the FBR include debts or expenses.

Recipients who are waiting on installment payments and have the qualifying debts/expenses can contact their local Social Security office to request release of additional monies. Myers encourages being prepared to request a specific amount based on the debt or expense you have. 

Myers stresses this is limited to back pay that a recipient is eligible for and waiting to receive in installments.  It is a change that may permit earlier access to that money, but it is not a new type of benefit. 

Less than two weeks away from the National FFA Convention and Illinois chapters are getting ready, including Prairie Central—a national finalist in Ag Comms.

The National FFA Convention runs Oct. 23 through 26 in Indy.

Tickets are already on sale for a spooky event at a local Decatur Zoo.

Heather Perdeu with the Scovill Zoo explains they've already sold thousands of tickets for their most popular event of the year, Boo at the Zoo. The first night of the event is October 17th. 

Perdeu says they will have a different schedule depending on what day you go, and what time. Saturdays they will offer a sensory friendly from 1-2 PM. 
When you purchase the tickets online, you will have to reserve the time slot you would like to attend. Do so at decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo
 

Two friends in the Ford family of dealerships recently completed the sale of Clinton's Ford car dealership.

Picture: Randy Anderson (left) with his friend, and new owner of the Ford dealership in Clinton, Mike Mangold (right)

Randy Anderson, owner of Anderson Ford in Clinton tells Regional Radio he considers Mike Mangold - who owns Mangold Ford in Eureka - a friend. As Anderson considered retirement, he and his friend began discussing the sale of the dealership.

With his connections to Anderson, Mangold indicates he knows many people from Clinton. Ownership in Ford is something that runs in the family for him. 

Anderson takes pride in the fact he was involved in the community in Clinton and involved in a lot of aspects. Mangold points out Anderson was also very involved in the Ford performance side of things as well.

Mangold hopes to retain the staff Anderson has at his dealership and potentially add more.

The sale has been completed and Mangold plans to rename the dealership 'Mangold Ford of Clinton'. He is planning for a grand opening in early November. 

It's been unseasonably warm this week in central Illinois but that is going to quickly change.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Nicole Albano with the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio the unseasonably warm weather lately is thanks to a ridge of high pressure over most of the country keeping central Illinois with temperatures that feel like early September, not early October.

A cold front will move in and Albano indicates on Sunday, we'll see those temperatures really bottom out.

It is very dry in central Illinois right now and Albano says as the cold front moves through on Sunday, it will be very windy. She is concerned about field fires and other issues related to the dry conditions.

There's little indication any moisture could soon be on the way in central Illinois. We'll have more with Albano next week on Regional Radio. 

This year the Clinton YMCA tried something new at the Apple n' Pork Festival.

The Clinton non-profit traditionally has set up two tents at the annual festival - one to serve pork cutlet sandwiches and the other to serve baked potatoes. Y Board President Darren Moser says once again this year, the baked potato tent helped raise money for the very successful Otter swim team.

The Apple n' Pork Festival has also served as the unofficial beginning of the 'Strong Kids' campaign - the YMCA's annual fundraiser that goes back into the community. Moser says the Apple n' Pork Festival is a great opportunity for their organization.

Moser feels the merger of the two tents into one has gone very well. He feels the location of the baked potato tent is prime at the Festival and says everyone worked together well.

The annual festival takes a lot of coordination between the groups and the community businesses - primarily the grocers. Moser credits both grocery stores in the community for working with them during the annual festival.

Moser encourages learning more about the 'Strong Kids' Campaign by visiting clintoncommymca.org or finding them on Facebook. 

The annual Apple n' Pork Festival drew over 85,000 attendees this past month at the CH Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum. 

It is an unusually dry harvest season and with the combines racing to get the soybeans out of the field before they get too dry, a central Illinois ag leader is hoping farmers will still take care of their equipment to avoid combine fires.

Doug Gucker is an agronomist at the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties. He encourages farmers to not forget to clean off those combines after those long days in the fields.

Additionally, field fires remain a possibility as well. Gucker says with little to no rain in the forecast for the next seven to ten days, things will remain dry. He encourages everyone to refrain from unnecessary fires.

As producers race to get those soybeans out before they get too dry, Gucker encourages farmers to not cut corners and make sure their equipment is cleaned off as they head out to the field each day.

He also encourages getting their necessary rest. We'll have more with Gucker next week on Regional Radio. 

Farm safety reminders involve UTV's and side-by-side. Rodney Knittel serves as Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Knittel says he'd like to see a statewide clearinghouse for statistical information on UTV/side-by-side accident data.

Another renewable energy subject is getting attention. Here's Bill Bodine, Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs.

The topic was discussed at last week's Illinois Renewable Energy Conference in Bloomington.

The Clinton Scouts set up a trio of booths at the annual Apple n' Pork Festival in Clinton.

The Scout's booths help kids afford opportunities within the program both locally and out of state. John Goergen was helping man the pork burger tent on the grounds of the CH Moore Homestead last month and says it has already been a great year for the Scouts.

There are various levels of scouts. Goergen explains a Scout can pursue merit badges, participate in the various expeditions they go on, and do lots of community service.

Once a scout starts with a troop, they can start earning merit badges. Goergen says a lot of the fun of scouts is in achieving those designations.

The Apple n' Pork Festival helps pay for some of the entry fees associated with being a scout. Goergen says not only are the scouts blessed to have the Apple n' Pork Festival to fall back on, but the community as a whole is as well.

Goergen indicates the boy's troop meets on Monday nights. If you know a scout, he encourages getting in touch with them to learn about the meetings and learn more about scouts. 

Scouting.org is also a good place to find more information on your local chapter. In Clinton, the Scouts meet on Monday nights at the American Legion, starting at 6:30 pm. 

We are halfway through National 4-H Week, and chapters across the country are promoting the youth organization.

Kendra Wallace, 4-H Coordinator for the U of I Extension for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains the variety of settings and topics covered by 4-H each year. Being involved in these different opportunities is a great way to boost a resume. 

According to Wallace, building leadership skills is an exceptionally important part of 4-H and they provide a number of opportunities for students to do just that. 

Wallace recommends anyone looking for those special interest clubs sign up online. Once they've done so, they are automatically enrolled as a 4-H member. They're even working with the DeWitt County 4-H Foundation to cover the member fee. 

All general enrollment is also done online. If your student is interested in joining 4-H, they can do so at 4h.zsuite.org

The Lincoln Police Department's four DARE officers are getting into its community's classrooms for the annual DARE program.

Police Chief Joe Meister explains the four DARE officers are what he categorizes as the community engagement team and the annual program is underway at the various grade schools in Lincoln.

Taking a community policing approach is an important priority for him and he feels the DARE program helps in that effort. 

Chief Meister indicates his department is currently still two officers down as they look for staff. The Chief says his department hasn't been immune to the challenges of trying to find staff to patrol the community. 

A safe place to fail is how the leader of a business class in central Illinois schools describes the environment of their class.

The Central Illinois CEO program encompasses students from Blue Ridge, Clinton, Maroa-Forsyth, and Warrensburg-Latham high schools and this year has a record number of students. Facilitator Melanie Brown touts the program's development of a student's confidence and its safety in failure.

Students begin the school year but breaking the ice with the badge business. Brown indicates while in years past, the students had to find sponsors for the business, this year they had a local business owner who wanted to step up and support the whole thing.

Brown emphasizes this is a community-supported and funded program with nearly 50 investors for the Central Illinois chapter.

The program is always looking for more support. Learn more by visiting centralillinoisceo.com. To follow what the program is doing day-to-day, find them on Facebook and Instagram. 

The new 4-H year has begun, and it all starts by celebrating what 4-H has to offer. 

Terri Miller-Casey, Director of the U of I Extension serving Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties explains many clubs will be decorating windows and hosting special programs to celebrate National 4-H Week. 

Miller-Casey says 4-H Week is a great time for recruiting new members. They will make efforts to reach out through special events, inviting friends to meetings, and staff going into schools to spread 4-H awareness. 

As Miller-Casey stated, you can sign up for 4-H anytime throughout the year. She says students should get involved because their mission is to help develop leadership skills and explore career paths and hobbies. 

If you would like more information on 4-H in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, visit extension.illinois.edu/lms or call your respective county's office. 

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) will host employment screening events for its Juvenile Justice Specialist positions at the new Monarch Youth Center in Lincoln.

The positions are full-time, year-round, shift-work positions and the position has a starting salary of $62,000.

The screenings will be held October 15-16 at the Lincoln Park District - at 1400 Primm Road in Lincoln.

Interested applicants must attend one of the upcoming screening events to be considered and must complete an online application three days prior to screening day and download, print, and complete the required forms listed on the website idjj.illinois.gov/careers. 

Screenings begin at 8 a.m. and last four to six hours. 

Applicants should wear comfortable attire and bring a copy of a valid driver’s license, along with the original license, to the screening.

Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and be eligible to work in the United States. 

Candidates without a bachelor’s degree must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and two or more years of experience providing direct care to youth in the form of residential care, coaching, case management, or mentoring.

For more information, visit idjj.illinois.gov/careers or contact kyle.robson@illinois.gov.

Looking at fiscal year 2024, USDA Rural Development numbers are impacting Illinois. State Director Pam Monetti.

The Ottawa YMCA received a $13.9 million Community Facilities Direct Loan to build a new facility.

It's now October, and for many, that means fall drinks that are pumpkin-focused. 

Pumpkin spice everything has become a bit of a trope in recent years, but Caroline Brundage, a diet expert with OSF Healthcare says the various concoctions contain high levels of added sugar and saturated fat. If you are ordering at a coffee shop, be aware of the ingredients. For example, skip the topping and go with almond milk for fewer calories.

She suggests you do your research before getting hooked on a sugary drink. You can make the drinks at home. A plus, Brundage says, is you know exactly how much of each ingredient is in the drink. And she says if you commit to a healthy diet and exercise then want a once-a-week sugary drink reward, the health concerns are not huge.

Another warm-up this week with most of Illinois hitting mid to upper 80's by Friday says Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto.

Remnants from Hurricane Milton will not impact Illinois as the storm moves from the Gulf of Mexico through Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean.

A sports announcer from WHOW AM-FM-ON LINE in Clinton, has won a statewide award.

Seth Laurence, Program Director for WHOW and WEZC Radio, won the award for “Best Sportscaster in Illinois” in the Small Market Radio Division of the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s “Silver Dome Awards.”   The awards presentation Tuesday night at the Bone Student Center on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal was attended by radio and tv talent, management, and owners from across the state, to celebrate the state’s brightest and best.

Laurence started out as a part-time board operator for the stations in the mid 2000’s.  He became full-time in 2011 doing news and sportscasts, and Monticello Sports Play-by-Play on WEZC 95.9 FM.

Laurence is the voice of WHOW and WEZC local news and sportscasts during the morning and mid-day, and also hosts the popular WHOW Morning Show, 3 daily local interviews each weekday morning from 8:40 til 10.   He continues to do Monticello Sports Play-by-Play on WEZC. 

Laurence was promoted to Program Director in February 2024.   He, his wife and 2 daughters, reside in Clinton.

Station president and general manager Randal J. Miller said that Laurence is a great example of local radio to his listeners and communities.

As we head into the Fall, many zoos are preparing to close down for the season.

Heather Perdue with the Scovill Zoo in Decatur explains the last day of the regular season is October 14th. The final Free Admission Day will take place on Thursday, October 10th.

Lizzie Van Ert with the Scovill Zoo notes the Zoo Buddies Class takes place on the second Tuesday of every month, and that program continues year round. Zoo Buddies is for 3 to 5-year-olds to learn about different animal species. 

You do have to register for the Zoo Buddies Class. You can do so at Decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo/. Keep it to Regional Radio to hear more about Scovill Zoo's upcoming Fall events. 

The fall harvest is in full swing and all that farm equipment is all over the place in central Illinois.

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker implores drivers as you encounter farm implements, grain haulers, and semi-trucks - give them plenty of space and slow down for your safety.

Sheriff Walker reminds some county roads and more narrow rural roads can provide difficult conditions to see around an implement for anything coming up the road. He advises extreme caution if you are in an unfamiliar part of the County or central Illinois.

Particularly at night, deer can come out of nowhere and jump out in front of your moving vehicle. Sheriff Walker implores having your high beams on and being mindful of what is off to the side of the road as much as what is on the road.

Some producers have been in the fields for a few weeks now while others just got started this week. Many anticipate being in the fields most of October and some even beyond that. 

Medicare Part D open enrollment is nearly upon us and a local senior advocate is imploring DeWitt County seniors to make their appointments now.

Diane Cusey with Community Care Systems indicates Medicare Part D is the prescription drug program through Medicare seniors must be signed up if they are enrolled in Medicare.

According to Cusey, there are several changes to the program this year so it is important - as always - for seniors to come in and see her to review what plan they have and if there is a cheaper option for them.

Cusey indicates her appointments are already filling up so it is imperative for seniors who want her to help them get an appointment made. She says you won't need a lot of information when you come to the meeting but there are some basic things she will need.

To provide more convenience to DeWitt County seniors, Cusey will be in several locations over the next few months.

Cusey asks if you want to meet her at one of her satellite locations in the next few months to be sure to make an appointment by calling either her or that facility. Cusey can be reached at 217-518-8010.

Part of the Warner Library's mission is to promote reading, and at this year's Apple N' Pork festival, they did just that.

Mel Snow, Youth Services Manager at the Warner Library explains they gave out free books at their booth in front of the library. They had a variety of books to appeal to all different types of readers. 

According to Snow, the library has a slew of events coming up in the month of October like a Halloween party. No registration is required for the event, and they will offer trick-or-treating and live music. 

Snow explains events like the Apple N' Pork Festival are important to the library because it gives them an opportunity to connect with the community. While they see a lot of their regulars at the festival, it's also a chance to connect with new people and promote their services. 

Find more information about all of the Warner Library's upcoming events at vwarner.org/events

A warm and dry week allowed harvest to make significant progress as we hear in this weekly crop report. 

State crop statistician Mark Schluessner says nearly six days were suitable for fieldwork as temperatures were about six degrees above average while rainfall was below average for the week.

Soybean harvest is nearly half complete with the crop reported in 69 percent in good to excellent condition.

According to Schluessner, just 32 percent of corn is harvested. With the trend of early plant beans, producers are getting soybeans ahead of corn.

Winter wheat planting is 18 percent complete - ahead of the five-year pace - while six percent has emerged.

Pasture conditions were 32 percent very poor to poor, 32 fair, and 36 percent good to excellent.

Schluessner reminds NAS will release its updated October crop production report with updated yields for corn and soybeans.

Are you interested in seeing Broadway productions, but are not quite sure where to start? The DAAC has the trip for you.

Jerry Johnson, Executive Director of the Decatur Area Arts Council explains they have a tradition that's lasted 45 years of taking bus trips to The Fox Theater in St. Louis to see traveling Broadway shows. 

Johnson says many people may not want to sign up to see shows they've never heard of, but he assures these are popular, entertaining shows that are worth your time and money. 

If you're interested in taking any of these trips with the DAAC, you can find more info and sign up at decaturarts.org. A $50 deposit is required for each seat.  

This week, 4-H Groups across the country are showcasing what they have to offer.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Kendra Wallace, 4-H Coordinator for the U of I Extension for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains 4-H is the largest national youth organization. Over the years 4-H has evolved from being just agriculture focused, and now they have an assortment of programs for kids to explore. 

October 7th through the 13th is National 4-H Week. Wallace says they're celebrating by hosting a series of activities like the show book photo and drawing contest. 

According to Wallace, this is the perfect time for students to get involved in 4-H because this week kicks off the year. She notes some clubs have already begun meeting for the year. 

If your student is interested in 4-H, but not quite sure, the Extension invites them to attend a meeting to see if it's for them. Find more information about 4-H in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties at extension.illinois.edu/dmp.

There will always be some long lines at the Apple N' Pork Festival but few compare to the line for gingerbread cookies - for good reason.

Patty Klemm with the Waynesville Women's Club explains its gingerbread cookies are made by hand from start to finish and they've had to adapt to how popular their booth has become.

The gingerbread cookies are so highly regarded people will wait for an hour or more in some cases to get their hands on them. Many will purchase dozens of cookies at a time. 

Klemm notes the money raised from their gingerbread cookies goes towards projects the women's club is trying to accomplish. Recently they helped with the construction of a playground. 

Make sure to stop by the Waynesville Women's Club tent at next year's festival to get your hands on these beloved cookies. 

To learn more about the Waynesville Women's Club - find a member.

This year's Apple n' Pork Festival drew just over 80,000. 

October is domestic violence awareness month and a local support group plans to honor victims at the end of the month. 

Ashlynn Burrus with DOVE Inc in DeWitt County explains DOVE will host its annual candlelight vigil on October 28th. This event will include some guest speakers with the main focus on honoring of victims of domestic violence. 

Burrus encourages any domestic abuse survivors to attend to and share their testimony. She feels it will be a good opportunity for victims to find connectivity in their experiences.

Burrus adds this is a good opportunity to build a community and support system for survivors - who often feel alone in their situations. This will also help spread awareness of the resources that are out there to support domestic violence victims. 

Once again, the annual Candlelight Vigil is on Monday, October 28th at 6 PM at Journey Church in Clinton. Find more information at doveinc.org. 

Most local Social Security offices have gotten new kiosks that make it easier for you to check in to do business with Social Security.

Jack Myers at Social Security indicates the kiosks are private and easy to use without assistance. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant kiosks include accessible keypads, audio headphone jacks - including complimentary headphones available upon request- and Braille instructions for how to use the kiosk and report any accessibility issues.

Myers reminds last year Social Security began offering mobile check-in express options. It allows customers to use their mobile devices to scan a QR code at their local office to check in for a scheduled appointment or walk-in visit. 

In smaller markets like Springfield, Bloomington, and Champaign, wait times are generally not as big of an issue in places like Chicago, St. Louis, or Indianapolis however, Myers still notes this service would be a big help for a lot of people who need to visit an office.

Visit ssa.gov for more information on these new check-in kiosks at your local Social Security office. 

In advance of National 4-H Week, State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes is ready to celebrate. She is the club leader for Philo 4-H Friends in Champaign County.

National 4-H Week is Oct. 7-12.

Need help picking that pumpkin. Here's advice from University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson.

Plenty of online information at extension.illinois.edu/pumpkins.

The American Red Cross is issuing an urgent appeal for volunteers who are willing to travel this fall to support emergency shelters for major national disaster relief efforts.

More than 1,200 Red Cross disaster responders are currently working across the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Beth Elders, Executive Director, Red Cross of Greater St. Louis says more volunteers are needed.

Anyone interested in volunteering must complete necessary training and be able to commit to a two-week deployment. You can sign up online at redcross.org/volunteer.

Breast cancer awareness is being recognized in October. Here's a reminder about mammograms from Heather Chambers, a breast health navigator with the OSF Healthcare Moeller Cancer Center in Alton.

Chambers is a breast cancer survivor.

Are you and adult who is looking for a fun way to stay active? A local YMCA might just have the program for you.

Melinda Akers, Youth Program Director for the Clinton YMCA explains they are offering an adult volleyball program this winter and  they are working on an adult pickleball program as well. 

Find more information as it comes out about these programs at clintoncommymca.org.

Regional Radio News has learned that Anderson Ford in Clinton has been sold.

The new owner will be Mangold Ford, which owns a dealership in Eureka.  The Mangold family has operated a dealership in that town since 1956.

No other details on the sale have been announced.  

The annual Apple N' Pork Festival is the year's biggest event in Clinton, but what makes it so popular, and why is it important to the community?

Joey Long, Director of the DeWitt County Museum and C.H. Moore Homestead explains the festival is important to the homestead because it serves as a fundraiser for the upkeep and restoration of the grounds. 

Over time, the Apple N' Pork Festival became so popular, that the museum association began inviting local nonprofits to come and sell food to raise money for their programs. 

Apple N' Pork attendees also have the opportunity to experience the inside of the homestead on a tour. Although these tours are offered all the time, the volume of people at the homestead for this big weekend grows the awareness of the historical property tenfold. 

All of these aspects of the Apple N' Pork Festival speak to how important it is to the community. In Joey Long's words, it brings unification to the community, and it does this by spreading the town's history while simultaneously raising money that supports Clinton's non-profits. 

The Central Illinois CEO program is off to a great start with a record number of students enrolled this year.

Facilitator Melanie Brown reminds this program gives students a very immersive experience in the world of business and builds life skills.

The program introduces students to businesses in their own backyard and provides a glimpse into the opportunities in their communities.

Brown emphasizes this is a community-supported program where businesses and individuals step up to support the program financially. She encourages those investors to be more than just financial investors.

The CEO class is underway for the 2024-25 school year. We'll have more with Brown next week on the things her students are working on as they gear up for the class business portion of the program very soon.

To learn more, visit centralillinoisceo.com or find the Central Illinois CEO program on Facebook and Instagram. 

A central Illinois school district is deal with a major issue at its high school football field that will be a multi-million dollar fix.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Heyworth Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Taylor told Regional the start to the school year has been the best in years but it is being overshadowed by an issue at the high school football complex that will be millions of dollars to fix.

While there were always signs something was not right with the complex over the years, the district never knew it was as bad as it was. Dr. Taylor explains they would fix the issues every few years but they would keep returning.

According to Dr. Taylor, the district will explore an all-turf field given the extensive nature of the project. She points out those bids would be alternate bids.

The district may have its spring track season altered if it decides to move on a plan this spring. Dr. Taylor indicates they will probably be contacting neighboring districts or colleges for use of their facilities.

The issue has consumed the Heyworth Board of Education in recent meetings. Dr. Taylor indicates the community has been supportive of all the things they have had to and she hopes to soon have a plan to address everything they need to fix. 

As many know, college tuition can be a big deal, but a local education foundation is trying to help relieve some of that stress. 

Chris Schaffer with the Clinton Community Education Foundation explains they will have a booth at the College Career Trades fair on October 16th. They will be sharing information on all of their different scholarships.

Schaffer notes they have several scholarships for students in different situations, they are not just for the students at the top of their class. There are lots of opportunities for all different types of students. 

Many of these scholarship forms are not due until after spring break, giving seniors plenty of time to get their applications in. You can find those applications and more information on the scholarships at ccef15.org

A local arts group offers an assortment of classes for all ages.

Jerry Johnson, Executive Director of the Decatur Area Arts Council explains they offer classes that range from dancing to pumpkin painting. You can still sign up for their Social Dancing class which begins today.

Johnson says they try to have a variety in their programs because when many people think of the arts painting and sculpting comes to mind. In reality, the arts come in numerous forms, such as dancing and performance. 

Johnson reminds part of their mission is to support other art groups. They work with many other groups in the community by allowing them to use the DAAC's space and providing directors and other leaders for them. 

Find more information and sign up for any of these classes at decaturarts.org or call (217) 423-3189.

Rain chances will be tough to come by for much of Illinois this month. That's what DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick told RFD Radio this week.

The lack of rain chances should make for a significant harvest push this month. The latest crop progress report from USDA has 21 percent of the state's corn crop harvested and 24 percent of the state's soybean crop in the bin.

The Better Business Bureau is advising caution when considering giving to charity following Hurricane Helene. 

Hurricane season is in full swing, and scammers are banking on your kindness to try and devastate your bank account. BBB Investigator Dan O'Brien warns scammers will use the storms as emotional leverage to get you to give.

When donating to a charity, O'Brien suggests you do so through the agency's Charity Review, which is available electronically at https://www.bbb.org.

Thrifting is becoming a popular trend among young people to find clothes and other gems, but did you know it's also a great way to find kitchen supplies?

Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator for the University of Illinois Extension Serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains she get's a lot of people sharing their thrift store finds with her around this time of year. 

Mellendorf explains people should consider any defects of products they purchase because often second hand items will have dents, flaking coatings, or other issues. 

Secondly, Mellendorf recommends considering the question "can I eat off this?" She says over the years the materials cooking materials are made with has changed, and some things used to even be made of lead. 

Finally, shoppers should keep in mind if an appliance works safely. Some thrift stores will allow you to plug something in to see it works because often older appliances will not be functional, and then get donated rather than thrown out. 

Find more information about the extension by visiting go.illinois.edu/dmp

A local partnership has put together a fun filled activity to celebrate the founding of Clinton.

Bobbi Perryman, Director of the Warner Library explains they've teamed up with Edith Brady Lunny with the Celebrate Clinton Association to put together a scavenger hunt that will take you to historical sites all around Clinton. 

This scavenger hunt will span over the first two full weeks of October. You can participate for free by heading to the Warner Library and picking up a map of the 10 locations around town. Once you complete the scavenger hunt, head back to the library and claim your prize.

This program is all thanks to a grant provided to the Celebrate Clinton Association by Constellation Energy. Perryman hopes this will bring families together by doing something fun, as well as spark an interest in history in kids.  

Lunny notes that it's important for kids to take part in their local history because it connects them back to where they are from. She says it's important to continue that history and pass it down through the generations.

Perryman mentions they've been working with other people in the community to make this happen, like Joey Long, Director of the DeWitt County Museum.

If you are looking for a fun activity this October, stop by the Warner Library between October 7th and October 19th and pick up a free scavenger hunt map. Find more information about Warner Library at vwarner.org 

With the harvest season upon us, you might start noticing combines and other equipment on the roadways. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers explains not only do you need to look out for combines, but also deer getting displaced due to the fields they spend time in getting harvested. 

Traffic always increases during the harvest season, and Chief Lowers says drivers need to be aware of farmers making their way down the road in combines and grain haulers.  

Lowers references the "lug nut rule" meaning in most accidents which ever vehicle has less lug nuts typically is the loser. He notes most farmers will allow you to pass when it's safe. 

Always remember, not only during harvest but year round, to drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings. 

There's an opportunity for teachers to develop there skills coming up in a local school district

Adam Ibbotson, Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools explains they will be hosting an institute day on October 10th, meaning students will get to miss school while teachers hear from speakers.

A wide variety of topics will be covered to cater to the different styles of teaching that every instructor has. Some topics that will be covered are retirement planning, extracurriculars, and behavior challenges. .

All those topics just cover the morning of the 10th. In the afternoon, they will cover school safety and emergency plans. Ibbotson says it's important to have a relationship with first responders.

The first-year superintendent says safety is one of his top priorities. Get more information about Maroa-Forsyth schools at mfschools.net
 

For the first time in company history, the United States is home to a Ferrero chocolate factory, and its roots are in Illinois.

Thanks to a $214 million investment into a new chocolate factory in Bloomington, the European candy maker cut a ribbon at its first factory outside of Europe.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a win for Illinois, with the addition of up to 200 new jobs and millions in economic revenue.

Mark Denzler is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Manufacturing Association.

At the plant in Bloomington, Ferrero plans to produce Kinder Bueno bars and other products.

The new plant is over 169-thousand square feet.

Ameren Illinois and Missouri is mobilizing manpower and assets to head to West Virginia to help get the lights back on. About 350 people are heading that way - 12 crew members/staff from the Metro East - as the Edison Electric Institute's (EEI) National Response executive committee declared a Level 1 National Response Event requesting any available resources in support of Hurricane Helene.

Ameren Illinois spokesman Brian Bretsch says AEP Appalachian Power in Charleston, West Virginia– the company that powers that region – has requested crews prepare for a 7 to 10-day deployment.

Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri are voluntary members of the electric power industry's mutual assistance network through the Edison Electric Institute. When called upon, a company will send either company employees, contractors, or both, along with specialized equipment to help with the restoration efforts of a fellow company.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on Tuesday announced it’s now accepting applications for its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LI-HEAP.

Eligible families can apply by visiting helpillinoisfamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.
 
The priority application system will ensure families most in need are able to apply first. The first group eligible to apply is expected to represent more than half of households that apply for the program. The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2024, for (i) older adults (60 years +), (ii) individuals with a disability, (iii) families with children five years old or younger and (iv) households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 1, 2024.
 
LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 333,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $724 per household.

The renovated emergency room was just the start of improvements to a local hospital.

CEO of Warner Hospital and Health Services in Clinton, Paul Skowron explains the specialty clinic will get a new entrance on the west side. The should be breaking ground on this project this week. 

Skowron say to get to this point, they had to present the project to the hospital board over a year ago. They had to go through multiple iterations of the project in order for it to fit within the budget.  

This project, according to Skowron, is important because it's a long way between the current enterance all the way to the to the specialty clinic. With the new enterance they can possibly avoid contamination from sick patients on the way to their specialist. 

This project is planned to be done in January. Get more information about Warner Hospital and Health Services in Clinton at warnerhospital.org

Supporting veterans starts with just a conversation. 

This is the sentiment held by Josh Thielen, Department Adjutant for the American Legion, who explains they used their pork wing booth at the Apple N' Pork Festival as a way to promote their "Be The One" Campaign. 

Although the pork wings may not have sold as well as the Legion had hoped, Thielen says the connections they make with the community is more valuable than the money. 

Thielen also emphasizes the importance of families of legionnaires, or as they call them the Auxiliary. Not only do many help support the community through the legion, but he says if the families were not around many veterans would never have come home.  

The YMCA has an upcoming program for scholarships.

Melinda Akers with the Clinton YMCA explains the Strong Kids Campaign is to provide scholarships for people to come and use the Y's facilities and classes.

Aker says this event will take place on October 12th, and it will feature ice cream, face painting, and other fun activities for families who attend. The funds raised at this event will go towards the scholarships. 

According to Akers, the goal of the Strong Kids program is to fulfill a need in the community. You can donate online or bring money to the Y. If you donate a certain amount, you can get your business or family name on a banner at the facilities. 

You can donate to this campaign year-round, they are always looking to provide scholarships to in-need families. Once again that kick-off event is October 12th. Find more information at clintoncommymca.org or visit their Facebook page. 

October is a big month for domestic abuse support groups. 

Ashlyn Burrus with Dove in DeWitt County, explains Dove in DeWitt County is a non-profit focused on supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence. This could be financial, emotional, or any other form of support someone may need. 

Burrus notes volunteers are an essential part of Dove. She says their food pantry would not be around if it were not for the dedicated volunteers. 

As school starts back up, Burrus explains the amount of domestic violence cases trends upwards. This could be due to higher stress levels in the parents.

A common question is "Why doesn't the victim just leave?" Burrus mentions many victims are reliant on their abusers financially or they are scared of what might happen if they did leave. You never know what someone's circumstances might be. 

If you believe you might be in a domestic violence situation, Dove has a 24-hour hotline you can reach at 217-935-6072. You can find more information about Dove in DeWitt County at doveinc.org

It was a wet and hot week in Illinois last week with temperatures and rainfall both above the yearly average.

State crop statistician Mark Schluessner indicates 4.6 days were suitable for field work last week and soil conditions were reported 49% adequate.

86% of soybean acres are dropping leaves and the soybean harvest is about 24% complete which is ahead of schedule. 85% if corn acres are mature and 21% is harvested which is also ahead of schedule. 

Winter wheat is 11% finished being planted and pasture conditions were reported as 27% good to excellent. 

The fall semester moving along at college campuses throughout the state and collegiate farm bureaus are always looking for new members. Beth Clark is president of the Illinois State University Chapter.

There are 11 collegiate farm bureau chapters in Illinois.
 

Illinois' Senior Senator wants to address false and misleading prescription drug advertisements seen on social media.

That's why Democrat Dick Durbin partnered with Republican Senator Mike Braun on the Protecting Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Online Act.

The goal is to create bipartisan support, pushing legislation to close regulatory loopholes.

Under the Act, the Food and Drug Administration would issue warning letters and fines to influencers and telehealth companies engaging in inaccurate statements.

Durbin's legislation has the backing of the American College of Physicians and the Young People's Alliance.