Facility upgrades are coming to Logan County First Responders

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch told Regional Radio that the Lincoln Fire Department is receiving a much-needed facelift for the station. He says this coincides with some new recruits. 

As technology improves, the tools and equipment that the fire department requires take up more space. The Mayor indicates that constructing a new facility has been on their radar. 

Mayor Welch notes that the city is exploring the idea of hiring a Deputy Chief at the fire department to assist with Chief Johnson's responsibilities. 
 

Next week is severe weather preparedness week.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates that March begins the active storm season in the Midwest, and it is important to be prepared and on alert.

According to Shimon, National Severe Weather Preparedness Week is the chance for weather officials to remind the public and highlight the things they should have in place in the event of a significant weather event.

weather.gov is the best place to find more information about severe weather planning. Additionally, Shimon highlights the importance of having a weather radio in your home. 

As the winter months come to an end, a local zoo is looking forward to reopening for the season.

Heather Perdeu, Executive Director of the Scovill Zoo in Decatur, explains that they will reopen on Saturday, April 5th. While they're looking forward to visitors returning to the community favorite, it can be quite the process to move the animals back outside.

During the offseason, the zoo has been fundraising for a new alligator exhibit. Perdeu notes that costs can always change, however, they have their fingers crossed that the  process can keep moving forward. 

Although many of the animals at the Scovill Zoo are resistant to the cold, the staff takes extra measures to ensure the animals' comfort during the winter months. 

Visit the Scovill Zoo when they reopen for the season on April 5th. Get more information at decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo or on their Facebook Page. 

A local historical society is finishing up some projects before they reopen for the season. 

Joey Long, Director of the CH Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, explains that just because they're in the off season, does not mean they aren't busy. Currently, they are putting the finishing touches on a reflooring project in the CH Moore Mansion. 

The Museum Society does everything in its power to make sure any homestead restorations are as historically accurate as possible. Long indicates this can make the bidding process for construction difficult, however, the historical accuracy is worth the work and cost. 

Long encourages people to join them for the Season Grand Opening on April 1st and see all the hard work that has been put into making the home ready for guests. 

Visit the CH Moore Homestead, located at 219 E Woodlawn Street in Clinton, when they reopen for the season this April. 

We'll have more with Long on the Picture Perfect Project next week on Regional Radio. 
 

The long saga of the future of Heyworth's football and track facility has an unexpected conclusion.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Heyworth Schools superintendent Dr. Lisa Taylor told Regional Radio the saga of stabilizing a long-running issue on the football field is going to result in turf being installed this summer.

According to Dr. Taylor, the spring sports calendar was already impacted by this work. She appreciates several people who have stepped up to help them out.

In Heyworth, residents can use the track for exercise during the summer. Dr. Taylor announced they will close the track for the summer while the work on the field gets done. She is excited to release renderings of the turf soon. 

It comes around every few years for the DeWitt County Board and it is on the radar again - early retirement incentives for eligible employees.

Board Chair Joe Witte indicates this is something the County Board's finance committee is taking up and explains it is an offer for the County and an employee or employees to buy out so many years of retirement. 

According to Witte, this is a practice done in the private sector and is ultimately a cost-savings for the County. He indicates there are around ten current employees that would qualify for this offer. 

Witte emphasizes this is not something the County can force on an employee and they would also have to consider making sure not all ten employees would be interested in taking the County up on this offer, leaving them with a large employment deficit.

While County Board meetings have been a bit slower lately, he anticipates those meetings picking up as some of the Board's committees conclude issues they are focused on.

A local extension office is looking for volunteer judges.

Kendra Wallace, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator for the University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains that they are always in the search for judges to evaluate 4-H projects. 

According to Wallace, a 4-H judge is responsible for having a one-on-one conversation with a member about their project. They are expected to ask questions about the creation process of the project. 

You do not have to be particularly knowledgeable about the project parameters before judging. Wallace indicates they provide all of that information to the judge. 

If you're interested in volunteering your time and becoming a 4-H judge, send Kendra Wallace an email at kendraw3@illinios.edu or call the DeWitt office at 217-935-5764.

The introduction of shot clocks will change how high school basketball is played.

Superintendent of Cerro Gordo Schools, Dr. Emily Weidner explains that they are beginning the process of installing shot clocks in their gyms, to comply with the new IHSA rule that will take effect in the 2026-27 school year.

$25,000 might be a bigger price tag than one would expect for this project. Dr. Weidner indicates it will be paid for by a school maintenance project grant provided by the state. These grant dollars will also go towards classroom improvement projects. 

Dr. Weidner states that this is not a project they were unaware of. While the mandate comes from the IHSA, principals across the state were involved in the decision-making. Having the project done early would allow them to utilize the shot clocks before the mandate takes effect. 

Keep up with all the latest projects and events happening at Cerro Gordo High School by visiting cgbroncos.org or following their Facebook page. 

It has been a pleasantly mild week in central Illinois and the nice weather should stick around until Friday.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service told Regional Radio a shift in the polar jet stream is keeping temperatures this week very nice. 

Shimon indicates we could see a stretch coming up with more mild weather. He points out the short-term outlooks appear very favorable for temperatures. 

Coming up with Shimon in the days ahead on Regional Radio, we'll highlight next week's 'Severe Weather Preparedness Week' as well as a look at what could be a rather soggy spring. Shimon also put a bow on February on the Morning Show on Wednesday as well.

Like many organizations and businesses, the Clinton Fire Department struggles to find new recruits.

On the WHOW First Responders Road Tour Tuesday, Clinton Fire Chief Stephen Paige told Regional Radio that about 70% of the nation's firefighters are volunteers. This can be useful because it means many firefighters have different skills to apply to a given situation. 

Relying on volunteers has its drawbacks according to the Chief. He says although their skills can be useful, it can be difficult to find people who are willing to give up their time to serve the community. 

The Chief says the most challenging part of being a firefighter can be balancing your family, job, and helping the department. However, the most rewarding part is getting to serve the community and possibly save lives. 

If you're interested in helping out at the Clinton Fire Department, visit clintonfire.org or stop by the station at 118 West Washington Street in Clinton. 

Social media has been around long enough now, more and more research suggests youth exposure to social media has few, if any, benefits.

One local mental health executive is picking up on this. Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and is diving deeper into the topic and is finding there's strong evidence that kids and social media are just not a good mix.

One thing Kirkman encourages is parents to model the behavior they want from their children. He indicates if mom and dad are on the phone all the time, kids will likely do the exact same.

For parents who want to regulate what a child is consuming, he encourages doing so and remembering that while a child has their right to privacy, you are the parent charged with protecting them. 

Kirkman says while no parent is perfect, kids are very receptive to their behavior. 

Get more information on all things Piatt County Mental Health Center by visiting piattmhc.org or follow them on Facebook.

All firefighters are mandated to do training, but one local department goes above and beyond. 

On the WHOW First Responders Road Tour Tuesday, Clinton Fire Training Officer Dave Dallas told Regional Radio that over time, the training process for their firefighters has only gotten better and more in-depth to prepare them for any possible scenario. 

While much of the training is mandated by government agencies, Dallas indicates they decide to go the extra mile and provide trainings that provide expertise in the wide range of calls they receive. 

Firefighters are going through constant training, from basic skills to stay sharp to more specialized scenarios that they could come across in town or the more rural parts of the county. 

The Fire Department is constructing a new training facility, that will greatly expand all the scenarios they can run through. Dallas says this is another way they can make sure the Fire Department is prepared for anything that comes their way. 

Dallas feels his decades of experience in the Fire Department alongside all the classes he's taken make him a good fit to train the firefighters of tomorrow. 
 

Farmer City City Manager Taylor Baxter calls it drinking out of a fire hydrant trying to keep up with everything going on in the small DeWitt County community.

One of the long-running processes that is taking a lot of time and effort from several parties is the establishment of a grocery co-op. Baxter indicates his time recently has been getting to know about that process and what is happening now.

Baxter has come to learn Farmer City is what is termed a 'food desert' and has come to find out that having a viable grocery option for its residents is holding it back.

Listeners might remember, Baxter served as the City Administrator for the City of Clinton for a couple of years before leaving for Farmer City for a similar role. 

The Monticello Fire Department is actively recruiting new volunteers. 

On the WHOW First Responders Road Tour Monday, Lieutenant Mike Barnes told Regional Radio that it can be very difficult to find people who are willing to become a firefighter. 

Once a recruit is onboarded, there is a training process they must go through. Captain Adam Kownacki indicates that they do everything they can to support recruits through the learning process, and much of it is done on the job. 

When searching for new recruits, Lt. Barnes explains they look for people who want to give back to the community. Chief John Rupkey adds the relationships you build with your fellow firefighters are ones that last. 

If you live in Piatt County and want to become a volunteer firefighter, visit cityofmonticello.net or stop by the fire station located at 12 Raymond Road in Monticello.

When a loved one passes, more and more people are turning to cremation.

Cremation has exponentially grown as an option people are turning to and Central Cremation Center CEO Tom Cantwell indicates in just three years in central Illinois, their business has grown with that trend.

Cantwell indicates the explosion of cremation as an option for families has seen their business not only grow in volume but its reach. He calls it a blessing to be able to serve 

Central Cremation Center has seen business expand in central Illinois and even beyond. Cantwell (left) says for a little building that sits off Business 51 in Forsyth, they do a lot in that little space.

Last year, Central Cremation Center introduced pet cremations and Cantwell says that portion of their business has also grown very quickly. We'll have more on that with him coming up soon on Regional Radio. 

In the meantime, learn more about Central Cremation Center by calling 217-859-8100 or by visiting centralcremationcenter.com.

Earlier this year, DeWitt County's long-time 9-1-1 leader left for a job with the City of Clinton.

DeWitt County Board Chair Joe Witte says not only is the County now trying to find the replacement for Tony Harris, but they are also exploring re-imagining that job.

According to Witte, the ETSB Board and Sheriff Mike Walker are mostly charged with finding a replacement for Harris. While they want to find a candidate, they also want to find the right candidate.

Like many positions, Harris took on a lot of responsibilities that may not traditionally fall under the purview of a 9-1-1 director. Witte notes it's a challenge many employers face, you have to decide what the successor is going to have in their job description. 

Witte notes the future of the 9-1-1 job is just among many things DeWitt County Board committees are working on right now. While County Board meetings have been a bit slower lately, he anticipates those meetings picking up as some of the committees conclude issues they are focused on. 
 

Every year, a local Special Olympics team takes on the Piatt County first responders in a friendly game of basketball. 

On the WHOW First Responders Tour Monday, Monticello Fire Department Lieutenant and Monticello High School Athletic Director Dan Sheehan told Regional Radio that the event will take place this Thursday at the Buzz Sievers Center. 

Chief John Rupkey says it's a great opportunity to support their community. Lieutenant Mike Burnes and Captain Adam Kownacki look forward to the comradery between the first responders and the Golden Eagles. They say it's an event they look forward to every year. 

Head to the Buzz Sievers Center this Thursday at 6:30 PM to see the Piatt County first responders take on the Golden Eagles in an exhibition basketball game, and support their programming. 
 

February is 'Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month' and a local domestic violence advocate is promoting how young people can avoid becoming victims.

Andrea Kocher is the Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions and indicates teens that who have a strong sense of self-confidence and self-worth are often the ones that are least likely to become a victim of teen dating violence.

Like so many behaviors and habits, these are traits established in the home. If mom and dad are confident in who they are, then a teen is likely to emulate that behavior.

Kocher (right) also encourages teens to keep passwords and other methods of communication and tracking to themselves. She says tracking and stalking are the top red flags in teen dating violence situations.

Kocher has several recommendations for resources for teens. You can contact Willow Tree Missions at 217-762-2350 or visit willowtreemissions.org. 

She has found some young people are not comfortable reaching out to a local resource so they reach out to the national network - LoveIsResoect.org or by texting 22522.

The flu is raging through communities across central Illinois and as we look at preventative measures, a nutrition educator at the University of Illinois Extension has a few recommendations.

Caitlin Mellendorf is a nutrition educator at the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties and indicates citrusy fruits offer great immune-boosting characteristics.

Soups with vegetables are a great way to get those vitamins and nutrients. Mellendorf points out those fruits and vegetables don't have to always be fresh options.

Visit extension.illinos.edu for more from Mellendorf and other Extension nutrition experts. 

Tax filing season is upon us and you may have to pay federal income tax on Social Security benefits.

Whether or not you do depends on your combined income. Jack Myers with Social Security explains your combined income includes your adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest plus half of your Social Security benefits.

According to Myers, these thresholds have been in place for many years.

If you received SS benefits in 2024, you should have gotten an SSA-1099 in January.  Myers notes Supplemental Security Income - or SSI benefits - are not taxable, so you won’t get an SSA-1099 if you only received SSI in 2024.

If you’ve misplaced it, or don’t recall getting it, you can get a replacement through your mySocialSecurity account www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Dealing with nuisance wildlife remains a top state priority for the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan says estate tax relief is also a key state priority for the organization.

Another update on the Corporate Transparency Act and the Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirement. It’s back in effect with a new deadline of March 21 says Illinois Farm Bureau Economic and Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely.

More info at fincen.gov.

Celebrating National FFA week—like father like son. Illinois FFA State Secretary Owen Torrance is from the West Prairie FFA Chapter.

There are 42,815 FFA members in Illinois.

Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow or ALOT is a program of the Illinois Farm Bureau. Kayla Biegel is participating this year. She is a member of the Cook County Farm Bureau.

Biegel attended this week’s Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference in Springfield.

As we inch closer to March, it could be a wet spring. 

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates the spring right now shows an equal chance of above or below-normal temperatures and a strong signal for above-normal precipitation.

This winter was, while weak, a La Nina winter and Shimon indicates it is starting to weaken and will eventually return to neutral.

Shimon will join the WHOW Morning Show on Wednesday at 8:30 am.

Last year, Farmer City established the oversight of its own zoning laws.

Previously, DeWitt County was in charge of zoning in Farmer City. New City Manager Taylor Baxter told Regional Radio he is getting to know those laws as residents approach him for various issues or projects they are pursuing.

Baxter calls it a busy winter in Farmer City. He notes they have projects going on that span from the streets to a water project. 

The Blue Ridge FFA Chapter goes all out for National FFA Week.

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Friday, Chapter President Kaydence Wooton told Regional Radio that they decorate the whole school, participate in creative dress-up days, and host activities like a rock-paper-scissors tournament. 

Ava Paulin is the Chapter Historian, and she explains that much of the planning happens during the Winter Officer Retreat.

Follow along with the Blue Ridge FFA Chapter's Instagram and Facebook pages to see all that they've got going on. Find replays of all your local chapter interviews from WHOW on Facebook and YouTube as we wrap up National FFA Week. 

The DeWitt County Board's property committee is exploring freshening up the look of the landscaping around the County Building.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, DeWitt County Board Chair Joe Witte told Regional Radio the property committee is going out to bid to pursue a fresh look 'out front'.

According to Witte, the brick walls along the sidewalks in front of the County building will be getting some tuckpointing done as well. 

The Cerro Gordo FFA Chapter packs lots of activities into their National FFA Week celebrations.

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Thursday, Chapter President Griffin Tadlock told Regional Radio that this week they have FFA Scrabble, a spaghetti tower competition, and an ice cream fundraiser. 

The funds raised from the ice cream fundraiser will help to send FFA Members to Leadership Camp. Chapter Reporter Abe Nixon explains that this is a great experience for any FFA member. 

After FFA Week wraps up, Tadlock says they will participate in Farm Day. This event lets the Chapter showcase what FFA is all about to the entire district. 

Find the Cerro Gordo FFA Chapter's Facebook page to keep up with all the latest. 

An annual 5k is back at a local zoo, and this year it will help restore a favorite attraction of many. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Miller Park Zoo Executive Director Jay Pratte told Regional Radio that their annual Stampede 5k course has changed a bit this year, but will still feature fan favorites like the kids race through the zoo. 

The funds raised from this event will put the finishing touches on the restoration of the carousel. Pratte is grateful to the team that has been working diligently on the project and says that the attraction should be returning this spring. 

Pratte indicates the cosmetic restoration of the carousel was estimated to cost in the hundreds of thousands. While the Zoological Society has been handling that aspect, the zoo itself has been working with the city to improve the mechanical pieces. 

The reassembling of the carousel should not interrupt the zoo's operations severely, Pratte indicates that the project should only take a few days. Help support the restoration efforts and the Miller Park Zoo by registering for the Stampede 5k at mpzs.org. 

The Monticello FFA Chapter is raising money to support their program during this FFA Week.

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Thursday, Monticello FFA Chapter President Braxton Tharp told Regional Radio that they participated in an egg toss, searched for a needle in a haystack, and enjoyed walking tacos. 

Tharp credits his Chapter Reporters, who do a great job of creating social media posts that draw non-FFA members to participate in the celebrations. He also notes a new fundraiser they've started, with a fun punishment for whoever raises the least. 

For the rest of this week, Tharp says they will host breakfast and lunch for all students. He also notes that they are moving a cookout planned for this week to March due to the frigid temperatures. 

Keep an eye on the Monticello FFA Chapter's Facebook and Instagram pages to stay connected with them. Check out WHOW on Facebook and YouTube to see livestreams and replays of this year's National FFA Week interviews.  

DeWitt County is home to many veterans, and a local non-profit is adopting a new way to support them. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, American Legion Department Adjutant Josh Thielen told Regional Radio that they have started a support group called ‘Project Headspace and Timing’, which allows veterans to process their experiences. 

Being a Legion member is not required to attend these meetings. Thielen states their goal is to provide a safe space for any and all veterans to express themselves. He notes that this effort aligns with their Be The One Campaign, which promotes veterans supporting veterans. 

Join your fellow Legionnaires and local veterans at the Project Headspace and Timing meetings every Thursday night at the Gilmore Treats on the Clinton Square.

The Mahomet-Seymour High School FFA Chapter is taking time to celebrate and highlight its members who have developed specialized agricultural skills.

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Wednesday, Chapter reporter Callie Turner told Regional Radio that they had quite a few members recognized for their proficiency, including herself. 

Turner indicates that these proficiency awards will help them achieve their state degrees. This is not an easy process, as it requires multiple interviews alongside competitions against other students. 

Chapter Sentinel Isaac Burge explains that his favorite part of FFA is the broad array of topics you can dive into. He also enjoys competing in contests and growing his skills. 

The idea of FFA is for anyone and everyone rings true for Treasurer Grant Arbuckle, who notes that he doesn't come from an agriculture background. 

See the daily posts from the Mahomet-Seymour FFA Chapter on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Stay tuned to Regional Radio as we continue to chat with FFA students from across central Illinois. 

Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his proposed budget FY25 that increases spending by about $2 billion without raising income or service taxes. 

The proposal relies on an expected $1.5-billion boost in tax revenue and $ 1.1 billion in spending reductions compared to a previous forecast. Wednesday in the Chicago Democrats' annual budget address, he noted the proposal would bring total spending to roughly $55.2 billion - a 3% increase.  

Gov. Pritzker calls this year's budget balanced. He explains they are asking Illinois Government to start doing more with less.

Governor Pritzker called out the Trump administration - warning Illinois that President Trump along with Elon Musk is coming for Illinois tax money.

In the Governor's budget proposal, K-12 education would see a $350 million increase for and a proposed 3% boost for higher education. However, the Early Childhood Block Grant remains fla.

A healthcare program for low-income noncitizens aged 42-64—costing $330 million—would be eliminated.

To generate additional revenue, the plan proposes adjusting casino tax rates, pausing a $171 million fuel tax transfer, and offering temporary tax amnesty to raise $198 million. 

Lawmakers must finalize a budget deal by the end of May.

It's national FFA Week, but one local chapter decided to celebrate a little early this year.

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Wednesday, LeRoy FFA Vice President of Student Relations Chase Steege told Regional Radio that they celebrated during the first week of February so students have the chance to sign up for ag classes once they've learned about the program. 

Vice President of Public Relations, Matthew Carlson explains that the ag class opportunities at LeRoy High School will be expanding. He hopes this will bring more people to FFA. 

According to Treasurer Nathaniel McKinney, membership for the LeRoy FFA Chapter has really grown in the last few years. During his freshman year, the program was small, but he credits the growth to passion he and his fellow FFA members have for recruitment. 

The group focuses on reaching students during their lunch hour. They do this through dress up days and fun activities that could drive students to take an ag class and join FFA. 

The students stress that FFA is not just for students with previous background in agriculture. Follow along with the LeRoy High School FFA Chapter on their Facebook page. 

Tony Harris has been the newest Clinton City Administrator for about six weeks and indicates there is a lot to learn.

While getting to know the ins-and-outs of his new role has been a challenge, one thing that hasn't is getting to know all the players involved at the City level.

Harris joins the City at a time with a lot happening. One of the big projects going on right now is the development of the Park Lane West subdivision and Harris has been getting caught up on everything involved in that project.

For Harris, one of his priorities is to effort for community residents to keep their properties kept up and well kept. He notes, they are really just after compliance and are not seeking to write citations frequently. 

Before COVID, the City of Clinton had gained a lot of momentum by hosting up-and-coming country music acts on the square and it is a priority for Harris to see those concerts return.

Harris joined the City of Clinton at the first of the year after former City Administrator Taylor Baxter departed the role for a similar position in Farmer City. Harris was the long-time Director of DeWitt County's 9-1-1 center. 

Lincoln High School Celebrates FFA with assemblies all week long

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Tuesday, Lincoln FFA Chapter Reporter Morgan Sheeley told Regional Radio that their FFA Week celebration consists of assemblies, a duck hunt, and hog calling. 

Sheeley indicates their officers begin planning for FFA Week months in advance. This year, they teamed up with the student government to make sure everything is planned down to the finest detail. 

From the perspective of Chapter President Jasmine Leon, FFA Week is special this year because of the amount of activities they get to have. She states that the school administration let them change up the schedule for 2025.

It's not always easy to get non-FFA members involved with the celebrations, however, Sheeley says that's not an issue in Lincoln. Leon mentions that FFA membership is also doing well with almost 100 members this school year. 

Check out the Lincoln FFA Chapter's Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up with all the latest. Find live streams and replays of all the FFA Week interviews from WHOW on Facebook and YouTube. 

A central Illinois lawmaker believes Gov. JB Pritzker is going to offer an unrealistic picture of the Illinois budget when he presents before a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly today.

Rep. Bill Hauter says Illinois faces a $2-billion shortfall and points out that is data released by the Governor's office. He is curious to hear how the Chicago Democrat is going to present that to Illinoisans.

The Morton Republican says there are plenty of places to trim from the Illinois budget but believes Democrats' priorities are misplaced in taking care of illegal people instead of residents of Illinois.

Rep. Hauter is frustrated by the priorities Illinois Democrats take up with the money of taxpayers.

Gov. Pritzker will address the joint session of the General Assembly today at noon.

Maroa-Forsyth celebrates FFA Week by reaching all the district's students. 

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Tuesday, Maroa-Forsyth FFA Chapter President Taylor Crouch told Regional Radio that they've been working hard to make an impact on all the areas of the school. 

Chapter Reporter Emery Bunselmeyer explains that they visit with the Maroa-Forsyth 8th graders to learn more about their interests and encourage them to join FFA when they reach high school.

The chapter recently received a $2,000 grant that will allow them to go and teach younger students about pigs and the pork industry. Bunselmeyer mentions that the grant goes towards the teaching materials and activities for the students. 

While reaching young students has always been a tradition for FFA Week, Crouch notes that it doesn't end after Friday. In March they will dive deeper into all that FFA has to offer with those students. 

Keep up with everything Maroa-Forsyth FFA by visiting their Facebook page. Stay tuned to Regional Radio on WHOW and all its digital platforms to hear more about the FFA Week celebrations from your local chapters.

Last week, Warrensburg-Latham students had an early dismissal and it allowed several agencies in central Illinois to converge on the small school for an emergency drill.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Cheryl Warner, Superintendent of Warrensburg-Latham Schools told Regional Radio they were able to do a reunification drill that day and estimated around 300 people participated in this event.

The event went on without students involved. Warner explains they wanted to focus on making sure her staff was able to execute their portion of the plans they have in place. She notes there were also a few wrinkles they added to the drill that were not expected. 

Warner feels the drill was very enlightening in revealing parts of their plan that will need some improvement but also in how the execution of an event with that many people involved would play out.

The planning for this event took a couple of years. Warner notes while it wasn't their first drill, they continue to keep a focus on school safety and making sure they are communicating with everyone that it would take to execute their plans in the event of an emergency in the school. 

The Clinton FFA Chapter joins the national celebrations of the program and all it has to offer. 

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Monday, Audrey Holland told Regional Radio that they started planning for FFA Week weeks in advance. Paisley Schick explains they work with the Junior High chapter to give them a taste of the planning. 

According to Holland, the membership numbers this year have been steady and she's confident in the incoming 8th graders. Mabry Schick notes that this year's freshmen have been very involved in the program as well. 

Alongside FFA Week, it's record-keeping time for chapters and Paisley states getting it done is a group effort. This helps students in the effort to get their State FFA Degrees. Holland indicates students pick different areas to focus on.

Keep up with the Clinton FFA Chapter on Facebook and Instagram. You can find a replay of all our FFA Interviews this week by searching WHOW on Facebook and YouTube.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month and this year a campaign is promoting boundaries for teens in relationships.

Andrea Kocher is the Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions and indicates they encounter a lot of young people who are victims of tracking and/or stalking. Additionally, the abuser will insist on spending all their time together. 

An abuser may ask their victim to eliminate their relationships with a person of the opposite sex. Kocher says sometimes these things may sound appealing to the victim because they are framed as how great they are.

Kocher explains an abusive relationship for teens will start to show signs early in the relationship and the abuser isn't always good at being discrete, however, because of the hormone rush of a young person.

For more information on all things Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County, visit willowtreemissions.org or find them on Facebook.

Local FFA alumni chapters are making a difference in Illinois says Mindy Bunselmeyer, executive director of the Illinois FFA Center.

This is National FFA Week.

The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association promoting upcoming training sessions says the association’s KJ Johnson.

More info at ifca.com.

FFA Chapters around the country are celebrating the program. 

On the WHOW Afternoon Farm Show Monday, Chapter Vice President Emma Quinton told Regional Radio that they'll kickoff the week with trivia and dress up days. She states they have a good core of students who participate, but there's a misconception among Heyworth students that this week is just for students in FFA. 

Chapter President Jolee Maharas indicates that her favorite part of FFA Week is the events they get to plan and participate in. For example this year the chapter is hiding rubber ducks around the school that students can turn in for prizes. 

Maharas explains she got involved when she was a Freshman, and since then the program has grown her skills in making connections with other people. Treasurer Jeffery Klawitter says he's grown in his public speaking skills. 

Find more information on the Heyworth High School FFA Chapter on their Facebook and Instagram accounts. 

Keep it to Regional Radio for the Afternoon Farm Show Tuesday to hear from the chapters of Maroa-Forsyth and Lincoln. Hear it on WHOW and all its digital platforms or catch the live stream on Facebook and YouTube. 
 

A well-established community member is teaming up with a Clinton non-profit to help improve your mobility.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, former Clinton Junior High School Principal John Pine told Regional Radio that he hosts a class called 'Back to Basics'. It will take place at the Clinton YMCA and is geared towards maintaining the physical mobility of older community members. 

This class takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Pine and YMCA Executive Director Rennie Cluver encourage folks to come by and try the class, even if you aren't a member of the Y. Although mobility issues mainly affect those in their later years, the class is not exclusive to any age. 

Pine states that the feedback for this class has been very positive. He even shares a story of a woman who applied what they learned in a real-life situation and saved herself from falling. 

Cluver states that as we age, our fast-twitch muscles, which allow us to stop a fall, get weaker. Pine approached Cluver with the idea for this class after he had a personal experience with a near-fall, which helped him understand how important balance can be. 

Participate in the Back To Basics mobility class every Monday Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the Aerobics room at the YMCA. Find more information at clintoncommymca.org. 
 

If not for a mild warmup towards the end of the month, January very well may have ended up a top-five all-time cold month.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates some warm days in the final week of January helped normalize what was a very cold and rather snowy month.

Thanks to those snow events, they did help alleviate some drought conditions that had set up in December. Shimon indicates most of Illinois is in a good spot from a moisture standpoint right now.

Shimon anticipates February being very cold to close out the month with some very cold days coming up here this week. Get more on all things local weather and data at weather.gov/lincoln. 

A Piatt County School district is working to provide resources to struggling students. 

Dr. Emily Weidner, Superintendent of Cerro Gordo Schools explains they are working with their Regional Office of Education to implement its IMPACT program. This will allow students to work with a dedicated student liaison who will help them achieve academic success. 

This program has taken off quickly in Cerro Gordo. Dr. Weidner explains after only one day, the assigned student liaison had seven students sign up. Since then, it's only grown. 

Since the pandemic, many schools have noticed that their students are finding it hard to bounce back into the regular day-to-day. Dr. Weidner notes that this program is not only a lifeline to students but also to the parents of the community. 

Dr. Weidner hopes the accountability aspect of the IMPACT program will be a big benefit for students. To learn more about Cerro Gordo Schools, visit cgbroncos.org

The choice of when you start receiving your monthly retirement benefits from Social Security is a personal one and there is no right answer or one-size-fits-all all approach. 

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates you can start as early as age 62 but if you collect before your full retirement age, your benefit will be permanently reduced and you will be subject to an earnings limit ($23,400 in 2025) if you choose to keep working while receiving benefits.

According to Myers, you can wait until your full retirement age at which point you will get 100% of your benefit and not be subject to an earnings limit if still working. You can also choose to delay your benefit beyond full retirement age to increase it at a rate of 8% per year up to age 70.  

You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply or you can make an appointment by calling 800-772-1213 or finding your local office at: www.ssa.gov/locator.

Second Chance for Pets of DeWitt County is hosting vaccination clinics throughout March.

Vaccinations this year are free thanks to community support. The only fee will be the animal's rabies tag. Services will include rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper vaccinations as well as microchipping and nail trims. 

On Saturday, March 15 the vaccination clinics will be in Wapella and Waynesville. 

From 9 am to 11 am, pets can come to the Wapella maintenance shed at 710 Walnut Circle, north of the auction house. Then from 1 pm to 3 pm, the clinic shifts to Waynesville at the firehouse at 109 West Second.

On Saturday, March 22 the clinics will be in Weldon and Clinton. 

From 9 am to 11 am, pets can be brought to the Weldon Fire Station at 525 Maple Street. Then from 1 pm to 3 pm, the Clintonia Township building will house the Clinton clinic off Highway 51 and North Walnut Street. 

Under one year registration for rabies tags is $15. Spayed or neutered pets for one year are also $15. It is $25 for a one-year unaltered pet. $38 for a spay or neutered pet for a three-year vaccination or $65 for a three vaccination of an unaltered pet.

Get more information by finding Second Chance for Pets on Facebook. 

School resource officers play a pivotal role in the function of a school. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Maroa-Forsyth Schools Superintendent Adam Ibbotson told Regional Radio that the two resource officers in their district do a great job of keeping their students and staff safe. 

Visit mfschools.net or find Maroa-Foryth's Facebook page to keep up with all the latest in the school district. 

Last year, Farmer City announced an exciting development in its pursuit to develop land off Interstate 74 on the community's north side.

City Manager Taylor Baxter indicates they've recently had some movement as that project creeps along. He explains there's a lot happening behind the scenes to prepare the site for development.

Baxter reminds the goal is to draw that interstate traffic and feels whatever development that ends up taking place, there are a lot of options for what could be on that land. 

The new Animal Control Administrator has completed her first month and reports things are going well. 

At Thursday night's DeWitt County Public Safety Committee Meeting, Grace Moore told the committee her first month has been a stressful experience, but a good one. Moore was recently hired as the new Administrator after the departure of Tony Harris. 

During the month of January, DeWitt County Animal Control worked with the University of Illinois to host 3 low-cost spay and neuter clinics, which are open to eligible community members and to animals already in the shelter. 

Moore also let the board know that Animal Control will be looking to purchase new catch poles and a new printer that has faxing capabilities. Committee Chair Megan Meyers notes that they can work with Second Chance to fund those purchases. 

Meyers thanked Moore for her hard work over this past month. 

Regional Radio and Covenant Animal Clinic in Clinton announced this week they are teaming up to begin an “Adopt a Pet” campaign to help the DeWitt County Animal Shelter find homes for dogs and cats.

Dewittdailynews.com readers can click the “Adopt a Pet” icon and will be taken to a page sponsored by Covenant Animal Clinic with pictures and descriptions of a pet available for adoption.

Volunteerism is an essential part of any non-profit and a Decatur organization has ongoing learning opportunities taking place now through March. 

Heather Perdeu, Executive Director of the Scovill Zoo in Decatur explains they've begun their Adult Volunteer Classes. These are intended to educate volunteers on the animals at the zoo and prepare them for any questions a visitor may have. 

The zoo is always looking for new volunteers, and Perdeu states that even if you miss the first meeting, it's never too late to sign up. Attending the classes is also not a requirement, but it is recommended. 

Perdeu notes that many of their volunteers are former teachers and educators, but they get people from all walks of life. The only requirement to volunteer at the Scovill Zoo is a love for animals and interacting with the public. 

The Adult Volunteer Classes take place each Wednesday from 9 AM to noon. Find more information by visiting decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo or reach the adult volunteer coordinator at 217-421-7435.

For those looking for love online, the Better Business Bureau has some tips on how to avoid scammers online.

Last year, the B-B-B received over 530 reports about romance scams with a median loss of over six thousand dollars. According to Don O'Brien, a scam investigator, often scammers target people over the age of 65 with fake profiles.

O'Brien says one new romance scam this year relates to artificial intelligence. Crooks use the A-I to eliminate giveaways like misspelled words or poor grammar.

For those looking to make a report on a romance scam, visit B-B-B dot-org.

Registration is now open for next month’s Women in Ag Conference in Rock Island. The keynote speaker is cancer survivor Brooke Taylor of Oklahoma—with the Rural Gone Urban foundation, which provides small business grants and scholarships to women and love bombs to cancer survivors.

The Women in Ag Conference is March 28. More info at womeninagricultureconference.com.

Recruitment is underway for next year's class of CEO students.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Central Illinois CEO Facilitator Melanie Brown told Regional Radio they are actively recruiting for next year's class of students.

According to Brown, there is the perception the program is for that student who wants to be a business owner when they leave high school. She calls the program for that undecided student and has great examples of that student in her group of 13 this year.

The deadline to apply to next year's Central Illinois CEO program is Friday, Feb. 28. Visit centralillinoisceo.com for more information.

Brown reminds the Central Illinois CEO chapter has students from Blue Ridge, Clinton, Maroa-Forsyth, and Warrensburg-Latham. 

After a mild winter weather event on Wednesday, cold temperatures return to the region.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates we could see some light snow Friday, otherwise, plan on cold temperatures returning this weekend into next week.

While we start to see an increase in daylight during February, Shimon indicates you have to wait until March to see a significant jump in average temperatures from the start to the finish of the month.

Next week on Regional Radio, Shimon recently broke down January and all its weather data and we'll hear from him on that data.

What was expected to be another significant snow event in Central Illinois ended up leaving just a couple of inches of snow in most of the Regional Radio listening area.

Over the years, the D.A.R.E. Program has shifted from solely being about drugs and alcohol, to aligning more with the everyday struggles of young people. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers told Regional Radio on the WHOW First Responders Road Tour Wednesday, that he and School Resource Officer Kody Mair are in week three of the D.A.R.E. program. The duo spends time with 5th graders in the Clinton School District to help them navigate topics like substance abuse and bullying. 

Chief Lowers finds one of the most important aspects of D.A.R.E to be what he and Officer Mair call humanizing the badge. Students participate in fun activities and the occasional moment of goofing off which helps them to build trust with local law enforcement.

It's often said that kids are great judges of character. Officer Mair reflects that sentiment by trying to be as real and relatable to his students as possible.

The 5th graders of Clinton School District will continue to work with Officer Mair and Chief Lowers in the coming weeks to learn how to stay away from drugs and alcohol, and how to handle the everyday challenges of being a kid. 

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello making an announcement this week as the state continues to monitor for avian influenza.

Poultry flock owners, managers, and veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing, immediately to IDOA at 217-782-4944 or the United States Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593.

With more than 400 rural hospitals nationwide at risk of closing their doors, Illinois' Senior Senator introduced legislation to keep them open.

Partnering with Republican Senator James Langford, the bipartisan bill supports those most vulnerable says Dick Durbin.

Durbin's bipartisan bill, the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act, would support hospitals by allowing them to obtain C-A-H designation.

That designation would give the hospitals a higher Medicare rate, allowing them to maintain their bottom lines.

Over the years, bullying has largely moved from physical to verbal through the use of social media. 

On Wednesday's WHOW First Responders Road Tour, Clinton Police School Officer Kody Mair told Regional Radio that cyberbullying has become a big problem for the students he works with. He notes that much of it happens on evenings or weekends when kids are not in school. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers feels that social media can be a useful tool for spreading pertinent information to the public, and serves as an advertising method for many small businesses. However, it's not without its drawbacks. 

Social media gives a platform to those who seek to spread misinformation throughout the community, which can be detrimental to the work the Chief and his staff are doing. He says it's too easy for users to present their opinions as facts. 

Chief Lowers references the recent boil order in Clinton, and how misinformation led to cries from the community members who felt they were kept out of the loop. 

The Chief reminds not everything you read online is the whole story, let alone the truth. He hopes the community will go to their city and county representatives with questions or concerns about the happenings of Clinton. 

Former Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, has joined the list of Illinois political figures who’ve been convicted on public corruption charges after a federal jury Wednesday found him guilty on 10 of 23 counts.

But the jury, which deliberated for roughly 65 hours over two weeks following a marathon three months of evidence and testimony, was split in its verdict. They acquitted the former speaker on seven other charges and ultimately deadlocked on six counts.

Madigan’s co-defendant, veteran Springfield lobbyist Mike McClain, walked free after the jury deadlocked on the same charges. Prosecutors alleged the ex-speaker and McClain – his close friend dating back to the 1970s when they were young legislators in the Illinois House – ran a “criminal enterprise” meant to preserve and enhance Madigan’s political power, in addition to enriching them and their allies.

The jury did not return a verdict in the overarching racketeering charge against the two men.

As the courtroom deputy read the jury’s verdict Wednesday morning, the 82-year-old Madigan sat stone-faced at the head of his defense table in U.S. District Judge John Blakey’s wood-paneled courtroom – the same spot he’s spent nearly every weekday since early October when jury selection for the trial began.

McClain was similarly emotionless while the verdict was read but appeared to get emotional after his family members got teary-eyed when it became clear the jury had deadlocked on the McClain-specific counts.

The jury’s decision comes four years since Madigan mostly stepped away from politics, having been forced to give up his speaker’s gavel amid growing pressure from his own Democratic House caucus in January 2021 as a federal criminal investigation into his inner circle drew nearer. In the weeks that followed his demotion back to a mere state representative, the former speaker would also resign from the legislative seat he’d held for five decades and from his position as chair of the state’s Democratic Party.

The jury deadlocked on a similar bribery charge in which both Madigan and McClain were alleged to have arranged a similar scheme with AT&T Illinois.

**Story courtesy of IllinoisCapitolNews**

The annual Daytona 500 fundraiser is this Sunday benefitting a trio of area fire departments.

The Daytona 500 fundraiser hosted by the Clinton Eagles annually benefits the Clinton, Kenney, and Wapella Fire Departments. Kenney Fire Chief John Wrage calls it a family-friendly atmosphere with fun for the whole family.

Wapella Fire Chief Ralph Smith says the Daytona fundraiser has become a staple in the community and is an event so many look forward to each year.

Chief Wrage indicates a couple of years ago, they began a reverse raffle for the event that has been hugely successful. He calls the atmosphere very relaxed and laid back.

Chief Smith says the Daytona fundraiser is such a big boost to the Wapella Fire Department and while he's only been the Chief for three years, he's seen the impact it can have on the Department.

Like the Wapella Fire Department, Chief Wrage says the Daytona fundraiser has helped them afford equipment to better serve the community.

Join the three fire departments and the Clinton Eagles at noon on Sunday. It is an open house-style event and you do not have to be a member of the Eagles to attend.

A central Illinois lawmaker is focused on adjusting some of the State of Illinois' renewable energy laws.

State Senator Sally Turner indicates the wind ordinances at the State level need to do something about the red flashing lights above those turbines.

According to Turner, she recently toured the National Weather Service office in Lincoln and found the wind turbines can have an impact on the radar of that office - something she hopes to see adjusted in the State law.

While Illinois Republicans were disappointed when the State superseded local ordinances in all of Illinois with its own regulation, the Lincoln Republican points out they would like to repeal the law altogether. Since that is likely not an option, they hope to make the existing law better.

Last month, Sen. Turner was assigned to the Senate Agriculture Committee and two appropriation committees. 

Going to camp is something many 4-H students look forward to each year. 

Kendra Wallace with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains registration is open for 4-H Camp taking place at the Allerton 4-H Memorial Camp this summer. 

Wallace encourages students and parents to get involved in 4-H. She notes they're always looking for new members and volunteers to grow their program. 

Register for 4-H Camp in 2025 at extension.illinois.edu/dmp or at 4-h.org 

We'll have more with Kendra Wallace in the days ahead on Regional Radio. 
 

The 3 Miller Media Group platforms in Clinton—WHOW AM-FM-ON LINE, WEZC 95.9 FM, and dewittdailynews.com—along with Covenant Animal Clinic in Clinton, are co-sponsoring an “Adopt a Pet” campaign to assist the DeWitt County Animal Shelter in finding homes for dogs and cats.

Dewittdailynews.com readers can click the “Adopt a Pet” icon and will be taken to a page sponsored by Covenant Animal Clinic with pictures and description of a pet available for adoption.

There’s also a link to an on-line form to complete to begin the process.

A different pet will be featured each month.

As part of the campaign, the clinic is sponsoring announcements airing on both WHOW and WEZC each day reminding listeners to click the “Adopt a Pet” icon to find out the pet now available for adoption.

Central Illinois is now projected to receive around two to four inches of snow.

That's according to Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln who told Regional Radio on the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday the models are starting to shift where the heaviest snow is expected to fall in a massive winter storm in the midwest.

According to Shimon, snow should move in around 9 am on Wednesday morning with most of it falling into the early afternoon hours and has the potential to be moved out by Wednesday night.

In addition to the size and breadth of this storm, Shimon indicates it is also moving very fast which is adding to the difficulty of forecasting.

Keep up with the latest in the forecast for this storm at weather.gov/lincoln.

2018 was the last time DeWitt County created a plan for the future and a DeWitt County Board member believes it is past time to get a new plan in place. 

At Monday night's DeWitt County Land Use Committee meeting, Patrick Ryan inquired about the process of getting a new comprehensive plan rolling. Dee Dee Rentmeister explains the effort includes bringing together a Steering Committee and having a 3rd party group called Teska survey DeWitt County residents. 

Creating a new Comprehensive Plan is not cheap and Board Chair Joe Witte felt using funds from the sale of the Clinton Lake Marina - which were intended for economic development - would be a good use of those dollars. 

The committee decided they'd like to reach out to Teska to see if they would once again be interested in assisting with the comprehensive plan. They hope to soon create a new Steering Committee. 

Due to the structure of the agenda for the meeting, the committee could not take any action or make an official recommendation to the board. 

You've heard of the top dog, but have you heard of the top cat? Well, that's what the Illinois Cat Club is trying to find out at this year's 32nd All Breed Cat Show.

Back for a second time at the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington, this year's show includes more than 150 entries nationwide to compete in the eight-ring show. For Mary Auth, the organization's secretary, this event allows judges from seven states to judge more than 30 different breeds of cats.

The show, which runs from March 1-2, features a feline agility competition in which cats compete against the clock in an interactive obstacle course.

A portion of the show's proceeds will benefit Pet Central Help, Catsnap, and other feline-oriented organizations.

There’s still demand for good truck drivers says Don Schaefer with the Mid-West Truckers Association.

Schaefer spoke at the Midwest Truck and Trailer Show last weekend in Peoria.

February 1 was the best-case scenario for the completion date for the latest project at Warner Hospital in Clinton.

Paul Skowron is the CEO of Warner Hospital and Health Services and indicates they hope to have the new west side entrance complete at some point this spring.

The City-owned hospital had a good fortune with weather before January but a cold and wet January held things. Skowron notes they were able to make good progress before that time.

According to Skowron, there has been a lot of concrete work done around that area.

Skowron looks forward to the return of the Health Fair in May and being able to utilize the new parking lot.
 

Six candidates will be on the ballot on April 1 for a special election for the vacant seat of Mayor in Clinton and WHOW is inviting the public to attend a Mayoral Candidate Forum on Wednesday, March 19 at 6 pm at the Clinton High School Auditorium.

It’ll be broadcast live on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM/106.5 FM WHOW and all of WHOW’s digital platforms.

Each of the candidates has been invited to share their thoughts and feelings on the issues of the day in Clinton.

WHOW News and Program Director Seth Laurence with moderate this event.

Clinton's Mayor seat has been vacant since the summer of 2023. The April 1 election is for the unfinished term of Roger Cyrulik.

The forum again, takes place Wednesday, March 19 from 6 pm the Clinton High School Auditorium. If you cannot make it in person, hear it all on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM/106.5 FM WHOW and all our digital platforms.

Every other year, the Harlem Wizards come to Clinton for an entertaining basketball performance. 

On WHOW Morning Show Monday, Executive Director of The Vault Tammy Wilson told Regional Radio that this year the Harlem Wizards will be returning this April to Clinton Junior High School. But first, she needs the community's help to build a team and volunteer to help with the event. 

This event is a major fundraiser for The Vault. The funds come from event sponsors and ticket sales which will begin in March. This will go towards supporting all of the Vault's programming efforts. 

Find more information about this event and The Vault's programming at thevaultclinton.org or visit their Facebook page. 

Homelessness and addiction are problems faced by communities all over the world. 

On the WHOW First Responders Road Tour Wednesday, Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister told Regional Radio they've partnered with the Logan County Health Department and other local organizations to create the BRIDGE program - aimed at curbing the issue locally. 

The Chief indicates people can get involved with the BRDIGE program through self-referral, first responder referral, and officer intervention. He notes the goal of this program is to help keep people out of the criminal justice system. 

The outpouring of support from all the organizations involved as well as the community speaks volumes, says Chief Meister. He mentions their 3-day workshop had over 40 attendees from the area. 

The Chief hopes this program will give people an opportunity to change their lives for the better. 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and a Piatt County domestic violence advocate is hoping to raise awareness for not only young people but the adults around them.

Andrea Kocher is the Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County and indicates one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in a relationship they are in before they are an adult.

The theme for this year's Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month set by the group Love is Respect is 'Respect That'. Kocher explains this theme is really centered around your personal boundaries.

For a young person, having a good example at home goes a long way. Kocher explains that many young people, don't have a good example of healthy boundaries at home.

Coming up still this month on Regional Radio, Kocher has more information on healthy boundaries for young people and how to avoid setting up unhealthy boundaries. 

Get more information on all things Willow Tree Missions by visiting willowtreemissions.org. You can also follow them on social media. If reaching out locally is not something your teen is comfortable with, you can visit loveisrespect.org or text '22522'.

Scams are the topic of the latest informational episode put out by Social Security.

It's not a podcast says Jack Myers but the information is presented in podcast form. The newest episode's presenter is Rebecca Rose, Senior Public Affairs Specialist with Social Security.

With Valentine's Day coming up, Myers felt it timely because the latest episode includes testimony from a widow who shares her story of losing $39,000 to a romance scam and offers advice on recognizing and reporting scams.

The 'SSA Talks' series is available at www.ssa.gov/news/audioseries.html or visit ssa.gov scroll down to communications corner, and then look for audio series.

State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes seeking interns for the 2025 growing season.

You can reach out to Estes via email, kcook8@illinois.edu.

The Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2025 nearing the finish line. The final segment is an international trip to India and the UAE. Nicole Postin, a native of Alexis, is among the participants in the program. She is with the American Egg Board.

The India and UAE trip is from Feb. 25 through March 11. Those interested in applying for the Class of 2027, you can learn more at agleadership.org.

Community Care Systems of DeWitt County will have a new location soon.

The senior information services and caregiver advisory services for Community Care Systems in DeWitt County will now be housed in the Flower Corner building at 1160 State Highway 54, Unit D - across from Casey's and next to Cinco de Mayo Mexican Restaurant.

The agency will make the move on Wednesday and return to normal hours on Thursday. 

Diane Cusey - Senior Information Services Specialist - will continue to provide DeWitt County seniors with Medicare and Medicaid assistance as well as assistance getting license plate sticker discounts. You can contact Cusey by calling 217-518-2010.

Rebecca Wheat - Family Caregiver Advisor - will continue helping caregivers navigate their caregiving journey. You can contact Wheat by calling 309-445-7098.

Again the new location for Community Care Systems of DeWitt County will be at 1160 State Highway 54, Unit D - inside the Flower Corner building. 

The big game is this weekend, and a local law enforcement leader wants you to stay safe traveling to and from your Super Bowl parties. 

On the WHOW First Responders Road Tour Tuesday, Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross told Regional Radio that even just one or two adult beverages can affect you, and make driving unsafe. 

The Chief reminds that driving while high is also unsafe and illegal, and that marijuana and other substances can stay in your system even longer than alcohol.

The DeWitt County Board last month approved a significant equipment purchase for the highway department and a necessary facelift to part of the jail. 

Joe Witte, DeWitt County Board Chair explains the Board accepted a bid to have the jail walls repainted. Although the amount they will pay seems high, Witte notes it was the lowest of three bids they received. 

Witte notes they also approved the purchase of a new utility truck. He says they've been replacing their old fleet with a new truck about every two years. He hopes the new truck will last them quite a while. 

Last month the Board also heard from executives from Kwik-Wall, a manufacturer looking to set up shop in Clinton at the former RR Donnelly building. The Board also appointed Jon Butts as the County ethics officer. 

Last month, exciting news was announced that Clinton will be home to a relocating manufacturer and DeWitt County's economic development leader says the process to bring them here was nearly all-consuming.

While business typically happens from 8 am to 5 pm, Curt Homann, Executive Director of the DeWitt County Development Council says conversations were had late into the night and interrupted life moments.

According to Homann, a variety of things come in when a business is considering coming to Clinton - not the least of which is the intersections the trucks for the company will have to enter Route 10 from.

The Wallace baseball fields are included with the property purchase to Kwik-Wall and Homann indicates they are being told the company plans to keep those fields intact and even help maintain them going forward.

Having that vacant building find an occupant in the span of just over a year is quite the stroke of good fortune. Homann believes had the former RR Donnelly building sat vacant for even a couple of years, the repairs necessary to it would be been quite difficult to overcome to find a tenant.

While difficult for small communities to attract manufacturing in today's world, Homann calls Kwik-Wall the exact type of company DeWitt County would choose if given the option. 

When it signed the agreement, Kwik-Wall had a 30-day opt-out for any reason but Homann is confident the company will remain committed to its agreement and that there will be tax incentives for them by the major taxing bodies.

The second semester is just underway for a group of Central Illinois high school business class students but its leadership is already looking ahead to next year.

Lisa Sheppard facilitates the Sangamon Valley CEO Program and indicates they have begun recruitment for next year's program.

During this time of the year, the CEO students are presenting to juniors in the Sangamon Valley program's footprint - Argenta-Oreana, Bement, Cerro Gorod, DeLand-Weldon, and Monticello. 

One of the benefits of the program is the growth of the students from the beginning to the end of the year. Sheppard says her eight students this year who represent all its districts, are making the most of the opportunity.

The Sangamon Valley CEO program is not a school-sponsored program but students do meet during the first hour of the school day. They meet off-site and businesses and locations in the community.

It is also paid for through investments by community members and businesses. 

Sheppard encourages following them on Facebook, Instagram or visiting sangamonvalleyceo.com. 

The D.A.R.E program focuses on inspiring youth to stay away from drugs, alcohol, and other substances. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister told Regional Radio that they will welcome police officers from around the country for a D.A.R.E training program. 

Chief Meister finds community outreach to be an important aspect of police work. He says the outreach accomplished by the D.A.R.E Program is unmatched, and he's grateful to his staff that plan this important training. 

To find out more about the D.A.R.E Program in Lincoln, visit lincolnil.gov and find it under the police department tab. We'll have more with the Chief on Monday on Regional Radio. 

Summer will be here before you know it, which means 4-H Fair Season. 

Kendra Wallace with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains they will host workshops to prepare 4-H students and their projects for the upcoming fair season. These workshops will start in March, so she encourages making sure to register online early. 

Wallace indicates they will have a workshop built around keeping kids entertained through their spring break - geared towards five to seven-year-olds.

Public speaking is a big fear for many and one that 4-H students are often faced with. Wallace notes they will host a public speaking workshop on February 13th at the Macon County Extension Office. 

Find the registration page and more information about these workshops at go.illinois.edu/dmp. 

The Clinton Tree Commission is celebrating securing a grant for nearly $50,000.

Officially, the grant is for $47,500 from the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative to improve the community tree canopy. John Baker with the Clinton Tree Commission is excited because this grant will allow them a lot of great opportunities in Clinton.

According to Edith Brady-Lunny with the Tree Commission, there will be improved signage of trees in the community arboretum.

When they found out the grant was available, they felt all they had to lose was their time to put it together. While competitive, Brady-Lunny felt they put together a very good application and ended up being selected amongst a relatively small number of recipients.

The CRTI grant will provide 30 new trees to public housing complexes and parks on Clinton’s east side. And again, funding support for this project was provided by the IRA through the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region.

A central Illinois lawmakers is proposing legislation that would aim to give veterans access to affordable housing.

State Sen. Sally Turner is working with an initiative for 'tiny homes' for veterans. Her legislation is a repeat of legislation from last year that removes a state provision that the tiny homes have to have a feature for electric vehicle charging.

Last year, the same measure looked like it was going to sail through to the Governor but it was stopped by what the Lincoln Republican speculates was an environmental group.

According to the Lincoln Republican, a central Illinois non-profit leads this initiative and it relies on donations and costs less $100,000 to build each of these tiny homes for veterans.

A similar effort has begun in Lincoln in Sen. Turner's home district. She hopes to see her legislation make it to the Governor for approval this year.

Memorial Health has announced the appointment of Mandy Eaton, PhD, as its next president and CEO. Eaton will take on the role beginning April 1, succeeding longtime leader Ed Curtis, who is retiring after a 50-year career with the organization. Curtis’ last day will be March 31.

Eaton brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership, having previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Cone Health, a non-profit system in North Carolina that includes five hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in public health and a Master of Science in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a doctorate in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University.

Michael A. Aiello, chair of the Memorial Health Board of Directors, said Eaton stood out among a competitive pool of candidates.

Aiello says the board was impressed with Dr. Eaton’s leadership skills and her vision for Memorial. He says she has a vast understanding of the important role the hospital plays in central Illinois. 

Memorial Health operates hospitals in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield, and Taylorville, along with outpatient clinics and specialty care services across central Illinois. The organization also provides home health, hospice, and behavioral health services.

Eaton expressed enthusiasm about her new role saying that she is honored to be joining Memorial Health and is looking forward to getting to know the organization and the community.  She says she is impressed with Memorial Health’s commitment to excellence, compassion, and collaboration. 

Active weather this week for much of Illinois and active weather next week. And more active weather next month.

DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick speaking to RFD Radio.

53 years for the WIU Ag Mech Club’s Ag Mech Farm Expo, which is this Saturday and Sunday at Western Hall in Macomb.

James Bierman is WIU Ag Mech Club President. Details on the event available on Facebook—search WIU Ag Mech Farm Expo.

This is a chance for future teachers to learn about Ag in the Classroom before graduating from college.

Illinois Ag in the Classroom’s Kevin Daugherty says Ag in the Classroom programs are offered in all 102 Illinois counties.

The Lincoln Police Department divides its staff into 4 departments, each as important as the last. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister told Regional Radio that his administration team works to take care of all the day-to-day operations. 

The patrol officers are the round-the-clock police trying to prevent and stop crime in the community. Chief Meister explains the community is very supportive of the work he and his officers are doing. 

Chief Meister says the criminal investigations division consists of his detectives. Their job is to investigate larger-scale crimes and support the patrol officers in their investigations. 

The final department within the Lincoln Police Department is School Resource. Meister indicates this important job is all about outreach, and building solid and trusting relationships with students. 

Chief Meister believes cultivating relationships between his staff and the public is an important part of being a police officer. We'll have more from the Chief in the days ahead on Regional Radio. 

Liberty Village of Clinton, located at 1 Park Lane West, Clinton, IL will be purchased by Goldwater Care on March 1, 2025.  The Liberty Village campus consists of the Manor Court Skilled Nursing facility, which originally opened in 2005, and the Hawthorne Inn Supportive Living facility which was added in 2007.  

The Board of Directors made the difficult decision to sell the nursing home and the supportive living facility due to the increasing difficulties of operating in a rural market.  

Lisa Funfsinn, representative of Liberty Village says the home has enjoyed tremendous support from the community, and is thankful the caring and dedicated employees were able to provide quality care to the citizens of Clinton and the surrounding communities over the past 20 years.

As part of the change of ownership process, Liberty Village and Goldwater Care employees are committed to maintaining continuity in resident care, preserving staffing levels, and ensuring a seamless transition.  Residents and their families will be kept informed about the transition, and employees will be provided with regular updates.  The goal of both parties is to ensure that care delivery remains uninterrupted. 

For further information, contact Christine Banks LNHA at Liberty Village of Clinton. She can be reached at 217-935-8500.

A 708 Mental Health Board is coming to Piatt County, and a local police department is hoping to take advantage of the resource.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross told Regional Radio the Piatt County Mental Health Center is a great tool when working with people with addiction or mental health issues. 

The new 708 Board has not had a big impact on the police department yet because it's still in its early stages. However, Chief Bross indicates this opens up a whole new set of possibilities when it comes to mental health resources. 

Chief Bross is excited for what's to come from the 708 Mental Health Board in Piatt County. 

A driver of the local economy is going to be exempt from an ordinance after action from the Farmer City Council Monday night.

City Manager Taylor Baxter explains the Farmer City Council debated exempting the Farmer City Raceway from its noise ordinance earlier this week.

The Council debated ideas of having a noise cutoff time or limiting the night's noise would be allowed beyond a certain time but Baxter notes it is rare the noise carries on really late and it would be hard to enforce if something were to slow the races during a given event.

The Farmer City Raceway is a destination for race fans and even popular names in racing at all levels.

Many employers across the country are struggling to find and keep staff, and one Piatt County police department is no different. 

Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross told Regional Radio on the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, that they will be welcoming some new recruits to the police department in the near future. 

Chief Bross mentions the process of becoming a police officer can be long and rigorous. From mental evaluations to physical fitness tests, He recommends anyone interested in the field begin preparing early. 

According to the Chief, Monticello is a great place to be a police officer. With what he calls a "pro-police community and board," he finds the police are well supported. 

Keep it to Regional Radio to hear more from Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross, on staying safe this Superbowl Sunday.

A mix of rain and freezing rain for parts of Illinois today and tonight and then again this weekend, but measurable snow may be in the picture next week says DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick.

So far this winter, more snow has fallen in central and southern Illinois than in northern Illinois.

The Renewable Fuels Association continues to push for the 45Z tax credit. RFA CEO & President Geoff Cooper recently spoke with RFD Radio.

The item will get plenty of attention at the RFA’s National Ethanol Conference Feb. 17-19 in Nashville.

Last week, Warner Hospital CEO Paul Skowron surpassed ten years in Clinton as the head of the city-owned facility.

As he reflects on the new heights he's taken Warner Hospital to in the last ten years, he credited the hospital board's vision nearly 25 years ago to lay the groundwork through the expansion of the family medicine building.

Upon arriving in Clinton in 2015, the hospital was in the midst of a very tumultuous time. It had been through several leadership transitions and did not have a clear vision. Skowron brought a vision to create stability and profitability.

A vision that took several years to finally become a reality was the renovation of the emergency room. Just this past year, the hospital's vision for a modern emergency room finally was completed.

Clinton residents now have so many more options for care in town. Skowron says that is where the motto, 'Compassionate Care Close to Home' came from.

Skowron quickly got involved in the many organizations in Clinton when he arrived and credits that involvement and the relationships he was able to foster as a big reason the hospital was able to quickly have the turnaround it did. 

Veterans will continue a long-running tradition in Illinois. 

Department Adjutant for the American Legion, Josh Thielen notes the Lincoln Pilgrimage is the longest-standing trip of its kind in the country. Those on the trip will attend award ceremonies and have the opportunity to visit President Abraham Lincoln's tomb in Springfield. 

While the meals and award ceremonies are exclusive to the legion and auxiliary members, Thielen invites the public to join them when they travel to the tomb and honor Lincoln's legacy. 

The Illinois Legion participates in pilgrimages that take them out of state as well. Thielen indicates traveling to Missouri and Kansas to honor Truman and Eisenhower is a great opportunity to learn something new.

Visit the Clinton American Legion's Facebook page to keep up with all the latest events and information. 

February is Heart Health Month and the University of Illinois Extension has a program this evening they're inviting the community out for.

Caitlin Mellendorf is a nutrition educator at the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties. She is hosting a heart health program tonight in Maroa and then again next week at Warner Hospital in Clinton. 

According to Mellendorf, they are going to be focused on heart health beyond February. She indicates the big topic for this year is going to be lifestyle choices for better heart health.

Fat and sodium are often the two most focused topics when it comes to heart health. Mellendorf breaks down the good and bad with both of these.

While many may assume they have to cut from their diets many of the foods they enjoy, Mellendorf says that isn't always the case. She explains there - many times - healthier choices of these foods.

Mellendorf has a lot more information about Heart Health Month for February. We'll have more from as we go through February on Regional Radio.

In the meantime, for more information on all things Heart Health and more immediate information, visit extension.illinois.edu/dmp and look for more information from Mellendorf there.

Parts of Illinois could deal with some freezing rain midweek. Mike McClure is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities.

Temperatures are expected to remain moderate through the week.

If you are a permanent Illinois resident and will be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning within the State of Illinois during the 2025-26 school year, you could win a $500 scholarship. 

Every year about this time, the Illinois Sheriff's Association makes available $500 scholarships in each of the state's 102 counties. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor says these scholarships are available statewide.

Applications are available at the Sheriff's Office in your county of residence, or online at https://www.ilsheriff.org/youth-2/. You can also find a few restrictions on applying. Entries are due by March 14.

Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Jackie Sambursky promoting the Illinois Products branding program.

Sambursky spoke at last week’s Everything Local Conference in Springfield.

Purchasing a museum membership is a great way to support your local history. 

Joey Long, Director of the CH Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum explains their memberships are open to all. The funds received from the annual memberships will go towards programming and maintenance of the CH Moore mansion. 

Becoming a member will give you unlimited free admission for daily tours, as well as numerous events throughout the year. Long notes members will also receive their twice annual newsletter. 

According to Long, the museum does not receive any public funding, meaning they rely heavily on memberships, grants, and donations to stay up and running. She is grateful to their loyal members who help keep the museum running. 

To become a member, give the museum a call at 217-935-6066. Find more information at chmoorehomestead.org.
 

Late last month, it was announced a Spingfield-based manufacturer was looking to set up shop in Clinton and a community economic development leader is confident things will work out.

Kwik-Wall has signed a contract to occupy the former RR Donnelly building on Clinton's east side. The contract, however, has a 30 opt-out for any reason. On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, DeWitt County Development Council Executive Director Curt Homann told Regional Radio, he is confident Executives at Kwik-Wall will not want to opt out of that agreement.

According to Homann, when the talks with Kwik-Wall first came up, he had to keep the conversations very low-key. He explains as the conversations progressed, finding a way to accommodate the size of the building and the cost associated with necessary updates became the priority. 

Homann credits the small-town nature of the communications to have been the reason this company ultimately chose Clinton. He indicates he was very responsive to executives from Kwik-Wall in their pursuit of a new location.

Homann calls Kwik-Wall the exact type of manufacturing company a community like Clinton and DeWitt County wants to attract.

Homann had a lot more detail on how things came together with this manufacturer and more specific details on its plans for the renovation of its location. We'll have more with Homann on that in the days ahead on Regional Radio.

There will be a change in administration coming to a local school district and they're planning ahead to ensure a successful transition. 

Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools, Dr. Hillary Stanifer explains they're coming to the end of their previous strategic plan, and with a new superintendent incoming this July, the district has been preparing for the change. 

There are specific goal areas that the district focuses on. Dr. Stanifer explains things like student achievement and facilities are top of mind when planning out the next 3 to 5 years. 

A one-cent sales tax could be coming to McLean County voters this April, which would benefit area school districts. However, Dr. Stanifer notes they won't plan around the outcome, due to their low number of students residing in McLean County. 

Dr. Stanifer is confident in the quality of instruction the district staff provides. She notes they had to have fewer conversations about it than in past years. Instead, they talked about the services the district could provide such as child care. 

To find more information on Blue Ridge Schools, visit blueridge18.org.

If you receive Social Security (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits you should know Social Security is required by law to review your case to verify that you still have a disabling condition that prevents you from doing substantial work.

Jack Myers with Social Security says this is called a (medical) Continuing Disability Review (CDR) and it is not your responsibility to initiate the CDR, but it is your responsibility to keep your mailing address and phone number up to date with Social Security. 

How often Social Security reviews your case depends on how likely your medical condition is to improve. According to Myers, when you are approved initially a likelihood of improvement is established and your CDR timeline is based on that.

The main form for a CDR is the Medical Continuing Disability Review Report (SSA-454). Myers explains they mail this form to you if we need you to complete it. You can fill it out and return it orf you are an adult who does not have a representative payee, you can complete the form and submit it online if you prefer. 

Myers notes many people through the years have been very nervous about the CDR process. He stresses the worst thing you can do is ignore it.  The process is standard and does not mean Social Security plans to cut off your benefits.

Expect to see Girl Scouts scattered around Illinois. The various troops are taking delivery of the numerous varieties of cookies.

Tricia Higgins, Girl Scouts Communications & Marketing Manager says you will be able to find tables in many of the popular shopping areas.

Proceeds from the cookie sales go to fund various expenses, including programming, camp maintenance and financial assistance for girls who would otherwise be unable to afford to be a girl scout. You can find a location to buy your cookies at www.gsofsi.org/findcookies.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture always looking to designate more centennial, sesquicentennial, and bicentennial farms.

IDOA’s Rachel Hetrick says more information at agr.illinois.gov.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper worried about retaliatory tariffs from Mexico and Canada.

President Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico over the weekend and 10 percent tariffs on goods from China. All are expected to go into effect on Tuesday plus a ten-percent tariff on energy resources from Canada.