It’s official:  The Hart Media Group took ownership of the Miller Media Group platforms just after midnight this morning.

Company principals Matt Hart and Randal J. Miller closed on the sale of the Taylorville and Clinton properties yesterday.

Hart has asked Miller to stay on for a year as a consultant, working specifically in advertising sales.

Miller owned the Taylorville properties almost 33 years, and 18 in Clinton.   It ends his 43 years in station ownership, and 52 in the radio business.

Clinton's biggest event of the year is right around the corner. 

Joey Long, Director of the CH Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, explains that they have begun preparing for the Apple N' Pork Festival all the way back in January. From the flea market to the food tents, everyone is getting ready for the big event. 

Long states that while the volunteers they have are very strong, they could always use more hands to prepare the Homestead as well as work some of the food booths and help inside the mansion during tours. 

This year is the 57th Annual Apple N' Pork Festival, and Long expects to have a great turnout, especially for their entertainment. 

This year's Apple N' Pork Festival takes place on September 27th and 28th at the Homestead, located at 219 E Woodlawn Street in Clinton. The annual event brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city. 
 

DeWitt County Clerk Kari Harris has announced she will be running for another term on the Republican primary ticket in March 2026.  

Harris was elected in 2022, taking the elected position when then County Clerk Dana Smith retired. 

Harris has 24 years of experience in the County Clerk’s office. During that time, she has been the payroll, accounting clerk, and elections clerk, touting her knowledge of all jobs and services within the office.  

In a release to announce her candidacy Thursday, Harris touts the grants she has pursued, which have put nearly $60,000 back in the County’s election fund. She has made it a priority to help County residents enroll in a Property Fraud Alert program that is free to the citizens and to the County to help identify fraudulent documents and protect the land owners and citizens of DeWitt County. 

She also recently launched the Honor Rewards program for Veterans, that issues a card for discounts and incentives offered by county wide businesses that sign up to participate.  She also implemented a card machine in the office allowing customers to pay for services via debit/credit card and was able to give the office a new look by having high walls removed so customers are now able to see all employees. 

Harris took advantage of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to complete a project started by Smith, that digitized the final years of recording, making all recorded documents from 1965 through the current date accessible online. 

As a life long resident of DeWitt County, Harris has made it her goal to serve the residents of the County with the upmost respect, transparency and honesty.

Many opponents to President Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' have spoken out on its impact on rural healthcare.

While he admits it could impact rural healthcare facilities, CEO of Warner Hospital in Clinton, Paul Skowron, told Regional Radio on the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, it will have a minimal impact on the city-owned facility because of its lack of reliance on Medicaid dollars.

Skowron calls Warner Hospital 'rural lite' because of its minimal reliance on Medicare. Thanks to major employers that are set up in communities around Clinton, they offer good insurance that Warner Hospital is able to access.

While the impact is minimal, Skowron notes they are going to do an evaluation of expenditures. He calls it a good exercise and remains unconcerned by the impacts of the Big Beautiful Bill.

The 'Big Beautiful Bill' will have an impact on reimbursements to Illinois, and Skowron is watching in Springfield for how lawmakers will react to those reductions in reimbursements.

Skowron will also be watching the fall session in Washington, D.C,. where there are rumblings of cuts coming to Medicare.

Kristina Deerwester has resigned from the DeWitt County Board.

Board Chair Joe Witte told Regional Radio Deerwester resigned Thursday morning.

Deerwester was involved in a back-and-forth with a resident regarding a special use permit for a kennel in rural DeWitt County. After the vote was taken to approve the application, Deerwester left the meeting and did not return. 

Witte indicates the Board will declare the vacancy at its August meeting. 
 

DeWitt County and its leadership is working diligently to free up dollars from the State of Illinois for annual roadwork and other projects.

Around the start of the year, the County learned that its annual Motor Fuel Tax dollars, or MFT dollars, were frozen due to outstanding paperwork to the State of Illinois. In that time, it has left many road commissioners scrambling as the money they need is not available. After an update at last Thursday's DeWitt County Board meeting, Board Chair Joe Witte says there are still some steps to be taken, but feels they are on the way to those funds becoming available.

To the road commissioners, Witte indicates that they will be evaluating why this situation occurred and what needs to be done to prevent it from happening again.

Last Thursday, it was brought up to the Board this freeze was not communicated to them and Witte says while that is true, this has been discussed as far back as this past December or January.

Witte emphasizes the issue is top of mind right now, and they will soon be at the mercy of the State of Illinois to free up those dollars. 

Farmer City is preparing for its next round of infrastructure improvements.

City Manager Taylor Baxter indicates plans are underway for work that will likely begin in 2026, but there is some significant work being done on a couple of areas of the community.

Development along Interstate-74 has slowly but surely been moving along, and Baxter says there are some new developments as it relates to what is going to go into that space.

The Farmer City Council will reconvene in August. 

A final push for Call for Speakers for next year’s Everything Local Conference at the Bank of Springfield Center. Raghela Scavuzzo is the Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development.

The conference is Jan. 28 to Jan. 30.

A popular DeWitt County destination is adding to its offerings.

Mariah’s Mums & More unveiled its newest attraction - the Farmtastic Fun Park - Son aturday during a grand opening celebration held in tandem with the farm’s beloved Annual Christmas in July event. 

The combined festivities brought a joyful blend of summer fun and holiday cheer to Central Illinois, drawing families from across the region for a day filled with unforgettable memories.

Guests were among the first to explore the Farmtastic Fun Park’s exciting lineup of attractions, including a jumbo jumping pillow, zip line swings, a pedal cart track, and 20 other new activities designed for kids and kids at heart. The park offers hands-on, outdoor fun that blends play, learning, and the nostalgic charm of farm life.

Holiday magic was in full swing with festive decor, a summertime visit from Santa Claus, and themed
treats from the farm’s food concession. Visitors also enjoyed the farm’s u-pick strawberry experience, flower bouquet making, a sunflower field, and browsing the expanded farm market and gift shop, featuring fresh local produce, vibrant blooms, and hand-selected products.

In a release this week, Mariah Anderson, co-owner of Mariah’s Mums & More says the business has been focused on expanding family activities.

The Farmtastic Fun Park is open Saturdays in August and Thursday through Sunday in September
and October, offering a playful blend of agri-tourism and outdoor adventure. Upcoming events include a Family Fun Night, Sunset Sip & Pick nights, Flower Hour evenings, Farm to Table Dinners, Dog Day at the Farm, and the much-anticipated Annual Mum Fest—followed by a full lineup of festive fall activities.

Mariah’s Mums & More continues to grow as a favorite agritourism destination in the region, offering the largest variety of vibrant mums grown in all of Illinois, vertically grown strawberries, spring & summer flowers, homegrown produce and pumpkins, and unforgettable farm experiences and events that blend agricultural education with entertainment.

You can get more at mariahsmums.com or find Mariah's Mums on Facebook. 

The Neighborhood Care Center prides itself on its unique approach to impacting the community, and a local college student is getting an immersive experience of that firsthand this summer.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Ella Bateson told Regional Radio her summer internship has been quite the eye-opening experience. She has learned a lot about how much deeper the care center's impact is in the community.

According to Bateson, the Neighborhood Care Center operates mostly on volunteer support and she was pleasantly surprised by not only the enthusiasm of the volunteers but many of those who came to the Care Center for services. 

Director of Communications for the Care Center, Mandi Ries, indicates there have been some lessons learned for Bateson this summer that can sometimes go against your instincts. She has enjoyed hearing her talk about her positive experience with them.

Bateson indicates her experience with the Neighborhood Care Center has given her a new perspective on community involvement and a desire to be involved when she finishes school.

She will be a senior at Eastern Illinois University starting this fall. 

The summer boating and outdoor season is nearly coming to a close as the start of school begins. 

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman indicates Clinton Lake has really seen minimal issues so far. He is pleased with the way boaters are doing the right things for a safe summer.

On the campgrounds at both Clinton Lake and Weldon Springs, Officer Workman is noticing an uptick in dogs not on leashes. He says it is park rules dogs should be on a leash and contained to your campsite. 

Other than a boater that had his vehicle submerged a couple of weeks ago on the lake, trying to get his boat on the water, it has been a good summer at Clinton Lake, and Officer Workman hopes it finishes that way over the next four to six weeks.

After a dry start to July in some places, the last few weeks have replenished some deficits in precipitation in some places.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates rain over the last few weeks has not only been much-needed, it has been substantial.

According to Shimon, July has not only been wet, it has been hot. He says we're about two degrees above normal for the month, which is pretty substantial. Overnight lows have not been cooling off very much, and that is pushing the average temperature up.

Stay with us in the days ahead as we continue to hear from Shimon on the first part of August and the National Weather Service's assistance with things like Illinois football games and the Illinois State Fair.

A DeWitt County resident has gone through the process of seeking a special use permit to operate a kennel in rural DeWitt County. 

At last Thursday's DeWitt County Board meeting, the Board approved a special use permit that has garnered a lot of attention on social media, but the Chairman says it cannot be considered for the determination of the application.

Ashley Miller's application for the kennel was approved last Thursday night after recommendations for approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Regional Planning Commission. Board Chair Joe Witte told the Board it was tabled last month to get a copy of the transcripts to Board members.

Witte put a stipulation into the application for the operator to receive appropriate licenses through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Miller - who attended the County Board meeting Thursday - told the Board she could not get the approval for the Department of Agriculture. Kristina Deerwester explained the County, City of Clinton, and State of Illinois rules on the issue of breeding.

Miller says she is being targeted by authorities and those in the community opposed to her efforts. She believes the zoning is very unclear for what she is looking to do.

Deerwester called into question part of Miller's claim that she was operating a rescue at her property currently. Witte interjected and reminded the Board they could only consider testimony and evidence presented during the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Regional Planning Commission process.

The Board approved both the condition proposed by Witte and the application.

The issue - since being approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Regional Planning Commission - has been hotly debated on social media. Some are calling into question Miller's history outside of DeWitt County. Witte indicates none of that was presented to the ZBA or RPC, therefore, it could not be considered by the Board last Thursday.

Like it or not, Witte indicates this is the process the County has in place for these applications. And while some claim they did not know meetings were taking place, he admits there needs to be better transparency with the community on that.

Logan County Fairgoers are in for a warm and wet week. 

Rod Conklen, Logan County Fair Board President, told Regional Radio on the Noon Farm Show Monday that the Logan County Fair kicks off with the Fair Queen Conference. He also notes that the Cooper Alan and Thomas Mac concert on Saturday should be a big hit.

Conklen notes they have over 200 volunteers who help make the fair happen. From superintendents to just mowing the grass, the fair board is grateful to all the Logan County community members who sacrifice their time for the fair. 

Between the carnival rides, fair food, races, and concerts, there's plenty of fun to be had at the Logan County Fair. Visit the fair located at 1408 Short 11th St and learn more by visiting logancountyfairil.com.

Piatt County Collision Center in Monticello has moved into their new 44-hundred square foot addition to their body and paint shop.

Owner Corey Lovitt tells Regional Radio News that the new space has enabled him to get more jobs done in a faster manner.   And, he’s also hired an additional technician go get car and truck crash jobs done quicker.  

Lovitt, who is from Monticello, started Piatt County Collision Center in 2010.  They’re located just off Illinois Route 105 south of Monticello.

The heat and humidity are going to move off later this week; until then, a heat advisory remains in effect through Wednesday.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio that a few days of more intense heat with high dew points are going to make it very uncomfortable.

According to Shimon, Wednesday early afternoon is the target time for some potential severe weather. He indicates a cold front is going to move through, which is going to provide some relief from the heat and humidity.

Some much-needed rain has fallen in central Illinois over the last week or so. We'll have more on Shimon on the wide-ranging rainfall totals later this week on Regional Radio. 
 

Clinton Mayor Helen Michelassi is putting the call out for the community to step up and volunteer to better the community.

The Mayor is starting with a group of volunteers aimed at sprucing up the 'Welcome' signs outside the community.

A group of residents ready to volunteer recently met, and the Mayor says it was great to get ideas of what everyone cares about in Clinton and the ideas they have for the community.

Michelassi is serving out the unfinished term of Mayor from a special election this spring. In her short time as Mayor, she has been very focused on the strategic plan and moving forward with many of the initiatives it outlines. 

While the State of Illinois is messaging a positive step forward to better fund the providers those with disabilities in our communities depend on, a local advocate says that doesn't tell the whole story.

Providers for those with disabilities have long struggled with adequate funding to maintain their services. Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and indicates while the State of Illinois did approve some increases, they also took action that is going to mostly offset those increases.

Kirkman gives credit to Sen. Chapin Rose, whom he calls a great advocate for the developmentally disabled in Illinois, and for properly funding the services they depend on.

For Kirkman, the workers of his agency and many others deserve more credit than they get because they work for a very low wage and feels they are doing many of the things they are asked out of the passion they have for the individuals they serve. 

Illinois has historically lagged in its support for community-based services. Illinois consistently ranks low in national comparisons for its funding of community living services for people with developmental disabilities.

In 2020, the State of Illinois committed to using adult-use marijuana tax money to various public services, with a notable focus on agencies like the Piatt County Mental Health Center; however, Kirkman has noted before, they have yet to see those dollars.

The Logan County Fair kicked off on Sunday with the Chapter 11 Big Band and Harness Racing. 

Terri Miller-Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension serving Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains today, 4-Hers will show their general projects that they have been working on all year, and livestock will be shown during the rest of the week. 

Volunteers are an integral part of any fair and 4-H show, and Miller-Casey indicates they are looking good, but they are always in search of more judges. She notes the need is there in every county. 

Arts and crafts have become a very popular project area for 4-Hers, so they are finding themselves in need of more judges for this topic so kids are waiting less for their projects to be judged. 

You can see all of the projects on display at the Logan County Fair this week in Lincoln. Learn more about the fair by visiting logancountyfairil.com. 

Photo by Fré Sonneveld on Unsplash

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, the electric grid operator for the central United States including Illinois, reported on their web site Sunday afternoon that demand in the 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba reached 116-thousand megawatts.   Committed capacity according to their web site is 122-thousand megawatts.

MISO’s record demand was some 127-thousand megawatts on July 20th, 2011.

MISO, an independent not-for-profit member-based organization, is responsible for facilitating the buying and selling of electricity in its region and partners with its stakeholders to plan the grid of the future.

Trash in some areas of DeWitt County's outdoor areas has been an ongoing point of frustration for local authorities for many years.

It hasn't come to a head where they have shut down some of the areas because of it. Still, Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman says it continues to be frustrating that there are signs to pick up trash and plenty of trash receptacles, yet still, trash is left behind.

Overall, Officer Workman reports it has been a relatively compliant summer on Clinton Lake, at Weldon Springs, and the corresponding recreation areas.

Farmer City recently experienced an issue with its emergency siren system, but it has since been resolved.

City Manager Taylor Baxter indicates it was frustrating to go through several troubleshooting steps to find out the issue was just something unplugged.

According to Baxter, there was no lapse in the siren notifications because they were able to utilize the City's noon whistle system when necessary.

Fair season in central Illinois is in full swing, which means many will be in search of classics like funnel cake and just about anything served on a stick. 

Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator for the University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, explains that healthy choices are made over time, so indulging in a little unhealthy fair food in moderation is just fine. 

It is, however, important not to make these unhealthy choices a habit. Mellendorf says that in your day-to-day meal planning, you should be focusing on the six basic nutrients. 

Get more healthy eating tips from Mellendorf and the Extension by visiting extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 
 

Eastern Bluebirds are a common species in central Illinois, and a DeWitt County State Park is making them feel welcome. 

Roxanne Snelson with the Weldon Springs Foundation explains that the Bluebird Boxes have been at the park for some time, but she started monitoring them about five years ago. She has noticed that their numbers seem to be on the decline, likely due to the heat. 

Snelson keeps track of the boxes and looks for nests, eggs, and even chicks. As a Master Naturalist, she does this to get a better idea of their population at the State Park.

Visit the hidden gem in DeWitt County located at 4734 Weldon Springs Road in Clinton. Learn more about Weldon Springs and their conservation efforts by going to wsfil.org or by finding them on Facebook. 

A freeze on motor fuel tax dollars for DeWitt County remains in place, and at Thursday night's Dewitt County Board meeting, an update was provided on the process to get caught up to receive those.

The County received notice earlier this year the motor fuel tax dollars would be frozen because of paperwork that was not current through the County engineer's office. Mark Mathon says they are catching up and are ready to submit things to the State of Illinois to get those dollars released for the County.

Board Chair Joe Witte wanted more clarification on where the process was at. 

The Road and Bridge Committee had a proposal for a standard raise for Mathon on the agenda Thursday, but it was tabled due to the outstanding issue with the motor fuel tax dollars. Adding complexity to the issue is the fact the salary of the County engineer is funded through Motor Fuel Tax dollars.

To help Mathon - who's office is understaffed - catch up, the County hired a special engineering firm where former County engineer Craig Fink is currently employed. 

The County Board voted to table the salary of the Engineer until next month.

Extreme heat couldn't stop fair lovers and 4-Hers at this year's McLean County Fair.

Anna Ziegler, McLean County Farm Bureau Manager, told Regional Radio on the Noon Farm Show Thursday that fairgoers should dress in light clothing, bring water, and utilize their air-conditioned buildings to stay cool. 

Katie Buckley is County Director for the U of I Extension serving Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties, and she explains that about 650 4-Hers came to the fairgrounds with over 4,500 projects, including livestock. 

The McLean County Fair works with the McLean County Emergency Management Agency to make the safest decisions based on the heat and the possibility of rain as the fair wraps up this weekend. 
 

The Dewitt County Clerk, Kari Harris, has announced a new free service offered by her office for Veterans.

The free program with no expense to taxpayers is known as the Honor Rewards program. Veterans can sign up in Harris' office or online to receive an Honor Rewards card, which qualifies them for discounts and incentives at participating businesses in the community. 

All a veteran needs to do is visit www.honorrewards.com, click on DeWitt County, and fill out the form with details on when they served and with what branch of the armed forces. If an individual prefers to sign up in person, Harris encourages stopping into her office, and they will help you get signed up. 

Harris indicates this card is not exclusive to use in DeWitt County. She is hoping to have local business get registered so veterans can use it locally. 

There are benefits for a business being a participant in the program. Harris indicates not only will they be supporting veterans but their business goes on the program website so any veterans coming to Clinton could potentially see that and stop into their establishment.

The website again is honorrewards.com. You can also contact Harris' office at 217-935-7780. 

Even though the summer camp season is drawing to a close, the Clinton YMCA says it's not too late to participate. 

Rennie Cluver, Executive Director of the Clinton Y explains while the summer is almost over, it is never too late to sign your child up for Camp Osage. He says the best part about camp is that you only pay for days your camper is present. 

Camp Osage takes place in Clinton and Monticello, and Cluver says the partnership between the two groups has been very successful. 

Melinda Akers and Savannah Clifton have taken over coordinating Camp Osage, and Cluver feels they've done a great job with their new responsibility. 

Cluver reminds parents to start thinking about Y-Zone, the organization's before and after-school care program. To learn more about all the opportunities for kids at the Clinton Y by visit clintoncommymca.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, stop in at 417 South Alexander Street, or call 217-935-8307.

The CH Moore Homestead has on display a project that was over a year in the making, but the full display will be taken down next week. 

Joey Long, Director of the CH Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum, explains that when it comes to the Picture Perfect Project, they had over twice the amount of photos than what was originally intended. During the month of July, all 45 photos that were restored were displayed throughout the house. 

Long says that they will rotate the photos that are on the gallery wall periodically, and the extras will be protected in storage. She hopes everyone takes their opportunity to see the whole collection before it's taken down on July 31st. 

One of the major benefits of enlarging and restoring these historical photos is the details that you can find. Long points to a very small photo they received, that once it was enlarged, revealed that the man pictured was missing a leg, an injury that could have been sustained during the Civil War. 

If you'd like to see all of the restored photos on display throughout the mansion, the homestead is located at 219 E Woodlawn Street in Clinton. 

Learn more about the Picture Perfect Project by visiting chmoorehomestead.org or find them on Facebook.

Seniors who rely on Peace Meal for meals during the week will want to make note of schedule adjustments this week because of the heat. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Shelly Tolly with OSF Peace Meal told Regional Radio they will not be delivering meals due to the extreme heat on Thursday. She notes that it's unsafe to have drivers out in the sun all day. 

A study from Harvard Medical details the changes in our bodies as we get older, and our tolerance for heat. Tolly points out many seniors cannot tell when they are becoming overheated. 

Tolly explains they know which of their clients have a greater dependence on the meals that are delivered to them. Peace Meals keeps extra frozen meals on hand for clients who struggle with food insecurity. 

Seniors are especially susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so it's important to stay on top of hydration. Tolly urges anyone with elderly family to check in on them as Peace Meals will be doing with their clients. 

If you are not sure where you can go in your community to keep cool, visit keepcool.illinois.gov for a list of all the cooling centers near you. 

To learn more about Peace Meals and the services they offer, go to osfhealthcare.org. 

Abbey Schmid, a professional auctioneer from Clinton has been crowned the Women’s 2025 International Auctioneer Champion at the prestigious competition held by the National Auction Association. This title is one of the highest honors in the auctioneering profession and represents excellence in skill, stage presence, and command of the chant.

Schmid stood out among top-tier competitors from across the country, impressing judges with her distinctive style, clarity, and crowd engagement. The championship, which tests both bid-calling and interview skills, recognizes not just vocal mastery but also leadership and professionalism in the industry.

In a release Wednesday, Schmid called winning the IAC is a dream come true.

Schmid has worked in the auction industry for 16 years, specializing in automobiles, benefit, real estate, estates, and online auctions and is known for her energetic and enthusiastic approach to auctioneering and parenthood.

As the 2025 champion, Schmid will serve as an ambassador for the industry and continue her work in advancing auctioneering through public speaking, training, and professional engagements.

The City of Lincoln recently took over its tourism, and one of the first major victories of that decision will be on display in the spring. 

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch explains that the first major project of the new tourism department is an immersive Route 66 train exhibit located downtown in the old State Bank Building. He notes that the exhibit was donated by a man from Chicago, and people will get to experience what it's like to travel the historic highway across the eight states that it spans. 

The City does not own the building yet, but Mayor Welch believes they will have possession of it by this November. Pending ownership of the building, the City plans to assemble the exhibit over the coming winter months. 

Mayor Welch reminds  the City made the move to open it's own tourism department and separate itself from the Logan County Tourism Department. Part of this decision was hiring Scott McCoy, who has successfully promoted Rt. 66 Tourism in Pontiac and Atlanta. 

Mayor Welch has big dreams for tourism in the City of Lincoln, and we'll have more on that in the days ahead on Regional Radio. 

Early summer brings so many options for fresh produce, but what do we do when the season is over? 

Caitlin Mellendorf is a Nutrition Educator with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, and explains that canning can be a great method of preserving produce, and some methods take very little equipment or previous knowledge. 

Freezing is also a good way to keep your produce fresh. Mellendorf indicates that the purpose of freezing goods is to lower the temperature enough to prevent bacterial growth. This does at times change the color or texture of the food.

Dehydration is the practice of drying foods to entirely remove the water from them. This can change the texture, color, and even flavor of produce, and Mellendorf points to the process of turning grapes into raisins as the most common example. The biggest benefit is the ability to store dried foods at room temperature. 

Mellendorf's final tip for preserving foods is fermentation. Common examples of this practice are foods like kimchi, sour kraut, and even drinks like kombucha. Fermentation encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, which in turn stops harmful bacteria from growing. 

For more tips on keeping the "fresh" in "fresh produce," visit extension.illinois.edu/dmp.

A Piatt County School District will extend a program piloted this past spring for students who are struggling.

Earlier this spring, Monticello Schools Superintendent Adam Clapp indicated the district approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Office of Education that continues a pair of programs already in place and extends a program they piloted in the spring that had a great deal of success.

Clapp says the program, quote - "blew their expectations out of the water". He notes the person in the school is an employee of the Regional Office of Education. 

The program is aimed at fourth grade through twelfth grade, and Clapp says one of the success stories shows the program's effectiveness.

Clapp indicates this is just one of several partnerships Monticello Schools has with the Regional Office of Education.

A downtown retail merchants association was once a strong coalition in Clinton, and Clinton Mayor Helen Michelassi would like to see a similar effort started again.

The Mayor told Regional Radio, she and City Administrator Tony Harris are going to begin getting together with downtown business owners about such an effort to return to Clinton.

Mayor Michelassi hopes a retail merchants association would bring about continuity among the downtown businesses but says it would have to be on them to lead the effort.

If an effort of this kind were to get off the ground, Mayor Michelassi hopes it would prompt growth in the downtown and across the community.

The Mayor is encouraging residents to shop in Clinton whenever possible and support the businesses in our community.

IDNR confirming a black bear sighting in northwest Illinois. Chris Jacques is the agency's large carnivore program manager.

The sightings have been in Carroll and Jo Daviess counties.

Local county farm bureaus continue to promote member engagement opportunities. An example occurred late last week in Champaign County.

Ryan Whitehouse is director of national legislation for Illinois Farm Bureau.

Many rural fire departments throughout Illinois are being challenged with staffing issues. It's something Dave Newcomb hears about in his role with the Illinois Fire Service Institute.

Not only is there a demand for volunteer firefighters in rural areas, but EMT's are also in need to staff rural ambulances.

A Piatt County non-profit is celebrating a program being able to stay in place thanks to the generosity of a group of community members.

Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and told Regional Radio on Monday, the ROSC program - or Recovery Oriented System of Care - was set to be defunded.

Kirkman indicates that around $70,000 of the $110,000 needed to run the program are salaries and benefits, while the other $40,000 are things to support the program.

For Kirkman, the ROSC program has without a doubt been a net positive for Piatt County.

Kirkman is very proud of the community and believes it shows the community effort it takes to support one another. 
 

Local outdoor authorities are passing along some safety reminders after an eventful weekend on Clinton Lake.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, DNR Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman told Regional Radio they had a vehicle submerged at one of the boat access ramps over the weekend. He is imploring boaters to be careful and remember safety first.

Tragedy struck Lake Shelbyville this weekend when a person drowned at the lake. While he did not know the circumstances of that situation, he notes Clinton Lake saw a drowning a few years ago and encourages boaters to not chase their boats if they come loose and float out into the water.

Officer Workman reports Clinton Lake has seen very few issues this summer. Proactive in enforcing life jacket safety - particularly among youth - he is encouraged to see good compliance on that front this summer as well. 

Over the weekend on Regional Radio, DeWitt County Clerk Kari Harris highlighted the Property Fraud Alert Program. 

Harris reminds the Property Fraud Alert (PFA) is a free subscription that will alert you to any potential fraud involving your property in DeWitt County. She notes this is to combat the rising number of property fraud cases across the country, and all you have to do is provide the County with your name and an email or phone number. 

Harris' office works with Fidlar Technologies to provide this service and all you have to do to sign up for the service is access the County's website and find the PFA program link. You will then be asked to provide your name and preferred method of contact. 

Fidlar Technologies provides this service for free for utilizing them as a vendor, which is how the program comes at no cost to residents or the County itself. Harris explains registering for this service through DeWitt County will only work for property owned in DeWitt County, however, Fidlar services over 90 of the 102 counties in the state so that you can register for the same service in other counties.

While this service has been around for a few years, Harris feels it was not being advertised to the level that it should be. She received a lot of positive feedback from County landowners who are utilizing the program already. 

Harris reminds not only is this program for individuals, but you can register businesses and trusts. She recommends if you use more than one name for yourself or business, to register more than once with all the possible names that could be used to cover all your bases.

Register for the Property Fraud Alert program by visiting dewittcountyil.gov. You can also find frequently asked questions on the website, but Harris notes you can call her office at 217-935-7780.

The scariest attraction of DeWitt County is looking for volunteers.

Janice Petersen, Executive Director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce reminds they are in need of volunteers for the Terror on Washington Street haunted house - noting they do their best to give back to the groups that offer their time to the house. 

Volunteers at the house are vital to its success in during the five weekends this October for the haunted house season. Petersen explains volunteers are asked to be there for the entire night, but they can choose what role they would like to have. 

Petersen has already begun reaching out to groups that have volunteered previously at the Haunted House to gauge interest in returning. Last year the house had to close due to a due to a lack of volunteers, and she hopes the community will help them so it doesn't happen again. 

If you're interested in getting involved in this year's Haunted House you can email the Chamber at events@clintonilchamber.com or call 217-935-3364 and ask for Janice or Erin. 

For your protection, Social Security is urging you not to carry your Social Security card unless it is needed.

Jack Myers with Social Security says the best way to guard your card is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. Many people call our offices and say they lost their wallet and their Social Security card was inside. This leaves them more vulnerable to ID theft because somebody who finds (or steals) their wallet will then have ID and SS card. 

In most cases, just knowing your SSN is enough, but even then, be careful about sharing your number. Myers encourages if this happens, you can visit www.identitytheft.gov to learn more about how to spot and recover from ID theft.

Myers says while knowing your Social Security number is often enough, be careful about who you repeat that number to.

Social Security cards are free, so if you are on a website trying to charge you, you are in the wrong place. In addition to the importance of safeguarding your SSN, you should also know that you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 in a lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions don’t count toward these limits.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all of Central Illinois thru Monday morning.

The Weather Service says flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible along and south of a Rushville to Lincoln to Hoopeston line thru Monday morning.  

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.  Low-water crossings may be flooded. Extensive street flooding and  flooding of creeks and rivers are possible.

The Weather Service adds showers and thunderstorms will re-develop across the watch area between now and Monday morning.  Given the 
high atmospheric water content and wet soil conditions in many areas, flash flooding will be possible within stronger storms where rainfall rates reach 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio for the latest weather information.

While the weather cooperated for most of the week, Saturday morning was wet.

Curt Homann, Fair Board President, explains that this week at the Farmer City DeWitt County Fair, the weather held off for most of the big events like the Fair Queen Competition and the Horse Races. 

Homann indicates that the main focus of the fair is agriculture and livestock showing. He notes that while those events may not draw a big audience, they bring in a lot of participants. 

Unfortunately, the weather was not so cooperative on Saturday, resulting in the cancellation of the day's biggest event, the tractor pulls. Homann says safety is their number one priority. 

Homann feels that even with the rain, the fair brings great economic benefits to the community. To keep up with updates, find the Farmer City and DeWitt County Fair on Facebook. 

A local zoo has been given an opportunity to bring in a new animal, but first they had to build it's habitat. 

Jay Pratte, Executive Director of the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington says last year they were approached about bringing in a Linne's Two-Toed Sloth named Taco. Pratte indicates that the new habitat was paid for through their three major fundraising events throughout the year. 

While sloths are slow and may seem uninteresting, they have so many cool facts about them. Pratte says Taco spends most of her time just "hanging around."

Visit Taco the Sloth at the Miller Park Zoo located at 1020 S Morris Avenue in Bloomington. Learn more by visiting mpzs.org or by finding them on Facebook. 

Community Action's Foster Grandparents Program is teaming up with the Write Stuff for Kids to support local youth through a school supply drive beginning later this month. 

Breann Titus, Chief Visionary Officer at Community Action, indicates Write Stuff for Kids is hosting a school supply distribution at the end of the month, and CAPCIL is helping out by sorting supplies to be ready for distribution. 

In-services for Community Action is extra training  provided to the volunteer grandparents all year round. She explains the training can range from things that benefit the grandparents personally to training that helps prepare them for working with kids in the classroom. 

If you'd like to donate school supplies, you can drop them off at Community Action at 45 Cedar Square in Clinton. Learn more at capcil.info and find them on Facebook

Property fraud is on the rise around the country, and a local county official is doing her part to help prevent it. 

Kari Harris, DeWitt County Clerk & Recorder, told Regional Radio that Property Fraud Alert, or PFA, is a subscription that is free to residents and the county that can help alert you to a criminal trying to perform property fraud. 

DeWitt County residents can sign up for the program on the county's website, and the only information they need to provide is their name and an email or phone number. Harris indicates that prevention is the best method to avoid being a victim of fraud. 

Harris recommends registering more than once if you use more than one name, for example, register the names Rob and Robert, in order to cover all of your bases. Get signed up for the free program at dewittcountyil.gov. 

We'll have more on this program with Harris next week on Regional Radio.
 

The National Weather Service in Lincoln relies on community members to help in determining rainfall amounts throughout the country.

Rainfall totals just this week have varied even from County to County and Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates they rely on community members to report those rainfall totals to a service call CoCoRaHS (coco-raws).

Shimon indicates they prefer you use a Weather Service-issued rain gauge and for those rainfall totals to be submitted by 7 am. 

This Saturday, the Clinton Community Education Foundation is hosting its first-ever Trivia Fundraiser at the Clinton Eagles, and when it comes to fundraising, scholarships are a significant part of that effort. 

Chris Shaffer with the CCEF explains that money raised from the trivia night will - among other things - go towards their scholarship programs. She notes they currently have 10 endowed scholarships with more on the way in the future. 

Not only does the CCEF provide information about its scholarships on its website, but it also participates in the high school's career fair, allowing students to ask questions about the opportunities. 

Shaffer indicates the selection process varies when it comes to scholarships. Some families that sponsor the scholarships prefer to select the student, while others leave it up to the Foundation. 

If your student could benefit from the scholarships provided by the Clinton Community Education Foundation, visit their website at ccef15.org.

Drones are becoming more popular and more accessible, but Ameren Illinois wants to remind operators, especially youth, to know their surroundings.

The utility’s Karly Combest says if your drone gets stuck in a power line, do not attempt to remove it yourself; contact Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000.

It's an old scam with a new twist - taking someone's voice and changing it into an artificially intelligent generated robocall.

These scams use only a few seconds of a person's recorded voice to send fake messages, then call on the recipient's urgency to manipulate them. According to Don O'Brien, a scam investigator with the Better Business Bureau, these AI-generated calls often target seniors.

O'Brien suggests one way to prevent these AI-generated scams is to establish a safe word with a loved one. When on the phone, use a safe word, like a password, before continuing with the conversation. If the AI-generated voice fails to provide the safe word, then you know it's a scam.

A local zoo is doing construction outside the entrance to make it pop. 

Jay Pratte is the Executive Director of the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, and on the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, he told Regional Radio that he is excited for the zoo to replace the banner that hangs above the entryway with a more permanent sign. 

Pratte says that the zoo has a large, open grassy space just outside the park that was begging to be used. The zoo will create landscaping to go alongside the four-foot-tall metal letters.  

The Miller Park Zoological Society committed $20,000 to help pay for the project, which allowed the project to begin. Pratte states that the Bloomington Parks Department is assisting with all of the landscaping and lighting. 

Some may question why a new sign has been a priority for Pratte. He indicates that AZA accreditation is not just about how you take care of the animals; it's about the culture and aesthetics of the zoo as well. 

This project comes just after the completion of the zoo's carousel restorations. Learn more about the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington by visiting mpzs.org and check out the new sign's renderings on their Facebook page. 
 

Clinton is not the only community in DeWitt County focused on a city-wide cleanup effort through code enforcement.

Taylor Baxter is the City Manager for Farmer City and indicates they too are having some troubles with properties and their upkeep. Like Clinton, they are using code enforcement to prompt a change.

Baxter notes in Farmer City, homeowners are speaking out during public comment at City Council meetings, asking the City to take action on property owners with brush and trash, and loose items in their yards.

According to Baxter, Farmer City is focusing on code enforcement and updating its zoning code book. He says it has been interesting because Farmer City last year took over its zoning from DeWitt County.

Baxter emphasizes the City does not want to take control of properties for the simple reason it is a very costly process.

Weldon Springs is a popular destination when the weather is nice, and this summer has been no exception. 

Between campers, fishing, and hiking trail traffic, Weldon Springs - while a hidden gem - can be a busy place. Patti Kinder with the Weldon Springs Foundation says over 50 kids attended this year's fishing derby and Flag Day Ceremony. Additionally, Tour DeWitt saw another success this year - originating at Weldon Springs in early June.

While two events in June were canceled due to extreme heat and will be rescheduled for another time, Kinder reminds of the adult walking group that has been started at Weldon Springs that meets on Thursdays at 9 AM.  

The Foundation's Roxeanne Snelson highlights her Stationary Birding Program - targeted towards people who may have mobility issues and cannot hike the trails. 

Weldon Springs also hosts field trips from groups like the Y's Camp Osage or homeschool programs, and Kinder encourages reaching out if you have a group that would like to come out and experience nature. 

To learn more about all of the upcoming events at Weldon Springs, find them on Facebook. 

The CCEF is hosting a new trivia fundraiser this Saturday at the Clinton Eagles and one of the more well-known ways the organization supports the school system is through its teacher grants. 

Thousands and thousands of dollars are put into Clinton Schools classrooms annually through the teacher grant program. Chris Shaffer with the Clinton Community Education Foundation explains teachers can apply and list out resources and supplies that they need for their classroom. 

The Foundation begins advertising the grant cycle in November and December. Shaffer indicates that the grants are awarded the following spring.

Learn more about this weekend's trivia fundraiser at the Clinton Eagles at ccef15.org or find the organization on Facebook. 

We’ve reached the halfway point of meteorological summer, which is a key checkpoint for DTN agriculture meteorologist John Baranick.

In the short term, he sees an active pattern continuing for Illinois with decent rainfall moving through the region through early next week.

Very tall corn at unmarked intersections leading to some reminders from Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation Rodney Knittel. (kuh-nittle).

Knittel highlighted a county farm bureau grassroots sign effort in Livingston County where they are promoting tall corn/intersection safety reminders.

The United Soybean Board meeting this week with a focus on domestic demand. Susan Watkins is USB Secretary

In addition to animal nutrition, Watkins says domestic demand can also be driven through biobased innovations like Good Year tires and soy foam.

Plus, she says high oleic soybeans can be utilized in industrial uses such as asphalt and bioplastic.

A longtime Illinois Senator is pleased that President Trump has imposed a 50-day deadline for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

It's a change of the tide for President Trump, who has threatened severe sanctions on Moscow unless a ceasefire is in place. For Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, the move by the Republican President is welcome news.

Last week, the Trump administration reversed course after pausing some shipments and announced a defensive weapons shipment to Ukraine. That shipment will contain mostly patriot air defense missiles designed to stop incoming attacks.

If Russia and Ukraine fail to sign a ceasefire in 50 days, the Trump Administration is prepared to impose 100% tariffs on countries that do business with Russia.

A new liquor store is open in Clinton.

Bishap Patel and his family own and operate 'Clinton Liquor' at Clinton Plaza. He explains they have owned similar establishments in Jacksonville and Lincoln, among other places.

Patel says one thing they like to do is fulfill requests of customers. He indicates if there is something not in their store and they want it to let them know and they will do their best to get it.

The store has a great variety of liquors and beers. Patel indicates they have a good selection of wine and offer tobacco and cigarettes. They also have a rewards program where you get $1 off for every $100 purchased. 

Clinton Liquor opened on June 27 and is targeting a late July grand opening. You can follow them on Facebook. 
 

Clinton Mayor Helen Michelassi has been the Mayor of Clinton for just a few short months, but is hitting the ground running.

Her goal is to get everyone on the same page to move the City of Clinton forward. On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, she told Regional Radio she is meeting with many stakeholders to get a feel for how they can be a benefit to one another.

The Mayor is also meeting with City staff and administration, so when she reviews and talks about the comprehensive plan, she is better able to understand the things pertinent to specific departments.

Mayor Michelassi hopes to not just make this a Clinton effort but rather a County effort. It is her goal to bring together all the Mayors of the County to get everyone pulling in the same direction.

While the Mayor admits it is easy to get together with everyone and talk and dream, the challenge becomes putting those ideas into action. She points to one course of action she's already taking is to lead a beautification effort for the welcome signs outside of City limits.

Mayor Michelassi also noted the evaluation of the City's strategic plan is ongoing and she is working to help establish a downtown retail merchants association. We'll have more on that with the Mayor over the next few weeks on Regional Radio. 

This past weekend brought a welcome boost in moisture to areas that have been starved for rain.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service explains, west of Interstate-55 saw the most rainfall. He indicates there is a stretch of central Illinois really in need of rain.

The latest drought monitor data was released last week, just after the holiday weekend. Shimon indicates that since that release, we've received a substantial amount of rain that would alter some of those figures.

According to Shimon, it is dry, and if a storm pops up, it could drop two weeks or rain in a matter of hours.

Shimon reminds, July is the wettest month of the calendar year.

Later today (Wednesday), severe weather is expected in northern Illinois and the upper Midwest. Shimon indicates there are parts of central Illinois in the line of the threat of those storms.

The City of Clinton approved its annual portion of projects funded by the Motor Fuel Tax - or MFT - dollars at its meeting Tuesday night.

Public Works Director Steve Lobb indicates $115,000 was approved and it will be used this summer for the standard oil and chip road surfacing at various points in Clinton.

Also at Tuesday night's meeting, it was noted extensive work on South Jackson Street near Lincoln School and Mach1 gas station will be completed soon. Lobb notes that work came in at roughly $1.5-million for a complete rehab.

Lobb notes, the City will break from big projects for next summer to replenish its funds. He says there are no finalized plans for the next project.

During the month of July, those with disabilities are celebrated.

Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center, and on the WHOW Morning Show, joked that 'Piatt County Mental Health Center' was not a good name for their organization because they work so closely with those with disabilities through their day services.

According to Kirkman, they also have a vocational program that helps place individuals who are able to enter the workforce, to do that. As well as its respite care program.

Funding limitations are what mostly keep the Piatt County Mental Health Center from taking on more folks for its day services. Kirkman explains State of Illinois dollars only fund 75 people but they are hearing that number could be growing.

While the State of Illinois has touted some of the things it is doing for the developmentally disabled, Kirkman indicates there are many things they have done congruently that are detrimental to them as well. We'll have more on that with Kirkman still this month on Regional Radio. 
 

The DeWitt County Sheriff's Office is investigating vandalism to a business of Highway 51 in Wapella. 

In the overnight hours Sunday night into Monday, Casey's in Wapella was vandalized by a single individual. Sheriff Mike Walker indicates the person did significant damage to the outside of the store to gain entry and some damage inside before leaving.

The individual was masked and wearing gloves, so it will be difficult for investigators to identify the person. Sheriff Walker indicates they have released images from security footage in hopes the public can help identify them.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the non-emergency line for the Sheriff's Office at 217-935-3196. 

Solar development continues to dominate DeWitt County Land Use Committee meetings. 

At Monday night's meeting, Zoning Administrator Liz Weikle told the Committee that there are three solar companies that have applied for siting hearings. She reminds that the siting for Prairie Flats will take place on August 12th, and the Triple Black Diamond Solar and Revere Road Solar hearings are in the process of being scheduled. 

Committee Member Pat Ryan warned of the recent blackout in Spain and Portugal in April. He notes that the two countries have about 70% penetration of renewable energy sources. 

County ordinances state that any solar projects that are proposed within a one-and-a-half-mile radius of a community's city limits must receive approval from that municipality. 

Farmer City and Clinton have each turned down such solar projects in recent weeks. 

The Clinton Community Education Foundation is hosting a first-time trivia fundraiser this weekend to benefit Clinton Schools. 

Chris Shaffer with the CCEF explains one of the programs they are raising money for is dual credit courses for students. These classes give kids the opportunity to receive college credits while still in high school. 

While covering the majority of the cost for dual credit courses can be a big task, Shaffer indicates it's worth it to provide extra opportunities to students. 

Learn more about the Trivia Fundraiser taking place this Saturday at the Clinton Eagles and all the efforts from the Clinton Community Education Foundation by visiting ccef15.org or following them on Facebook. 

A wildly popular exhibit from 2022 at the DeWitt County Museum is now available in book form.

The 'Prairie Flyers of Central Illinois: A  Century of Aviation in America's Heartland' was a huge hit in 2022, spearheaded by the late John Warner. He recruited Edith Brady-Lunny and Denis Hambucken to help in the effort, and Brady-Lunny was largely charged with gathering the content that was turned into an exhibit catalog.

While Warner passed in the spring of 2023, Brady-Lunny indicates it was always planned to take the stories they had and turn them into a book.

Tuesday evening at Warner Library, Brady-Lunny, and Hambucken will be selling and signing their book. Additionally, some of the individuals highlighted in the book will be on hand as well. Hambucken says those who attend are under no obligation to purchase a book, but he hopes that if you do, you'll also get signatures of some of the featured individuals.

In addition to Tuesday's book signing, there will also be more events to promote the book at the Library during July. Brady-Lunny and Hambucken say to put July 22 and July 29 on your calendars to hear from more of the individuals featured in the book and the Prairie Flyers exhibit. 
 

The Midwest has seen a good share of precipitation in recent days but some areas could still use some moisture.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio after some dense fog lifts today, we're in store for a warm, sunny day.

After a sunny Monday, it's a soggy week ahead. Shimon indicates some hit-and-miss rain dominates the forecast, but Thursday, we're likely in for some widespread showers.

Temperatures will consistently be in the upper-80s this week. Shimon indicates Wednesday could get pretty warm - pushing heat advisory levels.

The last several days have been highlighted by periods of showers in parts of the State. Shimon indicates there are still areas that could use some good rainfall. We'll have more on that with him this week on Regional Radio. 

As much as some would like the summer to never end, a local non-profit already has its sights set on October. 

Janice Petersen, Executive Director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, explains that preparations are beginning for this year's haunted house. She says they are looking for volunteers to prepare the house for this fall.

In the early stages, Petersen indicates much of the work includes cleaning the props and rooms. As the work progresses, volunteers can expect to have tasks like putting up cardboard walls and painting them. 

Petersen encourages anyone interested to volunteer, and notes the more people they have, the more fun it is and the faster they can get the work done. She reiterates that there is no experience better than enthusiasm to help out.

If you're interested in getting involved in this year's Haunted House, you can email the Chamber at events@clintonilchamber.com or call 217-935-3364 and ask for Janice or Erin. 

Fair season in central Illinois is in full swing and this week another kicks off in west-central Illinois. 

Terri Miller Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, indicates the Menard County Fair takes place from July 15th to the 19th and it is unique because 4-Hers have already shown their general projects.

Miller-Casey notes swine and beef are always popular livestock to be shown, but they have seen a big surge of 4-H students being interested in showing goats and rabbits.

Because the 4-H show is in conjunction with the county fair, Miller-Casey says many families stay for the whole week. This is a good opportunity for families to build relationships with each other and enjoy all the county fair has to offer. 

To learn more about 4-H in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, visit extension.illinois.edu/lms. 

The Social Security Office of the Inspector General recently issued an alert warnings against a growing scam involving fraudulent remote job offers falsely claiming to be associated with SSA or other government agencies.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates scammers are posing as hiring personnel or recruiters and offering fictitious remote positions such as administrative assistant, claims processor, or virtual benefits coordinator.

According to Myers, these scammers may use fake SSA e-mail addresses, official-looking documents, or spoofed phone numbers. Additionally, they may ask you for personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking details, or copies of government-issued IDs.

Scammers are trying to exploit people’s desire for remote work. Myers indicates key warning signs of the scam: unsolicited job offers through phone call, text, e-mail, or social media, requests for personal info or payment, or pressure to act quickly or threats of missing out on an opportunity.

Visit www.ssa.gov/scam to report scams and learn more. You can also verify SSA job openings through the official SSA careers page at www.ssa.gov/careers.

The 75th Anniversary for the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. A celebration is planned for later this month. Director Andrew Davis speaking on the camp’s history during an interview with RFD Radio in 2024…..

The 75th Anniversary Celebration is Saturday, July 19.

A local hospital is making changes to the way it keeps records, which should go unnoticed by the public. 

Paul Skowron, CEO of Warner Hospital and Health Services in Clinton, explains that while this won't affect the way they provide care, it's the single biggest expenditure in the last four years. The biggest change will allow people to schedule appointments from their phone. 

Skowron indicates that the project will cost $1.8 million and will modernize the hospital to the standards of larger urban hospitals. The online appointment scheduling is set to go live on November 1st.

The DeWitt County Friendship Center is looking to fill the roles of two staff members who will be departing soon. 

Paula Jiles, Executive Director of the Friendship Center, explains that she and their Admin Assistant will both be retiring. Jiles notes that the requirements for both positions have been simplified in the interest of finding replacements for the roles. 

If you are interested in either of the roles opening up at the Friendship Center, reach out by calling 217-935-9411. Jiles mentions that more information on the roles may be going up on their Facebook page as well.

The weather held off for a warm day of 4-H general project showing. 

Toma Romero is one of the Judges at the fair, and she explains that seeing 4-Hers work hard and be intentional in the work they're doing is the best part of judging. 

Davis Howell has been showing pigs for most of his life, and he is now in his last year as a 4-Her. He says the comrodary and family that 4-Hers build with their groups is second to none. 

Ava Harper will be going into her freshman year at Monticello High School this fall, and she has turned her passion for chickens into an egg-selling business. 

The DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties 4-H Show will wrap up on Sunday with the Awards Ceremony. 

The Warner Library has been working on making its front entrance more accessible for those with mobility issues. 

Bobbi Perryman, Executive Director of the Warner Library, explains that they received a grant from the American Library Association to get the front entrance up to current ADA standards. She notes they are currently waiting to hear back from companies that could execute the construction. 

This project comes just after the completion of the new pavilion at the library, and goes alongside the major HVAC system overhaul that is also happening. Learn more about all the happenings of the Warner Library by visiting vwarner.org or finding them on Facebook. 
 

The Woodlawn Bridge has been out of commission for a few years, but change may be coming in the future. 

Tony Harris, Clinton City Administrator, explains that at the most recent City Council meeting, a concerned resident approached them about the status of the bridge. Harris indicates that the City is performing what he calls an engineering and feasibility study to determine the potential cost of rehabilitating the bridge. 

Once a decision is made on whether to restore or demolish the Woodlawn Bridge, Harris says the City will pursue grants to help cover the costs of the project.

Harris reiterates that this process is still in the very early stages. The freezing of the county's Motor Fuel Tax dollars could still add another layer of complication to the project. 
 

Weldon Springs has had a busy summer of events, and there is still more to come. 

Patti Kinder with the Weldon Springs Foundation explains that this month they will have some programs to teach about history, including the Fabulous Fossils Program this Saturday, July 12th, and the Time Capsule Program, which takes place on July 19th. 

Bird lovers can head to Weldon Springs on July 26th to participate in the Hummingbird Program with the University of Illinois Extension. Kinder also highlights the big events coming this fall, like the fishing derby and Halloween event. 

Kinder encourages keeping a close eye on the Weldon Springs Facebook page to stay up to date on all the events they will be putting on. 

Weldon Springs State Park was recently highlighted by the IDNR for the State Park Spotlight. 

A new K-9 officer will soon be assisting the Clinton Police Department.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers indicates the Department's K-9 handler, Jake Jostes, is awaiting the arrival of a new K-9 as its current police dog, Charlie, is set to retire.

Charlie has made appearances at Clinton schools and various community events. The Chief says she has been a great ambassador for the Department to the community.

The Clinton Community Educational Foundation is trying out a new fundraiser later this month.

The non-profit arm of Clinton Schools is planning a trivia night fundraiser on July 19 at the Clinton Eagles. Chris Shaffer with the Clinton Community Educational Foundation indicates they will have a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.

The trivia fundraiser helps the CCEF in its mission to invest back into the school system through financial support for teachers and students. Shaffer indicates this includes scholarships, teacher grants, and funding for dual credit courses. 

Learn more about the July 19 trivia night by visiting ccef15.org or finding them on Facebook. 
 

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has been highlighting a different state park all over social media each month, and recently highlighted what many consider a hidden gem in DeWitt County. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Patti Kinder with the Weldon Springs Foundation told Regional Radio officials from the DNR visited Weldon Springs to take pictures and perform interviews so nature lovers around the state can learn about the beautiful DeWitt County park.

Roxeanne Snelson is a Naturalist with the Weldon Springs Foundation, and explains a lot of work has been done over the years to restore and preserve the natural areas of the park, and credits current Site Superintendent, Charlie Montgomery. 

See the Weldon Springs State Park Spotlight by finding the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 
 

The Farmer City Council has declined a solar proposal for Farmer City.

At its meeting earlier this week, the Council declined the proposal after hearing from individuals in the community it would impact.

That's City Manager Taylor Baxter, who explains any proposed development within a mile and a half of City limits must get approval from the municipality before the project can go to the DeWitt County Board for approval.

Many communities are very closed off to the idea of solar development, but Baxter is hopeful in Farmer City, they would analyze each proposal on an individualized basis.

Thanks to the CEJA act in Illinois, Baxter indicates it is possible for a company to still build in a given area even if a community turns them down - depending on its willingness to pursue its case in the court system.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln is collaborating with the University of Illinois Extension to enhance awareness of when dust storms may pose a risk in central Illinois.

Dust storms have been on the rise in just the last two to three years in Illinois - highlighted by a deadly pileup on Interstate 55, south of Springfield in 20223. Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service explains that he reached out to Reagan Tibbs, Commercial Ag Educator with the Extension, to get a better idea of field conditions. He believes this information could be the missing piece for predicting dust storms. 

Shimon indicates they are specifically looking to learn more about soil conditions. While they can predict things like high heat and wind, field conditions can vary depending on how recently it has rained or how much watering the fields are receiving. Dry soil can very easily be picked up by the wind, causing dangerous dust storms. 

The growing number of widespread dust events lead Shimon to believe this is due to changes in soil type as well as a practice called drain tiling, which allows soil to dry out quicker than it ever has. 

When dust storms do appear in the area, it's important to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and especially stay off the roads during low visibility conditions. 

The DeWitt and Piatt County Farm Bureaus have been looking for a new Ag in the Classroom coordinator for some time, but now the search is over. 

Pam Chambers stepped into the role in March and told Regional Radio on the Noon Farm Show Wednesday that after retiring from over 30 years of teaching, she was in search of a way to get back into the classroom and make an impact on local youth. 

Chambers explains that she has always had a passion for kids. She feels that students do not learn enough about agriculture in the common curriculum, even though she does not have an ag background. 

As a Chicago native, Chambers did not grow up with experiences in agriculture. As she progressed through the onboarding process, she leaned on Sarah Kaper, the Champaign County AITC Director. 

Chambers encourages finding the Piatt-DeWitt Ag in the Classroom Facebook page to keep up with all the latest. 
 

Leadership for the City of Clinton is diving in head first to evaluate its strategic plan, and part of that is making sure the City code is easier to understand.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers has been appreciative of the effort to provide better clarity not just for his officers but for the community.

The City recently hired a new code enforcement officer, and Chief Lowers indicates he is starting to get a feel for the community and is doing a good job working with the community to get some properties cleaned up.

According to Chief Lowers, the City is truly after the extreme cases of neglect or excessive property neglect. 

Chief Lowers reiterates his Department's stance they are seeking compliance over issuing citations and fines.

Last weekend, the DeWitt County 4-H Show kicked off with a full day of horse shows. 

Kendra Wallace with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties explains that now with the horse shows out of the way, the rest of the projects will be shown starting this Thursday through Sunday. She notes visual arts have been a big category in recent years. 

Wallace indicates that they've changed the schedule a bit this year. While in the past, judging would continue all day, this year they have scheduled a break at 1 PM to allow judges time to get lunch. This is also to be sensitive to any religious observances. 

The show will wrap up on Sunday with the Awards Ceremony. Wallace says the Class Champion, as well as other winners, will be awarded. 

Learn more about the 4-H Show schedule by finding the show book at extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 

Reflecting on 34 years in the classroom. Ralph Allen is the Illinois Ag Educator of the Year. He teaches in Mt. Pulaski.

Allen has four grown children, and he’s taught all four in the classroom.

Plenty of talk about Japanese Beetles as we move along in the Illinois growing season. Kelly Estes is State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator.

You can follow Estes on X, at “ILPestSurvey”.

The new Illinois FFA Major State officer team has been office for a month now. Koben Tate is vice president and hails from Illini West Chapter.

Prior to becoming Illinois FFA Vice President, Tate was serving as Section 11 President.

At one time, Illinois was home to over 400 round and multi-sided barns, but only about 65 still stand today. Indiana author John Hanou (han-now) has written a book called “A Round Illinois: The Round and Multi-Sided Barns in the Prairie State” …..

The 208-page self-published book is available through blurb.com.

When an individual ends up in a domestic abuse situation, one of the first courses of action is an order of protection, but often the process can be a surprise to victims.

Andrea Kocher is the Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County and indicates that an order of protection is a very important piece to keeping victims safe.

According to Kocher, having an order of protection makes a huge impact on victims and the rate of abuse. She says it puts a lot of teeth behind how much power an abuser has. 

Many think the process of acquiring an order of protection is quick but Kocher explains it isn't as easy as you might think.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by Willow Tree Missions, Kocher says there are a number of ways to get a hold of them. She encourages stopping into the thrift store on Monticello's south side. You can call or text 217-762-2350.

You can also visit willowtreemissions.org or find Willow Tree Missions on Facebook. 
 

The City of Clinton is promoting the yearly garbage voucher available throughout July for a free dump at the Clinton landfill.

City Administrator Tony Harris indicates the voucher is free and is available at City Hall for a free dump at the Clinton landfill.

Harris hopes residents will take advantage of this opportunity. He and City leadership are serious about property upkeep and feel this would be a good way to help move the community forward.

The vouchers are available until Friday, August 8. Harris indicates that at the landfill, you will be required to load your things into a dumpster. 
 

Over the next ten days or so, temperatures are expected to be normal for this time of the year. 

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates temperatures this time of the year are in the mid-to-upper 80s, and that's where we'll set up in central Illinois for the next several days.

Not only is July the warmest month of the year, but it is also the wettest month of the year. Shimon indicates nearly five inches of rain fall in July, and some of that can come in very short bursts.

According to Shimon, often times the heat of the summer oscillates through the country but he notes that it is not something showing up in the outlooks.

Slight precipitation chances are being forecasted for this week in central Illinois. Temperatures should hover in the mid-to-upper 80s most of the week. 

A local police department is working with ROSC to put on a community event. 

Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister explains that they are teaming up with Logan and Mason Counties ROSC, or Recovery Oriented System of Care, to host an event called Breaking Barriers that aims to promote recovery from addiction and remove the stigma that can come with addiction. The event will be on August 9th and will feature guest speakers, food, and possibly live music. 

The Chief indicates that both the general public and some police officers have harmful stigmas about people who struggle with addiction or mental health issues. He hopes that breaking the stigma of addiction will go both ways and break the stigma faced by police officers. 

The partnership between ROSC and the Lincoln Police Department is strong. Chief Meister says they are working with a number of local organizations on an initiative called Task Deflection. 

The Breaking Barriers community event takes place on August 9th from 12 PM to 3 PM on 5th Street in Lincoln. Learn more about the department's community outreach efforts by visiting lincolnil.gov/police-department. 
 

No one wants to admit when they have a hard time taking care of themselves at home, but Synergy Home Care is working to make that challenge easier for individuals and families. 

Taylor Stevens, Regional Community Liaison with Synergy Home Care, explains they provide at-home care to seniors and those with disabilities all over central Illinois, to keep them in their homes rather than an assisted living center. 

Stevens stresses that you are never signing a contract when receiving care from Synergy. Rather, it's an agreement that can be adjusted to your specific needs.  

Synergy Home Care most often serves the elderly, especially after an incident such as a fall in the home. Stevens notes that while this is the most common, they can serve any needs that come their way. 

All of the care providers from Synergy Home Care are employees, not volunteers. This means they are trained, licensed, and background checked through Synergy. This ensures the best and safest care that they can provide. 

Synergy is constantly communicating with its clients to make sure they are receiving the care they need. The care provider keeps detailed notes of their day-to-day so that trends can be noticed before the "point of no return."

If you are interested in receiving care from Synergy Home Care for yourself or a loved one, visit synergyhomecare.com or call 877-432-2697 for more information. 

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker announced Monday he will seek re-election in the upcoming spring 2026 primary election.

In a release early Monday, the two-term Sheriff touts his extensive experience locally in law enforcement and many years in administration. 

Sheriff Walker calls it 'an honor to serve the citizens of this great county' and is thankful for the support he's been shown in his time as Sheriff.

Walker currently lives in Clinton and is a native of Pana, Illinois. He will be seeking the Republican nomination for the general election next November. 

Registration for Community Action's early childhood education program, Head Start, is open and its leadership is encouraging getting that process started now. 

Krissy Conklen with Community Action explains registration is underway for the next school year, so she is encourages getting signed up as soon as possible. She reminds Head Start is a needs-based program. 

Conklen indicates that Head Start is always in need of educators. In DeWitt County specifically, they are in need of a Family Educator. These teachers will make home visits once a week for 90 minutes to help build foundational skills. 

If you are interested in signing your child up for Community Action's Head Start program or applying for any of the educator roles they are in need of, visit capcil.info.

Depending on where you are at in central Illinois, drought could be impacting you.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service says there are parts of Illionois that are seeing early signs of drought thanks to very localized precipitation the last few weeks.

Rainfall has been very localized in the last few weeks has been very spotty. Shimon says it could just be within a mile or two of an area receiving rain and another not.

Shimon indicates you have to go back to mid-June to find the most substantial rainfall in central Illinois. While drought is hit-and-miss locally, there are areas in northern Illinois with impactful drought.

After a hot Fourth of July holiday weekend, temperature outlooks show normal trend to the middle of July. Additionally, July is the wettest month of the year but those tend to fall in short bursts.

2025 marks nearly 90 years of Social Security in the United States. 

Whether you are approaching retirement age or decades from it, if you are an adult who is working and paying into Social Security, now is a good time to start thinking about Social Security. Jacky Myers with Social Security says creating your own mySocialSecurity account is a great way to start planning for the financial independence you one day hope to achieve through retirement. 

Over the years, Social Security has adapted to the way a lot of people conduct business, and that is from the comfort of their own homes. Myers explains Social Security has done a lot to make conducting business with them easier.

You can also start or change your direct deposit. Myers points out this is for Social Security beneficiaries only.

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to get started.

>>Illinois Farm Bureau Awaits Governor's Signature on Nuisance Legislation

Still awaiting the Governor’s signature on the deer nuisance legislation that was approved by the Illinois General Assembly last spring. The measure was a priority of the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Kevin Semlow serves as Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities.

The DeWitt County 4-H Show began on Saturday with the 4-Hers showing off their horses. 

Dan Enos, President of the DeWitt County Fair Board told Regional Radio from the fairgrounds that due to inclement weather on Sunday, they packed the whole show into one day. 

Stephanie Neison has been showing horses for her entire life, and at this year's fair she showed her pony named Sitka. She participated in Halter and Showmanship, and did well in both.

4-H Youth Development Educator, Henry Craft explains that the horse show is just the beginning of the fair. Beginning Thursday, the rest of the 4-H projects will be on display for judging. 

4-Hers have been working hard all year long to show off their projects, and you can see them this Thursday through Sunday at the DeWitt County Fair Grounds in Clinton. Learn more about 4-H in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties by visiting extension.illinois.edu/dmp.

In the efforts towards conservation and animal quality of life, a local zoo has transferred some animals out and welcomed new ones. 

Heather Purdeu, Director of the Scovill Zoo in Decatur explains that they have been busy with people coming to see the new mountain lion exhibit that opened in April. She also notes that Jack, on of the intact camels at the zoo, has been transferred to a facility that will better suit his needs. 

The zoo received a new camel to take Jack's place, and Purdeu indicates that they use the "Howdy Method" to introduce new animals to each other, which begins with limited interaction, often between a barrier, and takes slow steps towards the animals being in the same enclosure. 

Purdeu also mentions that entry to the zoo is free every Thursday. Visit all of the new and existing exhibits at the Scovill Zoo located at 71 S Country Club Rd in Decatur.

Last week was Lightning Safety Awareness Week. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio that any thunderstorm can produce lightning, up to ten miles away from the system. He encourages anyone who hears thunder to get indoors as soon as possible. 

Earlier this week on Regional Radio, we highlighted Warner Hospital keeping a close watch over potential cuts to Medicaid.

CEO Paul Skowron indicates the City-owned facility is hoping for the best but planning for the worst. However, he points out they are somewhat insulated from the devastating impacts of the proposed cuts thanks to conservative budgeting for over a decade.

According to Skowron, one of the benefits of the geographical location for Clinton is the fact they are surrounding by bigger healthcare facilities with a great deal of resources. He says good relationships with them are key to providing great care to patients.

With the passage of the Trump administration's spending plan this week, Skowron will continue to monitor just how much of an impact that will have on the City-owned facility.

A local zoo is dipping their toes into a new 21 and up event. 

Heather Purdeu, Director of the Scovill Zoo in Decatur explains on July 11th they will be hosting a new event called The Sip and Stroll. The evening is exclusive to those who are 21 and older, and will feature a cash-bar. Tickets are $25 if you purchase online and $30 at the door. 

The Ice Cream Safari is returning to the zoo on Sunday, July 20th. Purdeu indicates that Tillamook is sponsoring the event and providing the ice cream, and Macon County Sheriff's Department representatives will be serving it. She also reminds that the zoo will be open on July 4th. 

To learn more about upcoming events at the Scovill Zoo, visiting decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo. 

Every two years, DeWitt County is required by federal and state agencies to perform a nuclear disaster drill. 

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker feels the County is lucky to have Will Paveleck and Annette Lashbrook in the EMA Office, because of all the hard work that they put into organizing an exercise like this, which often goes unnoticed. 

Sheriff Walker indicates that they are not privy to what the actual exercise entails before it begins. The exercise is designed this way to ensure that the actions of first responders are as organic as possible. They may also be faced with other hypothetical emergencies that could happen at the same time.

DeWitt County residents should not notice any differences in the regular patrols of county or city law enforcement as that is part of what the departments are graded on. The Sheriff can only recall one time that the exercise was not passed with flying colors. 

While the Sheriff's Department is not always preparing for a nuclear incident in the county, Sheriff Walker notes that they are often participating in EMA trainings and exercises to stay ready. 

The Sheriff mentions that not every power plant exercise is about a nuclear release. The exercise that will take place in 2027 will deal with hostile action at the plant. 

The Sheriff reminds us that the full exercise will be taking place on July 22nd. If you notice an abundance of FEMA and emergency vehicles around the power plant, He encourages you to not be alarmed. 

A warm holiday weekend is in store.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio it should be two days of sunny skies with chances of rain rolling in on Sunday.

Shimon reminds when you hear a heat index value, that is for a shaded area. He indicates the heat index in the sun is a plus-10 to 15 value.

Getting through the holiday weekend, Saturday remains warm, and Shimon indicates it cools down on Sunday in time for chances of more pop-up rainstorms in the afternoon.

Shimon encourages keeping cool even though the heat indices are not going to reach the level of a heat advisory. He says lightweight clothing and lots of water are the key.

Summertime roadwork repairs are underway in Lincoln, and one project is located in a historic part of the community, adding a layer of complication.  

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch explains one major project will take place on Tremont Street between Union and Logan. He says the project will cost between $1 and $2 million, and the presence of historical homes adds another layer of complexity. 

There's a nostalgia for some Lincolnites over the brick roads still present in parts of the community. While the construction will take place in a historical part of town, the Mayor believes the road does not have brick like others nearby. 

The City of Lincoln is continuing to pursue improvements to Fifth Street Road on the west side of town - a process that has gone excruciatingly slow. 

A central Illinois domestic abuse advocate is reporting a year-over-year decline in the reports of abuse.

Andrea Kocher is the Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions and indicates that from last July to this July, her requests for services have decreased.

Kocher indicates that around June and July, they can typically see a spike in individuals coming to them for services, but at the halfway point of the calendar year, she indicates it has not been nearly as busy as years past.

Kocher is optimistic that the education they have been doing is starting to work. She is hopeful that awareness of the issue of domestic abuse is becoming more prominent.

Kocher is also concerned that the decrease could be due to people not calling in their issues. She indicates that the summer is naturally a slower time for Willow Tree.

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

Motor fuel tax dollars to DeWitt County have been frozen by the Illinois Department of Transportation, but local officials are optimistic the freeze will be temporary and those dollars should be accessible very soon.

DeWitt County Board Chair Joe Witte tells Regional Radio the issue stems back to December when the County received a notice about paperwork for various projects not being complete. 

According to Witte, the temporary freeze has become an issue for DeWitt County township road commissioners as they try to order supplies for this year's summer maintenance work.

Witte admits, one of the issues at play is the short-staffed nature of the County Highway Department. Witte indicates the County only employs its full-time engineer, Mark Mathon, however, two vacant positions remain. The County Board recently took action to provide relief to Mathon in this circumstance.

Witte indicates the project most impacted by the freeze of MFT dollars has been the repair of the Washington Bridge in rural DeWitt County - which has been out of commission for a couple of years now. 

A brief meeting of the Clinton City Council Tuesday night was highlighted by friendly reminders of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Mayor Helen Michelassi reminded of the fireworks display set for Saturday, July 5. Clinton traditionally holds its fireworks display on the fifth to save money. The City of Clinton is taking on the display this year, whereas in years past, the now-defunct Celebrate Clinton Association had organized it.

Commissioner of Public Safety Dan Ballenger indicated that firefighters would be out ahead of the fireworks presentation, preparing the grounds. He encourages awareness of the dry conditions.

The fireworks originate at the property in front of Sunset Inn and Suites.

The Fourth of July holiday weekend is sure to bring out the fun, and local authorities are promoting safety for whatever activities you may have in store.

Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister is encouraging those who want to shoot off fireworks, mostly of the illegal variety, to enjoy the display hosted by the City of Lincoln at the Park District.

Domestic calls are universally up for law enforcement, and Chief Meister is encouraging if those gathering turn rowdy, sometimes the best thing to do is to step away and find some alone time. Responsible consumption of mind-altering substances can go a long way.

Check out dewittdailynews.com for Fourth of July activities taking place in your community this weekend.

Despite the United States dumping 14-bunker-buster bombs on Iran's nuclear facilities, gas prices could be lower heading into the 4th of July holiday.

In retaliation to the bombings, Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base and threatened to close off the Straight of Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world's oil flows through. However, Patrick DeHaan, a petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, notes that gas prices in the U.S. are lower due to a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

According to DeHaan, closing off the Straight of Hormuz would be nearly impossible due to the Straight being over 20 miles wide.

2025 shaping up to be another big year for tornadoes in Illinois. Following an outbreak on June 18 in the central part of the state, Illinois is now at 129 twisters for the year says State Climatologist Trent Ford.

Illinois is coming off a record year for tornadoes in 2024 when there were 142. Prior to last year, 2006 held the record for most tornadoes in Illinois with 125.

Leaders from the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office are reminding the public of firework safety ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

According to JC Fultz, spokesman for the Fire Marshal's Office, some fireworks can burn up to 12-hundred degrees. That's hot enough to turn steel glowing red or leave significant burns. For those that are participating, Fultz says you need to follow these guidelines.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office reports that 45 Illinoisans were hospitalized in 2024 for 156 different firework-related injuries.

Leaders say the majority of the injuries are from mortars, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

Winter wheat harvest is underway in Illinois. An update from Paul Munie, who farms in St. Clair County.

The latest Illinois crop report earlier this week indicated 17-percent of the winter wheat crop had been harvested.

Volunteers are needed to staff the specialty growers tent during this year’s Illinois State Fair says Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo.

Last year, 5,893 customers passed through the specialty growers tent during the state fair.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of COUNTRY Financial with a corn maze. Adam Rader of Rader Family Farms in Normal planted the design last month……

The 10-acre corn maze will feature a design inspired by the COUNTRY legacy.

The maze will officially open to the public in September.

Making the call. That’s the first step if you’re thinking about seeking professional help. Rachel Brown is a licensed professional counselor with a focus on farm families.

Again, the Farm Family Resource Initiative number through the SIU Med School is 833 FARM SOS. Brown is a former Illinois FFA state officer.

Illinois Farm Bureau promoting a member exclusive NASCAR Enjoy Illinois 300 Experience at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois on Sept. 7.

IFB Member Engagement Manager Ashley Beutke says tickets are $200, a $400 value and can be purchased through your local county farm bureau office.

A years in the making project is underway this week at the Warner Library in Clinton.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Library Executive Director Bobbi Perryman told Regional Radio the HVAC system has, for several years now, needed to be updated after what she describes as a catastrophic failure.

As the library has prepared for these improvements, Perryman indicates there have been many issues with heating and cooling. 

Perryman stresses there are no tax increases that will help pay for this. They have been putting money aside for nearly four years to make this project happen.

The project in total is roughly $2.3-million. Perryman anticipates major construction to begin in August with a targeted completion date of January. 

For now, the Library is uncertain of any service interruptions or building access issues. She indicates they have contingencies for anything that may come up during this project.

For more information, visit vwarner.org or find the Warner Library on Facebook. 

DeWitt County

July 4th, Farmer City - @ Farmer City Raceway

July 5th, Clinton - near Rt 51 & Kleeman Drive

Logan County

July 3rd, Lincoln - @ Lincoln Rec Center

July 4th, Mt. Pulaski

July 5th, Atlanta - @ The Ball Diamond

McLean County

July 4th, Heyworth - @ Centennial Park

July 4th, Bloomington - @ Miller Park

July 4th, Downs - @ Dooley Park

July 4th, Normal - @ Fairview Park

July 5th, El Paso - @ El Paso Golf Club

Macon County

July 3rd, Mt. Zion

July 4th, Decatur

Piatt County

July 3rd, Monticello - @ Monticello Freedom Fest

July 4th, Bement - @ Bement Forest Preseve Park

Rural hospitals across the country are closely monitoring the budgeting process in Washington, DC, in hopes the Trump administration spares Medicaid from cuts.

Warner Hospital CEO Paul Skowron indicates this is something they are not only keeping close tabs on but they are beginning to plan for in the event they get passed.

While many rural hospitals in other parts of the State and country, Skowron notes they don't rely on Medicaid as much as other places, but it would still be a potential reduction in revenue if passed.

According to Skowron, Medicaid is a funding match program through the Federal government. Because Illinois relies on those federal dollars more so than other states, it is very concerning for many communities.

While Trump has put a deadline of July 4 on passing his spending plan, Skowron notes the budget does not have to be passed until the fall. While lawmakers work towards the Tump-imposed deadline, Skowron indicates they are continuing to advocate to avoid the Medicaid cuts.

Skowron is hoping for the best but planning for the worst.