A bi-annual assessment of Illinois youth will be given later this spring.

Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and indicates the Illinois Youth Survey is given to eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders in Illinois. It is a self-reporting survey of various aspects of overall wellness.

According to Kirkman, agencies in Illinois like the Piatt County Mental Health Center, take this data and use it to inform them of the challenges facing teens in their communities.

Survey results take about two to three months to return to the Piatt County Mental Health Center. Kirkman indicates it is a great guide in informing him of how they can best serve youth in the community through education. 

While many focus on boys and girls basketball this time of year, a new wrestling co-op has taken the scene by storm this winter season. 

DeLand-Weldon High School Wrestling Coach Justin Ernst told the Hart Media Group that they were able to start the wrestling program this year by being the host school in a co-op involving Blue Ridge, Cerro-Gordo, and Bement high schools. 

Ernst is in his first year as a head coach, although he has had a long wrestling career. He is instilling values like perseverance and hard work in his athletes. 

Ernst hopes the numbers and enthusiasm for the team will only grow in the future. The team will participate in the Colfax Ridgeview Individual Class 1A Regional this Saturday. 

Healthcare facilities annually anticipate a spike in cold and flu cases as the coldest of the winter settles in.

Warner Hospital in Clinton CEO Paul Skowron indicates that as the heart of winter settles in on Clinton and central Illinois, the cold and flu cases are increasing. He is predicting a prolonged cold and flu season this year.

Skowron reminds it is not too late to get your flu shot for this current flu season. Additionally, COVID has not been as prominent this winter, but RSV and other respiratory illnesses are prominent again this year. 

Skowron says the city-owned facility's walk-in clinic is the preferred option for those with the traditional winter-time illnesses. 
 

The CH Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum is celebrating a very successful 2025. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Executive Director Joey Long told the Hart Media Group before they opened in April, they were working on restoring the floors of the mansion. 

According to Long, they were represented in the Looking for Lincoln Visitors Guide, as well as hosted Lincoln Historian Guy Fraker. 

July led to the unveiling of the ‘Picture Perfect’ exhibit. Long explains for this project, they reprinted, enlarged, and enhanced historical photos so originals could be stored away for safekeeping. This initiative was largely funded by sponsorships. 

The Apple N' Pork Festival is the Museum's biggest event of the year - evidenced by the thousands upon thousands that come to Clinton year after year. The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Homestead and many of Clinton's non-profits. 

Long is grateful for all the hands that helped the Homestead have a successful 2025, and looks forward to opening for the 2026 season in April.

Find the Homestead on Facebook to keep up with the plans at the Museum in 2026.

The DeWitt County Soil Water Conservation District is inviting the public to its annual meeting with a great presentation set.

The annual meeting is next Friday, Feb. 6, starting at 8 am at the Clinton Country Club. 

Check-in begins at 7:30 am. 

Renowned Atmospheric Scientist Eric Snodgrass will present after the annual meeting. Sodgrass is with Conduit and is known for his predictive tools, helping producers navigate weather risks. His recent work harnesses machine learning to boost yield production and enhance long-range forecasting. 

Register by the end of the day tomorrow (Friday) by calling the Soil Water Conservation District office at 217-935-2181, EXT 3.

Again, the annual meeting is next Friday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 am with a breakfast served. 

The DeWitt County Board last week approved the purchase of a new security machine for the County Courthouse. 

On the WHOW Morning Show, Thursday, Sheriff Mike Walker told the Hart Media Group that County Building security personnel have utilized the same X-ray machine as people entered the building for almost 30 years, but it recently bit the dust, and an emergency purchase for a new machine was approved by the County Board last week.  

The new machine will cost roughly $34,000, which - by County ordinance - means the project would have had to be bid out; however, they were able to avoid this by declaring the lack of a machine an emergency. 

Sheriff Walker is excited for all the new features they will have access to, like making weapons detection easier, in addition to an AI component to the machine that will detect other hazards an individual may have on them.

The Sheriff estimates that the new machine will arrive in 90 days. In the meantime, security personnel are forced to hand-search bags and purses, which could put them in harm's way and slow down the flow of traffic into the building. 

This was not a budgeted expense for the Sheriff’s Office or the County. He hopes, though, they can include a new metal detector in their budget in the future.
 

Last year, the DeWitt County Board's finance committee was approached by PSI - the provider of ambulance service to DeWitt County - about financial challenges it faces.

In a response to that, the DeWitt County Board last week approved an adjustment in its payment schedule for the dollars levied for the service. Board Chair Joe Witte indicates this will allow them to reduce the levy but increase what they pay out to PSI.

PSI informed the finance committee that they are operating at a loss. Witte admits the County is in a bind because they have maxed out the levy it can assess for the ambulance service.

Witte is optimistic that the two sides will be able to find a way to keep the service in DeWitt County. The ambulance service in some parts of rural Illinois has gone away because of the rising costs they are dealing with. 
 

Mental health is a major focus for school districts around the area, and a group of Piatt County students is doing their best to support their peers. 

Bement High School senior Emma Garlutzo (Gar-loot-zo) told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW High School Road Tour that Life Savers is a group centered around students supporting students and notes they put a big focus on suicide prevention.

Garlutzo says they host service opportunities like highway or school clean-ups to give back to the community. She adds that they will be busy with plenty of opportunities for students to join them in serving the community during the second semester. 

New members are elected to the club each year, and Garlutzo explains that in order for them to have the tools necessary to complete their goals, students can participate in the Life Savers Retreat. She says it is three days and two nights of learning essential, and sometimes life-saving, skills. 

Garlutzo encourages those interested in joining to visit the Monticello/Bement Life Savers Facebook and Instagram pages.

A coalition of central Illinois leaders who do emergency planning for schools recently discussed how to utilize students who carry a cell phone in those procedures.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross told the Hart Media Group that the Regional Office of Education regularly brings together schools in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties to do planning scenarios for emergencies within the school systems.

According to Chief Bross, the coalition recently heard from an FBI agent regarding youth and their cell phones, specifically how those have become detrimental to student safety.

Chief Bross notes the conversation shifted to at least utilizing students' access to their cell phones in their reunification plans. 

A portion of the presentation by the FBI agent brought to their meeting also discussed the dangers of kids' unfettered access to their cell phones and some of the dangers kids face today online. 
 

DeWitt County fire departments will notice a significant improvement in communication later this year when a new communication line is added. 

DeWitt County 9-1-1 Coordinator, Karen Clevenger, explains that a new line for DeWitt County fire departments is going to improve coordination and communication between firefighters. She indicates the old lines just become outdated.

Clevenger indicates much of this work began before she started at the CENCOM office about ten months ago. They are anticipating a spring installation for the new lines.

According to Clevenger, the current setup can become congested due to all the traffic going through a single line of communication. 

The Blue Ridge FFA Chapter saw a lot of success in 2025, and now they're preparing to exceed those expectations in 2026.

Blue Ridge FFA Advisory Jacalyn Meisner explains that the next thing on their radar is the Interview Blitz. She says this is an opportunity for students to participate in mock interviews that prepare them for upcoming award recognition interviews, as well as interviews for jobs or other events they may experience in the future. 

FFA week is right around the corner, which gives chapters across the Country the chance to highlight the work they are doing. Many will also make headway in recruiting efforts as they prepare to welcome new students next school year. 

Meisner says while FFA can be a lot of work at times, it's rewarding to see the relationships and memories that are made through it. Blue Ridge Superintendent Ryan Peyton notes that he is very proud of the group and program they have. 

To learn more about all things FFA in Blue Ridge, find them on Facebook and Instagram. 
 

Big projects have been front and center at Warner Hospital in Clinton for the last few years.

In 2026, things should calm down, says CEO Paul Skowron. On the WHOW Morning Show on Tuesday, he told the Hart Media Group that they want to simply be able to get used to all the things that have changed in the last two or three years.

According to Skowron, the city-owned facility remains well-staffed, and while many rural healthcare facilities struggle with staffing, that hasn't been the case in Clinton. He points out, however, that the projects of the last few years have put a lot of stress on their staff.

Skowron says the year ahead could be challenging. With very little movement on reimbursement rates and the increased expenses, margins are only getting thinner for facilities like Warner Hospital and Health Services.

The Warner Hospital Foundation is getting ready for a March glo-bingo event. He encourages the community to follow the Hospital Facebook page as details about that event come out in the weeks ahead.
 

The Master Gardener Program provides local experts for all of your gardening inquiries.

Terri Casey, University of Illinois Extension Director for Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that if you have a passion for backyard agriculture and helping your community, now is the perfect time to get signed up for training to become a Master Gardener. She notes it's Tuesday from February 3rd to April 14th, from 9 AM to noon. 

Even if you are not interested in becoming a Master Gardener yourself, Casey indicates that they are always available to answer any questions you may have about your garden. From pest identification to best recommended growing practices, Casey emphasizes that they are extremely knowledgeable. 

Casey calls the Master Gardeners a "Force Multiplier," as they help answer questions and support the work done by Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Extension Ag Educator Jennifer Fishburn. They also often serve in community gardens. 

You can learn more about trainings and find more information related to the Master Gardeners Program by visiting extension.illinois.edu/mg. To follow along with the Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, find them on Facebook. 
 

A central Illinois lawmaker is re-introducing legislation that would address the State of Illinois issues with its dealings in renewable energy.

State Senator Sally Turner indicates one issue she has with the State's handling of wind and solar is what she calls archaic, and wants the State to make its first update in nearly 20 years.

The Lincoln Republican has long been a proponent of tougher laws around fentanyl. She will continue to push for tougher penalties against people bringing drugs to Illinois laced with fentanyl.

Sen. Turner is optimistic that her efforts towards curbing the instances of people being exposed to and sometimes succumbing to exposure to fentanyl will move forward, given that it is an election year and the growing unpopularity of the Safe-T legislation.

The renewable energy efforts for conservative lawmakers continue as Illinoisans battle record-high power bills. Meanwhile, the State continues to supersede local control around the development of renewable energy. 
 

A proposal to the Clinton Board of Education at last week's monthly meeting has gained traction with the district.

Superintendent Drew Goebel indicates a concerned resident approached the Board of Education about fencing in the playground at Clinton Elementary School.

According to Goebel, the fence would not encompass the entirety of the playground, but they would seek to secure the west and south sides of the playground from the adjacent neighborhood and Illini Drive.

Goebel calls it a safety issue and feels it would be a good barrier to keep kids safe at CES.

The district would likely see the fence built in the summer when approved by the Board of Education later this spring. 
 

At last week's DeWitt County Board meeting, the Board approved the contractor for a repair to a rural bridge that has been closed for a few years.

DeWitt County Highway Engineer Mark Mathon indicates the bid for work on the Washington Street bridge to Stark Excavating was approved, and the bid was under budget.

According to Maton, issues with the original deck beams caused the closure a couple of years ago. It will be demolished and rebuilt.

Mathon says it is a roughly 50-day project, and they are waiting on the weather to clear enough for work to begin. He anticipates work being completed by the summer.
 

Scams to steal your personal information continue to be problematic - that’s why it remains critical to safeguard important personal documents like your Social Security card.

Jack Myers with Social Security reminds us that most of the time, you will not need to show your card to anybody.  Your Social Security card is not an identity document. 

In many situations, you only need to know your Social Security number (SSN). If you are going to have a business need for your Social Security card, Myers points out, you’ll typically know about that in advance, and you can take your card that day.  

Remember to take your Social Security card out of your wallet or purse, though, and put it back in its safe spot afterwards, and keeping it at home reduces the risk of loss or theft and helps you keep your information safe. 

To learn more about fraud and identity theft, please visit www.ssa.gov/fraud. If you’d like to learn about Social Security-related scams, visit www.ssa.gov/scams. 

Heavy snow is in the forecast for this weekend, which will likely impact road conditions throughout central Illinois. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers indicates that to stay safe, people should slow down, remain attentive while behind the wheel, and, as always, wear a seatbelt. Giving yourself extra time to get to your destination is a great way to ensure a safe arrival. 

The Chief notes that while they do not want to tow vehicles, especially in the snow, parked vehicles in violation of the snow route ordinance will be subject to citations and the possibility of being towed. 

Those interested in finding out more information on snow routes can reference City Ordinance 6-2-9 on the City's website. Signs are also posted along the routes to detail where and when parking is prohibited.

Service is a major focus of the National Honor Society, and a local high school is achieving that by hosting a blood drive. 

On the WHOW High School Road Tour Thursday, Argenta-Oreana National Honor Society Advisor Abby Carlin told the Hart Media Group that they have organized a blood drive for Wednesday, January 28th. She says the Red Cross has struggled greatly with blood donations recently. 

Again, the blood drive is being held on January 28th at Argenta-Oreana High School. Carlin adds that this is only one of the many service opportunities that are put on by the National Honor Society.

With tax season upon us, local authorities are advising the public to be on the lookout for increased scam attempts.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers points to a recent social media post by the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office about a scam attempt they encountered. He says it involved an individual posing as law enforcement and asking for payment.

Sheriff Mike Walker and Chief Lowers keep their respective departments' Facebook pages up to date with many scam trends. Follow them on social media to keep up with the latest in Clinton and DeWitt County.
 

If you are planning on voting by mail in the upcoming spring primary, be aware of a recent change to the postage dates of those ballots.

At the Thursday night DeWitt County Board meeting, DeWitt County Clerk Kari Harris informed the public of a change by the Postal Service that is going to impact when postmarks and when those mail-in ballots would be sent to her office.

The Clerk's office is encouraging voters not to wait to get those ballots and get them in the mail about seven days before the election. You can also get a same-day postmark through the Post Office.

February 5 is the first day for mail-in ballots to go out in DeWitt County. You will be seeing notices about this change with the reminder to get those ballots in the mail at least seven days ahead of the election.

Harris also indicates there is an option to just drop ballots off in the Clerk's office ahead of the election.

The primary election is Tuesday, March 17. 
 

A local school district created a theme for the year to help promote giving your best in all you do. 

Warrensburg-Latham High School Principal Allison Nolen told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW High School Road Tour that this year's theme in the building is "All In." She says it's about promoting accountability and effort in students in and out of class. 

School Report Card data from the Illinois State Board of Education is a big player when it comes to decision-making in schools, and Nolen indicates they needed to focus on attendance. She says the ‘Link Crew’ has been a beneficial program in making students feel like they belong at Warrensburg-Latham, which has helped improve attendance.

Student mental health is a big focus for schools across the Country, and many kids struggle with the transition to high school and living in the internet age, especially since the pandemic. Nolen explains that the 'Link Crew' program has focused on improving student mental health at Warrensburg-Latham. 

To learn more about all the happenings of Warrensburg-Latham High School, find them on Facebook. 

A stretch of bitterly cold weather is coming in with the threat of snow to join the mix.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, DeWitt County CENCOM Coordinator Karen Clevenger says the cold tends to bring calls to the dispatch center regarding residents concerned about their neighbors.

Clevenger remind thats, whether it is snow that is possibly coming this weekend or any future events, particularly those that fall during the work week, not to inquire with dispatch about the conditions of the roads.

In the event of weather that would lead to travel conditions being impacted, visit gettingaroundillinois.com for the latest in road conditions near you. 
 

A central Illinois non-profit is doing some self-reflection as we head into the new year.

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois, or CAPCIL, is doing an evaluation of its mission and if they are meeting that mission. Breann Titus is the Chief Visionary Officer for Community Action and indicates they are evaluating how they are doing in fulfilling the agency's mission.

Titus admits her and her staff can lose sight of the small victories they help their clients achieve. To not lose sight of those things, the staff at Community Action has started to do a weekly inventory of the good things going on.

In addition to looking inward, Titus adds that they are also assessing what the community's needs are, if they have programming to meet that need, or if they need to consider adding programs.

Titus indicates Community Action will continue to deliver services to those in the community who have come to rely on services, like its food pantry, LIHEAP, and many others, as well as its hand-up services to lift people out of poverty. 
 

Residents of Lincoln know, Sixth Street Road, going west past Lincoln Parkway, is a rough stretch of road.

It's been nearly 30 years since plans have been in motion for the road to be worked on, but nothing has ever been done. That should change in 2026, says Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch.

To get to this place, the City of Lincoln worked for many years to acquire land when the project had a large scope. Mayor Welch indicates, for now, the City of Lincoln will retain those parcels of land it acquired during the process.

The Mayor hopes to see dirt moving on Sixth Street Road as soon as this spring and anticipates it being multiple years before it is a finished product, but looks forward to having a nice street for that part of the community.

Sixth Street Road connects several neighborhoods to the City of Lincoln as well as houses several manufacturing plants on Lincoln's west side.

New leadership will be in place for Lincoln and Douglas Schools starting next year, and an assistant principal could be hired as soon as February.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton Schools Superintendent Drew Goebel indicates Mrs Jessica Patrick has submitted her resignation, and so the district will be working to find her replacement. Mrs Patrick will stay in her current position until the end of the school year.

According to Goebel, Clinton's Lincoln and Douglas Schools have an immediate need for an assistant principal. He explains that having students from the same grade level at two different buildings, but only one principal, creates a void in leadership. 

Adding to the necessity of this position, Goebel indicates that the restructuring of Lincoln and Douglas Schools for next year will require an assistant principal.

Goebel anticipates the assistant principal for Lincoln and Douglass Schools to be voted on for approval in February. However, that person will only take on that role for the second semester, then the job will be reposted after the school year for next year, where that person can reapply.

The Clinton Board of Education approved the position for an assistant principal at Lincoln and Douglass Schools for the second semester at its Tuesday night meeting. Additionally, the Board approved the resignation of Mrs Patrick on Tuesday night. 
 

The transition from middle school to high school can be a scary one, but Clinton High School is doing its best to make it a little easier. 

Principal Jerry Wayne told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW High School Road Tour that supporting students is an everyday job when you work in education. One upcoming event in this effort is Freshman Orientation on February 3rd at 6 PM. 

The school is inviting incoming freshmen and their families to come in to get comfortable with the building's layout, find their lockers, and learn about the expectations of being a high schooler. 

McKegan Morgan is the Vice President of Key Club at Clinton, and explains that, among other service opportunities they host, they assist with putting Freshman Orientation together. 

Again, Clinton High School Freshman Orientation is for incoming students and their families, and takes place on February 3rd at 6 PM. 
 

The University of Illinois Extension is hosting an annual, must-attend event for producers in central Illinois. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Extension Director Terri Casey told the Hart Media Group the Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting comes around again on February 10th, from 9 AM to noon. Participants can learn about cattle farming and soil health.  

The Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting will feature expert speakers from the University of Illinois Extension and beyond, who will be providing information on a variety of agriculture topics. 

This is an event that is looked forward to by many. Casey indicates that it is a great opportunity to find crucial information for your operation, while simultaneously serving as a home for networking and fellowship between cattle producers and ranchers. 

Learn more about the February 10th Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms.

A local entrepreneurship program is recruiting its next batch of students for the school year 2026-27.

Melanie Brown is the facilitator for the Central Illinois CEO program that brings in students from Blue Ridge, Clinton, Maroa-Forsyth, and Warrensburg-Latham High Schools. She indicates recruitment is underway for next year's group of students.

Brown emphasizes the program is not necessarily for students with the highest grade point averages or those students who are headed to four-year universities. She is hoping students who want to learn and grow will consider the program.

Students can also attend an 'experience CEO day' where students get the chance to be a part of a classroom day with the current CEO students. Brown notes that the classroom day for the CEO program isn't your traditional classroom day.

Brown calls the program a safe place to fail. Students establish a class business in the first semester and an individual business in the second semester. She points out that there are a multitude of lessons they learn along the way.

There is still plenty of time for students who will be entering either their junior or senior years of high school to join the CEO program. Visit centralillinoisceo.com for all the information, or find them on Facebook and Instagram. 
 

A magnitude 3.8 earthquake rattled central Illinois early Tuesday morning, centered near Ohlman in Christian County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  

The quake occurred at approximately 1:27 a.m. CST and was recorded at a shallow depth of about 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) below the surface, a factor that likely made it more noticeable to residents in the surrounding communities.

Reports from the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system indicate that the shaking was felt not just in nearby towns but across a broad swath of central Illinois and beyond. Residents in Springfield, Taylorville, Decatur, Peoria, and even as far as Quincy and Terre Haute, Indiana, reported feeling the ground move.

 A 3.8 magnitude earthquake feels like a noticeable, often startling jolt or rumble that might be mistaken for a passing truck, minor explosion, or heavy impact, causing light shaking, rattling objects, and sometimes waking people up, though it's usually too weak to cause significant damage.

The shaking awakened many people. Social media posts described short but noticeable tremors, from swinging ceiling fans to rumbling walls, as far away as Decatur and Champaign. So far, there are no reports of damage or injuries, and emergency officials have not issued any warnings or alerts related to the quake.

Illinois’ strongest recorded earthquakes have included a magnitude 5.4 near Mt. Carmel in 2008 and a magnitude 5.3 in 1968, both centered in the southern parts of the state. According to seismologists, earthquakes of this size are generally considered minor and rarely cause damage, but they can still be felt across a large area, especially when shallow.

Officials remind residents that Illinois does have seismic risk, and preparedness, such as knowing how to “drop, cover and hold on” during shaking, is a good idea for all communities, even those that don’t see frequent quakes.

DeWitt County has utilized the same X-ray machine to ensure safety within the County building for almost 30 years. 

At last week's DeWitt County Public Safety Committee Meeting, Sheriff Mike Walker broke the news that the X-ray machine that has sat in the County building's lobby since 1997 has given out, and needs to be replaced. 

The Sheriff received a quote on a new machine that he feels could be a useful tool in keeping those within the County building safe. He says it will cost roughly $34,000 and will take three to four months to be shipped at the earliest. 

Without a working X-ray machine, County Building security personnel are forced to hand-search bags and purses, which puts them at risk of accidental exposure to harmful substances. It also slows down the flow of traffic into the building. 

The Committee decided they would move the decision on to the Full Board Meeting agenda for this week, with the understanding that Sheriff Walker may not have all the necessary information to decide at that time.
 

Producers across the State will want to get registered for another year of Ag Summit programs hosted by the University of Illinois Extension.

Commercial Ag Educator at the Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, Reagan Tibbs, indicates there will be a series of these programs at different locations in Illinois, so producers can get the great information from these events.

Many producers will know some of the presenting speakers, including Dennis Bowman on technology on the farm, Dr. Aaron Hager on crop science, and many others. Tibbs says it's going to be a day full of good information.

Again, put Feb. 17 on your calendars for the agronomy summit at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Springfield. Get more information at extension.illinois.edu/lms.

The DARE program is one of the most recognizable pieces of curriculum that Clinton students go through when they reach fifth grade.

The program begins this week at Clinton Elementary School, and Chief Ben Lowers says he and his school resource officer, Cody Mair, look forward to it each year.

According to Chief Lowers, the DARE curriculum has been modified in recent years to better address the challenges of youth in 2026. Bullying, online communication, and other challenges for kids today are addressed in DARE, more than addressing drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

In some places, DARE is being replaced or even eliminated, but Chief Lowers continues to believe in its effectiveness and feels it is a benefit to the kids of the community.

Chief Lowers continues to praise Officer Mair - who took over for the retired Mike Bennett a few years ago - for his work in the schools and the relationships he is building with the youth of the community. 

Blue Ridge Schools are in the midst of taking on one of the goals that came out of its most recent strategic planning process.

Superintendent Ryan Peyton indicates Schneider Elementary School's playground needs to be upgraded, emphasizing the importance of playgrounds to the development of young students.

According to Peyton, there will actually be two new playgrounds at Schneider because one area will be for its pre-k program and the other for the rest of the students. 

The district is seeking input from its families for what they want to see in those spaces. 

Peyton indicates the playgrounds in total will be between $500,000 and $600,000.

New playground equipment would be the latest in several recent outdoor facility improvements made at Blue Ridge - including the resurfacing of the soccer and football field last year.

The City of Lincoln is hoping efforts from 2025 will be foundational for what is ahead in 2026.

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch indicates 2025 was important for the City in that they created their own tourism department and hit the ground running with a tourism director and planning for 2026.

According to the Mayor, there was also a focus on City Hall and the downtown area. From improvements to City Hall to better security downtown, the City was active on those fronts.

Looking ahead to 2026, the City is hoping its 'Lincoln Center' will be ready by April 1. The Mayor also reminds 2026 is a big year because of the 100th year of Route 66.

Also in 2026, the Mayor is planning for significant progress on Fifth Street Road renovation. The project is taking a big step forward this winter, with dirt scheduled to be moved as soon as this spring. We'll have more on that in the days ahead at the Hart Media Group. 

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

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates they are called a medical Continuing Disability Review, or CDR. He explains it is not your responsibility to initiate the CDR, but it is your responsibility to keep your mailing address and phone number up to date with Social Security.

When it is time for a CDR, Social Security will send you a notice and forms for the review. Myers stresses it is important that you complete the forms and return them or your benefits could stop. 

Social Security will normally review your case within 6-18 months after our initial decision if your medical condition is expected to improve, every 3 years if medical improvement is possible, or every seven years if medical improvement is not expected

The main form for a CDR is the Medical Continuing Disability Review Report (SSA-454). Social Security will mail this form to you if we need you to complete it.  

You can fill it out and return it, or if you are an adult without a representative payee, you can complete the form and submit it online if you prefer. 

You can also complete and return the paper form they sent you. How you complete it is up to you, as long as you complete it. Myers stress, do not ignore these forms. 

As we look to the next school year, an update on ag teaching openings.

Casey Bolin is with Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education or F-CAE. More info on ag teaching openings at ilaged.org.

The Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for January is Kinley Stolte from Nokomis High School in Montgomery County. She is in FFA and 4-H, a volleyball and basketball standout, plus she’s a member of the student council and NHS, and also participates in the school’s German club and art club and devotes time to Family, Career and Community Leaders of America or FCCLA activities. Stolte was interviewed by RFD Radio.

To nominate a student, visit farmweeknow.com/activelyengaged.

Elizabeth Weikle began in her role as DeWitt County's Zoning Administrator in January of 2025.

At Monday night's DeWitt County Land Use Committee Meeting, Weikle provided a report of the work she completed in her first year. Committee Chair Buck Carter expressed his gratitude for her hard work. 

While there were 104 approved permits for various purposes in 2025, Carter found it out of the ordinary that there were a handful that were rejected. Weikle indicated that it's a simple mistake some Farmer City residents are making. 

The Committee has been very pleased with the accomplishments of Weikle in 2025.

Food science is the theme of an upcoming program from the University of Illinois Extension. 

Extension Director in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, Terri Miller-Casey, explains that they will be hosting a virtual webinar for 4-Hers and their families, centered around food science, specifically at home. It will be on January 22nd from 6 PM to 7 PM. 

The Chicagoland Food Science Foundation, a group focused on promoting food science and supporting industry professionals, will be giving away an Amazon gift card during the webinar as an extra draw for families to attend.  

Register for the event and learn more about upcoming programming from the Extension at extension.illinois.edu/lms. 

Students in a McLean County school district are finding ways to make a positive impact on their community. 

Heyworth High School Student Council President Reese Hill told the Hart Media Group on the High School Road Tour that Angel Tree is an important piece of the holiday season for her school. She says all the clubs chip in to provide Christmas presents for local children and families in need. 

Emma Quinton is the Key Club President at Heyworth and feels that it is always important to serve your community. She adds that in a small town, it's easier to identify places of need that they can help with. 

To learn more about all the happenings of Heyworth High School, visit husd4.org or find them on Facebook.
 

In 2025, steps were taken to make DeWitt County Animal Control's operations more efficient, and those efforts are not stopping in 2026.

At Thursday night's DeWitt County Public Safety Committee Meeting, Animal Control Administrator Grace Moore approached the Committee to discuss the possibility of moving on from their current record keeping system, Animal Shelter Manager, in favor of a cheaper and more efficient program called Shelter Love. 

Moore noted that their current system is due to be renewed as of this weekend. Shelter Love has allowed them to utilize the system for the first year for no charge, allowing the Animal Control team to test-run it before making a final decision. 

County Administrator Dee Dee Rentmeister brought up concerns over processing fees, and expressed that they must assume adopters will not elect to cover fees they do not have to, which could be a large expense should the County have to make those dollars up. 

While the Committee validated Rentmeister's concerns, Moore shared testimonies from other animal control facilities that use the service. Chair Megan Myers expressed her support and trust in Moore, and the Committee agreed to pursue the year-long trial run. 

Moore also suggested increasing adoption fees as a whole and noted that they had not fully utilized the potential increase during the Animal Control cost study conducted last year.
 

Farmer City leadership is celebrating a very positive year in 2025 and feels it is laying the foundation for a good year in 2026.

City Administrator Taylor Baxter indicates 2025 was also his first year and admits that while several things were already in motion upon his hiring in December 2023, he felt the momentum continued into last year.

Looking to 2026, Farmer City will see several projects that began in 2025 come to a conclusion. Additionally, Baxter anticipates the City taking up a lot of branding and marketing of itself in the year ahead.

Baxter anticipates the ongoing development of the grocery coop in Farmer City to open in 2026 and looks forward to all the economic development news that could take place in the year ahead as well.

Find Farmer City on Facebook to keep up with the latest in what is happening in the community. 
 

A high school entrepreneurship program is gearing up for one of its milestone events later this month.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Central Illinois CEO students Israel Ramirez and Paisley Schick told the Hart Media Group they have sold out its mystery theater dinner tickets for its event on Jan. 31, but they have roughly 75 still available for the Feb. 7 event.

Facilitator Melanie Brown explains the murder mystery dinner is part of the program's class business and says it has been fun to watch the students put this together because a small competition is brewing between last year's class and her group this year.

Brown also reminds the class business then becomes a springboard for the individual businesses the students take on throughout the second semester.

Additionally, CEO is in the midst of recruiting for next year's class. We'll have more with Brown on that process in the days ahead at the Hart Media Group. 

A University of Illinois Extension ag educator is highlighting some upcoming pesticide applicator trainings for producers this winter.

Reagan Tibbs is an Extension Commercial Ag Educator in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties and indicates these trainings are going to be available at various points across the State through March, and for some, are a must to keep those licenses up to date.

Tibbs indicates it is important for producers to keep up with these trainings because laws around pesticide applications can change or regulations from the federal level can change.

For more information on upcoming pesticide trainings or other off-season continuing education requirements, visit extension.illinois.edu. 

Clinton High School is finally initiating a change that has been discussed internally for years. 

On the WHOW High School Road Tour Wednesday, Clinton High School Principal Jerry Wayne told the Hart Media Group that while they currently assess students based on a quarter-grade system, they will be transitioning to a semester grade system next year. 

Wayne indicates that the change will not make a big impact on students or families, but it will help them better align with the standards of other area schools and prepare students for the typical grading system of higher education. 

Preparing students for life after high school has been a focus for Wayne throughout his career in Clinton. He says that, while minor, this is a good addition to all the ways the high school supports its students. 

While Wayne is always looking for ways to support his students in the building, they are also supporting incoming students by hosting Freshman Orientation on February 3rd. We'll have more on that with Wayne in the weeks ahead from the Hart Media Group. 

Learn more about all things Clinton Schools by visiting cusd15.org or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

Increases in substance abuse and mental health battles are spiking across the country, but the Clinton Police Department has engaged in a statewide initiative to help individuals find help locally.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers told the Hart Media Group that they encounter individuals struggling with either substance abuse or mental health issues, and the previous limitations to help them were a big challenge.

Enter the DART program - or Deflection Avenue Reconnection Team - which Chief Lowers explains connects people who may be going through a crisis and provides a person with a lived experience to respond to that person and be there for them.

According to the Chief Lowers, the DART program complements programs like the Safe Passage and ROSC programs in Clinton. Those programs can help individuals struggling to overcome the barriers that may prevent them from seeking help.

Chief Lowers touts the DART program's success even in just the last month and positive outcomes for individuals. He points to this time of the year, with seasonal depression disorder being a catalyst for those who struggle. 
 

DeWitt County and Enel Clean Energy have had their differences in the past, and DeWitt County is looking for more ways to hold them accountable. 

At Monday night's DeWitt County Land Use Committee meeting, Committee Chair Buck Carter brought up wind farm ordinances, looking to reinforce ordinances that require regular reports from wind farms within the County. Joe Witte pointed out that it could come in the summer from Enel. 

The County asked Enel last year for an ADLS system that would only turn the flashing lights atop wind turbines on while aircraft are within the wind farm's airspace. Enel reported that they would work on this, but have failed to provide updates on that progress. 

Zoning Administrator Elizabeth Weikle indicated that she has reached out to Enel multiple times in recent months with no response. She added that she would reach out once again in an attempt to communicate the County's frustrations. 

Weikle was very busy during her first year as the County's Zoning Administrator, and we'll have more on the work she completed during the year this weekend from the Hart Media Group. 
 

Strategic planning is vital to the success of most any organization, and a central Illinois school district has finalized its latest strategic plan with an eye towards future growth.

Adam Ibbotson is the Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools and indicates any strategic plan has to have a purpose or foundation. With that in mind, the district tweaked its mission statement, or as he calls it, their why.

According to Ibbotson, there are a number of layers for the strategic plan that culminate in the action steps of the plan. He notes there are a number of them that will start to take off as soon as this spring.

Within the strategic plan are six goals, and Ibbotson points out there is a little overlap with some; however, they are striving to create a great learning environment for students and an attractive place for families moving to central Illinois.

We'll have more with Ibbotson on some specific plans the district has - particularly relating to facilities. Visit mfschools.net for more information and find the district on Facebook.

A DeWitt County non-profit is beginning its latest survey of the community to help guide its decisions and funding for the next three years.

Sharon Mills with the DeWitt County 708 Mental Health Board indicates the every-three-year assessment process begins soon, and they are asking for everyone in the community to weigh in.

One of the accomplishments from the survey that happens every three years is the DeWitt County ROSC program. Mills indicates the survey also helps the 708 Board in its strategic planning efforts.

Mills directs anyone wanting to participate in the needs assessment to find the DeWitt County Mental Health Board or Heritage Behavioral Health Services on Facebook. 
 

January is the season for most planning ahead for the year to come. 

At Monday night's DeWitt County Land Use Committee Meeting, Chair Buck Carter brought up housing development as a goal for the committee entering this year. He says that with possibly hundreds of people coming to the area in search of employment, the County needs to be ready for the influx of population. 

Carter referenced a property on the north-west corner of US Highway 51 and Sunset Road in Clinton as a possible site for more housing. He specified that the 68-acre piece of property is under a trust until July of this year, when its proceeds will be split 50/50 by the County and the City. 

Zoning Administrator Elizabeth Weikle brought community solar ordinances to the Committee's attention. She felt that current ordinances do not clearly communicate requirements for applications, on top of disparities between the County's and State's definitions of what can be considered a community solar project. 

Among other standing discussion topics from the Land Use Committee is the development or revision of Battery Storage, data center, wind, and chicken coop ordinances. 

The Committee ultimately decided that they would put their focus on Commercial solar and wind ordinances in the coming months. The topics of community solar, chicken coop, data center, and battery storage ordinances will be taken up by the Regional Planning Commission. 

Board Chair Joe Witte noted that as long as they do not have a battery storage ordinance in place, it defaults to the State statutes. 
 

A DeWitt County FFA Advisor is highlighting all the accomplishments of her students in 2025. 

Blue Ridge Schools FFA Advisor Jacalyn Meisner indicates that this year's FFA State Convention in Springfield over the summer featured a lot of success from her kids, knowing they were a national finalist and sitting in the top 10 percent of chapters. She says they have now been recognized as the premier FFA Chapter in Illinois. 

Achieving that recognition is no small feat. Meisner explains that chapters must apply and then complete 15 required activities to be eligible. Chapters then present nine of the activities to be judged on. 

The Illinois State FFA Treasurer, Kaydance Wooton, hails from the Blue Ridge Chapter, which Meisner says is a big honor. She adds that it has been great to have her as a role model FFA-er. 

Learn more about the Blue Ridge Schools FFA Program by visiting bluerdigeffa.weebly.com or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

The Clinton Chamber of Commerce annual dinner is later this month, and time is running out to get tickets for this year's event.

Janice Petersen is the Executive Director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and indicates they have set the Chamber Dinner for Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Clinton Country Club. There will be a social hour and some new entertainment for this year's dinner.

With several new businesses in Clinton and DeWitt County, Petersen is making sure they all have invitations to the event so the rest of the business community can get to know them.

Chamber annual dinner tickets are on sale until Friday. Petersen directs those interested to find information at clintonilchamber.com, find them on Facebook, or call the Chamber office at 217-935-3364. You can also stop into the office on the Square in Clinton. 

Petersen is looking forward to the new direction of the annual dinner this year and is excited about this year's awards, which will also have a new twist.

It was a banner year in 2025 for the DeWitt County Development Council, and while replicating that will be difficult, that doesn't mean more good times aren't ahead.

Curt Homann is the Executive Director of the DCDC and says 2025 would be hard to replicate with all the industry announcements for Clinton, plus so much positivity on many other fronts, but he is optimistic that 2026 can be another great year.

As soon as this spring, Homann indicates DCDC will be offering another round of micro-grants for small businesses. Additionally, lodging will be among the priorities the DCDC will take up in 2026.

Homann anticipates new businesses opening in Clinton and says those could begin as soon as the next few months.

According to Homann, the momentum built by the DCDC in the last few years has paved the way for conversations that may not have happened without some of the developments of the last few years.

Follow all things DCDC on Facebook for the latest in developments in DeWitt County. 

2026 could be a momentous year for the City of Clinton with some big decisions on the horizon.

Clinton Mayor Helen Michelassi says the ongoing saga of the search for a City Hall, police, and fire station location is hopefully soon to have a conclusion, so they can move forward with those projects.

Looking to 2026, Mayor Michelassi is excited about the potential of a new city-wide clean-up program called "block-by-block.” She indicates this would rely on either contributions from donors in the community or budgeted money, but the goal is to rally volunteers to help homeowners make simple improvements to their property that they may struggle with for one reason or another.

The Mayor is also excited about the work being done by the committee that has formed, planning for the America 250th celebration. We'll have more on that with the Mayor and City Administrator Tony Harris later this week at the Hart Media Group. 
 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, applications would often have to wait weeks in order to get the appointment they need, but it seems to no longer be the case - at least for this year. 

Breann Titus with Community Action indicates that LIHEAP funds are being distributed for the 2026 budget year, and appointment wait times for applicants have been significantly less this year. 

Titus explains that people often worry about their electric bills less in the winter, due to temperatures too cold for Ameren to disconnect their electricity. Unseasonal warm snaps can lull people into a false sense of security.

Titus admits that money from the program is running out faster. This is why it is important to schedule your appointment as soon as possible, and she says their website is a great place to get the information you need. 

Find income guidelines and start your LIHEAP application by visiting capcil.info. Learn more by finding Community Action on Facebook or by calling their Lincoln office at 217-732-2159. 

Social Security highlights a program that allows people with disabilities to save without losing access to important benefits. 

While not directly under the umbrella of offerings by Social Security, Jack Myers indicates it also comes with tax benefits like tax-free growth and withdrawals when used for qualified disability expenses.

ABLE provides a way to save money and build financial independence without affecting eligibility for important benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and HUD Housing Assistance. Myers adds that if you are on SSI, you can save up to $100,000 in your ABLE account without affecting eligibility for SSI benefits.

According to Myers, there are many advantages to this program - including tax-free growth and the ability to have anyone make a contribution to the fund.

Up to $20,000 per year can be contributed to an ABLE Account, and Myers notes it could potentially be more if the disabled individual is working. 

If the withdrawal from the fund is for a qualified disability expense, it is tax-free. Myers notes that the list of qualified disability expenses is rather lengthy.

Learn more about Illinois ABLE accounts at www.illinoisable.com. You don’t have to enroll in an ABLE account from your own state.  Most states have ABLE account programs, and you can choose another state’s program if you prefer, but you can only have one. 
 

The Lincoln Police Department has been in the process of promoting a new Deputy Chief, and they have finally decided on the perfect candidate. 

Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister indicates that at the January City Council Meeting, Officer Christy Fruge was promoted to Administrative Deputy Chief of Police. She will now oversee all community-based programs, School Resource Officers, and the DARE program. 

Chief Meister feels that this move will be a great benefit to the officers and needs of the administrative side of policing, but says it won't stop there. He thinks the entire department will run more smoothly from this point on. 

Deputy Chief Fruge was recently recognized for her work in the DARE program, which is a big focus of the Lincoln Police Department. 

The City of Clinton is bringing back a community favorite. 

Tony Harris, Clinton City Administrator, wants to build on plans of having a concert for this summer’s America 250th celebration by adding one or more additional concerts throughout the season for residents and families to enjoy on the City’s square. He notes they are still in the very early stages of planning.

Harris reminds that the America 250 Committee is made up of volunteers, and meets on the first Monday of each month at City Hall. We’ll have more on the work that the committee is doing in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group. 

A local financial advisor is warning against Pen Pal scams. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank says scams are only becoming more common and more convincing. She explains that she recently came across a case of a scammer posing as a pen pal, and asking the victim to loan them money that they did not plan to give back. Scammers will often pose as loved ones as well, with a similar goal. 

Miller says that scammers do not discriminate when it comes to their attempted victims; elderly people are often the targets because, on average, 77% of assets belong to people who are 55 and up. That being said, she indicates that Millennials and Gen Z are the most likely groups to fall for a scam. 

Fake websites with deals that are too good to be true try to convince victims that they are purchasing an item at a good price, when in reality they are giving up their payment information. 

Miller adds that taking the time to think twice before making a purchase or sending money electronically can be the difference between falling for a scam and preventing it. 
 

On January 1, the United States Department of Agriculture announced farmer bridge assistance funding, and a University of Illinois Extension commercial ag educator is highlighting what that might mean for Illinois producers. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Reagan Tibbs, Commercial Ag Educator for the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, indicates this was teased leading up to the official announcement on January 1, and will be available to a variety of producers

Tibbs speculates this could be the Trump administration's response to the downturn in the ag economy and poor commodity prices. He notes it may not fully compensate for all the losses producers are experiencing right now. 

Tibbs writes on this topic and many others at extension.illinois.edu/lms.

A DeWitt County non-profit is inviting those in the healthcare industry and human service providers to join them for its monthly meeting next week, where they will be planning for 2026 and beyond.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Sharon Mills with the DeWitt County 708 Board told the Hart Media Group the monthly DeWitt County Coalition meeting next Wednesday at the Warner Library will be part of the upcoming community needs assessment process, but they are looking to hear from people on the front line.

According to Mills, this meeting is going to be of particular significance to the 708 Board because they are in the midst of their three-year community needs assessment. While that survey is open to the community, she says they want to have input from folks on the front lines in DeWitt County.

Molly Tenudo with Heritage Behavioral Health Center indicates Heritage will also be interested in the Wednesday meeting because they are set to expand services this spring and want to hear from the community on where they feel services should be prioritized.

The meeting is again next Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 11 am with a lunch served and the meeting to follow. It will be at the Warner Library. RSVPs are requested by this Friday. You can RSVP by smills@dewittmhb.com.

Get more information about the DeWitt County Mental Health Board at dewittmhb.com. 

The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a handful of agronomy summits this year across the State starting with events in February. 

Terri Miller-Casey, Director of the Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains the Springfield Ag Summit will be taking place on Tuesday, February 17t,h from 9 am to 3 PM. The event is at the Sangamon County Extension office, and costs $20. 

The event will feature talks from local ag experts on a variety of topics, from technology to pest control, that can help you improve your operation. Commercial Ag Educator for the Extension, Regan Tibbs, will also be speaking on Ag Policy.

To learn more about the Springfield Agronomy Summit and register for the event, visit extension.illinois.edu/lms.
 

Districts across Illinois and the country are combating the growing use of vapes among teens by installing sensors to detect the carcinogens in the air.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Ryan Peyton told the Hart Media Group, during the winter break, they installed the sensors in restrooms and various other points in the building.

Prior to the installation of the sensors, Peyton indicates the district has been proactive in providing lessons and materials for students on the dangers of vaping.

According to Peyton, the sensors have a neat feature to track how many individuals may be in a room, and they also sync with the security cameras in the building in the event of an incident that requires a response.

Follow along with all things Blue Ridge schools at blueridge18.org or find the district on Facebook. 

It was an eventful calendar year 2025 in Clinton.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris told the Hart Media Group that perhaps the biggest highlight of the year was all the industry announcements that will impact the community.

Perhaps the biggest announcement of the calendar year was the Meta/Constellation announcement from the summer. Mayor Helen Michelassi credits the community and its appeal to Constellation to remain in DeWitt County for many, many more years.

According to Harris, the emphasis on cleaning the community up has been very beneficial, and he feels those efforts correlate to businesses wanting to come to a community to establish itself here.

The Mayor also touts the completion of the Kiwanis Park renovation as a major accomplishment for the City of Clinton this year. Harris points to streamlining several forms at City Hall, going digital, and having access to those online. 

We'll have more with Harris and Mayor Michelassi in the days ahead about what's to come in 2026 for Clinton. 
 

Getting financials in order is the New Year's resolution for many, but it's often hard to find a place to start. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank explains that for many, the beginning of the year is a time to tighten things up and recover from the spending of the holiday season. She says before you can start growing your savings, you have to figure out where you are at. 

Tracking your spending can be a tough task between bank statements, paper receipts, and online order confirmations. Miller says there are plenty of online services and apps that can help with this, and while they may require a subscription, often times the savings pay for themselves. 

AI can also be a useful tool in creating a budget, as it will help you format and understand where you could be cutting expenses and increasing savings. 

Miller indicates that creating a plan is the most basic and essential part of budgeting and saving, and sticking to that plan as closely as possible.

From dust storms to warm Winters, 2025 was a crazy year when it comes to weather. 

Mike Albano with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that the year started with a major winter storm in early January, with six to 10 inches of snow falling across central and western Illinois. 

Severe weather at the end of Spring and the start of Summer didn't slow down. Albano says we saw eight tornadoes in a single day in March, and dust storms blowing across the length of the State in May.  

While severe weather was not in the picture as much during the end of summer and fall, Albano emphasizes that things really started to dry out. Drought conditions set up that are still affecting central Illinois today. 

We'll have more from the NWS in the weeks ahead, forecasting the months to come. For all the latest weather news and warnings, visit weather.gov/Lincoln. 
 

Patrons of the Warner Library in Clinton have likely noticed the extensive HVAC work that is going on and impacting operations within the building.

On the WHOW Morning Show on Tuesday, Executive Director Bobbi Perryman told the Hart Media Group that the significant HVAC project that is impacting the main level right now has caused disruptions to services as the library tries to stay open as much as possible.

According to the maintenance director at the Library, Lucas Snow, the first phase of the project is omplete and now that the work has shifted inside, there is a lot more activity patrons are noticing.

Snow is hoping for a spring completion of the project, but before that, there is significant work being done and still to be done.

Perryman reminds, it was quite a journey for the library to arrive at this place. The old heating and cooling system was original to the building and had begun to cause significant issues for the library, leading them to do a full replacement.

Perryman also stresses that, through this project, they are working to make sure the historical integrity of the building is maintained. 

Additionally, the Library has announced a closure for Jan 19-21 for work that would be very disruptive to the day-to-day flow of the facility. 
 

The Clintonia Eagle Theater in Clinton has closed its doors.

In a recent Facebook post, theater ownership announced it will be closing its Robinson and Streator locations, in addition to Clinton. They cite the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-COVID economy, and its impacts on the film industry, as the main reasons for the closure. 

Owner Eric Gubelman indicates that for more than two years, it’s been clear that any real revival would require recapitalization—an honest reckoning with the fact that the old debt structures no longer matched the realities of the business.
 
Gubelman hopes this will not be the end of the story. Six months ago, he assumed any attempt at revival would mean negotiating with multiple creditors, a maze of competing interests, and very little daylight. Due to the foreclosure process, there may soon be a single bank, a single decision-maker, and a clean opportunity to move the building off the books and forward into something new.
Their investor has indicated a willingness to participate in that process if his prerequisite project clears its final hurdles.
 
Ownership is open to the possibility of another entrepreneur, theater group, or other external buyer purchasing the property from them. 
 

The holiday season is behind us, which for many is an uplifting time.

But as we turn the page on a new year, the cold and shorter days wear on many as well. Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and indicates that it is often a perfect storm for many people, as this time of the year prevents the necessary habits of good mental health.

Kirkman encourages finding organizations or activities in your community that are not only going to keep you physically engaged and moving, but also socially engaged. Additionally, practicing gratitude is a great way to ward off those winter blues.

According to Kirkman, the news of the day can often get a person down, as we are exposed to the tragedies of the world in real time. He indicates it can leave a helpless feeling, knowing there are bad things happening and there is not much we can do about it.

Kirkman also warns against getting caught in the trap of playing the comparison game when on social media. He reminds, you are seeing everyone's highlight reels and oftentimes not the many things that challenge them throughout the day. 
 

The City of Lincoln is following another central Illinois community in the effort to improve residents' quality of life. 

Mayor Tracy Welch indicates that the City's Police Chief, Joe Meister, came to him with a program utilized by the Monticello Police Department. He says it is called the "No Knock List," which is given to solicitors when they apply for a permit, and tells them which houses they cannot go to. 

The City already has an anti-soliciting program in place that requires solicitors to register. This gives residents a chance to stop and report solicitors who fail to get permission from the City. 

Mayor Welch indicates that residents will be able to go online or call City Hall to register. While the list will feature your address, he notes that it will not be paired with your name to avoid security and privacy risks. 

The Mayor hopes that this change will help improve the quality of life of Lincoln's residents. 
 

The DeWitt County Development Council is celebrating one of its most momentous years of all time.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Executive Director Curt Homann told the Hart Media Group that 2025 was filled with a trio of announcements that are going to be enormously beneficial to Clinton and DeWitt County.

While DCDC had nearly zero involvement in the Meta and Constellation Energy announcement from last summer, Homann says that it is going to be an enormous benefit to the community by not only keeping the power plant operating for many more years, but also the financial investment back into the community.

The announcement of Meyer's Industries in the former Arcosa location was momentous in 2026 as well, and Homann anticipates them beginning production in 2026 and says to be on the lookout for hiring events in the next few months.

DeWitt County is now home to two new banks in Clinton and Farmer City. Homann says it is always great when a banking institution is willing and able to set up shop in communities like these.

Homann credits the big moves in 2025 to so many people in Clinton, Farmer City, and DeWitt County government all pulling in the same direction and having the same priorities for the betterment of the community.

While 2025 was a banner year for the DCDC, Homann is very excited about what is to come for the organization in 2026. We'll have more with him on that in the days ahead at the Hart Media Group. 
 

As we get into 2026, City of Clinton officials will be looking to continue the progress made on the strategic plan during 2025.

In March of last year, Mayor Helen Michelassi was elected to the unfinished, two-year term of Mayor and vowed to make the strategic plan her top priority. As we head into 2026, City Administrator Tony Harris, who began as the City's Administrator one year ago, says a lot has been done, but there's still more to do.

Harris admits that one of the goals of the strategic plan, to have a location established for a new City Hall, fire, and police station, has not happened. There is a ripple effect of delays as no location has been chosen.

With so many high-dollar projects on the horizon, the City does not have the money to fund all of them. Harris indicates the search for grants and other ways to fund them is ongoing.

The Clinton City Council meets for the first time in 2026 on Tuesday night.
 

We've survived the cold snap of the new year, and now signs are pointing towards a return to warmer temps. 

Mike Albano with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that this week will bring highs in the 50s. He says any time we have unseasonable highs, with it often comes rain and the possibility for severe weather. 

Warm temps brought tornadoes in central Illinois last week, and Albano is not ruling out the possibility of some severe storms coming at the end of this week. 

Albano indicates that heavy rains running across frozen ground can lead to flooding at times, and adds that black ice can easily form as we return to the typical frigid temperatures of the winter season. 

Torrential downpours also do not do much in the way of relieving drought conditions in central Illinois. Albano says that while the surface layer of soil may thaw out and saturate during a short warmup, lower soil levels are still too frozen this time of year to absorb rainwater. 

As we head towards the end of the month, Albano notes things will likely return to seasonable temperatures, but believes we may be in for a short winter. We'll have more on that in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group. 

Seniors are not often a demographic that is thought of when it comes to food insecurity. 

Shelly Tolly is the OSF Peace Meal, which indicates that the organization's goal is to deliver nutritious meals to seniors in its seven-county service area, who have trouble getting out of the house or otherwise providing food for themselves. 

Peace Meal is not just for those who need home-delivered meals. Tolly indicates that they have Congregate Programs, which provide a social space to enjoy a meal and participate in activities with other seniors. 

To learn more about receiving home-delivered meals, find your local congregate site, or to learn more about the OSF Peace Meal Program, visit osfhealthcare.org.

The new year is bringing a new exhibit to a local museum, fitting the patriotic celebrations of Rt. 66's 100th Anniversary and America's 250th. 

Micaela Harris with the McLean County Museum of History indicates that this year they will be opening a new exhibit in July. It is called "More Than a Game: A Community History of Baseball and Softball," and will cover the impact the two sports have had on culture, not just in America as a whole, but right here in central Illinois. 

Learn more about events and exhibits from the McLean County Museum of History by finding them on Facebook or visiting mchistory.org. 

Things are looking cool this weekend as we wrap up a cold snap between two unseasonal warm stretches. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Mike Albano with the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates that things will remain in what he calls the "seasonable" range this weekend with highs in the 30s and overnight lows in the 20s. 

Albano indicates that we are in a weak La Niña pattern, which is the cause for the variability in temperatures that we have experienced, and will continue to feel heading into next week. 

We'll have more with Albano on Monday on next week's warmup. In the meantime, learn more about all things weather updates and forecasts at weather.gov/Lincoln. 

If you've been wanting to get healthy and don't know where to start, a local non-profit director is hoping you'll consider his organization for achieving those goals in 2026.

Rennie Cluver is the Executive Director of the Clinton YMCA and says the Y's annual 'Survivor' program is a great way to get that process started. 'Survivor' at the Y begins on Monday. 

If you've never been to the Clinton YMCA, Cluver encourages just stopping in and taking a tour of their facility. They pack a lot of opportunities into a limited space.

Visit the Y at 317 South Alexander Street in Clinton. Call 217-935-8307. Visit clintoncommymca.org or find the Y on Facebook for more information.
 

Yesterday at the Hart Media Group, we began our yearly countdown of the most viewed stories from you, our listeners and readers in 2025. Today, we count down the top five stories from 2025.

No 5

From Aug 1

>>Clinton Police Chief Announces Candidacy for DeWitt County Sheriff

DeWitt County will have a contested Sheriff's primary for the first time in many election cycles.

In August, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers announced he would be running for Sheriff in the March primary this coming spring. Lowers spoke of his plans to retire from the Clinton Police Department and pursue his long-time dream to run for Sheriff.

The veteran law enforcement officer touted his record working in leadership at the City of Clinton. Lowers touted his fiscal accomplishments and community policing approach. 

Lowers is a Clinton native and a graduate of Clinton High School. He was introduced by remarks from Curt Nettles and JoAnn Reidy at the Clinton Country Club.  

No 4

From 11/18

>>Nearly $1-Million Donated to DeWitt County Non-Profits

Nearly a million dollars is coming the way of a trio of DeWitt County non-profits after a late-November announcement by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation in Decatur. 

The Clinton YMCA received $500,000 and hosted an announcement in its community room on Tuesday morning.

Encore Development Services received $200,000, an organization in great need as they seek to meet nearly a million State requirements to update its facilities.

The Neighborhood Care Center received $100,000. Executive Director Cody Monkman told those gathered that the funds will help further its mission of multiplying its limited budget to be a place for those in need in DeWitt County and now McLean County, to find help.

The contributions came from an anonymous donor, and the three entities were unaware of the funds coming their way before the announcement.

No 3

From 04/28

>> Severe Weather is on Its Way Out

Severe weather pounded central Illinois over a couple of weeks in mid-to-late April.

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln said the uptick in severe weather has been due to a slow-moving jet stream, which is allowing storms to sit right on top of central Illinois. Shimon indicates that the tornado total has already surpassed the yearly average. 

After the rash of storms, Shimon indicated we ended up ahead of pace for severe weather compared to last year. 

Shimon emphasizes planning for severe weather and having a reliable notification system in the event of a tornado.

No 2

From 10/28

>>Clinton Fire Department Responds to Two Monday House Fires

The Clinton Fire Department was called to two structure fires on the same day, in the same vicinity of Clinton, in late October.

Crews were called to a garage fire at about 3 PM in the 600 block of East Adams Street. Public Safety Commissioner for the City of Clinton, Dan Ballenger, says it was not long before the fire spread to the rest of the house and ignited the roof, causing a call for more manpower. 

The Fire Department was paged out to a separate garage fire around 4:15 pm. Ballenger says the garage in the 400 block of Clinton Street was extinguished swiftly with extensive damage. 

One firefighter was transported to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. There were no other injuries or fatalities at either scene.

The Neighborhood Care Center was among the agencies helping provide relief to first responders.

No 1

From 10/6

>> Clinton to Welcome New Business to Community

A big announcement on October 7, a new business just outside of Clinton was announced. 

DeWitt County Development Council Executive Director Curt Homann told the Hart Media Group that a new business will be establishing itself in Clinton. Kwik Wall is setting up shop at the former RR Donnelly facility on Clinton's east side. 

Homann was very involved in the process of bringing Kwik Wall to Clinton as well. He says that the attentiveness and care that is offered by the DCDC and our local governments were very appealing to both Kwik Wall and the soon-to-be-announced business. 

Kwik Wall continues to make improvements to the facility, and just recently, Homann indicated the company has started to begin manufacturing its products.

For all of us at the Hart Media Group, thank you for making WHOW/WEZC/dewittdailynews.com your number one source for news in 2025, and we look forward to continuing to serve the community into 2026 and beyond!