The Blue Ridge FFA Chapter wrapped up its celebration of National FFA Week and one of the highlights was a new wrinkle to one of their annual activities.

During FFA Week, Blue Ridge FFA members hold a pep assembly for junior high and high school students. Carmen Ellis is the Chapter President and indicates that this year, they tried something new during the assembly.

The 'Barnyard' program during FFA Week is a lot of fun for elementary students to get hands-on experience with farm animals. Chapter Sentinel Ava Puallin indicates they have a student in FFA whose record book is ag education.

National FFA Week was celebrated in schools across the country this week. Learn more about the Blue Ridge FFA Chapter by finding them on Facebook or Instagram. 

FFA Week has wrapped up, and a Piatt County chapter went above and beyond to make the week enjoyable for their fellow students.

On the WHOW Noon Farm Show Friday, Monticello FFA members told the Hart Media Group about a loaded week of fun and service for their fellow students to raise awareness about FFA Week.

That is Ava Reedy with the Monticello FFA Chapter. The students are planning for their Ag Show on May. Julia Gyorr (guy-er) indicates this is a fun event they host for younger students to drum up their interest in agriculture and the program.

Reedy and Gyorr point those interested in learning more about FFA in Monticello to give them a follow on Instagram.

Thursday and Friday, the Clinton Community Education Foundation made its annual sweep of the halls of Clinton's school buildings to award grants to teachers to enhance the learning environment. 

Chris Shaffer is the CCEF Secretary and indicates that the yearly grants are put in by teachers around Christmas time, and then the CCEF Board works through all those applications to hopefully fund as many initiatives that go above and beyond the regular school budget.

Check out WHOW on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for videos of the teachers discussing their grants. And be sure to check out WHOW and dewittdailynews.com on Monday for full coverage of this year's teacher grant cycle. 
 

A local museum is honoring America's 250th birthday by diving into the Declaration of Independence, and what it means to Americans today. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Candace Summers with the McLean County Museum of History told the Hart Media Group that on (Today/Tomorrow) Saturday, February 28th, they are inviting the community to join them in the first session of a new series called Democracy Dialogues. 

This is just the first in the series. Summers explains that throughout the year, they will be diving into foundational ideas like the pursuit of happiness and all men being created equal. 

To learn more about the Democracy Dialogue series and the America 250 celebration from the McLean County Museum of History, visit mchistory.org or find them on Facebook. 

It's been a week since the Governor's budget address, and as details about his proposed budget begin to surface, local lawmakers continue to weigh in with reaction.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker presented his $56 billion budget proposal to the General Assembly, and it's still being talked about in Springfield. The budget is the largest in state history, with more than $700 million in new revenue. Of that, $589 million comes from tax hikes, and $139 million comes from redirected funds.  The proposal is roughly $879 million higher than the FY26 budget, with a narrow $24 million surplus. State Representative Regan Deering from Decatur says while she was pleased to hear in the governor's budget address that he is recognizing that affordability is a major concern, she said it just feels like lip service.

Additionally, the Illinois House Public Health committee on Thursday passed legislation that would amend the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act to provide that the Department of Public Health publish a “Just Culture Matrix”, the established method of investigating error.  It also seeks to promote a nonpunitive, supportive environment that promotes quality and safety over punishment and blame.  It’s a bill that State Representative Bill Hauter of Morton says is just astonishing to him.

Dr. Hauter adds that if he were an EMS medical director, he wouldn't put his license at risk for the practices of EMS when he would have no control over the outcomes. The bill also recommends that each EMS System include the Just Culture Matrix in evaluation and addressing errors in the performance of emergency and nonemergency medical services.

The measure was approved in committee and will now move to the full House for consideration.
 

A local FFA Chapter is joining its peers across the Country for the first time in celebrating National FFA Week. 

DeLand-Weldon FFA Chapter Secretary Karlee Fenton told the Hart Media Group that it was fun to take ownership of their celebration this year and put their own unique stamp on the newly-established Chapter's first-ever FFA Week. Chapter Reporter Sophia Martin adds that they focused on inclusivity. 

Through the planning process, Fenton explains that their goal was to show the community how vast FFA is when it comes to areas of interest, again emphasizing the inclusivity of the program. 

National FFA Week wraps up on February 28th. Learn more about FFA at DeLand-Weldon by finding the Chapter on Facebook. 
 

The Lincoln Police Department is joining the effort to get those struggling with substance abuse issues, mental health issues, and homelessness the help they need. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Chief Joe Meister told the Hart Media Group that after over a year of planning, the TASK Deflection Program launched this past Tuesday. He says it gives officers the ability to find someone help, rather than their previous options of making an arrest or doing nothing. 

As the department was planning how TASK Deflection would look in Lincoln, the Chief notes that one of the challenges they faced was defining who qualifies for a referral. A unique aspect of the program in Lincoln is the Officer Intervention Pathway, which can help stop someone from receiving a minor charge that would stay with them forever. 

Chief Meister says that the planning process for this program opened his eyes to the number of services that can be utilized locally. From medical centers and recovery programs to faith groups, he was blown away by the community support. 

While this program was launched just this week, Meister has seen a lot of success already. He adds that Deflection Specialist Tristan McGrew has already been hard at work in outreach efforts with their early referrals. 

If you or a loved one could benefit from the TASK Deflection program, you can call the Lincoln Police non-emergency number, visit the department in person, or find the Lincoln Police Department or Logan, Mason, Menard BRIDGE Program on Facebook.

The Lincoln FFA Chapter has a unique celebration as a part of National FFA Week at the high school. 

Chapter Vice President Jayden Miller explains that, on top of the usual dress-up days, they are hosting line dancing and a Sadie Hawkins dance. Reporter Brook Meister explains that they decided on a Boots N' Bling theme during the planning process. 

Miller indicates that they team up with the LCHS Student Council to host an assembly at the school to highlight FFA students who competed in Career Development Events or went to compete at the State level. Meisner adds that recognition of those accomplishments is important. 

A good National FFA Week for the Lincoln Chapter is about bringing awareness and recognition to the students in FFA, as the work they put in often goes unnoticed. Miller notes that it is also about promoting FFA as a whole. 

Learn more about the Lincoln FFA Chapter by visiting lincolnffa.org or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

Relief from a severe drought in central Illinois may see some relief if longterm outlooks are correct.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates that the drought is significant enough that water restrictions are in play in neighboring communities.

While the current landscape is parched, there is a shift appearing in the long-range forecasts. Shimon says that the latest data from the Climate Prediction Center indicates the entire month of March is trending toward a much-needed increase in moisture.

The timing of this predicted rain is vital for the upcoming growing season. Shimon notes that because the ground isn't deeply frozen, the spring storms have a unique opportunity to actually penetrate the earth and begin healing the soil.

However, Shimon cautions that a few rainy days won't be a "silver bullet" for a deficit this large. As the area heads into a significantly warmer and sunnier March, he emphasizes that the road to recovery will be a long-term process.

As we close out February, a warmer than normal month combined with minimal snowfall has allowed the ground to thaw out and be ready for the spring rains when they arrive. 
 

The Clinton FFA Chapter has a busy week of activities for National FFA Week. 

Clinton FFA Vice President Audrey Holland explains that so far this year, they have fundraised through things like the strawberry sale, Mumfest with Mariah's Mums, and the Apple n' Pork Festival. Reporter Audrey Toohill says that funds raised from the strawberry sale largely go back into improving the chapter. 

President Logan Newburg feels that participation in career development events, or CDEs, has been great over the last year. He notes that the Chapter’s horse evaluation team won at the State level and has now advanced to Nationals, and adds that Layla Casas won third at the State level in Spanish Creed. She is the first-ever Clinton FFA member to compete in that event at the State or National level. 

The Chapter is spending the week celebrating these successes with things like dress-up days, drive-your tractor to school day, and a movie night. They are also showing their appreciation to staff by hosting a breakfast for them. 

The Clinton FFA has a busy season ahead of State Conventions, CDEs, and the Chapter and Section Banquets. Learn more about the chapter by visiting clintonffa.com or by finding them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Local agricultural markets are feeling the ripples of a major legal decision last week, following the landmark 6-to-3 Supreme Court ruling on Friday, where the legal foundation for the Trump administration’s 2025 global tariffs was struck down. 

The decision has left farmers and traders in Central Illinois and across the country wondering what comes next for commodity prices and international trade deals. Reagan Tibbs, a Commercial Ag Educator with the University of Illinois Extension, says the Supreme Court agreed with a group of small businesses—including one right here in Illinois—who argued the President overstepped his constitutional bounds.

Tibbs explains that this all traces back to a specific declaration made by the administration nearly a year ago.

For the agricultural sector, the timing of this decision adds a layer of volatility to an already sensitive market. Tibbs notes that the "Tariff War" has been a constant shadow over every trade deal and market projection for the past year.

Groups like the American Soybean Association have expressed concern because even if the original tariffs are struck down, if new ones are slapped on fertilizer or machinery parts from abroad, it further narrows the profit margins for local producers who are already dealing with high operating costs.

The DeWitt County Animal Shelter is looking to modernize its computer software, but the transition to a new system hit a legal speed bump during last Thursday night’s DeWitt County Board meeting. 

State’s Attorney Dan Markwell stepped in with several warnings before the Board could move forward on a proposed contract with the software provider, ShelterLuv. He cautioned that the contract doesn't look like a standard County agreement.

Many "out-of-the-box" software agreements contain clauses that could leave the County vulnerable if a data breach occurred or if the software failed to perform as promised. Markwell specifically pointed to the lack of "indemnification" for the county—a legal term that essentially means the software company wouldn't be on the hook for costs if their system caused a legal issue for DeWitt County.

Beyond just legal liability, Markwell also pointed to data ownership - noting concerns that once the County starts inputting sensitive records into the ShelterLuv cloud, getting that data back out—or keeping it private—might not be guaranteed under the current terms.

Markwell highlighted a clause regarding third-party access, which could potentially allow the software provider to share or sell anonymized data—something that could conflict with county privacy standards.

In the world of "Software as a Service," many companies take a "take it or leave it" approach to their digital terms of service. Markwell was also skeptical of this because "standard" digital contracts are often non-negotiable for large tech firms, which puts the County in a difficult position.

Several Board members wondered why other Counties had entered into the agreement with ShelterLuv despite the things outlined by Markwell. He offered to reach out to the ShelterLuv legal representatives to negotiate some of the terms.

The Board tabled the vote to allow Markwell to reach out to the ShelterLuv legal representatives to negotiate a revised contract. 
 

A local FFA program is finding that students in and outside of the program are having fun during FFA week. 

Tri-Valley FFA Reporter Cheyenne Lockwood told the Hart Media Group that for this year's FFA Week, they are doing the classics like themed dress-up days, while also supporting their local food pantry. President Aayden Shine adds that they have great participation from non-FFA students. 

Vice President Owen St. Peters explains that they have almost 200 members of the Chapter, but only 30-40 active members. Lockwood adds that there are still members who are considered "non-active" but still participate in the monthly Chapter meetings. 

Shine notes that FFA Week is a great opportunity to recruit new members, as well as encourage non-active members to get more involved. All while celebrating FFA and all it has to offer. 

FFA Week is February 22nd through the 28th. Learn more about FFA at Maroa-Forsyth by finding the Chapter on Facebook. 
 

It’s National FFA Week and a local chapter is putting a bow on the week with an annual fundraiser. 

On Friday, the Maroa-Forsyth FFA Chapter will be hosting its annual Putt-Putt Night. Chapter President Morgan Crouch says the proceeds raised are going towards scholarships that help send kids to conferences that can help them develop their leadership skills, or to events like the National Convention. 

Crouch says the event started a few years ago with some hand-made holes donated by a local family. This year, an alumni member has taken it upon himself to create more holes to expand the event. Chapter Vice President Cooper Wise adds you can schedule a tee time or just walk in night of the event.  

Wise indicates that this fundraiser is paid for through sponsorships. The Chapter is very grateful to the businesses that allow it to operate and take advantage of the opportunities that FFA offers. 

Putt Putt Night is Friday, starting at 6 PM at Maroa-Forsyth Middle School. Learn more about the Maroa-Forsyth FFA Chapter and purchase early Putt-Putt Night tickets by finding them on Facebook.

A band of snow is headed for central Illinois Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told the Hart Media Group, south winds are currently ushering in much milder air, with temperatures expected to climb well into the 40s but the transition will be quite windy.

The most significant shift arrives Wednesday night as a narrow band of wintry weather targets the region. Shimon indicates while models are still shifting, a focused area of snow is expected to impact the morning commute for some counties.

By Friday, a major surge of warmth will push temperatures toward the 60-degree mark, though another cold front looms for the end of the weekend. Shimon says Sunday is expected to bring a return to a rain-snow mix with highs dropping back into the 30s. 

Central Illinois could really use some rain. Drought monitors right now have central Illinois in a severe drought. Shimon says we could be in for some relief in March. We'll have more on that with him later this week at the Hart Media Group. 

The Clinton school district is continuing its progress on a long-discussed plan to consolidate its elementary grade levels. 

Superintendent Drew Goebel says the current system, which has been in place for over a decade, splits preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade students between two different campuses. The district is continuing to move forward to bring Pre-K into one building and K-1st grade into another.

To prepare for the transition, renovations are already underway at Lincoln School. Goebel says the district is utilizing its own maintenance staff to remodel the library to create more classroom space while keeping costs down.

Under the new plan, Douglas School will house all preschool students, while Lincoln School will host the kindergarten and first-grade classes. Goebel says a major benefit of the move is the addition of an assistant principal, ensuring an administrator is always on-site.

The restructuring is expected to streamline resources and provide more consistent social-emotional support for students across both buildings.
 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. While the conversation often focuses on physical signs of abuse, a newer, more pervasive dynamic is taking center stage: technology

Andrea Kocher with Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County says today’s youth operate under the constant assumption that a camera is always on or that they are being watched. This digital reality has bled into the dating scene, where constant tracking by a partner has become a normalized, yet dangerous, tool for abuse.

According to Kocher, the Illinois Youth Survey data shows as early as tenth grade, youth in every Illinois County report being a victim of teen dating violence. In her work within Piatt County, technology is increasingly the primary weapon used for harassment

A crucial lesson for many teens is that the "internet-verse" is forever. Kocher warns that once private images or information are shared, they often become "ammo" used by an abuser to maintain power through threats of digital exposure.

One in three U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults, and nearly half - 43% - of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors. One in ten high school students has experienced physical violence from a dating partner. One in ten teens experienced sexual dating violence. Over 70 % of women and 60% of men first experienced intimate partner violence under the age of 25. And one in four women first experienced intimate partner violence before the age of 18.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit willowtreemissions.org, find them on Facebook, or call the agency in Monticello at 217-762-2350.
 

FFA Chapters around the Country are spending this week celebrating and promoting the program.

Heyworth FFA President Emma Quintin explains that last Friday was spent decorating the school in preparation for a week of dress-up days and activities that promote the chapter. They are encouraging all students to participate, not just those in FFA. 

Morning trivia and raffle tickets are a highlight of the celebration at Heyworth this year. Jolee Maharas, Chapter Vice President, explains that students who dress up are greeted at the door by FFA members in the morning for a chance to win prizes.

Learn more about the Heyworth FFA Chapter by finding them on Facebook. Keep it to the Hart Media Group in the days ahead for continued coverage of National FFA Week in central Illinois.
 

A central Illinois police department is implementing a program that will soon be mandated by the State of Illinois.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross told the Hart Media Group, the "Blue Envelope" program was sparked by a collaboration between the life skills class at Monticello High School and School Resource Officer, Deputy Lindsey Bross of the Piatt County Sheriff's Office. The program provides resources for neurodivergent drivers on how to handle traffic stops.

While the State of Illinois recently announced a similar statewide initiative, Chief Bross did not want to wait for the red tape to clear. He is moving forward now with a tangible tool, a bright blue envelope that identifies the driver as being on the autism spectrum to prevent any potential misunderstandings regarding their behavior.

The envelope provides a roadmap for the officer on how to de-escalate a situation through specific tactical changes, such as killing certain lights to prevent sensory overload. Chief Bross says they adapted the program locally by working with the Piatt County Mental Health Center.

Residents interested in obtaining a Blue Envelope for themselves or a family member can contact the Monticello Police Department or speak with Deputy Bross at the high school.

The City of Clinton has been focused on accomplishing many of the goals laid out in its strategic plan from a few years ago.

In that strategic plan were goals for individual departments, including the Police Department. One of the primary pillars of the plan involves modernizing the department's response capabilities. Chief Ben Lowers says having a written, evolving plan is vital for maintaining a clear vision.

Another major portion of this plan involves a massive overhaul of the department's IT infrastructure. Since 2010, local agencies like the Sheriff’s Department and Farmer City Police have been working to share information more efficiently. Chief Lowers says the City is currently partnering with Heart Technologies to build an independent, robust infrastructure that ensures they are no longer at the mercy of changing IT providers.

Like many small agencies, Clinton has faced recruitment and retention challenges in recent years. To combat this, the department is prioritizing professional development, including sending all sergeants through the Northwestern Staff and Command School. Chief Lowers notes by fostering individual interests—such as specialized training for firearms and taser instructors—the department is building a stronger, more motivated force.

Chief Lower admits that he is getting better at meeting with his staff in leadership positions and having quarterly department staff meetings. 

Follow the Clinton Police Department on Facebook for more on its interactions within the City of Clinton. 
 

Earlier this month, Maroa-Forsyth Schools and its teachers' union agreed on a new, three-year contract.

The new contract will be effective for the school years of 2026 through 2029. Superintendent Adam Ibbotson notes that the goal from the beginning was to balance competitive compensation with the district’s long-term financial health.

While the financial details include annual salary schedule increases to keep the district competitive in Central Illinois, the agreement also addresses modern classroom needs, including professional development and teacher support structures. Ibbotson says this contract is about more than just numbers; it’s about retention.

The ratification comes at a time when many districts across the state are facing teacher shortages. By securing a three-year deal now, the district aims to provide a clear roadmap for both current staff and future hires. Ibbotson says the final result is a win for the entire Maroa-Forsyth community.

Ibbotson indicates that every day is progress towards a new contract when renegotiations begin in just over another year. 

Visit mfschools.net or find the district on Facebook for general updates on the happenings in Maroa-Forsyth Schools. 
 

It's tax season, and the federal government's 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' legislation is impacting tax filing for Social Security beneficiaries.

Jack Myers with Social Security explains the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' legislation delivered tax relief to millions of older Americans. It does so by providing an enhanced deduction for taxpayers aged 65 and older, ensuring that retirees can keep more of what they have earned.   

If you file your tax return as an individual, and your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay federal income tax on up to 50% of your Social Security benefits, or if your combined income is more than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.

According to Myers, if you received SS benefits in 2025, you should have gotten your SSA-1099 in December or January. Myers indicates that if you’ve misplaced it, or don’t recall getting it, starting February 1st, you can get a replacement through your mySocialSecurity account www.ssa.gov/myaccount. 

You can request a 1099 form through your online mySocialSecurity account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount or by completing a form W-4V, which is available in the forms section of our website www.ssa.gov/forms, or you can also call 1-800-772-1213 for a form. 
 

Tax season is here, and a local library is offering a helping hand. 

Emily Dunham, Adult Program Coordinator for the Warner Library in Clinton, explains that AARP brings certified tax experts to the Library this time of year to offer their assistance. Best of all, it's all free. 

Appointments are hosted on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The Library does not have available appointments until March 18th at the time of this story; you can set your time all the way up to April 13th. 

Appointments are filling up fast, and you can book yours by visiting the Library, located at 310 N Quincy Street in Clinton. Learn more at vwarner.org or by finding the Warner Library on Facebook. 
 

Community Action is offering a new way to help you save on your energy bills. 

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps people pay for their energy bills, but Griffin Pollock with Community Action explains that the Weatherization Program helps you lower the bill overall by making your home more energy efficient. 

Pollock indicates that a LIHEAP application is the best place to start if you're interested in weatherization. He says if you qualify for LIHEAP, then you qualify for weatherization. 

To learn more about weatherizing your home through Community Action, visit capcil.info or call your local office. 
 

The City of Clinton is hoping its partners across the street will support its efforts for a nice fireworks display for the Fourth of July.

At the Thursday night DeWitt County Board meeting, Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris approached the County Board about a split of the cost of fireworks for this year's display.

The County would likely look to draw funds for any contribution from its economic development funds, which many may remember is funded thanks to the sale of the Clinton Lake Marina. DeWitt County Development Council Executive Director Curt Homann warned the Board that, while this is a worthwhile effort, other communities and groups will come asking for dollars for their events.

The Board discussed sending the proposal to the Finance Committee for further consideration. Board members floated ideas from creating a general fund for any support of the 250th celebrations to a request for funding.

The County Board decided they would send the issue to the County's Finance Committee to sort through. 
 

A Logan County school district would be an enormous winner if a potential data center is approved at some point this year.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Superintendent of Mt Pulaski Schools Jason Spang told the Hart Media Group, the proposed site of the data center in Logan County would be in the Mt. Pulaski district. While there are many strong and mixed feelings over this subject, the fact remains; his district would be a huge winner.

The tax revenue from this data center would be a huge win for the taxpayers of the district, whom Spang says they would prioritize first and foremost if this comes to fruition.

According to Spang, this potential development would be a big benefit to the facility plans they have. He explains they could potentially expedite their plans for an addition at the elementary school in town.

Spang says the data center - if it gets approved - would nearly quadruple the district's budget, which would allow them to expand programming and curriculum and potentially even pay teachers more.

A central Illinois lawmaker is reflecting on the priorities laid out for the Fiscal Year 27 budget for the State of Illinois.

Gov. JB Pritzker gave his budget address to lawmakers in Springfield on Wednesday afternoon - once again increasing spending in Illinois. On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, State Senator Sally Turner told the Hart Media Group you heard the usual and expected bashing of President Trump from the Governor, but not much on how he planned to help Illinoisans in her district battle the ever-increasing cost of living.

For Senator Turner, more could be done for Illinoisans regarding property tax relief, from revamping the taxation on wind and solar, which hasn't been re-evaluated since 2006. 

Sen. Turner indicates the Governor is targeting a user tax on Facebook, but the revenue from that is unclear.

The Lincoln Republican says there were some good portions of the address, like it was a short address, and no jabs at Illinois Republicans. 
 

As the weather starts to break, students in the 4-H program likely have the summer fair season on their mind. 

Anne Reinbold with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains that since they returned from winter break, it's been full steam ahead for 4-H students and their leaders as they prepare for the summer fair season.

The show takes place at the DeWitt County Fairgrounds north of Clinton, and Reinbold is appreciative of all the support that families and community members show when they come. She adds that the great food options help bring people out as well. 

The 4-H fair season for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties kicks off with the Horse Show on June 27th this year.  Learn more about 4-H at extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 
 

The America 250th Celebration Committee in Clinton is finalizing plans for a three-day celebration of the community, the country, and the Fourth of July holiday.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Kenny Atchison with the Clinton America 250th Celebration Committee told the Hart Media Group they have three days full of activities for residents of all ages.

The three-day celebration will include a Fourth of July parade. Bobbi Perryman indicates they are planning a reverse route for the parade. The annual Homecoming parade originates at the square and concludes at the high school. Their parade will start at the high school and conclude at the square, where all the weekend's activities will be.

Atchison says they will have a lot of live entertainment during the three days of the Festival.

Atchison and Perryman say the goal of the committee is to make everything free to the public to participate in. You can follow along with all things America 250th celebration in Clinton by finding the committee on Facebook. 

You can also call or email Perryman at the Warner Library in Clinton for more information on contributing financially or volunteering.

The City of Clinton is hearing from many developers about things they want to do in Clinton, but slowing those efforts is a lack of Tax Increment Financing Districts, or TIF districts.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris told the Hart Media Group the City of Clinton has hired a TIF consulting firm to help it establish and develop more TIF districts for its goals of growth.

According to Harris, the establishment of new TIFs is essential to future growth in Clinton. He indicates they hear from developers who want to come to Clinton; however, that development hinges on the creation of TIF districts.

While many may think creating a TIF district is as easy as pulling up a map of the City and taking a marker to create boundaries, it isn't that simple. There are a lot of legalities and procedures that have to be followed to create the districts.

Harris is fielding questions much more frequently lately about development in Clinton, and he attributes much of the excitement to the recent announcements of META, KwikWall, and Meyer Industries.

Harris reminds that TIF districts in Clinton would not only serve the purpose of creating development opportunities for businesses, but also for housing. We'll have more in the next few weeks from Harris about a program the City is looking to start, called 'Block By Block', to address community homes that need a little improvement. 
 

High schools throughout the nation are finding, and often creating, new ways to support their students and cultivate growth. 

Lincoln Community High School Assistant Principal Candace Schmidt explains that the Multi-Tiered System of Support program, or MTSS, was started a couple of years ago at the building. She said it addresses students' academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. 

Cindy Arnold is the MTSS Coordinator at LCHS, but notes that she is just one of three interventionists who work within the building. She is in charge of looking at all of the students' grades, then addressing who is doing well and who could use some extra help. 

While students are often encouraged to ask questions, it's not always easy to speak up. Arnold feels that this program provides a safe space for students to ask for help, and adds that it can often encourage students not in MTSS to ask questions as well. 

Arnold has seen tangible success in students when it comes to lowering the number of classes that are being failed. She also gets a lot of positive verbal feedback from students in the program. 

When it comes to handling behavioral issues at LCHS, they have opted for a positive reinforcement program called Railer Rockstars, and we'll have more on that with Schmidt in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group. 
 

The Clinton Chamber's Business Expo is a month away, and registration is open now. 

Chamber Director Janice Petersen told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday that the 2026 Business Expo will take place on March 26th from 4 PM to 6:30 PM, and will be returning to Clinton Junior High School. 

Petersen emphasizes that registration for a booth is open now to any businesses in the community, there is a discount for chamber members, and there is no fee for non-profits. She is excited to return to the junior high this year, due to its ease of access for vendors, business owners, and the community. 

There are quite a few new businesses in Clinton, and Petersen hopes the community will come out to acquaint themselves and learn more about the economic development coming to the City. 

Petersen adds that there will be a contest at the Business Expo this year. She is asking businesses that are attending to donate some branded items or swag that can be raffled off. 

Again, the Business Expo takes place at Clinton Junior High School on March 26th from 4 to 6:30 PM. The registration deadline is March 6th. Register and learn more about the event at clintonilchamber.com.
 

A funding mistake from a yearly federal grant has opened the door for a local public safety agency to upgrade its vehicle. 

At last week's DeWitt County Public Safety Committee meeting, Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Will Paveleck expressed that the department's current vehicle is not suitable for emergency response. He notes the Emergency Management Performance Grant reimburses the County for 50% of the cost for specific line items, which should go back to the general fund.

For at least eight years, there has been a mistake that put those funds in the EMA's grant fund rather than the reimbursement money going back to the County's general fund. Paveleck and County Administrator Dee Dee Rentmeister have the issue fixed going forward and have reimbursed the county for 2024.

All that being said, it is not as simple as transferring over $200,000 from EMA's grant fund to the County's general fund. Paveleck thought that a new vehicle for the department would be a good use for some of these funds, and he received a quote for a new Ram 1500 truck for about $43,000. This would be much more capable of navigating tough terrain or off-road situations for emergency response than the current Chevy Malibu. 

The Committee briefly discussed what to do with the current EMA vehicle and decided that it would be best utilized by other County departments, including Zoning. 

The Committee decided they would recommend the purchase of the new Ram 1500 truck to be voted on at this week's Full Board Meeting, adding the recommendation of repurposing the current vehicle for other departments. 
 

The University of Illinois Extension is introducing kids of all ages to agriculture.

Anne Reinbold with the Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains that 4-H and the Master Gardeners Program are teaming up for a new program, aimed at getting students thinking about agriculture, whether on the farm or in the garden. She says the next session comes up on February 21st at the Blue Ridge Township Public Library from 10 to 10:30 AM. 

Trying new things is a value of Reinbold and the 4-H Program as a whole. She is trying to teach students that you should not quit something because you are not good at it the first time. 

Register for the Little Sprouts Program by February 20th at extension.illinois.edu/dmp. Reinbold reminds that they will host the event once again on March 21st if you are unable to make it this time around.
 

Local outdoor authorities are reminding boaters and fishermen of a portion of Clinton Lake that is annually closed off until the end of March.

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Office Noah Workman indicates the Lake, from the Route 48 bridge and DeWitt bridge, is closed off until the end of March. He reminds this is something that happens every year because that area of the lake is a refuge area for fish.

According to Officer Workman, this change is not new to the Lake, but they continue to encounter frequent visitors to the park who should know better, disregarding the notices about fishing in that restricted area.

Officer Workman reminds that the area of the lake re-opens on April 1. Visit dnr.illinois.gov for more on fishing in Illinois. 
 

The Clinton YMCA has released its end-of-year data for 2025.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, CEO Rennie Cluver told the Hart Media Group that not only does the Y membership continue to grow, but they also continue to see excellent participation in their programs.

For Cluver, he seeks out data that shows the impact of the Y. From how many zip codes are members of the Y to how much money they put back into programs for kids, families, and non-profits.

Cluver touts the Y's commitment to keeping the facility affordable. While they did raise membership this year, he points out that those increases in recent years have not kept up with the increased costs the Y has seen. Additionally, it has been several years, but the YMCA also eliminated the sign-up fee.

Visit clintoncommymca.org or visit their facility on South Alexander Street in Clinton to learn more. 
 

Getting your taxes done is a yearly chore that few look forward to. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank explains that as we all try to make it through this time of year, you should avoid tax tips from AI or social media. She says they often present information as fact, with little or no basis behind it. 

Miller explains that taxes have gotten a little easier in recent years. She says about 85% of people take the standard deduction, and adds that using tax software is alright, as long as it is reputable. 

Miller points out that the Warner Library hosts people who are vetted and certified to help with your taxes. She notes that there is online software like H&R Block that helps you complete your taxes on your own. 

IRS scams always increase during this time of year, and Miller reminds that the IRS will never reach out to you via text, phone call, or email. They will also never ask for immediate payment, especially in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency. 
 

Law enforcement agencies across Illinois are adapting to new employment screening processes. 

For Piatt County Sheriff Mark Vogelzang, not a lot changes for his department. He explains that, for those entering law enforcement from, perhaps, the private sector, those records are a bit more accessible now.

For Sheriff Vogelzang and his department, they have been blessed not to have to deal with a lot of the challenges of other departments with lots of turnover. He feels they draw from a lot of individuals who want to give back to the community in which they grew up.

Sheriff Vogelzang also attributes his current status as Sheriff to the assistance of one of his deputies. The story goes that a deputy who was in the middle of CPR training saved the Sheriff's life.

Sheriff Vogelzang has recently touted initiatives like its drone program and others for the effectiveness of public safety. 

Follow along with all things Piatt County Sheriff's Department by finding them on Facebook. 
 

Research from a University of Illinois assistant professor hopes to spearhead innovations in water recycling on farms.  

The volatility of weather conditions in central Illinois is what inspired the research.  Droughts can wreak havoc on plants, while heavy rains may provide more water than is ideal.  Part of the research is understanding how excess water runs off through the soil, while another goal is to determine the best methods of recycling water. Dr. Luciano Alves de Oliveira of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is leading the project.  He says plants can lose essential nutrients based on how water runs through the soil.

As for one way to conserve the water, Oliveira proposes taking advantage of the surrounding land composition, including ponds and wetlands.

For farms without those options currently available, the study looks to uncover other possibilities, such as constructing new wetlands.

The Dudley Smith Farm Field Day was last week in Christian County. More information is available at 
 

Reviving the once-popular summer concert series on the Clinton Square is the focus of City leadership in 2026.

Tony Harris told the Hart Media Group earlier this month the City has hired an individual to help them bring in up-and-coming acts out of Nashville - something the City had done prior to COVID with great reception and success.

The Clinton City Council meets on Tuesday night at 7 pm.

Tax season is upon us, and a local financial advisor has tips to help this time of year go smoothly. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank explains that the IRS's website is the best place to find tax information. She reminds that while AI or posts on social media may seem all-knowing, they often can give incorrect information that could get you in legal trouble. 

Miller explains that due to increases in the Standard Deduction, taxes have gotten a little easier to do, and we'll have more on that on Monday from the Hart Media Group. 
 

The announcement of Meyer Industries and QuikWall coming to Clinton in 2025 is sure to spur further growth in 2026. 

By year's end, DeWitt County could be looking at 500 new jobs, says Curt Homann, Executive Director of the DeWitt County Development Council. He indicates Meyer continues its search for employees, and QuikWall will soon be nearly fully operational.

Homann indicates the announcements of QuikWall and Meyer last year have already created momentum in new business likely coming to Clinton in 2026. While he cannot talk about it, he says announcements could be made, quote - very, very soon.

Additionally, Homann anticipates dirt being moved this year for more housing development in Clinton as the City pursues TIF districts for both residential and business districts. 

He feels there is a lot of positive excitement in Clinton for what is happening. 

Research from a University of Illinois graduate student hopes to better understand crop-beef cattle operations.  

A key goal is to find the right balance in grazing and harvesting cereal rye made in a rotation between corn and soybean crops, and what can impact these plans. Grady Gullickson, a graduate student in the Department of Animal Sciences, is leading the project.  He says it involves experiments with livestock on farmland, which has corn and soybean plants.

This methodology puts the project at the mercy of the weather, which requires adjusting, just like in the real world. 

Gullickson says finding the right balance between grazing and harvesting is complex but important for producing good yields.

The Dudley Smith Farm Field Day was earlier this week in Christian County. More information is available at extension.illinois.edu.
 

Clinton Lake and Weldon Springs are seeing an increase in fishermen and foot traffic as a nice stretch of weather allows for outdoor activity.

That's according to Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman, who told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW Morning Show Thursday there has been a noticeable increase in foot traffic at Weldon Springs and more fishermen at Clinton Lake in the last week.

If you're headed to Weldon Springs, the popular barn trail is going to look a little different. Workman indicates just last week, the barns on the trail were taken down via a controlled burn.

Additionally, a significant number of trees were taken out on the north end of Weldon Springs recently. Workman explains the plan is to reseed those areas with natural prairie grass.

Officer Workman indicates the Lake is seeing an uptick in fishermen recently. With the boat ramps now clear of snow and ice, the ramps are starting see more activity as well.

The springtime can be a very stressful season for high school juniors, as they prepare for standardized testing and make plans for life after high school. 

Monticello High School Principal Travis Courson explains that Homeroom will look a little different this year for the building's juniors. In the effort of finding new ways to support their students, He indicates that they will be dedicating Homeroom to ACT preparedness. 

Not only are the students studying hard and reviewing content, but they are also being prepared emotionally. Courson says they are trying to familiarize students with the ACT, so they feel confident on test day and perform at their best. 

While this is a new initiative in Monticello, Courson gets feedback often from alumni who share their positive experiences at the school, especially when it comes to ways they felt supported and made ready for the real world. 

Monticello Schools' administration is always looking for new ways to support its students. Learn more about the district by visiting sages.us or by finding them on Facebook.
 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and a local domestic abuse advocate is shining the light on an often underdiscussed topic in society.

Andrea Kocher with Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County says that often teen abusers are acting on learned behavior. We know one in three teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in a relationship before they become adults.

This year’s theme cuts through the noise by focusing on what real love should look and feel like - “Real Love Respects.” Kocher believes in a world full of mixed messages; this theme centers around one truth: respect is non-negotiable.

Teen dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology. We'll hear more from Kocher throughout February about this topic and how technology has changed teen dating violence.

In the meantime, find more about Willow Tree Missions at WillowTreeMissions.org, find them on Facebook or call 217-762-2350.
 

With the tax season upon us, scams are likely to come from any possible angle. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers told the Hart Media Group, with the additional disposable income for some, the tax season becomes a prime opportunity for fraudsters to get their hands on additional money.

The Chief reminds the IRS, or any government agency for that matter, will never reach out to you via text, email or phone call with a demand, specifically a request for money through gift cards or cryptocurrency, nor with threats of arrest.

Additionally, Chief Lowers says if you do happen to fall victim to a scam where you send a gift card or cryptocurrency exchange, it is highly unlikely or nearly impossible to recover those funds.

At the Hart Media Group in recent weeks, we've heard from Connie Miller with DeWitt Savings Bank on scam trends both locally and across the country. We'll continue to highlight these issues in the weeks ahead with the likes of Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister and Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross.

While many may associate Emergency Management with emergency response, in reality, much of the focus is on prevention. 

At Tuesday night's Dewitt County Public Safety Committee Meeting, EMA Coordinator Will Paveleck brought extra funds to the Committee's attention, which he would like to use to provide spill kits to fire departments across the County. He says the leftover funds are from a grant provided by Enel Clean Energy. 

While this is not necessarily an essential need for departments, Paveleck believes this would be a good use of the excess funds. He emphasizes that they would not restock these supplies in the future and that they only plan to make this purchase once. 

Paveleck told the Hart Media Group following the meeting that these spill kits are only intended for smaller spills, such as a fuel spill at a gas station or from a vehicle. He notes it is a good tool in mutual aid between County fire departments, as well as outside the County. 

Paveleck feels that the crux of emergency management is preparedness, and being ready for situations from small spills to larger-scale natural disasters. He says that it's about utilizing the "blue sky days" to stop emergencies before they happen, or before they get out of control. 

The Committee ultimately decided to approve the purchase, which still leaves roughly $5,000 for future use from the Enel Grant. 

Also at the Tuesday night meeting, at the request of Paveleck, the Committee moved to recommend the purchase of a new EMA vehicle to the Full Board. We'll have more on that in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group.
 

As is often the case during any holiday stretch, unhealthy foods are all around us. 

Caitlin Mellendorf is a Nutrition Educator with the University of Illinois Extension for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties. She explains that whether you are celebrating a relationship, friendship, or self-love, moderation is key for those Valentine's Day treats. She says to let yourself enjoy the time of year. 

Many will choose to completely abstain from sweets, which can lead to some bad feelings or even binge eating should you cave in to the sugar. Mellendorf says it's important to permit yourself to indulge on occasion. 

Rather than withholding sweets from yourself or children, Mellendorf recommends pairing them with healthier foods, which can encourage healthier and more well-rounded eating habits. 

While healthy eating is a game of knowledge and good habits, Mellendorf emphasizes that eating should not be a chore. Learn more about healthy eating habits by finding extension.illinois.edu/food
 

The introduction of tap-to-pay allows people all over the world to utilize a new convenient form of payment, but it may not be as secure as you might think. 

Connie Miller with the DeWitt Savings Bank has been researching tap-to-pay and explains that it is often advertised as a secure form of payment, superior to the risks of inserting a debit or credit card into a reader. She says that while it is better, they are not scam-proof. 

For one unfortunate victim, what was thought to be a small charitable donation turned into theft of tens of thousands of dollars. Miller says even if there is a screen that says the amount you're paying, it could be a lie. 

When it comes to preventing tap-to-pay scams, Miller says to avoid overdraft protection. While it may seem counterintuitive, she says it is worth preventing scammers from taking money out of your checking and savings accounts. 

Miller reminds that keeping a close eye on your transactions, anytime you make a purchase, is the best way to prevent scams. She adds to never make purchases from untrusted sources, whether online or in person.
 

Monticello High School is making strides in connecting students and creating an accepting community. 

Principal Travis Courson told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW High School Road Tour Monday that they have created a course they call "Unified P.E." He says this pairs general education students up with life skills students in a comfortable and fun setting. 

Courson feels that the most valuable part of the program is the social benefit, for both the gen-ed and life skills students. He notes that they see a lot of growth in students through this program. 

The High School is taking steps towards better preparing juniors educationally and emotionally as they get ready to take the SATs, and we will have more on that with Courson in the days ahead from the Hart Media Group. 
 

Instructional coaches are a growing need in community school districts, and Clinton is planning to utilize them starting next school year.

Superintendent Drew Goebel indicates that districts are turning to instructional coaches more and more. He believes the can be a great resource for staff as they navigate all the responsibilities that come with being a teacher in 2026.

According to Goebel, the term 'coach' in the job title is somewhat misleading. He hopes there is internal interest in these positions because of the quality of teachers they have in the district.

He hopes to have these individuals hired soon so they can begin to get to know the staff of each building and also participate in the professional development required for this role.

The district will be hiring instructional coaches for Clinton Elementary School, Lincoln School, and a K-12 special education instructional coach who will also be an outplacement coordinator as well. 
 

Late in 2025, the DeWitt County CENCOM office introduced new health protocols for the public calling in an emergency to dispatchers.

Karen Clevenger is the DeWitt County CENCOM Coordinator and reminds the public that when someone calls in a medical emergency, dispatchers now ask a specific set of questions based on the emergency. She indicates this gives their first responders better information as they arrive on scene, and can be beneficial for the patient in crisis.

According to Clevenger, there is a reason for all the questions. Additionally, she applauds her dispatchers for their quickness in getting calls out to the first responders.

Clevenger indicates the change has thrown the public off a little bit, simply because dispatchers are asking a lot of questions of the caller.

This was a new system introduced in the middle of December.
 

Piatt County students will have an opportunity to shoot for the stars and learn about the field of Aerospace 

Anne Reinbold, Educator with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, explains that from 11 AM to noon on February 16th, she will be leading a workshop all about Aerospace at the Piatt County Extension Office in Monticello. She says the focus will be on building marshmallow rockets. 

Reinbold says while she herself is not an aerospace expert, she enjoyed researching the idea of flight, whether rockets, planes, or birds, while preparing for this workshop. She says we witness it every day, but many don't understand how it works. 

Reinbold reminds that the day of the workshop, February 16th, is Presidents' Day, so many students will be out of school. Learn more about the Aerospace Workshop by visiting extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 

Medicare Part B enrollment is going on now through March 31. 

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates that generally, Medicare Part B is the portion of Medicare that covers outpatient doctor visits and has a standard monthly premium of $202.90 in 2026. If you are 65 or older and didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B during the initial or a special enrollment period, now is your chance. 

People who are receiving Social Security benefits prior to age 65 are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B in the initial enrollment perio,d which starts 3 months before attainment of age 65. Myers reminds those who are not receiving Social Security benefits prior to age 65 need to file an application with Social Security to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B in that same initial enrollment period.

If you are working or your spouse is working when you attain age 65, and you are covered by an employer group health plan, you may choose not to enroll in Medicare during your initial enrollment period.  Myers adds, in this situation, you could choose to enroll in Part A and forego Part B, or you could choose to forego both. 

If you are eligible for free Part A, there will never be a penalty for late enrollment, but there could be a penalty for late enrollment into Part B. Myers explains that the special enrollment period will prevent you from paying a Part B late enrollment penalty.

Myers reminds that if you already have Part A and you need to enroll in Part B as part of the general enrollment period, you will need to submit a form CMS-40B - available at www.ssa.gov - to Social Security. 
 

While rare, some individuals retire from a job only to return to that same job.

Among the many things on that person's mind is likely their un-retirement's impact on their Social Security. Jack Myers with Social Security explains you can un-retire, but you are limited to once, among other stipulations. 

ssa.gov has all the information on this topic and many others. 

The snow and cold is leaving few with the spring storm season on the mind, but the National Weather Service says it is never too early to prepare.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln says while the first week of March is technically National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, it never hurts to start thinking about those plans for severe weather events.

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Weather.gov/Lincoln will have all the details about severe weather preparedness. Be sure to follow the National Weather Service on X (formerly Twitter), for other helpful information. 

Getting a small farm operation started is not an easy thing to do, but the U of I Extension is adding to its list of resources for new farmers. 

Terri Casey, Extension Director in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains crop quality and production often take the focus of farmers, leaving legal concerns to be an afterthought. She says the series starts on February 10th with 'Starting an LLC.'

Learn more about the webinar series and the calendar of events from the Extension at extension.illinois.edu/lms.

The DeWitt County Friendship Center is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year next month.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Friendship Center Executive Director Paula Jiles told the Hart Media Group, the annual ham n' bean dinner and cake auction comes up on Saturday, March 14, at the Friendship Center.

Jiles says the Friendship Center has done a lot of work both inside its building and outside, so the funds raised from this year's fundraiser will be strictly for general use.

You can purchase tickets to this year's ham n' bean dinner and cake auction by stopping by the Friendship Center on Main Street in Clinton - and again, the event comes up on Saturday, March 14, from 5 pm to 7 pm.

The University of Illinois Extension is continuing a series aimed at teaching people helpful life tips. 

Terri Casey with the Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties explains that the Lessons for Living series is great for any age, but is primarily targeted at the elderly. She adds that the next session is on February 10th, and they will be diving into food labels and how to understand them. 

The series will continue in April with the 'Gardening on a Budget' program, in May, they will have 'Fur-real Companionship,' and in June, they will have 'Becoming a Friend of Those with Dementia.' Casey notes that all of these sessions will occur again in the fall.  

For those who miss the sessions or want to revisit the information, Casey notes that they are diving into YouTube Shorts. She says their YouTube channel is a great place to find clips as well as a variety of longer informational videos. 

Learn more about the Lessons for Living series and access the wealth of knowledge provided by the University of Illinois Extension by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms. 

As producers begin to think about the upcoming planting season, the ground may need to thaw before any potential spring moisture can make an impact.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates that the ground is so frozen that any moisture that we may get would just become runoff.

Precipitation outlooks are showing a trend towards normal for February, which Shimon says is about two inches.

Shimon reminds, while we've had around 10 to 12 inches of snow in total this winter in central Illinois, melting snow isn't going to equal that in moisture going into the ground. 

Get the latest in weather data and forecasts by visiting weather.gov/Lincoln. 
 

The DeWitt County Board last month approved an intergovernmental agreement with Kane County for juvenile detention housing.

Board Chair Joe Witte indicates the agreement doesn't necessarily lock in the County to sending every juvenile to Kane County; however, it helps in the challenge of housing for juveniles that are in the custody of the DeWitt County Sheriff's office.

Another intergovernmental agreement approved at last month's meeting addressed emergencies with neighboring Counties. Witte points out that these are great partnerships for DeWitt County, which may lack the resources to respond to certain emergencies.

In January, the County Board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Farmer City Fire Protection District for ambulance service with PSI. 
 

A central Illinois Sheriff admits he was apprehensive regarding the prospects of entering the space of drone usage, but says those concerns have been quickly put to rest after they have proven to be very beneficial.

Piatt County Sheriff Mark Vogelzang told the Hart Media Group last week on the WHOW Morning Show, he was hesitant to pursue drones because they had good partnerships with neighboring departments to use theirs - that was until a grant became available. 

According to the Sheriff, there is a lot of regulation around the usage of drones in Illinois and training that coincides with their use.

The unit's versatility has been very beneficial. Sheriff Vogelzang says that, between the various features on the drones plus their ability to navigate different types of weather, they have proven to be a great resource.

The Department secured a grant through the local railroad operation.

The Sheriff indicates they are researching a smaller drone with indoor capabilities. He says it has been such a benefit to the Department, he wouldn't want to be without it.
 

Beekeeping is a growing hobby as people join the effort to help save a declining population of pollinators. 

Terri Casey, University of Illinois Extension Director in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that they've hosted the ‘Introduction to Bee Keeping’ class for almost 20 years, and a new session begins February 12.

Casey stresses the class is very popular because honey bees are facing stress from factors like invasive species and habitat loss. Many are unaware of just how crucial they are to the ecosystem. 

The City of Clinton has big dreams for future development, but one hurdle to some of those goals is the development of TIF districts.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris told the Hart Media Group he updated the Clinton City Council Tuesday night of his efforts to pursue the establishment of multiple TIF districts in Clinton. 

According to Harris, there are developers interested in residential housing in Clinton; however, to help those interested parties, the City really needs to establish TIF districts to help them recoup their costs.

For Harris, his goal is to create two new TIF districts, one on the west side of the community and the other on the east side of the community. One of these TIF's would coincide with the City's desire to see the community cleaned up. 

Harris hopes to see these TIF districts established as soon as this summer. While aggressive, he indicates there are businesses ready to develop in Clinton that are waiting for things like this to be established.
 

February is American Heart Month.

Heart health has been a focus for Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, over the last few years. We know heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans on an annual basis.

Mellendorf indicates we want to go for fats that are found in fish or seafood, nuts, and avocados, rather than solid fats in some red meats and things like butter.

While the exact science behind the links between added sugars and high cholesterol is murky, Mellendorf indicates that added sugars can be or are detrimental to overall health.

Additionally, salt and sodium are big players in heart health. According to Mellendorf, while it takes a while, if you commit to a no-sodium or low-sodium diet, your taste buds will adjust.

Finally, fiber is an important component of heart health, and on average, Americans only get about half of their daily recommended servings of fiber.

Mellendorf invites the webinar series she did around 2021 called 'healthy eats for healthy beats' on the Extension's YouTube channel. You can also visit extension.illinois.edu/dmp for upcoming programs Mellendorf is hosting around American Heart Month. 
 

January and February are often referred to as the "dog days of winter," as cold days drag on and students dream of summer break. 

Maroa-Forsyth Student Council Co-President Sophie Crowe told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW High School Road Tour that during this slow time of year, they put on things like the Winter Assembly and host dress-up days to get kids excited for school. 

Crow works with her twin sister and Co-student council president Katie Crowe, who adds they coordinated the painting of senior parking spots this year, hoping students feel welcome and feel a sense of belonging. 

Similar to other student councils, the co-presidents add that when it comes to finding ideas for themes, dress-up days, or other events, they turn to social media to find ideas the student body will enjoy. 

Some extremely cold weather quickly mitigated an overall warmer-than-normal stretch to open 2026, the last few weeks.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln indicates if it wasn't for the warm start to January, it very well may have ended up a top 10 or top 5 coldest month. 

According to Shimon, despite a couple of major snow events in January, it ended up drier than normal. Snowfall totals varied greatly from northern Illinois to southern Illinois.

Because of how cold it has been, any rain for the foreseeable future will likely result in runoff moisture because the ground is frozen. We'll have more with Shimon on that dynamic impacting drought locally later this week on Regional Radio.

Artificial intelligence and a music genre taking the youth by storm will be the themes of a couple of upcoming programs this week at the Warner Library in Clinton.

Tonight (Tuesday) will be a presentation on artificial intelligence. On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Emily Dunham with the Library told the Hart Media Group their presentation tonight will feature an AI expert offering insights into spotting AI and some of the basics of how it works.

Children's librarian Mel Snow is hosting a program this Wednesday around the musical sensation K-Pop. This program will give students ages 8-12 a chance for a fun activity after the early dismissal on Wednesday.

Snow asks you register for her program by the end of the day today, Tuesday, so she can plan for the crafts and snacks.

Get more information about both of these programs by visiting vwarner.org or following them on Facebook. 
 

The 4-H Program puts a big focus on building leadership skills in students, and the Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties has an upcoming program to do just that.

DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties Extension Educator Henry Craft indicates that the Teen Teachers program gives local 4-Hers the opportunity to create and host their own programs, as they try to address issues in their community. 

Extension Educator Anne Reinbold told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW Morning Show Monday that the Teen Teachers program will be hosting an opportunity for kids to learn about basic food science. It takes place at the Weldon Public Library on February 11th at 3:30 PM. 

Reinbold explains that recruitment for the program often happens within the schools, as local extension educators try to provide extra educational opportunities for students in the community. 

The Fun with Food Program will go to the Goose Creek District Library on February 17th, the Farmer City Methodist Church on the 20th, and the Waynesville Township Library on the 25th, with more scheduled for March. Learn more and register at extension.illinois.edu/dmp. 
 

A new manufacturer in Clinton is looking for around 30 skilled laborers for its new operations, and those interested can come out for a job fair this week.

Meyer Structure Towers, a subsidiary of Arcosa, is beginning operations at its Clinton location, north of town, at the former Arcosa Wind Tower facility. Talent Acquisition Manager, Michelle Durham, told the Hart Media Group, in Clinton, they will be manufacturing tubular steel structures.

Meyer will be looking to hire around 30 laborers, and Durham indicates they have a variety of skilled labor openings they will interviewing for this Wednesday and Friday at their location on Tabor Road, north of Clinton.

Durham says it is an open interview process. Applicants should come ready with their resumes and could be offered a job at that time. 

Again, those hiring events come up on Wed. Feb 4 from 4 pm to 7 pm and Sat. Feb. 7 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Meyer location off Tabor Road, north of Clinton off US Highway 51.

Visit arcosa.com and find the 'Careers' tab and look for the 'Clinton Area' jobs. 

The plant hopes to have around 100 jobs hired by the end of the year, with more to come in 2027.

A typical winter week is likely ahead in central Illinois.

That's according to Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln, who on the WHOW Morning Show Monday, told the Hart Media Group, the highlight of the week will be slight warmups to book-end the week.

Look through the rest of February, Shimon indicates there is an above-normal signal for temperatures. It starts next week when we could see some days in the mid-to-upper 40s.

By the end month, high temperatures start to get into the 40s. Shimon indicates, the last few weeks of February are showing a below normal temperature trend after warm up in the middle of the month.

Heading into the spring, central Illinois could really use some substantial rain, however, there are concerns if we were to get some, as conditions currently stand. We'll have more on that with Shimon later this week at the Hart Media Group.

Rural Illinois has had its hands tied when it comes to wind and solar ordinances, thanks to the State of Illinois superseding local ordinances. 

One area the State of Illinois hasn't come in over the top on - yet - is battery storage. DeWitt County Board Chair Joe Witte indicates that while the County has its wind and solar ordinances in order, it will be taking up the battery storage ordinances in 2026.

According to Witte, the Regional Planning Commission will take up the battery storage. From there, it will go through the usual avenues of the Zoning Board of Appeals and then the Land Use Committee before coming to the County Board, if it isn't sent back by any one of those entities.

Witte feels the wind and solar ordinances comply with the State of Illinois, but where they have the ability to do more than comply, they are planning to look into that. 

These will be things the elected County leadership takes up in 2026. 
 

2026 is a big year for local museums and historical societies, as the Country celebrates its 250th birthday. 

Executive Director Joey Long explains that this year, they will be hosting a series of events titled "America 250 at the Homestead." She says the events will begin when they open for the season this Spring, and will go all the way until the end of the year. 

Long indicates that Lincoln Historian Guy Fraker will be returning to the Homestead in May. He will be diving into President Lincoln's reverence for the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The annual Quilt Show will also be USA-themed this year. 

In July, the Museum will host a dueling fiddle and banjo act called Peaches and Bacon as guests enjoy an ice cream social. Long adds that the event will also feature Carriage Rides. 

Before the Homestead reaches its busy fall and winter seasons, Long hopes to host an Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar to give a presentation called "History of Illinois in 10 Objects." 

Long indicates that they will be welcoming sponsorship from anyone interested in helping them celebrate the milestone year, with roadside recognition planned on the Homestead Grounds. 

Communities all around central Illinois will be celebrating the America 250 Milestone, including plans that are in the works in Clinton. Learn more about the 2026 calendar of events from the DeWitt County Museum by visiting chmoorehomestead.org. 
 

If you're in search of information for Social Security, the 'frequently asked questions' tab of ssa.gov is a great resource.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates many people have similar questions about our programs, so you should start by checking our frequently asked questions page at www.ssa.gov/faq. The page is regularly updated with the most common questions at that time, but it also has questions grouped by topics

If you want more detailed information on a subject, you can also visit our publications page at www.ssa.gov/pubs. Myers indicates there is a great deal of information about Social Security there as well.

Those websites again are ssa.gov/faq or ssa.gov/pubs.