A local zoo has been putting in the work as they get ready to unveil the new home for some large reptiles. 

Scovill Zoo Executive Director Heather Purdeu explains that they are still in the design phase of the new exhibit for the alligators; however, construction should begin after Boo at the Zoo. 

Purdeu says the 2026 summer season has been a success, and notes that the Free Admission Thursdays will be continuing until October 8th despite the recent return to fall hours. 

Learn more about the fall season at the Scovill Zoo in Decatur by visiting decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo or by finding them on Facebook.

A local law enforcement agency is planning an event for this fall aimed at new parents.

Piatt County Sheriff Mark Vogelzang explains that this September, an organization called Brightpoint will be coming to the Monticello Police and Fire Station to host a safety event all about child safety, just in time for Child Passenger Week. From car seat inspections to water safety tips, he says the event will feature life-saving information. 

Again, the event takes place on September 24th at the Monticello Police and Fire Station, from 3:30 to 6 PM. To learn more, visit brightpoint.org or find the Piatt County Sheriff's Office on Facebook.
 

Central Illinois has had its fair share of severe weather in the last few weeks, and a Clinton financial expert is advising folks to be on the lookout for individuals looking to take advantage of the crisis. 

Connie Miller with DeWitt Savings Bank explains that it is common for scammers to pose as contractors and target areas recently hit by weather to get you to pay for fake or unreliable repairs to your home or property. 

Calling your insurance should always be the first step when it comes to damage to your home. You can find out if you are covered, and often your agent will be able to provide recommendations for reputable contractors in the area. 

While having insurance can help in an emergency, Miller recommends having emergency savings ready for urgent home repairs or other unexpected costs that are not covered. Even if you are covered, she reminds you that you need to have enough for the deductible.
 

One person was killed, and two others were hospitalized in a car crash on Illinois State Route 10 outside Clinton on Thursday night. 

Officers from the Illinois State Police Troop 5 responded to a two-vehicle crash at IL-10 and Plow Road just after 9 PM on Thursday. Reports indicate that one driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger and the other driver were transported to Champaign to receive medical attention. 

The two vehicles collided while one was traveling eastbound and the other westbound on Route 10. 

The road was closed for investigation and reopened in the early morning hours of Friday. ISP, the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office, and the DeWitt County Coroner's Office are investigating the crash. 

The identity of the deceased is being withheld until the family is notified. 
 

The DeWitt County Board approved planned expenditures and a raise for the Public Defender Thursday night at its monthly meeting.

Three holding tanks in the County Building were approved at a cost of just under $10,000. Chair of the Property Committee, Terry Ferguson, told the Board the tanks were required when the building was erected. 

County Highway Engineer Mark Mathon provided information to the Board regarding a surprise inspection of the County's Highway building by the Department of Labor that revealed three safety and documentation compliance citation which are being addressed through policy adoption and notification to other county departments.

The County Board approved a raise for the County Public Defender, Tim Holl. State's Attorney Dan Markwell explains that the State of Illinois reimburses the County for this when they document having a public defender.

Also at the Thursday night meeting, the Board approved an engineering agreement with Cummins Engineering to provide building permit review and construction observation services for Prairie Flats Solar Farm.

The Board approved a 3.5-percent increase for non-union workers for Fiscal Year 27.
 

A biannual survey of Illinois school-aged children has been released, and a central Illinois mental health expert is weighing in on this year's data trends.

Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and reminds people that the Illinois Youth Survey is given to youth in Illinois schools with a variety of questions surrounding mental health challenges and substance use. He says the data from this past spring's assessments was recently released.

According to Kirkman, there are four specific questions in this survey that he looks for first each year. The questions he seeks out deal with suicidal ideation in teens, having a trusted adult other than a parent they can talk to, and substance use.

For Kirkman, a success in the data from the Illinois Youth Survey is the dramatic decrease in alcohol and illegal substance use. He feels this is a direct result of education efforts they've taken in recent years.

There are many other data points that Kirkman is analyzing, as the data has just been released. He is noting that increased access to marijuana and marijuana infused consumables is increasing among youth. However, vaping - identified as a major challenge - is down. We'll hear more from Kirkman in the weeks ahead at the Hart Media Group. 
 

The use of e-bikes, particularly among school-aged kids, has skyrocketed in communities across the country, prompting warnings from local authorities as kids use them to get to and from school.

Clinton Police Department School Resource Officer Kody Mair indicates they spent the days and weeks leading up to the start of school educating kids that e-bikes follow the same rules of the road as automobiles.

According to Officer Mair, young people can ride these e-bikes; however, come January 1, 2027, new laws will come into play for e-bikes that will put age restrictions on them. He encourages parents to become familiar with these laws and how they will impact their child and any e-bike they may own.

Last month with the Hart Media Group, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers discussed in-depth the many issues e-bikes are presenting the community, but as it relates to the community's youth, he is not imploring the owners of these e-bikes to be mindful of the rules of the road, he is hoping motorists will keep a keen eye out for kids utilizing them until the law changes on Jan. 1.

Like Officer Mair, the Chief is imploring parents to be intentional about making sure their kids understand that those bikes must adhere to the rules of the road. He feels it is a matter of when, not if, they have an incident involving an e-bike and a motorist. 

While some high schoolers utilize e-bikes, he indicates they see them predominantly used by kids at Clinton Elementary School and Clinton Junior High School.
 

DeLand-Weldon Schools continue to see repairs moving forward after severe weather in the spring impacted its facilities. 

Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Tresnak explains the finishing touches are being put on the school as they get ready to welcome kids back on Friday. Many may notice ongoing work on the roof, but he says it is preventive maintenance that should be wrapped up soon. 

Dr. Tresnak credits the speedy response to the strong relationships the district has with local contractors, as well as the staff and community members who helped to clear items out as water poured from the ceilings. 

While there are often new renovations to surprise students at the start of the school year, Dr. Tresnak looks forward to students and staff getting to see the new classrooms that had been flooded just a few months ago. 

Follow along with all the back-to-school updates and information by visiting dwschools.org or by finding their Facebook page.
 

The City of Clinton on Tuesday night approved the purchase of property on Illini Drive in Clinton for its new City Hall.

Clinton Mayor Helen Michelassi has made a new City Hall a priority since she campaigned for Mayor in the spring of 2025 and feels this is a big step forward. City Administrator Tony Harris indicates it was conversations with the property owner that led to the purchase of a former medical center.

The purchase price of the property was just over $700,000, which Harris points out was the appraised value. Mayor Michelassi says the building is very well suited to accommodate the needs they would have for a City Hall facility.

Harris indicates they have not started to come up with designs or renovation plans for the building because they are seeking to keep the costs down. The renovation of the interior will be the next step in the process.

Mayor Michelassi hopes to have a location announced for a new fire station in the next few weeks and soon after, a location for a new police station. She emphasizes that the police and fire will not share a facility or location. 
 

The Clinton City Council Tuesday night received an update on its ongoing water tower replacement of the Quincy Street water tower.

Kurt Carlson with the engineering firm Mead and Hunt reminded the council of the need and scope of the project, including several components of the water treatment plant and water tower that had reached the end of their life.

The project would cost roughly $13 to $ 15 million, and Carlson indicates the City is pursuing a low-interest loan through the Illinois EPA.

According to Carlson, the City of Clinton hopes to submit its plans for the water tower by the end of the month, with the hope of it being approved by the Illinois EPA around July of next year.

Carlson says the water main they will have to replace will be under a separate application process and loan. 

Also at the Tuesday night Clinton City Council meeting:

>>Sue Whitted was sworn in as Commissioner of Accounts and Finance

>>The Council approved an increase in compensation for City Commissioners, effective for Fiscal Year 27. 

>>The Council approved the purchase of property at 803 Illini Drive, the future site of a new Clinton City Hall

With kids back in class, local authorities continue to emphasize safety around school buses and in school zones. 

School Resource Officer and Piatt County Sheriff's Deputy Lindsay Bross is beginning another school year of bouncing around the County's school buildings to build relationships and ensure student and staff safety. Sheriff Mark Vogelzang says the SRO program has been very successful for almost eight years, largely thanks to Dep. Bross. 

One of Deputy Bross' biggest concerns this time of year is traffic enforcement and distracted drivers in and around school zones. She points out that it is especially a problem when it comes to the stop signs and other signals displayed on school buses while children are getting on and off the bus. 

While writing tickets is never fun, Dep. Bross does write tickets for school zone and bus violations because of how dangerous those situations can be for unaware or unsafe drivers. 

Dep. Bross and Sheriff Vogelzang encourage motorists to be mindful of those school zones, the laws around them, and children in neighborhoods who are walking or biking to school. 

We'll have more with Dep. Bross about e-bikes in Piatt County as well as some tips for first-time drivers.
 

The Clinton YMCA is reminding the community of its before- and after-school care program, Y-Zone.

Executive Director Rennie Cluver indicates this program provides parents a place to send children before and after school, where they will have opportunities to do homework and receive help with that homework, as well as an outlet to play and have fun.

Clinton Schools are going to the learning center model for Lincoln and Douglas Schools, which has resulted in the Y making Clinton Elementary School the primary attendance center for Y-Zone. Cluver indicates students will be bussed from Lincoln and Douglas to CES.

According to Cluver, CES remains a great option for Y-Zone, but the challenge in the winter months is the sports programs that utilize the gym space, and the CES gym is used regularly for Y-Zone. 

They will continue to evaluate options for where they will house Y-Zone going forward after the first few months of the school year.

Additionally, new this year is the sign-up for Y-Zone online. Cluver points interested parents in the program to learn more or sign up at clintoncommymca.com. You can also stop into their facility on Alexander Street.

Students across central Illinois are returning to the classroom this week, if they haven't already, and while it can sometimes get put on the back burner, nutrition for our youth should be among the top priorities.

University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator Caitlin Mellendorf is reminding that the federal government recently readjusted its standards for nutrition in schools, and so now cafeterias are returning to more meals prepared by hand to meet those standards. 

According to Mellendorf,  a well-nourished student is going to be better prepared for success in school than students who are hungry.

August is National Sandwich Month, and while oftentimes a standard peanut butter and jelly or lunch meat sandwich is what kids have put into their lunchboxes, Mellendorf encourages very minor adjustments to those classics to complete the nutrition for your youngster.

Stay with us in the weeks ahead at the Hart Media Group as we'll hear more from Mellendorf on those garden-fresh fruits and vegetables that are starting to come into season.
 

It's back-to-school time for students in Maroa-Forsyth, and district leadership is reminding the community of some changes for this school year.

Superintendent Adam Ibbotson indicates the first day of class is tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 18. He is reminding the community of some of the changes for this upcoming school year, including staggered start times at their buildings as well as bringing back the breakfast program for the first time in several years at the grade school.

Ibbotson reminds that the staggered start times for the school buildings this year were the result of a pair of challenges facing the district, including rising transportation costs as well as a bus driver shortage.

Motorists who regularly take US Highway 51 around Maroa likely have noticed by now the speed limit change from the school buildings to the south side of the highway outside Maroa. Ibbotson is thankful for that change as both of those intersections have a lot of traffic, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day.

Like local law enforcement officials you've heard from on the Hart Media Group in recent days, Ibbotson is advocating for motorists in Maroa to practice safety in school zones and be aware of unique traffic patterns in their respective communities.

Ibbotson is also encouraging parents of students of all ages to make sure they are getting good sleep. He is emphasizing the importance of attendance and how impactful it is for students to simply be in class. 

Students in Maroa-Forsyth begin class on Tuesday. Follow all things Maroa-Forsyth schools by visiting mfschools.net and follow them on Facebook. 
 

Blue Ridge Schools students will be back in the classroom on Wednesday of this week, but there are activities that will lead up to the first day.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Ryan Peyton told the Hart Media Group they've got a couple of back-to-school nights happening leading up to that first day of class on Wednesday.

This will be year two of the district's English Language Arts curriculum, or ELA. Peyton also notes they have some changes to drop-off and pick-up at one of its campuses.

Thinking about student safety, Peyton is encouraging students who walk or bike to school to be mindful of the traffic as they make their way to class. Additionally, he is reminding motorists in their various school zones to be mindful of the kids and especially school buses.

Blue Ridge Schools are taking up an initiative aimed at professional learning and professional development. Those trainings will require early dismissals at various points of the school year, and the district is partnering with the Clinton YMCA for childcare on those afternoons. We'll have more on that in the days ahead at the Hart Media Group. 
 

Schools in Clinton are back in session this week, and local authorities are reminding motorists around school buildings in the community to be mindful of students walking, biking, or driving to school, and especially of school buses.

Clinton Police Department School Resource Officer Kody Mair reminds motorists that there are stiff penalties for those who disobey a school bus's signals.

According to Officer Mair, the first priority for local law enforcement is the safety of the kids and the workers around school buildings. He reminds that this includes the crossing guards who are helping students get to and from school safely.

Officer Mair encourages parents with students walking from building to building or to their homes to use crossing guards whenever possible.

When motorists approach a school bus, Officer Mair says the biggest thing you want to be on the lookout for is the stop sign and red arm bar that pops out from the school bus. He emphasizes this means children are either entering or exiting the school bus.

Officer Mair encourages anyone who commutes through or around school zones to be mindful of the increased traffic that comes with school starting and find alternate routes to work if possible. He says the flow of traffic and ease of getting kids to and from school usually get better after the first week or two of class being back in session.
 

While the weather is still nice, a local historian is encouraging the community to join them in their walking tour series. 

Candace Summers, Senior Director of Education with the McLean County Museum of History, explains that the next opportunity to go on a Downtown Bloomington Architecture Tour led by her is Thursday, August 20th at 5:30 PM. She says they dive into the architecture itself and the history of the people and businesses that occupied the buildings. 

Two more opportunities are coming up to participate in the President Lincoln & Downtown Bloomington walking tours on August 29th and September 12th. These cover our 16th president and his involvement in the local judicial system, as well as the people who helped get him nominated for his presidency. 

Summers has received positive feedback on both of these walking tours from those who have participated. She says before Lincoln's presidency, Bloomington was likely the place he spent the most time in outside of his home in Springfield. 

The McLean County Museum of History is teaming up with the Bloomington Public Library to host a traveling exhibit this September, and we'll have more on that with Summers in the weeks ahead from the Hart Media Group. Learn more at mchistory.org or by finding their Facebook page.
 

The Security Authentication PIN (SAP) feature is an especially convenient option for mySocialSecurity account holders who need to change direct deposit information.

This optional feature is designed to make the identity verification process faster, and Jack Myers with Social Security indicates it is more secure when calling the national 800 number, 800-772-1213, or a local Social Security office.

According to Myers, direct deposit changes can no longer be done over the phone. You would either have to do it online through your mySocialSecurity account - which is only possible if you receive Social Security; this excludes SSI- or you would have to visit an office in person. Additionally, online direct deposit changes take longer to become effective - it will show you online when it will be effective, but it is generally 1 to 2 months later. He adds that if you need it changed sooner, visiting an office or using the SAP is the way to go.

Myers stresses that this is not a requirement, and if you don’t have a mySocialSecurity account or choose not to use the SAP, Social Security will verify your identity over the phone using the existing verification process. 

Myers reminds that the URLs for more information are ssa.gov/mysocialsecurity and ssa.gov/pin. The national number is 800-772-1213.
 

A Piatt County school district has decided to ease its students into starting the year. 

DeLand-Weldon Schools Superintendent, Dr. Michael Tresnak, indicates that students return on Friday, August 21st, which is an early dismissal day. He says the purpose is to create a basis to leap off of with full steam as they kick off the following week on Monday. 

Staff are back in the building on the 19th. We'll have more with Dr. Tresnak in the days ahead on the start of school, and an update on the storm damage the district suffered last April. In the meantime learn more at dwschools.org or by finding them on Facebook.

Although the leaves are not falling quite yet, a local zoo is returning to its fall hours. 

Scovill Zoo Executive Director Heather Purdeu explains that as students of all ages return to school, the Zoo sees a decline in young employees and guests at this time of year. This means that Monday through Friday, the Zoo will close at 5:00 PM with final entry at 4:00 PM. 

We'll have more with Purdeu in the weeks ahead on the fall programming at the Scovill Zoo. In the meantime, learn more on their Facebook Page or by visiting decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo.
 

A local state park foundation is inviting the community out to learn about how they can support the park. 

Patti Kinder with the Weldon Springs Foundation told the Hart Media Group on the WHOW Morning Show Thursday that community members are invited to the Schoolhouse this Sunday at 10:00 AM to participate in the Rooted in Nature event and learn about the Foundation and how you can help. 

Two drawings will be hosted at the event. Kinder says you can enter your name for a children's and/or adult prize basket to be drawn on Sunday night. 

The Rooted in Nature event takes place at the Weldon Springs Schoolhouse from 10 AM to 2 PM this Sunday. Learn more by finding the foundation on Facebook or visiting wsfil.org.
 

Law enforcement agencies across central Illinois are asking drivers to be aware as we transition to the back-to-school season. 

Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross explains that whether it's students getting ready for new bus routes and classrooms, or parents getting back into the swing of pick-up and drop-off, this time of year always takes a little getting used to. He points out that snug-fitting helmets are crucial for students who ride their bike to school. 

The Chief urges parents to inform their bike riders of the rules of the road, and emphasizes that we should never enter the roadway and expect vehicles to stop for us. He says the same goes for pedestrians.

The department is making a point to discourage students from crossing in the middle of a block, rather than using a crosswalk. He says crosswalks are where pedestrians are expected to be, and drivers should be most alert. 

Students in Monticello return on August 19th. Learn more about the Monticello Police Department by visiting their Facebook page.
 

The City of Clinton has added two more concerts for the summer Concerts on the Square series. 

City Administrator Tony Harris says Friday will be the last regularly scheduled concert as Ghost Stank takes the stage at 7:00 PM. He says this is a hard-rock band of local young adults. The City has rescheduled Boogie Republic, the 70s funk band, on the Clinton Square on August 28th due to rain. They have also added Owen Knap, a Nashville country act, to the lineup for September 5th. 

Harris says the concerts this summer have been lots of fun, and while they are not adding any more this year, they will begin planning for next summer around the end of this year. 

Harris feels lucky to have the Mr. Lincoln Stage and the space to hold these concerts for the community. He asks the community to come out and support the groups who take time to perform, even if it is just for a few minutes. 

Ghost Stank this Friday starts at 7:00 PM. Boogie Republic takes the stage at 7:30 PM on August 28th, and Owen Knap will begin on September 5th at 7:00 PM. Learn more about the upcoming concerts by finding the City of Clinton on Facebook.
 

The Midwest could be in for an El Niño winter.

That's according to Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln, who indicates the conditions at the equator are setting up for what could be a pretty strong El Niño signal this winter.

According to Shimon, any drought concerns going into an El Niño winter tend to intensify. Additionally, weather can be volatile during an El Niño winter, creating all sorts of possibilities for severe weather.

Outlooks for the fall don't have a strong signal for precipitation one way or the other; however, Shimon points out drought outlooks aren't showing any indication of an intensifying drought through the fall months.

Winter months are already dry months, so indications of a weather pattern that produces below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures can be concerning.
 

As students get back to class in central Illinois, a University of Illinois nutrition educator is hoping you'll make time to consider the items you're packing for your youngster if they are taking their lunch with them.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator at the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties, told the Hart Media Group there are several things to consider when packing a child's lunch, but one of the main things is to consider the ease with which they will be able to consume those foods.

Mellendorf encourages parents and guardians to consider what their kids would enjoy having in their lunches to make sure everything gets eaten, and they are getting enough to eat.

According to Mellendorf, items of convenience are always great options, but she encourages exploring those items that offer more nutrition than just the salty and sugary quick snacks.

We'll have more with Mellendorf about the evolution of school lunches and how schools now serve meals that meet certain government guidelines in the days ahead at the Hart Media Group.
 

The Clinton City Council has named Sue Whitted the new Commissioner of Finance, replacing the unfinished term of Tom Edmunds, who passed away in July.

Mayor Helen Michelassi told the Hart Media Group that Whitted brings a great deal of knowledge about finance, local government, and business to the Council.

According to the Mayor, Whitted's community involvement stood out among the people the Council talked to. While not a prerequisite for getting the post, the Mayor points out that many individuals have made their intentions known that they wish to run for the Commissioner's seat when the election comes around next spring.

Whitted will be sworn on to the Council at its meeting next Tuesday night.
 

The DeWitt County Board is continuing to effort contact with representatives from Enel Green Energy regarding questions and issues with its Alta Farms II Wind Farm in northwest DeWitt County.

At the Monday night DeWitt County Land Use Committee Meeting, Zoning Administrator Elizabeth Weikle says the efforts to make contact with the renewable energy company continue to come up empty.

The renewable energy provider told previous iterations of the Board they would be better about communicating with County officials, however, since that time Board members have come off the Board and the representatives that made those commitments too have moved on and the Board and community remains frustrated by the lack of communication regarding curtailment issues during severe weather as well as the lighting system. 
 

The Illinois State Fair opens this Thursday, and the National Weather Service is gearing up to provide the eyes in the sky for the ten days of the annual celebration.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln says the State Fair always provides plenty of excitement to fairgoers, but also to his staff. Chances of rain will continue to persist even into the heart of State Fair week. 

If you're headed to the Fair and the weather is not threatening with severe storms, you are likely to encounter Shimon and his team set up near the Dairy Building on the fairgrounds.

Looking to the back end of the State Fair and the last few weeks of August, Shimon indicates outlooks show equal chances of above- or below-normal temperatures and the same for precipitation.

For day-by-day forecasts for the Illinois State Fair, visit weather.gov. We'll have more with Shimon later this week on the outlooks for the fall harvest season, as well as the development of what is becoming a strong El Niño system setting up for the winter months.
 

Students in Clinton are less than a week from returning to class and local authorities are gearing up for a busy start to the new school year.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Clinton Police Department School Resource Officer Kody Mair told the Hart Media Group the usual traffic patterns are in place at Clinton Elementary School, but changes at Clinton's Lincoln and Douglass Schools are going to present new challenges for parents and law enforcement.

According to Officer Mair, there are stiff penalties for motorists who disobey the traffic signals on a school bus.

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers indicates school leaders and law enforcement have many years of experience in coming up with these recommendations for parents.

Students in Clinton go back to class on Monday, Aug. 17. 

A local faith-based nonprofit has finished its summer intern program. 

Mandi Ries with the Neighborhood Care Center explains that they brought on Zack Potts as their summer intern because of his interest in ministry and his passion for mission work. The idea was to give him hands-on experience in the day-to-day of making an impact on people's lives. 

Potts describes his experience with NCC as eye-opening to the everyday struggles of people in Clinton and central Illinois. While some may see the organization as just a food bank, he says it is so much more. 

Potts hopes to use this experience to further pursue his interest in ministry. He wants to pair that with his passion for flying by becoming a pilot, and possibly flying missionaries around the world. Before attending school, he plans to take a six-month-long mission trip as well. 

The generosity of people is something that has stuck out to Potts through this experience. He indicates that it is that generosity that allows NCC to function daily and serve the community. Ries says it is about always ministering however you can. 

Learn more about the Neighborhood Care Center in Clinton, McLean County, and soon Danville, its efforts, and how you can help by visiting neighborhoodcarecenter.net or by finding them on Facebook. 
 

The Monday night DeWitt County Land Use Committee meeting was dominated by updates regarding the renewable energy developments in the County.

County Zoning Administrator Elizabeth Weikle was charged with updating the Committee on the numerous projects starting across DeWitt County.

There is the potential for another solar farm developer to come to DeWitt County, though Weikle clarified no applications have been submitted and cleared up confusion that no hearings were scheduled.

The 'Triple Black Diamond' developer is seeking to be approved for its application under the current State of Illinois statutes, even though it was approved under the previous ordinances by DeWitt County.

This is going to direct State's Attorney Dan Markwell to write language for the developer to be able to develop under the current State of Illinois regulations, rather than previous DeWitt County ordinances, and the County Board will take it up at its monthly meeting next Thursday, Aug. 20.

Additionally, the Committee received an update on trying to make contact with Enel Green Energy representatives as well as ongoing efforts to update the County's waste management plans. We'll have more on those discussions in the days ahead at the Hart Media Group. 
 

The St. Louis District Dairy Council is rolling out some new programs as students get back into the classroom. 

Monica Nyman explains that whole milk has returned to lunchrooms around the Country this year for the first time since the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 under the Obama Administration. In honor of this, they are offering milk tastings for cafeteria managers to see if making the switch back to whole is right for them and their students.

Nyman indicates that the Dairy Council is offering new grant programs as well, including the coffee bar program. She says students are often purchasing coffee before school anyway, so this brings the coffee to the school. 

Learn more about all the initiatives and efforts out of the St. Louis District Dairy Council by visiting stldairycouncil.org or by finding them on Facebook.

With school right around the corner, law enforcement officials are gearing up for the busy back-to-school season. 

Piatt County Sheriff Mark Vogelzang explains that its School Resource Officers, or SROs, are gearing up to continue providing services to local schools for another two years. Those contracts were up at the end of the school year in May.

Sheriff Vogelzang says they are involved in school safety plans throughout Piatt County in and outside of school buildings. Traffic enforcement is important, especially early on, as pedestrians and drivers adjust to busier roads during arrival and dismissal times. 

Piatt County has a number of school districts that host students from neighboring counties. Sheriff Vogelzang indicates that they collaborate with area first responders when emergency planning and training to ensure a speedy response from all agencies necessary. 

The Sheriff reminds drivers around school buildings in the coming months to respect school zone speed limits and to keep a keen eye out for pedestrians. We'll have more with him on back to school later this month from the Hart Media Group.

Over the weekend, the City of Clinton's block-by-block program began work on its first home. 

Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris is applauding the program, which is volunteer-based, with a small sum of money contributed by the City of Clinton. Harris is hoping this can be the start of a community-wide effort to improve the exterior of the community's homes.

According to Harris, a residential TIF district would work just like a business TIF district. The difference being residents can tap into the funds for exterior home improvement projects.

Harris indicates a lot of interest has already been expressed in the small residential TIF district and believes a city-wide TIF district would garner a lot of interest.

Harris reminds, as property values go up because of improvements made through the TIF, the TIF grows and maintains itself over many years, allowing residents to be able to continue to tap into it.

It has been a wet start to August, and those rain chances are going to persist through this week.

That's according to Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln who told the Hart Media Group just about every day this week has chances for rain showers, even a marginal risk of severe weather.

Today (Monday) will be the warmest day of the week but with the humidity and high dew points, it is going to be somewhat uncomfortable over the next week.

Before the rains of last week and the first half of August so far, Illinois and part of the Midwest were headed towards flash drought conditions. While the rains of the last ten days have helped ease those concerns a bit, Shimon says we're not out of the woods yet.

As the Illinois State Fair gets set to open for 2026, we'll have an outlook for the ten days of the Fair later this week, as well as outreach the National Weather Service is doing in Springfield.

Get more in local weather forecasts and data at weather.gov/Lincoln.

Social Security is celebrating 91 years of existence in the United States of America this week.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates Social Security taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937, with the first payments also starting in January 1937.

Social Security was originally only provided a retirement benefit to the primary worker. Myers points out a 1939 change added survivors benefits and benefits for the retiree’s spouse and children. Then in 1956, disability benefits were added. 

The first Social Security website was launched in 1994 and has been improving and evolving ever since. Myers points out, in 2001 they added the first version of the online claims application and have been accepting claims online for 25 years.

Myers hopes you'll create your own personal mySocialSecurity account by going to  www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create your account.

A vision of Clinton Mayor Helen Michelassi officially gets off the ground this weekend.

The first Clinton home to be taken up by the block-by-block program will be the focus of local volunteers. Mayor Michelassi indicates they will begin work on the first of three approved houses for the program this weekend.

Mayor Michelassi promoted this program during her campaign in March of 2025. She indicates it mirrors a similar successful program in Decatur.

Farmer City has been wading through red tape as they await permits from the Illinois Department of Transportation on the I-74 project. 

City Manager Halley Roberson says slow progress is being made on the project near I-74. She adds the big picture is constructing rental properties to help with the need for housing in DeWitt County. Plans could also include a strip mall or gas station. 

This project is another piece of ongoing economic development efforts happening not only in Farmer City but all throughout DeWitt County.

After a pretty wet week in central Illinois, scattered rain chances are going to persist for another week.

On the WHOW Morning Show Friday, Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln told the Hart Media Group this week's rain dropped up to three-quarters of an inch of rain in some places.

According to Shimon, chances of rain are going to persist this weekend, with it remaining pretty humid.

Next at the Hart Media Group, we'll hear from Shimon on those persistent rain chances through the week, the outlook for the ten days of the Illinois State Fair, the fall outlooks, and much more.

Visit weather.gov/Lincoln for all things local weather forecasts and data.

The Lincoln Police Department is gearing up for a busy August.

Lincoln Police Chief Joe Meister indicates the Railsplitter Festival this year is moving to the same weekend as the 'Balloons Over 66' event and 'Up in Smoke' BBQ competition on the square.

According to Chief Meister, the balloon launches for 'Balloons Over 66' always draws a big crowd. Last year was the first year for some changes in traffic on Lincoln's east side where a majority of watchers congregate.

Before the big weekend for the trio of events in town, students will be getting back to class. Chief Meister indicates there are a couple of areas where they see traffic patterns get congested.

Chief Meister encourages following the City of Lincoln and the Lincoln Police Department on Facebook for further information on the happenings for all the events in Lincoln during August.

The Illinois Back-to-School State Tax Holiday opens today and runs through August 16. It waives the state sales tax on back-to-school necessities. This 10-day period is expected to provide an estimated $10 million in savings to online and in-store consumers on essential back-to-school items, including clothing, footwear, and school supplies. During the tax holiday, the state will waive its 5% sales tax on qualifying purchases. Any applicable local sales tax will continue to apply. Rob Karr is President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

Qualifying clothing and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item are eligible for the reduced tax rate. Examples of qualifying items include shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, and other everyday clothing items. Qualifying school supplies, including items such as notebooks, folders, binders, pens, pencils, and calculators, are also eligible for the reduced tax rate. There is no price limit on qualifying school supplies.

This year’s Illinois State Fair theme is “Miles of Smiles” to commemorate historic Route 66’s centennial. State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark says if you’re visiting the state fair Aug. 13-23 be sure to make time for the Route 66 Experience.

The Illinois State Fairgrounds are the only state fairgrounds in the country that sit along historic Route 66.

Awareness is one of the most important efforts when it comes to helping those who struggle with mental health, alerting the public to the local resources that can help. 

Tony Kirkman with the Piatt County Mental Health Center explains that in October, the 708 board is bringing in the 'Hidden Threats Trailer', in partnership with the Illinois National Guard and Monticello Fire Department. It is an effort to inform parents of the warning signs of youth substance abuse or struggles with mental health. 

Farmers are an at-risk group that often go unseen when it comes to mental health issues. With many uncontrollable variables that can affect a farmer's livelihood, farmers often struggle with high stress levels. Kirkman says they need to encourage the farming community to seek out help when needed. 

Nearing the next fiscal year, Kirkman indicates the 708 Board will be looking for more services that residents can take advantage of. He points out, they recently refreshed the list of resources on the organization's website. 

Go to 708piatt.org or find the Piatt County 708 Board on Facebook to learn more about the resources offered and their latest initiatives.

The Clinton City Council will vote later this month to double compensation for City Commissioners.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris told the Hart Media Group this was a proposal he brought to the Council at the Tuesday night Clinton City Council meeting. The proposal would double the commissioners' salaries. 

According to Harris, this is an increase the City of Clinton can afford. He emphasizes this increase would be effective for the next fiscal year. 

The Council will take up the compensation increase proposal at its next meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Defensive driving and reducing driving distractions are also crucial for side-by-side operators. It’s something Illinois State Police Public Information Officer Ryan Wagand is promoting.

Wagand says UTV drivers should confirm specific county or municipal rules, as local ordinances can vary.

County fair season continues across Illinois. The Marion County Fair is this week, where Doug Telford is fair board president. He says margins are always narrow with county fairs, so state help is always important…..

Telford serves as a southern zone director on the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Board of Directors.

The annual Summer Reading Club at the Warner Library has wrapped up for the summer, and organizers say it was another great season. 

Mel Snow and Emily Dunham with the Library told the Hart Media Group that the program's closing event was a huge success. The Tater Tot's children's musical group and free pizza from Sorento's helped to make it a hit. 

Snow says reading logs must be turned in by the time the library closes at 7 PM this evening, and the grand prize winners will be drawn on Friday. She asks those who entered to be looking out for the phone call saying they won. 

The Summer Reading Club has had record participation the last four years, and while it is disappointing to break the streak this summer, Snow says they were only short around a hundred sign-ups - which is right in line with their goal. 

While the prizes and events are fun, Snow reminds that the program is all about avoiding the summer slide before returning to school. Learn more about the programs and events happening at the Warner Library at vwarner.org or by finding them on most social media platforms. 

The Logan County Fair is hitting the home stretch as we approach the weekend.

Logan County Fair Board member John Fulton told the Hart Media Group they've already had several great annual events that the community continues to turn out for.

According to Fulton, fairgoers are not going to want to miss a couple of great country performers that will highlight the grandstand lineup this weekend.

For tickets for this weekend's events, visit logancountyfair.com/grandstand.

The dog days of summer are here, and a local dietitian has some tips for making those frozen treats a little bit healthier. 

Monica Nyman with the St. Louis District Dairy Council explains that you can add things like protein powder, Greek yogurt, or ice with frozen fruit to your milkshakes to help cut down on the total amount of ice cream you're eating while introducing some healthier alternatives. 

July was Ice Cream Month, and Nyman indicates that this year they wanted to educate the public on the difference between a milkshake and a malt. They have the same ingredients, except for the powder that helps give a malt its rich consistency. 

We'll have more with Nyman in the weeks ahead on the back-to-school season. In the meantime, learn more about the St. Louis District Dairy Council at stldairycouncil.org.

A rash of water main issues in the 200 block of South Alexander Street in Clinton were addressed at the Tuesday night Clinton City Council meeting.

The issues were prominent during about a seven- to ten-day stretch in July, resulting in numerous boil orders. Commissioner John Wise indicates City crews will soon begin improvements to those concerned areas.

Commissioner Wise also addressed the persistent water main breaks along Alexander Street and a plan for fixing those issues going forward. 

According to Wise, contractors are scheduled to return by the end of the month to repair the insulation inside the city's new water tower. He notes adhesive issues caused the insulation to come loose over two years ago, but contractor delays held up the repair work.

The Council also heard a proposal from City Administrator Tony Harris to increase Council compensation, effective for the new Council that will be sworn in next spring. We'll hear from Harris on the WHOW Morning Show on Wednesday.

A lot of dirt has been moved this summer in Farmer City, and the mess is about ready to be cleaned up and moved out.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Farmer City Manager Halley Roberson told the Hart Media Group they've had a pair of projects going on different sides of the community. She indicates one of the benefits they found with their Washington Street sewer line project was they were able to move water mains for those residents closer to their homes. 

According to Roberson, they have been working all summer on extending the Plum Street intersection with Plum Street and 150. There was an interesting discovery during that project.

The Plum Street intersection expansion project was part of a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Roberson says it came in under budget, and the State of Illinois is allowing the City to hold onto the extra funds for its next big project.

Also during all the work in town, the City is awaiting approval of permits from the State of Illinois for its Interstate 74 project outside of town. Roberson indicates once they receive those, more dirt will continue to be moved for multi-family housing units as well as a small shopping center. 

A DeWitt County non-profit is preparing for expansion again, this time in eastern Illinois.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Neighborhood Care Center Director Cody Monkman told the Hart Media Group the Clinton-based non-profit was approached earlier this year by residents in Vermilion County about what they needed to begin a network branch based in Danville.

While many may see the Neighborhood Care Center, currently operating in Clinton and Heyworth, and wonder about expansion into a bigger area like Danville, Monkman believes it is less about the area of operation and more about utilizing the gifts of those in the community to become the best they can.

According to Monkman, the space the Neighborhood Care Center in Vermillion County will eventually operate out of will be smaller than the space they occupy in Clinton. He notes, though, it is less about the size of the space, but rather the size of the impact.

While the focus is small, Monkman admits the Network is in the midst of growing pains and is starting to expand its leadership roles because of all its growth in the last five years.

The Neighborhood Care Center's location in Vermillion County plans to be up and operating in the first part of 2027. Monkman indicates they will likely host a fundraiser in Vermillion County in the first quarter of 2027 as well.

This month, a local historical society is honoring America 250 by diving into the local history of the Underground Railroad. 

Director of the CH Moore Homestead, Joey Long, explains that on August 16th at 1:30 PM, they will be hosting "Joseph Rodney: Freedom Seeker on the Illinois Central Railroad," led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Darrel Dexter. 

As funding grows tighter for those who preserve local history, Long is grateful that the Illinois Road Scholars program is coming out to lead the program. She says they are one of five museums to benefit from the group this year. 

Long explains that the history of the underground railroad can be hard to track down, as it would have been dangerous for those at the time to leave anything behind that could have gotten them captured. That being said, there are traces that prove its presence in Clinton and DeWitt County. 

Hear the story of Joseph Rodney presented by Darrel Dexter at the CH Moore Homestead on Sunday, August 16th at 1:30 PM. Learn more by visiting chmoorehomestead.org or by finding them on Facebook.
 

The grocery co-op project in Farmer City continues its progress towards an opening on the Farmer City square this winter.

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Curt Homann, Executive Director of the DeWitt County Development Council, or DCDC, told the Hart Media Group with five months before the end of 2026, there is still a lot to do to be ready for an opening by the first of 2027.

Homann admits the group gets frustrated by the slow nature of the process. He reminds, there is no government-backed entity supporting them - the effort is entirely grassroots.

Like the grocery co-op, Homann feels the DCDC has a lot of momentum as well and is looking forward to a strong finish to 2026. Follow the DCDC on Facebook for the latest happenings in development in DeWitt County. 

The Clinton Fire Department juggled multiple calls on Sunday evening. 

Just before 7 pm, crews were called to 56 Holiday Drive in Clinton for what they described as heavy fire conditions emitting from second-story windows. 

The homeowner indicated there were no individuals inside the home, nor were there pets. Crews utilized a nearby hydrant while also cutting a ventilation hole in the roof to support firefighters inside the home. 

On scene for the fire were crews from Kenney, Wapella, and Maroa Fire Departments. Waynesville Fire staffed the fire station. 

Also assisting at the scene were the Clinton Police Department and the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office. 

The fire is under investigation by the Illinois Fire Marshal's Office, though it is not considered suspicious. 

Before the fire incident, crews were on scene for a medical call at Goldwater Care at Park Lane. 

Photos courtesy of Clinton Fire Department Facebook 

The Peterson Insurance Agency in Clinton is inviting the community to an open house Tuesday afternoon on the square at its location in Clinton to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Owner Jay Peterson says while many consumers shop for policies online, working face-to-face with an independent, local agency ensures clients don't end up underinsured—offering direct, personalized service with a real person picking up the phone every time.

From auto, home, and commercial coverage to specialized lines like life, health, and Medicare supplements, Peterson highlighted crop and farm insurance as one of the agency's primary strengths. He noted that he and his staff hold specialized AFIS certifications, allowing them to carefully review client coverage and tailor policies to their exact needs.

Join the Peterson Insurance agency for a celebration of its 60th year on Tuesday from 10 am to 3 pm on the Clinton Square. Learn more about the Peterson Insurance agency by clicking their icon at dewittdailynews.com.
 

Illinois lawmakers are taking steps to regulate synthetic hemp-derived products while simultaneously relaxing operational rules for state-licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Tony Kirkman, Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center, explained that the General Assembly is working to close legal loopholes surrounding Delta-8 and Delta-10 products. The state is now moving to restrict these unregulated substances to keep them out of the hands of minors.

At the same time, new state rules are expanding retail options for licensed dispensaries, allowing extended operating hours up to 2:00 a.m., curbside pick-up, drive-thru service, and the ability to handle security in-house rather than outsourcing. Additionally, the legal possession limit for industrial hemp flower has doubled from 30 to 60 grams.

While the expanded dispensary rules aim to streamline business operations, Kirkman expressed concern over increased accessibility. He emphasizes the human brain’s prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until around age 25, making youth particularly vulnerable to substance use. 

For more information on youth substance prevention programs and mental health resources, contact the Piatt County Mental Health Center.
 

The Logan County Fair is underway in Lincoln, bringing a full week of livestock shows, youth project displays, and traditional county fair and grandstand entertainment.

Reagen Tibbs, Commercial Ag Educator at the University of Illinois Extension in Logan County, explains the general projects show starts Monday morning, featuring entries from Logan County alongside guest exhibitors from Sangamon and Menard counties. Livestock judging begins Tuesday with the rabbit show, followed by swine and goats on Wednesday, and beef and sheep shows on Thursday.

In addition to traditional judging, Wednesday night features the long-standing 4-H scramble in the grandstands, along with recognition of graduating 4-H seniors. The week concludes on Sunday with the annual youth livestock auction.

For a full schedule of 4-H judging times, grandstand events, and gate admission details, visit logancountyfairil.com.

Also be sure to tune in for live coverage from the Logan County Fair on Wednesday on WHOW, when we'll broadcast live from 12:20 pm to 1 pm. 
 

As central Illinois moves into August, weather forecasters are tracking shifting temperature trends and precipitation chances across the region.

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains early August will likely see above-normal temperatures before conditions settle toward seasonal averages by mid-month. 

Shimon notes August outlooks show equal chances for above- or below-normal temperatures, with average high temperatures typically stepping down from the mid-80s early in the month into the upper 70s by late August. However, the area will need consistent rainfall to reach its typical monthly average of around three and a half inches.

Beyond regional forecasts, the National Weather Service is gearing up for the Illinois State Fair in Springfield from August 13th through the 23rd. Shimon explains his staff will provide real-time weather monitoring for fairgoers' safety while also hosting an outreach booth featuring educational safety materials for the public.

For continuous weather updates and local forecasts, visit weather.gov/Lincoln.
 

The upcoming fall and winter outlooks are being impacted by a developing El Niño pattern.

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln says current fall projections are being impacted by a rapid development of an El Niño pattern in the Pacific, which is expected to play a major role in shaping conditions later in the year.

The last El Niño occurred during the 2023–24 winter season, which went into the books as the warmest winter on record for the Midwest. Average temperatures ranged anywhere from four to eight degrees above normal.

The DeWitt County Clerk is introducing a new fraud safeguard system designed to protect notaries from the growing threat of notary-related fraud. 

In a release earlier this week, Karri Harris points out that notary fraud can occur when someone forges a signature, steals a notary seal, or records a document without the required presence or authorization. The Notary Fraud Alert, or NFA, program is a free and easy-to-use service that allows notaries to monitor activity under their name and quickly detect signs of misuse. 

Once enrolled, notaries can choose to receive daily, weekly, or monthly reports detailing document recording information where their notarial credentials were applied. Each report includes the document number, document type, and parties involved, making it easy to identify suspicious filings.

The Recorder’s Office is partnering with its Land Records Management Software Vendor, Fidlar Technologies, to provide this service. 

Notary Fraud Alert for DeWitt County is currently available for notaries to sign up. A link is available on the Clerk's page under "free services" at dewittcountyil.gov.