Drone technology and its applications in agriculture have expanded widely over the past few years.
Terri Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that on June 5th at the Georgetown Fairgrounds, they will be hosting a full day of demonstrations and information about drones and how they can be utilized to make an operation more efficient.
Register and learn more about the event at extension.illinois.edu/lms.
A small school has been achieving big things when it comes to its FFA program.
Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Ryan Peyton explains that after being named 2025's State Premiere Chapter, they have been designated in the top 10 this year, and now they will soon learn if they will stay at the top in 2026.
Peyton indicates that there are many factors considered when choosing the top school. Students must put a focus on competitions as well as serving their community.
Keep up with all the latest from Blue Ridge Schools and its FFA chapter by visiting blueridge18.org or by finding the district on Facebook.
If your home is in need of some extra Fourth of July spirit this summer, Clinton's America 250 Committee is here to help.
Jessica Allhands with the Committee explains that on request, they will "flag" your yard and cover it in decorations to make your home extra patriotic. The $25 fee associated with the service goes towards the big America 250 celebration in Clinton this July 4th.
According to Bobbi Perryman, fees can be brought to the Clinton American Legion. They can be mailed in or dropped off in the building's mail slot at 219 N Elizabeth Street.
Learn more about this summer's big celebration by finding the Clinton Celebrates America 250 Facebook page.
As we get set to turn the calendar to June, May will end up below average for precipitation.
According to Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the region saw roughly 10 to 12 days of measurable precipitation throughout the month. Despite the frequent instances of rainfall, the total accumulation for May remains roughly 1.5 inches below seasonal averages.
Shimon notes a cool spell at the start of the month brought eight to ten consecutive days of lower-than-normal temperatures, which set the tone for the rest of May.
We'll have more with Shimon next week on the June and summer month outlooks. Get more on local weather at weather.gov/Lincoln.
With students out of school for the year, many parents will be looking for opportunities to keep their kids learning and away from screens.
Terri Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that they are hosting three programs this summer to help beat the summer boredom. The first is a Lego Camp for kids 8-18 on June 9th.
On June 16th and July 7th, Casey indicates that kids aged 5-7 can participate in Cloverbud Camp. This program is intended to introduce STEM concepts to children at a young age.
For kids who are more crafty, Casey says they will host a clothing embellishment workshop on June 17th. This program, like the others, requires pre-registration, and spots are limited.
Learn more about the summer events and other offerings from the University of Illinois Extension by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms or by finding them on Facebook.
Organizers of the Clinton YMCA's Camp Osage summer camp have a whole host of fun activities awaiting kids when the camp season begins next Tuesday, June 2.
Clinton YMCA Youth Program Coordinator Melinda Akers says she and her staff for Camp Osage have finalized its weekly activity calendar with dedicated themes for each day of the week.
This summer's field trip lineup includes traditional favorites alongside new educational partnerships. Campers will take trips to the bowling alley, regional zoos, multiple outdoor pools, and the Bloomington Children's Museum.
According to Akers, a complete activity calendar detailing exact costs for each specific week is published digitally ahead of time for family review.
To make Camp Osage more accessible, the YMCA does offer scholarships for low-income households. Akers encourages contacting the YMCA for more details on those opportunities.
Again, Camp Osage begins next week, June 2. Follow the YMCA on Facebook for those weekly activities and more information on this year's summer camp.
One of DeWitt County's popular festivals is set for this weekend, with plenty of free fun for all ages.
Brent Cordes with the Farmer City Heritage Days Committee explains the annual Heritage Days Festival kicks off tonight and runs through this Saturday at the Farmer City Fairgrounds. Visitors this evening can expect a free community dinner, followed by live music and carnival rides.
Many of the same activities will take place on Friday, but Cordes notes that parking will be slim due to the evening's main event, the rodeo. Like many of the weekend activities, admission to the rodeo is free.
Saturday will encompass a full day of fun, with a particular kid-friendly focus. Cordes says that there will be a Portillo's sponsored fun-area geared towards children with sensory impairments as well.
A new addition from last year's festival will be making a return. Cordes says the children's and adult tractor pulls were a fan favorite in 2025. He adds that the Car Show will also be taking place Saturday afternoon, before the day rounds out with the rodeo and a live performance from Randy Houser.
Learn more about the full schedule of events for Farmer City's Heritage Days Festival by visiting farmercityheritagedays.com.
