Last Tuesday night, the Clinton City Council pushed pause on plans to build a toddler park at the Peace Park Roque Court at the corner of Walnut and Main Streets after an outcry from Clinton residents voicing concerns over its proximity to railroad tracks.

While the City is committed to finding a better location for it, City Administrator Tony Harris says simply choosing a different location isn't that simple.

While the city purposefully avoids engaging on social media due to negative trends, the administration deeply encourages direct public contact. According to Mayor Helen Michelassi, parents told her a divided park layout creates a major logistical hazard for families who simultaneously care for both older children and toddlers.

An added layer to the discussion was Mayor Michelassi learning new details about the unique heritage of the site. The roque court was originally constructed entirely out of vintage railroad parts by local rail workers, and its perimeter fence was salvaged and refurbished from a local cemetery.

Mayor Michelassi is urging residents who previously emailed in support of preserving the site to call her directly at City Hall to provide hands-on assistance toward its long-term restoration.

Harris indicates that one of the main reasons for the location that was chosen for the proposed toddler park was to have an even distribution of parks throughout the community.

The project's cost was estimated at around $100,000. 
 

The University of Illinois Extension is inviting producers out for a day of great information and demonstrations at this year's annual Dudley-Smith Field Day in Christian County. 

Terri Casey, Director of the University of Illinois Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties, explains that this day is an opportunity for producers to come to the Dudley-Smith Research Farm on June 17th, tour the property, and hear about the latest research and information they are working on. 

Much of this year's focus will include water runoff and tile drainage, which are timely topics in agriculture. Miller says the Extension is focused on providing reliable and relevant information to local producers. 

Not only is it a great opportunity for information, but the day is free and will offer lunch as well. She feels that having the Dudley-Smith Research Farm in central Illinois is a very useful tool for local producers to keep up with. 

They are asking that participants register by June 12th. Learn more and register for the event by visiting extension.illinois.edu/lms. 
 

A central Illinois law enforcement agency is reviewing its local ordinances following a meeting regarding the state’s complex legal classifications for e-bikes and motorized scooters.

Monticello Police Chief Rob Bross explains that while a pending state bill slated to be in effect at the start of next year aims to address some legislative discrepancies, local municipalities currently retain the authority to construct targeted local ordinances to manage alternative vehicles safely.

The legal framework for e-bikes establishes three distinct operational tiers based on top speed and power delivery, though all three are classified as pedal-assisted. Class 1 e-bikes maintain a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and carry no rider age restrictions. Class 2 models also cap speeds at 20 miles per hour but feature a direct throttle mechanism that operates without pedaling, also without an age limit. While Class 3 models can achieve speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, state law mandates that operators must be at least 16 years of age.

While all three classes are permitted on standard roadways, dedicated bike lanes, and shared paths, Illinois law strictly prohibits riding e-bikes on public sidewalks. The Chief points out that local ordinances frequently bar their use on walking or hiking trails. 

To manage these variations, Monticello officials are exploring regulatory frameworks similar to the city's existing permitting systems for golf carts and utility terrain vehicles  - or UTVs. 

Chief Bross emphasizes any potential local ordinance would focus strictly on basic traffic safety—such as requiring functional lighting—rather than sweeping bans.

The first real stretch of seasonal heat will arrive this week. 

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that as the moisture departs the area, temperatures will climb rapidly. Daytime highs are projected to hit nearly 90 on Tuesday before soaring well into the 90s on Wednesday and Thursday.

Shimon is reminding of the notifications regarding heat safety that may come across the wire this week. The National Weather Service typically issues standard Heat Advisories when the index reaches 105, but upgrades to an Excessive Heat Warning if the heat index is projected to reach 110.

To combat the extended thermal stress, weather officials are urging community members to proactively over-hydrate. Shimon recommends tracking water intake continuously throughout the day, drinking to the point of feeling physically full to ensure the body maintains adequate baseline hydration reserves before facing the heat.

Visit weather.gov/lincoln for more on this week's weather forecast. Keep it to the Hart Media Group this week for the latest in heat advisories or heat warnings.
 

As we hit the midpoint of the year, those who may have retired at the beginning of the year could be finding themselves with the urge to return to part-time employment to pass the time.

Jack Myers with Social Security explains that if you receive disability based Social Security benefits or SSI benefits, different rules apply, and you must report all earnings. 

According to Myers, if you reach full retirement age this year, you can earn up to $65,160 between January and the month before you attain full retirement age.

Myers points out to keep in mind that these limits only pertain if you choose to collect monthly benefits prior to attainment of full retirement. Additionally, these limits only apply to earned income, gross wages, or net earnings from self-employment. 

We'll have more with Myers next week on some of the other specific scenarios relating to returning to work while receiving retirement benefits. In the meantime, visit ssa.gov for more. 
 

Construction season is underway across the state, and leaders from the Illinois Department of Transportation are encouraging driver safety as more highways are covered in orange barrels.

Paul Wappel, Spokesman for IDOT, says drivers need to slow down and pay attention.

Each year, IDOT reports nearly 6,200 accidents in work zones across the state, resulting in more than 1,000 injuries.

In 2025, 35 drivers died in work zone accidents.
 

The Clinton Community Education Foundation is hosting its second annual Trivia Night. 

Secretary of the CCEF, Chris Shaffer, explains that on Saturday, they will once again be hosting the Trivia Night Fundraiser. Teams of up to 10 players will compete head-to-head for prizes at the Clinton Eagle as they help to support the CCEF and Clinton School District. She notes the event will also have a dinner provided.

Reserving a spot costs $100 per team, and Shaffer explains that the funds raised mostly go towards annual classroom grants that help teachers outfit their learning environments with new equipment or other educational resources. 

The Trivia Night Fundraiser starts at 5 PM on Saturday at the Clinton Eagles Lodge, located at 220 North Center Street. Learn more at ccef15.org or by finding the CCEF on Facebook.