July

• Commissioner John Wise reported that the water plant’s automated system was fully operational.  The report came after a months-long project to upgrade the computers that operate the system.  The old system was 14 years old and failing, forcing the water plant staff to perform manual functions that were less efficient and more time consuming.

• Exelon distributed its annual safety brochures to area residents and businesses.  The brochure provides information about emergency preparedness, including reception center locations, evacuation routes and a list of emergency alert broadcast stations.

• Habitat for Humanity of DeWitt County broke ground for a new home at 220 S. Isabella Street, Clinton for Nicholas and Rachel Harvey and their children.

• Retired engineer Don MacIsaac addressed the county board about what he felt was insufficient design of meteorological testing towers erected in northwest DeWitt County.  Tradewind Energy was using the towers to determine the suitability of the area for a future wind farm.

• The City of Clinton was able to breathe a sigh of relief when a state 2 percent fee on the collection of taxes turned out to apply only to special sales tax approved by referendum.

August

• The county acted to prevent the gasoline dock at Clinton Lake marina from sinking.  The board approved a new manifold system that can be re-aired from above.

• The Clinton Journal began publishing weekly.  Management reported the change from two days a week to weekly to consolidate more local news into a single edition that was more economical for subscribers and advertisers.

• Medical Cannabis Outreach opened in Clinton.  The agency advises patients and assists them in signing up for the Illinois medical cannabis program under Illinois’ pilot program.

• The plan for the Mach I gasoline station / convenience store was presented to the city council for approval.  Construction is currently under way on the project.  In August, the company estimated the facility would open during the first quarter of 2018.

• A heroin crisis forum was in Clinton at the county building.  Hosted by Rep. Rodney Davis, Ill. Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti also attended the forum.

• Democratic candidate for governor Chris Kennedy addressed democrats at the American Legion hall during a visit to Clinton.  

September

• A record number of volunteers turned out for a work day at the future The Vault teen and community center.  Community volunteers, including those with Youth Initiative, have worked regularly on the project.

• Lincoln and Douglas Elementary schools received Gold Circle of Quality awards from the State of Illinois.

• The county clerk’s office began working with www.propertyfraudalert.com to help local property owners protect themselves against property fraud after a major data breach at Equifax.  The breach potentially affected 143 million people.

• Tradewind Energy reported the Alta Farms wind project would tentatively be operational by late 2019.

October

• The city council approved liquor sale at Clintonia Eagle Theater.  To attract audiences, the theater also plans to offer more meal-type items in the future and, possibly, ice cream.

• County engineer Mark Mathon reported the county was looking at a 17 percent cut in money from the state to maintain local roads.  The state cut about $50 million from funds distributed to local agencies.

• The C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum unveiled to the pubic contents of the time capsule retrieved from the 1893 courthouse.

November

• The county began a plan to redesign the waste treatment plant at Clinton Lake marina.  Engineers were examining the situation at the plant.

• The city removed downtown parking meters after a 90-day experiment with meters covered.  A local business owner had suggested removing the meters.

• The county approved a file security program to protect data of elected officials’ offices at a one-time cost of $20,551.

• Tony and Karen Hable, of Clinton, died in a two-vehicle accident north of Clinton in Nov. 11

December

• Local officials raised the Illinois Bicentennial flag on Mr. Lincoln’s Square marking a year of celebration of the state’s 200^th anniversary.

• Ken Shaffer, of Waynesville, proposed making changes to the county’s wind energy ordinance.  Shaffer is part of a group calling itself DeWitt County Residents Against Wind Turbines.

• Tradewind Energy addressed the school board about the proposed Alta Farms wind energy project.  The school district would receive the largest portion of tax revenue from the project.

• Warner Hospital announced it would start a trial period for its walk-in health clinic.  The clinic began service on Jan, 2.