Macon County Emergency Management Agency

Good information. Know what’s in the environment and stay safe when outdoors enjoying nature

Please Share

Last month I posted that something big was coming. Time for the reveal.

I am working to bring autism awareness training and resources to local response agencies.

Anyone personally connected to a child or adult with autism understands the very real fear of an emergency situation or contact with emergency personnel…law enforcement, fire, or EMS; when you may not be there to help your person navigate through it.

Recently, I’ve been learning about initiatives designed to improve those interactions. From helping responders recognize when someone may be on the spectrum, to communication and comfort strategies that can reduce fear and confusion, it has become clear just how complex this issue truly is. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The numbers tell us these interactions will only increase. The 2025 CDC report estimates that 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism.

Right now, I am in the research phase, speaking with responders across multiple disciplines, having conversations with clinicians who work directly with autistic individuals, and participating in trainings.

I recently had the honor of attending a law enforcement training on Autism and the Law Enforcement Response. I was the only non-law enforcement attendee. The instructor, Bart Barta, is a retired law enforcement officer from Florida who also has a son with autism. His perspective came from lived experience on both sides as a parent and as an officer who has responded to calls involving individuals with autism.

To say the training was eye-opening would be an understatement.

I am incredibly thankful to MTU 1 of the Northwest Illinois Criminal Justice Commission for allowing me the opportunity to attend. Bart and I had meaningful conversations about how to approach this initiative, and he provided resources to help guide development moving forward.

So what is the goal locally?

To facilitate awareness, create safer ways for individuals to identify their diagnosis during emergency contacts, and provide responders with small tool kits containing communication and sensory aids that can help support an individual in distress until additional trained personnel can arrive.

Think of it like CPR or first aid…providing immediate support until specialized help takes over.

Thank you to Chief Hackl, Warrensburg FPD and Ayn Owens. Both listened to my vision and are fully supportive of moving this forward.

This initiative is still in its infancy, and I am currently working through structure, funding, documentation, and all the moving pieces that come with building something meaningful.

I have very personal reasons for pursuing this project.

My hope is simple: better understanding, safer interactions, and more positive outcomes during emergency situations.

Hickory Point Fire Protection District is a combination department! That means our department operates successfully with a team of full-time, part-time, and volunteer members working together to serve our community.

We currently have openings for volunteers and are looking for dedicated individuals ready to make a difference.

Are you ready to give back to your community?
Stop by the station to learn more about joining our team!

The bulk water dispenser at the BOODY Water Tower is now open to the public! Open the gray box; instructions are on the left -PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING; system accepts cards only - no cash.
NOTE: 300 gallon minimum - if less than 300, you will need to push the RED, MANUAL STOP BUTTON before reaching 300. Otherwise, dispenser will overflow.

5/19/26. 5 am

Stay weather aware

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible today as thunderstorms re-develop ahead of an approaching cold front. The greatest threat for severe storms will be between noon and 9 pm from around I-72 southward. Storms may produce wind gusts over 60 mph, and hail over 1 inch diameter. Heavy rainfall is also possible with over 2 inches in spots, potentially producing localized flash flooding.

5/18/26, 937 am

SEVERE THUNDSTORM WARNING FOR MACON COUNTY UNTIL 1015 am

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

5/18/26 659 am UPDATE

A line of severe storms continues east around 40 mph, expected to approach the I-55 corridor around 830 AM. Damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph, large hail up to quarter size, and potential for an isolated tornado are possible. Seek shelter in a central room, basement, or storm shelter when severe storms approach, and have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Monday 5/18/26.

And it returns!

Remember all the things

Stay weather aware
Have multiple means of receiving emergency information
Take action if warnings are issued

Stay safe!

Two rounds of severe thunderstorms are possible through Tuesday in central IL. The first will move into west-central IL from the west early this morning and into east-central IL late this morning through afternoon. The second looks to arrive in west-central IL early in the morning Tuesday, and move into east-central IL a few hours after sunrise and potentially continue until early evening. Hazards both days will be damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or greater and large hail 1 inch diameter or larger. Isolated tornadoes are possible as well. Predictability of timing remains low for Tuesday, so check back for updates, especially if you have outdoor plans that may be affected.

It’s that time of year!!

According to Illinois law, it is illegal to deposit grass clippings onto any public roadway as it may cause injury to motorists or become a traffic hazard. Please do your part to eliminate this potentially dangerous situation for motorcyclists.

415 ILCS 105 Litter Control Act