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Related Audio Playlist   There are three new reports this week from WILL on the issues and concerns of people in east central Illinois who happen to live in communities along U.S. Route 150.

On "Morning Edition" Monday, Tom Rogers brings us up-to-date on efforts to convert an old rail line along 150 between Urbana and Danville into a bicycle trail. People have been working on this project for decades. We'll broadcast this story on "The Afternoon Magazine" on Tuesday.

The Champaign County village of Ogden recently decided to close its police department. Policing duties are now handled by the county sheriff. Other small communities have made the same choice as they grapple with tight budgets. But the Piatt County community of Mansfield continues to have an officer on-duty. Sean Powers rides along on patrol with Mansfield's one-man police department. Listen Wednesday on "Morning Edition" and Thursday on "The Afternoon Magazine."

Our last story of the week is one I find particularly interesting. Faith and communities of faith are an integral part of life here as they are everywhere. In small communities, churches, together with schools and small businesses, have been bedrock institutions. How are congregations in rural areas faring today? Some are thriving, while others face significant obstacles as they try to survive. Jeff Bossert shares this story Friday on "Morning Edition" and later the same day on "The Afternoon Magazine."

All the reporting on "Life on Route 150" along with photos, slideshows, video, maps, and more are here on WILL Connect. Visit often, and tell your friends. We've heard some good things about this series. Please share your thoughts with us here by commenting on the front page of WILL Connect, by letter (our address is 300 N. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801), or phone (217-333-7300).

All the best,

Celeste