The Taylorville Breeze Courier is reporting that their owner died unexpectedly on Thursday. Gregory Hoskins, owner and operator of Better Newspapers, Inc. passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024. Hoskins was the owner and publisher of the Breeze-Courier newspaper, after having acquired it April 1, 2021.  

Better Newspapers, Inc. owns over 35 newspapers, five magazines and six radio stations in Illinois and Missouri. Hoskins bought his first group of newspapers in Mascoutah when he formed Better Newspapers, Inc. on May 1, 1991. In 2012, he expanded his corporation by building a regional press plant in Altamont, Ill.  Hoskins attended the University of Iowa where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. His first newspaper job was in the sales department of the Times Press in Streator, Illinois. 

After leaving the Times Press, he began working for American Publishing Co. in West Frankfort. The experience took him to Arizona to work for Kramer Publications which produced a daily newspaper and approximately 17 weekly newspaper and shopper publications. 

Hoskins leaves behind his wife Linda, three children: Emily (Cody Campbell) Hoskins of Nashville, Tenn., Scott Hoskins of Belleville, Ill. and Mark (Kailee Ranes-Hoskins) of Altamont, Ill., and four grandchildren: Serenity, Barrett, Harper and Oliver.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 3, 2024 at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, Ill. A private funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908 or Zion Lutheran Church, 101 S. Railway, Mascoutah, IL 62558. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

We here at Regional Radio News wish our deepest condolences to the family of Greg Hoskins.

The Summer Concert Series is coming back to the Macon County Conservation Districts Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur for the 8th consecutive year. Every other Sunday this summer, beginning this Sunday, June 2nd, music performances will fill Rock Springs with various types of music from Americana, to bluegrass to folk.

These free concerts invite citizens out to enjoy time with friends and family. Alysia Callison, Director of Program Services at the MCCD says to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show.

Events like these bring the community together says Callison. She notes that songs and atmosphere mesh well together.

Rock Springs Nature Center is located at 3939 Nearing Lane in Decatur. 

Find more information about the Macon County Conservation's Summer Concert Series by clicking here.

Alysia Callison appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Moweaqua Pow Wow Days are returning to town next weekend and Mayor Shawn Conlin is excited for the community to be brought together for days of family-friendly events. The Pow Wow Days will begin Thursday, June 6th to Friday, June 8th at The Central Park Pavilion at 326 Locust Street in Moweaqua.

Mayor Conlin describes night one of the Pow Wow and directs the community to their Facebook page for the full list of events.

The feature music performance will be Eric Burgett, performing on Friday night, June 7th at 7:00 p.m.

Conlin continues to break down events from the parade on Saturday to a visit from Scovill Zoo.

Find more information about the Moweaqua Pow Wow Days by clicking here.
Shawn Conlin appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.

Several TRIO Destination College students were recently recognized at an annual banquet.

Lake Land’s TRIO Destination College programs provide high school and junior high students with college-ready assistance, including tutoring services, career exploration, funding assistance and more.

During the event, several students received awards.

Awards for academic excellence were presented to Harmony Hall, Casey-Westfield High School; Destiny Budd, Casey-Westfield Jr. High School; Kendra Beals, Mattoon High School; Heather Carberry, Mattoon High School; Sarah Creel, Mattoon High School; Taylor Carberry, Mattoon High School; Vaughn Prince, Mattoon High School; Parker Durham, Pana Jr. High School; Nicole Arkebauer, Pana High School; Alexis Walton, Paris Mayo Jr. High School; and Kathryn Jones, Paris High School.

The College Ready awards were presented to Sarah Creel, Mattoon High School, and Nicole Arkebauer, Pana High School.

The Excellence in Leadership Awards were presented to Cole Burrell, Altamont High School; Kealie Toops, Mattoon High School; Luka Tooy, Mattoon Jr. High School; Gabriella Heinrich, Pana High School; Cody Heinrich, Pana Jr. High School; and Kaylee Powell, Paris High School. 

To see a full list of students that were recognized, see below:

Refreshment Services Pepsi honored veterans on Friday afternoon, giving away merchandise out in front of Casey’s in Taylorville at 401 North Cheney Street. Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR was live in front of Casey’s and the community showed up to learn about the Children of Fallen Veterans initiative and the college funds that are created by purchasing products of Refreshment Services Pepsi. 

To help honor those who have fallen, a portion of sales from Starry and other products will be donated (up to $10,000) in support of the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. 

A 47-year-old man has been arrested in Taylorville for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Nicholas Dyer was arrested on May 29th after Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler noticed suspicious activity and conducted a traffic stop.  According to records, Dyer had been previously arrested on August 23rd, 2021, and was sentenced to nine years on March 24th, 2022 for the same offense.  Despite this sentencing, he was released on April 5th, 2024. 

Chief Wheeler says he respects but is very frustrated with the judicial process as he sees the early releases as harmful to safety in society.  The Taylorville Police Chief says that his department remains vigilant in monitoring individuals released from incarceration and hopes for positive rehabilitation and integration back into the general public, but says the police department will not allow threats to the community due to premature release.  

A Taylorville man has been arrested for multiple child pornography charges after being arrested on May 29th.  57-year-old Jeffrey Dyer, of Taylorville, was arrested for child pornography possession, distribution, and grooming.  Taylorville Police executed a search warrant at an apartment premises after there was speculation of involvement in the distribution of child pornography. 

Dyer was arrested without any incident.  Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler expressed his thanks to Christian County State's Attorney John McWard for his help in the case.  

Illinois State Senator Steve McClure and State Representative Wayne Rosenthal have successfully passed Senate Bill 3622 through the Illinois General Assembly, addressing safety issues associated with historic bridges. The bill aims to balance historic preservation with modern safety needs, particularly for bridges still in use on critical travel routes.

Senate Bill 3622 enables the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council to recommend the removal of certain historic bridges from the National Register of Historic Places. This applies to bridges less than 22 feet wide, with banisters at least 18 inches tall, that cross township roads and require renovation or rebuilding. The bill was introduced in response to concerns from farmers and motorists about the safety and practicality of using these historic structures.

Senator McClure works to prioritize safety while recognizing the value of preserving historic sites. Representative Rosenthal noted that while historic bridges are structurally sound, their design does not accommodate modern traffic and large equipment, necessitating updates or replacements to ensure public safety.

The legislation was inspired by Montgomery County Board Member Kenneth Folkerts, who highlighted issues faced by farmers due to the restrictive design of some historic bridges. The bill now awaits the Governor's signature to become law.

It was a busy month of May for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, holding their monthly Business After Hours,  ribbon cuttings, and chamber member cookouts. Linda Allen, Executive Director of the chamber, says June will be no different. Four different annual golf outings will take place at Lake Shore Golf Course in Taylorville and a Business After-Hours and ribbon cutting will be thrown into the month as well.

This will be year one of the Annual Mike Assalley Memorial Golf Outing on Friday, June 7th. 

This month’s GTCC Business After Hours will be held at the courtyard on that patio area at Taylorville Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, June 12th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This will be sponsored by both TMH and the Miller Media Group.

And to welcome a new member to the chamber, Allen says the Cozy Grind Gaming Parlor will cut the ribbon on Thursday, June 13th at 10:30 a.m. 

The GTCC keeps the public updated on the dates, times, and locations for their many events on their Facebook or here.

Linda Allen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Ameren Illinois says they are concerned after seeing spikes in dog bites on employees while they are trying to conduct work on the property. Brian Bretsch, Public and Media Relations Manager, says that as summer months are approaching, keep animals secured as there has been 40 bites or near misses where employees are approached by a dog who they felt threatened by. 

For Bretsch, he says there is a spike every year around this time, and while he can’t explain it, the numbers do go up exponentially around this time of year. 

Bretsch says if you do have a dog, letting Ameren Illinois know so they are aware is a big help. 

As always, you can contact Ameren Illinois at 800-755-5000.

Taylorville Police and Fire are currently on the scene of an incident at the intersection of Park and Walnut  The accident occurred Thursday evening around 5:50 PM.  Drivers are advised to avoid that area and find alternate routes through town until the area is cleared. We'll have more on this as it becomes available. 

UPDATE:  This wreck has been cleared.

Soil health and quality play a significant role in the nutritional value of pastures and cover crops, determining grazing strategies and sustainability. Attending the University of Illinois Extension Dudley Smith Farm Field Day this summer will help producers break down soil components impacting quality, explore research findings, and leave with options to employ better soil health changes in their cattle, pasture, and farming operations.

Dudley Smith Farm is a place where sustainable agriculture practice is shown into the future through hands-on research opportunities. Attendees can look forward to hearing industry updates and application examples on-site at the upcoming field day beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, at the research center at 2200 E. 600 North Rd., off Route 29 between Taylorville and Pana in Christian County. A free lunch will be provided.

Field day presentation topics include:
•    Explore management programs to reduce N and P runoff in cropping plans.
•    Discover cover crops in livestock and cropping programs.
•    Updates on P and K recommendations for field crops in Illinois.
•    Look at the history of soil testing results for Illinois.
•    Transition from a family farm to a farm-to-plate operation.
•    Explore grazing strategies for beef producers. 
•    Discuss related crop sciences research findings from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

There is also the opportunity for a farm tour of field cropping systems and the beef paddocks to conclude the day. There is no cost to attend the field day. Advance registration by June 17 is required to receive lunch. Check out the full agenda, speakers, and registration at go.illinois.edu/DSFFieldDay24.
 

The Christian County Enterprise Zone has crossed the finish line, passing through all three municipalities in the county, Taylorville, Pana, and Assumption. Anyone’s business or home that sits inside the Enterprise Zone will pay no sales tax on the renovations or expansion of their building.

Incentives like these drive business and business expansion in Christian County says Matt Hart, Executive Director of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation.

Hart says this new Enterprise Zone and its limits are available to citizens now.

Mayors from all three municipalities in Taylorville, Pana, and Assumption sit on the CCEDC Board says Hart, making operations to push forward as these community leaders see the breakthroughs these incentives provide.

To learn more about the Christian County Economic Development Corporation click here.

Matt Hart appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Public Library is in action creating programs and events for people of all ages in the community. First-year Programming and Outreach Manager, Erin Crommett is excited to bring a host of programs that educate and create a social network for those who are interested.

The summer reading program is a main focus this season for Crommett and she says once again this program is for all ages.

Crommett sees these programs and gathering events as a type of wellness for citizens and the community. Programs will bring in exotic animals and nature experts, along with crafts, snacks, and plenty of reading material.

Sign-up begins on June 3 and the official start of the summer reading program starts Monday, June 10th.

A calendar of events and programs can be found here.

Erin Crommett appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Lake Land College will host Laker Visit Day on Thursday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Luther Student Center. The event is designed for prospective students to learn about Lake Land College and how the Laker Advantage can guide them on the path to success.

Attendees will tour campus with a Laker representative, who will share insights about the College. Participants will also meet with faculty to learn more about specific programs.

Representatives from many services, including Counseling Services, Career Services, Student Accommodations, Student Wellness, TRIO Student Support Services and more will be available to provide information and answer attendees’ questions.

Attendees are also welcome to bring their parents or guardians to the event. A session will be offered to provide relevant information to parents or guardians of future Lakers.

Pam Hartke, Associate Dean of Enrollment says that if you are interested in attending school at Lake Land College, Laker Visit Day is perfect as there is no better way to learn about campus resources and to get a feel for the college as a whole.

For more information or to register, visit the Lake Land College visit page at lakelandcollege.edu/visit.

The Taylorville Kiwanis held their weekly meeting as a cookout Tuesday evening at Kiwanis Park.   The cookout is an annual affair held at the Park that the club, in cooperation with the City of Taylorville, began developing in 1995.

The Kiwanis Club announced the winners of five-hundred dollars each, to 2 deserving Taylorville High School seniors.  Ella Goodman (second from left) will be continuing her education at SIUE majoring in Pharmacy. Ella will also compete on SIUE’s NCAA Division 1 track and cross country teams.  She was a 4-year Kiwanis Key Club member in her years at T-H-S.  Ella was present for the award along with her parents Jared (first from left) and Paula (third from left) Goodman.  Kiwanis Club Scholarship committee chair Dick Wamsley (right) presented the scholarship award.

The other Taylorville Kiwanis Club scholarship winner, Drew Mickey, was unable to attend and will be presented his award at an upcoming Kiwanis regular meeting.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

New legislation would make it easier for those with bleeding disorders to receive medical care without the delay of insurance preauthorization.  State Representative Bill Hauter’s new bill is putting patient's needs at the forefront as it would remove the emergency room visit requirement for insurance preauthorization.  This would ensure patients with bleeding disorders would get the prompt acute care they need.

After passing the House of Representatives, State Senator Dave Koehler sponsored the legislation in the Senate receiving unanimous support.  

The bill awaits Governor JB Pritzker’s signature.

Carbon capture and sequestration projects have continued to be talking points in central Illinois.  Lawmakers in Illinois passed legislation on Saturday afternoon with hopes of dealing with the issues. Senate Bill 1289 includes companies needing to prove their project will catch carbon and not store it underground.  There will be more stringent rules carbon dioxide pipeline projects have to follow versus other carbon sequestration projects.  The bill also puts a moratorium on all multi-state pipelines. 

Many oppose this bill including State Representative Brad Halbrook and the Illinois Farm Bureau.  The IFB says companies can use a version of eminent domain, even though companies have to complete multiple steps first before just claiming a farmer's land. 

The bill passed 78-29 in the House. 

The Illinois Senate has passed House Bill 4439, which designates the soybean as the official state bean. State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) hails this as a significant designation, noting Decatur, Illinois, as the "soybean capital of the world" and emphasizing the economic impact and job creation associated with the soybean industry.

Illinois leads the nation in soybean production, contributing 15% of all U.S. soybeans, according to the Illinois Farm Bureau. The bill received bipartisan support in the Senate. Illinois Soybean Association Chairman Ron Kindred praised the move, recognizing its alignment with the 60th anniversary of the association and the state's prominent role in agriculture.

Taylorville Junior High School Principal Eric Bruder recognized TJHS Students for their outstanding character throughout the month of May. Congratulations to all of the students!

Front Row 1: (L-R) Prem Patel, King Franks, Ally Koniak, Reagan Smith, Keefer Herzog, Logan Stearns, Lily Jones

Row 2: (L-R) Madison Roberts, Aislinn Bouvet, Carrigan Boykin, Emily Brown, Camri Phillips, Linus Melton, Keagan Heimsness, Amber Achenbach, Lydie Reber, Whitt Brown, Alaina Hogge 

Row 3: (L-R) Mia Willis, Sam Wagner, Miles Mateer, Parker Moses, Ethan Hosto, Bryce Houston, Aulon Letniku, Reagan Wiley, Isla Wareham, Amya Lin Chen, Easton Hemkin

Back Row 4: (L-R) Tanner Clayton, Fallon Turner, Benito Gonzalez, Nikyla Lawrence, Ella Mills, Briella Castle, Hannah May, Daisie Williamson, Hadlee Christopher, Savannah Whittaker, Jayda Hay, Brayden McClure, Lyzze Harden, Kenzley Heimsness, Jack Michel

In preparation of severe weather, Ameren Illinois is emphasizing safety around downed power lines. Ameren urges the public to stay away from downed lines, warn others, and report their location to Ameren immediately. Key safety tips include never driving over or touching downed power lines, keeping family and pets away, and not attempting to remove tree limbs or objects from power lines, as electricity can travel through them, especially when wet.

Rick Johnson, Vegetation Manager for Ameren Illinois, describes the fast-acting linemen that will be at the scene and reinforces the need for action and awareness near downed power lines.

Johnson notes that even experienced linemen have been hurt or even killed while handling these live wires, emphasizing the need for citizens to exercise extra caution.

Ameren Illinois also advises against attempting to rescue anyone in contact with a downed power line, instead calling 911 for assistance. It is crucial to treat any line as potentially energized and dangerous, as it is difficult to distinguish between electrical, telephone, and cable lines.

More information and safety tips are available in Ameren Illinois' digital media kit, which can be found here. 

Remember to call 911 or Ameren Illinois at 800-755-5000 to handle downed power lines.
 

State lawmakers are sending a bill that would create a plan to create new funeral home regulations to the Governor’s desk in an effort to respond to the mishandling of human remains at the Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville. 

Senate Bill 2643 is the Integrity in Death Care Act and would create an identification system for all human remains to ensure that funeral homes never mishandle human remains.  Anyone intentionally violating preparation room procedures and rules could face a Class 4 felony. People engaging in funeral directing or embalming without a license would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.  State Representative Wayne Rosenthal co-sponsored the legislation.

Senate Bill 2643 passed unanimously out of the Senate on Friday and had previously gained unanimous support in the House. It heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. 

The Taylorville Park Board met for their regular board meeting on Tuesday night. The annual financial report, the golf course, and a potential modification to the overtime policy were discussed.

The independent auditor’s report, conducted by Sheridan Pulley, was completed as required annually. Sheridan concluded that the park district was in good shape financially.

Jason Boldig from Lakeshore Golf Course addressed the board to request improvements to the well system at the course.

The Department of Labor is looking to increase the minimum salary for excluding employees from overtime pay from $684 a week to $844 a week. This would affect the salaried employees working for the park district.

There were discussions about adding an option other than the $20 per year fee for the dog park, but after consideration, the board decided that due to the cost of the card, it was more logical to stay with the $20 per year option as the only option.

The budget for fiscal year 2024 was passed after going through final tweaks over the past few months.

There was discussion about members of Red Bland Little League wanting to keep the league being played at Don Bragg instead of Manners Park, where the games were previously held. This was the first year for the change due to concerns over safety at Manners Park.

Marlene Miller, Park Board President stated that there was nothing wrong with Manners Park after results came back three weeks ago deeming the park safe.

The board heard from Recreational Director Jessica Franks, who mentioned that the pool needed new audio equipment due to the previous system being outdated. The main concern was not being able to make announcements to the people inside the pool. This was approved, and it was stated that this equipment could be transferred to the new pool once built. There was also discussion about a concert coming to the park this summer, but no official action was taken.

The board then heard from the Maintenance Director and reviewed the Treasurer's report. The board approved the minutes and adjourned.

The next park board meeting is scheduled for June 24th.

State Senator Robert Peters has advanced the Healthcare Protection Act through the Senate with bipartisan support. The legislation, House Bill 5395, looks to address issues in health insurance, such as "ghost networks," which list providers who are not accepting new patients or do not take certain insurance plans. The bill also extends the ban on unjustified insurance rate hikes to large group plans, ensuring affordable care access.

Key provisions of the bill include banning prior authorization for mental health treatments, requiring public disclosure of treatments needing prior authorization, and prohibiting short-term, limited-duration health plans that often exclude pre-existing conditions. 

Senator Peters stated it would reduce costs and save lives by making health care more accessible and reliable. House Bill 5395 now awaits the governor's approval.

The Taylorville Park Board is set to meet Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Manners Park Dining Hall in Taylorville. After reviewing minutes and the treasurer’s report the board will receive updates from the Maintenance Superintendent, Office Administrator, and Recreational Director. The board will approve the payment of bills and potentially hold an executive session. All are encouraged to come to the meeting.
 
Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this meeting after the conclusion.