As part of the Office of the Comptroller’s Agri-Tourism Day at the Illinois State Fair, Lake Land College, along with the East Central Illinois Development Corporation (ECIDC), was awarded the Agri-Tourism Leaders Award for a project that mapped wine trails throughout east central Illinois.

Brooke Ferguson, GIS specialist and adjunct geography instructor; Jean Anne Grunloh, ECIDC executive director; and Pam Crisman, vice president for development received the award from Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka on behalf of Lake Land College and the ECIDC. Mike Rudibaugh, GIS and geography instructor also participated in planning and implementing the project.

“The project maps out and creates a trail of the many wineries throughout east central Illinois,” said Grunloh. “This project not only helps visitors explore the area wineries, but also explore what else east central Illinois has to offer.”

Using specialized GIS technology, Ferguson took on this mapping challenge as a self-guided project and began meeting with area vineyard owners, local economic development teams and Lake Land College representatives.

“This map is what we needed,” said Dennis Vahling of Vahling Vineyards in Stewardson. “Now everyone can view it online and print it out to create a day trip or vacation while navigating with ease on these rural roads.”

“The first map shows the 10 wineries in east central Illinois, while the sub-region maps show the clusters of the wineries that are close to one another,” said Ferguson. “Additionally, the Google map feature provides an interactive search tool which allows for locating other area attractions nearby.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is looking for enthusiastic and motivated people to become Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center Volunteer Hosts. In return for the valuable service, volunteers will receive free camping or free use of the public beaches and boat ramps at Lake Shelbyville. Amount of free camping or beach/boat ramp usage depends on the amount of hours a person volunteers for. The work to be performed includes greeting visitors, opening and closing the visitor center, stocking brochure racks, selling merchandise from the sales area, and general housekeeping of the visitor center both inside and outside.

The visitor center is open now through November 4th Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Beginning November 7th until April the hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Shifts for the volunteer hosts will be determined based on availability of the volunteers and the number of volunteers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will consider anyone that is interested in volunteering regardless if you can volunteer a few hours or a few days a week. Any help will be appreciated.

If you are interested in becoming a Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center Volunteer Host contact Park Ranger Annie Hickman at 217-774-3951 ext. 7007 or by e-mail at anna.e.hickman@usace.army.mil. You can also stop by the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center any time that it is open and fill out a volunteer application.

This week Christian County CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a burglary that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime during the overnight hours between Wednesday August 24, 2011 and Thursday August 25, 2011, person or persons unknown made entry into a locked shed, located at 513 Pine Street in Taylorville. While inside the unknown subject or subjects took a large amount of power tools and a Wheel Horse riding lawn mower. The list of stolen power tools includes: several chains saws, nailers, and drills. The total amount of the items is not known at this time.

Please call the Christian County CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.

You can contact CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, at their website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274637) keyword CCCS and then your tip. As always you will remain anonymous.

While rainfall has been hard to come by in recent weeks, Denise Kistner with the University of Illinois Extension Office of Christian County explains that those with rain barrels were able to benefit from heavy rains this spring.

She says that those barrels can prove to be beneficial to gardens and lawns during times of drought like the area has seen recently.

[audio:dkist831a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Kistner adds that there is plenty of work to be done with your yard during the fall to help ensure its growth and health for next year.

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For more information Kistner says to contact the Master Gardener’s Help Desk at the extension offices by calling 217 – 287 – 7246.

Alfonso Soriano smacked a solo home run to back six-and-two-third stellar frames from Matt Garza as the Cubs cruised to a 5-2 win over the Giants on Tuesday night at AT&T Park. Garza struck out six and allowed just two runs to improve to 7-and-10 on the season. Carlos Marmol registered his 31st save for the Northsiders, who have won two straight on the heels of a four-game slide. Geovany Soto added a two-run double in the win. Jeff Keppinger knocked in both San Francisco runs. Ryan Vogelsong was tagged with the loss for the Giants, who fell six games back of Arizona in the NL West standings. Rodrigo Lopez gets the nod against Madison Bumgarner in this afternoon's series finale.

The White Sox used a five-run fifth inning to win their fifth straight game with an 8-6 victory over the Twins on Tuesday evening at The Cell. The win keeps the Sox within five games of the first place Detroit Tigers. In the game changing fifth, Gordon Beckham was hit by a pitch to force in the game-winning run and Juan Pierre had an RBI single to give the White Sox the 8-6 advantage. Alejandro De Aza plated four of the eight runs including a three-run homer in the fourth inning. Will Ohman picked up the win for Chicago, while Twins starter Anthony Swarzak took the loss. Sergio Santos grabbed his 28th save of the season. Jake Peavy will toe the rubber opposite Scott Diamond in this afternoon's series finale.

Edwin Jackson tossed seven innings of one-run ball as the Cardinals clipped the Brewers, 2-1. Jackson also drove in the first run for the Cards, who have won four-of-five. Fernando Salas locked down his 23rd save of the season. Shaun Marcum gave up two unearned runs in seven frames for the tough-luck loss. The second of the three-game series is tonight with Jake Westbrook opposing Randy Wolf.

It's the final day teams can acquire players that have cleared waivers and still have them on the postseason roster. The Rangers are still reportedly interested in pursuing Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman after losing outfielder Nelson Cruz to a hamstring injury over the weekend. Berkman, however, could net two draft picks as a potential Type A free agent after the season.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.
64 year-old Dennis R. Williams of Kincaid was arrested for domestic battery on Tuesday, August 30th.
25 year-old Jaclyn M. Renner of Taylorville was arrested by the Illinois State Police for driving under the influence of alcohol on Tuesday, August 30th.
38 year-old Jeremy J. Beard of Kincaid was arrested by the Kincaid Police Department for disorderly conduct on Tuesday, August 30th.

One local business is looking to expand their office space in an effort to make things easier for their clients.

Bella Amore, located on the Taylorville Square, has purchased office space next to their current facility, and will be using that space to expand their operations.

Owner Janet DeClerk explains that the space will help create a more relaxing dress shopping experience for customers.

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DeClerk adds that this will help keep brides to be happier and more relaxed when searching for their perfect dress.

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For more information about Bella Amore call 217 – 824 – 2355.

Citations
Gary M. Thompson was cited for driving 74 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Michael S. Bross of Edinburg was cited by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for fishing without a valid license.
Rodney A. Aten of Blue Mound was cited for driving with a suspended license.
Allison M. Ladage of Taylorville was cited for driving 74 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Gary L. Miller of Taylorville was cited for driving 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Samuel J. Hughes of Taylorville was cited for driving without valid registration.
Juan J. Ortega of Pana was cited for driving with improper display of license plates.

While temperatures continue to be cooler, the lack of rainfall in the state of Illinois continues to worry farmers as the 2011 harvest draws near.

With more on this week’s crop report is David Ward with the USDA offices of Illinois.

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Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for the weekly crop report all the way until this year’s harvest this fall.

This weekend one local business said thank you to the community and customers who have helped make it one of the most successful in Christian County.

Landmark of Taylorville held their annual customer appreciation lunch this weekend at their building located on Springfield Road and as general manager Bill Lynch explains this is always a fun event filled with good food and fun.

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Lynch adds that ever since his time began with Landmark of Taylorville, he wanted to be able to give back to the community and say thank you for all of their continued support.

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For more information about Landmark of Taylorville go online to www.landmarkoftaylorville.com.

The 2011 Pana Tri-County Fair got underway Wednesday night with opening festivities, including the annual Little Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss Tri-County Pageant. The fun doesn’t stop there however.

According to Tammy Deere of the Pana Tri-County Fair Board, there are plenty of fan favorites returning this year, as well as some new events.

[audio:tdeer91a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Regional Radio News will be broadcasting live from the Tri-County Fair all week long on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR.

The Lake Land College Office of Community and Professional Programs will offer a course entitled Energy Therapy Lecture and Demonstration. Quantum touch energy therapy is a natural healing method using one’s own energy combined with focused breathing techniques.

The lecture focuses on a brief history of quantum touch and examples of its use. Free demonstrations are available for volunteers in the class. The book “Quantum-Touch: The Power to Heal” by Richard Gordon is included in the cost of the class.

The course will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology, in Effingham, room 104. Another course will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 7 - 9:30 p.m. on the main campus in Neal Hall, room 107. The cost of the class is $47.50 and will be taught by Karen Ethridge from Charleston.

To register online using a credit card, go to www.lakelandcollege.edu/learn. Choose the Health & Wellness link. To register by phone, call Admissions and Records at 217-234-5434. Students will be sent a statement for payment. The drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the start of the class.

For more information, contact Mary Rogers, administrative assistant to the director of Community and Professional Programs, at 217-234-5219.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is seeking entries for its annual “Little Miss” and “Little Mister” pageant taking place October 15th at the Chillifest on the Taylorville square.

Contestants must be residents of Christian County, be at least 4 years-old but no older than 6 years-old, by October 15th. A 10-dollar registration fee is due at the time of registration.

All entries and pictures must be submitted to the Greater Taylorville Chamber office, by 4pm September 30, to ensure that the contestant’s picture will be in printed material.

The judges’ choices of “Little Miss” and “Little Mister” are final.

Entry forms can be obtained at the event web site, chillifest.info (that’s chillifest with 2-“L’s”), or at the Greater Taylorville Chamber office on the south side of the square.

This weekend one local business said thank you to the community and customers who have helped make it one of the most successful in Christian County.

Landmark of Taylorville held their annual customer appreciation lunch this weekend at their building located on Springfield Road and as general manager Bill Lynch explains this is always a fun event filled with good food and fun.

[audio:blynch830a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Lynch adds that ever since his time began with Landmark of Taylorville, he wanted to be able to give back to the community and say thank you for all of their continued support.

[audio:blynch30b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information about Landmark of Taylorville go online to www.landmarkoftaylorville.com.

The city of Taylorville isn’t the only community having aging roads replaced in the Regional Radio listening area.

According to Hillsboro Mayor John Downs, the city recently redid several brick roads which took a considerable amount of time and money.

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Construction is continuing in Taylorville as crews are currently repairing West Spresser and are nearing completion.

The Cubs hit four home runs and Randy Wells tossed a complete-game, two-hit shutout en route to a 7-0 victory over the Giants on Monday night at AT&T Park. Wells struck out seven and gave up just one walk to improve to 6-and-4 on the season. Blake DeWitt slammed a three-run homer, while Alfonso Soriano, Geovany Soto and Carlos Pena all added solo shots for the Northsiders, who snapped a four-game slide. Andres Torres and Mike Fontenot [[ FONT-uh-NOH ]] each recorded a hit for San Francisco. Tim Lincecum gave up five runs, four earned, through six innings of duty to absorb the loss for the Giants, who slipped five games back of Arizona atop the NL West standings. Matt Garza will toe the rubber opposite Ryan Vogelsong in tonight's second installment.

Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] kept the Twins at bay, and his White Sox offense did the rest as Chicago downed Minnesota, 3-0, on Monday night at The Cell. Buehrle went seven-and-two-thirds innings and gave up just four hits while striking out four to improve to 11-and-6. Tyler Flowers drove in a pair and Dayan Viciedo [[ DYE-an VEE-cee-ay-doh ]] added an RBI as the Sox won their fourth straight. Twins starter Kevin Slowey was strong, going seven frames and giving up two runs, but fell to 0-and-3 despite his effort. Minnesota has lost eight-of-nine. Zach Stewart gets the nod against Anthony Swarzak in tonight's second installment.

Last week the Christian County 4-H sent over twenty kids to the annual Illinois State Fair and the group was able to come home with several awards according to Christian County 4-H program coordinator Jodi Heberling.

Heberling explains that while over 30 kids qualified to go, not everyone was able to attend the state fair due to prior commitments.

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Heberling adds that it wasn’t all fun and games at the fair this year, as several kids, including members of the Shooting Sports club, were put to work to raise money for the organization.

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The Christian County 4-H New Year will get underway Thursday with an informational meeting and sign-up day being held September 20th.

For more information contact Heberling by calling 217 – 287 – 7246.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Pana Police Department, Taylorville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff, Shelby County Sheriff and the Nokomis Police Department, is investigating a series of Motor Vehicle Thefts that occurred on August 29th, 2011 in, and around, the Christian County area.

Two juveniles were apprehended and charged in connection with this matter. Due to ages of the juveniles their identities are not being released. They were removed to Juvenile Detention Center in Springfield.

This matter is currently still under investigation.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Christian County Sheriff’s Office (824-4961), their local law enforcement agency or Christian County Crime Stoppers at (1-800-568-TIPS) or (824-9100).

For graduates of Lake Land College, transferring to a four-year university often means moving away from home, getting to know a new town or navigating a larger campus. But unbeknownst to many students, it can also mean attaining a higher grade point average and having better academic standing than most other students at their new institution.

The Transfer Student Report, which is prepared annually by the Lake Land College Office of Institutional Research, shows how well Lake Land College students do academically when transferring to a four-year institution. This year, the report concludes that on average, graduates of Lake Land College have higher academic achievement than both native students of an institution and transfer students from other community colleges. For purposes of the report, native students are those students who enroll at a four-year institution as a freshman.

One approach to measure the success of Lake Land College transfer students is to compare the grade point averages at each university with other community college transfers and native students. According to the report, Lake Land College graduates have higher GPAs than native students at all transfer institutions with the exception of Illinois State University. Additionally, Lake Land College transfer students perform better than other community college transfers at all institutions except Illinois State University and the University of Illinois, where Lake Land College graduates’ GPAs are marginally lower than the other community college transfers. Overall, 97 percent of Lake Land College transfer students have higher GPAs than both native students and other community college transfers.

“Lake Land College offers the highest level of education and preparation for students who do go on to four-year institutions,” said Jim Hull, vice president for academic services. “The college and its faculty and staff provide a rigorous curriculum in addition to student support services that really prepare students to succeed in the academic setting.”

Lincoln Land Community College invites the public to a 9/11 10th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 8:45 a.m. (the approximate time of the first attack on September 11, 2001).

The ceremony will take place at the flagpoles outside A. Lincoln Commons on the Springfield campus and feature remarks by David Ford, Special Agent in Charge of the Springfield Division of the FBI. Mr. Ford will reflect on the terrorist attacks and their impact on law enforcement and the world.

LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D. will provide a welcome, and the speaker will be introduced by LLCC Board Chair Cinda Edwards. Music will be provided by The St. Andrew’s Society Pipe Band; vocalist Doris Williams, LLCC program specialist; and LLCC student musicians.

Other activities that day include a display of 9/11 photographs and video in A. Lincoln Commons, with viewers invited to share their remembrances of 9/11 on a special Memory Wall.

The event is sponsored by the LLCC Student Life Office. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held inside A. Lincoln Commons.

In a related exhibit, quilts and poetry created by children’s book author and illustrator Anna Grossnickle Hines for her newest book, “Peaceful Pieces” are on display through Sept. 17 in the James S. Murray Gallery in Menard Hall. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The second annual Senior Police Academy will begin on Thursday, September 8th.

This year looks to be even better than last year with the addition of seminars presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lee Davis of WAND-TV weather center, the Springfield Clinic, and Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert-Winans.

Last year was a great success and the academy is looking forward to the new class and training this fall.

If anyone has questions or would like to sign up contact Deputy Chief Brian Hile of the Taylorville Police Department at 217 – 824 – 2211.

The waiting is over, and the "Super Bowl of Agriculture" has arrived in Decatur. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this year’s Illinois Farm Progress Show.

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Listen this week as local farm broadcaster Jared White will be broadcasting from the 2011 Farm Progress Show in Decatur on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

Online criminals seem to keep getting smarter and staying one step ahead of authorities, however, the Social Security Administration has several tips for keeping your identity safe to prevent being a victim of internet fraud.

Jack Myers of the Social Security Offices in Springfield offers some advice on cracking down on online theft.

[audio:jmyers829a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information about protecting your identity online visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Tyler Flowers belted a grand slam as the White Sox ripped the Mariners, 9-3. Dayan Viciedo added a three-run blast to help Chicago complete a three-game sweep on Sunday at Safeco Field. Gavin Floyd fired seven-and-a-third innings of two-run ball to improve to 12-and-10. Josh Bard hit a two-run homer and plated all three runs for the Mariners. Jason Vargas allowed all nine runs in 10 hits in five-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 7-and-12. The Southsiders return to The Cell this evening to open up a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] gets the nod against Kevin Slowey in the opener.

Zack Greinke [[ GRAIN-key ]] allowed one run through seven-and-two-third innings and Corey Hart belted a two-run homer, leading the NL Central-leading Brewers over the Cubs, 3-2, to complete a three-game sweep. Greinke held Chicago to four hits, struck out seven and walked two while adding a single and a steal before scoring on Hart's blast to left field in the fifth. John Axford yielded a one-out, solo homer to Tyler Colvin in the ninth, then put the tying run in scoring position before holding on for his 40th save and the Brewers' 50th home win. Casey Coleman was touched for three runs on six hits over seven innings for Chicago, which has dropped four straight and seven of eight overall. The Northsiders head to AT&T Park this evening to kick off a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants. Randy Wells will toe the rubber opposite Tim Lincecum in the opener.

Tommie Campbell's 90-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the third quarter was the difference as Tennessee topped Chicago, 14-13, in preseason action on Saturday evening at LP Field. Jay Cutler was 13-of-21 for 170 yards and one interception for the Bears. Caleb Hanie came on late to go 9-of-18 for 107 yards, but threw the costly pick. Matt Forte [[ FOR-tay ]] totaled 74 yards and a rushing TD on 17 carries, and Robbie Gould [[ Gold ]] connected on a pair of field goals in defeat. Chicago hosts the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night in its preseason finale.

Skip Schumaker and Ryan Theriot [[ TAIR-ee-oh ]] both had two hits and drove in two, helping the Cardinals to a 7-4 victory and series win against the Pirates. Allen Craig's sacrifice fly in the fourth plated the go-ahead run, while Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] allowed four runs, two earned, in five innings to pick up the victory. The Cardinals won three of the four games in the series, and rebounded from Saturday's 7-0 loss. The Cards have the day off but will travel to Milwaukee to open a three-game series with the Brewers tomorrow. Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia will take the ball in the opener against Shaun Marcum.

Second-year quarterback Sam Bradford completed 9-of-16 passes for 95 yards, two touchdowns and one interception to lead the Rams to a 14-10 win over the intrastate rival Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night in the third game of the preseason for both teams. Steven Jackson rushed 15 times for 72 yards and a long run of 25 yards, while former Buccaneer Cadillac Williams ran 12 times for 53 yards. Donnie Avery caught two passes for 26 yards for St.Louis, while Mardy Gilyard grabbed three balls for 18 yards. Mike Sims-Walker and Lance Kendricks both caught touchdown passes from Bradford. Bradford led the first-team offense down the field for two first-quarter scores and that proved to be all the offense the Rams needed. Bradford connected with Sims-Walker on a six-yard touchdown pass to cap a 12-play, 73-yard drive, and then connected with Kendricks on an 11-yard score. The Rams head to Jacksonville on Thursday to close out their preseason schedule against the Jaguars.

On Saturday, shortly after 2:00 p.m., the Taylorville Police Department, along with EMS, responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Illinois Route 29, approximately one-half mile south of Taylorville.

Responders arrived to the scene and discovered a crash involving a motorcycle and vehicle. The operator of the motorcycle, 37 year-old Christopher Colbeck of Decatur, sustained a head injury and was treated by EMS and later transported to the Taylorville Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the other vehicle in the crash, Travis Hunt of Taylorville, did not report any injuries from the accident.

The preliminary investigation shows the motorcycle was attempting to pass the other vehicle and struck a trailer that was being towed as it turned into a driveway.

Lincoln Land Community College’s Workforce Development and Community Education Division will begin offering training, testing and nationally recognized certification in work readiness and work-related basic skills through the ACT WorkKeys system.

The LLCC Board of Trustees approved the use of Student Success Grant funding to purchase ACT WorkKeys and KeyTrain products on Wednesday.

“Just as the ACT test can predict college success, the ACT WorkKeys System can predict success in the workplace,” said Judy Jozaitis, Ed.D., vice president of Workforce Development and Community Education at LLCC. “Students completing the WorkKeys tests will earn a National Career Readiness Certificate, the national standard in certifying workplace skills. The WorkKeys system will be used to increase the overall readiness for work of the area’s workforce, and provide a tool for business and industry to assess the skills of incoming and current employees.”

The ACT Career Ready 101 program, WorkKeys testing and certification will be available at the main campus and Capital City Training Center, as well as at LLCC locations outside Springfield.

“In the current economy, it is imperative for job seekers to have basic skills, and for employers to have ways of measuring skills so they hire the most qualified, trainable candidates,” said Dr. Jozaitis. “The ACT WorkKeys program prepares students for the test which measures a student’s ability in reading for information, locating information, applied math and other skills most needed in the workforce.”

The Board also reviewed a new policy on registered sex offenders which would formalize the college’s compliance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act. Trustees will be asked to take action on the policy at the September meeting.

And, five new faculty members were welcomed to LLCC Wednesday including Anthony DiMaggio, political science; Joseph Hoff, Ph.D., Spanish; Edward Myers, English; John Ratliff, surgical technology; and Judy Reents, certified nursing assistant.

Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative (RECC) will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of its incorporation on September 6, with an Open House from 4-7 p.m. at the cooperative headquarters in Auburn. “September 6, 1936 is the day that nine local leaders took the bold step of creating a new, not-for-profit business to bring electricity to rural homes and farms,” explains David Stuva, RECC President/CEO.

Taking advantage of loan funds from the new Rural Electrification Administration, part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal program to help a struggling economy, the nine incorporators started signing up farmers to use electricity when lines could be built to them. “The membership fee was $5.00, exactly what it is today at RECC. Of course, $5.00 meant a lot more to folks back then,” Stuva said.

The co-op has grown from its first 395 member-consumers connected in 1937 to over 5,800 accounts today in five counties – Sangamon, Christian, Montgomery, Macoupin and Morgan. With electricity sales of $14 million per year, and a full-time workforce of 24 employees, RECC is still an important part of the rural community, Stuva points out.

“Back in the 1930’s the big electric companies didn’t want to extend their lines into the country where they might serve just a few customers on each mile of line,” he says. “So the cooperative was formed to work for the good of its members, not far-off investors who didn’t care about the customers. We still serve an average of just four accounts on each mile of line, so we have to work hard to provide reliable power at a competitive price.”

The Sept. 6 Open House is not only an observance of RECC’s incorporation anniversary, but a chance to show members and the public the “new look” at the offices on Highway 104, just east of Auburn. Stuva says the main building was built around 1955, and much of the original appearance was still in place until some updates started last year.

“We did some paint, flooring and layout changes in our front offices, lobby and meeting room using our own employee talent, and then had the exterior façade updated by Weldon Ladage Construction this spring,” Stuva says. “With a bold new sign and relocated entry, we have a facility that our members can be proud of as we continue to serve their needs for the next 75 years!”

All RECC members, as well as the public, are invited to the Open House to see the facilities and both old and new examples of the co-op’s equipment. Hotdogs, popcorn and drinks will be served from 4:00 to 7:00, with free gifts for those attending.

Claire Moll joined the Shelbyville Rotary Club at their August 22 meeting, sharing her experiences from a five week long internship to Oaxaca, Mexico (pronounced wä -'hä -kä). She went on the internship this summer, during a break from her studies in Spanish, International Studies and Political Science at St. Louis University.

Claire was part of a team sponsored by Pro World volunteers. Oaxaca is in southern Mexico and is a city the size of St. Louis. The particular area she was working in was built over a former garbage dump and was complete with the smells that went along with it. She said culturally it was much different and that the host family she stayed with was very close knit. During her stay it was the rainy season and temperatures were in the 70s and 80s and there was no air conditioning available.

Budget constraints are creating real safety concerns in Illinois' prison system for some legislators. State Senator Shane Cultra says the Illinois Department of Corrections is already short-staffed and could lose up to one-thousand guards over the next year because of retirements. Cultra is joined in his concern by fellow Senator John O. Jones. Both Jones and Cultra have several prisons in their districts. Jones and Cultra said they want to see a combination of early release programs and new hires to combat the discrepancy.

A former southern Illinois police officer convicted of robbing a bank at gunpoint is headed away for three decades. A judge in Murphysboro sentenced James Gaddis, an ex-Carbondale police officer, to 30 years in prison. The Southern Illinoisan reports that Gaddis used his police pistol to rob the First Southern Bank branch in Carbondale. He and an accomplice got away, temporarily, with almost 23-thousand dollars.

The mayor of Decatur wants to get a job in Springfield. Mayor Mike McElroy made it official Wednesday morning that he intends to run for the Illinois Senate in 2012. Lawmakers drew a new political map this year, so the seat would be open to new candidates. The 48th District includes parts of Decatur and Springfield, and stretches into Macoupin and Madison counties. Political insiders say the map was drawn to favor a Democrat. McElroy is a Republican. Two Democrats, including a man who works for the Illinois Senate President, have already expressed their interest in the seat.

Great weather greeted those who came to the Taylorville Main Street Farmer’s Market for Ag Appreciation Day, however, that hasn’t always been the case this summer according to Taylorville Main Street Director Gary Merker.

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The Farmer’s Market will continue this summer and will finish in October this fall.

Students in the Lake Land College TRiO Talent Search program recently traveled to Branson, Mo.

During the trip, students took part in a tour of the College of the Ozarks and learned about the Ozark area. Students were able to view a showing of the “Branson Legacy or Legend,” an hour-long IMAX movie that informed the students on the history and culture of the Ozark area.

At the College of the Ozarks, students received a guided tour of the campus that included classroom buildings, dorm rooms and the chapel, while they listened to presentations on different aspects of the college. Additionally, they were able to take a more detailed self-guided tour, which allowed them to see the campus in greater detail. Also, they were able to experience eating in the college dining hall for both breakfast and lunch.

Those attending learned about a program that the College of the Ozarks has that allows students to attend the school at no cost if they are involved in a work program offered through the college. They were also provided with information on various scholarships as well as the admission process for the college.

Following the tour, ETS students visited the museum on campus to learn more about Ozark history and culture.

"I liked the tour of campus because it was educational and I liked hearing about the college from a few of the students attending,” said Devin Friesland, Ramsey.

Lincoln Land Community College’s Green Center is offering a Sustainable Lawns and Landscaping class Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. The class is being held in the Workforce Development Center on the Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. Registrations are being accepted now.

Participants will learn how to design, implement, and maintain an attractive and environmentally friendly lawn and landscape in this workshop taught by landscape designer Cathy Bilow. This course will guide participants through proper plant selection and maintenance techniques that ensure beautiful lawns and landscapes without the overuse of water, gasoline and unnecessary chemicals. In addition, Bilow will discuss traditional lawns, rain gardens, and the environmental benefits of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and native plants.

Cost is $24; $12 for students with a valid ID. Registration deadline is Sept.. 21. To register, visit www.llcc.edu/greencenter or contact Julie Bates, julie.bates@llcc.edu, or 217.786.2434.

The United Way of Christian County recently announced that Bill Bullard of Morrisonville, Carol Schramm of Pana, Terri France, DJ Kennedy, and Pam Peabody all of Taylorville, have been appointed to lead the 2011-2012 Fund Drive. These community volunteers have graciously agreed to embrace the challenge in an effort to meet the needs of those agencies within Christian County.

As campaign co-chairs, they will have the responsibility for leading and coordinating with area United Way Caring Leaders, Team Captains, and fund drive volunteers in their efforts to raise funds for 23 local charitable organizations supported by United Way. Surpassing last year’s goal of $135,000 and with the momentum of the last few years’ extremely successful campaigns, this year’s goal was set at $140,000 and will be allocated to 23 member agencies servicing individuals and families around the county. The agencies, individuals and families who benefit from these funds would be lacking in the much needed services if it weren’t for the efforts of these willing volunteers and the donations from those in Christian County.

“We have a great group of co-chairs this year that are very excited to kick-off the campaign and embrace the challenge of raising $140,000,” stated United Way Executive Director Joni Beyers. “Each co-chair has experience working with United Way in some form or another, whether as a board member, Caring Leader, or past co-chair.”

The United Way member agencies served more than 10,000 people in 2010 and numbers have continued to grow throughout 2011. “Growing up in our small community, I’ve seen first hand the benefits of so many of these organizations that are served by the United Way, and that’s why it was so easy to say YES and get involved,” stated Terri France “There are organizations in our community that provide vital, sometimes lifesaving services, and we need to make sure these organizations are able to continue. In fact, I have personally seen the fruits of our labor in so many children and families that there is absolutely no hesitation when asked to help or donate.”

As the Kick-off for the campaign nears, Pam Peabody talks about why she agreed to get involved again this year. “I am very honored to be a part of the United Way Fund Drive again this year. I like knowing that 100% of my donation stays in Christian County and helps a variety of agencies that help so many people.”

The co-chairs will be introduced at the 2011-2012 Campaign Kick-off dinner on Thursday, September 15th at 6:00PM at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. All United Way volunteers, donors and anyone interested in more information or supporting the United Way are welcome to attend. This year’s fund drive will run from September 15th to November 10th.

A new radio station is set to launch this fall in Christian County as part of the Miller Media Group of radio stations in Taylorville.

Groovy 93.5 is set to launch later this fall and will be Christian County’s choice for hits from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

On Thursday, Trinity Dodge in Taylorville signed on to be the first charter member of Groovy 93.5 and as Todd Cantrall of Trinity Dodge explains, this will be a great addition to Taylorville and the Christian County community.

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Cantrall says that Trinity Dodge continues to sell a great line of Dodge vehicles.

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Trinity Dodge is located on Illinois Route 29 north in Taylorville. Groovy 93.5 will launch later this fall.

With the school year officially under way in the state of Illinois, one local school district’s co-superintendent says that it’s important to keep kids excited about going back to school this time of year.

Shelbyville school district co-superintendent Denise Bence says that interacting with your child and keeping them excited about the school year.

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Bence adds that a good way to get new students adjusted to school is helping them find a friend on the bus ride each day.

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Bence and Kevin Ross were named co-superintendents of the Shelbyville district just over a year ago.

Brian McCann clubbed a pair of homers to back six solid innings from Brandon Beachy as the Braves blasted the Cubs, 8-3, on Thursday afternoon. Beachy fanned eight and gave up three runs, two earned, on six hits to improve to 7-and-2 on the season. Michael Bourn went 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored for Atlanta, which took three-of-four from Chicago at Wrigley Field. Marlon Byrd blasted a solo homer, while Darwin Barney and Geovany Soto each knocked in a run for the Northsiders. Matt Garza was tagged for six runs, only three earned, through five frames to absorb the loss. The Northsiders head to Miller Park this evening to open ip a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers. Rodrigo Lopez is slated to toe the rubber opposite Randy Wolf in the opener.

Brian McCann clubbed a pair of homers to back six solid innings from Brandon Beachy as the Braves blasted the Cubs, 8-3, on Thursday afternoon. Beachy fanned eight and gave up three runs, two earned, on six hits to improve to 7-and-2 on the season. Michael Bourn went 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored for Atlanta, which took three-of-four from Chicago at Wrigley Field. Marlon Byrd blasted a solo homer, while Darwin Barney and Geovany Soto each knocked in a run for the Northsiders. Matt Garza was tagged for six runs, only three earned, through five frames to absorb the loss. The Northsiders head to Miller Park this evening to open ip a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers. Rodrigo Lopez is slated to toe the rubber opposite Randy Wolf in the opener.

The Chicago White Sox are back in action this evening as they kick off a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Jake Peavy gets the nod against Charlie Furbush in the opener. The Southsiders had yesterday off but were recently swept in a brief two-game series against the LA Angels to fall to 63-and-65 on the season.

The Chicago Bears continue their preseason slate this weekend as they take on the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on Saturday evening. The Bears are 1-and-1 this preseason with a win over Buffalo in their opener and most recently a loss to the New York Giants. Chicago wraps up its exhibition schedule next Thursday at home against Cleveland.

Matt Holiday clubbed a three-run homer to help the Cardinals double up Pittsburgh, 8-4. David Freese drove in a pair and Albert Pujols bashed an RBI double for St. Louis, which snapped a three-game slide. Edwin Jackson gave up one earned run in six frames of work to pick up the win. The second of the four-game series is tonight, with Jake Westbrook opposing James McDonald.

The Rams will look for more offensive consistency tonight when they play the Chiefs in the annual Governor's Cup tilt in Kansas City. The Rams struck early for an 83-yard bomb last weekend against the Titans, but the first unit did little else in an eventual 17-16 win. Fans at tonight's game can make donations and purchases to support the Joplin tornado relief efforts.

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR, Central A&M fell to St. Teresa 14-13.

As heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM, the Taylorville Tornadoes fell to the Lanphier Lions 26-21.

As heard on Solid Gold 98.3 WRAN, the Shelbyville Rams fell to Argent-Oreana 16-12.

This week the Christian County CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a burglary that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime between 10 pm on Sunday August 14 and 4:00 am on August 15, 2011, person or persons unknown made entry into a garage located at 420 South Cheyenne Street in Taylorville. While inside the unknown subject or subjects took several items including a pellet gun, socket set, and air tools. The total amount of the stolen items is estimated at $700. Items inside the garage were also damaged during the incident.

Please call the Christian County CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.

You can contact CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, at their website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274637) keyword CCCS and then your tip. As always you will remain anonymous.

Although clouds threatened rain in the morning, the sun came out in the afternoon and the Pana Community Hospital Foundation’s 18th annual golf outing was a success. On Saturday, August 20th the Foundation hosted an 18-hole golf scramble at the Pana Country Club with 14 teams playing in the morning and another 12 teams in the afternoon.

There was a tie for first place in the morning session. Two teams tied for first with a score of 56. One of the winning teams sponsored by Consociate Dansig consisted of Darren Reynolds, Trina Casner, Terry Lovekamp, and John Zilm. The other winning team was sponsored by PBI and consisted of Roger Culberson, Eileen Culberson, Georgia Culumber and Josh Culumber. The third place team shot a score of 60 and consisted of Jack Wagner, Chip Wagner, John Gust and Brett Hage.

Proximity winners for the morning were: closest second shot on hole #9, Larry Ade; longest putt on hole #3, Jeremy Zimmerman; and closest to the pin on hole #2, Trina Casner.

The winning team for the afternoon was Tim Casner, Drew Casner, Justin McMillen and Trina Casner with a score of 53. Two teams tied for second place in the afternoon, both posting a score of 57. The 2nd place winners were John Livesay, Steve Neece, A.J. Wiss and Ryan Livesay and the other 2nd place team consisted of Dennis Ishmael, Josh Ishmael, Troy Pinkston and Jim Flesch sponsored by Ishmael Insurance Service.

Proximity winners for the afternoon were: closest second shot on hole #9, Justin McMillen; longest putt on hole #3, Dave Wager; and closest to the pin on hole #2, Walt Cunnington.

Chad Sutton of Investment Centers of America donated a putter which was used as a prize on hole #7. The winner of the putter was Jerry Koons. Ed Boehm of Decatur was the 50/50 winner.

Deb Stalets, Foundation Executive Director, stated; “The golf outing has always been a successful fundraiser and this year was no exception. Thanks to all the golfers, hole sponsors, corporate sponsors, and everyone who contributed to make this possible.” All proceeds from the golf tourney will be used for the benefit and improvement of Pana Community Hospital.

In a little less than two months, the annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest will return to the downtown Taylorville area on the historical Taylorville Square and plenty of events are already planned for this year’s festivities.

In addition to tasting delicious chilli and watching chilli competitors, festival goers will be able to see pieces of military equipment used by the Illinois National Guard this year according to Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Fred Ronnow.

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For more information about this year’s Chillifest events, go online to www.chillifest.com.

Alfonso Soriano smacked a two-run homer to back six-and-two-third stellar innings from Randy Wells as the Cubs held off the Braves, 3-2, on Wednesday evening at Wrigley Field. Wells struck out six and gave up just one run on two hits to improve to 5-and-4 on the season and also plated a run for the Northsiders, who snapped a three-game slide. Carlos Marmol worked a scoreless ninth to nail down his 30th save. Chipper Jones and Alex Gonzalez each popped solo homers for Atlanta. Derek Lowe was tagged with the loss for the Braves, who had their winning streak end at six games. Matt Garza will toe the rubber opposite Brandon Beachy in this afternoon's series finale.

Jered Weaver struck out eight over seven shutout innings as the Angels hammered the White Sox, 8-0, on Wednesday night in Anaheim. Weaver scattered four hits and two walks en route to improving to 15-and-6. Erick Aybar [[ EYE-bar ]] drove in three runs and scored twice for the Halos, who swept the two-game set and have won six straight overall. Torii Hunter added a solo homer in the win. Zach Stewart allowed seven runs over six innings to fall to 1-and-3. Chicago has dropped five-of-seven. The Southsiders are off today. They open up a three-game series in Seattle starting tomorrow night. Jake Peavy gets the nod against Charlie Furbush in the opener.

The Dodgers used a six-run third inning en route to a 9-4 win over the Cardinals Wednesday afternoon. Juan Rivera and A.J. Ellis hit home runs for Los Angeles, which notched its first road sweep of the season and first three-game sweep in St. Louis since 1993. Jaime Garcia took the loss. Skip Schumaker went 4-for-4 and Gerald Laird homered for the Cardinals in defeat. The Redbirds welcome the Pirates to Busch Stadium tonight for the start of a four-game series.

The 2011 high school football regular season is set to kick off this Friday and the Miller Media Group of stations in Taylorville will once again be broadcasting from the booth all season long for three local teams.

While the school year is still relatively new, the Christian County Big Brothers Big Sisters is already looking to start placing children with mentors for the 2011 – 2012 school year.

Vanessa Wiseman of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois Capital Region explains that this is a great way for mentors, including high school students, to help shape and make a positive impact on the life of an elementary school-aged child.

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Wiseman adds that there is still plenty of time and need for corporate and community based mentors as well.

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To get more information visit www.bbbscapitalregion.org.

School may have begun last week for many children; however, the 2011 – 2012 calendar year for the Christian County 4-H is set to kick off September 1st and the organization is already hard at work trying to recruit new members.

Christian County Extension Director Denise Kistner explains the first month of recruiting is always an important time for the organization.

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For more information, call 4-H program coordinator Jodi Heberling at 217 – 287 – 7246.

The suspect in last week’s Taylorville shooting appeared at the Christian County Courthouse Thursday morning.

58 year-old Dennis Adams appeared before Judge Brad Paisley Thursday as the Christian County State’s Attorney’s office made a motion to have bail for Adams denied. After some deliberation and a brief hearing, Paisley did decide to judge in favor of the state’s attorney’s office and bail will be denied for Adams.

Adams, who is facing two counts of attempted murder in the first degree, is set to appear in court again on September 2nd, when the court will hear more motions from the defense and prosecution. Adams will have another preliminary hearing as well, and that is scheduled for September 20th at 10:00 a.m.

Adams is accused of attempted murder after he allegedly shot his wife, Jolene Adams, three times last Friday at her residence at 516 West Avenue in Taylorville. Jolene Adams sustained three gunshot wounds from a 22-caliber hand gun.

The Lake Land College Adult Education Center will open a Community Technology Center (CTC) at its location at 1617 Lake Land Boulevard. this fall. Funding was secured for the CTC from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Eliminate the Digital Divide grant program for the amount of $27,475.

The goal of the CTC is to offer community members free access to technology with the opportunity to enroll in basic computer courses including keyboarding, computer basics and introduction to the Internet. Program activities are aimed to provide technology training to residents so that they can enter or remain competitive in the emerging global economy.

“This support from the DCEO allows the Adult Education Center to designate itself as a Community Technology Center in order to provide technology access to individuals who would otherwise not have places to use computers,” said Paula Linker, director of Adult Education and Literacy.

Linker estimates that at the end of the project approximately 800 students will have accessed the CTC and its resources.

Computers and Internet access will be available for use by adults, 18 and older. Call the Lake Land College Adult Education Center at 217-235-0361 for more information or to pre-enroll for the classes.

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for our region, the Central Illinois Community blood center is offering several opportunities to donate blood in Christian County.

Monday, August 29th

Morrisonville – American Legion Hall, 607 Ricks Street; 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM.

Wednesday, August 31st

Assumption – Fire House, 217 North Chestnut; 3 PM – 6 PM.

For your convenience, please call 217-241-7550 to sign up or schedule an appointment online at www.cicbc.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) is a not-for-profit organization that is the exclusive supplier for patients in 12 area hospitals. CICBC is a division of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which serves a total of 75 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. For more information about blood drives, blood facts, blood types please check out the web site at www.cicbc.org. Please give what’s in your heart and donate blood.

Last week’s dry conditions continued to affect corn and soybean crops throughout the state of Illinois.

While cooler temperatures and dry conditions favored those who were cutting and bailing hay, corn and soybean producers continue to hope for rainfall to help growth as the harvest continues to draw near.

With more on this week’s crop report is David Ward with the Illinois offices of the USDA.

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Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and Taylorvilledailynews.com for the crop report each week all the way up till harvest this fall.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club, at their weekly luncheon meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium, heard about low speed vehicles from Lori Funderburk of Battery Specialists plus Golf Cars.

Funderburk told the club that low speed vehicles were made legal in the state of Illinois last year, and they reach a top speed of 26 miles an hour. They’re similar to, but not the same as, a golf cart, and can be licensed just like a car.

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Funderburk added that her dealership sold some 200 of the units last year, and over 70 so far this year. She says the cars qualify for the 10-percent federal tax credit, use only 70-cents of electricity to be charged, and run 40 miles on a single charge, with the batteries lasting 5 to 6 years.

Battery Specialists plus Golf Cars sell and service both the Tomberlin and Club Car brands of low speed vehicles.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club announced that its annual Peanut Days fund-raiser on the streets of Taylorville will take place September 30th and October 1st. Local residents will be asked to donate to support local Kiwanis projects for children and youth, such as Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, YMCA and high school senior scholarships. In exchange for their donation, they’ll be given a package of peanuts as the club’s way of saying “thank you.”

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings of the Kiwanis Club are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

The Christian County Home Community and Education Association is presenting a special program entitled “Inheritances and Making Final Preparations.” It will be held on Friday, August 26 at 1:30—3:00 p.m. at the U of I Extension Christian County office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville, IL 62568.

Extension director Denise Kistner explains that Nancy Handegan, an attorney specializing in estate planning, will present information on inheritances.

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Kistner adds that Scott McClure, a local funeral home director, will present information and choices concerning final preparations.

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The program is free and the public is invited to attend.

For this year’s recipient of the Lake Land College alumni association Golden Apple Award, receiving the award was an utter surprise. After several years of organizing the application and award process for other association members, Becky Earp, Mattoon, was shocked to be named the 2011 Golden Apple Award recipient.

Earp, administrative assistant to the vice president for academic services, has been a member of the alumni association for eight years and has played an integral part in planning many activities the organization puts together.

“This year’s recipient is one of those ‘behind the scenes’ members who we have relied on to take part in activities and events as well as play a vital role in the planning and growth of the alumni association,” said Pam Crisman, alumni association executive officer and vice president for development.

Earp is being honored with the Golden Apple Award for ensuring the highest level of communication regarding scheduling and meeting organization for the Alumni association. She plays a key role in the organization of and communication to the Alumni association board of directors as well as the alumni association director, vice president for development, and the executive officer of the Foundation and alumni association. Additionally, Earp was an important part of the development of Alumni Park on the Lake Land College campus, often working with landscapers, staff, board members, and donors throughout the district. Earp has contributed to the alumni newsletter and volunteered to help organize the association’s participation in Special Olympics Family Festival.

Jason Heyward's four frame grand slam was the difference as the Braves clipped the Cubs, 5-4, on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. Alex Gonzalez scored on a bases-loaded walk a batter before Heyward's big blast. Mike Minor struck out six through five frames of four-run ball to improve to 4-and-2 on the season. Craig Kimbrel worked a one-hit ninth to nail down his 40th save for Atlanta, which has won six games in-a-row. Alfonso Soriano smacked a solo home run and Aramis Ramirez went 5-for-5 with a two-run double for Chicago. Casey Coleman was tagged with the loss. The Northsiders have dropped four of their last six contests. Randy Wells will toe the rubber opposite Derek Lowe in tonight's third installment of a four-game series.

The Angels won their fifth straight game on a walk-off RBI single by Peter Bourjos to take down the White Sox, 5-4, on Tuesday night in Anaheim. Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a triple. Ervin Santana made it through at least eight innings for the fifth time in his last six starts. He gave up four runs and nine hits and did not factor in the decision. Angels closer Jordan Walden pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his fourth win of the season. White Sox reliever Jason Frasor took the loss. The two teams wrap up a brief two-game series this evening in Anaheim. Zach Stewart gets the nod against Jered Weaver.

The Rams have been working on their blitz protection this week after reviewing film of Saturday's 17-16 win over the Titans. Despite the win, the Rams struggled to handle Tennessee's aggressive blitzing defense, with QB Sam Bradford facing heavy fire. The 2-and-0 Rams play the 0-and-2 Chiefs Friday in Kansas City. The Rams' final tuneup is September 1st at Jacksonville.

A combination of heavier than usual patient need and an extended period of lower than usual collections has left inventories of the O-Negative and B-Negative blood types at less than a three-day supply. To ensure the Blood Center’s ongoing ability to meet patient need, the Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) asks individuals with O-Negative and B-Negative to give blood at the CICBC Donor Center or an area mobile blood drive. To schedule a time to give blood, contact the Blood Center at (217) 753-1530 (toll-free (866) GIVE BLD [866-448-3253]or online at www.cicbc.org.

“The summer months are typically the most difficult time of year for blood supply,” said Amanda Hess, Director of Donor Relations. “On the whole, the blood supply has remained stable through this difficult period,” added Hess. “But due to increased patient use of B-Negative and O-Negative, our inventories of those blood types have struggled to keep pace.”

All donors, regardless of blood type, will be entered in the Blood Center’s weekly drawing for a $50 gas card. CICBC will hold a weekly drawing for one $50 gas gift card from all donors who give blood each week through the week of Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 5). All persons who present to give blood at the CICBC Donor Center or mobile blood drive will be eligible to win the drawing.

American Legion Auxiliary 8th Annual Veteran's Benefit and Poker Run this Saturday, August 27th. All proceeds from this event benefit the residents at Danville and Quincy VA Hosptials. Sign up is a the Thunderbird Lounge in Hewitville from 10a-12p on Saturday - the run will leave right at noon and stop at the Other Bar in Morrisonville, The Silver Dollar in Farmersville, Rocki's in Auburn and Rumor's in Bulpitt. The run will end at the American Legion Hall at 110 W. Franklin St. in Taylorville. There will be a raffle, 50/50 drawing and an Auction. T-shirts and hats will also be available. As with years past, veteran recognition is an important part of this event. All vehicle types are welcome to participate. Food will be available along the route as well as at the Legion afterward.

"We're ready", says Holly Beard, Auxiliary President. "Stops are set up, food is arranged, prizes and auction items are all lined up and we're set for a fun day", she adds. This event is the longest running event of it's type out of Taylorville. The first year, only 30 participants signed up for the run. At the 7th annual there were 170 people signed up. The Auxiliary is hoping to top that at the 8th annual this year.

"It's such a patriotic event with flags flying and veterans helping veterans." says Julie Pearson, Unit Secretary Treasurer.. "It's a real chance do something positive and to contribute to our guys at Danville and Quincy", she adds.

The Lake Land College 2011 practical nursing graduates received their pins during a ceremony in August in the Field House.

Andrea Davis, Strasburg, received the Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Nursing Award. This award is given each year to a graduating student who is considered to be the all-around best student in class. The student must be professionally superior and morally responsible, capable of making wise decisions, compassionate and caring, dedicated, involved, possess common sense, possess strong scientific knowledge and technical skills, possess superior communication skills and work well under pressure. Her name will be engraved on a plaque located in the nursing skills lab in Neal Hall.

John Slifer, Jr. of Mason received the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology Practical Nursing Peer Award. Courtney Nichols of Findlay received the Western Region Center Peer award and Elizabeth Huffman of Neoga received the Lake Land College Campus Peer Award. The award was given in each of the locations where the practical nursing program is taught - the Western Region Center, the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology and the Lake Land College campus.

The Peer Award, which is voted on by the students, is given each year to one student from each location. The recipient of this award is chosen because of his or her clinical and scholastic performance and his or her willingness to help other students develop professionalism, maturity and spirit.

The Illinois Commerce Commission has scheduled a public forum Tuesday, August 30 to gather comments on Ameren Illinois’ proposal to increase rates for the delivery of natural gas and electricity to its customers.

The forum will be held at 1 p.m. in the Commission’s main hearing room, 527 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield.

Ameren proposed increasing rates for gas and electric delivery service to generate an estimated $110.5 million in new annual revenue. Ameren proposed increasing electric rates for CIPS customers by approximately 11 percent, CILCO customers by 16.5 percent and IP customers by about 2.5 percent. The company proposed increasing gas rates for CIPS customers by approximately 15.5 percent, CILCO customers by 24.0 percent and IP customers by 14.5 percent.

Da'Rel Scott capped the Giants' 41-13 blowout preseason win over the Bears with a 97-yard touchdown run on "Monday Night Football" at New Meadowlands Stadium. Jay Cutler led Chicago to two field goals in his 30 minutes of action, completing 12-of-21 throws for 171 yards. Marion Barber totaled 80 yards from scrimmage for the Bears, whose only touchdown came in the closing second from Kahlil Bell. The Bears square off against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on Saturday evening in their third preseason tilt.

Freddie Freeman and Dan Uggla each blasted solo home runs and Jair Jurrjens tossed six-and-a-third scoreless innings as the Braves blanked the Cubs, 3-0, on Monday night at Wrigley Field. Jurrjens gave up eight hits and walked five with just one strikeouts, but was able to register his 13th win of the season. Jonny Venters worked through a pair of walks in the ninth to notch his fifth save. Ryan Dempster fanned eighth through six innings of three-run ball to suffer the tough-luck loss for Chicago. Aramis Ramirez went 3-for-4 in a losing effort for the Northsiders. Casey Coleman gets the nod opposite Mike Minor in tonight's second installment.

The Chicago White Sox are back in action this evening as they open up a brief two-game series against the Angels in Anaheim. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] will be on the bump against Ervin Santana in the opener. The Southsiders took two-of-three from Texas over the weekend to improve to 63-and-63 on the season.

The Cardinals squandered a tremendous start from Chris Carpenter as they fell to the Dodgers, 2-1. Carpenter gave up one run and struck out seven through eight-plus innings but did not factor in the decision. Cards reliever Fernando Salas suffered the loss. Lance Berkman provided the offense for St. Louis with a solo homer, his 29th of the season. The second of the three-game series is tonight with Kyle Lohse [[ Lowsh ]] opposing Clayton Kershaw.

The Cardinals will have to get by for a while without pitching coach Dave Duncan. He's taking a leave of absence to be with his wife. Jeanie Duncan had major surgery on Sunday and will need additional tests and rehabilitation. Dave Duncan has been the Cardinals pitching coach since coming to the Redbirds from Oakland with manager Tony La Russa in 1996.

Following last week’s police standoff with a Taylorville man, Dennis Adams, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton is grateful and appreciative of the hard work put in by the Taylorville Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police which ended the standoff in a non-violent manner.

As Brotherton explains, the situation could have been much worse than what it was, but through the agencies’ hard work, this situation was able to be diffused in a safe and orderly fashion, allowing for just to prevail.

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Adams appeared in court on Monday morning to face charges of two counts of attempted murder in the first degree. He is set to reappear in court on Thursday when the Christian County State’s Attorney’s office will make a motion for bail to be denied.

The Illinois Soybean Association has a new chairman, and as local farm broadcaster Jared White reports, he takes over the organization's top spot with a full agenda.

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Tune into the WTIM morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on the Talk of Central Illinois Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

Lake Land College is ranked as one of the top 50 associate degree producers in the nation by Community College Week’s 2011 Top 100 Contest. The 2011 Top 100 Contest evaluates and ranks each community college in the country based on degree completion in a particular discipline.

“The college strives to make sure our students have every tool and resource available to successfully reach their academic goals,” said Scott Lensink, Lake Land College president. “We are very pleased to see how well we’ve ranked throughout the country in these areas of study.”

For 2011, Lake Land College ranks 15th for degrees awarded in Agriculture, Agriculture Operations and Related Sciences. The college’s Agriculture Division offers several associate degrees in this field of study including agriculture business and supply, alternative agricultural production and horticulture production and landscape. Additionally, the college ranks 17th for degrees awarded in the fields of Interdisciplinary Studies, and the college ranks 29th for degrees awarded in General Sales, Merchandising, and Related Marketing Operations. For Lake Land College, this includes associate degrees in entrepreneurship, marketing and professional sales.

“Lake Land College truly offers an affordable option for our students,” said Lensink. “Students receive a quality education and are prepared to enter the workforce or excel when they transfer to a four-year university.”

This year, Lake Land College also ranked in the top 10 percent of all community colleges throughout the nation according to the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.

“I really must credit the dedication our faculty and staff bring to our college and students,” said Lensink. “Everyone at Lake Land is dedicated to the success of our students, and it shows.”

To learn more about the academic programs at Lake Land College, please visit http://www.lakeland.cc.il.us/academicprograms/index.cfm.

Voting for the 2011 Lake Shelbyville Area Photo Contest has begun. There were 120 photos entered into this year’s contest in the categories of Wildlife, The Lake, Scenic, Recreation, and Places.

Winners are voted on by the public and we encourage everyone to vote. You can vote one time per day per IP address in each of the five categories.

Voting runs from August 19th to 28th. The public will vote and then tallied to choose an overall Grand Prize winner and 1st and 2nd place winners in each of the five categories.

Prizes will be distributed on August 29th to the winners.

The Shelby County Office of Tourism and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Shelbyville office would like to thank everyone who entered and those who vote for their time and effort.

The Village of Strasburg, American Legion Post 289, Strasburg Lions Club, American Legion Auxiliary and Strasburg Community Action Network have teamed up to plan a village celebration and fundraiser. The 2nd annual event will take place Saturday, Sept. 3 at the Strasburg Park with a full slate of activities, food and entertainment.

An afternoon parade at 3:30 p.m. will kick off the celebration. The parade will start south of the park by the basketball court, at the corner of Spruce St and S First St. and will end up by the Firehouse off Commercial Street. Participants are to arrive at the park between 2:30-3 p.m. for parade lineup.

The hog roast evening meal will be cooked up by Chris and Mike Daniels. Serving begins at 4 p.m. with the menu including pork loin, sausage, baked beans, potato salad, drinks and more. Meal prices are $7 for adults and $4 for ages 12 and under.

Strasburg, which boast the German Garden Gnome as its trademark, has added Gnome activities this year. There will be wondering gnomes, a gnome display and an ugliest gnome contest in the park beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Nikki Jones and Sara Shumard-Long will be directing the 2011 Little Miss contest which will include a Little Mister contest as well. Contestants ages 0-6 are eligible to participate. Also added to the festival this year is the Miss Strasburg Pageant for Strasburg area high school age females. The last Miss Strasburg Pageant was held in 1974 during the Strasburg Hundertjarfest Celebrity judges will assist with the pageant and the Little Miss and Mister contests which will take place on the stage beginning at 5:00 p.m.

All proceeds from the event will be used to retire debt from 2010 renovations to the Strasburg Community Building. The building suffered extensive water damage after frozen pipes burst during cold weather. Community meetings were held to determine the fate of the building, and it was decided to raise funds to repair and remodel the center. Village President Wayne Wirth was pleased with fundraising efforts but when all finishing touches were complete, there was a more than $20,000 shortfall in revenue.

Following last week’s potentially deadly standoff involving a Taylorville man, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton is praising the hard work of the Taylorville Police Department, and assisting agencies including the Illinois State Police SWAT team, for their efforts in diffusing the situation before it became too dangerous.

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The subject, Dennis Adams remains in custody awaiting an appearance in court.

Yadier Molina homered twice and drove in three to power the Cardinals to a 6-2 win over the Cubs. Albert Pujols [[ POOH-holes ]] and Jon Jay added solo shots to help St. Louis avoid a three-game sweep. Jake Westbrook fired seven innings of two-run ball to improve to 10-and-7. Aramis Ramirez knocked in both runs for the Cubs. Rodrigo Lopez allowed five runs and 10 hits over five-and-a-third innings to fall to 4-and-4.

The Cardinals are back at Busch Stadium tonight as they open a three-game series against the Dodgers. Chris Carpenter is slated to take the mound for the Redbirds. He's 8-and-8 with a 3.68 ERA. Los Angeles counters with Nate Eovaldi, who is 1-and-1 with a 2.12 ERA in three career starts. The Cards took three-of-four at Los Angeles in mid-April.

The Cubs begin a four-game series with the Atlanta Braves tonight at Wrigley FIeld. Ryan Dempster takes a 10-and-8 mark to the hill for Chicago, while Atlanta will start 12-and-5 Jair [[ JY-er ]] Jurrjens. The Cubs took two-of-three in Atlanta earlier this month.

Rumors continue to swirl that Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti might be heading to the Windy City. Colletti is a Chicago native, and his name has been mentioned by both the "Sun-Times" and "Tribune" newspapers as a possible replacement for Jim Hendry, who was fired last week. Colletti says his focus is with the Dodgers.

Gavin Floyd tossed seven-plus shut out innings for the White Sox as they blanked the Rangers, 10-0, on Sunday at The Cell. Alex Rios and Brent Lillibridge each hit a two-run shot for Chicago, which has won two in-a-row. Alejandro De Aza drove in three runs for the Sox. Derek Holland gave up five runs in three-and-a-third frames to take the loss for Texas, which has lost three of the last four games. The Southsiders are off today. They open up a brief two-game series against the Angels in Anaheim starting tomorrow night. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] gets the nod against Ervin Santana in the opener.

The Chicago Bears continue their preseason slate tonight against the Giants on "Monday Night Football" from the New Meadowlands Stadium. It's the second preseason tilt for both clubs. Chicago beat the Buffalo Bills, 10-3, last weekend in its exhibition opener.

A man believed to be the suspected shooter that led to a lengthy standoff with authorities on Friday appeared before Judge Brad Paisley in the Christian County courthouse Monday morning.

The suspect, Dennis Adams, is facing two counts of attempted murder for allegedly shooting his wife Jolene Adams Friday morning at 516 West Avenue. In addition to the charges, bail for Adams was set for 2-million dollars and bond set at 200-thousand dollars.

Adams is set to appear in court again on Thursday when Christian County State's Attorney Tom Finks will request that bail be denied. Adams is being represented by public defender Mike Havera.

Jolene Adams also appeared at the pretrial hearing Monday morning. Adams was released from the hospital Friday afternoon after receiving treatment for gunshot wounds to shoulder and head.

Cleaner energy using clean-coal technology continues to be a strong point for turning around the local, state, and national economy, and one nationwide organization will be visiting the Christian County area soon to help promote cleaner energy.

Lisa Miller of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity says that the organization using natural resourced readily available is a great way to help lower energy costs and save the consumer money when paying bills.

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Miller adds that not having to import energy products is a great way to break free of dependency of foreign trades while using energy technology that will be safer for the environment.

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For more information visit www.cleancoalusa.org.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is set to have Kevin Lust of Lincoln Land Community College back next month for his presentation on ‘Starting Your Business In Illinois.’

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Fred Ronnow adds that this program has received a lot of attention this time around and seats are filling up fast.

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Ronnow says that there will be another seminar later in September as well, this one being put on by Lincoln Land Community College and New Wave Communications.

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For more information or to get signed up call 217 – 824 – 4919.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

22 year-old Lacey M. Myers of Morrisonville was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Thursday, August 18th.

49 year-old Randy L. Sparling of Springfield was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for criminal trespassing, possession of burglarized goods, and residential burglary on Monday, August 22nd.

36 year-old Brian K. Sisk of Nokomis was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving under the influence of alcohol on Thursday, August 18th.

37 year-old Jennifer L. Beck of Herrick was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Friday, August 19th.

21 year-old Kellie L. Wingo of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for domestic battery on Saturday, August 20th.

20 year-old Justin A. Leckner of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving with a suspended or revoked license on Saturday, August 20th.

21 year-old Jeremy R. Masters of Taylorville of was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving with a suspended or revoked license on Sunday, August 21st.

27 year-old Robert A. Page of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department was arrested for unlawful possession of a registration sticker and unlawful display of a registration sticker on Monday, August 22nd.

The Taylorville Police Department reports the following arrests.

36 year-old Brian K. Sisk of Pana was arrested for a warrant, criminal damage to property, fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving suspended, and illegal transportation of alcohol on Thursday, August 18th.

36 year-old Chad E. McKittrick of Tower Hill was arrested for a warrant on Thursday, August 18th.

22 year-old Phillip A. Smith of Taylorville was arrested for driving suspend and driving with a suspended or revoked license on Thursday, August 18th.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office was called to the scene of a one vehicle rollover Wednesday morning that resulted in serious injuries.

According to the accident report, a 1999 Ford Taurus driven by Jade L. Christer of Tower Hill was traveling southbound on Route 51, approximately four-tenths of a mile north of 800 North Road, when she fell asleep behind the wheel. Christer's vehicle cut across the northbound lane of traffic and crashed into the dtich causing her vehicle to overturn into a nearby field.

Christer's vehicle continued to overturn two more times before coming to a stop on it's wheels.

Christer was taken to the Pana Community Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Matt Garza tossed seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts as the Cubs defeated the Cardinals, 3-0. Garza improved to 6-and-9 with the victory. Aramis Ramirez smacked a two-run homer for Chicago, which has won the first two in the three-game series. Carlos Marmol earned his 29th save of the season. Edwin Jackson suffered the loss after allowing three runs in seven frames. St. Louis has lost four-of-five overall.

The Lake Land College Office of Community and Professional Programs will offer several trips this fall.

Travel by motor coach to the beautiful Shawnee Forest and explore the wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Pack a lunch and enjoy a leisurely picnic along the trails; later, a fried chicken dinner will be served at the Giant City Lodge. Vegetarian and special needs will be accommodated. Course number, CE-RECR174-23157, will meet Saturday, Oct. 8. The group will leave from the Field House 040 at 7:30 a.m. and return at 11 p.m. The guide will be Cheryl Roberts, and the cost of the trip is $49. The last date to register will be Sept. 7. Refunds will not be issued after that date.

Enjoy the music and merriment from “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” while traveling by coach to Conklin’s Barn Dinner Theatre in Goodfield, Ill. A mouth-watering buffet that includes prime rib and fried chicken will start off the evening. Course number, CE-RECR227-23103, will meet Saturday, Nov. 12. The group will leave from the Field House 040 at 3:30 p.m. and return approximately at 11:55 p.m. The guide will be Melinda Gill. The cost of the trip is $67.93; refunds will not be issued after Oct. 11.

Visit the Foundry Art Centre, tour the Cathedral Basilica and marvel at Money’s Water Lilies at the Art Museum in the St. Louis area! Participants can browse individual artists’ studios, gift shops and more, while eating lunch at the Galleria. Course number, CE-RECR230-23449, will meet Friday, Oct. 7. The group will depart from the Lake Land College Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology 133 in Effingham at 7:15 a.m. and return at 8:30 p.m. The guide will be Rebecca Marcussen. The cost of the trip is $37; the last day to register is Sept. 6. Refunds will be not issued after that date.

For more information, contact the office of Community and Professional Programs at 217-234-5219. To register online, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/learn and choose the recreation, leisure and exercise tab or fax the registration form to admissions and records at (217) 234-5390. Call (217) 234-5434 for confirmation or receipt. A statement for payment will be sent. The drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the start of the class.

The members of the Shelbyville Rotary Club held their weekly meeting on Monday, August 15th.

The program was conducted by Ms. Lesa Brandt with the American Cancer Society. Brandt reported on the recent Relay for Life August 5th and 6th event at Shelbyville Forest Park. $53,000.00 was raised and reported by the different teams, with the Shelby Memorial Hospital Team achieving a top total of over $10,000.00.

Brandt explained that individuals interested in becoming more involved with the American Cancer Society in Shelby County could attend the next meeting being held Monday Aug 29th, at the Senior Center 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Shelbyville Public Library. This meeting at the Senior Center is a Wrap-Up Meeting of the Relay Event with plans being made for next year.

Part of the funding goes to research projects and eight research projects are currently being done in the state of Illinois.

Patient Services are also provided in the area as well as rides are arranged for individuals in the area to community hospitals and other providers.

Vendor and contest forms for the 2011 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, taking place on the Taylorville square October 15th and 16th, are now posted on-line at the event’s web site, chillifest (with 2-L’s)-dot-info.

Forms available for download include entries for the Beautiful Baby Contest, International Chilli Society chilli cookoffs, craft vendor booth space and electricity rate forms, Little Miss Chilli Pepper and Little Mister Chilli Pepper contests.

All forms have entry deadlines, so it’s important to look on each form for each entry deadline date.

If you have any questions on any of the forms, feel free to contact the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at 824-4919.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first human West Nile virus cases reported in Illinois for 2011. The Cook County Health Department reported a man in his 80s became ill earlier this month and the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department reported a man in his 30s became ill in July.

“West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes and birds continues to increase across Illinois, which means a higher risk of people contracting the virus,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. “People should protect themselves against mosquitoes by wearing insect repellent and getting rid of any standing water around their homes.”

So far this year, 13 counties have reported mosquito batches, birds or a person testing positive for West Nile virus; Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Macon, St. Clair, Tazewell and Will counties. The first West Nile virus positive results this year were collected on June 8 and included two birds from LaSalle County.

In 2010, the first positive mosquito samples were collected on June 3 in Gallatin County. Last year, 30 of the state’s 102 counties were found to have a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human case. A total of 61 human cases of West Nile disease were reported in Illinois last year, the first reported on August 31.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Only about two people in 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and death are possible.

Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

Lincoln Land Community College-Capital City Training Center is offering a 90-hour Illinois Real Estate Broker Pre-License Topics course, which begins this fall. The course is broken into two course sections. Both courses will be held at LLCC-Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason, Springfield.

The 75-hour Illinois Real Estate Broker Pre-License Topics course is designed to meet the 75-hour pre-licensing curriculum requirements for real estate brokers as set forth by the state of Illinois. Topics covered are: license law, Illinois law, federal laws, agency relationships and obligations, marketing and advertising, independent contractor/employee agreements, real property, contract knowledge, market analysis and appraisal, financing, retail and office property management, seller relationships and counseling, and buyer relationships and counseling.

The 75-hour pre-licensing course will meet Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Monday, Sept. 12 through Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m.

In the 15-hour Illinois Broker Applied Real Estate Principles interactive course, students will participate in five three-hour interactive lessons with the instructor to apply the knowledge learned in the Illinois Real Estate Broker Pre-License Topics course. Each interactive lesson begins with a review of principles, concepts, requirements for compliance and violations, summary of best practices, and/or applicable laws/licensee requirements. Students will then participate in a variety of interactive activities (ex., quizzes, content review exercises, class and small group discussion) where they will apply their knowledge to a variety of real-world scenarios designed to provide valuable analysis and decision-making experience.

The 15-hour interactive course will meet Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Monday, March 12, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Cost for both courses is $525 and includes books. Registration deadline is Sept. 7 and pre-registration is required. To register, call LLCC-Capital City Training Center at 782.7436 or visit www.llcc.edu/cctc.

On the day the Cubs fired general manager Jim Hendry, they came away with a 5-4 victory over the Cardinals. Tyler Colvin won the game with a walk off, pinch-hit RBI single in the bottom of the 10th at Wrigley Field.  Geovany Soto scored the game winning run and was 2-for-4.  Darwin Barney chipped in with a solo homer in the fifth inning, his second of the season.  Reliever Sean Marshall earned the victory to improve to 6-and-5.  Jaime Garcia pitched six-and-a-third innings of three-run ball in a no-decision for the Cardinals.  Octavio Dotel took the loss.

Entries are being sought for the annual ‘Doggie Costume Contest” to be held during the Pana Farmers Market on Friday August 26, 2011 in Kitchell Park at the Chautauqua Pavilion. Entry forms are available at Pana Qik-n-Ez, the sponsor of the event. Pre-registration is not required but is recommended. Social Hour and registration will begin at 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Judging will begin at 5:30 p.m. Free doggie treats and drinks will be provided. The theme for the day is “Real American Hero’s” The categories for the doggies will be Best Costume, Best Personality, Judges Choice, and Managers Choice. Awards will be presented at 6:15 p.m.

The Lake Land College dental hygiene clinic has a new location and more room to offer affordable dental care to the public, while also providing students a state-of-the-art education.

The lab, now located in Northwest 116, offers patients an exam, cleaning, x-rays, and fluoride treatments at $10 for students and $15 for adults. There are plenty of appointments available this fall.

"The students do an excellent job and get to work on their clinical hours. Patients get cost effective oral healthcare," said Deborah Kirts, director of Dental Hygiene.

Kirts said the service takes longer than traditional exams, so patients are asked to reserve four hours for each appointment. However, patients are receiving affordable dental care in exchange for their time. Kirts said the lab sees many patients who have no dental insurance. In addition, because of the large work area in the lab, the clinic can work on large families at once. Kirts also acknowledged that many patients just like to give back to the local community college.

"We are preparing the hygienists of the future and we would like to give them a variety of experiences. We ask that the community help by providing them with those experiences," Kirts said.

Class is set to begin for the Taylorville School District today, and thanks to the veto powers of Governor Pat Quinn, classes will be dismissed as scheduled at 11:45 a.m.

Due to Governor Quinn’s veto of the legislation that would have required five clock hours of attendance on the first day of school, Taylorville Community Unit Schools has changed the first day dismissal back to 11:45 a.m.

Dismissal time for the week of August 22-26 will remain at 2:30 p.m.

Parents who have questions should contact their building principal for more information.

There is still time to register for fall semester 2011 classes at Lincoln Land Community College-Taylorville, 800 S. Spresser. Fall semester classes begin Saturday, Aug. 20, with late registration running Saturday through Friday, Aug. 20-26.

Classes still available include U.S. History to 1877, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Ethics: Morality and Contemporary Values, College Success Skills, Microsoft Windows Operating System, construction occupations classes and more.

All credit classes can be applied toward certificates and/or associate degrees. High school students working to get a head start on college can enroll in evening classes in addition to participating in dual credit opportunities at their local high school.

Tuition and fees for LLCC district residents are $100.50 per credit hour. Specific programs and courses may have additional fees. LLCC accepts MasterCard, Discover and VISA and also offers an installment payment plan available through Nelnet Business Solutions. By paying 25 percent of tuition and fees, plus the $25 enrollment fee, the remaining tuition may be paid over three months (September through November). Beginning Aug. 21, the payment plan requires a $25 fee and 50 percent of tuition and fees with the final payment due in November.

Textbooks for classes being held at LLCC-Taylorville are also available for purchase. Students should take a copy of their class schedule when purchasing books.

Students who are already registered for fall 2011 classes may attend New Student Welcome Day on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.

LLCC-Taylorville is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the registration process, call LLCC-Taylorville at 287.7081 or toll free, 1.800.572.5448.

One of the most popular attractions at the annual Illinois State Fair continues to be the Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s Conservation World and one of the most popular exhibits every year is the fisheries department and their pools filled with behemoth blue and flathead catfish, as well as several trophy largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Fisheries biologist Mike Mounce says that keeping the state’s people educated on the fishing resources in Illinois is always an important mission during the state fair.

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In addition to educating people about the regulations and species of fishing in Illinois, Mounce adds the week of the state fair is a great way to educate people about the threat of Asian carp spreading throughout Illinois’ waterways.

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The state fair is set to wrap up this weekend on Sunday night.

In addition to carnival rides, fair food, and animal shows, the Illinois State Fair continues to educate youth about all the natural resource opportunities found throughout the state, and none is more popular than the Urban Fishing pond located in the historical Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation World.

Herb Drier (dry-er) with the Urban Fishing Clinic explains that it’s important for parents and legal guardians to get kids involved with fishing and to keep them interested in fishing and the great outdoors in Illinois.

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The Urban Fishing Clinic has several events scheduled throughout the day at the Illinois State Fair, which is set to wrap up Sunday.

Local leaders congregated to the Illinois State Fair Thursday for the annual Republican’s Day, and among those was Morrisonville State Representative Wayne Rosenthal who says the day gives him a chance to meet and see people from his region, including Montgomery, Macoupin, and Christian County.

Rosenthal explains that the state fair continues to draw attention and much needed exposure to the importance of the agricultural industry to the state of Illinois.

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Other area leaders in attendance were Illinois State Senator Bill Brady who ran for governor in the most recent election.

The Illinois State Fair continues to be a huge economic boost for Springfield and Sangamon County, but it also draws in much needed revenue for surrounding areas such as Christian and Montgomery County.

At Thursday’s Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton reported that the annual fair is a great boost for area towns and everyone is able to benefit from the state fair being so important to central Illinois.

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The fair will wrap up Sunday in Springfield.

The Taylorville Police Department is investigating a shooting this morning that resulted in one person being to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

According to a statement released by the Taylorville Police Department early Friday morning, officers were called to 516 West Avenue shortly before 8:00 a.m. and discovered a victim injured from an apparent gunshot wound.

The suspect, 58 year-old Dennis E. Adams, fled the scene prior to the police arrival and has not been located at this time. Adams is considered armed and dangerous according to authorities. If anyone has contact with Adams they are advised to call the Christian County 911, the Taylorville Police Department, or the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim’s condition is unknown at this time. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com regarding this story as new updates are made available.

At approximately 8:13 a.m. Illinois State Police (ISP) responded to the scene of an armed fleeing subject. According to witness testimony, the subject Dennis Adams, 58, of Taylorville, Illinois fled the scene of 516 West Avenue today after shooting his wife, Jolene A. Adams, 32 of Taylorville. After a four hour stand-off with police, Adams surrendered to authorities.

ISP SWAT, Air Operations and Negotiators were called to the scene to assist the Taylorville police department and several area law enforcement agencies in subduing the offender. The incident was secured at approximately 12:20 p.m.

“This is a leading example of how ISP deploys its specialized units and invaluable resources to support local area law enforcement in safeguarding Illinois communities,” said ISP Captain Michael Zerbonia. “The unique training and skills of our SWAT and Hostage Negotiators are vital assets during critical incidents.”

Adams was transported to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for observation after complaining of dehydration and a leg wound, and remains in custody. The victim was also transported to a local area hospital.

During Agriculture Day ceremonies on the Director of Agriculture Lawn at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Tuesday, Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller was presented with the "Service to Illinois Agriculture" award by Farm Credit Services of Illinois.

Farm Credit's marketing director Mike Loyd presented the award to Miller.

This year marks Miller's 25th consecutive year of providing local results in State Fair judging, to a network of 24 radio stations across Illinois that he founded in 1986 called the Hometown Illinois Radio Network. That network also provides radio stations across the state, reports from the Commodity Classic, the Farm Progress Show, and the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting each year.

Miller also owns and operates 8 radio stations across central and northwest Illinois that serve Taylorville, Pana, Shelbyville, Kewanee, Galva, Geneseo, the Quad Cities, and Clinton.

All 8 of his stations feature some type of agriculture programming, and one station in each of his 3 clusters, features 4 to 6 hours a day of agriculture programming.

Miller credits his radio group's success, to connecting with local farm listeners across the state.

Miller is a graduate of the radio-TV program at Lake Land College in Mattoon, and has served Illinois radio listeners either on the air or off, for some 38 years.

Matt Downs singled in two runs in the fourth inning to give the Astros the lead for good as they hung on for a 4-3 victory over the Cubs on Wednesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. Brian Bogusevic doubled in two in the third inning to tie the game at two for Houston, which took the final two games of the three-game NL Central set. Bud Norris pitched five innings of three-run ball for the win and Mark Melancon got the final three outs for his 12th save. Casey Coleman took the loss. Aramis Ramirez hit a two-run homer in the third and Geovany Soto smacked a solo shot in the fourth for Chicago. The Northsiders are off today. They return to the Friendly Confines tomorrow afternoon to open up a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Randy Wells gets the nod against Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia in the opener.

Four different players plated a run to back eight-and-a-third stellar innings from Fausto Carmona as the Indians cruised to a 4-1 win over the White Sox on Wednesday night at The Cell. Carmona struck out six and allowed just one run on four hits to improve to 6-and-12 on the season and Chris Perez recorded the final two outs to pick up his 26th save. Jack Hannahan, Kosuke Fukudome [[ KOS-kay FOO-koo-dough-may ]], Shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera each knocked in a run for Cleveland, which has won three of its last four games. Alexei Ramirez' solo home run in the second frame accounted for Chicago's lone run of the game. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] was tagged with the loss. The Southsiders had won three straight. Philip Humber will toe the rubber opposite Justin Masterson in tonight's series finale.

Chicago Bears star wide receiver/punt and kick returner Devin Hester received everything from cash to rims for his car in violation of NCAA rules while at the University of Miami from a former booster according to a report on Yahoo! Sports. Nevin Shapiro is serving a 20-year prison sentence for masterminding a $930-million Ponzi scheme and claims to have provided impermissible benefits to 72 of the university's football players and other athletes between 2002 and 2010. According to the Yahoo! Sports report, Hester allegedly also received multiple cash gifts, an engagement ring, tickets to a playoff basketball game, VIP access to nightclubs, meals and lodging at Shapiro's $2.7-million Miami Beach home. Hester refused to discuss the subject on Wednesday.

Allen Craig clubbed a pair of home runs to back seven solid innings from Kyle Lohse [[ Lowsh ]] as the Cardinals cruised to a 7-2 win over the Pirates. Lohse struck out seven, while giving up a pair of runs to improve to 11-and-7 on the season. Craig crushed a two-run shot in the first, a solo dinger in the seventh and added an RBI single in the eighth for St. Louis, which snapped a two-game slide to salvage the finale of a three-game set at PNC Park. The Cardinals are off today before opening a three-game set at Chicago tomorrow afternoon.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a bicycle collection drive at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield on behalf of the Working Bikes Cooperative, a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization that repairs, restores and recycles old bicycles for use by people in need in Illinois and around the world.

While Working Bikes Cooperative volunteers are in Springfield at Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair, they will be collecting old and/or broken bicycles from central Illinois donors.

Anyone interested in donating a used bicycle to the program can do so on Tuesday, Aug. 16 through Thursday, Aug. 18 from 12 noon until 6 p.m. at the IDNR gate located next to Gate 7 on north side of the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield (Taintor Road at Eighth St.).

Working Bikes Cooperative is a not-for-profit organization operating on funds raised through the sale of repaired bicycles at its storefront at 2434 S. Western Avenue in Chicago. Working Bikes Cooperative uses sales proceeds to donate other bicycles to charitable organizations in Illinois and to ship bicycles to people in need in nations including Ghana, Tanzania, Angola, Guatemala and Peru.

According to the Working Bikes Cooperative, due to wage differences a bicycle worth $20 in Chicago can be worth the equivalent of $1,000 in Africa. Each year, Working Bikes gives away more than 5,000 bicycles locally and internationally.

Working Bikes Cooperative representatives will promote the bicycle recycling program at the Leave No Child Inside tent just inside the main Conservation World entrance at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 16-18 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Last year Pana Community Hospital was conducting the “Go Digital” campaign to raise money for the digital mammography machine which was installed in March of 2011. Now the hospital is once again working on a “Go Digital” project of a different kind. An information technology upgrade is now taking place at Pana Community Hospital and it is one of the largest projects the hospital has taken on in many years.

The hospital is converting from our former information technology system to a new system called “McKesson Paragon”. This new computer system will allow Pana Community Hospital to create and maintain all patient records electronically. The new system will also allow local physicians to access patient information via the computer as opposed to having to request the patient’s chart. Local physicians will be able to securely view patient records from their office and forward patient information securely to specialists and sub-specialists to whom they are referring the patient for follow-up or specialty care.

Pana Community Hospital will also be utilizing Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) which allows physicians to put orders into the computer instead of writing the orders on paper. This type of entry system can be done from within the hospital, from the doctor’s office, or from secure laptop computers the physicians carry with them. The orders entered via the computer are easier to read than hand written orders which reduces errors and improves the timeliness of patient care.

All hospitals are facing government mandates that require hospitals to become “Meaningful Users” of a certified health information system and an electronic or “digital” health record by 2014. Pana Community Hospital’s decision to proceed with the upgrade was reinforced when it was announced that funds were being made available to hospitals from the federal government to support the upgrade of health information systems. Hospital employees have been involved in preparing for the upcoming conversion for over a year now.

The hospital’s management team and Board of Directors have been preparing for this change for over two years. The McKesson Paragon Health Information System was selected after a 2-year review process. Hospital personnel are now being trained on the new system. The new system will “go live” in September of 2011.

Governor Pat Quinn proved to be a good “arm twister” at Tuesday evening’s Sale of Champion Illinois State Fair livestock and commodities.

“I wish you could raise as much money for the state of Illinois as you have here tonight,” master of ceremonies Orion Samuelson said.

With the encouragement of the governor, three records were broken. The first was for Sarah DeSchepper’s Grand Champion Wether. DeSchepper’s wether was auctioned off for $12,500, beating the previous record by $3,000.

“It’s awesome,” DeSchepper, 18, of Altona, said. “I’ve been here eight times and never done it. I’m glad this could be the year and I could be a part of it.”

The second record was for the sales price of the Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Barrow. It fetched $10,100 for showman Adam Gradert, 13, of Geneseo, or $100 more than the previous mark.

The third record was for Sherman teenager Austin Burris and his Grand Champion Steer. His steer was sold for a whopping $51, 200, breaking the previous record of $50,100.

“I was excited and I couldn’t believe it. It’s unbelievable,” the 18-year-old Burris said.

Joining these three record-breakers was a newcomer. 13-year-old Kenzie Schlipf came to the sale for the first time with her Grand Champion Rabbit Meat Pen.

Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) Theatre will hold evening auditions Wednesday, Aug. 31 and Thursday, Sept. 1 for the first annual, fully-staged production of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol,” newly-adapted and directed by Mark Hardiman, LLCC assistant professor of theatre.

Auditions will begin at 7 p.m. in the Workforce Development Center on the LLCC campus. Persons unable to audition those evenings should email mark.hardiman@llcc.edu. Callbacks are Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at the same location.

“Christmas Carol” will be staged Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Visitor's Center, and is presented in association with the Visitor’s Center, Theatre in the Park and the Lincoln League.

This new adaptation embraces Dickens’ intent to create a “ghost story of Christmas.” The acting ensemble will play multiple roles, in addition to the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present and the Spectre of Christmas Yet-to-Come. These will inhabit other spirits visited by Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey laid before him by the spirit of his departed business partner, Jacob Marley.

All roles are open in this ensemble production. Auditions will include reading from the script and movement exercises. Actors should come dressed comfortably and be prepared to sing a verse a cappella from a favorite song. While English dialects are not required to audition, actors will be asked to try one while reading for a role.

LLCC Theatre is committed to education in theatre, emphasizing not only performance but also growth in those involved in the production.

Questions may be directed to mark.hardiman@llcc.edu or by calling 217-786-4942.

Fifty 4-H members from across the state came to the Illinois State Fair Friday to compete in the 2011 Master Showmanship contest sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau and RFD Radio. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this story from the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

The Pana Community Hospital will be holding one of its largest fundraisers of the year this weekend at the Pana Country Club as they will be holding their annual golf outing.

Providing a safe environment and at-home feel for senior family members is never an easy choice or decision, but a recently opened assisted living facility in Shelbyville is helping make that decision a little easier.

The recently opened Villas of Hollybrook in Shelbyville continues to become a staple in the senior community for Shelby County, and as executive director Lisa Schmitz explains, the facility has a lot to offer.

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Schmitz explains that there are some great perks of being a Villas of Hollybrook resident.

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For more information contact the Villas of Hollybrook in Shelbyville by calling 217 – 825 – 5858.

This week Christian County CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a burglary that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime between 7:00 pm and 7:45 pm on Thursday August 4, 2011 person or persons unknown made entry into a residence located at 1007 East Adams Street in Taylorville. While inside the unknown subject or subjects took several items including a Playstation 3, a Droid X cell phone, a Blackberry, and other items. Entry may have been gained through a back door. The total amount of the items missing is estimated at over a $1000.

Please call Christian County CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.

You can contact CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, at the website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274637) keyword CCCS and then your tip. As always you will remain anonymous.

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for our region, the CICBC donor bus will be at the Edinburg Community Center located at 107 West Masonic Street on Wednesday, Saturday, August 27, 2011 along with Music in the Park. The hours of the blood drive are 10:00am to 2:00pm. For your convenience, please call Jessica Becker to sign up toll free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD, ext. 118. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) is a not-for-profit organization that is the exclusive supplier for patients in 12 area hospitals. CICBC is a division of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which serves a total of 75 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. For more information about blood drives, blood facts, blood types please check out the web site at www.cicbc.org. Please give what’s in your heart and donate blood.

As the nation observes the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Lincoln Land Community College welcomes the community to visit a special exhibit of quilts and poetry created by children’s book author and illustrator Anna Grossnickle Hines for her newest book, “Peaceful Pieces.”

The exhibit is being featured in the James S. Murray Gallery in Menard Hall on the LLCC campus in Springfield from Aug. 22 to Sept. 17. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An artist reception is being held Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by an artist’s talk in Menard Hall, room 2209.

As a poet, Ms. Hines sets for herself the goal of writing one poem a day. The poems then become the starting point from which she creates her quilts. She has illustrated more than 60 books for children, the latest of which are illustrated exclusively through her quilted artwork. Most of the quilts are rather small, about 22 x 14 inches, and include hundreds of separate swatches of fabric.

Ms. Hines explains, “When one says “quilt” most people think of a patchwork covering for a bed and for many years, that’s what quilts were. As more and more things were made with machines, the art of quilt making was largely forgotten. Then in the 1960s it was revived, rekindling an interest. Groups of quilters sprang up all around the world to share knowledge and enthusiasm for quilting. Most used the traditional patterns to make traditional quilts, but others began to make a new kind of quilt, a quilt for the wall instead of the bed. Using the traditional techniques of piecing, layering and stitching, the quilters told stories, expressed their feelings, or simply made beautiful works to decorate walls in homes or public buildings. Many of these quilt artists began adding new elements, including stamping, printing, beading, and so on, to add texture, interest, and to say what they wanted to say with their quilts.”

LLCC’s Community Learning department is offering several workshops in conjunction with the “Peaceful Pieces” exhibit including: Writing and Illustrating for Children–One Person’s Story, Peaceful Pieces–A Special Event for Quilters and Quilt Lovers,?From Once Upon a Time to Happily Ever After: The Benefits of Reading to Children, and About Poetry. For more information on workshops being taught by Anna Grossnickle Hines, visit www.llcc.edu/commed.

The Christian County Home Community and Education Association is presenting a special program entitled “Inheritances and Making Final Preparations.” It will be held on Friday, August 26 at 1:30—3:00 p.m. at the U of I Extension Christian County office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville, IL 62568. The program is free and the public is invited to attend.

Nancy Handegan, an attorney specializing in estate planning, will present information on inheritances. Following Nancy’s presentation, Scott McClure, a local funeral home director, will present information and choices concerning final preparations.

The Kiwanis Club of Taylorville gathered for lunch in the Auditorium at Taylorville Memorial Hospital Tuesday August 16th. The program was presented by Diana Ritter, owner of Village Travel in Blue Mound.

She purchased the company 8 years ago when it was located in Decatur and moved it to her home. She has several agents who work for her, also working out of their homes. She and her husband also farm. She has 5 sons, three of them help with the farm. She talked about the ins and outs of booking travel over the internet and what to be wary of.

She also recommended when traveling it’s always good to have a passport. They are a little expensive, but are good for 10 years.

The August 23rd program will be presented by Jodi Heberling, President of the Christian County Historical Society.

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.”

For the latest news on Kiwanis you can log onto their website at www.taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Taylorville Kiwanis Club meets each Tuesday at noon in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. If you would like more information about joining Kiwanis contact Fred Ronnow at 824-4919.

Cooler temperatures mixed with light precipitation throughout the state helped improve growing conditions for corn and soybean throughout Illinois last week.

While rainfall amounts were less than normal for this time of year, the cooler temperatures proved to be beneficial for farmers.

With more on this story is USDA Illinois chief crop statistician Brad Schwab.

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Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for the crop report with Brad Schwab each week leading up to the harvest this fall.

With the school year set to begin this week for several children, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region is once again searching for high school aged children to serve as mentors this school year.

Vanessa Wiseman of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois Capital Region explains that this is a great way for high school students to help make an impact on the life of an elementary aged child this school year.

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Wiseman explains that in addition to high school mentors, the group is also looking for corporate and community based mentoring.

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For more information go online to www.bbbscapitalregion.org.

This Friday will mark the beginning of the 2011 – 2012 school year for students in the Taylorville school district.

With a growing need for efficient registration in the district, online registering for school has become mandatory and as Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau explains, it has warranted positive feedback from parents.

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Fuerstenau adds that this will continue to be a positive step forward for the registration process for the district.

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The district is set to begin classes with a half-day this Friday. Friday also marks the start of the 2011 football season for Taylorville High School with the annual Purple and Gold Scrimmage taking place Friday night.

Brian Bogusevic clubbed a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead the Astros in a 6-5 win over the Cubs on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park. Jimmy Paredes and Humberto Quintero each knocked in a run for Houston, which snapped a seven-game slide. Aneury Rodriguez was credited with the win. Tyler Colvin crushed a two-run homer and Aramis Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a home run for the Northsiders, who had won five of their last six contests. Carlos Marmol blew his eighth save of the season and took the loss. Casey Coleman gets the nod against Bud Norris in this afternoon's series finale.

Juan Pierre smacked a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 14th inning to give the White Sox an 8-7 win over the Indians on Tuesday night at The Cell. Pierre also hit a solo home run, while Alejandro De Aza finished 3-for-7 with two RBI and two runs scored for the Southsiders, who have won three games in-a-row. Jason Frasor was credited with the win. Travis Hafner homered and Jason Donald knocked in a pair of runs for Cleveland. Chad Durbin was saddled with the loss for the Indians, who had won four-of-five. Chicago climbed to three-and-a-half games back of the Tigers. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] is expected to toe the rubber opposite Fausto Carmona in tonight's second installment.

The NFL supplemental draft, originally scheduled for today, has been postponed. According to the NFL Network, all 32 teams were notified of the postponement and will be made aware when a new date has been set. The greatest significance of the postponement will be how it affects former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who has not yet been ruled eligible, according to the NFL Network. The supplemental draft is held for players who missed the filing deadline for the regular draft or who have college eligibility issues.

Pryor left Ohio State in June in the wake of head coach Jim Tressel's resignation, having been at the center of the scandal that forced Tressel to leave. He received improper benefits for selling awards and other memorabilia in 2009, and would have been forced to sit out the first five games of the 2011 season as punishment from the NCAA.

Garrett Jones' solo homer in the 11th inning gave Pittsburgh a 5-4 walk-off victory over St. Louis. Arthur Rhodes gave up the bomb to Jones to suffer the loss for the Cards, who have dropped three-of-four. Matt Holliday gave St. Louis a one-run lead with a sacrifice-fly in the ninth. Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] added a solo homer in the loss. Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] opposes Pat Maholm [[ mah-HAH-lum ]] in tonight's series finale.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

38 year-old Mary L. Belsher of Taylorville was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Wednesday, August 17th.

20 year-old Myriah K. Windell of Taylorville was arrested for theft under 300-dollars on Monday, August 15th.

22 year-old Cory J. Worker of Taylorville was arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license on Tuesday, August 16th.

Chase D. Micenheimer of Taylorville was cited for disobeying a stop sign.

Casey L. Haws of Taylorville was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle.

Tessa K. Homeier of Edinburg was cited for disobeying a stop sign.  

Shelby K. Herman of Taylorville was cited for driving with a suspended license.

The Central Illinois Charity Classic is apparently running out of money.  State Farm pulled out as the title sponsor after 19 years.  Tournament Executive Director Kate Peters says the business or businesses that replace State Farm will get plenty of perks for their investment. 

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The Central Illinois Charity Classic is the only LPGA Tournament in the Midwest and the new title sponsor will help save the annual event.  Peters says several companies have expressed interest but none have signed on yet.  Interested companies can contact her at 217-787-5742.

Governor Quinn says everyone has the right to free speech, but when it comes to funeral, he says protestors will have to heckle from afar.

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The law is designed to keep members from the Westboro Baptist Church and other groups from heckling at funerals. Quinn says families and friends of the deceased deserve a chance to mourn in private. The law requires protestors to stay at least 300 feet away from the funeral entrance. It also creates a privacy zone, meaning the families must be able to mourn in peace at least 30 minutes before and after the service.

The 2011 Illinois State Fair's opening weekend is behind us, and the long list of attractions and great weather has led to a huge turnout. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this story.

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Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM for reports from the Illinois State Fair with Jared White during the 12 o'clock and 5 o'clock hours.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has named a Christian County man its 2011 “R.J. Vollmer Sustainable Agriculture Farmer of the Year.” Jack Erisman of Pana will receive the award tomorrow at noon at the Agriculture Day Luncheon on the Director’s Lawn at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Jack began experimenting with conservation tillage in the 1960s. In the 1970s he ceased using anhydrous ammonia and insecticides in his fields and by the mid 1990s became a certified organic operation.

Erisman runs a diverse operation using a seven-year rotation that includes corn, cover crops, soybeans, small grains and legumes. He also owns a 200-head cow and calf herd that he keeps mostly on pasture. The animals are there to complement the system.

“If we can successfully keep the animals on grass, it enables us to use longer rotations,” Jack said.

Jack and a group of other organic producers founded the Illinois Organic Crop Improvement Association. He was instrumental in the formation of the earliest sustainable agriculture organization in the state – the Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society – and also played a leadership role in the creation of CFAR, the Council on Food and Agriculture Research.

Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to protect the funerals of those who have given their lives for our country. The new law expands Illinois’ Let Them Rest in Peace law to prohibit protests within 300 feet of a funeral site and ensure that no protest can take place within 30 minutes before and after a funeral or memorial service.

 “Every family has a fundamental right to conduct a funeral with reverence and dignity,” said Governor Quinn. “This law ensures that the families of those who have given their lives for our country can grieve without harassment. It is our duty to honor their sacrifice by ensuring they are remembered with the respect and solemnity.”

House Bill 180, sponsored by Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) and Rep. Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville), strengthens an existing law spearheaded by then-Lt. Governor Quinn in 2006 that prohibits protests within 30 minutes of a service and within 200 feet of a funeral site. The Governor signed the new law as part of Veterans’ Day at the Illinois State Fair and was joined by Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director Erica Borggren, Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard Major General Dennis L. Celletti.

Throughout his career, Governor Quinn has served as a strong advocate for Illinois’ Veterans and servicemembers. As state treasurer, he launched "Operation Home Front" during the Gulf War to inform National Guard members and reservists about their rights under the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act. As Lt. Governor, he championed the 2003 creation of the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance to the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty.

As Governor, he has signed legislation to extend and increase tax credits for businesses that hire Veterans. Recently he signed legislation to ensure Veteran-owned businesses are able to compete for state contracts. The Governor has also led passage of and signed legislation to help the children of military families to easily transfer school credit following relocation. Children and grandparents of servicemembers are also now eligible for Family Military Leave.

Governor Quinn also created the Task Force on Veterans’ Jobs to help Veterans apply their military training to state professional licensure requirements. Colleges are now required to post all benefits available to Illinois Veterans and assign a staff member to serve as the point of contact for student-Veterans who need information and assistance. The Governor also laid the framework for construction of a new Veterans’ home in Chicago and established an Assistant Director for Women Veterans’ Affairs at IDVA, to create a new focus on the needs of Illinois women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For more information about these and other programs for our Veterans, visit OperationHomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 217-782-6641 or 312-814-2460.

For the winner of the 2011 Illinois State Fair’s Husband Calling Contest, it was a birthday present she had not wished for.

Julie Willeford of Nilwood took first place by calling out to her husband, Timmy, that it was her birthday. Willeford said she had not thought to sign up for the contest until her friend suggested the idea.    

Second time was the charm for last year’s winner of Hog Calling Contest, Kyle Barton of West Des Moines, Ia. Barton took first place with his own unique blend of pig noises and a “sooo-ey!” hog call.

Barton has been calling hogs for ten years and also has won championships at the Nebraska and Iowa state fairs.  After his win at the 2010 Illinois State Fair, Barton and his signature hog call made an appearance on ‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.’ He said his infatuation with pig calls began when he first signed up for the contest and won.

Second place for the Hog Calling Contest went to Nathan Broaddus of Raymond, a former champion himself who also placed second a year ago. 

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra and Chicago cast of Million Dollar Quartet will be giving a free concert for fairgoers.  Million Dollar Quartet is inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.  The musical is currently running on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre and at the Apollo Theater in Chicago.

The Illinois  Symphony with Million Dollar Quartet will perform  at the Grandstand  at 8 p.m. The entry to the Grandstand show is free after regular gate admission.

Today is Senior Citizens Day and Scout Day. Free admission to both groups is today.

Pana Police report following an investigation of a noise complaint, Andrew S Groves of Decatur, was arrested on two warrants. A Macon County warrant for failure to appear illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor and a Christian County warrant for failure to appear DUI. He was also charged with illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor and obstructing identification by providing false name to police. He was transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of posting bond

The 33-game hitting streak for Braves second baseman Dan Uggla came to an end Sunday.  Uggla went 0-for-3 with an RBI in Atlanta's 6-5 loss to the Cubs at Turner Field.  Uggla's 33-game run is the longest in Atlanta history.

Steady rain forced NASCAR officials to postpone the Heluva Good Sour Cream Dips at The Glen Sunday.  The 90-lap race in upstate New York is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern today.  The forecast for the area calls for a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Keegan Bradley knocked off Jason Dufner in a three-hole playoff to win the 93rd PGA Championship Sunday.  The 25-year-old Bradley beat Dufner in the playoff by one shot.  Bradley is only the third player in history to win in his major championship debut.

Albert Pujols certainly looked locked in when he blasted a
mammoth homer to turn in the tide in yesterday's victory. That could be bad
news for Pirates starter James McDonald, who has struggled to keep the ball in
the park as of late.

After getting no help from Pittsburgh over the weekend, the St. Louis
Cardinals will try to create their own luck in the National League Central
race this evening with the opener of a three-game set against the Bucs at PNC
Park.

The Cardinals took two of three from the Rockies over the weekend, but still
fell a game off the pace in the division because the first-place Brewers swept
their three-game set with the Pirates. That leaves St. Louis five games back
with just one series remaining this year against Milwaukee; Aug. 30-Sept. 1 on
the road.

Pujols helped his club secure a split of its six-game homestand with a monster
two-run homer in the first inning that traveled an estimated 465 feet and
helped the Cardinals erase an early two-run deficit en route to a 6-2 win. The
bomb by Pujols was the longest ever hit at new Busch Stadium.

"That's an Albert home run," said Cardinals manager Tony La Russa of his
slugger's 29th homer of the season. "He hit that ball on the line with the
underspin, it wasn't one of those fly balls. That ball was really struck
perfectly."

Pujols, who has reached 30 homers in each of his previous 10 big-league
seasons, has a good chance of reaching that mark tonight given McDonald's
recent struggles. The Pirates hurler has gone 0-2 over a three-start winless
streak while allowing seven home runs in that span. Two of those came in a 6-0
defeat at San Francisco on Tuesday as the righty yielded three runs over six
innings.

"His stuff has gotten better as the season has gone along," Pirates manager
Clint Hurdle said. "Tonight he was beating people with his fastball and threw
some good curveballs. It just seems when he's making mistakes, he's paying for
them."

McDonald, who had posted back-to-back wins before his current skid in which he
didn't allow a run, has fallen to 7-6 with a 4.24 earned run average in 23
starts this year, including a 3.08 ERA in 11 outings at home.

The 26-year-old faced the Cardinals for the sixth time in his career, and
second as a starter, back on April 5 in his first start of 2011 and did not
get a decision. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs as he was walking
himself back from a sore left side.

McDonald will be tasked tonight with trying to salvage Pittsburgh's season as
the former surprise contenders in the NL Central have fallen 13 games off the
pace and seven contests under .500 thanks to losses in 14 of their past 16
games.

The Pirates may have sealed their fate for good this season after getting
swept by the Brewers, scoring just three runs in the series and dropping
consecutive one-run games. Sunday's defeat came in extra's, with Milwaukee's
Nyjer Morgan lifting a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning to hand
Pittsburgh a 2-1 loss.

Charlie Morton pitched into the eighth inning and left with a lead, but the
bullpen couldn't hold it and Pittsburgh fell to 3-36 at Miller Park since
2007.

"Is there something about this place? Apparently," said Morton. "The proof is
in the pudding."

Pittsburgh kicks off a 10-game homestand this evening, all against division
opponents, and squares off tonight against Jake Westbrook, who is aiming to
win for the first time in four starts and is coming off a decent outing on
Wednesday versus the Brewers.

The right-hander lasted eight innings in a 5-1 defeat, giving up three runs
over his outing. Control was an issue, with Westbrook walking five to go along
with six hits allowed.

Westbrook is 9-6 with a 4.74 ERA in 24 starts after taking his second straight
losing decision, but is a solid 6-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 12 games as the
visiting pitcher this year.

The 33-year-old has yet to face the Pirates this season and is 0-2 against
them lifetime with a 5.00 ERA in six games and two starts.

The Pirates and Cardinals have split six meetings so far in 2011.

Albert Pujols hit a monstrous homer during a
four-run first inning, helping the Cardinals to a 6-2 victory over the Rockies
in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Yadier  Molina finished with three hits and two RBI for St. Louis, which got a
strong effort from several relievers to close its homestand with a victory and
a 3-3 mark.

Cardinals  starter  Edwin Jackson (2-1)  was pulled with  one out in the sixth
inning  because  of cramping  in his  right hamstring. He  allowed two runs on
eight hits and three walks, and departed the game with two runners on base.

However, Jason Motte got St. Louis out of the inning, and Octavio Dotel struck
out  two  to strand  the bases loaded  in the seventh.  Dotel faced five total
batters and struck out four of them.

Colorado  certainly  had opportunities, but  went just 1-for-8 with runners in
scoring  position and  stranded  nine on  base. Mark  Ellis  homered and  Troy
Tulowitzki hit an RBI single in the first inning, but the Rockies didn't score
again and lost their 17th consecutive Sunday game.

Judging  by  the top half  of the first inning,  it seemed like Colorado would
snap that streak.

Ellis  was the  second batter up and jumped on a first-pitch fastball, hitting
it  over the  left field wall for  a 1-0 lead. Carlos Gonzalez followed with a
ground-rule  double to  left and  scored on  Tulowitzki's base  hit, and  Todd
Helton kept the rally going with a walk.

After  Seth  Smith popped out,  Ty Wigginton walked  to end a nine-pitch plate
appearance, load the bases and prompt a coaching visit to the mound.

However,  Jackson  got out of the  jam by striking out Chris Iannetta. Despite
throwing  37 pitches and facing eight batters, he had allowed only two runs --
a deficit Pujols erased in the bottom half.

With  Rafael  Furcal on base and  one out, Pujols  got a 1-0 fastball near the
knees  and toward  the inside half of  the zone, and crushed it to left field.
The ball sailed over the seats and bounced around in the concourse.

"That's an Albert home run," said Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. "He hit
that ball on the line with the underspin, it wasn't one of those fly balls.
That ball was really struck perfectly.

Matt  Holliday  walked before consecutive  two-out doubles by David Freese and
Molina made it a 4-2 game.

Those  were  the only runs  given up by Rockies  starter Esmil Rogers (6-2) in
five innings, but they were enough.

Jackson  kept his  team in  the lead  thanks to  double-play grounders  in the
second,  third and  fourth innings.  But he  gave up  one-out singles  to Todd
Helton and Smith in the sixth, and left the game after throwing three balls to
Wigginton.

However,  Motte  saved the inning for  St. Louis, getting Wigginton to fly out
and Iannetta to ground out.

The  Rockies had  another chance to score  in the seventh, putting two on base
with  one out  against Kyle McClellan. Veteran Arthur Rhodes was then summoned
from  the bullpen for his first appearance since the Cardinals signed him last
Thursday, and walked Gonzalez.

The walk loaded the bases for the heart of the Rockies' lineup. However, Dotel
fanned  Tulowitzki  before freezing Helton  on a third-strike breaking ball to
end the threat.

"It's kind of how it's been," Tulowitzki said. "We haven't gotten the big hit
when we need it. But I'd love to be up in that big situation. Sometimes you
come through, sometimes you don't."

It was a back-breaking failure for Colorado. Molina and Skip Schumaker singled
in  runs in the bottom half to push the Cardinals' lead to four, and Dotel and
Fernando Salas closed the game over the final two innings.

                                   Game Notes

Rockies  third  base coach  Rich Dauer  suffered a  broken nose during batting
practice, when he was hit by a throw from infielder Chris Nelson, according to
MLB.com.  He was  taken to a hospital  for tests and returned to the clubhouse
during  the game...Rogers  walked  seven,  gave up  six  hits  and struck  out
five...The Cardinals  went 3-for-7 with  RISP and stranded 10...Pujols' homer
was  his 29th  of the season...Colorado won  its first two Sunday games of the
season.

It is tough to find silver linings in what has been a
disastrous season for the Astros, but at least the club is getting a good look
at some young players.

After one of its rookie hurlers was beat up on Sunday, Houston will give Henry
Sosa his second major league start this evening in the opener of a three-game
series with the Cubs  at Minute Maid Park.

Sosa was given a rude introduction to the majors last week in Arizona as he
was charged with four runs on six hits and three walks in six innings of
his MLB debut on Wednesday. He allowed a homer to the first batter he faced
and yielded three runs in the opening frame.

"The first inning I overthrew the ball a little bit," the 26-year-old Sosa
said.

The right-hander was acquired from San Francisco in a deal for Jeff Keppinger
on July 19 and went 10-3 with a 4.53 earned run average in the minors this
season.

Jordan Lyles was also roughed up by the Diamondbacks last week, giving up
career highs of seven runs and 12 hits in a no-decision one day earlier.
Looking to bounce back on Sunday versus the Dodgers, the 20-year-old instead
yielded another seven runs on seven hits -- including three homers -- and
three walks over 5 1/3 innings of a 7-0 defeat.

"Jordan, you know, the last game in Arizona also, in the same situation with
the 7-8-9 hitters, they were able to get there and they were able to get him
today in those innings," said Houston manager Brad Mills. "We're going to go
back and look at some things."

Houston plated just one run in getting swept in three games by Los Angeles,
running its losing streak to a season-worst six straight games. The Astros own
the worst record in baseball at 38-83.

They'll deal with a Cubs  squad tonight that has won four of five and 11 of its
past 14. Chicago claimed the rubber match of a three-game series with Atlanta
on Sunday, 6-5, despite striking out 18 times and committing four errors.

Carlos Pena salvaged the game with a two-run homer in the seventh inning. He
also had a sacrifice fly and Darwin Barney notched three hits and scored
twice.

"It's very seldom that happens," Pena told his team's website of winning
despite the strikeouts and errors. "We're happy to come out with the victory
today. We didn't play good defense. At the same time, I'm proud of the
ballclub because we just kept coming." 

The Cubs  will send Rodrigo Lopez to the hill tonight in the hopes he can build
off his first victory since July 18.

Facing the Nationals on Wednesday, the right-hander gave up two runs -- one
earned -- on five hits over 5 2/3 innings of a 4-2 victory. The win improved
Lopez to 3-3 with a 4.78 ERA in 18 games this season, including eight starts.

Lopez, who has pitched to a 7.08 ERA on the road this year, made his Cubs debut back on May 30 against the Astros and was blasted for six runs on 10
hits and two homers over 4 2/3 innings of a no-decision. The 35-year-old is
1-2 with a 5.34 ERA in six career games versus Houston, all but one of those
starts.

The Chicago Cubs have won five of nine over the Astros this year, taking two of three
in Houston back in mid-April.

John Danks pitched six strong innings to lead
the White Sox to a 6-2 win over the Kansas City Royals in the finale
of a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field.

Danks  (5-9) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before losing the bid on a
single by Billy Butler. He gave up two runs on four hits while fanning six and
issuing  four walks.  Will Ohman worked a  scoreless ninth to seal the win for 
Chicago. 

"I knew I had it going from the third inning on," Danks said of his chance for
a no-hitter. "I knew I had a long way to go though."

Brent  Lillibridge clubbed a three-run homer, while Carlos Quentin picked up a
pair  of RBI and  Paul Konerko reached base five times for the Sox, winners in
eight of their last 10 games.

Mitch  Maier  ripped a two-run single,  while Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera
had doubles for the Royals, who have dropped eight of their last 10.

Jeff  Francis (4-13) was tagged with the loss after lasting only 3 2/3 innings
and giving up six runs on 10 hits while walking a pair and striking out one.

"I  didn't really  have very sharp command," Francis said of his rough outing.
"When  you fall behind guys and don't have good command, you're kind of forced
to come in the zone and they took some good rips." 

The White Sox   opened the  scoring in  the first  inning. Alexei  Ramirez was
plunked  by  Francis with one  out, went  to third on  a single by Konerko and
scored  on  a base  hit to left  by Quentin. Following  an Alex Rios line-out,
Lillibridge  cracked his 10th home run of the season into the seats in left to
make it 4-0.

"To  be able to  get one over the fence was huge," Lillibridge said. "It was a
big  one early,  it put us up  4-0 and I knew  that was going to be enough for
John." 

Chicago  added a  pair of runs in  the fourth, extending its lead to 6-0. Juan
Pierre  and Ramirez  laced back-to-back singles and Konerko walked to load the
bases  with  no outs.  Pierre trotted home  on a sacrifice  fly by Quentin and
Ramirez scored on a sacrifice fly by Rios.

After  Butler  broke up  Danks' no-hit bid  with a single  down the first base
line,  which took a  bad hop over the glove of Lillibridge, Francouer ripped a
double down the left field line to give the Royals runners on second and third
with two outs. Mairer came through by poking a two-run single up the middle to
cut the Chicago lead to 6-2.

Royals  reliever Nathan Adcock got Ramirez to pop out to begin the home sixth,
but then walked the next three hitters to load the bases. He recovered and got
Lillibridge to ground into a 5-3 double play to deny the White Sox  a big inning.

Kansas  City  threatened in the  seventh, putting  runners on second and third
with  two down  against the Sox reliever Jason Frasor. But Frasor fanned Butler to
end the inning.

                                   Game Notes 

Chicago  reached .500 (60-60) for the first time since July 29, when they
were 52-52...Lillibridge's home run was his first against the Royals...Despite
the  win  on Sunday, Chicago is  an American League-worst  26-33 at home this
season...Francouer  smacked his  34th double of the season...Kansas City leads
the season series with the White Sox by a 6-5 count.

Eighteen area young people learned the skills needed to be safe, nurturing babysitters at the Safe Sitter program, taught locally on August 3 & 4, 2011.

            These young adolescents gained skills on feeding, bedtime routines, and child entertainment, as well as learning to handle medical emergencies, such as rescue breathing and choking.

            According to Site Coordinator, Barbara Miller, “the Safe Sitter® program teaches young adolescents how to help children stay safe and sound while their parents are away.  They also learn how to handle crises, how to keep their charges secure, and how to nurture and guide a young child”. 

            Safe Sitter instructors also benefit by making a difference in the lives of these adolescents and the children in their care.. This year’s instructors were:, Marcia Brockelsby, Bonnie Lawson, Linda Smith, Kris Daugherty, Hope Kennel, Barb Miller, and Seth Lockard and Lindsay McLaughlin from Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

            Local sponsoring agencies for the Safe Sitter® program include Taylorville Memorial Hospital, the Christian County Home and Community Education Association, and the University of Illinois Extension Christian County.

These groups enjoy the benefits of developing a positive relationship with Christian County children and their families.

            For more information about the Safe Sitter Program, please contact Barbara Miller, Site Coordinator, at 287-1055.

Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to increase access to potentially life-saving medicine for children with severe allergies. House Bill 3294, the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, allows schools to stock and utilize epinephrine auto-injectors (often known as ‘epi-pens’) in the case of life-threatening allergic reactions.

“When a child suffers a severe allergic reaction, every second counts,” Governor Quinn said.. “With food allergies on the rise, we take action to help children with dangerous allergies. This law allows our schools to be prepared and for school nurses to take the immediate action that could save a child’s life.”

 Sponsored by Rep. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) and Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston), the new law allows schools to keep a supply of emergency epinephrine auto-injectors for students. The supply can be used in an emergency if a child forgets their prescribed epi-pen, or when a severe reaction requires a second dose. In addition, the law allows school nurses to administer epi-pens to any child suspected of having an anaphylactic (life-threatening allergic) reaction, regardless of whether the child has been previously diagnosed with an allergy. The law also protects all school personnel from liability when an epi-pen is administered in good faith. It goes into effect immediately. 

A growing percentage of children in the United States are being diagnosed with food allergies. Recent studies suggest that one in 13 children are affected by food allergies. Nearly 40 percent of children with food allergies have a history of severe reaction, and 30 percent are allergic to multiple foods. The most common food allergen is peanuts, followed by milk and shellfish.

Under current law, students with severe allergies may carry their own personally-prescribed epi-pen at school and may allow specific school personnel to administer it in case of emergency. However, before House Bill 3294 was signed into law, schools were prohibited from administering epinephrine auto-injectors to children that had forgotten their epi-pens or to children that had never been diagnosed with a severe allergy. Schools were instead required to dial 911, potentially losing key moments during a life-threatening reaction.

A quarter of anaphylactic reactions amongst children involved individuals that had not been previously diagnosed with a severe allergy. Twenty-five percent of first-time reactions to peanuts or tree nuts among children occurred in a school setting. In instances of epi-pen administrations at schools, 20 percent involved students whose condition was unknown at the time.

“I keep an epi-pen with me because I have severe allergies,” Sen. Schoenberg said. “Quite a few children have food allergies, and many have reactions at school if they are unknowingly exposed to an allergen that triggers an attack. Schools should be able to respond quickly and appropriately to increase the child’s chance of survival in the case of a serious allergic reaction.”

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing due to swelling and/or spasm in the airways, loss of consciousness, and loss of heartbeat. Anaphylaxis results in the hospitalization of 300,000 children each year. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, administering an epinephrine auto-injector is the best response to a child having an anaphylactic reaction.

  Taylorville Fire Department Firefighters have been supporting local community families that are fighting muscular dystrophy for more than 55 years.   support MDA services and reasearch programs as well as MDA sumer camps. For more information about MDA programs, call their office in Champaign at 217-351-1853Once gain this year the firefighters will stage their boot drive at walmart in Taylorville. The "Fill the Boot" campaign will run from August 20th thru the 21st. Firefighters will be out with boots in hand, asking for your donation. Proceeds raised during the campaign  will help support MDA reasearch programs as well as accessible MDA summer camps.  For more information about the Fill-the -Boot program or more MDA programs, call the MDA office in Champaign at 217-351-1853

Seventy four people are gearing up to become officers with the Illinois  State Police.  The new cadet class will head to the academy next Sunday.  Cadets will endure physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges over the 25-week training period.  That includes lessons in gun safety, domestic violence and juvenile law.  The cadets will graduate in February 2012.

Manners Park in Taylorville will be closed for road repair and seal coating beginning Monday August 22 through Wednesday August 24. Manners Park will re-open Thursday, August 25.

The Home and Community Education Association (HCEA) for the third year will be making stockings for this coming christmas and will be collecting donations of stocking stuffers and travel size products this Friday at the Christian County Extension Office auditorium on North Webster in Taylorville.  The collection will be from 10am til 4pm. Last year the HCEA collected enough items to fill and deliver over 41,000 stockings to our troops. The HCEA will hold another donation drivein October. If you would like more information on "Sewing for Soldiers", visit their website at  www.operationsanta.info.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee held their monthly meeting Monday afternoon at the Chamber office, planning the 2011 edition of the event coming to the square October 15th and 16th.

Committee co-chair Patty Hornbuckle says it's going to be 2 days of more family-friendly things for people to see and do.

[audio:HornbuckleaudioAug1511.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more details on this year's Taylorville Chillifest, log onto chillifest.info.

Carlos Zambrano  has been placed on the disqualified list and will go 30 days without pay and without contact with his team, the Chicago Cubs announced Saturday after getting ejected for throwing at Chipper Jones during friday nights game.  After the game Zambrano cleaned out his locker and said he was retiring.  His manager later said that was not true.

David Freese drove in a trio of runs to lead the Cardinals to a 6-1 victory over Colorado.  Matt Holiday and Albert Pujols added an RBI apiece, as did starter Kyle Lohse, who went six-and-a-third innings and gave up one run for his 10th victory.  St. Louis has won two straight and six-of-eight.  Carlos Gonzalez drove in the lone run for the Rockies with a solo homer.  Aaron Cook absorbed the loss after giving up six runs in five-and-two-thirds innings.  Colorado has now lost three straight.

Dan Uggla extended his hitting streak to 32 games as the Braves crushed the Cubs, 10-4.  Uggla went 3-for-3 with two homers, three runs scored and two RBI to pass Rico Carty for the longest hitting streak in Atlanta history.  Freddie Freeman, Jose Constanza and Chipper Jones also homered for Atlanta, which has won five straight.  Mike Minor lasted five-and-two-thirds to improve to 2-and-2.  Starlin Castro smacked a solo shot for the Cubs.  Carlos Zambrano dipped to 8-and-8 after allowing eight runs over four-and-a-third innings.  Zambrano was ejected after throwing two straight pitches inside on Jones.

Taylorville Main Street and the Northside Veterinary Clinic (NSVC)hosted the "Dog Daze" during the Farmers Market on the Taylorville square Saturday. Patty Hornbuckle, manager of NSVC, and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce told Regional Radio News the event featured a dog show with several unique catagories including Best Tail Wagging, Most Mysterious Heritage and Best Treat Catcher. Gift baskets were awarded in each catagory. Dr. Randy Thompson of NSVC was on hand to microchip pets at a reduced fee during the event. The "Bark for Life" wrapped up the festivities with dog owners taking a lap around the square with monies donated to the Christian County Relay for life.

Thanks to the generosity and hard work of some dedicated parents of Taylorville High School students, a piece of property at the Taylorville High School football that was vandalized my graffiti earlier this year has been repaired just in time for the start of the 2011 football season.

At Monday night’s Taylorville School Board of Education meeting Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau thanked those volunteers for their time and efforts and commitment to the district and its students.

[audio:gregf812a.mp3]Comment Here[/audio]

The Taylorville High School Tornadoes are set to hold their annual purple and gold scrimmage next Friday. Varsity scrimmage action will be heard live on the Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

Once again, hot and dry weather conditions remained prevalent across the state. Isolated showers brought a little rain to some areas, but had no significant impact on the overall state conditions.

With more on this week’s crop report is Brad Schwab, chief crop statistician for the USDA Illinois offices in Springfield.

[audio:cropreport.mp3]Comment Here[/audio]

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com each week for the crop report with Brad Schwab all the way till harvest this fall.

MOLINE – August 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today furthered his goal of making education accessible and affordable for all Illinois students by signing legislation to reform how Illinois funds colleges and universities. House Bill 1503 will create performance standards for higher education institutions to increase accountability and improve student outcomes.

            “When it comes to the education and graduation of our students in college, we must demand excellence,” Governor Quinn said. “This new law raises the bar for our universities to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students so they have a better opportunity to graduate and find meaningful employment.”

Sponsored by Sen. Edward Maloney (D-Chicago) and Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), House Bill 1503 requires Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) budget recommendations to be based on performance metrics designed to promote and measure student success. The new law creates a commission dedicated to developing a system to allocate state funds and resources to public institutions of higher education based on performance.

“As a former teacher, I know enrolling is just one measure of an institution,” Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said. “Performance funding will be an incentive to not just get students in the door, but to improve the odds that students will succeed.”

The commission will develop a performance system that focuses on course completion, maintaining the quality of current degree offerings and rewarding the success of institutions that advance the success of students who are at-risk academically or financially, including: first generation college students, students from low-income households and traditionally underrepresented minorities.

 “As chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, I think this is the most important piece of legislation we moved this session,” Sen. Maloney said. “Establishing metrics to start connecting state funding with performance will add accountability to our higher education institutions’ practices. This will ultimately result in better opportunities for students.”

The commission will include representatives from the Governor’s office, General Assembly, public institutions of higher education, state agencies, business and industry, and faculty and staff organizations.

The new law takes effect Jan. 1.

Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that continues his commitment to making state government greener and more efficient. The new law allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to begin using asphalt made from recycled roofing shingles. It also allows businesses to increase the amount of shingles used in asphalt production and requires IDOT to maximize the use of recycled materials in construction projects, saving the state more than $8 million annually.

            “In the midst of one of the busiest construction seasons in state history, we must continue to embrace green practices in building our roads,” Governor Quinn said. “This law will keep more shingles out of landfills, benefit the environment and save the state millions of dollars by expanding our use of recycled materials.”

            House Bill 1326, sponsored by Rep. Daniel V. Beiser (D-Alton) and Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), allows IDOT to use asphalt made with materials from recycling facilities that process shingles, following to regulations established by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The law also directs IDOT to use recycled materials in its projects as much as possible, saving more than an estimated $8 million annually. The agency must report the results of those efforts to the Illinois House and Senate Transportation Committees each year.

“Under Governor Quinn’s leadership, the expanded use of recycled asphalt in roadway pavements is just the latest green initiative the Illinois Department of Transportation has undertaken,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “Although motorists will not notice the difference, this new law is good for the environment and ultimately will save money.”

            The new law also allows businesses that specialize in waste collection from construction and demolition sites to double the amount of shingles they can provide to recycling facilities for use later in the production of asphalt.

New Law Paves Way for IDOT to Use Asphalt Made From

Recycled Shingles, Saves More Than $8 Million Annually

      Governor Pat Quinn Friday signed legislation that continues his commitment to making state government greener and more efficient. The new law allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to begin using asphalt made from recycled roofing shingles. It also allows businesses to increase the amount of shingles used in asphalt production and requires IDOT to maximize the use of recycled materials in construction projects, saving the state more than $8 million annually.

            “In the midst of one of the busiest construction seasons in state history, we must continue to embrace green practices in building our roads,” Governor Quinn said. “This law will keep more shingles out of landfills, benefit the environment and save the state millions of dollars by expanding our use of recycled materials.”

            House Bill 1326, sponsored by Rep. Daniel V. Beiser (D-Alton) and Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), allows IDOT to use asphalt made with materials from recycling facilities that process shingles, following to regulations established by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The law also directs IDOT to use recycled materials in its projects as much as possible, saving more than an estimated $8 million annually. The agency must report the results of those efforts to the Illinois House and Senate Transportation Committees each year.

“Under Governor Quinn’s leadership, the expanded use of recycled asphalt in roadway pavements is just the latest green initiative the Illinois Department of Transportation has undertaken,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “Although motorists will not notice the difference, this new law is good for the environment and ultimately will save money.”

            The new law also allows businesses that specialize in waste collection from construction and demolition sites to double the amount of shingles they can provide to recycling facilities for use later in the production of asphalt.

The Philadelphia Eagles opened the NFL exhibition schedule last night with a 13-6 win over Baltimore.  Elsewhere, New England thumped Jacksonville, 47-14.  Dallas scored a late touchdown to beat Denver, 24-23.  Seattle nixed the Chargers 24-17, and Arizona clipped the Raiders, 24-18.  The NFL preseason rolls on tonight with five more games.

The NCAA is raising the bar.  In addition to raising the standards for incoming athletes, the NCAA is also raising its academic progress rate, or APR.  The APR predicts eventual graduation rate.  The four-year-average cutoff was 925, however under the new regulations schools with a number below 930 will risk sanctions, including postseason bans. 

Steve Stricker matched the lowest round in major championship history on Thursday with a seven-under 63 to claim the first-round lead at the PGA Championship.  Tiger Woods struggled to a seven-over 77.  Pre-tournament favorite Rory McIlroy injured his wrist but finished with an even-par 70.  Jerry Kelly is second with a five-under 65.

Ron Santo is forever immortalized outside Wrigley Field.  Santo's wife, Vicki, was on hand as the team unveiled a statue of the former Cubs third baseman and broadcaster before a game wednesday.  Santo passed away on December 3rd at the age of 70 after a battle with bladder cancer.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Christian County Coroner, Illinois State Police, and the Owaneco and Taylorville Fire Departments, is investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred on August 11^th, 2011 in Locust Township.

At approximately 6:00am Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene of a fatal two vehicle accident which occurred at the intersection of 1100N 1900E Rd. Initial investigation determined that a blue Chevrolet S-10, operated by Clifford Newton (64) of Pana, was traveling northbound, while a white Dodge, operated by Leonard Carroll (52) of Macon was traveling westbound. 

The vehicles struck each other at the intersection which resulted in the deaths of Mr. Newton and his occupant, Vincent Temmen (44) of Pana. Mr. Carroll was treated at the scene by Sutton Ambulance and was subsequently airlifted to St. John's Hospital in Springfield by Arch Air Medical Services.   

This matter is currently still under investigation.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office would like to urge citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling through rural roads, especially while going through unmarked intersections.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Christian County Sheriff’s Office (824-4961), their local law enforcement agency or Christian County Crime Stoppers at (1-800-568-TIPS) or (824-9100)

August 8th, 2011 the Shelbyville Rotary Club had their weekly meeting at noon.

The meeting was host to the new District Governor Ron Schettler and his wife Sandy.

Schettler addressed the club, bringing information concerning many issues involving Rotary in central Illinois and Rotary International events, goals, and accomplishments.

Rotary International has been working for more than 23 years to eliminate Polio around the world. More recently, Bill & Linda Gates have been partnering with Rotary with their Gates Foundation to continue to move toward eliminating Polio in more and more parts of the world. Many areas in some countries have been a considerable effort to reach the people and educate them on the value of medical procedures and medicines.

Earlier in 2011, northern India has been able to report no new polio cases from January 11th, 2011 through at least June 30th, 2011, and maybe even until now.

There are very few areas in the world still confronted with polio cases and problems.

District Govenor Schettler challenged the Shelbyville Rotary to focus with new possible goals and activities.

Ideas relating to many areas of interest concerning Rotary Int. were discussed and studied.

Sculptor Sharon BuMann will unveil the 2011 Illinois State Fair Butter Cow, or at least the portion of it that is done, Thursday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m.. in the Dairy Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Unlike past years when the famous sculpture has been completed prior to the start of the fair, BuMann this year will finish her creation during the fair, giving fairgoers their first ever opportunity to watch her work.

Illinois Agriculture Director Tom Jennings, State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick, Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Jackie Driscoll and Dairy Building superintendent Marla Behrends also are scheduled to attend the ceremony. Dairy refreshments will be served.

The butter cow exhibit is a project of the Midwest Dairy Association and paid for by its local farmer members.

The 2011 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 12 - 21. For more information, visit www.illinoisstatefair.info.

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is reminding people about the fast approaching deadline to nominate seniors, ages 65 years and older, for the 2011 Illinois Senior Hall of Fame. Nomination forms must be postmarked or faxed by August 24, 2011 for consideration.

“The Senior Hall of Fame is a great way to highlight contributions made by older persons in the state,” said Michael Gelder, acting director of the Illinois Department on Aging. “We urge people to get their nominations in before the August 24 deadline.”

Eligibility is based on the nominee’s past and current accomplishments in the category of choice, which excel in one of four categories: Community Service, Education, Performance and/or Graphic Arts and in connection to their employment, called the Labor Force. The candidate must be age 65 or older and a current Illinois resident or a former citizen who lived in the state most of his or her life. Posthumous nominees are also considered.

Nomination forms are available at local Area Agencies on Aging, by calling the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 800-252-8966.

With the economy of Christian County looking for a boost and new source of job creation, the Aaron’s store is set to open later this summer.

According to franchise principal and owner of the new Taylorville store, as well as the Litchfield store, Roy Dunning explains that company is looking to get involved with the community and be a leader.

[audio:royd55a.mp3]Listen to Dunning's comments here.[/audio]

The store will have a ribbon cutting ceremony later this summer with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce.

At Monday night’s Taylorville School Board of Education meeting, board members heard a report from Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau on the successful trip of biology teacher Mary Dawson and the Taylorville High School’s Environthon Team’s travel to the national competition held in New Brunswick, Canada.

Fuerstenau says that the club had several top ten finishes and had an excellent trip once again this year.

[audio:gregf811a.mp3]Listen to Fuerstenau's comments here.[/audio]

Dawson and the Environthon Team traveled to the national competition in California last year as well.

With the school set to start in just over a week, a new calendar year is set to begin for the Christian County 4-H as well, and they’re looking to recruit new members once again this September.

Program coordinator for the Christian County 4-H Jodi Heberling explains that with the 2011 year wrapping up, planning is already underway for the 2012 calendar year.

[audio:jodih811a.mp3]Listen to Heberling's comments here.[/audio]

Heberling says the group continues to grow and adds that there is more diversity in the 4-H organization than ever.

[audio:jodih811b.mp3]Listen to Heberling's comments here.[/audio]

For more information about joining the Christian County 4-H this September, contact Heberling at the University of Illinois Extension of Christian County office by calling 217 – 287 – 7246.

Prince Fielder plated a pair of runs as the Brewers beat the Cardinals, 5-1. Corey Hart also knocked in two runs for the Brewers, who have won six straight to open up a five-game lead on the Cards in the NL Central. Randy Wolf fired eight innings of five-hit, one-run ball to improve to 9-and-8. Albert Pujols [[ POOH-holes ]] knocked in a run in the first for St. Louis. Jake Westbrook allowed three runs over eight innings to fall to 9-and-6.

Alfonso Soriano homered and knocked in a pair to lead the Cubs to a 4-2 win over the Nationals. Geovany Soto and Reed Johnson added solo homers for the Cubs, who have won eight-of-10. Rodrigo Lopez allowed two runs, one earned, over five-and-two-thirds innings to improve to 3-and-3. Carlos Marmol struck out the side in the ninth to notch his 25th save. The two teams play Monday's rain out makeup game this afternoon. Ryan Dempster gets the nod against Jordan Zimmermann in the finale.

Ron Santo will forever be immortalized outside of Wrigley Field. The team unveiled a statue of the former Cubs third baseman and broadcaster on the corner of Addison and Sheffield streets before the team's game against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday evening. Santo passed away on December 3rd at the age of 70 after a battle with bladder cancer. Santo, who was diagnosed with Type-One diabetes when he was 18, signed with the Cubs in 1959 when he was just 19-years-old. He was named to the All-Star team nine times and won five Gold Gloves over 14 seasons on the North Side. He joined the broadcast booth in 1990 as the Cubs color commentator for WGN radio.

Nolan Reimold's two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th inning gave the Orioles a 6-4 win over the White Sox. J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones added solo shots for the O's, who snapped a three-game slide with the win. Juan Pierre knocked in two runs for the White Sox, who had won five straight. Jason Frasor was charged with the loss. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] will toe the rubber opposite Chris Tillman in tonight's series finale.

Pourable fuel gels are becoming a problem in Illinois and the attorney general is calling for a ban on the products. Lisa Madigan says the problem is that a fireball erupts when people try to add gel to the pot and that has had horrible consequences. She says peoples clothing and skin are often burned and the "stop, drop, and roll" technique doesn't work to put the fire out. Madigan says at least 57 people across the nation have been injured by the gels.

Lawmakers are applauding Governor Quinn for wanting to end the controversial legislative scholarship program. Senate Minority leader Christine Radogno says the program has become, quote, "rife with abuse and a financial drain on our higher education system." Quinn agrees and says the money isn't going to students who really need the help. Lawmakers made an effort to reform the program this year by passing a bill that would prohibit them from giving the money to their own family members. Quinn says that's just not enough.

The Christian County Sheriffs offices responded to  a two vehicle crash located at 1900 E 1100 North Road Thursday morning at 6:06 am. Two occupants in one vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. The drivfer of the other vehicle was air lifted to Springfield and was last reported in stable condition. The crash is being investigated by the Illinois State Police, The Christian County Sheriffs Office and the Christian County Coroners office.  No further details are available at this time. Stay tuned to regional radio news and taylorvilledailynews.com for updates

Governor Pat Quinn signed four new laws on Tuesday designed to improve the health of residents throughout Illinois. The new laws will: require insurance coverage of diabetes management education programs; improve dental care for children; increase education on the importance of preventative cardiovascular screenings; and allow patients to access a vast online database of information regarding Illinois’ 46,565 physicians and surgeons.

“Preventative care is the key to staying healthy. Cardiovascular checkups, proper diabetes management and good dental health for our kids will save and improve lives by helping people prevent minor health issues from becoming emergencies,” Governor Quinn said. “Another key to good health is a great doctor, which is why we’re ensuring that all of the important information needed to select a physician is online and available 24 hours a day.”

Governor Quinn today signed House Bill 2249, which requires insurance companies to cover education programs to help diabetics maintain their A1C levels within normal ranges. The A1C test measures how well diabetes is managed over time by calculating the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with sugar. Patients with high A1C levels have poor blood sugar control, which raises the risk for complications. The A1C test has become the industry standard diagnostic test and is considered the most useful diagnostic tool available according to the American Diabetes Association. Sponsored by Rep. JoAnn Osmond (R-Antioch) and Sen. William Haine (D-Alton), this law goes into effect Jan.. 1.

“This new legislation will add educational programs to diabetes self-management training to ensure that patients are receiving the full scope of information they need to manage their disease,” said Rep. Hernandez, one of the bill’s co-sponsors. “Managing the body’s glucose levels, or A1C levels, is one more important way for those living with diabetes to reduce complications.”

The Governor also took action today to improve access to dental care for low-income children. Effective immediately, Senate Bill 1948 requires the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to work with the dental community to develop and promote “dental homes” for children covered under CHIP, All Kids and Medicaid programs. Under the dental home concept, dentists would collaborate to deliver comprehensive, coordinated and family-centered preventive and restorative oral health care services. The new law builds on a national campaign by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to address the dental needs of children in Head Start programs by creating partnerships with dentists and relevant organizations. The law was sponsored by Sen. William Delgado (D-Chicago) and Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero).

The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) today detailed the results of intensive monitoring efforts in and around Lake Calumet within the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) and announced no Asian carp were seen or captured during a four-day response.

The ACRCC began a Level 1 monitoring response under its Monitoring and Rapid Response Plan on Monday, August 1, after three consecutive rounds of Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling yielded positive results for Asian carp DNA in and around Lake Calumet. At present, eDNA evidence cannot verify whether live Asian carp are present, whether the DNA may have come from a dead fish, or whether water containing Asian carp DNA may have been transported from other sources, such as bilge water. While the Lake Calumet area is regularly monitored for the presence of Asian carp, a level 1 response intensified efforts over a four-day period of time with commercial fishing crews, electrofishing boats, larger sweeping nets called seines, and additional sampling gear such as tandem trap nets and hydro acoustic surveys to determine whether live Asian carp were present in the area.

“Our rapid response plan did what it was designed to do – use aggressive monitoring and the best available technology to confirm there is no establishing population of Asian carp above the electric barrier. We will continue to follow our comprehensive Asian carp control strategy to aggressively monitor the Chicago Area Waterway System, ensure the security of the electric barrier, and use and develop the most advanced technologies to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp,” said John Goss, Asian Carp Director for the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

The Lake Calumet response action concluded on August 4, 2011 after more than 1,066 person-hours on the water using a crew of 38 state and Federal agency biologists and commercial fishermen aboard 11 vessels. A variety of nets and methods were used during the operation, including gill/trammel netting, electrofishing, tandem-trap netting, and hydro acoustic surveys. In total, crews fished more than 11 miles of gill/trammel nets, eight fyke nets, and completed 22.5 hours of electrofishing. In all, 8,668 fish were collected, including large numbers of buffalo and gizzard shad , indicating that fish that share Asian carp habitat preferences were being trapped and identified.

“These crews worked tirelessly during this operation using the best fishing techniques available to try to find Asian carp. The fact that none were found further supports what we have believed for some time – if there are any Asian carp in this area above the barrier, they are there in very small numbers,” said Illinois Department of Natural resources Assistant Director John Rogner.

The recent stock market woes have many wondering if a second recession is possible, but according to some analysts, the market isn’t struggling based on financial problems in the U.S. alone, rather a combination of world and national problems.

Steve Henry of CSH Investments in Taylorville explains that a big drop in the market isn’t a surprise to him with the cycles that are common with the market.

[audio:steveh810a.mp3]Listen to Henry's comments here.[/audio]

Henry adds that global financial problems will continue to be a factor in what happens in the market situation in the U.S.

[audio:steveh810b.mp3]Listen to Henry's comments here.[/audio]

Despite closing at nearly 650-points lower on Monday, the NASDAQ finished up at nearly 430-points higher on Tuesday.

When students begin classes this fall at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville, they’ll likely notice the green-friendly atmosphere of the campus thanks to the technology being utilized at the school.

Dee Krueger of Lincoln Land Community College of Taylorville says that many green-friendly projects are being used at the school, especially lights that will help save the school money in energy costs.

[audio:deek810a.mp3]Listen to Krueger's comments here.[/audio]

For more information about enrolling at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville this fall visit www.LLCC.com.

Beginning later this month, the Christian County YMCA will be undergoing some annual maintenance work on its swimming pool; however, in addition to that the facility will also see some required upgrades taking place as well.

Christian County YMCA executive director Chris Weittenhiller explains that because of some recent guidelines from the Illinois Department of Health, the organization will be making some changes to the drains located inside the pool.

[audio:chrisw810a.mp3]Listen to Weittenhiller's comments here.[/audio]

For more information about the Christian County YMCA call 217 – 287 – 7271.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club, in conjunction with WRAN Solid Gold 98.3 Radio, raised some $1,300 for Kiwanis projects for children and youth, during the 14th Annual WRAN Taylorville Kiwanis Radiothon held on-the-air during the day on Tuesday, August 9th.

Kiwanis members sold sponsorships in the day-long broadcast, then they delivered the sponsor’s radio ads live. WRAN gave half of the sponsorship amount sold, back to the club for local Kiwanis projects for children and youth.

In the 14 years WRAN and the Taylorville Kiwanis Club have held the annual radiothon, between $15,000 and $20,000 has been raised for local Kiwanis projects.

The club was presented its check during the first hour of the program. WRAN president Randal J. Miller, also a member of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, presented the $1300 check to Kiwanis president Doctor Gregg Fuerstenau.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings of the Kiwanis Club are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

A new report reveals that a smart grid in Illinois could save customers nearly three-billion dollars over the next 20 years. The grid would call for a three-dollar rate hike for every ComEd and Ameren customer but officials say they'll see at least that much shaved off their bill. Governor Quinn, on the other hand, doesn't like the idea of making customers pay for the grid. He says he'll veto the measure as soon as it hits his desk.

More than two-million students are heading back to school and the Illinois State Board of Education advises parents to make sure they're up to date on their shots. Required vaccines include tetanus, diphtheria, measles, rubella, mumps and human papillomavirus. Proof of up-to-date immunizations is required for children entering any grade. State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch says proper vaccinations help students stay healthy and active.

As of August 12th, the Taylorville Police Department will say goodbye to a member of their force who served the city for 28-years.

Lieutenant Rohn Burke will retired from the force which he began serving November 1st of 1983. Since that date, Burke has held various positions with the Taylorville Police Department, including patrol officer, task force agent, and as team commander of the Emergency Response Team.

In 1999, Burke was promoted to the rank of sergeant and was the supervisor of the second shift patrol.

In 2005, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant where he supervised both second and third shift.

In 2006, Burke was accepted onto the Region Six and Seven Weapons of Mass Destruction Special Response Team while still performing his lieutenant duties.

While the dog days of summer look to be over, there is still some time left for outdoor fun next month with the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce as they will hold their annual golf outing at Angus Links Golf Course in rural Windsor.

Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce explains that there is still time to get registered for this annual event.

[audio:tadm89a.mp3]Listen to Mayhall's comments here.[/audio]

For more information contact the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce by calling 217 – 774 – 2221.

If you’re looking to start a small business in Illinois, one beneficial seminar coming to Taylorville could help you take that first step according to the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce.

Kevin Lust of Lincoln Land Community College will be back once again for his ‘How To Start Your Business In Illinois’ seminar once again according to Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Fred Ronnow.

[audio:fredr89a.mp3]Listen to Ronnow's comments here.[/audio]

For more information or to reserve a seat at the seminar contact the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce by calling 217 – 824 – 4919.

Monday's game between the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs was postponed due to rain and the forecast of wet weather throughout the night. The game is rescheduled for Thursday at 2:20 p.m. Eastern. Matt Garza was scheduled to toe the rubber for the Cubs.

A.J. Pierzynski and Gordon Beckham homered and the White Sox held on for a 7-6 victory over Baltimore. Pierzynski plated three runs while Beckham drove in a pair as Chicago won its fourth straight. Jesse Crain gave up the lead in the seventh, but held on for the victory while Sergio Santos picked up his 23rd save. Gavin Floyd gets the nod against Jo-Jo Reyes in tonight's second installment.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz announced that rookie running back Mikel Leshoure is out for the season after tearing his Achilles in practice on Monday. The Lions selected Leshoure in the second round, 57th overall, out of the University of Illinois in April's draft. Leshoure ran for 2,557 yards and 23 touchdowns while starting 17 of 33 games for the Illini. He also caught 37 passes for 439 yards and five scores.

The St. Louis Cardinals kick off a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this evening at Busch Stadium. Edwin Jackson gets the nod opposite Shaun Marcum in the opener. Milwaukee holds a three-game lead over the Cards atop the NL Central standings.

STLToday.com reports Demarco Cosby will sign with the St. Louis Rams today. The tight end out of Central Missouri had 110 catches for 1,483 yards and 15 touchdowns the last two years in college. For his pro day, he ran a 4.66 40-yard dash.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

45 year-old Tammy D. Turley of Springfield was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Friday, August 5th.

30 year-old Timothy D. Griffin of Springfield was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for aggravated driving under the influence on Monday, August 8th.

33 year-old Dawn M. Hurley of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for domestic battery on Sunday, August 7th.

33 year-old Beth A. Cutler of Tower Hill was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving with a suspended or revoked license on Sunday, August 7th.

38 year-old George T. Bailey of Kincaid was arrested for an original arrest warrant for theft and was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia on Sunday, August 7th.

22 year-old Julie A. Davis of Pana was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Sunday, August 7th.

40 year-old Donald A. Klinger of Taylorville was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Sunday, August 7th.

22 year-old Michael T. Morrissey of Stonington was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for aggravated battery on Monday, August 8th.

46 year-old Clifford E. Ballion of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for domestic battery on Tuesday, August 9th.

The Taylorville Police Department reports the following arrests.

29 year-old Billy G. Durbin of Taylorville was arrested for battery on Sunday, August 7th.

Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation on Friday to boost small businesses owned by Illinois Veterans. Under the new law, the state will set an annual goal of 3 percent of every state contract to be set aside for businesses owned by Veterans and service-disabled Veterans.

“Veterans who have taken the initiative to start small businesses and help create jobs should be supported when competing for government contracts,” Governor Quinn said. “We must honor the men and women who have honorably served our country. This important law further recognizes the commitment made by those Veterans who have returned home and are working to support their communities.”

Sponsored by Sen. Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest) and Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), Senate Bill 1270 amends the Illinois procurement code to help Veteran-owned small businesses better compete in the state bidding process. To be eligible, the businesses must be based in Illinois and be at least 51 percent owned by Veterans or service-disabled Veterans

The new law sets an annual goal of 3 percent of every state contract to go to service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) with annual gross sales of $75 million or less. Larger Veteran-owned businesses can apply for an exemption if they can demonstrate that a significant number of Veteran-owned suppliers or subcontractors would benefit.

Senate Bill 1270 passed the General Assembly unanimously and was supported by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), JAR Consulting, American Institute of Architects – Illinois Council, American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois, American Institute of Architects and the Illinois Department of Professional Engineers.

The new law takes effect immediately.

Construction continues on several projects throughout the city of Taylorville, including several street projects, as well as repairs to the Pershing Street pump station.

But not all projects are city related, as one local business continues to construct a new facility on West Spresser.

Star Electric continues to build a new building which will help them and their growing list of clients according to owner Rich Payne.

[audio:rpayne616a.mp3]Listen to Payne's comments here.[/audio]

Star Electric is located at 1321 West Spresser Street in Taylorville.

An initiative that provided over 3-million dollars to a vast array of agencies in rural America last year is underway again this year. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this story.

With changes to Medicare Part D taking place, as well as other cuts to services as a result of the current economic turmoil the nation is facing, the Christian County Senior Center and its staff and volunteers will be assisting seniors with keeping up to date on changes within the Medicare Part D and other programs.

[audio:jheld88a.mp3]Listen to Heldman's comments here.[/audio]

For more information or to schedule an appointment contact the Christian County Senior Center by calling 217 – 824 – 4263.

Despite last week’s disastrous drop in the stock market, reports were filed that job creation was up throughout the nation, and unemployment decreased once again, and for central Illinois, optimism is high as unemployment on a local level has seen a steady decrease over the last twelve months.

In Christian County, the unemployment level dropped almost 1-percent since last year, and as Christian County Economic Development Corporation executive director Mary Renner explains the organization looks to continue that trend.

[audio:mren88a.mp3]Listen to Renner's comments here.[/audio]

Renner adds that one of the county’s largest employers, GSI, continues to be a leader in the Christian County community.

[audio:mren88b.mp3]Listen to Renner's comments here.[/audio]

The CCEDC is scheduled to have their annual meeting this October with Bart Ford of Tenaska to be the special guest speaker.

The Macon County Sheriff’s office, under sheriff, Thomas P. Scneider, along with the Macon County coroner, Michael E. Day, are currently investigating a death at a rural Macon residence Saturday evening.

According to a release from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, 28 year-old Clinton D. Spiker of Macon was found in a shallow pond at a rural residence near Macon on Saturday evening, shortly after 5:00 p.m.

Spiker was pronounced dead by the Macon County Coroner’s Office Saturday night with an autopsy scheduled for Monday.

The case remains under investigation of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office was called to a residence on South Gravel Pit Road, near Harristown, regarding a 911 call from a resident requesting medical and police assistance. EMS personnel, as well as Macon County Sheriff’s deputies, responded to the location and upon arrival, emergency care was given to one adult female, who was taken to an area hospital treatment for serious injuries.

Upon further investigation of the scene, two deceased females were located inside the residents by emergency responders. The two victims, 23 year-old Lindsey J. Eaton and 57 year-old Cindanett L. Eaton, were pronounced dead at the scene by Macon County Coroner Michael E. Day.

The incident is being handled as a double homicide. The suspect was described as a white male, was immediately identified and leads were initiated to locate him. Police observed the suspect on foot in rural Mowequa and attempted to make a felony stop when he fled and foot pursuit was initiated.

The name of the suspect will not be released at this time until formal charges have been filed.

The talk of the night at Monday’s Taylorville School Board of Education meeting was the budget for the upcoming school year and what effect the state’s economy and budget cuts will have on the Taylorville district.

Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Greg Fuerstenau reported that the state of Illinois currently owes the district over 500-thousand dollars, and that this situation is no different than what the district has seen the past few years in terms of not receiving payments or receiving them late.

[audio:gregf89a.mp3]Listen to Dr. Fuerstenau's comments here.[/audio]

Fuerstenau adds that with planning for next year’s budget, the elephant in the room continues to be the struggles at the state’s capital effecting local school districts.

[audio:gregf89b.mp3]Listen to Dr. Fuerstenau's comments here.[/audio]

The Taylorville School Board of Education will vote on the fiscal year 2012 budget at the next meeting scheduled for September 12th.

Starlin Castro knocked in four runs, and the Cubs took advantage of three Cincinnati errors to run their winning streak to seven with an 11-4 victory.  Carlos Pena drove in three runs while Reed Johnson scored three times for the red-hot Cubs, who are on their first seven-game surge since August 23rd-29th, 2008.  Carlos Zambrano hit the 23rd home run of his career and went six innings to get the win as he gave up three runs.  Yonder Alonso hit the first home run of his career and drove in two for the Reds, who have lost three straight.  Johnny Cueto was touched for five runs over three-and-two-thirds innings.

Albert Pujols blasted a two-run homer in the first inning, and the Cardinals held on for a 2-1 victory over the Marlins.  Chris Carpenter earned the win after tossing six-and-two-thirds innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts.  Fernando Salas recorded his 21st save of the season.  The Cardinals have won three straight.  DeWayne Wise plated the lone run for the Marlins after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.  Ricky Nolasco took the loss, allowing two runs over seven frames.  Florida has lost three in-a-row. 

Jake  Peavy looked like the Jake Peavy of
old  as he tossed eight shutout innings to help the Chicago White Sox down the
Minnesota Twins 7-0 and sweep the three-game series.

Peavy  (5-5)  scattered three hits and  fanned six without walking a batter to
pick up the win in his first career start in Minnesota.

"I threw 10-12 changeups and just changed speeds, from 70 to around 90," Peavy
said.  "I  threw some cutters  and breaking balls  and was aggressive. I can't
stand  putting people on base so it makes a world of difference when you get a
lead  early. We  came in  here and  gave  ourselves a  chance to  stay in  the
division race."

Alexei Ramirez, Paul Konerko, Alex Rios and Brent Lillibridge all smacked home
runs  while Carlos Quentin added two doubles for the Sox, who have won five in
a row on the road.

Brian Duensing (8-10) lasted 6 1/3 innings in a losing effort. He yielded five
runs -- four earned -- on nine hits while fanning four and walking one for the
Twins, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

Joe  Mauer and  Ben Revere  smacked doubles  while Matt  Tolbert and  Tsuyoshi
Nishioka had singles for Minnesota's four hits.

Chicago  opened  the scoring in  the second inning  courtesy of a two-out solo
homer by Lillibridge, his ninth of the season, and cruised from there.

"We  haven't  even come close to  winning series let alone sweeping series, so
its  nice to  get some  wins  after a  big losing  streak," Lillibridge  said.
Timely hitting has been huge for us."

The  White Sox  added three runs in the  fourth to make it a 4-0 game. Konerko
led  off the inning with a blast into the second deck for his 26th home run of
the  season,  while Quentin doubled and  scored on the ensuing double by Rios.
After  Lillibridge  fouled out, Gordon Beckham  reached on a throwing error by
Duensing  and Tyler Flowers walked to load the bases with one out. Brett Morel
then grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing Rios to score.

Morel  led off  the seventh with a double  to right and advanced to third on a
sacrifice bunt by Juan Pierre to give the White Sox a runner on third with one
out.  Ramirez  then battled Twins reliever  Alex Burnett for 11 pitches before
belting a 3-2 fastball into the seats in left to give the Sox a 6-0 lead.

Rios  gave the  White Sox their 7-0  advantage in the seventh by greeting Jose
Mijares with a long blast to left field for his seventh homer of the season.

The  Twins  only got two  runners to  second base on  the doubles by Mauer and
Revere and were shut out for the eighth time this season.

"I    think   it's    just   frustrating   when   your   not   winning   games
regardless   of   what  point   in  the  season   your  at,"  Twins  infielder
Danny  Valencia  said. "Getting  swept  by  the  White  Sox wasn't  ideal.  We
just  have  to  bounce  back.  I  know were  a  good  team.  It's  frustrating
when  you  don't  get the results you want."

                                   Game Notes

Twins  designated hitter  Jim Thome had his 10-game hitting streak snapped. He
is two home runs shy of 600 for his career...Prior to Sunday's game, the Twins
held an on-field ceremony to honor the late Kirby Puckett...Minnesota is 33-48
against right-handed starters this season...Pierre extended his hitting streak
to  eight games...The  Twins  lead the  season series  against  the White  Sox
7-4...Mauer  ripped his eighth double of the year in the first inning...It was
Ramirez's  11th home run of the year...Lillibridge has homered in back-to-back
games...The  White  Sox have not  completed a sweep  of the Twins in Minnesota
since July 2004.

The St. Louis Cardinals sweep the Marlins with an 8-4 win Sunday afternoon. Matt Holliday drove in three runs with a pair of two-out singles, Albert Pujols homered and the St. Louis Cardinals rallied Sunday to complete their first four-game series sweep on the road since 2004 by beating the Florida Marlins 8-4.

Ryan Hanigan hit a tiebreaking single off Sean Marshall in Cincinnaties two-run inning and the Reds beat the CUbs 8-7 Sunday

AUGUST - 2011

August 5, 2011, Friday – National Farmers Market Week Celebrated at Pana Friday Farmers Market

4:30 p.m. “Open Mike Night” 6:30 p.m. to 9: p.m. (Chautauqua Pavilion)

August 6, 2011, Saturday – Zumba Benefit 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.(Chautauqua Pavilion)

August 7, 2011, Sunday – First UnitedMethodistChurch, Ice Cream Social, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

August 12 thru 21, 2011 –IllinoisState Fair

Aug. 13, 2011, Sat - Black Smith Hammer-in/Antique Tractor Show 9am to 5 pm (Chautauqua Pavilion)

Aug. 13, 2011 Sat. - Wokken Stik “Free Concert” 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Chautauqua Pavilion)

Aug. 16, 2011, Tuesday - Pana Chamber Bd Meeting, Peoples Bank Drive up Meeting Rm 7:30 AM.

Aug. 27, 2011, Saturday – Sacred Heart School Auction – Tri-County Fair Grounds Beer tent 6:00 p.m.

The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, representing regional offices of education and intermediate service centers in Illinois, today issued the following statement on the ongoing situation surrounding Gov. Pat Quinn's decision to veto funding for the offices from the state budget:

"Regional superintendents met as scheduled on Wednesday, Aug. 3, with the governor's office and also with the State Board of Education to resolve this salary crisis. There is legislation being drafted by the governor's office to help resolve the matter, and that legislation will be presented to the regional superintendents in the next week. It will address ways in which we can be paid starting in November or December.

Regional superintendents are committed to the oath of office that they've taken and are continuing to carry out their duties unpaid, as are their assistants. They have missed two pay periods already and are looking to miss a third paycheck at the middle of this month. The hardships on these dedicated public servants and their families continue to grow.

There are many regional superintendents who really don't know how much longer they are able to go without pay, understandably. The consequences of this salary cut, even if unintended, could be severe and lead to these good people leaving office prematurely. Local county boards are reluctant to make replacement decisions because there is no pay for these positions. And most important, these important services cannot continue because there's no money to pay for them."

"Regional superintendents are committed to finding a solution quickly to provide the essential work for the thousands and thousands of Illinoisans we serve with no disruptions."

The Illinois State Police responded to a two vehicle accident on Illinois Route 138 in Macoupin County early Thursday morning.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Mark A. Reising of Staunton was traveling southbound on Old Route 66, approaching the stop sign at Illinois Route 138. A second vehicle driven by Douglas E. Fuchs (fooks) was traveling eastbound on Illinois Route 138, approaching the intersection of Old Route 66.

As Fuchs’ vehicle went through the intersection, Reising’s vehicle rolled through the stop sign and struck the side of Fuchs’ 2008 Buick. Fuchs’ vehicle then spun 180-degrees and came to a stop facing westbound in the eastbound lanes of Illinois Route 138. Reising’s 2007 Ford pick-up truck came to a stop facing east in the eastbound lanes.

Fuchs was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield for treatment of minor injuries.

The Pana Police Department is investigating a case involving an unknown subject or subjects who stole gasoline last week.

According to the complainant, Elwin Kimmel of Pana, someone had stolen gasoline from several vehicles and lawnmowers from his residence in the 400-block of West Orange on Friday, August 29th. Elwin told authorities he believed the crime happened sometime between 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28th, and 8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29th.

The gasoline has an estimated value of 100-dollars. There are currently no suspects in this case at this time. This case remains under the investigation of the Pana Police Department.

The Pana Police Department is investigating a retail theft that occurred at Hometown Food Center in Pana last week.

According to the complainant, Tim Christer, owner of Hometown Food Center, the suspects took several items without paying for them and contacted authorities to report the retail theft. The incident occurred on August 24th in Pana.

According to the Pana Police Department, possible suspects have been identified and the case is currently under investigation.

Lance Berkman roped a double in the top of the eighth inning to plate Albert Pujols, and the Cardinals held on to beat the Marlins, 3-2.  Matt Holliday added a solo homer for St. Louis, which won its second straight game.  Mitchell Boggs earned the win in relief, and Lance Lynn notched the save.  Mike Stanton finished 3-for-4 with an RBI for Florida, which has lost two in-a-row.  Anibal Sanchez suffered the loss after allowing three runs over seven-and-a-third innings.

Tony Campana had a two-run, inside-the-park homer and Tyler Colvin added a solo shot to back six solid innings from Ryan Dempster as the Cubs rolled to a 4-3 win over the Reds.  Dempster fanned five, while allowing two runs on four hits to improve to 9-and-8 on the season.  Carlos Marmol worked through a hit batter and walk in the ninth to notch his 24th save for the Northsiders, who have won six games in-a-row.  Ramon Hernandez smacked a solo home run and Mike Leake added an RBI single for Cincinnati.  On the mound, Leake gave up three runs through six innings of duty to absorb the loss.  The Reds have dropped three of their last four contests.

The new 10-year NFL collective bargaining agreement has been ratified by players, putting the finishing touches on the settled labor dispute.  Under the new CBA, players have consented to blood testing for human growth hormone, reports the "The New York Times."  The NFL will be the first major American sports league to blood test for HGH.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson has been initially diagnosed with a rare congenital brain condition called arteriovenous malformation (AVN).  The 27-year-old was hospitalized Wednesday after suffering a seizure at practice.  Patterson is on medication to prevent another seizure, which the team does not believe is football related. 

LeBron James is defending Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow [[ TEE-boh ]].  The Heat star stuck up for the former Heisman Trophy winner after ESPN NFL analyst and former quarterback Merrill Hoge [[ Hodge ]] tweeted that the Broncos could never win with Tebow at the helm.  James tweeted that Tebow is a hard worker, a natural leader and a winner.

J.J. Killeen is atop the Cox Classic leaderboard,
a familiar spot lately for the 29-year-old.

After more than three winless years on the Nationwide Tour, Killeen finally
broke through last week with a dominant four-shot win at the Utah
Championship. So, naturally, Killeen has rode the momentum into this week's
tournament at Champions Run.

Killeen followed up Friday's 64 with an eight-under 63 on Saturday, giving him
a three-shot cushion over four players, including third-round leaders Russell
Knox and Ken Duke.

Killeen had nine birdies and a lone bogey, putting him in prime position at
20-under 193 to become the Nationwide Tour's second two-time winner this year,
along with Mathew Goggin. Goggin, who could have earned a promotion to the PGA
Tour with his third win, sits nine shots back after a one-over 72 on Saturday.

Knox and Duke both bogeyed the last in matching rounds of 68, falling into a
share of second with Danny Lee (66) and Mike Lavery (67). It will take quite
an effort to topple Killeen, who finished off last week's win with a bogey-
free, six-under 65.

Gary Christian (64) and Troy Kelly (62) share sixth at 15-under.

Catcher Yadier Molina was not in the lineup last night.  Major League Baseball suspended him five games for bumping home plate umpire Rob Drake and spraying him with spittle during Tuesday's nose-to-nose argument in Milwaukee.  Molina was also fined for his 10th inning ejection.  He's not appealing and has begun serving the penalty.

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford was on the treasurer’s office’s trading floor this week to monitor trading and market rates for nearly $3 billion in the state and municipal portfolios, and since interest rates were up, those investments will earn just under $22,000 for one day.

Rutherfordjoined his senior investment staff in monitoring each trade, which usually commences at 7 a.m. “I asked the team to be in early because of the debt ceiling debate,”Rutherfordsaid. “We want to make sure that our investments are safe, and given the rise in interest rates, we can tell taxpayers that our investments are both safe and earning more money.” Interest rates have increased slightly each trading day since early last week, as the markets braced for the possibility that the federal government would hit the debt ceiling and have to curtail payments and bond issues.

“Illinoisearned $5 million in the two major funds in June,” explainedRutherford. “Worst-case scenario is that an unchanged federal debt ceiling and a shaky market would see taxpayers losing that interest. I hope this debate will soon end with taxpayers being the winners.”

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for our region, Stonington United Methodist Church located at 304 North Elm in Stonington is hosting a blood drive on Monday, August 8th.

The hours of the blood drive are 3:00pm to 7:00pm. For your convenience, please call to sign up at 827-5882 or schedule an appointment online at www.cicbc.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) is a not-for-profit organization that is the exclusive supplier for patients in 12 area hospitals. CICBC is a division of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which serves a total of 75 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. For more information about blood drives, blood facts, blood types please check out the web site at www.cicbc.org. Please give what’s in your heart and donate blood.

Regional Radio News has received reports the Shelby County Red Cross offices are to close in the month of September.

In an effort to save costs nationally, the Red Cross has decided to close the Shelby County office, as well as eight other offices throughout the state of Illinois.

Calls to the Shelby County Red Cross offices were not immediately returned regarding this matter.

Regional Radio and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com will continue to provide updates regards this story as they are made available.

While temperatures seem to be tapering off throughout much of the state, including central Illinois, the Christian County Senior Center reminds the senior community, as well as the general population, that if dangerously high temperatures should return, the center will serve as a cooling center and provide bottled water thanks to the support of community sponsors.

Christian County Senior Center executive director John Heldman explains that thanks to the generosity of several businesses in the county, seniors and community members will be able to stay cool with air conditioning and cold water this summer.

[audio:jheld85a.mp3]Listen to Heldman's comments here.[/audio]

For more information contact Heldman at the Christian County Senior Center in Taylorville by calling 217 – 824 – 4263.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says that construction is beginning to near completion on several projects throughout the city, including the Webster Street extension, as well as the ‘Glorified Alley’ near Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

Brotherton says that he expects the projects to be completed soon, and says he appreciates the time and efforts put forward by Taylorville city alderman Earl Walters.

[audio:gregb85a.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

Construction crews are currently in the phase of putting up stop lights on the Webster Street extension.

Marlon Byrd's sac-fly capped a three-run eighth inning as the Cubs rallied for a 7-6 win over the Pirates. Carlos Pena tied the game when he drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth. Blake DeWitt clubbed a two-run homer, while Pena and Geovany Soto added solo shots as the Cubs completed a four-game sweep. Chicago has won five in-a-row overall. Jeff Samardzija tossed a scoreless inning to get his sixth win. Carlos Marmol earned his 23rd save. The Northsiders return to Wrigley Field this afternoon for a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. Ryan Dempster gets the nod opposite Mike Leake in the opener.

Russell Martin hit a three-run homer and had four RBI as the red-hot Yankees crushed the White Sox, 7-2. Robinson Cano added a solo shot for the Yanks, who have reeled off seven straight wins to pull into a tie with the Red Sox for first place in the AL East. Adam Dunn slugged a solo homer in the ninth for Chicago, which was swept by the Yankees in a four-game series at home for the first time since 1976. Phil Humber allowed four runs over six-and-a-third innings to fall to 8-and-8. The ChiSox have dropped six straight overall. The Southsiders head to Target Field for a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins starting this evening. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] will toe the rubber against Nick Blackburn in the opener.

Former Chicago Bears defensive end Richard Dent will be formally enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday in Canton, Ohio. Dent is one of seven legends who were elected into the 2011 Class in February. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Dent, who was selected by the Bears in the eighth round of the 1983 draft, was named the Super Bowl 20 MVP in the team's win over the Patriots after registering three tackles, one-and-a-half sacks and two forced fumbles in the game.

Matt Holliday hammered a three-run homer as the Cardinals cut down the Marlins, 7-4. Albert Pujols [[ POOH-holes ]] clubbed a solo homer, while Skip Schumaker laced a two-run double for St. Louis, which is now three games behind the Brewers for first place in the NL Central. Cardinals third baseman David Freese had to leave the game after being hit by a pitch in the head with the bases loaded in the third inning. Kyle McClellan tossed three scoreless innings in relief of Kyle Lohse [[ lowsh ]] to earn his ninth win. Fernando Salas got the final four outs to earn his 20th save. The second of the four-game series is tonight as Jake Westbrook opposes Anibal Sanchez.

Marshall Faulk takes his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame tomorrow. Faulk is among seven members of this year's class to be inducted in Canton, Ohio. Faulk spent the final seven seasons of his 12-year career with St. Louis and helped the Rams to a Super Bowl 34 championship and two NFC titles as part of the "Greatest Show on Turf."

The 2011 Farm Progress Show is less than a month away from returning to central Illinois, and show officials are busy setting the stage for the "Super Bowl of Agriculture." WTIM and WHOW farm reporter Jared White has more on this story.

[audio:jwhite85a.mp3]Listen to Jared White's report here.[/audio]

Tune into the WTIM morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on the Talk of Central Illinois Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

New Wave Communications in Taylorville will be partnering up with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, as well as Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville, for a seminar in September explaining the importance of a business’ website.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Fred Ronnow says that the program will be full of important advice and seating will be limited.

[audio:fredr85a.mp3]Listen to Ronnow's comments here.[/audio]

Ronnow adds that with everything becoming so technology based, this will be very beneficial for everyone.

[audio:fredr85b.mp3]Listen to Ronnow's comments here.[/audio]

For more information contact the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce offices by calling 217 – 824 – 4919.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

33 year-old Michael R. Eakle of Springfield was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for vehicle theft, theft, and forgery on Wednesday, August 3rd.

20 year-old Ryan T. Skaggs of Brownstown was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for no drivers license on Wednesday, August 3rd.

22 year-old Angela M. Rogers of Springfield was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving with a revoked license on Wednesday, August 3rd.

20 year-old Joseph A. Leckner of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving with a suspended or revoked license on Thursday, August 4th.

22 year-old Cory J. Worker of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for telephone harassment on Thursday, August 4th.

Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation on Tuesday that will help develop a state-of-the-art coal gasification facility in southern Illinois, creating 1,650 jobs and reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 90 percent. Following principles the Governor outlined in the spring legislative session, the new law will ensure consumer protections, create jobs and safeguard the environment.

“This important project will help revive the coal industry in southern Illinois while ensuring that Illinois remains a leader in the development of state-of-the-art, clean energy facilities,” Governor Quinn said. “We must continue to do everything we can to strengthen the state’s ongoing economic recovery through projects that create jobs while safeguarding the environment and protecting consumers.”

Senate Bill 2169, sponsored by Sen. James Clayborne, Jr. (D-East St. Louis) and former Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville), provides the framework for Power Holdings LLC to build a $2.3 billion facility in Jefferson County that will convert coal to pipeline-quality synthesis natural gas (SNG). The new law will utilize a pricing formula that shields customers throughout Illinois from historically volatile swings in the cost of heating their homes with natural gas from traditional sources.

As for what this might mean for the future of Tenaska in Taylorville, Bart Ford says this is a step in helping energy efficiency in Illinois.

[audio:bford85a.mp3]Listen to Ford's comments here.[/audio]

Ford adds that this project shouldn’t have an effect on the Tenaska project should it go before the Illinois Senate during the upcoming fall veto session.

[audio:bford85b.mp3]Listen to Ford's comments here.[/audio]

The legislation, which takes effect immediately, was modified from a previous bill considered earlier this year to include input from the Governor, the Citizens Utility Board, and other stakeholders. The new law includes significant consumer protections, including a rate cap and a reconciliation account to pass savings back to consumers. Power Holdings will also have to prove to state regulators that its construction and carbon sequestration costs, as well as operating expenses, are reasonable through annual reports and plant reviews. Pricing based on those costs will be guaranteed for 10 years, and Illinois' natural gas distributors will spread those costs evenly across their customer bases.

Pana Community Hospital offers CPR classes monthly to the general public and anyone needing CPR certification and re-certification. The class teaches vital skills that can help save a life.

The next CPR class will be held Thursday, August 18th at 1:00 pm in the Cardiac Rehab room located in the Pana Community Hospital Rehab Wellness Center. The cost for the class is $20 for all non-Pana Community Hospital employees.

The fee is to be paid at the time of the class. Registration for the class is required by calling the hospital at 562-2131. Next month’s class is scheduled for September 20th.

Warm temperatures mixed with dry conditions continue to take their toll on corn and soybeans throughout much of central Illinois.

With temperatures soring close to and above 100-degrees throughout much of Illinois last week, farmers reported dryer than normal conditions throughout much of the state.

With this week’s crop report is USDA Illinois Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab.

[audio:cropreport.mp3]Listen to Schwab's report here.[/audio]

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com each week for the crop report with Brad Schwab all the way till harvest this fall.

Now that the 2011 Christian County Fair has wrapped up, Christian County 4-H’ers are starting to plan and look forward to a busy week at the 2011 Illinois State Fair held in Springfield later this month.

Christian County 4-H program coordinator Jodi Heberling explains that the group is excited to be able to participate in the state fair again this year.

[audio:jheb84a.mp3]Listen to Heberling's comments here.[/audio]

Heberling adds that as time has gone for the 4-H at the Illinois State Fair, some things have changed, but the mission remains the same each year.

[audio:jheb84b.mp3]Listen to Heberling's comments here.[/audio]

For more information about the Christian County 4-H call 217 – 287 – 7246.

With hopes of the Tenaska Corporation project going to a vote before the Illinois Senate this upcoming veto session in October, the Christian County Economic Corporation continues to pursue and search for ways to create jobs to benefit Christian County.

Executive director Mary Renner explains that the mission of the organization is to help recruit possible businesses to the county in an effort to create an increase in employment and economic growth for the county.

[audio:mren84a.mp3]Listen to Renner's comments here.[/audio]

Renner adds that within that 5-year span several things could happen, but the organization must remain optimistic and continue to search for ways to improve the job market in Christian County.

She adds that thanks to signs of economic recovery, the unemployment rate has seen a decrease since this time a year ago.

[audio:mren84b.mp3]Listen to Renner's comments here.[/audio]

Renner says that Bart Ford of Tenaska will be this year’s special guest speaker at the organization’s annual meeting in October.

Starlin Castro clubbed a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning to account for the game's lone run as the Cubs clipped the Pirates, 1-0. Matt Garza struck out seven through seven innings of four-hit ball to improve to 5-and-8 on the season. Carlos Marmol worked a flawless ninth to notch his 22nd save for the Northsiders, who have won four straight on the heels of a five-game slide. Charlie Morton worked seven scoreless innings for Pittsburgh in a no-decision. Chris Resop was saddled with the loss. Rodrigo Lopez will toe the rubber opposite James McDonald in tonight's series finale.

Curtis Granderson had four hits and five RBI as the Yankees crushed the White Sox, 18-7, on Wednesday night at The Cell. Robinson Cano clubbed a three-run homer and had four RBI for the Yankees, who cranked out 22 hits en route to their sixth straight win. Eric Chavez also plated four runs, while Derek Jeter went 5-for-6 with four runs scored and two RBI. Yanks starter A.J. Burnett couldn't get out of the fifth after allowing seven runs. Cory Wade was credited with the win. Carlos Quentin hit a three-run homer and finished with four RBI for Chicago, which has dropped five straight. Gavin Floyd allowed 10 runs and nine hits over only two-and-a-third to fall to 9-and-10. Philip Humber gets the nod against Ivan Nova in tonight's series finale.

Edwin Jackson was jolted for 14 hits and 10 runs in seven innings as the Cardinals lost to the Brewers 10-5 in Milwaukee. Casey McGehee homered three times, including a pair of two-run shots, and Corey Hart also went deep for the Brew Crew. Rafael Furcal hit a three-run blast and drove in four runs for St. Louis in defeat. Randy Wolf got the win for Milwaukee. The Cardinals fell three-and-a-half games back of the Brewers in the NL Central.

The Cardinals continue their road trip tonight with the first of a four-game series against the Florida Marlins in Miami. Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] is slated to take the hill for St. Louis. He's 9-and-7 with a 3.33 ERA. The Fish counter with Anibal Sanchez, who is 6-and-4 with a 3.74 ERA. The Cardinals are back home Monday to open a four-game set with Milwaukee.

A deadly blaze ripped through a rural Taylorville home Tuesday night according to the Taylorville Fire Department.

According to owners of the home, Adam and Jean Ann Jeffrey of 880 East 1800 North Road, near Sharpsburg, the fire began just before 9 o’clock Tuesday night. Jean Jeffrey told authorities that she was outside with two of the family’s seven children when she noticed smoke billowing from home’s kitchen.

Jean Ann Jeffrey went to a nearby neighbor’s home and called 911 responders. Jeffrey reported that the other five children were with grandparents at the time of the blaze. No one was hurt as a result of the fire.

The Taylorville Fire Department, along with five other area departments including Edinburg, Owaneco, Midland, Stonington, and Pawnee responded to the fire, but according to reports, fire fighters were unable to enter the home upon their arrival as the fire had grown too much too fast and caused the home's walls and roof to collapse.

The home and all of its contents were deemed a total loss by authorities at the scene. The fire is now being investigated by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office reports that they are investigating a theft which occurred in the Christian County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

On July 15th, Christian County Circuit Clerk, Julie Mayer, notified the Sheriff’s Office that funds were missing from bond monies received by her office. An audit, conducted by the County Auditor, determined that over the last few months approximately $3,500.00 was missing.

The suspect has been identified as a former employee of the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Upon learning of the theft she relived of her duties. The suspect and her attorney are cooperating with law enforcement.

This matter is currently still under investigation and is being handled by investigators from the Christian County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Illinois State Police. Due to the fact that the suspect is a former county employee, the State’s Attorney has filed a request for a Special Prosecutor to be appointed.

Anyone with information pertaining to this, or any other crime, is requested to contact the Christian County Sheriff’s Office (824-4961), their local law enforcement agency or Christian County Crime Stoppers at (1-800-568-TIPS) or (824-9100).

This week Christian County CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a criminal damage that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime between 1:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Thursday July 28, 2011 person or persons unknown used an object to break out a window at a residence located at209 North Webster Streetin Taylorville. It is unknown if entry to the residence was gained. Nothing appears to be missing at this time.

Please call the Christian County CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.

You can contact the Christian County CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, at their website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274637) keyword CCCS and then your tip. As always you will remain anonymous.

State Senator Sam McCann has moved his district office from the south side of the Square to 220 N. Broad Street in Carlinville.

The office is in the Macoupin County Farm Bureau Building. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 12:00pm and from 1:00 to 4:30 pm.

The telephone and fax numbers remain the same: Telephone, 217/854-4441; Fax, 217/854-5311. Senator McCann can also be contacted via email at senatorsam@frontier.com.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly business meeting, at their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Committee chairs reported on current activities of Kiwanis committees, all with the focus on children and youth.

Kiwanis Park committee chair Jerry Woodard reported additional materials have been purchased for continued improvements at the park on Lake Taylorville, and will be installed once the hot weather subsides.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Key Club, made up of high school students at Taylorville High School, will be assisting this week at high school registration.

The annual Kiwanis club installation banquet has been set for the noon meeting September 6th.

And, the annual Kiwanis Peanut Days, the club’s largest fund-raiser of the year for local Kiwanis projects for children and youth, takes place September 30th and October 1st on the streets of Taylorville.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings of the Kiwanis Club are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Martha Smith has been chosen as the Peoples Bank & Trust Volunteer of the Quarter for her volunteer efforts as the Special Olympics Athletic Director (Head Coach) for Kids are Kids, Inc.

She and her husband, Jerry, became involved with Special Olympics and Kids are Kids in the mid 1990’s when their son began to participate as an athlete. They attended all of his events as he participated in bowling and track and field. In 2007, basketball was also added as an event due to interest from the participants.

Assistant vice president of consumer banking Judy Prasun (pruh-zoon) explains that the volunteer of the quarter program was created to acknowledge the hard work of individuals helping out their fellow community members.

[audio:jprasun83a.mp3]Listen to Prasun's comments here.[/audio]

Martha became a registered coach about 10 years ago and became Head Coach in 2005. Some of her responsibilities as head coach are keeping a current roster of athletes and coaches, making sure all paperwork for athletes and coaches are up to date, making sure all medical records are in order for the participants, filing all registration forms for the events annually, arranging transportation, planning each event and assigning coaches to groups of athletes to ensure they are at their events on time and planning the athletic banquets.

Martha noted that she has a lot of help from the wonderful Kids are Kids team of coaches and board of directors who help to make sure things go smoothly. She has received much help through the years from the Area Director with Illinois Special Olympics. The athletes are the reason they all do this. They are fantastic athletes who train hard and love what they do. They are inspirational. Two of the area athletes serve as registered coaches when they are not competing. Several others are very helpful at events.

In honor of her service, Peoples Bank has donated to the Kids are Kids, Inc. and Ms. Smith’s name will be placed on a plaque to be displayed at the bank.

Peoples Bank & Trust is an independent Community Bank with six offices located in Pana, Taylorville, Charleston, Altamont, Tower Hill and Springfield. Peoples is a full service bank offering outstanding customer service to consumers, small business, and farmers in Central Illinois. People First Bancshares, Inc., with corporate offices in Pana, Illinois, is the holding company for Peoples Bank & Trust.

This week the Christian County Farm Bureau welcomed its new manager to town as Sam Stock began his duties officially on Monday.

A native of St. Peter, Illinois, Stock says that working for the Christian County Farm Bureau as manager has been an exciting experience and is eager to help farmers throughout the county.

[audio:sstock83a.mp3]Listen to Stock's comments here.[/audio]

Stock says his growing up on a hog farm and grain farm, has helped him stay in touch with the needs of farmers.

[audio:sstock83b.mp3]Listen to Stock's comments here.[/audio]

Stock adds that training started for the position in June at the Illinois Farm Bureau’s headquarters in Bloomington.

[audio:sstock83c.mp3]Listen to Stock's comments here.[/audio]

Stock replaces former Christian County Farm Bureau manager Eric Johnson who resigned earlier this year.

With temperatures expected to be in the low to mid-90’s for the remainder of the week according to most forecasts, staff at the Christian County Senior Citizens Center in Taylorville are reminding seniors, as well as the general public, that they will be serving as a cooling center this summer.

With much of the area seeing near record highs much of last month, Christian County Senior Center executive director John Heldman explains that staying cool is an important and safe way to beat the heat this summer.

[audio:jheld83a.mp3]Listen to Heldman's comments here.[/audio]

For more information contact the Christian County Senior Citizens Center in Taylorville at 217 – 824- 4263.

The Chicago Cubs clubbed six home runs to back six strong innings from Randy Wells en route to an 11-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night at PNC Park. Aramis Ramirez and Geovany Soto each ripped two-run dingers, while Alfonso Soriano smacked two solo homers and Tyler Colvin and Marlon Byrd each added solo shots for the Northsiders, who pounded out 21 total hits to register their second straight win on the heels of a five-game slide. Wells gave up just two runs with seven strikeouts to improve to 3-and-4 on the season. Matt Garza will be on the bump opposite Charlie Morton in tonight's third installment.

Mark Teixeira [[ tuh-SHARE-uh ]] homered twice to back six scoreless innings as the Yankees blanked the White Sox, 6-0, in a rain-shortened contest at The Cell on Tuesday evening. The game was delayed after the top of the seventh frame and eventually called due to rain. Hughes allowed just three hits with four strikeouts to improve to 2-and-3 on the season. Russell Martin added a solo homer for the Bronx Bombers, who have won five games in-a-row. John Danks gave up four runs through six innings of duty to absorb the loss for Chicago. The Northsiders have dropped four straight. Gavin Floyd gets the nod against A.J. Burnett in tonight's third installment of a four-game series.

The Chicago Bears and tight end Desmond Clark agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 34-year-old Clark has spent the past eight seasons with the Bears. Clark saw action in just five games last season, catching one pass for 12 yards. Over his 12-year career, Clark has hauled in 323 passes for 3,591 yards and 27 touchdowns. Chicago also waived safety K.J. Gerard on Tuesday.

Lance Berkman's RBI single in the 11th inning proved to be the difference as St. Louis edged the Brewers, 8-7. Jamie [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia went five frames and gave up three earned runs, and did not factor in the decision. Garcia did however club a three-run homer to add on to Matt Holliday's solo shot, as the Cardinals halted a two-game skid. Kyle McClellan picked up the win out of the pen while Octavio Dotel notched the save. Yuniesky Betancourt had a three-run homer and Prince Fielder plated a pair for the Crew, who saw their seven-game winning streak end. The three-game set wraps up this afternoon as Edwin Jackson opposes Randy Wolf.

The Illinois State Police has announced that a Pana woman has died after suffering life threatening injuries in a two motorcycle accident Saturday afternoon in Montgomery County.

According to the accident report, Amber D. Beck of Pana was killed while riding a motorcycle driven by Zachary R. Brookshier of Irving and a second vehicle driven by Adam R. Moore of Irving were traveling east bound on North 21st Ave passing North Road.

Brookshier attempted to make a U-Turn in the roadway and was struck by Moore. All occupants were ejected from the motorcycles.

Brookshier, along with Beck, and Moore were transported by Hillsboro Area Ambulance to Hillsboro Area Hospital. Beck was pronounced dead Monday afternoon at 1:50 p.m. from serious injuries.

The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

The Miller Media Group based in Taylorville, has announced it will sign on a brand new FM radio signal this fall at 93.5 on the FM dial.

The new station will be called “Groovy 93.5” according to company president Randal J. Miller, and feature an oldies format with music from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, and cover all of Christian County.

The company currently operates 3 radio stations from its Taylorville studios: WTIM Newstalk 97.3, WMKR Genuine Country 94.3, and WRAN Solid Gold 98.3. WRAN serves the Shelbyville-Pana-Vandalia area with an oldies format from a tower south of Tower Hill, and its signal does not cover all of Christian County.

The Miller Media Group also owns and operates 3 signals in the Kewanee-Quad Cities market, 2 signals in the Clinton area, and has applied for FCC approval to purchase WEIC (AM) in Charleston.

The new “Groovy 93.5” is expected to be on the air this fall.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office would like to take this opportunity to once again warn our senior citizens about a Financial Exploitation scam that focuses on Grandparents. These scams are a growing problem throughout the United States.

Recently, an area resident was ready to wire thirty-eight hundred ($3,800.00) dollars through Western Union. Fortunately an alert employee, Deanna Samson, from Check and Cash realized what was happening and the lady didn't wire the money.

Back in May of this year we alerted you about an area resident who had been contacted by a male purporting to be his grandson. This individual claimed that he had been arrested in New York and needed him to send two thousand ($2,000.00) dollars for bond via Western Union. This matter is currently still under investigation.

In Butler, Ohio the Sheriff reported three separate cases in the month of July alone. While each case there had a slightly different approach, the victims all wired thousands of dollars to other countries. All the victims received more than one phone call for wire transfer requests.

In one instance a victim received a call from someone posing as her grandson stating he had been involved in a car crash in Mexico. In another instance the victim received a call from a male calling himself by his grandson's name. The individual claimed he needed money to get out of a Mexican hospital. Finally, another victim received a call indicating her grandson had been arrested and was in jail in a foreign country and needed money for bail.

In all these cases, the scammer(s) somehow knew the appropriate names of the victims' grandchildren. After receiving the initially requested wire transfers, there were multiple attempts by the scammers for additional wire transfers. Unfortunately, these victims all wired money to foreign countries and are out thousands of dollars that they will not likely recover.

Christian County residents are once again reminded to exercise due diligence if you are solicited via phone, or email, to send money. These scams are generally directed towards elderly victims who are the most susceptible and usually involve Western Union transfers. Scammers often cite bad phone connections in foreign countries as to the reason why their voices don’t seem right. If you are unsure, please contact this office or your local law enforcement agency.

Anyone with information pertaining to any crime is requested to contact the Christian County Sheriff’s Office (824-4961), their local law enforcement agency or Christian County Crime Stoppers at (1-800-568-TIPS) or (824-9100).

The Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees recently voted to put the college’s tentative, fiscal year 2012 operating budget on file for public view as required by law. The board will likely vote on the final budget at the September 28th meeting.

The entire college budget is balanced, with projected revenues and expenditures of $41.3 million.

Trustees approved an application to the Illinois Community College Board to allow for construction of a suite of classrooms, labs and offices within the current Workforce Development Center for a new surgical technology program and basic nurse assistant program.

Meanwhile, the college’s new 80,000-square-foot Workforce Careers Center, and renovation project to add classrooms, a science lab and offices at LLCC-Jacksonville, are 90 percent completed.

Fall classes at the college begin August 20. Registration information is available at www.llcc.edu or by calling 786.2292.

In 2009 Lake Shelbyville U.S. Army Corps of Engineers implemented a new Tree Stand Policy for Lake Shelbyville. The Policy was in response to requests from the hunting public to build flexibility into the current policy. Suggestions solicited from deer hunters over a month long period in July/August 2008 helped shape the new policy. The Policy allowed hunters to leave one stand up for the season (“Seasonal Tree Stand”) and/or utilize a “Roving” stand that can be left up for a period of 72 hours – the length of a 3 day weekend. Lake Shelbyville staff felt this provided the flexibility many hunters requested while maintaining the integrity of the resource and addressing abuses that led to the appearance of private exclusive use.

This year’s Policy will be the same as last year’s. Hunters wishing to purchase a Seasonal Tree stand permit must present a valid hunting license before a permit will be issued. Secondly, hunters repeatedly found in violation of the permit restrictions will lose their privileges for the immediate season and possibly the following season.

Since 2009, approximately 204 portable or permanent tree stands were impounded or destroyed. Additionally, many of the portable/ladder stands found were tagged with a sticker and the owners easily contacted. In these cases, the owner was ticketed for Violation of Posted Restrictions but they did not lose their stands or have to pay an additional impoundment fee. In the past, it was impossible to know whose stand was found and all were impounded.

The Christian County YMCA Pool in Taylorville will be closed Monday, August 22 through Sunday, September 11. In addition to annual maintenance and cleaning; major modifications will be made to the drains, drain covers and suction outlets to further increase the safety of the swimming facilities. These modifications are necessary to be in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act in addition to the Illinois Department of Public Health's emergency amendments to the Illinois Swimming Pool and Beach Bathing Code.

“Although closing the pool for three weeks isn’t ideal; it is the YMCA's goal to provide the safest environment for all of its members and guests”, Chris Weittenhiller, Executive Director.

“This is a major expense for our organization; fortunately we’ve been fiscally responsible and have set the funds aside to complete this project”, adds Weittenhiller.

A compliance deadline of October 1, 2011 has been established to remain licensed and operational. The total cost of this project will be $30,803.00. The YMCA would like to thank the community for its continued support and assures that they will work diligently with the contractors to ensure the project is completed as scheduled. The pool will re-open on Monday, September 12th.

The Illinois State Police responded to a two vehicle accident Saturday afternoon in Montgomery County.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Zachary R. Brookshier of Irving and a second vehicle driven by Adam R. Moore of Irving were traveling east bound on North 21st Ave passing North Road.

Brookshier attempted to make a U-Turn in the roadway and was struck by Moore. All occupants were ejected from the vehicles with serious injuries.

Brookshier, along with passenger, and Moore were transported by Hillsboro Area Ambulance to Hillsboro Area Hospital. Brookshier’s passenger, Amber D. Beck of Pana, was ARCHED from the scene to St. Johns Hospital in Springfield by Arch Helicopter service.

The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

This weekend proved to be a hot and steamy one, but it also came with a hint of barbecue as the Taylorville Main Street celebrated their annual Barbecue Blues and Cruise at the Christian County Fairgrounds in Taylorville.

Amongst the festivities, which included live musical entertainment and a car show, was the pro barbecue and amateur barbecue cook-offs.

Taylorville Main Street executive director Gary Merker explains that everything was started with a pre-party Friday night drew out music and food fans alike.

[audio:gmerk82a.mp3]Listen to Merker's comments here.[/audio]

Merker adds that the winner of the backyard barbecue this year was the defending champion of Sheriff Kettelkamp’s team.

[audio:gmerk82b.mp3]Listen to Merker's comments here.[/audio]

Merker explains that a local man was able to defeat a host of touring professionals this weekend.

[audio:gmerk82c.mp3]Listen to Merker's comments here.[/audio]

Merker added that plans for next year’s festival are already in the works.

Classes are set to start for Lincoln Land Community College later this month, and the campus in Taylorville will continue to look different for students as the temporary classroom trailers will soon be gone, leaving just the administration and new classroom facilities.

Dee Krueger of Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville explains that the campus will now have more of a real college feel thanks to the new facilities.

[audio:dkrueger82a.mp3]Listen to Krueger's comments here.[/audio]

For more information or to register for classes this fall visit www.LLCC.edu.

Five different players plated a run to back six strong innings from Carlos Zambrano as the Cubs clipped the Pirates, 5-3, on Monday at PNC Park. Zambrano fanned five, while allowing just one run on seven hits to improve to 8-and-6 on the season. Carlos Marmol worked a 1-2-3 ninth to nail down his 21st save. Jeff Baker, Geovany Soto, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Pena and Reed Johnson each knocked in a run for the Northsiders, who snapped a five-game slide. Former Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, who was just acquired by Pittsburgh over the weekend, clubbed a solo home run in the fourth and added a two-run shot in the eighth in his first game with his new team. Randy Wells will toe the rubber opposite Kevin Correia in tonight's second installment.

CC Sabathia tossed eight innings of two-run ball to earn his major league-leading 16th win as the Yankees defeated the White Sox, 3-2, on Monday evening at The Cell. Curtis Granderson went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI for New York, which won its fourth straight contest. Mariano Rivera secured his 28th save of the year with a perfect ninth inning. Alexei Ramirez' two-run homer in the fourth inning accounted for Chicago's lone runs in defeat. Jake Peavy suffered the loss, giving up three runs in seven innings for the Southsiders, who lost their third game in-a-row. John Danks will be on the bump against Phil Hughes in tonight's second installment of a four-game set.

Center Olin Kreutz is leaning towards retirement after negotiations with the Chicago Bears fell through over the weekend. The Bears gave Kreutz and his agent an ultimatum on Saturday for a one-year, $4-million contract, which was a 50-percent cut from what he made last season. After that was rejected, Chicago moved quickly to sign former Seattle center Chris Spencer, which signals the possible end to the 13-year career of Kreutz.

Jacob E. Coffey of Taylorville was cited for driving 64 mph in a 45 mph zone.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

36 year-old Paul M. Hocq of Springfield was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of cannabis on Monday, July 25th.

34 year-old William M. Swan of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Monday, July 25th.

18 year-old Jacob J. Graham of Tovey was arrested for an original arrest warrant for aggravated battery on Monday, July 25th.

26 year-old Derek A. Vanwinsen of Taylorville was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Tuesday, July 26th.

33 year-old Amanda G. Crosby of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of a controlled substance on Tuesday, July 26th.

48 year-old Robert E. Wasson of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for domestic battery on Tuesday, July 26th.

34 year-old Nathan J. White of Pana was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving under the influence of alcohol on Thursday, July 28th.

35 year-old David A. Handlin of Mt. Auburn was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for domestic battery on Wednesday, July 27th.

21 year-old Chrystal K. Coleman of Kincaid was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for theft on Wednesday, July 27th.

24 year-old Elizabeth K. Declerck of Owaneco was arrested for battery on Sunday, July 31st.

The Taylorville Police Department reports the following arrests.

53 year-old Robert J. Fleming of Tovey was arrested for public indecency on Saturday, July 23rd.

50 year-old John C. Giles, Jr. of Taylorville was arrested for a warrant Wednesday, July 27th.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office is investigating damage to a gravestone at the St. Maurice Cemetery located in Ricks Township.

According to the complainant, Natasha Y. Snow of Taylorville, an unknown person or persons had damaged her son's headstone within the cemetery located at 400 East Road.

The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between 4:00 p.m. July 27th and 1:00 p.m. on July 31st.

There are currently no suspects in this case at this time. This case remains under the investigation of the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

Improvements to the city’s sewer system have paid off in the fight against flooding on city streets according to Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton.

Brotherton explains that following a recent heavy rainfall, flooding wasn’t as bad as it had been in years past in Taylorville.

[audio:gregb729a.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

The city is currently working to repair a line of broken pipes at the Pershing Street pump station which should help as well.

Your chance to help benefit children in Christian County who are in need of mentoring is still going on as the Big Brothers Big Sisters continue to hold their annual Big Summer Raffle, which is set to end Monday, August 1st.

Vanessa Wiseman of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois Capital Region explains that you could win thousands of dollars if you’re the lucky winner this year.

[audio:vwise729a.mp3]Listen to Wiseman's comments here.[/audio]

Wiseman adds that anyone who wants to purchase tickets is eligible to win this year and the money raised will go to help out with the Big Brothers Big Sisters this upcoming school year.

[audio:vwise729b.mp3]Listen to Wiseman's comments here.[/audio]

For more information go online to www.bbbscapitalregion.com.

Marlon Byrd laced a two-run single to cap a four-run sixth inning as the Cubs doubled up the Cardinals 6-3. Alfonso Soriano clubbed a two-run homer in the ninth to help Chicago avoid a three-game sweep. Ryan Dempster struck out six over six innings to improve to 8-and-8. Carlos Marmol nailed down his 20th save. Lance Berkman belted a three-run homer in the sixth for St. Louis. Jake Westbrook was perfect through five innings but imploded in the sixth. Westbrook allowed four runs on three hits and three walks to fall to 9-and-5. The Northsiders head to PNC Park this evening to kick off a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Carlos Zambrano will be on the bump opposite Paul Maholm [[ muh-HALL-um ]] in tonight's opener.

Dustin Pedroia [[ peh-DROY-uh ]] laced a go-ahead, two-run single in the seventh as the Red Sox knocked off the White Sox, 5-3, on Sunday in the Windy City. Jason Varitek clubbed a two-run homer to help Boston take the rubber match of the three-game set. Alfredo Aceves tossed a scoreless inning in relief of Andrew Miller to earn his seventh win. Jonathan Papelbon struck out the side in the ninth to notch his 24th save. Brent Morel, Alex Rios and Alexei Ramirez plated the runs for Chicago. Jesse Crain was tagged with the loss. The Southsiders welcome in the New York Yankees to The Cell for a four-game set starting this evening. Jake Peavy gets the nod against CC Sabathia in the opener.

The Chicago Bears have signed running back Marion Barber, wide receiver Roy Williams and defensive tackle Amobi Okoye. Barber, who inked a two-year deal, is the third former Cowboy to join the Bears for this upcoming season. Williams inked a one-year contract Friday and fellow wideout Sam Hurd is also on his way to Chicago. Barber played in 13 games for Dallas last year, rushing for a career-low 374 yards and four touchdowns. Okoye, the 10th overall selection by the Houston Texans in the 2007 draft, started 58 of 62 games over four years with Houston. Last season, he recorded four sacks and led all Houston defensive lineman with 44 tackles.

The Bears also locked down veteran defensive tackle Anthony Adams for two more years and added another defensive lineman in former first-round draft pick Vernon Gholston. They also inked their first round pick from Wisconsin, offensive lineman Gabe Carimi and second round defensive lineman, Stephen Paea, who came from Oregon State.

The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired former All-Star shortstop Rafael Furcal from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for minor league outfielder Alex Castellanos. Furcal, who had to approve the deal, has been slowed by injuries this season, hitting just .197 with a .272 on-base-percentage in 37 games. However, over his past nine games Furcal is hitting .303 and has driven in five runs. Castellanos, a 10th round pick of the Cardinals in the 2008 draft. He had belted 19 home runs and was hitting .319 in 93 games for Double-A Springfield this season.

A heat advisory remains in effect from 1:00 p.m. this afternoon till 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.

High temperatures will climb into the 90 to 95-degree range today with heat index readings just above 100-degrees. Even hotter temperatures are expected Tuesday when highs will range from 95 to 100-degrees with heat index values in the 100 to 105-degree range, with some areas reaching as high as 110-degreese.

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected.

How might the economic problem in Washington D.C. affect local residents? The answer is: more than you might think, according to Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton.

[audio:gregb81a.mp3]Listen to Brotherotn's comments here.[/audio]

The mayor says it’ll be difficult pulling ourselves out of the situation we’re in.

[audio:gregb81b.mp3]Listen to Brotherotn's comments here.[/audio]

Mayor Brotherton made the comments last week on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM’s Open Line.

The topic of discussion at Monday night’s Taylorville City Council meeting was adopting the usage of consent agenda for future city council meetings.

There was an overwhelming amount of support from Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton and Taylorville city aldermen.

Brotherton explains that using consent agenda will help speed up the city council meeting process, as well as make it more effective for discussions of important matters.

[audio:gregb82a.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

Alderman Ernie Dorchinez says this will help in speeding up the process of city council proceedings by eliminating unneeded discussions on noncontroversial items.

[audio:ernied82a.mp3]Listen to Dorchinez's comments here.[/audio]

Alderman Rob Heberling adds that some more research and fine detailing might be in order before officially adopting the consent agenda process.

[audio:robh82a.mp3]Listen to Heberling's comments here.[/audio]

Alderman Earl Walters says this has been something the board has discussed for a long time and feels it will benefit the council and city in the future.

[audio:earlw82a.mp3]Listen to Walters''s comments here.[/audio]

Alderman Martin Vota, who spoke in favor of consent agenda as well, did have some reservations about the procedure, stating it could cause constituents to lose trust in elected aldermen.

[audio:martinv82a.mp3]Listen to Vota's comments here.[/audio]

The board agreed that more research should be done, but felt this would be a positive evolution in Taylorville City Council proceedings.