Local News

Community Picnic This Sunday At Manners Park

The third annual community picnic is set for Sunday at the Taylorville Chautauqua Auditorium at Manner’s Park from noon till two on Sunday hosted by Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.  Mayor Barry is excited to put on this event for the community and encourages everyone to attend.

 

 

Mayor Barry also talked about some other exciting things going on in Taylorville including paving of some new roads.

 

 

For questions about the picnic, contact the Mayor’s office at 217-287-7946.

Decatur Man Dies From Gunshot Wound

Decatur Police are investigating a death today in Decatur.  28 year old Suave L. Turner of Decatur, was pronounced dead on Thursday at 11:39PM at Saint Mary’s Hospital Emergency Room from apparent gunshot trauma. The Mclean County Coroner’s Morgue in Bloomington will be conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of the death. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates.

Christian County Economic Development Corporation Helping Growth

We all hear the narrative of everyone leaving the state of Illinois, however Christian County is lucky enough to be one of the exceptions.

 

Executive Director of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation Mary Renner shares what they are all about.

 

 

Renner explains how the Christian County Economic Development Corporation helps businesses come to the Taylorville area.

 

 

Renner says Taylorville has been fighting an uphill battle for a while now, but thanks to changes coming that will no longer be the case.

 

 

Renner appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Mouse Races This Saturday

It is time once again for the annual Mouse Races Fundraiser for the Tornado Wrestling Foundation, and come Saturday at the Christian County Fair Grounds there will be plenty to do.

 

CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce says if you don’t have plans this Saturday night stop by the Christian County Fair Grounds for the Tornado Wrestling Foundation Mouse Races.

 

 

Hornbuckle remembers the first years of the Mouse Races and her involvement at the mouse roulette table, she explains how this works.

 

 

Hornbuckle appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois Senate Votes For Legalization Of Marijuana; Moving Closer To Legalization

The Illinois Senate has passed a vote towards the legalization of marijuana.  House Bill 1438 was debated and after some tweaks of the bill itself, the Illinois Senate voted 38-17 in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana with two republicans joining with the democrats to vote “yea.”  Some of the changes to the original bill include eliminating the home grown rule and only allowing those who need medical marijuana to home grow.  Other changes included expungement of previous marijuana arrests through a clemency program if it’s under 30 grams.  If anything more than 30 but less than 500, you would have to petition a court to vacate the charge.  Senator Chapin Rose who is the Republican Senator for the 51st district, says that he voted no on the bill due to “pot shops being put in the poorest zip codes of Illinois.”

The vote goes back to the House of Representatives, and if passed there, a seemingly automatic signature from governor JB Pritzker, since it was part of his campaign promise. The new legislation would go into effect January 1, 2020.

CEO Trade Show: Featuring Regan Hilbert & Charles Spinner

A big crowd welcomed the 16 Christian County C-E-O students who introduced their personal businesses at the annual Trade Show last Thursday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. During the live broadcast on WRAN groovy 97-point-3, C-E-O student Regan Hilbert spoke about her food and catering.

 

 

C-E-O student Charles Spinner told WRAN listeners about his business selling electronics and gaming equipment.

 

 

C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams visited with Regional Radio News during the Trade Show, saying Thursday night's crowd was the largest in the 4 years of the event. Find out more information on the Christian County C-E-O program at christiancountyc-e-o-dot-com.

 

Body Identified In Macon County

A woman found unresponsive in a pickup truck in Decatur has died.  29 year old Kimberly D. Mashburn who had been staying in Decatur was pronounced dead on Wednesday evening around 7 PM.  She was found in a pick up truck in the 1300 block of East Walnut Street in Decatur. Michael E. Day, the Macon County Coroner announced there will be an autopsy Thursday afternoon.  Decatur Police are continuing the death investigation.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates.

Roads, Bats, And Tax Incentives All Discussed At County Board Meeting

The County Board met Wednesday Evening for a Committee of the Whole meeting at 6PM for about 3 hours in the Christian County Courthouse courtroom to discuss possible adjustments to County ordinances concerning wind farms. The meeting opened with comments from the companies trying to bring wind energy into Christian County.  These companies included Ivenergy and Trade Wind Energy.  Speaking for Ivenergy was Katya Samoteskul and Jim Griffin. Speaking for Trade Wind Energy was Jeff Hammond, Senior Development Manager for Trade Wind Energy.  Hammond touched on a lot of the issues that he felt were affecting the community and how wind energy would help.  He touched on what he saw as a lot of stereotypes but not a whole lot of substance and not a whole lot of backing from studies. Hammond also talked about environmental issues especially when a question was asked about how the turbines could kill bats.

 

 

After the companies spoke, it was members of the audience, and community members who were allowed to take the floor.  A gentlemen sponsoring the Labor Union spoke about bringing over 800 jobs into the community.  There was also plenty of people opposed to the new wind turbines.  Major talk was on roads, and the big heavy machinery that would be coming down the roads to set up the wind turbines.  Perry Malland talked about how a road ordinance would need to be set up and have to be very good.

 

Other concerns including wind turbines and their effect on television, cell phones, and most importantly radar.  It was pointed out that the night of the December 1st tornado, that some of the storms were lost due to the wind turbines.  No ruling has been made as of yet, and the County Board will still have some major decisions to make on the future of wind farms in Christian County.

 

County Board Committee Of The Whole Discusses Wind Farms

The County Board met Wednesday Evening at 6PM for about 3 hours to discuss possible adjustments to County ordinances concerning wind farms.  The meeting opened with comments from the companies trying to bring wind energy into Christian County.  The Committee of the Whole meeting was held at the Christian County Courthouse in one of the courtrooms. These companies included Ivenergy and Trade Wind Energy.  Speaking for Trade Wind Energy was Jeff Hammond, Senior Development Manager for Trade Wind Energy.  Hammond touched on a lot of the issues that he felt were affecting the community and how wind energy would help.  He touched on what he saw as a lot of stereotypes but not a whole lot of substance and not a whole lot of backing from studies. Hammond talked about birds, bats, environmental studies, Tax incentives, and how wind price has dropped dramatically.

 

 

Some council members were to quick to point out, that just cause wind is cheaper, it doesn’t stop other fees from being added on to it. After the companies spoke, it was members of the audience, and community members who were allowed to take the floor.  A gentlemen sponsoring the Labor Union spoke about bringing over 800 jobs into the community.  There was also plenty of people opposed to the new wind turbines.  Rachel Vanderberg pointed out that the companies are aware of negative effects, and that the company is doing everything in their power to point out research that will only support their cause.

 


Other concerns including wind turbines and their effect on television, cell phones, and most importantly radar.  It was pointed out that the night of the December 1st tornado, that some of the storms were lost due to the wind turbines.  No ruling has been made as of yet, and the County Board will still have some major decisions to make on the future of wind farms in Christian County.

 

Missions For Taylorville Continues To Be Asset To Community

Missions For Taylorville continues to help the city where it is needed and missions coordinator Bill Kerns  continues to make sure help is going where it is needed.  While the community is getting back on it’s feet,  Kerns says that some people and some homes may be struggling, without giving the appearance that they really are. 

 

 

Kerns says that doing mission trips and calling to different communities have helped him know what to do for Missions for Taylorville and the longterm recovery here in Christian County.

 


Missions for Taylorville holds weekly meetings on Wednesday at 4PM at Davis Memorial Church in Taylorville.  Missions for Taylorville is always looking for volunteers. For more information visit the “Missions For Taylorville” Facebook page or call 217-824-8181.

CEO Trade Show: Featuring Daniel Gardner & Madison Belle

A big crowd welcomed the 16 Christian County C-E-O students who introduced their personal businesses at the annual Trade Show last Thursday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. During the live broadcast on WRAN groovy 97-point-3, C-E-O student Daniel Gardner who has a mowing business.

 

 

C-E-O student Madison Belle told WRAN listeners about her business which is doing events such as birthday parties.

 

 

C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams visited with Regional Radio News during the Trade Show, saying Thursday night's crowd was the largest in the 4 years of the event. Find out more information on the Christian County C-E-O program at christiancountyc-e-o-dot-com.

 

Christian County Board Committee Of The Whole To Meet Wednesday Evening

The Christian County Board will meet Wednesday Evening at 6PM in order to have a “Committee of the Whole” meeting.  The meeting will be held in Courtroom A on the third floor of the Christian County Courthouse in Taylorville.  The purpose of this meeting is an Informational Forum Relative to Wind Energy Conversion Systems in Christian County.  Both sides will get to have their chance to speak.  Speaking for the wind energy companies will be John Callaway—Invenergy Inc.-Rose City Winds, and Jeff Hammond Trade Wind Energy-Rolling Farms.  Companies will be given 30 minutes for their presentation.  Clarification questions may add another three minutes.  Any person wishing to speak will be required to state their name and the topic.  That person will be given a maximum of five minutes to speak and a possible three minute follow-up from Board members.  Board members shall listen to the public comment during the meeting, and may ask questions to clarify any statements or any issues.  

Taylorville Man Arrested After Search Warrant Executed

A Taylorville man was arrested Tuesday morning after the Taylorville Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Central Illinois Enforcement Group executed a state authorized search warrant in the 1000 block of East Park Street.  Police entered the residence of James J. Humphrey and found approximately 15 grams of ICE methamphetamine, 133 grams of cannabis, Xanax pills, and approximately 2.5 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.  Authorities also found scales, paraphernalia, and packaging materials for distribution.  Humphrey was taken into custody without incident and was lodged at the Christian County Correctional Center.  At the time of the search warrant, Humphrey was out on a $25,000.00 cash bond he already posted when he was taken into custody less than two months ago after another search warrant was executed resulting in authorities finding methamphetamine and other items previously.  

Fire Destroys Vacant House In Taylorville

A fire broke out around 2AM Wednesday morning near the 900 block of Vanderveer Street in Taylorville.  The house was vacant and no one was inside. Taylorville Fire Department rushed to save the house, but the roof  had collapsed and the Fire Department used defensive measures to save the surrounding houses. The fire started up again around 5 AM.  No injuries were reported.     Crews worked through the early part of Wednesday morning putting out a house fire on Vanderveer Street. 

 

Picture Courtesy: Regional Radio News

 

Illinois House Of Representatives Passes Bill To Switch To Graduated Tax--People Will Vote In 2020

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne (95th district) and State Representative Brad Halbrook (102nd District) voted Memorial Day against Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 (SJRCA1).   SJRCA1 would be a constitutional amendment that would repeal the provision in Illinois Constitution that states there must be a flat income tax structure.  If this would change, it would allow lawmakers to levy income taxes at a graduated rate.  Supporters of the bill say that this will raise state income tax revenue by billions of dollars a year.  Bourne, a Republican from Raymond, doesn’t agree and says that this will hurt everyone not just the rich.  

 

 

State Representative Brad Halbrook, a Republican from Shelbyville,  says that we have to stop the spending and do more to keep people from leaving Illinois.

 

 

The graduated income tax amendment SJRCA1, passed on Memorial Day with a partisan vote of 73-44. Since Governor J.B. Pritzker has unveiled his graduated income tax proposal in March, Senate Democrats have changed the income tax rates, with the number of taxpayers who would see a tax increase going up.  The Illinois House has yet to vote on graduated income tax rates. The bill cleared both the House and the Senate and will appear on the 2020 ballot.  If 60% or more of voters approve the referendum, the Constitution will be amended.

Bohannon Talks Infrastructure Meeting Gone Wrong

Recently in Washington there was supposed to be a meeting between the Republican and Democrat parties to discuss the infrastructure issues ongoing across the country.

 

Jim Bohannon, host of the Jim Bohannon show airing weeknights on Newstalk WTIM at 9, explains what went down between President Trump, Speaker of the House Pelosi, and Senator Schumer.

 

 

Bohannon says even with this set back he sees this infastucture issue being brought to the table and both sides being able to get this done.

 

 

Bohannon appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Representative Avery Bourne Announces Annual School Art Winners

State Representative Avery Bourne announced the winners of her Illinois themed art contest.  Each year Representative Bourne invites students in grades K-8 to submit artwork with Illinois as the theme.  The first place winners from both the K-4 division and the 5-8 division have the opportunity to attend a regular session day at the Statehouse on the day that their winning artwork is presented on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives.  Representative Bourne also brings all the winners to a pizza party at her Litchfield office.  The winners of the 2019 art contest include from the K-4 Division: Lydia Cline 4th Grade Cline Family Homeschool; Avielle Spudich Kindergarten Staunton Grade School; and Claire, 2nd Grade Raymond Grade School.  From the 5-8 Division: Syndey Smith, 7th Grade, North Mac Middle School; Paityn Regan, 5th Grade, Raymond Grade School; and Nathan Brown 5th Grade, Zion Lutheran School in Litchfield.  All winning artwork will be displayed on the walls in Representative Bourne’s Springfield office for the rest of the year.  They will also be shared in a coffee table book in her office.

Lydia Cline, 4th Grade, Cline Family Homeschool

 

Avielle Spudich, Kindergarten, Staunton Grade School

 

Claire, 2nd Grade, Raymond Grade School

 

Sydney Smith, 7th Grade, North Mac Middle School

 

Paityn Regan, 5th Grade, Raymond Grade School

 

Nathan Brown, 5th Grade, Zion Lutheran School Litchfield

CEO Trade Show: Featuring Cyndee Larson & Jolene Clayton

A big crowd welcomed the 16 Christian County C-E-O students who introduced their personal businesses at the annual Trade Show Last Thursday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

 

During the live broadcast on WRAN groovy 97-point-3, C-E-O student Cyndee Larson spoke about her crafts and designs by making wreath’s and chapstick holders.

 

 

C-E-O student Jolene Clayton told WRAN listeners about her business selling original water-color prints.

 

C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams visited with Regional Radio News during the Trade Show, saying Thursday night's crowd was the largest in the 4 years of the event.

 

Find out more information on the Christian County C-E-O program at christiancountyc-e-o-dot-com.

Social Security Administration Looking Out for Military Families

Memorial Day for some is a three day weekend and a time off work, however for others it is a day of mourn over the loss of a loved one who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

 

Jack Myers is a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration. He says that they are looking out for families of soldiers who are not fortunate enough to return home.

 

 

Myers says as well the Social Security Administration is here to help those who might have been wounded in the line of duty.

 

 

Myers appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Park District Meets, Discusses Upcoming Events,Pool Opening

The Taylorville Park District met Tuesday Night to sit and discuss old and new business and to go over finance.  After going through the approval of previous minutes, some thank you cards were read. The treasurer’s report was approved. Nikki Denning spoke about the Head Start program and asked if she could have a table at some events because some people don’t know about the program.

 

 

Recreation Director Bailey Hancock spoke about the pool opening Memorial Day Weekend and how well it did.

 

Hancock also talked about upcoming events for Parks and Rec including Music under the Chataqua and the 3rd annual Taylorville Youth Sports Camp at the Complex on Monday June 17th. 

 

 

The board approved new security cameras but can’t purchase them until the playground is complete. The new playground is not complete yet, while it was discussed at the meeting Parks and Recreation can not finish it till it stops raining and the workers can have some dry time.  It was reported at tonight’s meeting that there is still standing water in the area.  The board of trustees than went into a closed executive session to discuss the golf course management agreement and the renewal.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for updates on the golf course.

 

Taylorville Kiwanis Hears from Sheriff at Weekly Meeting

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp as their guest speaker at their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

 

Kettelkamp spoke about his constant battles as sheriff, and his stance against legalizing marijuana saying he is very concerned and is urging citizens to contact Senator Andy Manar and let him know that the proposal for the legalization of marijuana is a very bad idea.  Kettelkamp added it’s creating a public risk, putting at jeopardy the safety of the citizens of Christian County and the state.

 

Kettelkamp is also concerned with the home grown part of the law which would allow citizens to grow up to five plants in their yard. Kettelkamp says he’s worried about the drug cartel coming in and buying up the houses and selling on the black market cheaper than at the commercial establishments selling marijuana.

 

The Sheriff added that while Representative Avery Bourne is against the bill, he doesn’t believe Senator Andy Manar is, and he hopes that everyone contacts Senator Manar to tell him to vote against it.

 

Incoming Kiwanis president Sarah Van Huss was presented with a Kiwanis shirt by outgoing president Michael Evanchak, for recruiting the most new members during the past 12 months.

 

8 members of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club visited the Taylorville Kiwanis Club during their Tuesday luncheon meeting.  They included Roger Deem, Gary Grams, Bob Nicolet, Dick Cody, Taylorville Kiwanis President Michael Evanchek, Tom Glossop, Larry Armstrong formerly of Taylorville, Forrest Keaton, and Tom McKula.

 

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

 

 

Incoming Taylorville Kiwanis Club president Sarah Van Huss (right) was presented with a Kiwanis shirt, by going president Michael Evanchack (left) at Tuesday’s Taylorville Kiwanis Club meeting, for recruiting the most new Kiwanis members the past 12 months.

 

 

Several members of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club visited the Taylorville Kiwanis Club during their Tuesday luncheon.    In front:  Roger Deem

Back row L-R:  Gary Grams, Bob Nicolet, Dick Cody, Taylorville Kiwanis President Michael Evanchak, Tom Glossop, Larry Armstrong formerly of Taylorville, Forrest Keaton, and Tom McKula.

Park Board Meeting To Be Held Tuesday Evening

The Taylorville Park District and Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway will have their monthly Board of Trustees meeting at Manners Park Office, Tuesday Evening at 7PM.  At tonight’s meeting there will be an approval of last meeting’s minutes, a tresurer’s report.  Thank you’s will be given to Robert Haines, Saint Mary’s Spring Fling, Regional Office Education number 3, and Lighthouse Learning Center.  Nikkie Denning from Headstart will speak as well. The Golf Course Management Agreement Renewal will be discussed.  The Board Of Trustees will also hear from the Maintenance Superintendent, Office Administrator, Recreation Director, Committee reports and an Executive Session will close the meeting.  

WTIM 107.7 Signal In Sullivan Back On Air

 

 

NEWSTALK WTIM's 107.7 FM's Sullivan signal is back on the air, after the 140-foot tower the station leases space on in Sullivan came down as a result of high winds last Wednesday, May 22nd. The 107.7 signal is temporarily being transmitted off of one of the concrete plant's tanks at Moultrie County Redi-Mix in Sullivan, where the 140-foot tower the station leases space on, went down last week. It is anticipated that WTIM's 107.7 Sullivan signal will be on a new 150-foot tower the concrete plant will be installing, in the next few weeks. NEWSTALK WTIM thanks its Sullivan and Moultrie County listeners for their patience while the temporary transmitting system was installed.  The station can also be heard on THE BIG 870 across Central Illinois, at 96.1 FM in Christian County, 107.5 FM in Shelby County, streamed at taylorvilledailynews.com, on the WTIM mobile app for Apple and Android, and on Amazon Alexa.
 

A Successful CEO Trade Show

A big crowd welcomed the 16 Christian County C-E-O students who introduced their personal businesses at the annual Trade Show Thursday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.  During the live broadcast on WRAN groovy 97-point-3, C-E-O student Faith Lindsay who is selling Limelife by Alcone says that she wanted a product that people can buy from her while she’s doing their makeup.

 

 

C-E-O student Seth Sloan told WRAN listeners about his business geared toward power washing.

 

 

C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams visited with Regional Radio News during the Trade Show, saying Thursday night's crowd was the largest in the 4 years of the event. Find out more information on the Christian County C-E-O program at christiancountyc-e-o-dot-com.

Christian County Updates Plan For Emergency Disasters

With record breaking rainfalls over the past 12 months, Christian County is doing their best to help themselves by securing a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan .  A natural hazard mitigation plan will help reduce damages caused by natural disasters and the funding for updating it comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Emergency Management Director Mike Crews says that having an updated plan is what helps us receive federal funds.

 

 

The Christian County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee will hold the first meeting to look and work on the new plan Tuesday June 11th at Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium at 2 PM at 201 East Pleasant Street.  The committee will meet five times.

 

The purpose of the meetings will be to gather and discuss information that will be used to update the natural hazard mitigation plan.  Residents that are interested can attend and ask questions.
 

Be Alert This Storm Season For Sirens

On early Thursday Morning around 1:45 AM, many people awoke to the Christian County siren alarm system as it resonated through Taylorville alerting people that severe weather was imminent.  With storm season in full swing, Christian County Emergency Management Director Mike Crews wants to make sure everyone knows that these sirens might not necessarily say a tornado is coming, but they are still very important to heed.

 

 

Rain and thunderstorms are expected off and on over the weekend, with some storms becoming severe.  Memorial Day is expected to be sunny with storms possibly later in the week.

Long-Time Central Illinois Radio Voice Dies

A long-time radio voice in Central Illinois has been silenced.  Terry Todt, program and sport director and the voice of high school sports on Litchfield radio stations WSMI AM and FM, passed away Thursday at his Raymond home.

Todt was a classmate of Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller at Lake Land College's Radio program in Mattoon, graduating in 1976.

For his excellence on the airwaves, Todt was inducted into the media division of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Illinois Coaches Association (softball) Sportsperson of the Year in 2011. 

He was also honored by the Bottomley-Ruffing-Schalk Baseball Museum in Nokomis, was a recipient of the Panhandle Education Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni Award and was the Montgomery County Cancer Association’s honorary chairman.

Funeral services for Terry Todt will be Thursday, May 30th, at 10 in the morning, at Lincolnwood High School gym in Raymond.

LLCC Busy May

Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville has had a busy May to say in the lease from graduation to hosting a job fair.

 

Director of LLCC in Taylorville Dee Krueger says the job fair went great but there is still room for improvement for next year.

 

 

While the job fair was a success so was graduation. Krueger says this is something she always looks forward to and this one had something others didn't.

 

 

Krueger appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

U of I Putting Grant Money To Pollinators

In every day life we take for granted pollinators and what all they actually do for our society, it goes unnoticed but without them life would be completely different.

 

4H Youth Development Extension Educator Sara Marten says the have won a couple of grants that they intend to use to help with pollinators.

 

 

Marten says they are honored to be selected for this opportunity as only seven grants were given out across the country making this an incredibly stressful and competitive application process.

 

 

Marten appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Stonington Elementary Closes Its Doors For Good

A local school finished off their last day this week as the doors close for the forseeable future. Stonington Elementary had their last class Thursday afternoon as the Taylorville School District had voted in March to close the school by a vote of 7-1.  Karen Kuntzman, principal of Stonington says that while citizens in the community are sad, they are remembering fondly some of the more happier moments especially since Kuntzman’s dad grew up in Stonington. 

 

 

While Kuntzman only spent one year at Stonington her favorite memories are of teaching the kids music, PE, and the arts.

 

Stonington Elementary had 58 students in the Stonington building with some students in the FACES class which is for autistic students, preschool and half day, and regular Kindergarten to second grade.  All teachers including Karen Kuntzman will make the transition to North Elementary.  Kuntzman says that if she could give any advice it would be to “Allow the past to hold your precious memories and open your mind to a future of new beginnings.”

As School is Out for the Summer Safety is Stressed

Today is the day, 12 years of hard work is paying off for the seniors of Taylorville High School. Congratulations to the seniors graduating and best of luck in your future endeavors.

 

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettlekamp has a senior of his own and knows how exciting a time this is to see graduations. He also says these graduation parties can be tricky and stresses the importance of not allowing underage drinking.

 

 

Soon farmers will be back in the fields and we will see more machinery on the roads Kettlekamp urges patience when sharing the roads.

 

 

Kettlekamp appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Local Internet Company Wins Six Awards

A local internet company has won multiple awards in the small internet provider category. CTI Fiber, based out of Taylorville and Hillsboro, was awarded by BroadbandNow.  BroadbandNow is a company that specializes in gathering information on internet providers nationwide.  There are over 2700 internet providers and BroadbandNow tells you which ones are the best for where you are.  BroadbandNow does yearly awards.  CTI won in the small providers category which is 85% of all internet providers. CTI won “Fastest Internet Provider” and “Fastest Fiber Provider.”  CTI was in the top ten for affordable high speed internet plans and top ten for most affordable gigabit plans.  CTI was also in the top ten for customer approval rating, and top ten for customer approval rating for businesses specifically as CTI ran away with six awards in general.  President of CTI, Billy Williams says that winning these awards is so rewarding considering how much people dislike internet providers in general. 

 

 

Williams also said that seeing the comparisons with CTI to other internet providers really reaffirmed his belief in CTI’s product and just how good of a provider they were.

 

 

CTI didn’t pay or petition for any of the awards, BroadbandNow uses pure data to do their awards.  Williams wants to continue to grow on this success and use it as a blueprint for the future.

Big Crowd Attends 4th Annual Christian County CEO Trade Show

 

A big crowd welcomed the 16 Christian County C-E-O students who introduced their personal businesses at the annual Trade Show Thursday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

 

During the live broadcast on WRAN groovy 97-point-3, C-E-O student Natalie Fry talked about her business selling wheelbarrow gardens.

 

 

C-E-O student Brandon Odam told WRAN listeners about his business geared toward hunters.

 

C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams visited with Regional Radio News during the Trade Show, saying Thursday night's crowd was the largest in the 4 years of the event.

 

 

Find out more information on the Christian County C-E-O program at christiancountyc-e-o-dot-com.

2nd Annual PCH Live Well 5K

This Saturday Pana Community Hospital is hosting the 2nd annual Live Well 5K, it will take place in Kitchell Park in Pana at 8 in the morning.

 

Marketing Manager with PCH Melissa Rybolt says if you did not register online dont worry there is a chance to register the day of the race.

 

 

Rybolt shares what the money raised this year at the Live Well 5K will be going towards saying they have almost hit their goal in terms of what they are hoping to raise for their building project.

 

 

Rybolt appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Many Still Without Power In Central Illinois

After yesterday’s storms many people are still without power. Ameren is busy restoring power but have been set back by heavy winds damaging power lines and grids all over central Illinois.  Marcelyn Love, from communications at Ameren says nearly 10,000 people are still without power Thursday afternoon.

 

 

Damage assessments are still being made on Wednesday night’s storm.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates.

Moultrie County Senior Citizens Center Offering Assistance

The Moulrie County Senior Citizens Center services multiple counties and is here to assist the elderly.

 

Kathi Garvey with the Senior Citizens Center says if you are a senior care giver stop by and see them as they might be able to help out.

 

 

Garvey says there is help for someone out there that might be raising a child that is not their own, it was formally known as grandparents raising grandchildren.

 

 

Garvey appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan.

Illinois House of Representatives Has Moment Of Silence For Fallen Police Chief

The Illinois House of Representatives remembered a fallen police chief Monday afternoon.  Raymond village police chief Valerie Sheldon died in a head on crash Thursday last week heading home to Hillsboro after work.  State Representative Avery Bourne who is from Raymond spoke in fondness of Valerie Sheldon at the general assembly. 

 

 

Sheldon was 39 years old.  She leaves behind two boys.  The funeral was held Tuesday in Raymond.

PCH Building Project Progressing

In the fall of 2017 Pana Community Hospital broke ground on phase one of their tow part construction project to renovate the hospital.

 

Marketing Manager with PCH Melissa Rybolt says even with the recent rain phase two is progressing nicely and anyone driving by will notice the differences being made.

 

 

Rybolt says phase two does not have as many moving parts as phase one did, and barring in setback we will see the new and improved building fully operational later this year.

 

 

Rybolt appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

New Flag Pole Placed At Oak Hill Cemetery

A new flag pole has been placed at the Oak Hills Cemetery on Friday of last week just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. The new flag pole sits behind the flag pole that was damaged during the December 1st tornado. Cemetery Superintendent William Newberry says that both poles will remain. A monument will be put in front of the bent one. 

 

Oak Hills Cemetery is located at 820 South Cherokee Street in Taylorville.

 

 

Steak N' Shake Has Long Awaited Grand Opening

Steak N’ Shake celebrated their grand opening Wednesday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Stuller Incorporated President Wilma Stuller Motes, Franchisee David Bruno, Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, Greater Taylorville Area Chamber of Commerce President Patty Hornbuckle, and many others attended the ceremony for the long awaited restaurant. Mayor Barry says that he is hoping for a long successful and profitable run.

 

 

Franchisee David Bruno spoke at the event thanking everyone who was there and thanking the city as well for helping, saying that without the help from city officials there would still be another month before Steak N’ Shake could have opened. 

 

Steak N’ Shake is open at 1224 W. Springfield Road in Taylorville from 10AM to 10PM.

 

Steak N Shake holds their ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday Morning.  Picture: Leroy Kleimola

 

Pictures from inside Steak N' Shake during the Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.  Pictures: Leroy Kleimola

Severe Weather Expected Overnight Wednesday

The National Weather Service out of Lincoln has issued a hazardous weather outlook for most of Central Illinois, late Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning. Thunderstorms will develop across northern Missouri shifting eastward from the Illinois River Valley late this evening.  The storms will reach the I-55 Interstate around midnight. Some storms could produce damaging winds and large hail. Christian County Emergency Management Director Mike Crews says that the biggest risk for Christian County and the surrounding counties are a little after midnight and if you don’t have a weather radio you should invest in one. 

 

There will be additional chances for thunderstorms Friday through Tuesday with some storms producing heavy rainfall.
 

AFSCME Protests For Higher Pay--Better Treatment

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees picketed in front of the Christian County Courthouse before the Christian County Board Meeting Tuesday evening.  Negotiations are ongoing, and picketing continued from some of the Union workers over what they saw as unfair treatment .  Some workers held signs saying “Union workers $31,000 Non Union $42,000.”  AFSCME Representative Ingbert Schmidt says that they just want equal treatment.

 

When protesters came into the board room, Chairman of the Christian County Board, Becky T. Edwards allowed them to be there, but said they had to remove the signs from the room.  The protesters complied and the signs were removed.  When asked from a council member why the protesters were there in the first place, as there was no business being discussed with regards to their pay, Edwards replied by saying “No negotiations have been resolved yet, and I won’t comment further until they are resolved.”

 

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month

May is Celiac Disease Awareness month. Celiac disease is an auto-immune disease that is the only one with a know trigger.

 

Nutrition and Wellness Educator with the U of I Extension Lisa Peterson explains the disease and says many living with Celiac Disease are not diagnosed.

 

 

Peterson says for the time being there is not a cure for the disease it is something that has to be treated constantly by avoiding certain foods.

 

 

Peterson appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Christian County Board Meeting Held Tuesday Evening

The Christian County Board held a public meeting in the Christian County Courthouse on the second floor Tuesday evening.   First up on the agenda Chairman of the Board Becky T. Edwards recogonized EMA Director Mike Crews for the wonderful job he and his crew did.  During the reviews of the committee meetings, It was reported that the fountain will be scheduled to be open prior to Memorial Day.  Also that the evening downtown crowd is causing damage to the downtown area, and a larger police presence is asked for.  The feral cat project has been a success so far as four of five cats that were captured were healthy and were spayed or neutered and released.  The Assumption Bridge project is progressing.  The committee of the whole meeting is set for 6PM Wednesday, May 29th to discuss wind turbines.  Companies as well as public will be heard.  There was discussion over how long speakers got to talk. Chairman Edwards was very adamant that time for speaking will be regulated.  

 

 

A liquor license was approved for Phil Corzine and his wife for their business in Assumption. The Tornado Grant Application was approved and will be signed tomorrow.  Pana has acquired a property for cleanup as well.  The next Christian County Board Meeting will be held Tuesday June 18th at 6:30.

 

High Winds Topple WTIM Sullivan Tower

Tuesday night’s severe weather and high winds did some damage in Moultrie County.  The 150-foot tower at the Moultrie County Redi-Mix Plant in Sullivan, was blown down by high winds just past midnight.  

The tower not only had a two-way antenna for the concrete plant, but the transmitting antenna for WTIM’s 107-point-7 FM signal in Sullivan, as well as wireless internet equipment owned by Shawnee Communications. 
No one was injured.

As a result of the tower coming down, the WTIM 107-point-7 FM Sullivan signal is off the air.  WTIM officials are assessing where a temporary antenna can be mounted, while a permanent location to hang the antenna is found.

Christian County Board Approves Grant Request For Tornado Relief

The Christian County Board meeting was held Tuesday evening.  One of the top issues was a grant application from Christian County, Taylorville, and Taylorville Township.  The grant that was being sought was the State SCBG program, which is a community development block grant.  This grant would allow for funds to be used for a community development project that would include helping to cover clean up costs from the EF-3 tornado which struck Christian County on December 1, 2018.  The total amount of CDBG funds to be requested is $533,698.55.  Split up the costs would be: Christian County, $113,897.63; Taylorville-$379,078.41; and Taylorville Township, $40,722.51.  Becky T. Edwards, County Board Chairman says that after spending money from the general fund that they didn’t have, it’s nice to have the State help with the grant in order to offset costs for salary, overtime, and other expenses. 

 

 

The motion passed unanimously.  Resolution R2019CB004 will be signed Wednesday and submitted to the State of Illinois.

CSH Investments Avoids IPO's

Steve Henry with CSH Investments is the go to guy in Taylorville for investment advice on the stock market and bonds.

 

Henry says big news has hit the market as the public ride sharing companies Uber and Lyft have made their stocks available to the public.

 

 

Henry says one of the first things you need to understand before jumping on board is what exactly is happening.

 

 

Henry appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Department Of Revenue Assesses Christian County Property Tax

The Illinois Department of Revenue has issued a property assessment equalization factor for Christian County of 1.0.   This equalization factor is often called a multiplier and it helps to achieve uniform property assessments among counties based on a law that was passed in 1975.  The assessed value of an individual property determines what portion of the tax burden a specific taxpayer will pay.  Terry Horstman, Communications Director for the Department of Revenue, says that this is an assessment that takes the last three years and averages them out.


Horstman says that this multiplier helps even out the playing field when it comes to property taxes and without it there would be severe differences in taxes in property even property that is very similar.


 

The multiplier does not affect businesses or farmland.  Farmland property is assessed differently, with houses being done to regular standards but farmland only at one third of its agricultural value.  Having a lower or higher value does not mean your property tax bills will increase or decrease.  That is determined by local taxes.

 

Severe Weather Moves Thru Regional Radio Listening Area Tuesday Night; Little or No Damage Reported

Severe weather moved thru the Regional Radio listening area Tuesday night, causing numerous severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings, but apparently little or no damage to local counties.

 

Christian County Emergency Management Agency director Mike Crews told Regional Radio listeners at around 9:20 Tuesday night, that the county escaped the brunt of the severe weather.

 

 

Funnel clouds were spotted in the St. Louis metro area, as well as in Alton, from Tuesday evening’s severe weather.

Christian County Board To Meet Tuesday Evening

The Christian County Board meeting will take place Tuesday evening at 6:30 at Christian County Courthouse.  At the meeting, EMA Director Mike Crews will be recognized with an award, animal control will update on the development of the feral cat program, a request is being filed to purchase a single axle dump truck, and any other new business that will come up.  Events will be discussed from the highway, building, grounds, environmental, zoning, and welfare meeting from May 14th.  Events will also be discussed from the executive, personnel, liquor, and legislative meeting on May 7th.  There will also be discussion from the audit, finance, and purchasing meeting on May 16th. The next Christian County Board meeting will take place June 18th, 2019.  

Manhunt Leads To Taylorville Man Behind Bars

A Taylorville man is behind bars after a manhunt Monday evening.  On Monday evening at 6:35PM, the Taylorville Police responded to an aggravated battery complaint in the 700 block of East Poplar.  The victim, who had been hit multiple times, identified 30 year old Joseph R. Sparling of Taylorville as the assailant.  The victim alleged that Sparling was in possession of a firearm, and had used it to “pistol whip” the victim.  Sparling fled the scene after the attack.  The search for Sparling was conducted by the Illinois State Police, Christian County Deputies, Edinburg Police, Mount Auburn Police and the Taylorville Police Department.  At 8:38 PM Sparling was taken into custody following a search of a residence in the 300 block of North Paw Paw Street.  Sparling did not have a firearm on him when he was arrested.  Sparling was arrested for aggravated battery, resisting arrest, possession of a look alike substance, possession of controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Sparling was transported to the Christian County Correctional Center.  Sparling has his first appearance in court Tuesday at 11.

 

Mental Heath Class at TMH

On average there are 123 suicides a day from mental illness, and currently one out of every five adult is living with a mental illness.

 

Suzy Traughber is the Mental Health First Aid Instructor with Taylorville Memorial Hospital. She encourages you to take the course offered that will show you how to assist someone who might be dealing with a mental crisis.

 

 

Traughber says in fact there area two classes one for adults and one for those who might deal with children, she says this is a team where teenage stress is through the roof and is something to keep in mind.

 

 

Traughber appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Christian County Sheriff Not Backing Legalization of Marijuana

With less than two weeks left before the spring session is over in Springfield it is time to get down to business as there is still much work to be done.

 

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettlekamp says keep an eye on the yes or no vote for the legalization of marijuana. In his eyes this topic needs to be more thought out and have a lengthy discussion if this is a good idea or not.

 

 

Kettlekamp says the proof is in the pudding, all you havae to do is look at Colorado to see that this is not a good idea for the state. Kettlekamp shares some alarming numbers from Colorado that he does not want to see happen in Illinois.

 

 

Kettlekamp appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Mayor Bruce Barry Excited For New Changes In Taylorville

Taylorville is changing for the better and Mayor Bruce Barry likes what he sees.  Barry says that the improvements and new buildings are helping Taylorville grow.  There are also roads being paved which will make driving around Taylorville a little easier, which always helps. Barry talked about how the improvements are getting people excited.

 

Street improvements have been super important to Mayor Barry but the improvements been slow due to the rain and weather that Christian County and central Illinois have been receiving.

 

 

The roads should be paved this summer and Mayor Barry looks forward to the summer months and the changes that Taylorville will see.  Mayor Barry will be at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Steak N’ Shake on Wednesday morning.

Illinois State Treasurers Office Hopeful for New Home

The Illinois State Treasurers Office is hopeful to have a new home in the near future that will pay dividends down the road.

 

Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs says buying this new building in downtown Springfield will save the state plenty of money in terms of avoiding leases.

 

 

Frerichs says there is plenty of excitement about bringing all the employees together under one roof, he says this building has some history and is the perfect fit for the treasurers office.

 

 

Frerichs explains what all can be done for visitors who stop by the new building which hopefully will open sometime in the fall.

 

 

Frerichs appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Vehicle Crash At Governor's Mansion

No injuries were reported after a vehicle crash at the Governor’s mansion in Springfield Friday night.  Illinois State Police responded to a one unit crash at the Executive Mansion at 410 East Jackson Street in Springfield Illinois, Friday May 17th at 8:23PM.  A 2010 Mercedes-Benz SUV driven by 87 year old Nils Thunman, a retired Vice Admiral from the Navy, crashed his vehicle into the west side wall of the grounds.  The crash happened when Thunman apparently pressed the accelerator by mistake.  No injuries were sustained and no citations were issued.  

Pana High School Students of the Month Announced--May

Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR and People’s Bank and Trust in Pana have announced their Pana High School students of the month. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes every month.

 

The Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR and People’s Bank and Trust students of the month are Senior Marissa Cravens, Junior Chloe Hendrickson, Sophomore Amanda Hunter, and Freshman Kadence Perry.

 

Congratulations to our May Pana Students of the Month!

 

Pictured L-R: Junior Chloe Hendrickson; Peoples Bank and Trust Representative Larry Boston; Sophomore Amanda Hunter

 

Pictured L - R:  Freshman Kadence Perry; Senior Marissa Cravens

Health Fair Tomorrow

Tomorrow Christian County residents will have the opportunity to head out to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for a free health fair.

 

Memorial Hospital Director of Neuro-Sciences Tiffany Whitaker says this health fair event coming up tomorrow in Taylorville is one you do not want to miss.

 

 

Whitaker says while this is the first time doing this event in Taylorville it has been done in Springfield in years past.

 

 

Whitaker appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Severe Weather Expected Tuesday Evening

Severe weather is expected in Christian County and the surrounding area on Tuesday.  Severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging wind over 60 miles per hour, and even a slight risk for tornadoes will affect the listening area Tuesday evening and overnight.  Christian County Emergency Management Director Mike Crews warned Regional Radio News about the possibility for damaging winds. 


1-2 inches of rain is also expected with the storms, and with that much rain coming that quickly, Chief Crews also talked about the possibility of flooded roads. 

 

 

Hail is predicted to be quarter size, with strong winds and a possible touchdown of a tornado with the greatest threat being between 6PM and Midnight Tuesday evening.  Flooding continues to be an issue near the Illinois River.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates.

Taylorville Student of the Month Honorees--May

WTIM and People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their students of the month for May. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes.

 

The Students of the month are: Chad Kennell-Senior, Tanner Mickey-Junior, Natalie Lavin-Sophomore, and Kennedie Cearlock-Freshman.  Congratulations to our honorees!

 

 

L-R Senior Chad Kennell; Junior Tanner Mickey; Sophomore Natalie Lavin; Freshman Kennedie Cearlock; People's Bank and Trust Representative Lindsay Lopian.

Earl Walters Named Central Illinois Smiles Family Dentistry "Big Smile For the Community" For May

The Central Illinois Dentistry's Big Smile for the community for the month of May is presented to Earl Walters. For nineteen years, Earl Walters dedicated his time and resources to the residents in Ward 4.  Community pride, a passion for helping others and a commitment to Taylorville are the heart of what Earl has accomplished.  Earl says that giving back to the community is the most important thing he can do.

 

 

To nominate someone for the NEWSTALK WTIM Central Illinois Family Dentistry “Big Smile for the Community” award, send your nomination to bigsmile@randyradio.com.

 

Pana Woman In Custody After High Speed Chase Thursday

A Pana woman will remain in jail following a high speed chase Thursday.  31 year old Jennifer J. Smith was in court today in custody following her appearance Friday morning where probable cause was established.  Smith is charged with aggravated fleeing police more than 21 miles per hour and obstructing identification. Smith is also facing charges for driving on a suspended license, and possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear for those charges.  Smith’s public defender Michael Drake informed the court Monday, that the reason Smith was driving so fast, was her passenger was having a heart attack and Smith didn’t see the lights behind her.  State Attorney Jaimee Ward informed the court, that there was nothing in the police report about a heart attack, that Smith was driving over 100 miles per hour and that there was multiple false information given at the time of the incident.  Ward also informed the court that Smith has a warrant in Effingham County concerning a methamphetamine charge.  Judge Paisley after hearing both sides set the bond at $30,000 plus a $5,000 bond for a failure to appear from earlier for the other charge. A preliminary hearing is set for June 11th.

Red Nose Day Upcoming

Red Nose Day is right around the corner and will once again raise awareness to fighting child hunger.

 

Public Relations Manager with the Cental Illinois Foodbank Ashely Earnest explains the purpose behind Red Nose Day as well as their involvement in the day.

 

 

Earnest says if you are hoping to contribute to the fight against world hunger there are plenty of opportunities.

 

 

Earnest appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Optimist Club To Pick Officer Of the Year

The Taylorville Optimists Club is celebrating National Police Week and they will be honoring an officer of the year at their Breakfast Salute to Law Enforcement on Thursday May 23rd at their meeting at 6:30AM in Taylorville.   Terry Wright, the Program Director for the Month of May which is “Respect the Law” Month, says the meeting will be broken down into three sections:  A tribute to those fallen officers, A guest speaker, the newly appointed acting director of the Chief of Police, and the Officer of the Year award.

 

 

Three Officers were picked from the nominations but this is the first year where a Department of Corrections officer was chosen with the nominations.

 

 

The Optimist Club is very strong in their support for law, and if anyone is interested in the Optimist Club, contact Terry Wright at 827-5978.

Palmer Man Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Battery Of A Child

A Palmer man will face up to 18 years in custody for aggravated battery of a child under 13. 20 year old Darrel Hunter Sanders plead guilty to Judge Bradley T. Paisley in Christian County Court Friday in a negotiated plea deal. Sanders was accused of throwing a child, born January 18, 2018 to the ground up to four times between February 15th and 19th of 2018 resulting in multiple skull fractures, hemorraging and seizures. State Attorney Michael M. Havera has said that the child is doing better than the initial prognosis, but there is still a long road ahead. As part of the negotiated plea deal, the victims family along with the police agreed to cap the sentencing at 18 years. Sanders could have faced up to 30 years in custody. Sanders will be sentenced July 30th at 1:15. He will get 6-18 years with three years mandatory supervised release at his sentencing hearing.  

May is Stroke Awareness Month

May is Stroke Awareness Month and Taylorville Memorial Hospital and Memorial Medical Center want to make you as prepared as possible.

 

Director of Neuro-sciences at Memorial Tiffany Whitaker wants you to remember the acronym Be FAST.

 

 

Taylorville Memorial Hosptial Emergency Department Nurse Manager Kristy Cesaretti says Taylorville residents are fortunate to have TMH as a Stroke Designated Hospital

 

 

Cesaretti and Whitaker both appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

UPDATED: Traffic Accident Kills Two In Montgomery County, Including Raymond Police Chief

A crash in Montgomery County has left two people dead Thursday morning, including the Raymond Police Chief.

 

Illinois State Police responded to the fatal crash that took place on Illinois Route 127, just south of N 21st Avenue in Montgomery County.  At approximately 8:09, Thursday morning, a Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 23 year old Samantha Lapradd of Hillsboro was heading north while a Ford Mustang driven by 39 year old Valerie Sheldon, who was the Raymond Police Chief, was heading South.

 

Lapradd’s vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane and struck Sheldon’s vehicle head on.  

 

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene by the Montgomery County Coroner.  

 

The Raymond-Harvel Fire Department, Raymond/Harvel Ambulance, Hillsboro Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s department assisted on the scene.  Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is still continuing the investigation. 

Christian County Fair Seeking Beauty Pageant Applicants

The 2019 Christian County Fair Pageant is currently accepting applications for the 2019 Miss, Jr Miss, and Little Miss Christian County Fair Queen Pageant which will be held on July 23, 2019.  Jenny Swinger, who is the Director of the Pageant says that the pageant is changing with the times as they are adding a interview portion this year.

 

 

Entry fees for Little Miss is $35 for the first 25 entries, Jr Miss will be $50 for the first 20 entries, and entries for Miss Christian County Fair will be $75. The Christian County Fair Pageant is proud to announce that the scholarship amount for the Queen will be at least one-thousand dollars this year and could be more.  For entry, you can complete your form at www.christiancountyfair.com.  Payments may be mailed to 2283 N 1000 East Road Edinburg, Illinois 62531.  For more information contact Jenny Swinger at 217-369-3959 or email her at christiancountypageant@gmail.com.

Pana Pride Hosts Monthly Meeting In May

Pana Pride, an organization working towards helping Pana grow, had their monthly meeting on Tuesday night.  Melissa Rybolt, President of Pana Pride, and her staff are working towards a lot of different projects including the beautification of Pana, events that are coming up, and industry in the area.  The beautification part of the organization is helping with planting and creating trees, and general wellness of the area.

 

With the event committee moving towards Pana Heritage Days coming up, the industry committee is working towards repairing industries in Pana after the departure of Wal-Mart.

 

 

Pana Heritage Days is Friday night and Saturday in downtown Pana.  Pana Pride has their monthly meetings every second Tuesday of the Month at 6:30 at the First United Methodist Church and meetings are open to the public for those who want to make the community a better place to live.

A Week Away From Graduation

A week from today all the hard work of 12 years of schooling will pay off for the soon to be Taylorville High School Graduates.

 

Superintendent of Taylorville Schools Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says this class will always be special in his heart as he was their Superintendent for all 12 years of their education.

 

 

Fuerstenau says its hard to look at this graduating class and not crack a smile at how successful they have been.

 

 

Fuerstenau appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

After a Workout Grab Some Chocolate Milk

Summer is right around the corner and soon it will be time to get our beach bodies back and be ready to lay out by the pool.

 

Jill Williams with the St. Louis Dairy Council says if you have just completed a tough workout you should be grabbing for some chocolate milk.

 

 

Williams says one of the benefits of chocolate milk is how easily available it is, and the cost compared to some of the sports recovery drinks.

 

 

Williams appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Steak N' Shake To Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Steak N” Shake Restaurant located at 1224 West Springfield Road in Taylorville will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 22nd at 10AM.  The restaurant itself will be open from 10-10 and will be open to the public as the Mayor, Bruce Barry, will be there, along with many local politicians.  Steak N’ Shake Franchisee David Bruno is excited to have the Chamber of Commerce there for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

 

 

Steak N’ Shake originally announced they would be opening the restaurant in May of 2018.  The owner Wilma Stuller Motes will be on hand for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony as well.

Taylorville Kiwanis Club Holds Annual Prayer Luncheon

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their 29th annual Prayer Luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

 

The Kiwanis Club selected an “Outstanding Spiritual Leader” from nominations received from the community.  Ed Legg, (right) executive director of the “Missions for Taylorville” committee, was selected for spearheading rebuilding efforts following the December First tornado.  Kiwanis president Michael Evanchak (left) presented the award to Legg.

 

The Kiwanis Prayer Luncheon featured 3 speakers.  Alice Newlin spoke about her personal emotional encounter with the tornado and how her faith got her through it.

 

Dennis & Chris Metsker, who are husband and wife, also spoke.  Dennis had been in Kincaid getting ready to transport a "drug person" ready to commit to their drug program called "Safe Passage."  Dennis told the gathering that he took this person and drove to Taylorville where his wife Chris was hunkered down in the basement.  The Metsker’s had lost their entire house.  Chris said she wasn't alone, and had her faith holding her down while the tornado was trying to pull her out.

 

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

Sullivan Schools Wrapping Things Up

As the school year winds down Sullivan students are looking forward to summer vacation, but staff realizes there is still some business that need to be taken care of.

 

Superintendent of Sullivan Schools Ted Walk is looking forward to graduation this weekend and seeing the senior class cap off their high school education.

 

 

Walk says this year has been one of the more successful in terms of not only academics but also athletics.

 

 

Walk appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan.

Thursdays Popular at Sullivan VFW

The Sullivan VFW is enjoying their time in a new building and are hoping to see you out there sometime soon.

 

Janet England with the VFW says Thursdays are always a popular night and those that come out have a chance to walk away with some real money.

 

 

You may have heard of bingo before but never like the way the Sullivan VFW plays their Extreme Bar Bingo.

 

 

England appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan.

Pana Heritage Days Friday And Saturday

The Pana Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 75th Pana Heritage Days in downtown Pana this Friday and Saturday.  There will be everything from bouncy castles to food vendors, a battle of the bands, and a beauty pageant.  Jennifer Mathis who is the Pana Chamber of Commerce President is excited because the event is moving back to being downtown.

 

 

Mathis also talked about how Heritage Days itself is a free event, but there will be some events within Heritage Days that will cost a little money—including a dunk tank with teachers and high school students.

 

 

Heritage Days will run on Friday May 17th from 5-10PM and on Saturday May 18th from 8-5PM.  For more information contact the Pana Chamber of Commerce.

Rep. Avery Bourne To Set Traveling Office Hours

State Representative Avery Bourne will have upcoming travel hours in Taylorville.  Representative Bourne will be at Congressman Rodney Davis' Office on 108 West Market Street downtown in the US Bank Building on Floor 2R, on Tuesday May 21st from 10:30-1PM.  

 

 

Representative Avery Bourne encourages constituents who need help to stop by so a member of her staff can assist them.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information contact Representative Bourne's district office at 217-324-5200.

Glazebrook Excited to be Mayor of Sullivan

Richard Glazebrook is ready to take the big seat in town as the new Mayor of Sullivan, he is eager to get things going.

 

Glazebrook says there has definitely been a learning curve for this new occupation, but he is doing his best not to become overwhelmed.

 

 

Glazebrook believes that city government is second to none in terms of the people having their thoughts and concerns heard and problems being addressed.

 

 

Glazebrook appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan.

Lincoln Land Community College To Host Job Fair/Resume Workshop

Lincoln Land Community College alongside the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a job fair Tuesday, May 21st from 1-3:30 PM in the South Building at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville which is located at 800 South Spresser Street.   Tisha Miller who is the enrollment coordinator at Lincoln Land encourages anyone who is hiring to come out to this fair.

 

 

Lincoln Land Community College will also be hosting a build a resume workshop Thursday.  You can book an appointment in the morning, but there will be free walk-in appointments in the afternoon for those people who are interested in shoring up your resume. 

 

 

Miller encourages all job seekers to come and check out this opportunity, as there will be plenty of options there regardless of whatever employment you seek.

 

 

For more information visit www.llcc.edu/taylorville.  

Miller Media Group Shares in Award for Taylorville Tornado Coverage, Relief Efforts

The Miller Media Group radio stations in Taylorville, this week was one of 3 broadcast groups that won a prestigious award from an organization it's a member of.

 

The International Broadcasters Idea Bank, a group of 100 broadcasters from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, held their Spring Convention in Cleveland, Mississippi this week, and awarded the Miller Media Group the Russ Withers Award for its efforts during and after the December First tornado in Taylorville.  Neuhoff Media in Decatur, and the Nebraska Broadcasters Association, shared in the award.

 

Idea Bank president Mike Hulvey, in presenting the award, told a Tuesday night gathering that when radio stations pull business and community resources together for the benefit of those in desperate need, it is worth honoring.  Collectively the IBIB group of broadcasters in these areas helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for direct relief efforts. 

 

Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller accepted the award on behalf of the Taylorville group of stations.  Hulvey, who is chief operating officer for Neuhoff Media, accepted their award for fund raising efforts for Taylorville after the tornado, and Mark Jansen, who owns a group of stations in Nebraska, accepted on behalf of the Nebraska Broadcasters Association, for their work in raising money for Nebraska flood victims.

Representative Avery Bourne Meets With 4H Participants, Discusses Budget

A State Representative is always busy, and Avery Bourne, State Representative with the 95th district, talked a little about all the work that keeps her busy.  Bourne spent time with 4-H participants and talked about how she has seen them in years past and what a joy it has been to watch them during their 4H careers.

 

 

Bourne talked about some of the events going on at the Illinois House of Representatives.  There are about 16 days left in the legislative session, and that means getting items to Governor JB Pritzker to sign before May 31st.  Governor Pritzker has also put forth many initiatives that he wants pushed through. 

 

 

Bourne also worried about all the tax increases that are being put on the table despite their being much more revenue generated than expected. 

 

 

Last week, Bourne celebrated Tech Week with students and teachers from Pana and Taylorville.

 

State Representative Avery Bourne meets with some 4-H Participants in Springfield.

TMH Patient Accounts Moving To Hospital

The patient accounts department for Taylorville Memorial Hospital is moving!  The Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s patient accounts department will be relocating to the hospital at 201 East Pleasant Street in Taylorville on May 20th.  Anyone wishing to speak about their bill can reach a representative on the 4th floor of TMH by going to room 470A.  The patient accounts department right now is located on Bidwell, but will be closing May 17th for the move.  For billing questions or concerns please call 824-1617 or pay online at taylorvillememorial.org.

 

Sheriff Kettelkamp Opposed to Marijuana Bill

Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp and the Sheriff’s Association along with the Chiefs of Police are very concerned over the pending legalization of marijuana put forward in the State of Illinois and Sheriff Kettelkamp is urging citizens to contact Senator Andy Manar and let him know that the proposal for the legalization of marijuana is a very bad idea and that it is creating a public risk and putting at jeopardy the safety of the citizens of Christian County and the state.

 

 

Sheriff Kettelkamp is also concerned with the home grown part of the law which would allow citizens to grow up to five plants in their yard.  Kettelkamp says that he’s worried about the drug cartel coming in and buying up the houses and selling on the black market cheaper than at the commercial places.

 

 

Sheriff Kettelkamp says that while Representative Avery Bourne is against the bill, he doesn’t believe Senator Andy Manar is, and he hopes that everyone contacts Senator Manar to tell him to vote against it.  Legislation for the marijuana bill is being proposed now in Springfield and with the session looking to adjourn on May 31st, there would need to be a vote on it soon.

Good 360 Donations available for pickup Thursday and Saturday

Good 360 Donations will be available Thursday and Saturday.  A truck that has dropped off supplies for relief from the December tornado event, unloaded everything this morning.  Mayor Bruce Barry is happy that people from all over are helping out, such as this truck which came in from Nebraska.

 

Barry also said that he wanted to thank Ace Hardware, as the truck couldn’t have been unloaded without their forklift.

 

 

The items will be available at the Gagne building from 10-2 on Thursday and Saturday 8-2.  

Coroner Investigating Infant Death

Regional Radio News has learned from Coroner Amy Calvert Winans that a death investigation is being done on a infant from Edinburg who was pronounced dead on Saturday morning at Taylorville Memorial ER. The autopsy is still pending. The investigation is being handled by Illinois State Police Zone 4 Investigation, the Edinburg Police Department, and the Christian County Coroner Office.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates.   

June Starts with Mouse Races

On Saturday, June 1st Christian County Residents will flood the Christian County Fair Grounds for the annual Mouse Races Fundraiser for the Taylorville Wrestling Foundation.

 

Treasurer with the Wrestling Foundation Gerry Mahr shares how the foundation got its start saying it all goes back to trying to benefit the kids involved in the program..

 

 

President Jane Griffith says this is an event you do not want to miss out on as a good time will be had by all.

 

 

The Taylorville Wrestling Foundation Mouse Races Fundraiser will be at the Christian County Fair Grounds on Saturday, June 1st. Doors open at 6pm tickets at the gate are $20 a person but can be ordered in advance for $15 through the Taylorville Wrestling Foundation.

 

Mahr and Griffith appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Christian County Sheriff's Office Warns Of Scams

Regional Radio News has learned of scam letters arriving in Taylorville and Christian County claiming that you are a grand prize winner in the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. Enclosed inside is a check and a letter stating how you can claim your big prize. Just one big problem with that, the letter is fake, and if you try to cash the check, it could leave you facing a felony. The letter has a phone number to call and when you call the number, it tells you to keep quiet and not tell anyone, and to cash the check which they say is usually the balance of attorney fees and insurance. When you cash the check, you have to pay back the bank for the amount of money that the check was made out for plus because you "stole" money of over $5,000 dollars from the bank, they could pursue legal action as well. Plus the phone number that you call will also give your phone number to other scammers, because they think they have you than if you've called the number.  Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp is glad that this was turned in and that the gentleman didn't fall for this scam. But others haven't been so lucky.

 


 
If you believe you are the victim of a “Fake Check Scam” using the Publishers Clearing House name or logo, please contact PCH immediately by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-392-4190. Consumers can also check out the Scam Prevention page on PCH.com for detailed information on what to do if you believe you have been contacted by a scammer. Publishers Clearing house says it will never call or email in advance to say you are going to be a winner.  They will never tell you to be home at a certain time.  PCH will never ask you to pay anything in advance to collect your pirze and they will never send an advance check to cover taxes or fees.  If you believe you have been taken advantage of you may also contact the Christian County Sheriff's office. 

 

Taylorville Student Awarded Sheriff Scholarship

A Taylorville student has been awarded one of the Illinois Sheriff’s Association Academic Scholarships. Ryan Held of Taylorville was awarded one of the 112 scholarships for students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2019 and 2020 academic year.  Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp is encouraged by all the great youth that applied for the scholarship.


The Illinois Sheriff’s Assocation awarded over $50,000 dollars in scholarships for those wishing to pursue a higher education during the 2019-2020 academic year.

 

No Rest for the Christian County Master Gardeners

This past weekend was a busy one for the Christian County Master Gardeners as they had their annual Plant Sale Plus.

 

Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi says this weekend will be a busy one as well as they have accepted the invitation to the Pana Pride event.

 

 

Podeschi says as well keep an eye out for the Christian County Master Gardeners at the Taylorville Farmers Market throughout the summer, just look for the orange tent.

 

 

Podeschi appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Business After Hours Tomorrow at McMillan Landscape

On the third Wednesday of every month Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce members meet and network at the event Business After Hours.

 

CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Patty Hornbuckle says she looks forward to every business after hours but the one tomorrow is an annual one that is always circled on her calendar.

 

 

Hornbuckle says they are hoping for better weather than in years past but with the new garden center at McMillan Landscape wind and or a little rain shouldn’t factor into the event too much.

 

 

Hornbuckle appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Taylorville School Board Approves Multiple Contracts

The Taylorville Board of Education had their regular meeting Monday night.  Many motions were approved including Treasurer’s report, where Taylorville District Superintendent, Dr. Furstenau was pleased with the balanced budget.  New Business that was heard and approved included a NPT Special Education Cooperative, Consideration of THS 2019-2020 Handbook changes, and consideration of Disciplinary committee’s 2019-2020 Discipline Code Changes.  Among the changes was Chromebook policy usage, vapes to be a suspendable offense since they deal with tobacco, and grad requirements the same up to 2023.  A excited Dr. Furstenau announced that the contract was approved for the TEA contract for 4 years, giving peace of mind to Teachers who would be seeing an increase in pay.  The Durham Bus Service Contract was approved with an 8% increase, mainly due to Illinois’ $15 per hour pay requirements.  A list of seniors was approved for graduation.  Dr. Furstenau remarked how his first class that graduated Kindergarten would be his last Graduation class.  Dr. Furstenau also remarked on how successful the Spring Music Festival was.  Tracie Boehme, who is a elementary art teacher for North School and Elementary School talked about how important music and art were especially at the lower levels and asked the Board of Education to please consider art and music as their space is very limited.


 

 

The Board closed with a Superintendent report from Dr. Furstenau, followed by a closed session for the board to discuss candidates for the superintendent position.

 

Teachers Smile as the TEA Contract was approved for the next four years.  Picture: Regional Radio News

Taylorville School Board Meets Announces Personnel Changes

Taylorville School District had their regular Board of Education Meeting Monday evening.  During the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Greg Furstenau, President Stephen Turner, and the rest of the board highlighted some of the personnel changes that were going to be taking place at the end of the school year.  5th Grade Teacher at Taylorville Junior High School, Carla Marley retired effective at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.  Brandi Bruley, District Director of Curriculum; Melissa Alberssen, Literary Coach at Taylorville Junior High School; and Jordan Andruch, science teacher at Taylorville Junior High School, all announced their resignations effective at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.   Jordan Andruch thanked everyone, as Dr. Furstenau read his resignation letter to the Board.

 

 

Other personnel changes that were approved included Lori Parks, Summer ag contract, extended 20 days, Eric Bruder who moved from Assistant Principal, Taylorville High School to Principal, Memorial Elementary School and Kelly Laker, 4th Grade, Memorial Elementary to 5th Grade, Taylorville Junior High School. Recommendations to Employ included Catherine Fassero Science; Lacy May, 5th Grade Teacher; Molly Williams, 8th Grade Literary Coach; Robert Brown, Scholastic Bowl Coach, Brooke Brandis, Freshman Volleyball Coach, and Raimee Craggs, English/Language Arts Teacher, all Taylorville Junior High School.  Other recommendations to employ included Michelle Rexroad,Varsity Cheer Coach, and Sydne Miller, Assistant Varsity Cheer Coach, both with Taylorville High School.

 

Taylorville School Board Meeting Tonight

The Taylorville School Board of Education will meet tonight at 7PM to have their regular meeting.  Items on the agenda include handbook changes for next year, discipline code changes, district fees, and the Durham Bus Service contract renewal.  Other items up for discussion include the ARAMARK food service contract renewal, the list of seniors tentatively eligible for graduation and the tentative budget for the next school year.  Finally there will be a closed session to discuss candidates for the Superintendent position that will be vacated by Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau who is leaving to be Litchfield's new Superintendent next year.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates.

Disaster Supplies Arriving For Taylorville Tuesday

The City of Taylorville will be receiving supplies on Tuesday from an organization called Good 360.  A semi-truck full of supplies from Good 360 will be dropping off the needed items.  Good 360 helps cities recover from disasters by donating large amounts of supplies and is located in Alexandria, Virginia.  The City of Taylorville and Missions for Taylorville will receive the donations Tuesday.  The truck is leaving Omaha, Nebraska Monday and will be delivering the supplies Tuesday at 1617 West Spresser Street in Taylorville between the hours of 8AM and 9AM.  Some of the supplies that are being dropped off include lighting, blankets, paint, cleaning supplies, and paper products.  

Shelbyville Manor Bounce Back Program

Shelbyville Manor wants to help make sure that you are back up to full speed after your recovery from surgery.

 

Kim Wiley with Shelbyville Manor says one service they are most proud of is their bounce back program.

 

 

Wiley says as well they have an A+ nursing staff to take care of whatever needs someone might have.

 

 

Wiley appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville Studios.

Shelby County Office of Tourism Keeping You Up To Date

The Shelby County Office of Tourism takes great pride in keeping you up to date on all things happening in Shelby County.

 

Freddie Fry says during tourism week she had the opportunity to visit some of the local information centers and speak with the staff and learn what works and what doesn't.

 

 

Fry says one thing she learned is that it might be smart to push what is offered in the local communities in the area for visitors.

 

 

Fry appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville Studios.

Moulton Middle School Fighting Teacher Shortage with EIU

The state of Illinois is dealing with a teacher shortage across the state and schools near and far are struggling to fill positions.

 

Principal of Moulton Middle School Russ Tomlin says dealing with the teacher shortage has been a frightening but exciting process and has helped them develop a new partnership.

 

 

Tomlin is grateful to be teamed up with EIU he explains further the impact they are having to fight the teacher shortage.

 

 

Tomlin appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville Studios.

Christian County Celebrates Conservation Day

The University of Illinois Christian County Extension Office held their annual Conservation Day for 3rd and 4th graders on Wednesday, May 8th at Manners Park in Taylorville.  Students spent the day learning about the importance of agriculture, wildlife, soil and water, and the environment from over 13 different presenters that were on the site including Kevin Bennett the Program Manager for Trees Forever, who taught the kids how water moves through the landscape.

 

 

Bennett stressed the importance of just how much the children loved it and how they could learn hands on about soil erosion. 

 

 

WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 broadcasted live from the Christian County Conservation Day. 

 

 

Pictures taken at Manners Park courtesy: Taylorville Daily News

Steak N Shake Moving Closer to Grand Opening

Taylorville Steak ‘N Shake is starting to take shape as the road continues to be worked on and updated.  David Bruno who is the local franchisee with Stuller Incorporated which owns Steak ‘N Shake says that he hopes to have a soft opening within the next two weeks and than move to the grand opening in a couple weeks. Right now the company is waiting for the concrete to cure.

 

 

Steak N Shake is located at 1224 W. Springfield Road in Taylorville.  Continue to tune into Regional Radio News for updates.

 

All pictures courtesy: Leroy Kleimola

Kohl, Bowen Honored by Miller Media Group Radio Stations

 

2 Miller Media Group employees were recently honored by the company for their work in serving listeners and advertisers in the company's 6-station service area.

 

Katie Kohl, an administrative assistant for the group, was selected by the company's staff, as the Employee of the Quarter for the First Quarter of 2019.  Katie has been with the Miller Media Group since February of 2016.  She was awarded a 100-dollar check by general manager Kami Payne.

 

 

The 4 "Employees of the Quarter" thru First Quarter of 2019, then had their names put into a drawing for a 5-day Florida trip.  Jon Bowen, a staff announcer for the group of stations since March of 2018, had his name drawn and won the trip which includes accomodations, car rental, and round trip air flight.

Two Vehicle Crash Claims One Life

A two vehicle crash on Illinois Route 48 on Thursday evening has left one dead and two others injured.  18 year old Austin A. Krager of Farmersville was traveling eastbound on McAdam Drive at the intersection of Illinois Route 48 with a 17 year old passenger from Stonington.  A car driven by 41 year old Stephanie S. Stivers of Taylorville was heading southbound on Illinois Route 48.  Krager attempted to make a left turn onto Illinois Route 48 when he was struck by Stivers vehicle.  Krager was transported to Taylorville Memorial Hospital where he succombed to his injuries.  Both the 17 year old passenger and Stivers were transported to HSHS Saint John’s Hospital in Springfield with non-life threatening injuries.  All occupants were wearing their seatbelts and the accident is under investigation by Illinois State Police Traffic Reconstruction Officers.  

Walmart Fight Hunger Spark Change

The Walmart Fight Hunger Spark Change event has been going on for a couple of weeks now and has still a few more to go.

 

Jill Williams is the Public Relations Manager with the Central Illinois Foodbank. She says the Walmart Fight Hunger Spark Change event this month is an easy one to get involved in.

 

 

Earnest says the Central Illinois Foodbank will be at the Walmart in Taylorville a week from today to help show what all the foodbanks across the country are fighting for.

 

 

Earnest says the fight hunger items to buy should be easy to find as they are marked, many of the items are regulars on your shopping list as well.

 

 

Earnest appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

CSH Investments Sees Tipping Point Coming

Steve Henry with CSH Investments is the go to guy in Taylorville for investment advice on the stock market and bonds.
 
Henry is keeping an eye on the interest rates that have been falling for years, he says it will be completely different when the script is flipped.
 

 

 
Henry thinks the tipping point is in the not so distant future and says when that tipping point does finally come it could be drastic.
 

 

 
Henry appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Flags Replaced At Veterans Park

Veteran’s Park in Taylorville is getting new flags on the corner of Park and Webster Street.  AMVETS Life member, Doug Maxheimer has started a project to work on replacing flags that was started by Bill Easley back in 1999.  Since the flags have become torn and faded, they have needed to be replaced.  Maxheimer has set out on the difficult task of helping with this project.  Through combined donations of People’s Bank and Trust, Carlinville National Bank, Taylorville Community Credit Union, First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust, and generous personal donations from several individuals, Doug Maxheimer will be able to receive new flags just in time for Armed Forces Day which is May 18th. Maxheimer says that he felt it was his duty as a AMVET to replace the flags but didn’t realize he would get as much help as he did.

 

 

Maxheimer also says that what started out as just a flag replacement project has quickly grown into restoring other parts of the park as well. 

 

If you want to help out with the project give Doug Maxheimer a call at 217-691-5810.  Maxheimer also  says that he is happy to do it and knows from the comments that he gets that people enjoy it, and that makes it all worthwhile to him.

 

 

Pictured: Judy Prasun, AVP Consumer Banking, People’s Bank and Trust presenting a check to Doug Maxheimer to replace seven of the State Flags.

Are You Getting Enough Dairy

Dairy is an important part in any diet but unfortunately many Americans fall short of the recommended 3 daily servings.

 

Jill Williams with the St. Louis Dairy Council explains what all you might be missing out on if you do not get your three daily servings.

 

 

There has been a growth in concern of the sugar content in chocolate milk compared to other drinks. Williams says there is no reason to be concerned about the amount of sugar in chocolate milk.

 

 

Williams appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Standing Room Only Crowd Attends HSHS Taylorville Open House, Blessing

 

A standing-room-only crowd came out to Thursday night's Open House and Blessing at the new H-S-H-S Medical Group Taylorville office.  Several dignitaries from the H-S-H-S Health System, local dignitaries, and members of the public heard a short program and also toured the new facility.

 

 

Taylorville native and long-time physician Doctor Rick Del Valle, who has been practicing for H-S-H-S in Blue Mound the past 3 years, told Regional Radio during our live broadcast Thursday night, that he's glad to be back in Taylorville, and that the new Taylorville building was well thought out.

 

 

And, Doctor Del Valle said he was humbled at the turnout.

 

 

 

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry told Regional Radio during the live broadcast, that city residents are glad to have Doctor Del Valle return to Taylorville.

 

 

President of the H-S-H-S Medical Group Doctor Loren Hughes, visited with Regional Radio during our live broadcast Thursday night about the importance of rural medicine to H-S-H-S.

 

 

Outreach Representative for the H-S-H-S Medical Group Sonja Jones told Regional Radio listeners during our live broadcast last night, that they're excited about Doctor Del Valle coming back home, and said have a reduced waiting area of the new building meant more patient exam rooms.

 

 

 

 

 

The new H-S-H-S Medical Group in Taylorville will begin seeing patients on Monday.

Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies Respond to 2-Car Accident Thursday Night

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a 2-car accident on Thursday night at approximately 7:45, on Illinois Route 48 near the Christian County Y-M-C-A in Taylorville.  The Christian County Sheriff's Office, the Taylorville Fire Department, and ambulances all were called to the scene.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more information on this story.

 

Christian County Coroner Investigating Deaths

Amy Winans, the Christian County Coroner, is reporting to Regional Radio News, that she is handling two death investigations that occured on Wednesday. 

 

On Wednesday, at approximately 5:33AM, 9-1-1 received a call of a possible suicide in the 300 Block of South Street Morrisonville.  Coroner Winans has identified the 19 year old Male as Drew Pettijohn of Morrisonville. Mr. Pettijohn was found dead of asphyxiation due to hanging.  The Christian County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation. 

 

On Wednesday at approximately 6:40 AM, 9-1-1 received a call of a male subject not breathing and unresponsive at one of Lake Taylorville's Primitive Camp Sites.  Coroner Winans has identified the male as 39 year old Bobby Joe Stanley of Decatur.  An autopsy was held in Bloomington, Thursday morning and results are pending.  The investigation is being handled by the Taylorville Police Department.

Fire Destroys House In Kincaid

A fire engulfed a house in Kincaid Thursday afternoon.  The property located at the corner of Illinois Route 104 and Circle Place, was completely destroyed.  Fire crews from multiple stations were called to battle the blaze.  Traffic had been blocked for at least 1/2 mile on Route 104, as crews tried to get the fire under control.  Listen to Regional Radio News for more as this story develops.

Taylorville Couple Pleads Guilty To Theft

A Taylorville couple plead guilty on Thursday for theft and will pay back nearly $8,000 in restitution along with two years of probation.  Sasha and Ramon Gutierrez plead guilty of stealing money from Taylorville Youth Cheerleading from October of 2014 until October of 2018.  As part of the negotiated plea deal, the Gutierrezes will agree to the standard terms of probation, have their DNA put on file, abstain from drugs, agree to random testing, searching, restitution of $7,943.29, and prohibited from acting in a fiduciary position to any organization, plus court cost fees.  

 

The State of Illinois charges were read by Assistant State Attorney Jaimee Ward and highlighted the Gutierrezes having access to a bank account through People’s Bank and Trust. When the Taylorville Youth Cheerleading organization went to withdraw from the account in October of 2018, the account was negative.  After Taylorville Youth Cheerleading confronted the Gutierrezes, the couple admitted that they had been taking money out of it due to falling on hard times.  

 

The Gutierrezes attorney, Dennis Atteberry reiterated that even though it wasn’t an excuse, Ramon Gutierrez had to have amputation due to diabetes, and that his clients indeed had been having a rough time.  Probation will monitor payments, and the Gutierrezes will have to reappear in court in January of 2020 to review and keep track of the status with the court.

Lincoln Land Community College To Celebrate Commencement May 17

Lincoln Land Community College is holding their Spring Commencement Ceremony, May 17th at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.  Matthew D. Parker has been selected as this year’s commencement speaker.  The commencement speaker is a huge part of Lincoln Land’s commencement ceremony and students audition for the part.  Parker is a member of the Springfield Celts Rugby Football Club and plans to pursue a degree in communication at University of Illinois—Springfield.  Kyla Kruse who is the Assistant Director of Public Relations says that there is always a competitive spirit when it comes to auditioning for the commencement speaker.

 

There are plenty of other events coming up for Lincoln Land Community College including events for prospective students, such as the campus visit day scheduled for June 11th from 10 AM till Noon. 

 

 

Congratulations to all the graduates! For more information on Lincoln Land Community College visit www.llcc.edu.

Sullivan Mariana Excited for Year Two of Business

The Sullivan Mariana on May 5th celebrated their one year anniversary of being open and are looking forward to year two of business.

 

John Sayhee is the Owner of the Sullivan Mariana, he welcomes all to stop by as they opened recently now that winter is behind us.

 

 

Sayhee says with them only being around for a year they are not making too many adjustments to the menu.

 

 

Sayhee appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan.

Jackson Family of Dealerships Anniversary Sale

Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan is wanting to help you get into some new wheels for the summer.

 

Will Flexser with Jackson Family of Dealerships says they are looking for some used cars to add to the lot in time for their anniversary sale.

 

 

Flexser says one of the most popular vans across the United States has a special deal ongoing, among other deals.

 

 

Flexser appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive This Saturday

Nearly 800 million people in the world do not have the food necessary to live a healthy lifestyle, multiple groups across Illinois are doing their best to lower that number.

 

Sullivan Postmaster Cindy Temple says the Post Office is joining in the fight against world hunger this Saturday for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

 

 

Temple says keep an eye out for some post cards as reminders for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, These post cards can be used on the food to designate it needs picked up.

 

 

Temple appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan.

HSHS Taylorville Holding Blessing and Open House Thursday

The H-S-H-S Medical Group will hold a Blessing and Open House for their new Taylorville facility on the city's northwest side, on Thursday.

The festivities begin at 6 and continue until 7:30.  Several local dignitaries, along with representatives from H-S-H-S, will be in attendance and will deliver remarks.  The public is invited to attend.

All 6 Miller Media Group radio stations will broadcast live from the event, starting at 4:30 Thursday afternoon.

Lake Land College Announces Student Award Winners

In anticipation of the upcoming commencement, Lake Land College honored their students at the annual student recognition banquet hosted by the student government association on Wednesday April 24th.  Students were recognized for academic achievements, elected and organizational roles for the entire year.  Awards are usually given to a student from each academic division who has displayed excellence within his/her division as well as contributed to Lake Land College and the community.

 

Winners of the Outstanding Award Recipients include; Micah Smock, Botkins Ohio, Agricultural Division; Olivia D. Telgmann, Strasburg, Allied Health Division; Logan D. Malcome, Neoga, Business Division; David R. Pruitt, Mattoon, Humanities and Communication Division; Tilda E. Carlelycke, Sweden, Math and Science Division; Christina S. Menna, Lovington, Social Science and Education Division; and Justis M. Coventry, Teutopolis, Technology Division.

 

The Lake Land College Foundation awarded the Student Life Scholarship of $500 to an exceptional student, Hannah Binnion, Sullivan, SAB co-marketing director.

 

 

Lake Land College honored exceptional students at the annual Student Recognition Banquet hosted by the Student Government Association on Wednesday, April 24. Pictured in the front row are outstanding students, left to right: Christina S. Menna, Lovington, Social Science & Education Division; Tilda E. Carlelycke, Math & Science Division Sweden; Logan D. Malcome, Neoga, Business Division; Justis M. Coventry, Teutopolis, Technology Division; David R. Pruitt, Mattoon, Humanities & Communication Division. In the back row, left to right: Tanille Ulm, early childhood education instructor; Ikemefuna Nwosu, division chair math & science/bio-science instructor; James Munger, IT instructor/program coordinator, IT-web technology; Matthew Landrus, English instructor; Kevin Miller, automotive technology instructor/program coordinator.

 

Lake Land College honored exceptional students at the annual Student Recognition Banquet hosted by the Student Government Association on Wednesday, April 24. Pictured from left to right: Nichole Jones, nursing instructor, Olivia D. Telgmann, Strasburg, Allied Health Division; Haylee Brandt, nursing instructor.

 

Lake Land College honored exceptional students at the annual Student Recognition Banquet hosted by the Student Government Association on Wednesday, April 24. Pictured is Micah Smock, Botkins, Ohio, Agriculture Division.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary To Host Golf Outing

Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is hosting a golf outing at noon on Friday May 17th at Lakeshore Golf Course in Taylorville. The event will cost $90 dollars which will cover 18 holes of golf with a cart, a gift, lunch, and dinner. Debbie Johnson who is the volunteer coordinator and the Auxiliary liason, she says that the proceeds from this event will go towards medical technology for lab equipment upgrades.

 


Door prizes and awards will be available at the end of the event and Johnson is looking for more teams.

 

 

For more information or to sign up a team, contact Deb Johnson at 217-824-1677 or visit Taylorville Memorial.org

CSH Says Investors Taking Liquidity for Granted

Steve Henry with CSH Investments is the go to guy in Taylorville for investment advice on the stock market and bonds.

 

Henry says there are certain things in investing that those in the business have started to take for granted, an example would be liquidity.

 

 

Henry says we haven’t always seen liquidity like this, there were times where it wasn’t as easy to get your money back on your investment.

 

 

Henry appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Kiwanis Club Approve New Officers Starting October First

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly business meeting, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

 

During the business meeting, officers for the next Kiwanis year starting October First, were approved.  Sarah Van Huss will be the new president of the club, Adam Jeffrey will be the president-elect, Martin Vota will continue as secretary, and Judy Prasun will continue as treasurer until her retirement next February.

 

Kiwanis Builders and Key Club committee chair Will Perkins reported that the Builders Club raised some 265-dollars for the Mini-Hoofs non-profit organization.

 

Kiwanis Park chair Jerry Woodard reported that a clean up day is being organized by several club members.

 

Kiwanis members are reminded that the annual Prayer Luncheon is next Tuesday at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium, and the annual Kiwanis Picnic at Kiwanis Park is Tuesday, May 21st  at 5pm, with the meal being served at 6pm.

 

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

Kincaid Man Faces Criminal Sexual Abuse Charges

A Kincaid man made his first appearance on aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges in court today. Cory Skinner appeared in custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections and listened to the charges against him. Skinner said he understood the charges but was very outspoken that he didn't agree with them. Skinner is also facing other charges including retail theft and driving on a revoked license.  Bond has been set at $150,000 and Skinner alongside his public defender Michael Drake waived his preliminary hearing, waived his formal arraignment and asked for speedy trial and to plead not guilty.  Skinner is set to appear in court again on May 28th.

Shelbyville City Council Discusses Fate of Historic Chautauqua Auditorium

The fate of the historic 116-year-old Chautauqua Auditorium in Shelbyville’s Forest Park may eventually include demolition, according to discussion during the May 6 Shelbyville City Council meeting.

 

The auditorium has been owned by the city of Shelbyville since 1932, and structural problems within the aging building that began intensifying in the early 2000’s have never been resolved, it was noted during the May 6 city council meeting.

 

Shelbyville Mayor Jeff Johnson stressed that no definite decision has been made to demolish the building, and that cost estimates need to be established for both the scenarios of making repairs to the building or demolishing the structure.

 

A decision likely will not be made until an engineering company can provide definitive demolition versus repair cost estimates.

 

The round building is a unique and historic structure that includes sculptures by the long-deceased and internationally-known artist Robert Root, who was a Shelbyville native.

 

In other matters during the May 6 council meeting, the oath of office was given by recently re-elected Mayor Jeff Johnson and Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvement Thom Schafer.

 

The council approved a request for the annual Shelbyville High School Homecoming parade that is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. The parade will begin at Main Street School, traveling northbound on North Morgan from North First Street to North Sixth Street, and from there westbound and concluding at Shelbyville High School.

 

In other matters, the council members approved a request for repair of a chlorine feed station at the P&H Lift Station for EPA compliance.

 

Council members also urged caution by motorists during on-going street repair initiated this week by the State of Illinois in various sections of Shelbyville, such as the intersection of Cedar and Main streets..

 

Also Monday evening, the council approved use of credit cards as payment for purchases involved with various city departments, such as the Forest Park swimming pool that will open soon for the summer season.

 

The council also:

-approved all liquor license renewal applications.

-approved all general license renewal applications.

-approved release of Executive Session minutes for public inspection.

 

The Shelbyville city council meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month.

All Time High for Stress Levels Across the Country

Stress is something everyone is familiar with as we all deal with it on a daily basis some do better than others at dealing with it.

 

Ed Lacheta with Shelby County Community Services says stress levels across the country are reaching an all time high.

 

 

With stress levels being higher than the have ever been Lacheta wants you to know that there is help available 24/7 through Shelby County Community Services.

 

 

Lacheta appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

May and June Events at Lake Shelbyville

Lake Shelbyville is always a popular spot to be at during the summer months with a plethora of activities to do.

 

Ashley Florey with the US Army Corps of Engineers says check out the Facebook page for the latest updates and don't forget about the pack the park event coming up.

 

 

Florey says may will be a busy month and then June will kick off in style as well with the annual kids fishing event.

 

 

Florey appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

YMCA to assist area farmers with guest pass

The Christian County YMCA and Christian County Farm Bureau have teamed up together to help farmers.  With all the rain and severe weather that has affected the area, the YMCA is allowing farmers and their families free usage of their facilities.  Mary Kate Curtin, who is the membership and marketing director at the YMCA, says that a guest pass will be eligible for farmers and their families until May 13th.

 

For more information visit the YMCA’s website at www.ccymca.org.

Insurance Public Meeting a Success, Next up Missions for Taylorville Briefing

Missions for Taylorville has started the Long Term Tornado Relief phase of their mission to restore Taylorville.

 

Bill Kerns with Missions for Taylorville says the first in a series of public meetings was a success and the topic was insurance.

 

 

Kerns says the next meeting will be a week from today and will be held at the high school cafeteria at 7pm. The purpose of this meeting is to get the public up to speed on Missions for Taylorville.

 

 

Kerns appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

City of Taylorville Seats 3 New Aldermen, Accepts Retirements of 2 Department Heads Monday Night

The seating of 3 new Council members, the retirements of 2 city department heads, and the appointment of a new department head, highlighted last night's hour-and-20-minute meeting of the Taylorville City Council at City Hall.

 

Newly elected aldermen Chris Skultety, Megan Bryant, and Kathy Driskell, along with re-elected alderman Jim Olive, were each sworn in by retired Judge Ron Spears.

 

 

Bryant told Regional Radio News she's hit the ground running even before being seated Monday night.

 

 

 

Skultety told Regional Radio News that city finances will be an issue he'll be watching as a new alderman.

 

 

 

And, Driskell told Regional Radio News that she decided to run for alderman after seeing how the town responded following the December First tornado.

 

 

 

Outgoing Council members Martin Vota and Earl Walters were honored for their many years of service on the Council.  Vota completed 12 years, while Walters ended some 18 years on Monday night.

 

The Council also accepted the retirements of Lake Superintendent Alan Jackson effective April 30th, and Police Chief Brian Hile effect July First. 

 

 

 

Bart Bialas was approved as the new Lake Superintendent, and was sworn in by Judge Spears.

 

Mayor Bruce Barry also announced that long-time Taylorville Cemetery Board member Jim Dennis had resigned.  Dennis served on that board for over 30 years.  A replacement will be named soon.

Taylorville Mayor Announces City Council Committee Appointments

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry announced his committee appointments for the coming fiscal year, at Monday night's City Council meeting.

3 new faces on the City Council, were a part of the committee appointments, which were approved unanimously by the Council.

Mayor Barry appointed newly-elected Council member Kathy Driskell as chair of the Emergency Services Committee, joined by newly elected Council member Megan Bryant, and aldermen Jim Olive and Lee Lanzotti.

The City of Taylorville's City Council Lake and Airport Committee will be comprised of City Council members Ernie Dorchinecz, who will air that committee; along with aldermen Shawn Burtle, Larry Budd, and newly elected alderman Chris Skultety.

The City Council's Finance Committee will again be chaired by alderman Larry Budd, with Council members Lanzotti, Shawn Burtle, and newly elected alderwoman Megan Bryant.

The City Council's  Street and Sewer Committee will be chaired by Olive, with Council members Skultety, Dorchinecz, and Driskell.

The City Council's Personnel Committee will be chaired by Lanzotti, with Council members Driskell, Olive, and Bryant.

The Taylorville City Council's Water Committee will be chaired by Burtle, with Council members Dorchinecz, Larry Budd, and Chris Skultety.

The City Council Ordinance Committee in Taylorville will be chaired by Bryant, with aldermen Budd, Burtle and Lanzotti as members.

And, the City Council's Public Facilities Committee will be chaired by Skultety, with Council members Olive, Driskell, and Dorchinecz on the committee.

Taylorville City Council Members To Provide Mayor Project List

The Taylorville City Council handled a host of issues in their hour-and-20-minute meeting Monday night at City Hall.

 

Mayor Bruce Barry, in his mayoral report, asked all aldermen to provide him a list of areas in each of their wards that need attention so he can compile a city-wide list of projects to be done.

 

 

Among items approved by the Taylorville Council Monday night, were some 136-thousand dollars for milling and asphalt work on East Main Cross from Paw to Paw to Cherokee Street; and some 33-thousand dollars worth of work on curb, sidewalk and pavement for the intersection of Pleasant and Walnut Streets.

 

The Taylorville Council approved payment to Janet DeClerk, owner of Bella Amore on the west side of the square, nearly 12-hundred dollars from the Sam Taylor Fund for work on her building.  

 

They voted to spend nearly 14-thousand dollars to replace the aging air conditioning system for the Council chambers and the Mayor's office. 

 

And, at the end of the meeting, Council members heard concerns about parking on West Poplar Street from Pat Kretzer who purchased a house at 401 West Poplar.  After considerable discussion, Kretzer's concerns were referred to the Council's ordinance committee for a recommendation to be made to the full Council.

Shelbyville Students Of The Month Named For May

The WSVZ and Family Drug -Shelbyville Students of the Month for May 2019 have been named.  They are Senior Emily Atikinson, Junior Brady Goodrich, Sophomore Ali McCarter, and Freshman Will McClain.

Students listed left to right: Senior Emily Atkinson, Junior Brady Goodrich, Sophomore Ali McCarter,  Freshman Will McClain.
 

Shelby County Community Services Helping those in Need

Susan Love now has two months under her belt as the CEO of Clinical Programs for Shelby County Community Services. She says the past couple months have been a whirlwind in terms of trying to pick up where her predecessor left off.

 

 

Love says explains the purpose behind Community Services saying it about helping those in need.

 

 

Love appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Rain Takes Toll on Lake Shelbyville

The rain in Central Illinois has been taking a toll on more than just the farmers in the area.

 

Ashley Florey with the US Army Corps of Engineers says looking at Lake Shelbyville if the rain continues too much longer at its recent pace it could be a problem.

 

 

Florey says the heavy rain really has an effect on vegetation which hurts the fish and the wild life in the area.

 

 

Florey appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Taylorville Spring Music Festival A Success

Taylorville’s Community Spring Music Festival took place Friday, April 26th at 7PM at the Senior High West Gym.  The festival was led by Mr. Chris Gunn, Director of Music for High School Band and Jazz Band; Mrs. Taylor Henley, Taylorville Elementary music; Mr. Keith Chase, Director of High School choirs, elementary music; Mr. Russ Burch, 5th, 7th, and 8th Grade band, elementary Music and Vision Way Band; Mrs. Jean Ninmer, 6th Grade band and elementary music and Mr. Neil Hohenstein, Saint Mary’s School Band and Music.  The festival was a little under 2 hours with medley’s including a Disney Friendship medley, an Earth, Wind, and Fire medley, choral highlights from The Greatest Showman, the Cadet Band, 6th Grade Band and Junior High Band.  Mr. Keith Chase, High School Choir Director said it was a wonderful show and very successful.  

 

 

Chase says that while the school year is winding down, events are ramping up as the School has it’s last concerts.  The next

big event for the High School Choir is the Senior Honors Concert which will take place May 9th.  

 

 

While Keith Chase has been doing the Spring Music Festival for the last 12 years, the Spring Music Festival has been a staple in the community since the 1950’s.  

 

The Taylorville High School Band Performs during the Spring Music Festival.  Picture Courtesy of Katie Kohl

 

The National Anthem is performed at the Taylorville Spring Music Festival.  Picture Courtesy of Katie Kohl

Fundraiser To Help Christian County Animal Shelter

A garage fundraiser will take place to improve the lives of companion animals in Christian County by the Friends Of CCAC and Christian County Animals.  The first annual Friends of CCAC and Christian County Animals garage sale will take place Friday May 17th from Noon til 6PM and than on Saturday May 18th from 8AM till noon.  The garage sale will take place at 120 South Spresser Street in Taylorville.  Items can be donated May 16th from noon until 6pm.  Vice President of Friends of CCAC and Christian County Animals, Sally Brusveen says that they could use some volunteers to help with the garage sale. 

 

 

Brusveen says the profits for the fundraiser will go 100% to the Christian County Animal Shelter.

 

 

Brusveen goes on to say that the fundraiser is just a first step towards building a great non-profit organization helping those animals in need by advocating educating and facilitating help.

 

 

For more information contact Sally Brusveen at sal.53@hotmail.com

Outstanding Citizen, Volunteer, Boss of the Year Awards Presented at Greater Taylorville Chamber Annual Dinner Friday Night

Some 164 people—a new record—attended Friday night's 112th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at the Pillars Event Center.

 

It's a night where the Chamber honored several people for their contribution to the community in the past 12 months.

 

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry was given the Chamber's "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" award.   Barry said he's all about helping people.

 

 

Richard Peters, who heads up the Christian County Triad program for Senior Citizens, was awarded the Chamber's "Volunteer of the Year" award.  Peters thanked Taylorville Police Chief Brian Hile, who announced Peters' award at the Chamber Dinner, as well as the Taylorville Fire Department, for their great cooperation.

 

 

The Taylorville Chamber's "Boss of the Year" award went to Angelo's owner J-I McDowell, who was nominated by his staff.

 

 

The Greater Taylorville Chamber Dinner program was broadcast live on Cruisin' 96-point-5.

Greater Taylorville Chamber Presents Special Awards at Annual Dinner

Some 164 people—a new record—attended Friday night's 112th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at the Pillars Event Center.

 

It's a night where the Chamber honored several people for their contribution to the community in the past 12 months.

 

In keeping with the theme for the night, being The Wizard of Oz and the famous line from that movie, "There's No Place Like Home", Chamber C-E-O Patty Hornbuckle presented several special awards for heroic work during and after the December First tornado.

 

 

A special "Inspiration Award" was given to the residents of Christian County, for their resilence and determination during and after the tornado.  Christian County Board Chairwoman Becky Edwards accepted the award on behalf of county residents.

 

 

Special "Courage Awards" were given by the Taylorville Chamber, to Officer Adams of the Taylorville Police Department, who was one of 4 officers on duty the night of the tornado; and Taylorville Fire Captains Ron Smith, Matthew Adermann, and Cody Rogers, for exhibiting courage in the hours immediately after the tornado.

 

A special "Heart Award" was presented by the Chamber, to Missions for Taylorville and its executive director Ed Legg, for the job that non-profit organization, which is a part of the Taylorville Ministerial Association, is doing to help re-build many of the over 700 structures damaged or destroyed by the tornado.

 

 

And, in keeping with the Wizard of Oz event theme, Chamber C-E-O Patty Hornbuckle presented "Doctor of Thinkology" awards for work during and after the December First tornado, to Christian County Emergency Management Agency director and Taylorville Fire Chief Mike Crews, and Assistant Taylorville Fire Chief Andy Goodall.  

 

 

Both spoke to the crowd about the events that night, and Goodall also played a portion of the 911 tape of calls the Fire Department received, showing how dispatchers and fire crews were cool under intense pressure with multiple injury and fire calls going at the same time.

 

The Greater Taylorville Chamber Dinner program was broadcast live on Cruisin' 96-point-5.

Taylorville Native is Guest Speaker at Greater Taylorville Chamber Annual Awards Dinner

Some 164 people—a new record—attended Friday night's 112th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at the Pillars Event Center.

 

It's a night where the Chamber honored several people for their contribution to the community in the past 12 months.

 

In keeping with the night's theme of the Wizard of Oz, and the famous line from the movie "There's No Place Like Home", Taylorville native Matt Hart, owner of a leadership consulting firm called Lead with Hart" spoke to the Chamber gathering about how loving people is key to being a great leader.

 

 

Hart was a former part-time announcer for WTIM while in high school in 1993 and 94.

 

The Greater Taylorville Chamber Dinner program was broadcast live on Cruisin' 96-point-5.

Stonington Man Faces Child Pornography Charges

A Stonington man made his first appearance in court today on new charges of child pornography. 30 year old Bradley E. Martin of Stonington was in court under the Illinois Department of Correction care. Martin faces 15 counts of child pornography, all while he is currently on parole.  While the charges were read against him by Judge Chris Matoush, there were audible gasps from people attending the court, and a few left the courtroom. Martin acknowledged that he understood all the charges filed against him. The State of Illinois has accused him of violating his parole by having a smart phone; using his neighbor’s wi-fi for internet, and downloading lewd pictures of underage minors both on his smart phone and on cds. The state requested bond set at $250,000, but Judge Matoush set bond at $350,000. Evidence was entered and a protective order was placed to keep the records sealed.  If Martin can place bond, he will need to not have any contact with anyone under 18, no electronic media including internet, and not to leave the state. Martin also faces the original continuance of charges from a case in 2016. Martin’s next court appearance is May 24th for a preliminary hearing.  

 

EDIT:  The original post had Mr. Martin's age as 38.  His correct age is 30.

Chamber Banquet Tonight

Tonight is the night, months of anticipation will finally come to fruition at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Banquet at the Pillars Event Center.

 

CEO of the Chamber Patty Hornbuckle says this is going to be a night to remember and is expecting to see some jaws hit the floor when they come through the door.

 

 

Hornbuckle says there is no better keynote speaker she could think of than one of Taylorville’s own who is also a motivational speaker.

 

 

Hornbuckle appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Christian County HIstorical Society To Offer School Field Trips

The Christian County Historical Society and Museum in Taylorville is offering up field trips for school children. CCHS Director Maureen Bruns is scheduling field trips for teachers who want to show their school children historical sites and depending on what teachers want, the CCHS can be accomodating whether it’s one building or many.  

 

 

The CCHS also does vouchers for private gatherings as well.  For more information, please contact the Christian County Historical Society at 217-824-6922.  

TMH To Partner With YMCA for New Diabetes Prevention Program

Taylorville Memorial Hospital is teaming up with YMCA to offer a new diabetes prevention program.  The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is a one year-25 class program designed to use moral support from life coaches and the community.  Jenny Foster, the YMCA diabetes lifestyle coach, is coaching participants on ways to prevent a diagnosis of diabetes if they already have prediabetes.

 

 

Foster says they need a few more people to sign up as they have five right now and would like to add five more in the next month.  The cost is $429 but if that is a struggle, contact the YMCA as they do have scholarships available.  The eligibility criteria is that you have to have a diagnosis from your doctor of prediabetes. 

 

 

The program has two overall goals: reduce body weight by 7% and increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week.  The diabetes prevention program helps adults at high risk of developing type two diabetes reduce their risk for developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being.  Research by the National Institutes of Health have shown that programs like the YMCA’s DPP can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetics by 58% and 71% in adults over the age of 60.  For more information contact 217-287-7271. 
 

PCW Ready to Help You Get the Spring Bod

During the winter it is tough to get yourself to brave the snow and hit the gym to get a good workout in, also our eating habits decline as well.

 

Program Director with Physicians Choice Wellness Tara Nickerson understands that some weight might be added during the winter and says PCW is here to help.

 

 

Nickerson says now is the time to sign up for the programs at PCW as they are offering a special to wave the enrollment fee.

 

 

Rome was not built in a day and it might take some time to get the weight off once it is on. Nickerson says stay the course it will pay off and the weight will come off and at PCW it might be quicker than expected.

 

 

Nickerson appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Work on Pana Community Hospital Renovations Continue

Work is continuing on Phase II of the Pana Community Hospital Building Project.  Steel beams are now being put in place and will take approximately two weeks for that part to finish.   Workers will also be installing flooring on the new addition.  The new addition will be including many new amenities such as a two story glass atrium, new waiting area that will offer four private registration offices, an urgent care facility called Fastcare, and a new canopy.  Other parts of this remodeling project include renovations on all three floors, continued work on the basement, and particular renovations to the third floor which will include office space for such things as human resources, patient account services, and medical restrooms.  This phase of the project will be scheduled to be complete this fall.  

 

Lincoln Land Theater To Perform "I Am Jeanne"

Swashbuckling adventure is coming to Lincoln Land Community College!  The LLCC theater will be presenting “I am Jeanne” on May 2nd through the 5th at 8PM.  The performances will take place in the lower level of Sangamon Hall South on Lincoln Land’s campus.  Mark Hardimann, professor of theater and director of this production, says that the actors and actresses tell a story of a pirate’s revenge.

 


The performance runs about an hour and due to sword fights and other thematic elements the performance is more for mature audiences.  Tickets must be purchased online—they will not be sold at the door. 

 

 

Their will be eight cast members performing in “I am Jeanne.”  Seating is limited. For more information visit Lincoln Land Community College’s theater website.

Summer Reading Program About to Start at Sullivan Library

Soon school will be out and summer will officially begin. The Sullivan Library is hoping to see you around this summer, as they know that students that read over the summer do better when school is back in session than those students who don’t read over break.

 

Sullivan Librarian Laura Davison says it is time once again to start signing up for the summer reading programs offered through the Sullivan Library.

 

 

Davison says the summer reading program is always beneficial, but she realizes that a lot of kids look forward to the summer reading kickoff party coming up at the end of May.

 

 

Davison appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Jackson Family of Dealership in Sullivan. 

Power Outage Affects Downtown Taylorville

Power is back to downtown Taylorville this afternoon.  As both winter and spring storms have ravaged the state, power lines and transformers have taken a beating.  According to Marcelyn Love, media spokeswoman for Ameren, Taylorville's power in the downtown area was shut off this afternoon due to a broken cross arm that needed to be repaired.  Power was off for about 35 minutes while crews worked to fix and repair some of the issues.  Everyone has service now and are encouraged to call Ameren if there are any outlying problems.

Flood Warnings Issued For The Area

Flash flood watches and warnings continue as the rain lingers on in central Illinois.  The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Logan, Menard, De Witt, Macon and Mason counties beginning this morning and ending this afternoon.  A flash flood watch is in effect for central Illinois including Christian, De Witt, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Menard, Piatt, Shelby, Tazewell, and Woodford. The weather watch remains in effect until 7PM Wednesday evening. Be on your guard and use caution when driving on roadways that have standing water on them.  

 

Rain and thunderstorms are predicted to continue through Thursday with the heaviest rain coming south of I-70. Skies are predicted to clear on Friday and heading into the weekend. For continued coverage, please continue to monitor Regional Radio News.

Taylorville High School Students Of The Month Announced

WTIM 870 AM/96.1, WMKR 94.3, Cruisin' 96.5, Groovy 97.3 and New Country 104.1 and 98.3  alongside People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their Taylorville High School students of the month for March. The program recognizes one outstanding THS student from each of the four classes each month.

 

Taylorville Students of the Month are Senior Carter Walton, Junior Zeb Anthony, Sophomore Averi McCullough, and Freshman Hela Patel.

 

 

L - R:  Peoples Bank and Trust Representative Jessica Bland; Senior Carter Walton; Junior Zeb Anthony; Sophomore Averi McCullough; Freshman Hela Patel; Peoples Bank and Trust Representative Lindsay Lopian

 

Apply for Multiple Social Security Benefits Online

As the calendar officially turns to May it puts a wrap on April which was Social Security Month.
 
Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration Jack Myers says they are really pushing their online features including people able to apply for a multitude of benefits online.
 

 

 
Myers says if you are expecting a new born it is better to get the social security number at the hospital as opposed to doing it at a later time.
 

 

 
Myers appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines

If a storm is severe enough Ameren Illinois needs to be ready to go at a moments notice, for this reason they have their teams prepared days in advance.

 

Marcelyn Love with Ameren Illinois says it all boils down to knowing what is down the road, the last thing they want is to be caught off guard be a potential storm and then be playing catch up from the beginning.

 

 

Often when severe storms roll through power lines can be brought down. Love says if this is the case and you see a downed power line steer clear of it and call Ameren so they can get the situation taken care of.

 

 

Love appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. 

Next Lose-To-Win Challenge Set For May

Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation is hosting their 35th Lose-to-win challenge which will take place from May 8th until August 14th.   The 34th lose-to-win challenge wrapped up the last week of April with Ray Heimsness of Taylorville taking the top prize as he lost nearly twenty-six percent of his body weight. Other winners included Tom Hedden of Edinburg, Robert Yoder of Taylorville, Nicole Heimsness of Taylorville, and John Blakeman of Taylorville.  

 

This summers event will have it’s sign up and weigh in on May 8th from 6AM until 6PM with an informational meeting that evening for newcomers at 6pm.  TMH Dietitian, Janelle Cornell wants to make sure newcomers come to the fourth floor of TMH to weigh in.  

 

 

Contestants may earn prizes up to one-thousand dollars for their team winning and up to one-thousand dollars for individual losses.  Cornell says that while the prizes are great, losing the weight is the biggest prize of them all.

 

 

Individuals can come with a team already or be assigned a team when they sign up.  Cornell wants to make sure that everyone understands they don’t need to show up with a team already.

 

 

The Christian County YMCA will partner with TMH for this next challenge.  Participants of the YMCA don’t have to pay sign-up fees.  If you have participated before the sign-up fee is ten dollars and twenty-five if you haven’t.

 

Top Winners: Ray Heimsness (1), Nicole Heimsness (4), Tom Hedden (2), Kent Aumann (8); Not pictured – Robert Yoder (3), John Blakeman (5), Jon Alford (6), Bob Grundy (7)

Last Edition Top Winners: Ray Heimsness (1), Nicole Heimsness (4), Tom Hedden (2), Kent Aumann (8); Not pictured – Robert Yoder (3), John Blakeman (5), Jon Alford (6), Bob Grundy (7)

 

Last Edition Top Winning Team (BLUE): Ray Heimsness, Nicole Heimsness, Adriana Allen, Stephen Allen

Last Edition Top Winner:  Ray Heimsness

Bohannon on After Effects of Muller Report

With the Muller Report not finding President Trump guilty of any criminal wrong doings it is time to see what happens next. The Democrats have decided the next step is to go after the current Attorney General.

 

Jim Bohannon, host of the Jim Bohannon show airing weeknights on Newstalk WTIM at 9, says while Attorney General William Barr has not been with the Trump administration for long he is on the hot seat now.

 

 

Bohannon says this is big news across our country that shows how desperate the Democrats are becoming to try and get President Trump. Bohannon says he does not see the Democrats letting up anytime soon.

 

 

Bohannon appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

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