The Miller Media Group and the Taylorville Kiwanis Club teamed up to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry by doing the Drive Thru Donations days through the month of July. The goal is to collect non-perishable food and monetary donations to be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry. They were able to raise $415 as well as a good amount of food donations. 
 
Kiwanis members John Gardner and Brad Davis generously donated their time for the last Drive Thru Donation Day in July. Davis shares what you can donate and how far monetary donations go.  

Gardner explains what the Taylorville Kiwanis Club does and how you can join. 

The Saturday Kiwanis Drive Thru Donation Day saw the most monetary donations yet. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for the next scheduled Drive Thru Donation Days.  If you’d like information on how to donate, visit the Taylorville Food Pantry Facebook Page.
 

Carriage Crossing, based in Savoy, took ownership of Life's Journey Memory Care locations in Taylorville (above) and Paris, on July 15th.

Carriage Crossing provides a wide variety of health care services for seniors at locations in Arcola, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, and Rochester, in addition to their new Memory Care locations in Taylorville and Paris.

The firm just completed construction of their Rochester location, opening earlier this summer.

The Morrisonville Picnic is famous for its frog jump. Not only that, it’s a point of pride for the community that spans across generations. Mayor of Morrisonville, Larry Tolliver, says that people always plan their trips to come back to town for this frog jump. That means they’ll get participants from all across the country, this year that includes Florida, Washington, and Kansas.

Mayor Tolliver continued saying that the frog jump, and the Morrisonville Picnic as a whole, is a great way for kids of all ages to represent the community.

Some of the fun is that the frogs are in control. Mayor Tolliver shares that he doesn’t have a strategy, he jumps hopes the luck swings his way. 

Coverage of the Morrisonville Picnic was heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR.

A man accused of killing two people in a crash in April in Taylorville plead not guilty on Thursday in Christian County Court.  46 year old Robert Hodson of Taylorville alongside Attorney John Sharp made his appearance in court and plead not guilty, waived his arraignment, and requested a trial by jury. 

He was involved in a vehicle crash that put a 19 year old from Lafayette, Indiana in the hospital and killed 19 year old Haley Shoot and 20 year old Zaydin Dudra of Taylorville in April as he tried to pass a vehicle on Route 48 and hit their vehicle head on. 

Hodson is being charged with 1 aggravated DUI. It is a class 2 felony and he faces 6-28 years in prison.  He has his final pretrial set for September 21st and his jury trial is set for October 4th at 8:30 AM. 

Fiber internet is coming to Taylorville through Consolidated Communications. The plan is to bring fiber to Taylorville over the next couple months. Keith Schedlbauer, Senior Director of Field & Network Operations for Consolidated Communications explains that fiber offers some major advantages.

Schedlbauer says the work has already started and presale signups are taking place right now.

Schedlbauer says it’s all about investing in the community.

Schedlbauer also says that with fiber it allows for better connections and better connectivity.

For more information and to sign up, click here.

There will be a series of webinars that will be conducted by the University of Illinois Extension Office. The series is called Know More, Grow More and it will be every Thursday at 2 PM from August 12th through September 2nd. Andrew Holsinger with the U of I extension office says that the series is very informational and covers a wide variety of topics. 

One of the classes that will be taught is Cover Crops—Building Your Soil along with a class called “Add a Soil Test to your Bucket List”.

Holsinger says that you need to register for the class, but you can do so at go.illinois.edu/Know2Grow. 

Holsinger explained what cover crops are for the Cover Crops class that will be taking place on August 26th. 

Andrew Holsinger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The results are in for the 4-H poultry show that took place at the Expo Building at the Christian County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 17th. Elayna Harker won Jr. Showmanship along with Champion 3 Pullets. After the General show that took place on Monday, July 19th, the Cat and Dog Shows took place at the Fairgrounds. Claire Hunt took part in the cat show and won Champion in the Kittens 3-9 month category and Abigail Erlenbush won the Dog Sr. Showmanship Award, along with Champion in the Dog Care and Dog Obedience Categories. 

On Wednesday July 21st, the 4-H Livestock shows took place and for the swine category, Cydney Bertolino won the Grand Champion Gilt with her Crossbred and Elizabeth Schafer took Reserve Grand Champion Gilt with her Yorkshire. Carsyn Bertolino won Grand Champion Barrow and Cooper Bertolino won Reserve Grand Champion Barrow.  

Under sheep, Charlee Ryan won Grand Champion Ram with a Southdown, and Abigail Wamsley won Reserve Grand Champion Ram with a Border Leicester. Olive Ryan won Grand Champion Ewe and Kade Beckmier won Reserve Grand Champion Ewe. 

Under Goat, Brody Buzzard won Grand Champion Meat Doe and Reserve Grand Champion Meat Doe. Levi Paulek won Grand Champion Meat Buck and Cole Paulek won Grand Champion Wether. 
 

Under Beef, Elizabeth Schafer won Grand Champion Hefer and Waylon Paulek won Reserve Grand Champion Hefer. Waylon Paulek also won Grand Champion Steer while Cole Paulek won reserve Grand Champion Steer.

For a full list of winners, see the complete list of results over on our results page here on Taylorvilledailynews.

Front row: From L-R Molly ZXucco, Caroline Hedden, Rayla Brown, Charlee Ryan, Reagan Funderburk, Payton May, Abigail Wamsley, Elayna Harker, Abigail Erlenbush, Elayna Bailey, Caitlin Lauwerens, Back Row L-R, Calum Shanks, Kyle Jackle-Hugh, Riley Brown, Kelsie Hunt, Claire Hunt, Macy Richards, Deacon Shanks, Benjamin Wamsley, Jared Lauwerens, Jordan Lauwerens

The Christian County Health Department has confirmed that there have been two separate deaths in Christian County that have been COVID-19 related. Marcie May of the Christian County Health Department has confirmed with Regional Radio News that there have been two adult males who have died from COVID-19. The two men are completely unrelated and the incidents have happened in geographically separate parts of the county. 

The two deaths have happened in the last week. So far 97 Christian County residents have died of COVID-19. As of Wednesday, there were four new COVID-19 positive results. 31 are currently isolated and there are seven cases in the hospital. So far 22,403 residents have been vaccinated and the county positivity rate is sitting at 6.2%. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for all of the latest COVID-19 information.

A student from Central A&M High School has died. Superintendent Dr. DeAnn Heck sent out a mass message to the School District Thursday morning saying that “With heavy hearts (that) we inform our families of the loss of one of our own Central A&M High School students today. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire district, especially our students.”

There will be a crisis intervention team that will be at the school today and Friday from 8 AM until 2 PM for people to congregate and seek counseling. The school district is also encouraging parents to use those resources as well as students. The school is not releasing any other information out of respect for the family. Dr. Heck asked for prayers for the school district in the coming days.

The State of Illinois has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update guidance regarding COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools for all public and nonpublic schools in Illinois.

The CDC guidance is meant to help K-12 school administrators along with local health officials select prevention strategies to keep students in person all while handling COVID-19 and any Delta variant transmissions of the virus. The IDPH is asking all school districts that decide not to follow the CDC guidance to consult with their insurers to check for risk assumption and liability coverage. 

Some changes to guidance for the 2021-2022 school year will be promotion of the vaccine as a leading strategy to end the pandemic, alignment of masking recommendations for schools with CDC guidance for those who are fully vaccinated, emphasis on the importance of first person learning,  revised definition of close contacts for quarantine procedure, and a new test-to-stay alternative to quarantine.

For more information on CDC guidance visit dph.illinois.gov/covid19/schoolFAQs .
 

Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, Secretary of State Jesse White has reinstated mask wearing starting Monday, August 2nd at all Driver Services Facilities for all customers and employees. This will be required at all Driver Services Facilities, Secretary of State offices, and the Illinois State Capitol. 

White says that his facilities will remain open to serve the public, but that the mask policy will help keep customers safe and allow the facilities to stay open at the same time. There are extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards until January 1st, 2022. Expired documents will remain valid until that day. 

White urges customers to consider going online for their DMV needs when possible. Find out more information about what you can do on the website by visiting www.cyberdriveillinois.com.  You can purchase license plate stickers, obtain a duplicate driver’s license, and renew a driver’s license and ID card including the new REAL ID’s for those who are eligible. The US Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May of 2023. 

Sparks in the Park in Rochester starts today. Co-Chair on the Sparks In The Park committee, Stacia Munroe says that she is excited for the fireworks display that will be taking place. It is set to be a 25 minute show and will be on Saturday, July 31st.

Munroe says they have everything planned out including parking.

Munroe says there will also be an adbook available.

Munroe also encouraged people to come out and hear the announcement for the Citizen of the Year.

Munroe appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

You are never too old to start preparing for retirement and Jack Myers with the Social Security Administration says that one way to start working towards your retirement is to check out the retirement portal on www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement.  Myers says it’s a great place to get started.

Myers says that many people wish they would have started earlier saving for retirement because you don’t really think about it at a young age. 

Myers says it can be a difficult balance between saving for retirement and budgeting for regular expenses.

Myers says that you can create your own account and be able to see estimates for all benefits you can receive and early earnings.

Myers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County Fair has come and gone, and for organizers, they feel it went pretty well. 4H and University of Illinois Extension Coordinator Sara Marten says that overall things went well especially since they didn’t really have an in person event last year.

Marten says while they were originally concerned about attendance, she said people showed up in great numbers and it was good.

Marten says it was a pleasure seeing all the kids being excited to be back in person.

The Christian County Fair was held from July 20-24th.

The emphasis continues to be on community outreach for Taylorville Memorial Hospital as they work to help with health in the local area. Kim Bourne, President and CEO of TMH says that is what they and the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation are aiming to do with their Community Health Grant Program.

Non-Profits, education, or government organizations with health activities are eligible for the program. The best part is, Bourne says there is no specific time table, so this can be filled out by local organizations at any time.

Bourne says they know being a member of the community is the best way to improve it. That is why they are making a concerted effort to do their part. 

For more information on the program, Bourne says to contact Raedena Ryan, the Director of the TMH Foundation.

Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Shelby County Fair has come and gone but for Coordinator Yolanda Nation, it couldn’t have gone any better. She says that with all the exhibits, displays, and vendors, you wouldn’t have known it was virtual last year. 

Nation says that the kids were very vocal about being happy to be doing it in person again this year.

Nation says it seemed that people were much more helpful and worked together way more this year.

The Shelby County Fair was held from July 18th-22nd. 

4-H’ers from all over Shelby County and surrounding area brought their animals, exhibits, and projects to Shelbyville to be judged earlier this month in the Shelby County 4-H and Junior Fair. 

Cruisin’ 98-point-3 WSVZ was there to interview many of the county’s 4-H’ers each afternoon during the Fair including Brent Thompson who brought his pigs to the 4-H Fairgrounds. Thompson told WSVZ listeners during our live coverage what goes into working produce.

Shelby County 4-H members Kendall Bennett brought their rabbits and pigs. Kendall talked about rabbits and taking care of them.

Blue Ribbon winners will take their winning entries to the Illinois State Fair to be judged next month.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the husband-and-wife owners of a growing Taylorville business, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

Lee and Dyanne Skinner opened Dear Yesteryear in Taylorville in 2014, after Dyanne began a candle label business in her home.  The Skinners’ talked about their growing pains since 2014, expanding to an adjoining building at their North Springfield Road location, then buying 2 buildings on the Taylorville square.

The Skinners’ told Kiwanis members that their unique styles of furniture at their main location, are why customers from near and far have come to Taylorville to shop.  They also sold many of their goods during the pandamic doing Facebook Live shows to keep their sales up.

The Skinners’ talked about their purchase of the former Dance Factory and Betty Rose Furniture buildings on the Taylorville square, saying that the former Dance Factory building is now a kids’ store called “Wonder and Rhyme.”   Dyanne said this store grew out of one of their stores at their main location.

The former Betty Rose Furniture building is undergoing an extensive remodel before they begin using it.  Lee told club members that while he and his workers have done a lot of the renovation, he’s had to bring the expertise of other contractors to assist in getting the front of the building repaired.  They hope to be in that building this fall.

The public is reminded that the Kiwanis Club is holding its last July Drive-Thru Donation Day this Saturday from 9am to 1pm, in the Miller Media Group front parking lot at 918 East Park.  Non-perishable food and monetary donations received will be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.     

Things may have been looking up in regards to the COVID pandemic, but the new Delta variant is throwing a wrench into things. It’s normal for viruses to mutate in order to survive, and this particular mutation, according to President and CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital Kim Bourne, is much more infectious. That makes it that much more dangerous.

When it comes to vaccines and the new mutation, Bourne says they are still extremely effective.

Bourne reminds people that getting a vaccine doesn’t mean you won’t get COVID, or the new variant, but it does significantly lower the risk of having a severe case.

Places as close as St. Louis are bringing back their mask mandate. That is bringing more eyes back to the statistics, which Bourne says are on the rise in Christian County.

Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County Health Department has noticed a slight uptick in the positivity rate in Christian County, but at this point are not looking to cancel any functions, tighten restrictions for schools, or make a mask mandate necessary again.

Marcie May, with the CCHD, spoke to Regional Radio News and said that the positivity rate has gone up, but not in senior citizens, as they are the most vaccinated group in the county. She said the positivity rate has increased in the younger population more. No events have been canceled by the health department, they are asking you to take precautions. Wear a mask if you aren’t vaccinated or if you feel unsafe, and practice social distancing as best you can when in larger groups. 

As of Monday, there were 18 new cases of COVID-19 with 6 currently in the hospital. There have been nearly 23,000 vaccines administered and the positivity rate for Christian County is sitting at 6.2%. The health department would like it to be at under 5%. 

The events continue as summer rolls on with Sparks in the Park in Rochester. Starting this Thursday, July 29th, the schedule is jam packed with things to do. Co-Chair on the Sparks In The Park committee, Stacia Munroe, shares that on Thursday there are pageants and the first of several sessions that the carnival will be running.

Along with a live performance, the second round of the carnival is on Friday. Munroe explains people who want to attend will want to buy a wristband to get the most out of their experience. 

That leads up to the weekend when a lot more fun will be taking place. From parades to fireworks, and so much more, Munroe says there will be plenty to do. 

Munroe appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Park Board met on Monday evening to discuss business, review reports, and go over correspondence. The board talked at great length about a proposed skateboard park. Some residents that lived by Janes Park came and spoke at the board meeting raising some valid concerns over the park. Kathy Drea spoke about it saying that she was worried about noise, security, and possibly other issues.

The board informed Ms. Drea that they had no plans to put the skateboard park in Janes Park. The general consensus was downtown, possibly by the old library. There is still a long way to go in a skateboard park as the park board, along with the Skateboard Park Committee continue to work together along with the city of Taylorville to find a safe place to skate. 

Recreational Director Bailey Hancock says that this pool season has been a great success.

Hancock says the pool will be shutting down on August 14th right before school goes back to session but does have something special planned on August 15th.

Hancock says that she is excited for a new event called “Paws in the Pool.”

For more on this event and to register, contact the Taylorville Park Office. 

A merger announced in April, will happen between 2 ag companies in Christian County on August First.

The shareholders of Morrisonville Farmers Cooperative Company have approved the merger with Christian County Farm Supply Company, effective August First.

The new company name starting this Sunday will be Central Commodity FS, with Mark Bauman as CEO and Taylor Kusterman as Grain Division Manager.

Christian County Farm Supply operates eleven agronomy and fuel locations as well as one grain elevator in Christian County, IL.Morrisonville Farmers Cooperative operates 2 grain elevators located in Morrisonville and Harvel.

The combined companies will have over 9 million bushels of grain storage space and access to numerous processor and export markets.

Officials with the 2 companies say it will strengthen the new cooperative’s profitability and provide new marketing services for Christian County farmers.

The Christian County Farmer’s Supply Company again sponsored the annual “Tot-Rod” Pedal Pull on Saturday at the Christian County Ag Fair.

Over 50 children ages 3 thru 12 came out to pedal their way to the finish line.  Winners in each age group included:

Ages 3 & 4: 
1st place - Drew McMillan 
2nd place - Lettie Mulvaney
3rd place - Maci Salisbury

Ages 5 & 6: 
1st place - Ridgley Downs
2nd place - Coltyn Conrady 
3rd place - Lucas Salisbury

Ages 7 & 8:
1st place - Brantley Conrady 
2nd place - Maybel Repscher 
3rd place - Clint May

Ages 9 & 10:
1st place - Ryder Conrady 
2nd place - Griffin Gregory
3rd place - Harper Vincent

Ages 11 & 12:
1st place - Cody Ganther 
2nd place - Jackson May
3rd place - Caedmon Jeffrey

Christian County Farmer’s Supply Company thanks all the youngsters that participated in last Saturday’s “Tot-Rod” Pedal Pull at the Christian County Ag Fair.

Christian County F-S along with CoBank and Growmark again donated some 20-thousand dollars to local youth ag organizations, with checks presented at last week’s Christian County Ag Fair Ag Appreciation Dinner.

Organizations receiving monies included the Taylorville FFA, Morrisonville FFA, Pana FFA, Central A&M FFA, Christian County 4-H, Christian County Ag in the Classroom, Christian County Farm Bureau Foundation, and The Meridian Ag Program. 

Over the last 5 years donations to youth agriculture in Christian County will exceed some 85-thousand dollars according to Christian County F-S, with the funds used to promote youth ag organizations, provide college scholarships, help youth participate in programs.  

Some of the funds have even helped purchase an FFA jacket or two. 

Christian County F-S is proud of the efforts that advisors and students are demonstrating to make agriculture strong in Christian County.

July is National Ice Cream Month, and that means Jill Williams with the St. Louis District Dairy Council is out spreading the word about the delicious treat. Ice cream accounts for a hefty portion of what dairy farmers do, and July was designated as the celebratory month for the dessert by former President Ronald Reagan.

It takes a lot of milk to make one gallon of ice cream. Williams shares that process of how ice cream is made. 

Ice cream doesn’t have the most nutritious reputation, but Williams says it’s a great treat. She just encourages paying attention to the serving size.  

Williams reminds people that ice cream does still have dairy in it.

Williams appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital has finished its second and final phase of a three-year hospital modernization project. Kim Bourne, CEO, and President of Taylorville Memorial Hospital says that the remodeling project is a huge investment in the community. The project has been worked on for the last 3 years and the first phase finished in March of 2020, with the new phase just finishing up.

Bourne says that the support from the community, staff, and patients has been amazing and she says the hospital is grateful.

Two elements of the original hospital were restored and reinstalled in the new space, a Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue and stained-glass windows originally used in the chapel. Bourne says they want to pay respect to the original hospital that was built.

Kim Bourne says that she hopes the hospital will be a patient's first choice in healthcare for years to come.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital was previously known as St. Vincent Memorial Hospital and affiliated with Memorial Health System in 1995. 

For those in need of work, now is the time to go for it. There are plenty of jobs available across many different industries. General Manager at McLane Food Services, Lou Johnson, says they are among those businesses looking for workers. They are making a huge change to run their warehouse during the day in hopes of getting that help, which they believe is a game changer.

Johnson can’t say enough positive things about his current team, and he hopes to bring in some help to make their lives easier.

The work done at McLane and the attitude it is done with is a huge point of pride for Johnson who has worked his way up from the warehouse.

With the pandemic being in its current state, things are looking great for McLane Food Service.

Johnson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Park Board will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Manners Park Dining Hall to discuss business, review ordinances, and go over reports. The board will hear from Kathy Drea on some concerns about the proposed skateboard park, the board will also receive an update from the skate board park committee, followed by a review of a tax ordinance.

Under committee reports, the board will hear from maintenance superintendent Gary Brown, Office Administrator Lisa Morillo, and Recreational Director Bailey Hancock. The board will review a report from the finance committee, pay bills, and go into executive session. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story at the conclusion of the meeting.

4-H’ers from all over Shelby County and the surrounding area brought their animals, exhibits, and projects to Shelbyville to be judged earlier this month in the Shelby County 4-H and Junior Fair. 

Cruisin’ 98-point-3 WSVZ was there to interview many of the county’s 4-H’ers each afternoon during the Fair including Alayna Thompson that brought her pigs to the 4-H Fairgrounds. Thompson told WSVZ listeners during our live coverage that she loves 4H.

Shelby County 4-H member Maggie Kelly brought her cows and she says it takes a lot to get them ready.

Blue Ribbon winners will take their winning entries to the Illinois State Fair to be judged next month.

The Miller Media Group and the Taylorville Kiwanis Club teamed up to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry by doing the Drive Thru Donations days through the month of July. The goal is to collect non-perishable food and monetary donations to be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry. They were able to raise $165 as well as a fantastic amount of food donations. 
 
Kiwanis member Joe Houser generously donated his time for the Drive Thru Donation Day in July. Houser shares what you can donate and how far monetary donations go.  

The Saturday Kiwanis Drive Thru Donation Day saw it’s best day yet with an amazing amount of donations, both in terms of food and money. The Donation Days conclude next Saturday, the 31st, from 9 until 1 pm. If you’d like information on how to donate, visit the Taylorville Food Pantry Facebook Page.
 

The entry form to become a vendor at the 36th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, is now available on-line.

By going to chillifest-dot-info, that's chillifest with 2 L's, you'll find the downloadable entry form for vendors.  The form includes information on set-up, fees, the registration form, and electricity fees. 

Space is first-come, first-serve.  Deadline for vendor entries is September 24th.

This year's Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest takes place on the square October 2nd and 3rd.  Further information on the event, and the final schedule, will also be available on-line at chillifest.info.

Illinois State Police are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred at 8:08 PM on Thursday, July 22nd on Illinois Route 4 at Planter Road in Southern Sangamon County. A 17-year-old male juvenile from Chatham along with a 16-year-old female juvenile was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 4 in a 2008 Chevrolet Truck. 

The driver of the truck attempted to pass vehicles in front of him. As he pulled into the southbound lane, he struck 57-year-old Brian McCoy of Virden head-on. McCoy’s passenger, 50-year-old Michael A. Devries was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Sangamon County Coroner. All remaining individuals involved with the incident were taken to area hospitals with serious injuries. All lanes were reopened at 1:15 AM on Friday morning.  The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce held their “VIBE”, or “Very Important Business Event”, formerly known as “Business After Hours”, at the Thursday ribbon cutting and Open House at the new location of the Christian County Development Corporation at 512 West Spresser.

C-E-O Meggann Bell told Regional Radio News during the event the new location allowed C-C-D-C to house all their staff in one building.

Bell said moving thru COVID made the move a bit easier.

Bell said their new location is open for a variety of services.

Bell added that Christian County Development Corporation still have some homes built with tax credits that have now expired, for sale.

Christian County Development Corporation employs eleven staff members.  For more information, go on-line to C-C-D-C-housing-dot-org.

For Jonathan Len, singing has been something that he has always wanted to do.  Len got his start in Paducah Kentucky and built a style on 1950’s R&B and classic country music. Len said he watched Back to the Future and when he heard Johnny B. Goode, he knew that’s what he wanted to do. 

Len attended college at John A. Logan Junior College in Carterville and joined a band called Blend who kept performing even after college, and saw moderate success in Nashville and got to sing with country singer Ronnie McDowell. Blend would dissolve though due to family commitments and other obligations. 

After Blend broke up, Len kept at it releasing a number of singles, a self titled album, and several hundreds of shows. After the pandemic hit, Len started performing on Facebook Live and giving fans solo concerts on the weekends. Len’s most recent project is a single and video for “A Woman Like That.” The song was released in late 2020 and was filmed on Corpus Christi Texas’ North Beach. To see that music video click here.

Len is set to perform at the Illinois State Championship Chilli Cookoff on Saturday at the Christian County Fair and at Assumption Fest on August 21st. 

There has been some great weather for the Christian County Fair and the 4H livestock show saw all kinds of great weather and all kinds of great animals including sheep, pigs, goats, and of course cattle. Peyton May talked about the 3 cows that she has.

Nora Curtin says she’s excited about the fair and says that she learns all kinds of new things in 4H. 

Lane Bliler says that she enjoys the many friends that she gets to hang out with.

Peyton May, Nora Cutin, and Lane Bliler all appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show live from the Christian County Fair.

There were plenty of different animals at the 4H Livestock show that took place at the Christian County Fair on Wednesday. Levi Pollock had 6 goats at the livestock show. He is in his second year and says that he enjoys spending time with all of the livestock. 

Pollock says he is very happy for the support from his family.

Pollock continued saying he was very happy about 4H because it gave him a chance to see people from around the world.

Pollock says it feels awesome to get first-place prizes and enjoys doing the events. Levi Pollock appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from the Christian County Fair.

Nearly 200 people attended Thursday’s annual Ag Appreciation Dinner during the noon hour at the Christian County Ag Fair.  The event is arranged by the Christian County Ag Group, and sponsored by many local ag businesses in Christian County.

Several scholarships and grants were awarded at the event.  The Christian County Ag Group presented its annual scholarship to Connor Grant (right).  Mellisa McMillan representing the Ag Group made the presentation.

The Christian County Farm Bureau Federation presented 5 scholarships to students entering agriculture majors in college.  Receiving scholarships were, from the left:  Eric Schafer, Tanner Mickey, Connor Grant, Bekka Fesser, and Isabelle Norris.

The Christian County Farmer’s Supply Company also presented scholarships and grants to several students and organizations.

Guest speaker for the event was Mark Gebhards, Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities for the Illinois Farm Bureau.  He shared remarks on current legislation being proposed in both Washington and Springfield.

Gebhards told the gathering that in a recent trip to D-C, it was nothing like what he encountered a year and a half before.

Gebhards told the Christian County Ag Group Ag Appreciation Dinner Thursday that federal issues on his radar include proposed legislation on infrastructure, Waters of the U-S rulings, an a recent Executive Order on the Right to Repair allowing farmers to repair their own equipment, livestock markets, the 2013 Farm Bill, the renewable fuels industry, and trade.

State issues on Gebhard’s plate include keeping the sales tax exemption on farm equipment, and the Renewable Energy Bill which he says would allow private utility companies eminent domain to take property to build.

Country Girl Catering served a pork chop dinner following Gebhard’s remarks and recognition of Christian County Ag Fair Royalty and invited guests.

With the Christian County Fair in full swing, there are many different presentations. On Wednesday was the livestock shows, where sheep, cattle, pigs, and goats were presented. Cade Beckmeyer talked about what he was presenting for the show and just what goes into taking care of sheep.

Beckmeyer says that Judges have different preferences for what they are looking for and it varies between males and females.

Beckmeyer talked a little bit about the differences between Sheep and Goats and what goes into taking care of them for the shows.

Cade Beckmeyer appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from the Christian County Fair.

There are many different elements when it comes to 4H, but the newest one is something that is fairly tech savvy. Electronic sports or Esports is the biggest craze in 2021 and it’s made its way to 4H. Ben Wamsley is part of the inaugural group of 4Hers playing sports. 

Wamsley says while there isn’t any tournaments going on at the fair, there will be some tournaments leading up to a state championship.

One of the games that Wamsley plays is a game called Rocket League.

Ben Wamsley appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from the Christian County Fair.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp praised Undersheriff Howard Buffett after Buffett received a life-saving award for his conduct after Buffett saved a young woman’s life on a humanitarian mission to the US/Mexican border. Buffett encountered a 27 year old woman who was found unresponsive due to the extreme heat due to the desert location. 

The woman had traveled over 2,000 miles from her home in Chiapas Mexico with her younger brother. She collapsed ten miles north of the border along the foothills of the Tinas Atlas Mountains after suffering from heat stroke and dehydration. 

The woman was unconscious and in distress.  Life-saving measures were administered and she was airlifted by the Border Patrol Search and Trauma and Rescue Team. Sheriff Kettelkamp thanked Buffett saying, “Good public safety never takes a rest, and I am proud of all the men and women of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office who, like Mr. Buffett, no matter the place or the time, are ready to be there to help others.”
 

After Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi rejected two recommendations for the committee assigned to investigate the January 6th Capitol Riots, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy pulled all of his Republican Candidates, including US Representative Rodney Davis. 

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi rejected Representative Jim Banks of Indiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio. Speaker Pelosi says that she rejected them because they might impact the integrity of the investigation. Speaker Pelosi also says that she was fine with Representatives Rodney Davis, Kelly Armstrong, and Troy Nehls. Minority Leader McCarthy shot back at the rejections saying it was the people’s house not Pelosi’s house. 

McCarthy says he will continue with his own investigation. The investigation was supposed to start next Tuesday. Rodney Davis tweeted early on Wednesday saying, “it's disappointing that Speaker Pelosi is playing politics with an important issue like investigating the events surrounding 1/6. There were security failures that happened under her leadership, and it's vitally important we find answers so we can make sure it won't happen again.”

Speaker Pelosi has said that she will continue with the committee on Tuesday with or without the Republicans. So far Republican Liz Cheney is still on the Committee but she was picked by Speaker Pelosi. The group is set to hear testimony from the Law Enforcement Officers who were working at the Capitol. 
 

For pig farmers going to fairs are a part of life and something that you do every summer. Many people swing by the County Fairs to see all of the beautiful animals that are there and to ooh and ahh over the different kinds. For Emma Pistorious, it’s just another day. Pistorious spends her day making sure her pigs are taken care of and for her, it’s their personalities and attitudes that she loves the most. At the fair, Pistorious has to get them ready to go and get them in their new homes.

There are different things that the Judges are looking for with pigs whether it’s a boy or a girl.

Pistorious thanked her family for all their support and the hard work that goes into taking care of the pigs, even when it comes to maybe chasing a stray pig.

Pistorious says they go to all kinds of fairs every week.

Emma Pistorious appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from the Christian County Fair.

As summer heat continues into August, pools are a favorite destination for everyone. With pools and water though, safety is paramount, as things can change in a hurry. Taking the proper steps to keep pools secured and restrict access can make all the difference in preventing injuries and keep drownings from happening.

According to the American Red Cross, 69% of young children who are found drowned or submerged in swimming pools were not expected to be in or around the pool.  There are generally around 379 fatal child drownings that occurred per year between 2015 and 2017. Children younger than 5 accounted for 75% of those drownings with 56% of those happening when adults weren’t around. Of the reported fatal drowning incidents, 71% occurred in residential locations, such as a child’s home, a family or friend’s house, or a neighbor’s residence. 

There are many safety tips for keeping children safe in and around water. Official State Fire Marshall JC Fultz says it all starts with keeping your pool locked up as best you can.

Other great safety tips include ensuring pools or spas have drain covers, teach your children to stay away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings, and empty or flip over inflatable pools when you are finished with them for the day. Find out more information at www.poolsafety.gov. 

US Representative Rodney Davis announced that he has been added to a commission to investigate what happened on January 6th. Representative Davis says that while the commission may be slightly partisan with more Democrats than Republicans, he wants those who were involved with the riots to know they broke the law.

Representative Davis continued by stressing that not only should people who broke into the capital be held accountable but in riots that took place in Portland, Chicago, and many other places during the protests that occurred over the summer.

Representative Davis says it’s all about accountability for both the people breaking into the Capitol and to the people who allowed it to happen.

At the end of the day, Representative Davis believes that this goes much deeper than January 6th. Representative Davis also says that he was hoping the commission wouldn’t be made up of Legislators.

Representative Davis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Race fans have marked tonight on their calendar as a night of racing at the grandstand is featured at the 2021 Christian County Agricultural Fair.  Three divisions of racing return under the auspices of Track Enterprises of Macon.

The most recent event in Taylorville took place in 2019 as the 2020 edition was canceled due to the pandemic. In the 2020 edition, Ethan Schnapp took the Sportsman win, while Andy Zahnd was the Big Ten Street Stock victor. Joe Reed took the Hornet checkered flag.

Tonight's Christian County Fair Triple Header will again feature Sportsman, Street Stocks, and Hornets.  While all races will be UMP sanctioned, the Street Stock event is also part of the Big Ten Series.  

Pits open at 4:00 this afternoon, grandstands at 5:00, competitor pill draw ends when the drivers meeting begins at 6:00, hotlaps at 6:20, with racing action taking the green flag at 7:00.

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening to discuss old and new business and review policies and ordinances. Board Member Craig Corzine sat on as Chairman and announced that Matt Wells was out for a medical reason but was OK. Corzine ran the meeting. 

There was a new state statute that authorized pay raises to both the State’s Attorney and Public Defender. That motion was approved. The raise was a 2½% increase for the State’s Attorney which would increase the salary to $183,434. The public defender has to be within 9% of the State’s Attorney raising their salary to $165,090. The motion passed without any issues. 

The board also announced there would be some bids for removal and landscape for the Court House lawn. The board also discussed residency requirements for the Health Department.  Craig Corzine gave an update.

The board also approved appointments for Dr. Trost, Dr. Rick Del Valle, Lindsey Fox, Kathy Fergin, and Dr. Stacey Funderburke for 2 year terms. The board is next set to meet for their regular board meeting on Tuesday, August 17th. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the process of making pottery, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

Michelle Coakes owns and operates Bad Wolf Pottery from her home a mile and a half off of Illinois Route 29 near Sharpsburg.  After earning a master’s degree in ceramics and multiple graduate degrees in art, she’s taught art at several colleges and universities.  Coakes retired from Lincoln Land Community College and while there, decided to settle in Taylorville, building a new home that included a ceramic shop.

She explained to Kiwanis members, the process of turning mud into a beautiful ceramic piece.  She has 2 electric kilns and built her own outside wood kiln that heats her creations to some 24-hundred 50-degrees to bake.  

Coakes taught classes and workshops at her location until COVID when she had to stop.  Since COVID, she’s made money by posting her creations to sell on social media.  She’s sold a number of ceramic coffee mugs, bowls, and vases that she created herself.

The public is reminded that the Kiwanis Club is holding its Drive-Thru Donation Days on Saturdays thru the rest of July from 9am to 1pm, in the Miller Media Group front parking lot at 918 East Park.  Non-perishable food and monetary donations received will be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club holds weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.  

HSHS is encouraging people to use common sense around lawn mowers and to practice safety around and lawncare equipment. There are many different types of injuries that can be sustained while mowing the lawn.  Some injuries can be cuts, burns, missile injuries, fractures, and amputations. 

Some cuts can harbor unsafe bacteria and cause infections Burns can come from the engine, gas tank or even exhaust. Loose objects under the mower can be kicked out or thrown from the spinning blade. Fractures and amputations can come from rotating blades.

If you suffer a lawn mower injury it’s important to get care right away. Even something small can turn bad. There are plenty of safety and prevention tips for you when it comes to staying safe around lawn equipment. Read your owner manual prior to use, keep your mower in good working condition with sharp blades, and pick up potential flying objects such as stones, toys, and debris. Do not drink alcohol while using your lawn mower. Do not remove safety devices or guards, never insert hands or feet into the mower, never lift a mower by the bottom as the blades can cut even if the mower isn’t on. 

For more great tips visit www.assh.org/handcare/safety/lawn-mower. 

With a new Speaker of the House for the Illinois General Assembly, Representative Brad Halbrook talked a little about the mood in the General Assembly and how things have been under new Speaker of the House Chris Welch saying that while the general thought was things were going to stay the same there has been a little bit of change. 

Representative Halbrook says that one big focus that Legislators have been discussing is energy. 

Natural gas is expected to be eliminated by 2045 and Representative Halbrook says that’s a problem.

Representative Halbrook says that coal and nuclear energy are the lowest cost to prevent brownouts and other problems.

Representative Halbrook appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Summer vacations are here and they can be so relaxing. What isn’t relaxing, however, is the feeling of coming home to a house that’s been burglarized. The risk of that happening increases when homeowners are away. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp is thankful that isn’t a huge problem in this area, but he still urges residents to take precautions like doing everything possible to seem like you’re home, even when on vacation.

Sheriff Kettelkamp says there are some incidents happening in Edinburg.

If you believe someone has broken into your home, Sheriff Kettelkamp says it’s best to leave the residence and contact the authorities. He warns against confronting the intruder.

When it comes to firearms, Sheriff Kettlkamp says to only use one in a life or death, self-defense, situation. He also stresses the importance of being trained to use the weapon.

Sheriff Kettelkamp appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County Board will meet this evening to discuss business, ordinances, and committee reports. The meeting will take place at 6:30 PM at the Christian County Courthouse. The board will be reviewing some delinquent tax properties, taking a look at 2 year terms for the health department, and taking a look at some appointments.

Under new business & old business, the board will take a look at a salary increase for both the public defender and the State’s Attorney. There will be a look at the contract for a construction inspection on County Highway 12. There will be a look at a residency requirement for the health department. There will be a look at some bids for the removal of 1 tree, 1 stump, and trimming of 8 trees on the courthouse lawn. 

The meeting will also have an ARPA Fund and First Interim Report. There will also be an update on the Mid Illinois Regional Planning.  The next meeting will be held in August. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this meeting after the conclusion. 
 

The Christian County Fair is in full swing. Abby Erlenbush sat down with Regional Radio News to talk a little bit about some of the projects that she has going on. One of the many projects that she will be presenting is a sewing/clothes project that she’s working on.

Erlenbush is also doing some cooking projects including dinner rolls from scratch and cake decorating and veterinary sciences.

Erlenbush talked about one of the big things that she studied including a disease that affects horses called Strangles. Strangles is highly contagious and Erlenbush says that horses can die from it.

Erlenbush says that she loves working with animals and is also going to be involved with the petting zoo at the Fair and is hoping to grow up and become a veterinarian.

Abby Erlenbush appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from the Christian County Fair. 
 

It takes all kinds of people to run a county fair. The participants to build the projects and compete, the parents who help kids and make sure they guide them the right way, and the judges who have the tough job of picking out the winners. For Erin Kistner, this is her first time on the other side of the table as she judges for the first time this year, a task she is excited for.

Kistner says that excitement plays a big part in the projects that she believes will do well.

Kistner says she has been heavily involved in 4H often bringing many different projects in.

Kistner says it will be different being on the other side of the table and talked about some of her goals in the future.

Erin Kistner appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from the Christian County Fair.

It was a quick 30-minute meeting of the Taylorville City Council Monday night.

A lot of regular business was transacted and bills were paid, but motions to approve an increase in salary for Street and Sewer Superintendent Mike Mann to 121-percent of Working Foreman, and a motion to increase the salary of the city's Health and Building Officer Andy Goodall to 115-percent of Working Foreman to include compensation for being Airport Manager, were contentious.

Alderman Steve Dorchinez, citing city code which says all salaries must be approved by the City Council's Personnel Committee, asked that the pay raise motion for Mann be tabled.  That motion failed 4 to 3, then aldermen passed the motion to allow the pay raise 4 to 3.  Aldermen Megan Bryant, Steve Dorchinez, and Jim Olive, voted against the pay raise.

A motion was then made to table the Goodall HBO pay raise, and it passed 4 to 3 with aldermen Olive, Dorchinez, Bryant, and Chris Skultety voting yes.

Bryant told Regional Radio News after the meeting, that the Airport Manager should be a separate position, not consolidated with the HBO position.

The Taylorville Council Monday night approved 2 more liquor and gaming licenses, with aldermen Dorchinez and Skultety both voting no; and they voted 6 to allow a one-time transfer of lake lots being subleased with a one-time 250-dollar transfer fee and a new 300-dollar security deposit.

At the start of the meeting, Mayor Bruce Barry (right) honored Taylorville High School senior runner Chris Cherry (left) for winning 2nd in the 3200 meter run in the I-H-S-A Class 2-A State Championship recently.  Cherry will attend the University of Illinois in Springfield this fall.

Mayor Barry had a special cake made in Cherry's honor which his family and those attending the Council meeting, enjoyed after the meeting.

Alderwoman Kathy Driskell was absent from Monday night's meeting.

This year's Christian County Ag Fair has lots of new features to come and check out.  One of those is the first-ever Job Fair, taking place inside the Expo Building on Wednesday afternoon from one til 4.  

Nearly 20 area businesses will be represented with information on the many available jobs they have.

The public is invited to come out and find out all the job opportunities available across the Regional Radio listening area.  

The Taylorville City Council will be meeting this evening to discuss business, review ordinances, and approve, deny, or table committee motions. The board will meet at 7 PM at the Municipal Building in Taylorville. Under ordinance, the board will look at approving the purchase of two police vehicles, approve adjustments to the business development district, and amending a residency requirement for the assistant fire chief. 

Under regular motions, the board will look at approving some final payments for the storm sewer in ward 3. The board will also look to approve some new liquor/gaming licenses for two new locations in Taylorville. The board will also look at some Mayor’s appointments for the board of appeals, the planning commission, and the library board.

The board will also continue to look at a motion approving a increase in salary for Andy Goodall to 115% of working foreman to include compensation for his work at the airport. 

Under committee reports, the board will discuss under water/environmental approval of the purchase of a chlorine analyzer, and a chlorine gas regulator. Under lake/airport, the board will discuss approval of pouring concrete to repair the rain water washout at the airport, and an ordinance concerning the transfer of lots. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this meeting at the conclusion of the event.
 

The Christian County Fair starts this week and Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says that he believes if the weather holds up it should be a great event. However, with great weather and the fact that the fair didn’t happen last year, it’s safe to say that the fair will be packed with people. Sheriff Kettelkamp urges caution when heading out. He says one big safety tip is to take a picture of your kids so that you know what they are wearing.

If you have kids who are old enough to go out on their own, make sure that you talk to your kids about staying safe and staying in a group.

Sheriff Kettelkamp also warned of scams through the fair as far as people asking for money for tickets that aren’t real, but also warned of scams from people posing as government agencies. 

As always Sheriff Kettelkamp says he and his officers will be out there in force during the fair but encourage you to call if you see something unusual.

Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The 97th Christian County Fair will be taking place July 20th through the 24th and Event Coordinators Ron Fleming and Angela Ohl Marsters say there is something for everyone at the fair. Fleming says that you should check the schedule online at www.christiancountyfair.com. Of course, one big point is that parking and entry to the fair are free. 

While this year has been a little different as far as planning goes, but planning does happen all year long from the Fair Board and a lot of work goes into it to have it run as smoothly as possible.

Ohl-Marsters says her favorite thing is for all of the events that take place at the Expo Building.

Fleming says his favorite thing is all of the motor races. 

Fleming and Ohl-Marsters appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Shelby County Fair is coming next week and 4H plays a big part in that. 4H Program Coordinator Yolanda Nation says that there will be over 300 4Hers that will be out exhibiting their displays whether it's livestock, the general show, plants, crops, and much more.

Nation says there will be a special dinner on Wednesday evening provided by the Shelby Extension Foundation. She says the whole event is completely worth all the hard work going into it. 

COVID of course kept everyone from gathering last year, but there are a bunch of new workshops and activities taking place this year. 

The sheep show kicks off on Monday morning and there will be plenty of 4H activities going on throughout the entire fair.

Yolanda Nation appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

It has been a busy several weeks and State Representative Brad Halbrook of the 102nd District says that they are still dissecting a lot from the last session and are conducting some town hall meetings to get the feel of what the population wants moving forward.

Representative Halbrook says that the elections bill has been a big topic of discussion in Springfield.

Representative Halbrook says there’s no way of knowing who the people were that were sampled for this survey.

Governor Pritzker has said that he would veto any legislative backed bill, but he went ahead and signed the redistricting bill, but there have been some lawsuits filed and Representative Halbrook says that 

Representative Halbrook appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.
 

The Miller Media Group and the Taylorville Kiwanis Club teamed up to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry by doing the Drive Thru Donations days through the month of July. The goal is to collect non-perishable food and monetary donations to be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry. They were able to raise $125 as well as food donations. 
 
Kiwanis member Duane Stock and Kiwanis President Adam Jeffrey generously donated their time for the second Drive Thru Donation Day in July. Stock shares what you can donate.

Jeffrey tells us what the Kiwanis Club is about and how you can join.  

The Saturday Kiwanis Drive Thru Donation Day saw a good amount of donations, both in terms of food and money. The Donation Days continue next Saturday, the 24th, from 9 until 1 pm. If you’d like information on how to donate, visit the Taylorville Food Pantry Facebook Page.
 

The Taylorville Police Department will be holding a bike rodeo event on Saturday, July 17th from 9 AM until 12 PM. The event is open to all kids ages 3-14 years. They must be accompanied by an adult and the kids are asked to bring their bike and a helmet if they have one.  Taylorville Police Officer Kirsten Bolinger says it is a way to learn safety rules and have fun at the same time.

There will be plenty of things at the rodeo including a skills course.

At the end of the day, it’s really about teaching safety to all cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.

There will also be a raffle where you have a chance to win one of eight bicycles. The event is taking place at the Junior High School at 120 East Bidwell Street in Taylorville.

The Taylorville School District issued new guidance for the 2021-2022 school year and has announced that for this next school year, at least at the start, mask-wearing will be optional. The administrative team has put out a draft of the plan for safe return to in-person learning and it's open for public comments. This is on the school website and is open from July 15-July 22nd. Dr. Chris Dougherty, Taylorville Superintendent, along with Taylorville High School Principal Matt Hutchison, says this is a great way for you to get your feedback in.

While you can’t get into the building right now due to some construction, Principal Matt Hutchison says that online registration is open today and you’ll be able to have freshman orientation for High School on August 12th. If you can’t make the August 12th date, you can make an appointment to be able to walk the building and see their classrooms.

Hutchison and Dougherty both said that they are excited for this upcoming school year for getting things back to normal and are looking forward to seeing full schools and school events.

To see both the registration press release and the back-to-school press release, click here and here.

With crops being higher, construction being done, and rain continuing, Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp has asked for people to slow down on country roads especially at intersections as the tall crops make it hard to see someone else and know whether they are stopping or not. 

Sheriff Kettelkamp says it only takes a split second to hit a rock or hit a loose spot of gravel and it can spell disaster.

Flooded roads are also something that you should avoid if at all possible.

Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Effingham Performance Center kicked off season 12 with a bang after being given the go ahead that they can have full houses again for shows. With plenty of great shows announced including REO Speedwagon this weekend, Executive Director Kim Jansen says that she is happy to survive such a tumultuous season and is excited to have shows again. 

Jansen says that it’s important to stay up to date on rescheduled events by checking with the box office or by looking online at www.theepc.org.

If you had purchased tickets for a show that got rescheduled, your ticket is still good.

Jansen says it has been quite interesting trying to reschedule a lot of these events and says that they have had to work hard with multiple groups to get everyone on the same page.

Kim Jansen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

With summer in full swing, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is staying plenty busy with all kinds of events all over the city. Linda Allen, with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, says that Taylorville is hustling and bustling with some different ribbon-cutting ceremonies. 

Allen also says that Vibe at 5 is coming back after a month off.

The Christian County Development Corporation will be holding its ribbon-cutting ceremony at the former location for the Taylorville School District Offices. Allen also encouraged people to come to the job fair.

Suzy Traughber also talked about Dinner Seasoned With Love which will be taking place on Saturday.

Linda Allen and Suzy Traughber both appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The 7th class of Christian County high school seniors participating in the Christian County "Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities", or C-E-O, program, along with many parents, attended an orientation meeting Thursday night at Charro Mexican Restaurant in Taylorville.

13 students will be a part of this year's class.  Board member and CEO Orientation Committee chair Mary DelValle emceed the event.  She told Regional Radio News she shared with the students the many benefits of the program.

DelValle added she was pleased that 3 CEO alumni from years one and 3, attended and spoke to this year's class.

Retiring C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams told Regional Radio News he was delighted with this year's class.

Incoming C-E-O facilitator Neil Hohenstein shared with incoming students and Regional Radio News what they'll be learning.

For more information on the Christian County C-E-O program, go to christiancountyCEO.com.

When a person calls 9-1-1 due to someone being trapped in a grain bin, time is a precious commodity. Christian County Farm Bureau was concerned as there is no one in Christian County who knew the proper procedure for how to handle it, so the last time there was an entrapment, a team from Decatur had to be called. The Farm Bureau is looking to change that. Mellisa McMillan, manager of the Christian County Farm Bureau says that they will be teaching a class to the firefighters and first responders in Christian County. They are important for anyone involved in the industry.

McMillan says that every second is important and this training will do nothing but help first responders in the County. 

McMillan says the firefighters are really excited about taking the 40-hour class. 

The Christian County Farm Bureau is sponsoring the class for all 24 firefighters attending.

The Effingham Performance Center is back open for concerts. Executive Director Kim Janssen appeared on the WTIM morning show to share how the Effingham Performance Center dealt with the pandemic and what to expect as far as the upcoming National Touring Acts scheduled for Season 12. Janssen recapped how they dealt with the pandemic and what to expect. 

It’s full capacity at Effingham Performance Center and REO Speedwagon tickets are still available for Saturday’s Show.

The Effingham Performance Center has something for everybody in their new season coming up, Season 12.         

Janssen says when they book entertainment they want to make sure there’s something for everyone. 

Find Season 12’s upcoming concerts and events at the Effingham Performance Center on their website at theEPC.org. You can buy tickets there as well. Effingham Performance Center Executive Director Kim Janssen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.  
 

There will be plenty of great events that will be taking place at the 97th Christian County Fair between July 20th and the 24th. Angela Ohl-Marsters along with Ron Fleming talked about some new stuff that will be at the Christian County Fair including a job fair.

Fleming says he’s excited for the annual chili cook off as well for the Illinois State Championship where the winners move onto the World Championship. 

Both Fleming and Ohl-Marsters praised the youth saying that that was what the fair was all about.

Fleming also says there will be some events taking place for the senior citizens along with some racing and motor events to wrap up the fair.

While the parking and admission are free, there are some events that will require admission. For more information or to get tickets to some of the events visit www.christiancountyfair.com or call 824-3100.

The Taylorville Police Department Emergency Response Team made several arrests on Wednesday morning.  The Emergency Response Team consists of members of the Taylorville Police Department, Kincaid Police Department, and the Assumption Police Department. They conducted a search warrant at Fairview Trailer Courts. TPD had received several complaints about a residence housing people with warrants and narcotics. 

TPD started an investigation and obtained a court-authorized search warrant.  Taylorville Police arrested 63-year-old William E. Dixon, 27-year-old Angel D. Madden, 31-year-old Anthony M. Holmes, and 58-year-old John Reynolds. Dixon was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear in Montgomery County. Madden was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear in Christian County. Holmes and Reynolds were arrested for failure to appear.

TPD also recovered items that will be sent to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab for analysis and the investigation is still pending. Taylorville Police thanked the citizens of the trailer park for calling in with credible information. 

While crews battle power outages from lightning and other natural disasters, one man-made issue that has been affecting power outages is mylar balloons. Communications Executive Brian Bretsch of Ameren says so far this year they have dealt with 19 power outages that have been a direct result of balloons causing those issues.

Bretsch says that they can get into substations and the metallic coating conducts power causes arcs. 

Ameren isn’t saying not to have parties and use balloons, Bretsch just asks that you dispose of them properly.

Bretsch also wanted to give a few other tips when it comes to balloons and safety. 

Again, contact Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000 if you have any issues.
 

The Illinois Department of Labor announced that any employers who don’t adhere to rules outlined in the Wage Payment and Collection Act are now subject to larger penalties.  Any employer found to have violated the act is liable for not only unpaid wages and final compensation but also 5% of the damages of the underpayment per month. Previously it was only 2% of the damages of the underpayment. 

IDOL Assistant Director Jason Keller says that this is a way to keep track of employers to make sure they are adhering to the new law.

One thing that Keller is looking for our minimum wage payments.

All wage claims are encouraged to be generated online through IDOL. If a worker wants assistance filling out a paper form, they can call 312-793-2808. Claimants will be guided through a process to submit an accurate wage claim application.  

State Senator Doris Turner has been keeping busy including putting together a plan to count agricultural science towards the three years required for science to get admission into public universities in Illinois. Currently, the minimum requirements to gain admission to state universities includes at least 15 units of high school coursework in English, social studies, math, science, and electives in a foreign language, music, vocational education, or art. 

While some colleges accept agricultural science as a science course, not all do. This law would make all colleges accept agricultural science as it is an important part of Illinois. Senator Turner says that she knows how important Ag science is to Illinois and that students can feel confident and passionate about their choice when selecting a science class. It also helps high school students get interested in agricultural science before entering a state university. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club honored its first “Kiwanis Club Hero of the Month”, and heard about the the Lake Taylorville Veterans Point Memorial, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

Ricky Reed of Taylorville (right) was presented the first “Hero of the Month” award from Kiwanis member Dean Ray (left) on behalf of the club.  Ray nominated Reed for his involvement in the American Legion as chaplain, service officer, and visitor to many veterans.  Reed recently added duties as chaplain for the VFW and American Legion honor guards.

Doctor Ron Mizer, a Kiwanis member and member of the Downtown Taylorville Committee, told Kiwanis Club members about he and the committee’s efforts to build this memorial honoring those who died and served in the Armed Forces.

Mizer said the committee is working with Pyramid Marble and Granite of Effingham on the design and construction.  

The memorial will include a 40-foot monument, 12 memorial honor walls, a walkway, a 35-foot American flag pole, 20-foot military flag poles, and numerous benches along the walkway.

A World War I cannon formerly located at the Christian County Historical Society, is being refurbished and will also be permanently installed at the memorial.

Mizer said it’s hoped the new memorial will be dedicated on Veteran’s Day November Eleventh.

He added the total cost of the project is some 300-thousand dollars, with sponsorships from businesses and individuals being accepted.   The 12 memorial honor walls can have an inscription added for as little as 125-dollars.  Forms are available from the Downtown Taylorville organization office at 824-3555.  The form to submit an inscription for the Memorial Wall is also available by clicking the link on taylorvilledailynews-dot-com.

Mizer especially credited the City of Taylorville and city engineers Benton and Associates, among those who have provided help to make the memorial happen.

The public is reminded that the Kiwanis Club is holding its Drive-Thru Donation Days on Saturdays thru the rest of July from 9am to 1pm, in the Miller Media Group front parking lot at 918 East Park.  Non-perishable food and monetary donations received will be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

 For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.     

The Taylorville Police Department assisted in moving a plane that had landed in a field to get it back to the airport safely. Police had to shut down roads on Langleyville, Route 104, Springfield Road, Cheney, and Spresser before finally getting the plane back to Taylorville Airport. The plane landed safely in the field on Sunday after reporting issues. 

The move started at 10 AM and took a little over an hour to get it moved to the airport. There were no issues with moving it and traffic was back to normal around 11:15. 

To see a video of the plane being taken see below.

The Pana Save-A-Lot is getting a makeover.

Local store owner Tim Christer tells Regional Radio News that Save-A-Lot corporate is rebranding, and that gives him an opportunity to give the store a remodel.

Christer says that work is being done both by workers hired by Save-A-Lot corporate, and local contractors.

The biggest benefit of the Pana Save-A-Lot remodel will be an expanded produce section.

Christer expects the Pana Save-A-Lot makeover to be completed by Labor Day.

Due to lack of participation the Christian County Master Gardeners have shut down their help desk, but that doesn’t mean you can’t receive help with your gardening questions. Gwen Podeschi with the Master Gardeners says that two Tuesdays a month they will be at the Taylorville farmers market answering any questions people may have. She says they were out there last week and will be there again on July 24th.

Podeschi encourages anyone to bring their samples and questions about things going on in their garden. It can be a picture, but they can help more with actual samples.

They see a lot of different things when being brought samples. One example Podeschi gave from last weekend is being brought a harmless fungi that looks bad known at ‘Dog Vomit’. 

Podeschi appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

When Governor JB Pritzker was running for office he made promises regarding energy that he has been pushing for lately. That is why legislators were called back to session not long after their first abbreviated session was over. Representative Avery Bourne says even though the Governor wants this to happen she’s keeping a watchful eye on what the bill says.

Representative Bourne believes there is a good chance a bill can get passed, but there are some very specific things she believes need to change in order for that to happen.

The energy bill currently talked about will have a huge impact across Illinois, and Representative Bourne says it’s something she’s receiving a lot of questions from constituents about.

On a different note, Representative Bourne says they are still waiting on the census data to draw the new Congressional District maps. They expect the data in Mid-August. 

Representative Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

In Christian County, the first installment of real estate tax bills are due on July 16th. Treasurer Betty Asmussen says that you can pay them at the Christian County Court House, but there are other ways to pay it as well.

For more information on this, visit https://christiancountyil.com/treasurer/.  You can also check this website out for property tax information, the property tax cycle, an email consent form, tax year calendar, and many other things.  On average the treasurer’s office mails out 25,495 bills and will collect and distribute 40.1 million in tax revenues to 130 local government agencies. 

When a massive weather event happens, or a natural disaster, it’s important to have power right away. Electricity is something that we can take for granted, and when trouble strikes the quicker you can get it the easier you can start to get back to normal. That’s why Ameren Electric has a team ready to go at a moment's notice. 

Ameren Illinois is a voluntary member of the electric power industry's mutual assistance network through Edison Electric Institute (EEI). When called upon, a company will send either company employees, contractors, or both, along with specialized equipment to help with restoring power by borrowing employees from other areas to come help. Communications Executive, Brian Bretsch, says that the mutual assistance workgroup comes together to help assess the damage and get things fixed relatively quickly.

Bretsch says it’s nice to have that support, but they are also ready to go anywhere else from here in Illinois, even if that means Puerto Rico.

There is also some significant morale boosts for having help from others to get things restored quicker.

Bretsch says this is done in-house and it’s done quickly.

To learn more about the Ameren Mutual Assistance Network click here.
 

A two-vehicle crash in Macoupin County has sent two people to the hospital. The crash happened Sunday afternoon at the intersection of E. Spruce Street in Benld, Illinois off Illinois 138. 20-year-old Briana L. Kuhlman of Gillespie was headed northbound on Illinois 138 in a 2008 Silver Pontiac Grand Prix. 57-year-old Delmar L. VanHuss and 54-year-old Katherine D. McCoig both from Benld were headed southbound on Illinois Route 138 in a 1998 black Harley Davidson Motorcycle. 

Kuhlman failed to yield to oncoming traffic while making a left turn onto East Spruce Street. Kuhlman entered the southbound lane and struck VanHuss. Kuhlman reported no injuries. VanHuss was flown to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. McCoig was flown to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

Kuhlman was cited for failure to yield turning left, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and driver required to wear a seatbelt. 

A man accused of stabbing his roommate in Taylorville made an appearance in Christian County Court Monday morning. 25-year-old Logan Wilson of Taylorville appeared before Judge Douglas Jarman. Wilson is being charged with aggravated domestic battery.  At 6:08 PM Christian County 9-1-1 received a call of a stabbing at 502 South Houston Street. 

According to Christian County State’s Attorney Mike Havera, Wilson stabbed his roommate Alex Riggs in the neck. Riggs says he was stabbed in the neck and police observed blood on his shirt. Wilson told police that he was “sick of his roommate stealing his stuff so he stabbed him.” Riggs was transported to a Springfield area hospital for treatment.  He was in stable condition.  

State’s Attorney Havera asked for $100,000 for bond. Judge Jarman found probable cause. Bond was set at $100,000 with 10% to apply. Public Defender, Tiffany Senger was appointed. First appearance with her is set for July 19th at 10 AM. 

Taylorville Community Credit Union has announced a new member to its Taylorville staff.  Billi Woodruff has joined as a full-time Teller and is responsible for assisting TCCU members with their day-to-day financial needs and transactions.  She also helps with deposits, withdrawals, funds transfers, and many other needs. 

TCCU President Will Perkins says that he expects Billi to be a valuable addition to the TCCU team in providing outstanding service to its members. TCCU is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution, serving its members’ needs since 1956. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in Christian, Montgomery, and Shelby Counties. For more information, visit www.TCCU.org, or visit Taylorville at 422 West Main Cross Street (824-9658), Hillsboro at 138 East Wood Street (532-5300), Litchfield at 801 West Union Avenue, (324-7496), or at Pana at 101 East 5th Street (562-2516).

NPR Illinois is set to lose more than $400,000 in funding from the University of Illinois-Springfield and State Senator Doris Turner is trying to prevent that from happening. She has sent a letter to the Chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield and the President of the U of I system urging them to reverse the decision.

Senator Turner says, NPR Illinois is a great source of news for Illinois residents and while she recognizes COVID has had a huge impact on these universities, it shouldn’t cut a program from UIS that benefits so many people. 

NPR Illinois is set to see its yearly financial support from UIS decline gradually until it drops to zero within 5 years. NPR Illinois is one of the few remaining venues that extensively covers state government. Less than 10 media venues cover state news exclusively. The university will continue to provide the space on campus necessary for NPR Illinois along with security and parking. 
 

If you were sitting at a restaurant and your chest started to feel tight and your heart began to race, what would you do? Your mind may have a difficult time telling the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack. While both are alarming, it is important to recognize which one you are experiencing. Dr. Regina Chiu, a cardiologist with Prairie Cardiovascular says that there are some significant differences between the two.

A heart attack can occur when blood flow is unable to reach the heart. Symptoms of a heart attack include tightness in the chest, back, neck, or arms. There can be extreme fatigue, anxiety, and lightheadedness.  Dr. Chiu says more than one million Americans will suffer a heart attack over the next year.

A panic attack is often a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety and while they are not life-threatening, they can still be of great concern especially if you experience frequent panic attacks. Symptoms of a panic attack include feelings of strong anxiety or fear, hyperventilating, chest discomfort or racing heart, shaking or trembles, dizziness or nausea, and sweating.

The location of the pain often can determine the severity of the situation and if the chest pain stays in one location it may be a panic attack. If it starts to radiate through the neck, back, or arms, seek medical care immediately. Panic attacks only last a couple of minutes to an hour at most. If those symptoms do not let up, get help. 

For an appointment with a Prairie Cardiologist, you can call ACCESS Prairie at 757-6120 or 888-4PRAIRIE. You can also visit www.prairieheart.org. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) along with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance for the upcoming school year when it comes to COVID-19 and mask-wearing. The new mask guidance aligns with what has been put out for fully vaccinated people. This allows activities to resume for fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask except where required by law. 

Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals 2 and older who aren’t fully vaccinated. Schools should maintain 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms. Screening, testing, ventilating, handwashing and respiratory etiquette along with staying home when sick or getting tested can help add layers of prevention to keep schools safe. Governor JB Pritzker says he’s pleased with the new information.

Many schools serve children under the age of 12 who aren’t eligible for vaccination and this is a way to implement layered prevention strategies for those who aren’t fully vaccinated. The IDPH encourages schools to monitor community transmission of COVID-19. Governor Pritzker says that this is just another way of keeping everyone safe.

Regional Radio News will be reaching out to Taylorville Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty in the future to find out what this means for Taylorville School District. To see the full guidance click here.

Illinois continues to crack down on those who are driving without insurance.  Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding drivers that there will be electronic verification programs that verify if a person has insurance. Insurance companies are working in conjunction with the Secretary of State’s office to confirm electronically that motorists have automobile insurance. 

Secretary of State Spokesperson Henry Haupt Under the new verification system, vehicle owners’ automobile insurance will be verified twice a year at random intervals to ensure that owners are complying with mandatory liability insurance laws.

The electronic verification of the system will have serious repercussions if you don’t have insurance with a $100 reinstatement fee and suspension.

Vehicle owners who receive a letter for verification, shouldn’t visit a driver services facility, but should instead contact their insurance company to provide the necessary proof of insurance needed to cancel the suspension.  For more information visit www.ilivs.com. 

Taylorville Police Department are reporting a stabbing that took place at South Houston and West Vandeveer Street. Police are saying it's an isolated incident and they have the suspect in custody. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it develops

A plane landed in the middle of a field off Langleyville Road in Taylorville. There were emergency vehicles at the scene. The plane landed in a bean field near N 1025 East Road and according to sources was headed to Manitoba Canada with only a pilot on board. He was uninjured in the crash and the plane had no damage.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more information as it's made available.

The Miller Media Group and the Taylorville Kiwanis Club are back at it again and teamed up to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry by doing the Drive Thru Donations days through the month of July. The goal is to collect non-perishable food and monetary donations to be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry. They were able to raise $280 as well as food donations. 

Kiwanis members Joe Houser and Dick Wamsley generously donated their time and kicked off the first Drive Thru Donation Day in July. Wamsley talks about who you’re helping.

Houser said you don’t have to donate just food. Monetary donations go a long way. 

The first Saturday Kiwanis Drive Thru Donation Day saw a fantastic amount of donations, both in terms of food and money. The Donation Days continue next Saturday, the 17th, from 9 until 1 pm. If you’d like information on how to donate, visit the Taylorville Food Pantry Facebook Page.

WMKR Genuine Country 94.3 broadcasted live at the 75th Annual Nokomis Homecoming off Friday night. The weather cooperated and people were glad to be out having fun. It continues today and Sunday with plenty of events, carnival rides and food to eat at the Nokomis Park. Member of the Nokomis Homecoming Association, Ed Chaucy (Chaw-see), shares the schedule for Saturday.

Chaucy then went into Sunday’s events for the Nokomis Homecoming.

Once again, Saturday’s carnival rides go from 4-11pm and the parade in downtown Nokomis begins at 6pm. Sunday the Cruise In Car Show is from 1-4pm, the carnival rides go from 3-9pm and fireworks at 9pm.

With all the talk of COVID-19, other viruses have tend to be less talked about, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous. One virus that doesn’t get talked about enough is the shingles virus. Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your body, but it can appear later and turn into shingles. Shingles usually pop up on one side of the face or body and in one small area.  Symptoms can include chills, fever, headache, sensitive skin, and an extremly painful rash. There is greater risk for older people and people who have trouble fighting infections. Dr. William Hook, a family practice physician says they can be pretty painful.

Cases of shingles last between three to five weeks. It starts with burning and tingling pain followed by a rash before turning into blisters and drying up and crusting over about 10 days later. There is a vaccine for shingles. It is given in two doses. Doctors recommend getting the second dose between two and six months after the first dose.  Potential side effects include arm soreness, fever, and headache.

For people who are undecided about getting the vaccine, Dr. Hook says it’s not worth it to get shingles.

Shingles is not contagious, but you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you’ve never had it or haven’t received your MMRV vaccine.  Treatment for shingles includes antiviral medicine and pain medicine. Wet compresses, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths can help with the itching from shingles. 

For more information on shingles, visit here.

If you are a new Illinois hunter or trapper, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is encouraging you to apply early during application periods for a number of permits for the 2021-2022 hunting seasons.  With the transition to a new Illinois licensing, permitting, and harvest reporting system, first-time hunters and trappers are currently unable to enter required IDNR customer numbers until the day after they purchase those licenses. 

To avoid missing those deadlines, first-time buyers are encouraged not to wait until the last day to purchase licenses and apply for permits.  IDNR Spokesperson Rachel Torbert says that you have to have your license for a day before you can apply for a permit.

Applying well in advance can get you your permit in enough time.

Some of the things that first-time license buyers can apply for are site-specific dove, free upland game, public duck and goose hunting permits, and the bobcat lottery applications for bobcat hunting and trapping.  For more information visit the IDNR website.

There will be a blood drive in Taylorville from 11 AM until 2 PM on Friday, July 23rd at 900 McAdam Drive, inside the Christian County YMCA Donor Bus. To donate, please contact ImpactLife Springfield at 800-747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60145 to locate the drive. Masks and appointments are required. According to the Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the US needs blood. Governor JB Pritzker encourages every Illinoisan to help.

American Red Cross’ Joy Squires says that declines have been partially due to Summer activities, but also due to COVID.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with parental permission. They must weigh over 110 lbs, and bring a photo ID. Donors who last gave blood on or before May 28th of this year will be eligible for this drive. All donors will receive a voucher for either a long sleeve ¼ zip shirt or a $10 gift card redeemable at Amazon, Target, Lowe’s, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or Walmart.

For more information visit www.redcrossblood.org.

The Christian County Genealogical Society had its monthly meeting and was able to do a tour of the new Christian County Coal Mine Museum. Jeanine Biondolino & Vauna Stahl sat down with Regional Radio News to talk about some of the things that they do. Stahl says that they are really looking for some help on Saturday mornings with organizing and filing.

Stahl says every family has a story and every story is unique.

Biondolino says that there will be some events coming up. 

Biondolino says that there are a lot of unique events that take place throughout the year.

For more information check them out on Facebook or visit their website at https://www.christiancountyilgenealogicalsociety.org/.
 

CTI is warning of scammers claiming to be with CTI in the last 24 hours.  CTI is reporting that individuals are going door to door claiming to be with the company. In most instances, the individuals have attempted to gain entry to homes claiming they need access to equipment.  You will always be notified by the CTI office if a technician needs access to your home prior to their arrival. If you encounter individuals claiming to be with CTI, please call our offices to confirm if this is valid or not at 217-824-6398 or 217-608-0123. If you do encounter any of these individuals do not let them in your house and call the police department.

It’s being reported that President Joe Biden pulled troops of out Afghanistan overnight without telling anyone. There have been a lot of debates about numerous instances over what the United States was doing. Even with all that, Congressman Rodney Davis says this was not the right way to do things if troops were going to be pulled. 

Put simply, Congressman Davis believes President Biden will have to live with the consequences of his action.

Getting troops out of Afghanistan is not new to President Biden. Congressman Davis says that President Donald Trump had a plan for it too. 

Congressman Davis believes that the way this is done sends the wrong message on behalf of America.

Congressman Davis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

There are many old homes in Illinois and in the US. In fact, out of all houses, 12.8% were built in 1939 or earlier. The website Stacker compiled a list of the counties in Illinois with the oldest homes using data from the Census Bureau. Counties were ranked by median year the structure was built, with ties broken by the most homes before 1939.

Macon County is ranked 29th in Illinois with the average year of homes being built in 1962. It is #449 (There are 3,006 counties/parishes in the US) of all counties nationwide for oldest. 19% of all homes in Macon County are built in 1939 or older and that ranks #994. There are 50,392 homes in Macon County.

Christian County ranks 21st in Illinois with the average year of homes being built in 1960. It is #331 oldest among all counties nationwide. 29.7% of all homes are built in 1939 or earlier and it is #407 of all counties nationwide for that. There are 15,614 homes in Christian County. For more information on Slacker’s list, click here.

After not being able to host many events over the last year, fair season seems to be back in full swing this time around. Among the fairs returning to action is the Christian County Fair, which is lined up with many great events over the course of a few days. It runs from through July 20th to July 24th and Director Ron Fleming hopes everyone is as excited as he is to have it back.

They say sometimes you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. While that generally isn’t referencing county fairs, Marketing Director Angela Ohl-Marsters hopes the principal still applies to the Christian County Fair.

Planning the fair the year after a pandemic came with it’s fair share of uncertainty. Fleming says it would’ve been easy to succumb to a domino effect.

Fleming and Ohl-Marsters appeared as a guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Police Department will be holding an event for youth at the Lake Taylorville Marina. The event is called “Fishing with Offishers” and will be a way for kids to learn some of the rules about fishing. Taylorville Police Officer and coordinator Kirsten Bolinger says that it’s a great way to do a learning experience this Friday from 6-8 PM. 

DNR will be there to talk to the kids and teach them some of the rules about fishing and some of the dos and dont’s.  

There will be 20 fishing poles and tackle available for those who don’t have a fishing pole but you are encouraged to bring your own. 

Those under the age of 15 do not need a fishing license for the event, those 16 and up, do. 
 

Sarah Bush Lincoln has put in a proposal to purchase Fayette County Hospital. Sarah Bush Lincoln presented the Fayette County District Hospital Board with a proposal to own the land, hospital, and long-term care.  Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance Dennis Pluard says they have operated the Fayette County Hospital and Long Term Care for two years already and are looking for something more permanent.

Pluard says this is a great way to put money back into Fayette County that wasn’t there before.

Pluard also says there will be some building improvements among other things for employees.

This was presented in May but it is unsure if or when this proposal will be approved. The next step on this is an appraisal but it has been getting a lot of support.

This purchase would eliminate $550,000 in district taxes, and allow Sarah Bush Lincoln to invest in Fayette County Hospital beyond the resources that are currently available. As Dennis Pluard says, it’s a win/win for everyone involved.

The Taylorville School board met for a special board meeting at 5 PM Wednesday evening. One of the main topics of discussion was the purchase of the mental health building. This discussion has been ongoing for about a year and a half. Board member Brenda Patrick voiced some concerns especially about the condition of the roof, what that property would be used for, and just how much money it was going to cost.  The board didn’t take any action this evening but asked board members to see the property and they would make a definitive decision on what they wanted to do during the regular August board meeting. 

The board moved some money around to different projects. Board president Dave Driskell explained that some funds would be stuck if they kept it in the same spot. Bonds had been put in working cash but it had to be moved to other funds including Capital projects, education funds, operations, and maintenance funds, and transportation funds.

The board just wanted to make sure they didn’t tie up money into a fund they can’t touch.

The board also took some actions to protect themselves in case the Illinois State Board of Education doesn’t come down with any ruling concerning mask-wearing this fall. They signed a resolution towards being able to make their own decisions if ISBE does not make any rules about mask-wearing. Driskell says right now it’s a choice. 

The board also recognized Chris Cherry who took second place at State Track with a Silver Medal. Congratulations Chris! To view the meeting in it's entirety, click here and here.

Every year the town of Herrick hosts a 4th of July celebration. There are events that take place for three days. Debbie Allen, Mayor of Herrick knows the event well. She used to be the one to plan it. And she says that without a doubt, this celebration is for the kids.

There is a lot that goes into putting the event on and Allen explains it’s a venture that lasts all year long.

The celebration has gone on for many years, but after awhile the fire department had to take it over. After that Allen and a friend started to grow the event back out.

Allen appeared as a guest during the events live coverage on Cruisin’ 98.3 WSVZ.

The infrastructure bill hit the floors at the House of Representatives for a vote recently. That bill was passed. Congressman Rodney Davis voted against the bill because in his eyes, it had very little to do with infrastructure. He says it is very different from what is being passed through the Senate.

Congressman Davis continues by saying that what was presented for voting hurt rural America more than helping it. 

One of the differences in the sides of the isle, at least from Congressman Davis’ point of view, is infrastructure versus human infrastructure.

The two sides have never been more far apart, according to Congressman Davis.

Congressman Davis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

In the height of the pandemic, everything had to change. Companies needed less people, things transitioned to more of an online format, and that was just the beginning. Now that things are returning to what some might consider normal, adjustments need to be made again. Adam Handy is a Partner Resource Coordinator with the Central Illinois Foodbank and he says with the move back to in person, volunteers are more important than ever.

To find a food pantry to volunteer at, or just to find one near you, Handy suggests going to the Central Illinois Foodbank website where they make it easy.

Handy reiterates that just because COVID seems to be nearing the end, the need to help is not. 

It’s as easy as taking a few friends and spending a couple hours volunteering. If three people volunteer two hours, that is six hours of volunteer work being done for that site. 

The Miller Media Group will be hosting Drive Thru Donation Days the remaining Saturdays in July to benefit the Tayorville Food Pantry. Handy appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will be showing off a new letter written by Mr. Lincoln himself to a friend of his in 1854, announcing that he would not serve as a state representative again. The lawyer had visions of the US Senate and possibly more at the time and was letting his friend know, that he had to be involved somehow.  ALPLM Lincoln Historian Christian McWhirter says that he is thrilled to have this letter in the Museum. 

The letter is a gift to the Library and Museum from Guy Fraker, a Blooington attorney and Lincoln collector.  Fraker wrote the book, “Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth Judicial Circuit.” Fraker said that a major factor in his decision to donate the letter was the help that Acquisitions Chief Ian Hunt provided in tracking down a related letter at the Library of Congress so that Fraker could read both the Letter to Lincoln and the response.  Fraker says he remembers when he got the documents and knew that he had a responsibility to be a caretaker of the document. 

In November of 1854, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois House and received a letter from Elihu N. Powell, a Peoria attorney, that reminded him that serving in the House would make him ineligible to run for a US Senate seat in 1855. Lincoln responded by saying that he would decline accepting the office of Representative. Lincoln also says in the letter that he is torn about remaining with the Whig Party or jump to the group that would become the Republican party. ALPLM Exec. Director Christina Shutt says that Lincoln was still very unsure of what he wanted to do in the future.

The letter will be displayed in the Museum’s Treasures Gallery for one month starting July 7th, when the display of the Emancipation Proclamation ends. The library holds over 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history and is located in Springfield.

While there won’t be a regular Taylorville School Board meeting in July, there will be a special board meeting that will be taking place at 5 PM on Wednesday at the Taylorville High School Cafeteria. The board will congratulate Chris Cherry, who won a silver medal at state.  The board will also review the consideration of personnel. 

Under old business, the board will revisit/consider and approve the purchase of a mental health building. Under new business, the board will consider a resolution for allowance of fund transfers from working cash to capital projects, some inter-fund transfers, and consider and approve of a copy service technology replacement. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this meeting after its conclusion Wednesday evening.

The Taylorville City Council met on Tuesday evening. They honored Alivia Foraker as Youth of the Month. Alivia won 3 gold medals in the US Trampoline and Tumbling Association National Championship in Rochester, Minnesota. The board rescinded the ordinance and voted in favor of allowing designated drive-up facilities for the sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages in their original unopened containers, but it didn’t come without discussion. Aldermen Larry Budd and Kathy Driskell spoke out against bringing this back up, after it had already been voted “no” the previous board meeting. 

Aldermen Steve Dorchinecz, Driskell, and Budd voted no, with Aldermen Jim Olive, Jeremy Wilson, Doug Brown, and Megan Bryant voting Yes. (Aldermen Chris Skultetty was absent). The board tabled a motion to amend the city code to place a four-way stop sign at 1100 North 1500 East Road until they could show that it was actually in the city of Taylorville’s jurisdiction.  The board also approved the conveyance of 828 West Vandeveer Street to the Taylorville School District for the building trades class. 

Mayor Bruce Barry also thanked everyone for their tremendous work towards the parade and the luncheon for the Fourth of July festivities and gave some updates.

The board also denied a motion to recommend to the raising of salary for Street and Sewer Superintendent Mike Mann by 5% with a vote of 4-3. The board discussed it at great length with Alderman Budd saying it wasn’t fair to previous superintendents, and Alderman Dorchinecz explaining there was already a system in progress for raises.

Alderman Olive voted no, Alderman Wilson voted yes, Alderman Brown voted yes, Alderman Budd voted no, Alderman Dorchinecz voted no and Alderman Driskell voted yes. With the vote tied 3-3, it was up to Alderman Megan Bryant who ultimately voted no on it.  To watch the complete meeting, click here.

More unemployed Illinoisans who are in need of health insurance may be eligible for financial help to purchase plans on the Marketplace.  Consumers who received unemployment benefits for any week beginning in 2021 or are approved to receive benefits may get even lower-cost plans. The Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are working on ways to improve things for many people who are unemployed, through the American Rescue Plan. 

Get Covered IL Exec. Director Laura Pellikan says that you should at least go through the process to see as it is well worth it.

There are two different categories Pellikan says and on average three out of five eligible uninsured Americans can access $0 plans after advance payments of tax credits.

Get Covered Illinois is a division of the Illinois Department of Insurance and is the official health marketplace for Illinois consumers. Find out more by visiting www.getcoveredillinois.gov. 

The Christian County Genealogical Society is happy to be back working on organizing data and keeping historic records of what is going on in the county after missing a lengthy time due to COVID-19. Jeanine Biondolino & Vauna Stahl sat down with Regional Radio News to talk about some of the things that they do. Biondolino says that they have been together since 1983 but have records from all the way back to even the 1800s. 

One thing that the Society is looking for are old school photos. Stahl says that they are lacking in older school class photos. 

Biondolino says that they are at the historical society on Saturdays but can be available during the week via appointment.

There’s always a unique story when it comes to the historical society, and you just never know when you might find a connection but the best way to find that connection is to come out on Saturday and see what the Christian County Genealogical Society has going on.

For more information check them out on Facebook or visit their website at https://www.christiancountyilgenealogicalsociety.org/.

Local artist Gage McCoy joined the WMKR Genuine Country 94.3 Morning Show Friday to talk about his new song he recorded in Nashville called, “The Land of The Free” and what it means to him. McCoy grew up in Illiopolis and now resides in Macon. McCoy shared the process of writing the song and how it was a challenge. 

After serving in the military, McCoy wanted his first song to be patriotic.

McCoy described what went through his mind as he was writing the song.    

McCoy goes into detail about what the meaning of the song is for.

Gage McCoy’s new song, ‘The Land of The Free’, can be heard on WMKR Genuine Country 94.3.  
 

The Taylorville City Council will meet this evening to discuss business, review ordinances, and hear from their public for their first bi-monthly meeting in July. One thing that the board will be discussing is reviewing the drive-thru windows for alcohol sales. The motion was brought up at the last meeting but died on the table with no support. There will also be some other ordinances and resolutions reviewed. 

Under street and sewer, the board will discuss an engineering study for the Wal-Mart Lift Station pump upgrade. Under personnel, the board will accept, deny, or table the following: the resignation of assistant fire chief Cody Rogers, allow non-bargaining employees to live within 6.5 miles of the courthouse, advertise a full-time dispatcher to the police department, hire two police officers, raise the salary of the street and sewer superintendent by 5%, advertise three laborers in the street department, and amend the employee handbook.

Under emergency services, the board will look into allowing Chief Matt Adermann into purchasing a new fire hose, allow Chief Wheeler to upgrade two administration vehicles, and purchase two new vehicles and stop equipment. 

The meeting will also have Mayoral and city attorney updates. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story after the conclusion of the meeting at the Municipal building Tuesday evening. 

HSHS Illinois hospitals no longer require COVID-19 testing for scheduled procedures on fully vaccinated patients. To be fully vaccinated, you must have a procedure date of at least two weeks after a single dose of Johnson and Johnson or two weeks after the second dose of the  Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. 

Patients must show proof of vaccination. If you arrive the day of the procedure without submitting proof or bringing their card, they will either need to be tested or they could have their procedure canceled. All patients regardless of vaccination status are still required by the CDC to mask up inside hospitals. 

HSHS Illinois hospitals include St. John’s in Springfield, St. Mary’s in Decatur, St. Anthony’s in Effingham, St. Francis in Litchfield, Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville, and many others in central Illinois. 

If you are interested in scheduling your COVID-19 vaccination and want to know more information, visit www.hshs.org/vaccine.

An autopsy was completed for a Cerro Gordo man who was killed on Friday evening in a vehicle crash on US Route 36 near Prairie Valley Road in rural Macon County. Macon County Coroner Michael Day issued a press release announcing that 53-year-old Galen C. Handley of Cerro Gordo struck a semi truck and was pronounced dead from the collision that took place at 7:18 PM on July 2nd. Routine toxicology screens are pending and the Illinois State Police are investigating.

EDIT: ORIGINAL CORONER REPORT SAID NAME WAS GLEN,IT IS IN FACT GALEN.

Taylorville Police conducted a narcotics investigation and ultimately ended up arresting three individuals. The investigation took place on Friday, July 2nd. Taylorville Police went to Hewitville and set up surveillance contacting the States Attorney’s Office who then authorized a search warrant after several hours of surveillance. Taylorville Police notified the Christian County Sheriff’s Office since it was their jurisdiction and continued to watch the 1900 block of South Houston. 

Taylorville Police along with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office conducted the search warrant and arrested 43-year-old James J. Weinert of Watseka, 35-year-old Joshua C. Hawthorne of Taylorville, and 33-year-old Keith Weller of Taylorville.

Weinert and Hawthorne were arrested for possession of methamphetamine 15-100 grams, and possession with intent to deliver 15-100 grams of meth. Weller was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with less than 5 grams. All subjects were booked in the Christian County Jail. 

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says that this was a very successful bust which will lead to more arrests and in a press release urges citizens to leave the city if they plan on selling drugs.  

35-year-old Joshua C. Hawthorne

43-year-old James J. Weinert

33-year-old Keith Weller

It’s a busy time of year when the weather warms up. There are always events taking place in Shelbyville, even long after the last Independence Day firework has faded from the sky. Shyrell Bernson with the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says coming up Columbus Day weekend is something called Scarecrow Daze.

Scarecrow Daze features a lot of vendors and according to Bernson that’s not all. There will be some new aspects to the event too. 

To get information on any of these upcoming events, Bernson recommends going to their website. 

Bernson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in Downtown Shelbyville.

For police officers, first responders, and Emergency Medical teams, communication can make all the difference in the world as far as whether they can control a situation or even make a bad situation, less dangerous. That’s why they go through training and studying and even retraining to make sure that officers are as ready as they can be for any situation that comes their way. One way that they train is through a VirTra, a 360 projected simulator that based off the decisions you make can “change the outcome” so as you react, it reacts. 

Rafael Gutierrez, Director of Training for the Public Safety Training Foundation or PSTF says that the VirTra allows the public to firsthand experience the types of situations police train for and may encounter on the job. You can bring recruits in using the VirTra and see how they do and then have them go through at the end to see how far they’ve come.

Gutierrez says there are three different VirTra’s and they all serve very different purposes. Two of them are used for law enforcement but the third one is for the public.

The hope is that this can reach members of the public to give them a different perspective of what law enforcement is like.

At the end of the day Gutierrez says it’s about communication, and it’s great to have new technology that can help train better.

Gutierrez says that he wants people to remember that law enforcement in many cases only has a split second to make a decision, so it’s really easy to second guess something, especially when you are only given a chance to rewatch it many times. 

The 4th of July may be in the rear view mirror, but unfortunately statistics show some will still be feeling the effects. Natalie Inman with Shelby County Community Services shares that between the travel and alcohol use during the holiday, Independence Day has the highest rate of alcohol related incidents. 

Around holidays alcohol is a part of the celebration, and that’s not a bad thing. Inman shares that it’s just about being safe during that time.

Specifically speaking about how alcohol mixes with the 4th of July celebrations, Inman says the danger reaches far beyond just drinking and driving.

Beyond the holiday scope, Inman says boats and alcohol open up a world of dangerous possibilities, so it’s important to be careful. 

Inman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in Downtown Shelbyville.

Ticks can be something that can ruin a camping trip or be outside, but there are ways to prevent yourself from having a bad day. Ticks are easy to pick up when visiting grassy areas, woods, prairies, wetlands, deer trails, and brushy areas. They are known to spread serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever.  

You should always check for ticks when you get back from being out in the woods. University of Illinois Extension Entomologist, Sarah Hughson says, if you find one, remove it with a pair of tweezers by grabbing it at the base and pulling it straight out. You shouldn’t pinch it with your fingers or burn the tick as that can make it worse.

You should also check your animals for ticks as well. 

Choose appropriate clothing from head to toe. Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt over a tight undershirt, and long pants. Wear boots and tuck your pant legs into them to close up any loose openings. Wear light-colored clothing, so you can spot ticks. Select an insect repellent that is effective against ticks. One that contains DEET or picaridin. You can also buy clothing that is pre-treated with insect repellent. Make sure when you get back you wash clothes with high heat. 

After a year layoff because of COVID, the Christian County Ag Fair is back and better than ever according to Marketing Director Angela Ohl-marsters.

For the first time in many years, the Expo building is full thanks to the work Ohl-marsters did in securing acts, displays and vendors.

Several local industries and businesses will have their wares on display.

Ohl-Marsters told Regional Radio News the theme for this year's Christian County Ag Fair goes along with its focus on agriculture.

Helicopter rides and the Saturday chilli cookoff are among items that are back, as well as a special military display.

For a complete schedule of events, clilck here.

The Miller Media Group will broadcast live on WTIM's many platforms—AM, FM, and streaming on-line, as well as have recorded reports on WMKR, WRAN, NEW Country 104-point-1 and THE WINNER Ninety-Six-Five, the week of this year's Christian County Ag Fair.  Judging results will also be posted on taylorvilledailynews.com.

An intoxicated 37 year old from Springfield was airlifted to an area hospital with serious injuries after going the wrong way on I-55 Saturday morning. 37-year-old Remington Montgomery of Springfield was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 at Milepost 60 just north of Litchfield. At 2:05 AM, Montgomery, who was driving a white 2020 Nissan pick-up struck 56-year-old Roger Rosser from Rockford, who was driving a semi-truck head-on. 

Montgomery was airlifted to a regional hospital with serious injuries while Rosser was taken by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. I-55 northbound was closed for nearly 7 hours for recovery and cleanup.

Montgomery was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, driving the wrong way on the interstate, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. 

The Christian County Ag Fair is happening this year July 20th thru the 24th.

Angela Ohl-marsters is the Marketing Director for the Fair this year, and she tells Regional Radio News will feature a lot of traditional attractions.

She adds the livestock shows will again be an important part of the Christian County Ag Fair this year.

As always, there'll be lots of activities for kids at this year's Fair.

For a complete schedule of events for this year's Christian County Ag Fair, click here.

Around the Fourth of July the town of Herrick celebrates with a three weekend event. After not holding it last year, they were able to host the Herrick 4th of July celebration again in 2021. One of the big draws is the parade. Brent Wallace, one of the parade coordinators, says there is a $500 prize for best float. 

The parade has been going on for several years, which has allowed some participants to get better over the years. According to Wallace the VFW float sticks out.

Wallace says the parade and the 4th of July event as a whole mean a lot to the Herrick community.

The three day event takes place at Wallace and Carroll Park in Herrick. Wallace appeared as a guest on Cruisin’ 98.3 WSVZ during live coverage of the event.

Over the course of the COVID-19 shutdown there was some ambiguity as to which businesses could remain open According to Alex Wright of Wright’s Furniture, they felt they were in a gray area in terms of being essential. Ultimately they decided to shut down for safety reasons. That was, until they realized they may be essential.

When customers started reaching out it became clear that Wright’s Furniture needed to explore the possibility of reopening. So they cautiously started selling again.

Just like many businesses, Wright’s saw an increase in their digital footprint. Wright encourages people to interact with them on their social media.

Wright continues saying having good people involved with the company is important for getting through things like a pandemic, and just for success in general.

Wright appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Fourth of July weekend means fireworks will be lighting up the night sky. It means family get togethers and long weekends. And it means there will be a celebration in Taylorville. Linda Allen, Executive Director of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce says you can expect a parade, Mayor Bruce Barry’s luncheon, and some singing.

Speaking of singing, Allen shares the recent announcement of a choral group that will be singing during the parade. 

The parade is taking place on Saturday, but that isn’t stopping the Taylorville farmers market from being open.

Between Allen, Mayor Barry, and Marcia Neal who runs the farmers market, the three decided it would be best to work together on the parade.

Allen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

For police officers, a situation can escalate in a matter of mere seconds. Knowing what to do in those split seconds and in a world where everything you do is scrutinized and put under a microscope, can make all the difference. That’s where the Public Safety Training Foundation supported by Howard Buffett in Decatur comes into play. This state-of-the-art training facility comes with a simulator called VirTra where you can go in and depending on how you handle the situation can determine how the person responds to you in a virtual world with many different outcomes. 

This simulator will be opening to the public soon so that people can see just how tough of decisions go into this and that sometimes there are no easy answers with some situations. Chelsey Keyes, Director of Communications says that this is an important simulator not just for the public to see how tough policing is, but also for police to get even more hands-on training, to make them better at their job.

One of the big things that Director of Training Rafael Gutierrez says for the VirTra is communication. Communication can make all the difference in a scenario. For the VirTra simulator, there are limitations, but Keyes says the pros definitely outweigh the cons. 

There are 100’s of different scenarios where you can really deal with all kinds of real-life scenarios, whether it’s an active school shooter, dealing with conservation-type scenarios, to suicide and loitering, and de-escalation and how to handle someone who may be autistic. They are adding to it all the time.  The PSTF also has other ways to train too. 

For Keyes, she just wants people to have a better understanding of just how difficult law enforcement can be sometimes. 

The PSTF is looking forward to scheduling the public to use the VirTra in the near future, they are also putting together a website. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story in the next few days. 

People’s Bank and Trust continue to be recognized for putting people first. It was recently recognized in two Small Business Administration statewide rankings. Small Business Administration ranked Peoples Bank and Trust 6th by number and 11th by volume of SBA PPP loans made by Illinois-based lenders with under $1 billion in assets. SBA also ranked the bank 4th by number and 2nd by volume of SBA 7a Guaranteed Loans closed during its fiscal year ending in May of this year.

People’s Bank and Trust know that this past year has been difficult for many people and so they continue to put customers first as they have since they opened in 1954. President John Gardner says he takes pride in being ranked as one of the most active SBA lenders in Illinois but takes real satisfaction in smiles and Thank You’s from customers.

The SBA PPP Program began in 2020 and was created to provide economic security by giving financial assistance via payroll for businesses, self-employed workers, sole proprietors, and other entities. 

The Let Freedom Ring Parade in Taylorville will be adjusting some of their times for the parade information. The parade will take place on Saturday with line-up at the fairgrounds at 9 AM. You should enter the fairgrounds on Spresser. The parade will then take place at 10 AM with a hot dog luncheon being sponsored by Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. Fire Chief Matthew Adermann will be singing at the luncheon. 

There will also be a community choral event where choir members from the First United Methodist Church along with current and previous Taylorville High School choir members will perform The Battle Hymn of the Republic under the direction of Mr. Keith Chase.  Anyone who is familiar with this song is invited to join in. The choir will gather on the South Lawn of the Courthouse immediately following the parade on Saturday.  For more information please contact the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce or Mayor Bruce Barry.
 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held its annual cookout at the Kiwanis Park Pavilion Thursday night, and presented scholarships to 2 Taylorville High School seniors.

Club secretary Martin Vota told Regional Radio News the cookout is a great way for Kiwanis members to socialize outside of a weekly meeting setting.

Vota added the cookout is also where 2 500-dollar college scholarships are presented to 2 Taylorville High School seniors.

Vota (right) presented the 500-dollar scholarship to Norris (left).  According to her application, Norris is hoping to come out of college debt free and appreciated the Kiwanis scholarship.

Goodman was not present.  He plans to attend Lincoln Land Community College this fall and major in engineering.

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 Moose Lodge.  Find out more on-line at taylorvillekiwanis.com.

With things returning to normal, many fireworks displays are also returning. The following fireworks displays will be held over the 3rd and 4th of July. This list is not exclusive. Start times for all of these are at dusk unless otherwise noted. 

Taylorville—Lake Marina July 4th

Effingham—Effingham High School Sports Complex July 4th. 

Macon—Macon Speedway Fireworks July 3rd. 

Athens—July 3rd

Bethany—July 4th Fireworks at 9:15

Mt. Zion—July 3rd Fireworks

Springfield—Lake Springfield Marina July 2nd, Panther Creek July 3rd, and Knights Action Park July 4th. 

Decatur—Lake Decatur July 4th.

Shelbyville—Fireworks July 4th. Forest Park

Tower Hill—Jimmy D’s July 4th.

Blue Mound—189 N. West Street July 3rd. 

Vandalia-- Vandalia Lake July 3rd.

Assumption—Slag Pile July 4th.

Pana--Tri-County Fairground July 3rd.

Sullivan—Wyman Park July 4th.

Oconee—north end of town July 4th. 

Did we miss your fireworks display? Give us a call at 824-3395 or comment below so we can get it included!

The Scovill Zoo has many different types of animals, each that has their own unique story. Director of the zoo Ken Frye likes sharing those stories. One of his favorite birds at the zoo is called the kookaburra. According to Frye this is a bird of Australian descent whose call is often used in movies.

Kookaburra are in the king fisher family, but Frye explains that doesn’t mean they go fishing.

One of the markings of a Kookaburra can be blue accent feathers on the wings. 

As with many birds, the kookaburra has a very still head so it can focus on its surroundings, Frye says.

Frye appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A fire broke out at a machine shed between Owaneco and Assumption on Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters from all around the area came out to help with the fire that took place at 2200 East 900 North a few miles south east of Owaneco. Due to the fire being out in the county, tankers had to shuttle water from fire hydrants and from the prison to the scene. Jeff Stoner, Christian County Emergency Management Agency Director says that the fire broke out around 1 PM but it was contained in about 45 minutes. Crews stayed after to make sure there were no hot spots and there were no injuries reported.

Multiple fire fighting agencies helped including Pana, Assumption, Owaneco, Stonington, Nokomis, Moweaqua, Tower Hill, Taylorville, and Witt Fire, along with Decatur Ambulance, and the Christian County Sheriff and EMA. 

The Jimmy Johns in Taylorville has a new owner. It’s been a little over a month since Tom Dueker took over the location. He’s been with Jimmy Johns for while in a role that had him traveling around to help different stores. Now he gets to focus on just one. 

Some bad luck at the beginning of the pandemic turned into good fortune for Dueker. He was forced to work part time at Jimmy Johns in Tuscola which ultimately brought him to Taylorville.

Dueker’s time with Jimmy Johns dates back to his college days. He started doing deliveries and it just felt like the right fit.

There are a lot of things the pandemic can teach businesses. Dueker explains with Jimmy Johns one of the big things is to get involved in the community.

Dueker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

For this year’s fourth of July festivities, the Illinois Department of Transportation has started a new safety campaign titled, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The Illinois Department of Transportation along with the Illinois State Police are joining in an effort to cut down on injuries and deaths over holiday weekends.

IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel says troopers will be out in full enforcement over the holiday weekend.

Wappel says that there will be more than 200 police and sheriff departments taking part in this campaign. Through June 27th, there have been 509 traffic fatalities in Illinois which is an increase of 33 from a year ago. There were also 14 deaths last year over the 4th of July holiday. 

Some tips to remember for your 4th celebrations, are to give your designated driver your keys before you go out. If you do get drunk or impaired, call a taxi, take mass transit or call a family member to come to pick you up. You can also use Uber or Lyft, and if you see an impaired driver, pull over safely and call 9-1-1. Above all else, make sure you wear a seatbelt.
 

Wright’s Furniture started in Dietrich in 1889. Since then they’ve expanded to have another location in Robinson and a design store in Effingham. Most recently, they’ve added a store in Taylorville. Alex Wright with Wright’s Furniture says it happened through a connection with the Jensen family who owned Jensen’s Furniture.  
 

Once the Jensen’s knew retirement was coming, they opted to talk to the Wrights’s to keep the business with local family. 

Wright says they are very happy with the welcome their furniture store has gotten in the Taylorville community.

The success of Wright’s furniture stems from the same reason they were offered Jensen’s. They understand and celebrate the importance of local communities.

Wright appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

With all the rain that central Illinois has been seeing, the Illinois Department of Transportation is taking this time to remind you to be cautious and safe when dealing with floodwaters especially on the road. IDOT Spokesperson Paul Wappel says that it doesn’t take much for a vehicle to get into deep trouble when it comes to standing water. 

Taking a steps to protect yourself can go a long way towards safety especially if you do find yourself facing a situation such as standing water. IDOT would ask you to remember that even if water covering a road seems shallow, don’t attempt to cross it. Seek higher ground if your vehicle stalls in a flooded area and do not push your vehicle out.

Always anticipate longer driving distances and travel times to get to where you need to go, especially if roads are flooded or closed, follow any posted detours, and keep your cell phone charged. Ask yourself if your trip is necessary. For more updates on statewide road conditions, visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You can also follow IDOT on Facebook and Twitter.
 

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is putting out guidance on firework safety and what you can do to keep you and your loved ones safe over the holiday. 180 people on average according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries. Of those injuries, 57% are burns. These injuries tend to be mostly on the hands, fingers, legs, face, and eyes. 

If you do decide to shoot fireworks off, keep in mind some tips to help keep you safe. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying and using them. You should never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks—even sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees which is hot enough to melt metal. One safe alternative HSHS says is to use glowsticks. Always keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby for a quick water source if something goes wrong. Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse. 

Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers and never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Once your done, soak all spent fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can. Never discard fireworks including used ones, in a firepit. Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper as this is often a sign they were made for professional use only. 

More fireworks safety tips are available on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at cpsc.gov/fireworks. If you know someone or if you get injured by a firework and are in need of emergency care, call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately.