Illinois anglers eager to showcase their skills in catching walleye, sauger, or saugeye are gearing up for the virtual Midwest Walleye Challenge set to take place in 2024. Started by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and in collaboration with other states, provinces, and experts at Anglers Atlas, this year's competition looks to provide invaluable insights into the region's fisheries.

Kevin Irons, Assistant Chief of the IDNR fisheries division, spoke on the significance of such competitions in advancing understanding of Illinois' fisheries. Irons says competitions like this are incredibly valuable to the understanding of Illinois’s lakes and ponds, reassuring anglers that sensitive location data will remain confidential.

Utilizing the mobile app MyCatch, participants will record the length of each fish caught by capturing a photo on a measuring device. Once reviewed and meets the rules, the catch appears on a live leaderboard, creating a competitive atmosphere.

Sean Simmons, founder and president of MyCatch, expressed excitement about expanding the innovative tournament format beyond Iowa, emphasizing its potential in other Midwest states and Canada.

The competition offers two participant categories: a $25 entry fee category with cash and non-cash prizes and a free category with non-cash prizes. Prize categories are tailored to meet the data needs of fisheries biologists, including awards for "Tough luck" (zero catches) to identify locations lacking fish presence and "Most waterbodies fished" to enhance data collection amount. Longest fish caught and random-draw prizes further incentivize anglers to report their catches, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the walleye fishery.

Illinois anglers are encouraged to sign up online, marking their participation in a groundbreaking event that not only celebrates the thrill of angling but also contributes to vital fisheries management efforts across the Midwest.

The Christian County Health Department is rolling out a new way of permitting restaurants for food safety in Christian County. Dr. Chad Anderson, Public Health Administrator, and Joe Torres, Director of Environmental Health, call this “gold Standard” food permit program a win-win-win. Businesses will be incentivized with lower costs associated with fewer visits from the health department upon passing tests, area consumers will know which restaurants are passing with flying colors, and the health department professionals will be spending less time at each restaurant.

Torres says restaurants that have had an average of fewer than three violations over the previous year will receive gold permit status.

Dr. Chad Anderson describes how this new implementation will save money for restaurants that stay in good standing with the Christian County Health Department.

A diamond-tier permit will be administered to businesses that have passed inspections for three consecutive years.

To find out more about the gold standard permits from the Christian County Health Department call them at 217-824-4113.

Dr. Chad Anderson and Joe Torres appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

The Christian County Sheriff's Office is in the early stages of adding a new service that will further expand communication and awareness to the public and to law enforcement in 2024. The Senior Identification Program will allow elderly people to list emergency contacts and other information, enabling first responders to care for citizens living alone who could be susceptible to falls or other

emergencies while alone.

Chief Deputy Jim Baker of the Christian County Sheriff's Office says half of the battle when responding to these calls is being allowed entrance when the person who called is unable to move to the door or a phone.

Currently, citizens can call their local county sheriff's Office and notify of an address and phone number that could be from an elderly person experiencing circumstances that caused them to hang up the phone or not respond to the 9-1-1 operator. With an alert by this contact and notes from a caretaker like a child of the elderly person, law enforcement will have the correct information when responding.

To find out more about the Senior ID Program and to input information, call the Christian County Sheriff's non-emergency number at, 217-824-4961.

Chief Deputy Jim Baker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Nearly $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities according to Illinois State Governor JB Pritzker. Funding was set aside for economically distressed communities resulting in 32 underserved locations also receiving $18.7 million in grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development or OSLAD program.  

Harristown, a village in Macon County has 1,300 residents, one-third of whom are youth under the age of 19, but there are no public parks or playgrounds for children and families.  Harristown has received a $150,000 grant and the village board of trustees plans to build a park and playground that will have a pavilion, sitting areas, walking paths, and more. 

In Christian County, Taylorville will be receiving $140,000 which Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says will go towards remodels and work being done at the Marina. The Park District has also received $600,000.  Regional Radio News reached out to the Park District but has not yet been told officially what the money will go towards. In Fayette County, Vandalia will receive $600,000.  In Macoupin County, Modesto will receive $600,000.  In Montgomery County, Litchfield will receive $300,000.

As with all of the OSLAD grants, these grants will have to be matched in order to receive the funds. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from a local retired judge at their weekly meeting on Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

Judge John Coady, who also was a Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club member in 1968, the first year of the club, discussed interesting cases he’s heard in his many years on the bench.   Then he tested Club members legal knowledge asking them to predict the outcome of some of the cases he was involved in, then sharing those outcomes.

The community is reminded of the Kiwanis Club’s annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Saturday, April 27th at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.   Proceeds benefit the many Kiwanis projects for children and youth in the community including Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, YMCA and high school scholarships, and funding grants to other non-profits with similar goals to assist children.

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

Principal Charles Brown from Central A&M announced the First Semester Honor Roll for the High School.  Find out more information about Central A&M by visiting their Facebook page.  To see a list of the recipients, click here and here, and here is a list of the Honorable Mentions. 

School Counselor Bonnie Sowarsh has announced the Honor Roll for Pana Junior High School for the 2nd Quarter.  Congratulations to all the recipients.  You can find that list by clicking here. 

Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR along with People's Bank and Trust are recognizing the Pana Students of the Month for January. The January Pana Students of the Month are Nora Kingery, Liberty Law, Hayden Blackwell, and Ethan Hicks. 

L-R :  Freshman Nora Kingery; Sophomore Liberty Law; Junior Hayden Blackwell; Senior Ethan Hicks; PBT Representative Kyndall Jones 

The WSVZ and Family Drug-Shelbyville Students of the Month for January 2024 were presented with their awards recently. Congratulations to Karson Bruns, Lizzie Kirkbride, Arya Patel, and Aydan FIsher.

Pictured from left to right are: Freshman:  Karson Bruns, Sophomore: Lizzie Kirkbride, Junior:  Arya Patel, Senior:  Aydan Fisher and Tina from Family Drug in Shelbyville

Regional Radio News congratulates the Students of the Month!

State Senator Doris Turner is pushing to assist local grocers in updating their equipment to energy-efficient models. The move is part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative and aims to tackle food deserts across the state by ensuring continued access to fresh produce.

Turner says, that in the effort to eliminate food deserts, it's crucial that Illinois empowers the local grocers. The initiative seeks to address the financial burden faced by small community grocers due to rising energy costs, which often result in outdated equipment.

Under the Equipment Upgrades Program, eligible grocers can apply for grants to upgrade various systems, including heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and lighting, with the goal of achieving significant energy savings. The program targets independently owned grocers with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four stores, with priority given to those situated in USDA-defined food deserts.

The focus is on supporting businesses in need, said Senator Turner. By bolstering economic development in these areas, Illinois can effectively combat food insecurity.

To aid applicants, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will host webinars on January 31st and February 8th. The deadline for online grant applications is due by March 25th.

The Equipment Upgrades Program marks the inaugural initiative under the Illinois Grocery Initiative, which seeks to address food insecurity by bolstering local grocers and reducing food deserts. Questions regarding the Illinois Grocery Initiative can be directed to CEO.GroceryInitiative@illinois.gov.

Four Taylorville High School students were selected for the honor of participating in All-State ensembles at the recent ILMEA District Festivals and All State Student Programs.  During the fall of 2023, over 10,000 students from high schools around Illinois participated in the Illinois Music Education Association audition process. Of those auditions, more than 7,000 students were selected to participate in district festivals celebrating student musicians in bands, orchestras, choruses and jazz ensembles in November, 2023.

Students in grades 9-12 who participated in the ILMEA District Festivals were then eligible to be selected into ILMEA’s All-State Student Programs. This year, 1500 students were selected to participate in the All-State Student Programs in Peoria, Illinois from January 24-27, 2024. On Friday, January 26, the 2024 Jazz Night Concert featured a night of music performed by the student vocal and instrumental jazz ensembles. The All-State Concert and the Honors Concerts were presented on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Each of these ensembles were led by distinguished conductors and music educators from across the country.

Four Taylorville HS students were selected for the honor of participating in All-State ensembles.  Paige Cunnington and Adrian Gonzalez-Mateos were members of the All-State Jazz Band, while Lillie Jones and Laney Norbeck were members of the All-State Concert Band. Regional Radio News salute all of the musicians for their hard work and preparation!

Scoop’d in Pana has been dishing out fresh ice cream, coffee, and baked goods since 2022. Nick and Amanda Kroenlein, Owners of Scoop’d in Pana have been happy with the community response to their business, and with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on weekends Nick Kroenlein says Scoop’d has grown beyond their initial goals.

Kroenlein says most of the staff at Scoop’d has been loyal to the business since day one, making operations smooth in the bustling business.

The Kroenleins restored the former service station on Route 51 and Illinois Route 16 into the ice cream and coffee shop from a structure that was remnants of a working structure. Kroenlein says some people thought the transformation was too lofty to accomplish.

Nick and Amanda Kroenlein are pleased to be adding to Pana's economic and social growth with the addition and success of Scoop'd, located at 2563 Illinois Route 16 in Pana.

Nick Kroenlein appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from the lobby of Peoples Bank and Trust in Pana.
 

The Taylorville Park Board of Trustees met Monday night for a brief meeting at 7:00 p.m. All members of the board were present. The treasurer’s report was approved and minutes were passed for the January 2nd meeting.

Representatives from Red Bland Little League inquired about different locations for games during the upcoming Little League season. Possibilities included playing certain games at Jaynes Park or Don Bragg Park, but Manners Park is the only location with fields that can hold 90-foot bases for the older age groups. Plans for games are still to be announced.

Under New Business, February 13th at 1:30 p.m. was set for the budget planning meeting. And a heater for the maintenance shed was approved. 

The Jaynes Park dog incident was then discussed. Marlane Miller, Park Board President described the incident between two dogs in which the larger of the two dogs that was unleashed charged a woman holding a smaller dog, knocking the woman down and resulting in multiple injuries including broken ribs.

The hope was to add more signage and patrolling of maintenance crews to enforce the leashing of dogs and to eventually change the ordinance to make penalties more effective. A motion was approved to obtain additional signage.

Under reports, Bailey Hancock gave her Recreation Director report, detailing the clean-up and operations of Christmas in the Park and summer day camp information.

The meeting concluded with an executive session and the next Taylorville Park Board meeting is set for Monday, February 26th.

Soyland Access to Independent Living or S.A.I.L. in Decatur is dedicated to providing at-home living services to people with disabilities. The five core tenets that SAIL operates on are advocacy, independent living skills, development, peer counseling, and transition services.

To break down and explain these benefits of SAIL, Betty Watkins, Rural Outreach Coordinator, spends her time placing individuals in safe positions, hearing the needs, and finding solutions for the people she represents.

Watkins says these services are not a “one size fits all”, a variety of different needs are covered through SAIL services.

Personal assistants are needed at SAIL and Watkins says the training and flexible work hours come with it.

To find the services offered by Soyland Access to Independent Living visit their website at, decatursail.com, or call 217-876-8888.

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

The Taylorville Park Board is set to meet Monday at 7 PM at the Manners Park Dining Hall in Taylorville. They will give an update on the dog park and hear a proposal on a heater for the maintenance shed, as well as hear from the Maintenance Superintendent and Recreation Director Bailey Hancock. 

There will also be an approval of minutes, as well as the treasurer's report. Stay tuned to regional radio news following the conclusion of tonight's meeting.
 

Coordinated efforts throughout cities in Central Illinois are the reason emergencies like structure fires and other large events can be maintained in an efficient manner. This is called a mutual aid agreement.

Matt Lewis, is a firefighter with the Shelby County Fire Protection District and he explains that fires especially those in homes or structures burn fast and hot, but a radio call to the next protection district will have firefighters out to aid in the effort.

Lewis lays out the mutual aid agreements and the fast-acting nature of this valuable program. Depending on the city, travel times could vary. Constant communication is being made from district to district.

For the Shelby County Fire Protection District, contact 217-774-3433.

Matt Lewis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our Downtown Studios in Shelbyville.

 It was an emotional and momentous day at Davis Memorial Church on Friday as four graduates walked the stage of sobriety as they successfully passed through the Christian County Treatment Court Program. Judge Brad Paisley used the term radical resilience while describing the four graduates as their battle with addiction is a daily fight and the individuals proved to confront their issues head-on.

Graduates Brandon Durbin, Catherine Eck, Dylan Russell, and Tamara Wisnasky are the definition of radically resilient, said Judge Paisley.

A video presentation showed the before and after pictures of each graduate, displaying to the audience and to the recovered addicts what the journey to sobriety had accomplished, not only mentally, but physically.

Team members from the Christian County Treatment Court spoke about their time with the graduates and the daily effort that each individual made. Attending meetings, confronting issues that have been buried, and eventually reuniting and strengthening relationships with family members and friends.

Judge Paisley praised resources like Safe Passage of Taylorville and the law enforcement across Christian County that are treating addiction like the disease that it is and continuing to find the road to recovery for citizens struggling with addiction.

Commencement Certificates were then presented to each graduate and all four joined with the officers that made their initial arrest, reconnecting with the officer with a newly rehabilitated glow.

Each graduate was to give three roses out to people in the audience who made a difference in their road to recovery, placing roses in the hands of significant others, treatment officers, and family members.

Final words were given by Judge Paisley, he remarked that the battle against addiction is constant, and to keep working every day.

Families joined for a reception afterward and connected in the new light of sobriety and clean living. Christian County remains dedicated to serving people struggling with addiction as programs like the Treatment Court Program and Safe Passage excel forward.

State Senator Willie Preston introduced new legislation to ban chemicals in candy, soda, and other food items sold and produced in Illinois that have been shown to be harmful.

State Senator Preston says that the legislation will increase food safety for Illinoisans.  He believes new evidence shows that these substances have shown serious threats to health and the health of children in Illinois. 

Senate Bill 2637 – the Illinois Food Safety Act – will ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding, or selling of food products. These additives include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye no. 3.

Preston joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Representative Anne Stava-Murray, and advocates at the Healthy Lifestyle Hub to announce the initiation of the Illinois Food Safety Act and emphasize the legislation’s intent. As a father of six, Preston stressed that the legislation prioritizes children, who face heightened risks from these chemicals due to their developing bodies and increased consumption of these types of food products. 

Preston stressed that Illinois families deserve to have access to healthy food options and that legislation will set a precedent for consumer health and safety to encourage food manufacturers to update recipes to use safer alternative ingredients. 

Preston intends to work alongside his colleagues this legislative season to include additional additives like titanium dioxide. Additionally, his proposed legislation will call for studies on the potential health risk of BHA and BHT. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced last week it has been awarded $7.1 million in federal funds to fix electric vehicle chargers available to the public statewide. The funding, made possible through the Federal Highway Administration’s Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Program, helps support Gov. JB Pritzker’s goal to have 1 million EVs on the road in Illinois by 2030.   

The grant will repair, replace or upgrade an estimated 93 Level 2 ports and 34 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at various locations throughout the state. A complete list can be found on IDOT’s website, idot.illinois.gov.

The new funding for EV charging infrastructure further expands the state’s efforts toward a clean energy future. Progress under Gov. Pritzker includes the 2021 signing of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which places Illinois on a path to 100% clean energy by 2045. IDOT is administering the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, targeting release of the first notice of funding opportunity in early 2024. For more information, visit IDOT’s Drive Electric Illinois page.

Earlier this month, Gov. Pritzker announced that the Illinois Finance Authority will receive $14.9 million to support construction of new charging stations as part of the State of Illinois Community Charging Program, expanding the network statewide, filling in gaps and providing better service to disadvantaged communities. 

This also comes after a winter storm caused massive issues in Chicago where some drivers reported charging stations weren't working, and those working were taking much longer than usual to charge leading to multiple Teslas and other cars having to be towed due to the cold weather. 

The Christian County 4-H is getting set for their year of programs and activities for the Cloverbuds and 4-Her’s that educate and create well-rounded youths. The Public Speaking Contest will challenge new and returning 4-Hers on their presentation abilities in front of their supportive 4-H counterparts.

The Public Speaking contest will take place on Thursday, March 14th at the Christian County Extension Office starting at 6:00 p.m.

Jessica Jaffry, new Youth Development Coordinator for the Christian County 4-H says building these communication skills early on for the kids will prepare them for whatever comes next whether that is 4-H or just having conversations in daily life.

Sara Marten, County Director for the CC 4-H says she started out as a young 4-Her who was nervous to speak in public but was shown the ways of public speaking and developed confidence from that experience, now she represents the CC 4-H to spread that confidence to the next generation.

The CC Extension Office is located at 1120 North Webster Street in Taylorville. To get involved in the Public Speaking Contest for the CC 4-H visit the website at extension.illinois.edu/cjmm/4-h-christian-county.

Sara Marten and Jessica Jaffry appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John J. Kim has announced the investment of more than $66 million through water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts for the first half of Fiscal Year 2024 including Kincaid, Illinois.  The Illinois EPA State Revolving Fund or SRF Program provides low-interest loans which fund wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects.  Of that investment, more than $4.6 million in loan forgiveness was provided to those recipients meeting the loan rules for either the Small Community Rate or Hardship Rate. 

Illinois EPA’s SRF includes two loan programs, the Water Pollution Control Loan Program funds both wastewater and stormwater projects, and the Public Water Supply Loan Program for drinking water projects.  Both programs provide funding at a 1.8% interest rate.  

In Christian County in Kincaid, the first phase of a three-phase project has been approved.  The Village will use the funding to install Variable Frequency Drives for the pump stations located at the Sewer Treatment Plant on Garden Street.  These improvements will include lighting upgrades and installation of an aeration system for the STP Primary Lagoon. Several manholes will also be rehabilitated. 

For more information, visit the EPA website, by visiting this story at www.taylorvilledailynews.com. 

Community members, business owners future and current, and experts in economic development gathered at Peoples Bank and Trust in Taylorville on Thursday for the Christian County Economic Development Corporation’s Business Incentives Workshop. Matt Hart, Executive Director for the CCEDC partnered with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce to provide this unique opportunity for those looking to start or expand their business in Christian County.

The meeting room was packed at Peoples Bank and Trust as Nick Nelson, an Attorney from Peoria, walked the attendees through some of the acronyms that save great funds during the building process like Business Development Districts (BDD) and Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Linda Allen, Executive Director for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce was excited by the turnout for the Business Incentives Workshop and was eager to learn some of the topics for herself.

Matt Hart and the Christian County Economic Development Corporation look to make Christian County a place citizens can travel to for shopping, eating, and eventually residency, to expand the population and economic progress in Taylorville.

Taylorville Community Credit Union reminds area residents they still have time to ‘Stop. SHOP. VOTE!’ in its 10th annual scholarship program. Twenty-nine senior students from Taylorville High School await the results of voting in participating local businesses to determine the two local (2) winners of $1000 awards.

The financial awards are to be used toward the students’ continuing education, whether it be at a trade school, community college, or a 4-year university program.

According to TCCU President, Will Perkins, shoppers can cast one (1) vote for every $10 they spend in a participating business. There is no limit to how many stores shoppers can patronize, or how many times. 

Taylorville High School students participating in the 2023-4 scholarship program are: 
Emma Althoff, Jay Bliler, Justin Champley, Audrey Curtin, Megan Czajkowski, Abigail Erlenbush, Brenton Good, Ella Goodman, Chloe Grant, Claire Hadley, Milana Henson, Kyndall Hoy, Aubrey Kietzman, Hallie Lowis, Jake McConnell, Ian McGrath, Drew Mickey, Owen Morgan, Mia Morelock, Abby Norris, Ava Odam, Mylie Sims, Hallie Smith, Mia Stephens, Lyris Stockon, Claire Vaira, Jake Whetsell, Rhyker Wicks, and Olivia Woodward.

The complete list of participating businesses in Taylorville, as well as those in Hillsboro, Litchfield, and Pana, is on TCCU’s website (www.TCCU.org). Businesses also are displaying large posters featuring the registered students’ photos in their front windows or inside.

TCCU is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution, serving its members’ needs since 1956. Its membership is open to everyone who lives or works within the tri-county region of Christian, Montgomery, and Shelby Counties. For more information about the credit union’s range of financial services and products, or how to join, visit www.TCCU.org, or stop in or call any of its local branch locations in Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield, and Pana. 

The WTIM High School Road Tour set off to Pawnee High School for another stop and spoke with Principal, Nicole Goodall and Athletic Director, Sarah Hogan. There are positives and negatives regarding school operations in a small town but Hogan focused on the community support for their athletics, performing arts, and events.

Hogan brought up the successful middle school baseball team that punched their ticket to the state championships last year. Even though the state tournament was in Peoria, Pawnee fans still filled the seats.

Students stay active at Pawnee High School as many are members of groups spanning across athletics and music. Principal Goodall spoke on the facilities at Pawnee High School like the library and the auditorium, which are highly regarded.

Goodall is proud of the student's recent response and participation in E-learning days when South Central Illinois froze over earlier this week.

The WTIM High School Road Tour rescheduled the trip to Central A&M for February 14th for the final stop on the tour.
 

Ameren Illinois, a leading energy provider, has been recognized by the Edison Electric Institute with an Emergency Response Award for its commendable efforts in restoring power to nearly 200,000 customers following June's damaging wind and thunderstorm. The award was presented at the EEI's recent winter membership meeting.

Ameren Illinois activated its Incident Management Team at 1:00 p.m. on June 29th to support restoration activities, coordinating around-the-clock efforts for service restoration, logistical support, and communications. Ameren's swift response was attributed to investments made in the electric grid over the last decade, resulting in a more reliable and resilient infrastructure.

On June 29th, 2023, a derecho, or a severe weather event, left a 500-plus-mile stretch of damage across several Midwest states, impacting Ameren Illinois' service territory. The storm brought wind gusts of 100 mph, spawned tornadoes, and caused substantial damage to the electric infrastructure, resulting in thousands of power outages.

Within the first few hours after the storm passed, Ameren Illinois reported significant damage, including 256 damaged or destroyed power poles and several damaged substations. The peak number of outages reached approximately 182,000 customers over a three-hour period, making it the most significant outage event in the company's last 15 years.

Lenny Singh, President of Ameren Illinois, stated, that the investments are paying off, and Amaren customers are seeing the benefits of a more robust grid. Despite receiving the award, Singh revisits the need to continue planning and investing in technologies that strengthen the system against more frequent and severe weather events.

In accepting the award, Singh brought up the importance of ongoing planning and investment to "storm-harden" the system, ensuring it can exceed customers' expectations in the face of future weather challenges. Ameren Illinois remains committed to providing reliable and resilient electricity to its customers, contributing to the overall stability of the electric power industry in the United States.

The Nokomis School District enters their second year of providing the Grow Your Own Teachers Program which allows aspiring educators to take college credit courses during their junior and senior years of high school. Superintendent Scott Doerr was behind the grant writing process that made this program possible, any high school student in the Lincoln Land Community College zone will have this opportunity.

Superintendent Scott Doerr says the course material will encompass the beginning stages of teachers' education curriculum, the same that would be had at any college or university.

The credit transferring process between learning institutions can sometimes fail depending on the university. Doerr says that the Grow Your Own Teachers Program course credits will be accepted at all colleges in Illinois.

The first year of the program brought enough participation to continue the dual credit offerings.

These courses are often worked into the student's regular schedule says Doerr. He says the best way for a student to get information and be involved in this teacher's education program is to visit their school guidance counselor.

Scott Doerr appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois and the nation are in the midst of a local journalism crisis, with news outlets closing or shrinking at an alarming rate. State Senator Steve Stadelman and the members of the Local Journalism Task Force spent the last year studying the decline of local journalism and outlined its findings and policy recommendations at a news conference Wednesday.

Stadelman – a former TV news anchor – chaired the Local Journalism Task Force. Representatives from media, academia, and government met nearly a dozen times throughout the previous calendar year to study the decline of local media, its impact on democracy, and potential policy changes that could increase revenue to newsrooms across the state.

Hearing from several experts from across both the state and nation, the task force saw a common theme: independent local news reporting is vital and the lack of it is dangerous to the health of our democracy.

According to the Medill research, the Chicago area is among the 20 U.S. metro areas with the highest loss of news sources per capita. Yet the decline in rural parts of the state is even worse.

With its findings, the task force outlined several policy recommendations, including subscription tax credits, grant programs, fellowships, and more.

Stadelman plans to bring forth legislation this session to improve the financial situations of local newsrooms.

Sometimes houses can reveal treasures like maybe an old collectible, or a coin, but for one realtor in Taylorville, they may have found a part of Taylorville lore. Jennifer and Ken Franklin bought a building on the West Side of the Square and found a sealed letter in the drywall of 117 South Washington. The letter was typed on a typewriter and the letter lists a lot of names that may be familiar to our Regional Radio Listener audience, especially those who were alive in 1969.

The letter concludes with talking about Toots and their business.

Franklin says this has been quite a find. 

The letter will be put on display at the new offices at South Washington.  To hear the full letter in its entirety, click here. 

As Democrat and Republican Primaries near many new issues look to influence voters at the ballot box. To dissect some of the topics that the community might hear during upcoming debates and political advertisements.

Dr. Kent Redfield, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Illinois spoke on the newly implemented SAFETY Act and its effects so far, women's reproductive rights and if the issue will make it to the ballot, and budget concerns as COVID-19 funds have dried up in Illinois.

No-cash bail and pretrial release, otherwise known as the SAFETY Act. will be a hot topic when considering new legislation, Redfield says there is still confusion from county to county on enforcing the new rules.

Budget concerns arise as a key issue in Illinois as Business Resiliency programs are no longer funded with COVID-19 aid money.

Redfield says talks of abortion and reproductive rights of women have slowed and have failed to become a constitutional amendment.

Topics like these are used to sway both Republicans and Democrats into a vote of their party but public knowledge of the issues could be the deciding factor that will impact Illinois citizens and legislature.

Dr. Kent Redfield appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Brandon Bible Country Financial moved to a new location and held its grand opening and ribbon cutting after moving into Marsango Plaza on West Spresser Tuesday afternoon. Brandon Bible says that the move allows Country Financial to better serve its customers. 

Bible says he’s very excited to be moving into the new building.  

For more information, check out countryfinancial.com and look up Brandon Bible, visit him at 917 West Spresser or call his offices at 217-287-2332.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs proudly announced this week that the Illinois State Treasurer's Office achieved $1.33 billion in investment earnings from the state's investment portfolio throughout the year 2023. Additionally, an outstanding $978.8 million in gross investment earnings was generated for various local entities, including cities, villages, school districts, and counties participating in the highly regarded Illinois Funds local government investment pool operated by the State Treasurer's Office.

Treasurer Frerichs spoke on the positive impact of these earnings on communities, stating that every dollar the treasurer’s office makes through smart investing is a dollar that does not need to be raised in taxes for Illinois’ cities, counties, and schools. That means they have more money for public safety, road maintenance, and teaching materials, as well as other programs vital to communities across the state.

As the state's Chief Investment and Banking Officer, Treasurer Frerichs oversees both the state investment portfolio and the Illinois Funds investment pool for local government units. He addressed the office's commitment to being part of the solution to the state's challenges, acknowledging the limitations but emphasizing the positive contribution they can make.

The detailed breakdown of the investment earnings in 2023 reveals that the Treasurer's Office earned nearly $1.33 billion for the state investment portfolio, with December contributing nearly $122.4 million. The interest rate earned for the state investment portfolio in December was an impressive 4.60%. 

The Vault, the office's transparency website, can be found at iltreasurervault.com, where key monthly metrics and more information about the State Treasurer's Office's activities are available for the public to review.

The Illinois House of Representatives took a moment last week to welcome members of the Taylorville High School FFA who were in the house gallery.  The Taylorville FFA has recently returned from the National FFA Convention with high honors.  State Representative Brad Halbrook introduced the members to his colleagues in the House.  

Representative Halbrook also praised the group for their national awards. 

Representative Halbrook is the sponsor of House Resolution 554 which “Congratulates the Taylorville FFA of Illinois on being named the 2023 Premier National Chapter in Strengthening Agriculture.”   The resolution will be passed at a later date.

To see the full resolution click here.

One of the most terrifying sights on a sports field is game-stopping, and at times game-ending injuries.  This happened on December 16th, 2023 during an English Premiere League match between Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth.  Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during the match, receiving care for about seven minutes before being carried away on a stretcher. 

Lockyer received additional medical treatment in the stadium’s medical facilities, before being transported to a local hospital.  The footballer credits his recovery to the medical staff and their quick actions, calling attention to learning CPR.  

Dr. Abraham Kocheril, director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at OSF Healthcare Cardiovascular Institute in Urbana, Illinois, says his interest in athletes and sudden cardiac death started back in 1993.  Dr. Kocheril was at the Medical College of Georgia at the time and began focusing on cardiac arrests in sports as a large part of his research.  

He says an underlying condition is the main reason athletes suffer cardiac arrests during a sports match.  Underlying conditions could be coronary artery disease, an irregular heartbeat, or a congenital heart defect.

For kids, Dr. Kocheril says, cardiac arrests in athletics normally come from conditions they were born with such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM.  It affects the heart’s left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber of the heart.  Only .2% of athletes have these kinds of conditions according to the Dr. 

Lockyer’s cardiac arrest has happened before.  In June 2021, Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Euro 2020.  Similarly, he received treatment on and off the pitch and lived.  Nine months later, Eriksen returned to competitive play and now plays for Manchester United. 

Eriksen wears an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or ICD, a small electronic device connected to the heart that monitors the heart and regulates electrical problems.  A different soccer player named Anthony Van Loo had something similar.

Awareness before athletic events is crucial.  Athletes should be aware of chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, unusual sweating, heart rhythm abnormalities, and discomfort in other areas of the body.

CPR and having an AED nearby is important.

Performing CPR right away is important as it could save a life. 

If you have any concerns reach out to your primary care provider who may refer you to a cardiologoy specialist for appropriate screenings. 

Ameren is reporting at least 90 people without power in Taylorville. Sources tell Regional Radio News a loud bang was heard on the west side of the city. Stay tuned to Regional Radio for more information as it becomes available. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) revealed that, despite a decrease in overall respiratory illness activity, more than half of the counties in the state are still experiencing elevated levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations. According to CDC data, as of the week ending January 13, Illinois is at a Medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations for the fourth consecutive week, with 1,393 hospitalizations reported.

The data indicates a positive trend as 54 counties are at an elevated level, down from the previous week's 57 counties. Among them, 50 counties are at a Medium level, and four counties are at a High level. The IDPH emphasizes the importance of vaccination, stating that only about 24% of adult Illinoisans are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra urged residents to contact healthcare providers promptly if they develop respiratory symptoms, focusing on the availability of effective treatments for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Notably, individuals with health coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, or without insurance can receive PAXLOVID, a highly effective COVID-19 treatment, at no charge through the Federal Patient Assistance Program.

The IDPH recommends staying home and wearing a mask if experiencing respiratory illness symptoms, and it encourages telehealth appointments for medical care. Public health experts advise mask-wearing in crowded areas, especially for those recently exposed to respiratory viruses or visiting high-risk individuals.

The update also emphasizes the effectiveness of the COVID-19 shots against dominant variants, recommends flu vaccines for individuals 6 months and older, and provides information on RSV and pneumonia shots. IDPH launched an Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard for weekly updates on state conditions.

To spread awareness, IDPH introduced the 'Tis the Sneezin' campaign, emphasizing vaccinations against COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Additionally, the public can obtain four free at-home tests through the COVID.gov website, and high-risk settings receive a single swab triple-test for Flu/RSV and COVID-19 at no cost.

Illinoisans experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can access no-cost telehealth services through the SIU School of Medicine or the NIH Test to Treat line. The federal government's COVID toolkit website provides comprehensive information on obtaining masks, treatment, vaccines, and testing resources. Find those resources at www.covid.gov.

Lake Land College Foundation & Alumni Association is set to host Love a Laker Giving Day on February 14th, bringing together alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends to celebrate love and support for Lake Land College students. The event includes a unique opportunity for couples to share their love stories that originated at Lake Land College, with submissions accepted until February. 9.

As part of Love a Laker, the Foundation invites couples to email their stories and photos to alumni@lakelandcollege.edu. These stories will be featured on the Lake Land College website. On February 14th, participants can visit the website to vote for their favorite love story, and each donation made through the Love a Laker donation form during the event will earn an additional vote.

The story with the most votes will be announced at the conclusion of the event. All donations received will contribute towards providing essential resources for students. The Love a Laker donation form allows donors to select specific funds to support through their contributions.

The first $3,000 of donations received for Giving Day will be matched, courtesy of the generosity of SC3F Wealth Management. Amanda Allen, Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations, expressed excitement about the event, stating its impact on students' lives and the community coming together.

To view submitted stories, vote for favorites, and make donations through the Love a Laker donation form, visit Lake Land College Foundation's Love a Laker page. For year-round support, the Foundation offers various donation options, including online giving, gift planning, endowed gifts, matched gifts, and more. To learn about these opportunities, contact 217-234-5363 or visit lakelandcollege.edu/foundation/giving/.
 

Nearly a tenth of an inch of ice shut down most of Central Illinois Monday morning as freezing rain moved through the area.  A winter weather advisory is in effect today (1/22) into Tuesday morning (1/23) for freezing rain. Ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch with a potential for higher amounts east of I-39 and north of I-74.

ISP has reported multiple crashes on I-72 and Taylorville Police and the Christian County Sheriff have asked for people to stay home today if possible, and if you must leave the house, give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to go and plenty of room to brake. 

If you are going out and going to a business, or to your work, give them a call to make sure the business is open as a lot of businesses are closed today or have reduced hours. Make sure you keep devices charged in case of power outages, and visit gettingaroundillinois.com for the latest on road conditions.  You can also see event delays and cancellations on taylorvilledailynews.com. 

The WTIM High School Road Tour is in full effect and made a stop at Morrisonville High School last week. Regional Radio News Reporter Leroy Kleimola spoke with Morrisonville High School Principal, Randi Riemann and spoke on some academic goals in the coming years.

Riemann says a focus has been set on state assessment scoring, to improve those scores resources have been made available to students looking to excel in the classroom.

Capital Area Career Center in Springfield has become a strong tool for the students at Morrisonville High School as learners venture there to gain experience that prepares them for their next endeavor. Riemann refers to the Covid-19 era and how many extracurricular trips for students came to a halt. Principal Riemann finds these adventures into the real world to be educational and important.

Morrisonville High School holds many different extracurriculars, from Future Farmers of America to a group called Students Against Destructive Decisions. Riemann says it is all about expanding the experience for each and every individual.

The WTIM High School Road Tour has two more stops; WTIM will visit Central A&M High School on Tuesday, January 23rd. Then to Pawnee High School on Wednesday, January 24th, both from 9:10 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
 

Manners Park in Taylorville will be closed today due to the inclement weather.  The scheduled trustees meeting that was set for Monday evening at 7 PM at the Manners Park Dining Hall, has been postponed until January 29th. The Christian County Courthouse is also closed today. For more information, visit our closings and cancellations page or check out the Manners Park Facebook page and website. 

The Shelby County CEO Program will soon be hosting a superhero-themed event for surrounding kiddos who want to spend the day in costume. On February 3rd at the Foxmore Event Venue in Shelbyville, actors dressed as superheroes will set the scene for a day of fun.

Bryce Fathauer, Communications Director for the Shelby County CEO Program says there will be pizza served along with games and events for the attendees.

One activity at the event is called Magical Makeover, face-painting for boys and girls to get into character prior to the event. To conclude the event a costume contest will take place.

To learn more about this superhero event or to buy tickets visit Shelby County CEO at www.shelbycountyceo.com.

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

State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is urging eligible farmers and food producers to apply for grants under the Resilient Food System Infrastructure program. The program is funded with $6.4 million from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and aims to enhance the state's food supply chain. 

Turner emphasizes that fortifying the food system not only supports local farmers but also addresses food insecurity. The grants are available to various groups, including smaller farms, new farmers, veterans, and underserved communities, are divided into infrastructure and equipment categories. The initiative seeks to expand capacity, improve infrastructure, and fund equipment costs. Interested parties can apply online at Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program by March 15. 

Turner believes that this funding will increase access to fresh, locally-sourced foods, bolster the local economy, and strengthen the overall food supply chain. Additional information is available on the USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage.

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association announced that it will be awarding over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the state to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2024-25 academic year.  The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books, and fees only.  The student must be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning within the state of Illinois, full time online learning is also acceptable. 

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp will be awarding a scholarship for $500.  There is no restriction on applicants because of race, age, creed, color, sex, or national origin.  The only rules are that the applicant must be Illinois residents, scholarships must be utilized in Illinois, and students must be enrolled as full-time students during 2024-2025.  

Applications are now available at your local Sheriff’s Office or on the ISA Website.  Students must complete the application, answer the essay question, and return all documentation to the Sheriff’s Office by March 15th, 2024.  For more information, contact the Sheriff’s Office, Illinois Sheriff’s Association, high school advising center, or college financial aid office. 

Cindy Frisina and the Heartland Development Partners have begun work on multiple properties around the Taylorville Square to restore and revitalize the space with new businesses. The first project slated to be finished by the first week of February is called Legendary Small Town Trading Co., located at 123 South Washington Street in Taylorville. It will feature a coffee and wine bar serving pastries, sandwiches, and more, ample seating like lounge chairs and booths with complimentary internet access, and the Legendary Tasting Room where the high-quality wine can be found for sale inside the building along with other specialty retail items.

On the second floor of 123 South Washington Street, Frisina has planned for the space to be an Airbnb, for travelers looking to sight-see over the Taylorville Square and the Christian County Court House during their stay.

The time spent preserving the original floors and ceiling creates the atmosphere that Frisina was looking for. She says the attention to detail from the light fixtures to well-thought-out historical murals will reignite the rich history of the town.

A range of food and beverages will be available at Legendary Small Town Trading Co. Frisina takes the community through what they will experience as they enter the door of 123 South Washington Street. Frisina has stated that she and the Heartland Development Partners are adding pieces to Taylorville’s dining and shopping that had not previously existed.

Two murals sit on display at the Legendary Small Town Trading Co. that capture Taylorville and Christian County History. Frisina has sourced photographs from local photographers and archives.

The final touches are being added to the Legendary Small Town Trading Co. building and Frisina says she looks to have 123 South Washington up and running by the first week of February.
 

A new opportunity for business owners, current or future, or any community member, to learn about the business incentives offered in Christian County will soon be hosted by the Christian County Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. This initiative is called the Business Incentives Workshop, taking place on Thursday, January 25th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Peoples Bank and Trust on the lower level.

Matt Hart, Executive Director of the CCEDC explains that there are incentives available for businesses in Christian County, he says it is all about the awareness and knowledge of the acronyms that might be confusing like BDD and TIFF. But these incentives could save hundreds of thousands of dollars says Hart.

One example of what will be covered at the Business Incentives Workshop is the Enterprise Zone in Christian County.

This event is open to all citizens who are looking to become educated in the incentives that look to help Christian County businesses become successful.

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

State Senator Doris Turner is beginning a heartfelt initiative to uplift the spirits of seniors in the 48th District this Valentine's Day. Turner is urging community members of all ages to contribute by crafting or purchasing Valentine's Day cards for seniors. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing seniors' contributions to the community, Turner believes that a simple note can convey appreciation and make a significant impact.

Having successfully organized card drives in the past, Turner hopes to continue the tradition this year, encouraging residents to engage in acts of kindness to spread love. The initiative invites participants to drop off or mail their homemade or store-bought valentines to Turner's Decatur or Springfield district office. All collected cards will be distributed to various senior facilities within the 48th District, aiming to make seniors feel acknowledged and loved.

The Valentine's Day card collection will continue until Friday, Feb. 9, providing ample time for community members to participate. Those interested in contributing can deliver or send their cards to Turner's Springfield office at 725 North Grand Ave. E., Springfield, IL 62702, or her Decatur office at 1210 S. Jasper St., Decatur, IL 62321. For additional information, residents can contact Turner's office at 217-782-0228. This initiative reflects a community-driven effort to bring joy to seniors during the Valentine's season.

Taylorville High Schools National Champion Future Farmers of America Chapter was welcomed inside the Illinois Capitol Building yesterday, to be recognized on the Senate and House floors. This recognition has been sparked since Taylorville’s FFA Team took home first place in Strengthening Agriculture and for their multiple individual awards.

Illinois State Senator Steve McClure, representing the 54th District says, this is one of his favorite parts of the job, highlighting constituents' successes and being face-to-face with the people he represents.

Senator McClure and his staff have made it a point of focus to not miss events and achievements happening throughout his district.

Find out more about Senator Steve McClure on his website, https://senatormcclure.com.

Senator McClure appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

One person is in the hospital with serious injuries following a grain bin entrapment in Litchfield.  Litchfield Fire responded to an unknown emergency at Litchfield Farmers Grain on Tuesday around 2:16 PM.  The caller advised to send an ambulance fast. Dispatch eventually learned that a person was entangled in an auger inside a grain bin.  When first responders arrived, they found two Farmers Grain Employees shoveling beans off the patient.  The patient was extricated from the auger and removed through the side scuttle hole.  

Litchfield EMS performed Advanced Life Support Care to the patient on the scene before he was transferred by helicopter to St. Louis Hospital.  Litchfield Fire Department praised the Farmers Grain Employees who acted swiftly and diligently to prevent greater harm.  The employees assisted Litchfield Fire Department personnel without hesitation and made the rescue end in the best outcome possible. 

Taylorville Police have named their Officer of the Year for 2023. K9 Officer and Supervisor of the Community Action Team, Rachael Priddy has been named the officer of the year. In a writeup sent by Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler, he praised Priddy for her positive impact on Taylorville and the villages of Christian County.  

Chief Wheeler commented on Priddy’s dedication to the war on drugs and her handling of narcotic cases having a significant impact on the city of Taylorville. He thanked Priddy for continually seeking knowledge and trying to work on her professional and personal growth. Wheeler also expressed his deepest gratitude for her contributions and her tireless efforts, leadership, and the positive impact she has had on Taylorville and the surrounding community. 

We here at Regional Radio News salute you Officer of the Year Rachael Priddy!

The FBI is warning parents, educators, caregivers, and of course children, about the dangers of online activity that may lead to the solicitation and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.  “Sextortion” involves an offender who coerces a minor to create and send sexually explicit images or videos. The offender gets material from the child and then threatens to release that material unless the victim gives more.  These offenders usually do this seeking sexual gratification. 

Financially motivated sextortion is a criminal act that involves an offender who coerces a minor to crate and send sexually explicit material.  Offenders threaten to release that compromising material unless they receive payment, usually in gift cards, mobile payment services, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These offenders are motivated by financial gain, not just sexual gratification.

Sextortion victims are generally females between 10-17 years old, while financially motivated sextortion victims are typically males between 14-17 years old. With that being said, any child can become a victim.  Offenders in financially motivated sextortion schemes are usually located outside of the US and are primarily in West African countries or Southeast Asian countries.  

These crimes can lead victims to self-harm and have led to suicide.  From October 2021 to March of 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors.  There were at least 12,600 victims, primarily boys, and led to at least 20 suicides. 

In six months between October 2022 and March 2023, the FBI observed at least a 20% increase in reporting of financially motivated sextortion incidents involving minor victims compared to the same period the year prior.  FBI Springfield noticed a significant increase in financially motivated sextortion in 2023. 

If you or someone you know believes that they are a victim of sextortion or financially motivated sextortion, immediately report the activity to law enforcement. You can report it to FBI Springfield at 217-522-9675 or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov. 

The WTIM High School Road Tour stopped at Taylorville High School and got a chance to talk with some students who lead extracurriculars at their school.
Drew Mickey is the Co-President of the Future Farmers of America Group and Mylie Sims is a member of the video production squad at THS, Tommy TV, and has a show called “Mylie on a Mission” that appears on Tommy TV along with their sports broadcasts and other happenings at the school.

Drew Mickey spoke on the stellar Taylorville FFA Team that took home the Premier title in Strengthening Agriculture at the FFA convention this year.

Mylie Sims spoke on the valuable Tommy TV program that has educated her in communication skills, video and audio production, and the newsworthiness of the programs and events at THS.

Drew Mickey and Mylie Sims are both part of the Tommy TV program and sing the praises of the program, acknowledging how much these activities during their high school years have prepared them for the future.

The WTIM High School Road Tour will appear on Wednesday, January 17th from 9:10 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Shelbyville High School, and on Thursday, January 18th, during the same time from Morrisonville High School.
 

A fire on Tuesday morning claimed the life of one Pana resident.  At 12:27 A.M. on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024, Pana Fire was dispatched to 1 Cherokee St in Pana for a fully involved structure fire with two people still inside. Fire units arrived to find a single-story home and garage on fire with 1 person reported still inside. Firefighters advanced lines to the area where the victim was reported to be by family. Unable to locate the victim from a small window, Command called for entry to be made through the wall. Battling heavy smoke and fire, firefighters removed a section of the outside wall and were able to locate the victim and remove her from the structure.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.  

Christian Coroner Amy Winans identified the female as Kristy L. Clutter, 51, of Pana.  An autopsy will be held on Wednesday in Bloomington.  The two other occupants of the home were both transported to Springfield hospitals. The gas meter on the structure had burned off and the gas was feeding the fire so firefighters continued to fight the fire until Ameren arrived and dug up the service at the main to shut it down. Because of the location outside of the city, a water shuttle had to be used for water supply.

The fire is still being investigated by the Pana Fire Dept and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Pana Fire was assisted in “0” degree temperature and 12 mph winds by Tower Hill, Owaneco, Oconee, and Assumption Fire Depts. Echo Response, Assumption Ambulance, Pana Police Dept., Christian County Sheriff's Dept, and the Christian County Coroner’s Office.

The Christian County board met on Tuesday night for a brief meeting at the Christian County Courthouse. A potential new solar project in Assumption, approval over funding for water testing near the Ameren remediation site, as well as funding for a child care center in Assumption, were discussed.

Georgia Morgan with Strata Clean Energy located out of Durham, North Carolina made the only public comment. Strata Clean Energy has begun the process of completing a 250-mega watt solar facility located on the Christian and Shelby county line in Assumption. The project has 1800 acres under lease option with 1000 acres in Christian County. Strata is preparing for a special use permit in the second half of 2024.

An amount less than 2000$ for the Christian County Health Department to test the water within a half-mile radius of the Ameren remediation site was voted on. That vote was unanimously passed. 
 

Schales Nagle with Kemmerer Village and Lee Corzine with First United Methodist Church in Assumption then spoke in front of the board. They were seeking consideration for funding for a childcare center in Assumption. First United Methodist Church would house the childcare facility but Kemmerer Village would run the daily operations of the facility. 

Kemmerer Village is a non-profit organization that holds a 21-person facility in Assumption as well as 170 kids in foster care nearby. The joint effort between Nagle and Corzine had hoped for 250,000 dollars in funding before being able to open the space; the pair has already raised 163,000 dollars. Corzine had stated that fundraising has slowed and with the announcement of 16 houses to be developed in the city of Assumption there is an added pressure to finalize funding. The board stated they were interested in continuing these conversations over the next committee meetings.  

Minutes were approved, county board rules were changed and mileage was passed.

The next Christian County Board meeting is set for February 20th, 2024 
 

The Taylorville City Council met at the municipal building last night at 7:00 p.m. for their second meeting of 2024. All members of the board were present with the exception of Chris Skultety and Randy Mitchelson. The meeting started with a review of the resolution between the city and the Taylorville Downtown rebuild project and approval of minutes from previous meetings both were approved 6-0.

City Council then addressed a motion that concerned the bid and advertisement of the Deputy Treasurer Position which was approved unanimously. 

City Attorney Rocci Romano stated during his report that Ameren has decided to temporarily stop operations at the remediation project. Ameren has asked the city to send reimbursement information for attorney and engineering fees. There was no further discussion on that topic.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry thanked the street crews for their diligent work, clearing the roadways during the cold days that brought snow and ice. 

Under committee reports the boards Approved a motion to bid/advertise the heavy equipment operator A or B for the Sewage Department. Then discussion took place over the retroactive pay increase of $10,000 for several city officials and an increase of the base pay by $12,000 for Matt Adermann and Cody Rogers, with the Taylorville Fire Department, both motions were approved unanimously.

Under Lake and Airport, the city council approved a new sign for Kiwanis Park from Lilly Signs, with all board members voting yes. The purchase of materials was also approved for water and environmental needs.

The next Taylorville City Council meeting is set for February 5th.

Governor JB Pritzker has declared January 15-21, 2024, as Community Risk Reduction Week in Illinois, focusing on a data-driven approach to identify and prioritize local risks. The initiative aims to strategically allocate resources for emergency response and prevention to reduce the occurrence and impact of risks in communities.

CRR Week, initiated by fire departments nationwide, focuses on the five "E's" of CRR: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentive, and Emergency Response. It encourages fire departments, regardless of size or location, to adopt CRR concepts to identify and mitigate risks. Martin Luther King Day, January 15, also served as a National Day of Service to engage communities in educational programs.

Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera commended the success of CRR programs, highlighting the state's leadership in this regard. CRR's effectiveness is demonstrated by its ability to analyze data and develop strategies for risk prevention.

According to crrweek.org, fire departments in the U.S. respond to a fire every 21 seconds. In 2022, 72% of fire deaths occurred at home, resulting in 13,250 civilian injuries and $18 billion in property damage. The CRR process, initiated in Illinois in late 2019, continues to grow through outreach efforts, aiming to inspire community ownership and provide coordinated resources.

For more information and resources on CRR, visit illinoiscrr.com or follow @IllinoisCRR on Facebook. The mission of the State of Illinois Community Risk Reduction Task Force is to promote risk reduction by encouraging community involvement.

The Christian County Board is set to meet at 6:30 PM on the second floor of the Christian County Courthouse this evening.  After approval of minutes, appointments, and public comments, the council will hear the reading of communiciations and go over committee reports.  Under highway, building, and grounds, the board will review a nuisance ordinance, review zoning business and discuss possible funding for water testing in the county. 

Under executive, personnel, the county will go over an EMA update, review a residency waiver, and discuss the establishment of a fee schedule resolution amendment.  Under audit and finance, the board will approve claims, review an ARPA ordinance, and discuss the 2024 budget GIS fund. 

The board will finish up with discussing new business, county board rules, and any other matters that get brought to the board. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of the event. 

People's Bank and Trust and WTIM are proud to present the December 2023 Taylorville Junior High Students of the Month.  This month we are recognizing Carson Mizera, Laci Wiseman, Bella Allard, and Ira Richmond.  Regional Radio News salutes our December Junior High Students of the month!

L - R:  8TH GRADE CARSON MIZERA; 7TH GRADE LACI WISEMAN; 6TH GRADE BELLA ALLARD; 5TH GRADE IRA RICHMOND; PBT REPRESENTATIVE MASON CROWE

Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs is warning about the dangers of a potential federal government shutdown if the U.S. House and Senate cannot meet the looming government funding deadlines. Treasurer Frerichs believes a shutdown threatens the well-being of Illinois families, workers, businesses, and the entire U.S. economy.

Treasurer Frerichs says that a shutdown will harm families fighting to pay bills, and could damage the business community.  He encourages Congress to stop name-calling and work together to find a compromise. 

Congress faces two government shutdown deadlines following stopgap legislation passed in November 2023. In a shutdown, federal agencies must stop all non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. Spending authority for an array of high?profile priorities including transportation, military construction, veterans affairs, housing, and the Energy Department will expire on January 19; the rest of the federal government on February 2.

Businesses, both large and small, within Illinois and across the nation, would be detrimentally impacted by a shutdown, which would mean delays in the supply chain, a halt in small business loans, a disruption in government contracts, and the cessation of critical government inspections. Each of these impacts could impede economic activity and increase costs to consumers.

Illinois small businesses receive more than $977 million in loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and companies across the state receive more than $12 billion from government contracts. A disruption in these loans and contracts could upend business operations and threaten workers’ livelihoods. 

The Taylorville City Council is set to meet this evening for their second January meeting. The meeting will take place 7 PM this evening at the Municipal Building in Taylorville.  After approval of minutes and a review of a resolution between the city and Rebuild Downtown Taylorville, the council will look at a motion to bid/advertise the Deputy Treasurer Position.  

Under committee reports, the council will look at a motion to bid/advertise the heavy equipment operator A or B in the sewer department.  The council will also look to retroactively increase the base pay for several city officials by $10,000 and increase the base pay by $12,000 for Matt Adermann and Cody Rogers with the Taylorville Fire Department.  

Under lake/airport, the council will discuss approving a new sign for Kiwanis Park from Lilly Signs and purchase a track mower. Under water & environmental, the council will look to approve purchasing some materials.  As always you can hear from the city attorney and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.  

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of the event. 

Mental Health resources in Christian County look to be ramping up in 2024 as newly allocated property tax money has created funds for mental health professionals.  Funds will be directed to non-profit groups to support their hiring and materials. Some of that money has gone to the Christian County Public Health Department to kick-start their mental health services.

Derek Page, Mayor of Assumption and the President of the Christian County 708 Mental Health Board. Page explains this board's process thus far.

Funds are also being allocated for the Taylorville Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault, and helping out with Safe Passage in Taylorville.

Page says that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the pace of the Mental Health talks in Christian County back in 2019, but he is happy to now be revisiting and igniting the important program.

To find out more about mental health services in Christian County, contact the Christian County Health Department at 217-824- 4113.
 

Multiple schools have cancelled in-person learning on Tuesday due to cold weather.  Taylorville and Pana have cancelled along with Morrisonville and more school are expected throughout the afternoon and evening.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for all the latest event delays and closings by clicking here. 

The Macon County Conservation District received a $870,750 grant from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act grant program or PARC.  This will be used for the construction of a new indoor-outdoor classroom on the lower level of the Rock Springs Nature Center.  

Only 13 organizations were chosen to receive funds from this $28 million grant program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  The Macon County Conservation District and Decatur Park District were the only recipients in Central Illinois to receive funds from this grant. 

Executive Director Jerry Culp says that this is a real unique opportunity.  The plan is to construct an indoor-outdoor learning center that will provide a smooth transition between the two spaces allowing classes to go from the indoor portion of their lesson to the outdoor portion seamlessly. 

The indoor-outdoor classroom project will focus on increasing the programming space at the Rock Springs Nature Center by reconstructing the lower level to add additional program facilities and structures.  The extra space will provide a connection between the indoor and outdoor environments to encourage environmental education.

Marketing Specialist Ashton Nunn is excited about the project and says it will create opportunities to be able to teach even more children.  She says the hope is that it will spark the love of nature for local area children and maybe they will work in the place that started it for them. 

The proposed plan is to start the architectural and engineering for the project this fall and have it completed and ready to bid in early winter.  The bidding process is scheduled to be completed by late winter of 2024 and contractors on board by the first part of spring.  The construction phase of the project is estimated to take 9-12 months with the final closeout of the project happening in late spring to early summer of 2025. 

The 14th annual Candlelight Walk at Dacey Trail has been rescheduled to Saturday, January 27th, due to concerns about weather conditions. The walk was originally set for January 20th. 

For the entire Candlelight Walk story visit this link, taylorvilledailynews.com.

A local funeral director, and president of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, has died.   38-year-old Mike Assalley, owner of Assalley Funeral Homes in Taylorville and several other area communities, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 11th. 

Assalley was a respected community leader.   Besides owning several area funeral homes and being president of the local Chamber, he was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Christian County Coroner, and a member of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club.

Assalley is survived by his wife Lauren who is involved in the funeral homes with him, and several children.

Arrangements are pending at the Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville.

One school district is looking over their teachers and students' mental health with a committee titled, the Wellness Team. Shelby Community School District #4, home of the Rams, is developing social and emotional skills and holding those aspects to a higher importance as education is hard to receive and dish out when struggling mentally.

Ryan Scott, Principal of Main Street Elementary School in Shelby Community School District #4, has been at the school’s helm for 7 leading the first through third graders. Challenges have been placed throughout the year that will promote healthy mental living for the students and staff.

Physical activity and nutrition are other fields the students and staff will venture into in order to restore and maintain proper mental health.

Principal Ryan Scott, the staff, and students have taken a step back at the resources offered to everyone involved in education and look to provide more support for hard-working educators and learners.

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

The Shelbyville Public Library has some programming for the kiddos experiencing cabin fever that looks to get them excited and educated. The children's library section is open for children to play with puzzles, find reading material, or explore new ways of thinking.

Monica Cameron, Director of the Shelbyville Public Library says a play tent is often set up for added effects during story time.

The spring story hour has started for 2024 on Mondays at 10:30 and Wednesdays at 10:45. Cameron notes that parents working full time, making meals, and taking care of the home have a hard time fitting story hour into their busy schedules.

Shelbyville Public Library is located at 145 North Broadway Street in Shelbyville. For a full list of events and more details, visit their website at www.shelbyvillelibrary.org/.

Monica Cameron appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.
 

A Springfield, Illinois, woman, Mary Scott, 61, was sentenced on January 12, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless to 60 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Scott will be required to serve four years of supervised release after her release from prison.

She was federally indicted in January 2020 and pleaded guilty in August 2023. 

The statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine are up to 40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and up to a life term of supervised release. 

Scott is currently serving a 15-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections in an unrelated case involving the distribution of methamphetamine. Judge Lawless ordered that Scott’s sentence in federal court is to be served consecutively to her state-court sentence.

This case was investigated by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir represented the government in the prosecution.

The case against Scott is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame Committee is receiving new nominations to be voted on for induction into the Hall of Fame with the class of 2024. A nominee need only be nominated one time.  His/her nomination will be considered annually. Nomination forms may be found online at Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame or picked up at the Principal's office at Taylorville High School or by contacting Dave Hixenbaugh, committee chairperson at 217-820-9468.  To be eligible for selection, a nominee must meet at least one of the following criteria:  

--Those who participated in Taylorville High School Athletics having earned a letter in a particular sport or sports for at least two years.  In addition, received “All-Conference-District-Sectional or State Honors.”  The athlete must have graduated from Taylorville High School and been out of school for more than ten years. 

--A Taylorville High School graduate who participated in Taylorville High School athletics and competed in college athletics or has attained profession in athletics. This person also must have been out of high school for more than ten years. 

--Coaches at Taylorville High School past or present.

--Those who have given meritorious service or a loyal friend to the athletic program.

--A Taylorville High School team that has attained record status or state recognition and has been out of school for more than ten years.

Again, for more information, contact Dave Hixenbaugh at 217-820-9468.

As winter's grip tightens, the Taylorville School District has released a detailed e-learning plan to navigate potential closures and emergency situations. The plan is available on the district's website and outlines guidelines for school closures, e-learning days, and emergencies, with student safety as the core of consideration.

In the face of changing transportation methods used by students and staff, the district emphasizes the different factors influencing closure decisions. While bus routes are a key consideration, the district acknowledges the presence of students walking or driving to school, as well as staff commuting from different locations. Temperature, wind chill, precipitation, and a combination of weather factors are carefully evaluated before making closure decisions.

Collaboration with other districts plays a crucial role, as the district engages in discussions to share programs and insights about their respective plans. The communication strategy involves regular updates through email, the student notification system, the district website, and media outlets. School closing notifications will be disseminated through various social media platforms and news media locations.

Parents and guardians are urged to stay informed through these communication channels, keeping an eye on potential cancellations not only for regular school days but also for other school events. The district expresses gratitude for the community's cooperation and consideration in navigating these challenges throughout the school year.

To see the E-Learning day plan for Taylorville school closures for the FY24-FY25 school years click

here.

Taylorville Jr. High School is celebrating a significant stride in advancing STEAM education with the recent reception of a $10,000 grant from Ameren and Project Lead The Way, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping STEAM education in K-12 settings. The grant will serve as a catalyst for the school's commitment to delivering compelling and impactful learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

Expressing gratitude for the support, Cynthia Wagner, Science teacher at Taylorville Jr. High School, remarked that they express great gratitude for the invaluable support extended by Project Lead The Way. This grant will enable the school to broaden the STEAM initiatives, equipping THS students with essential tools and resources to delve into their interests, cultivate crucial skills, and ready themselves for success in a world driven by technology.

The PLTW grant, directed towards Taylorville Jr. High School, will facilitate the introduction of a new PLTW course at the Junior High level. While currently offering four PLTW courses as part of the seventh and eighth-grade STEAM classes, the additional course will be presented as a quarterly elective, accessible to students in grades 6 through 8. The selected curriculum is the PLTW Computer Science for Innovators and Makers, allowing students to delve into computer science concepts, programming, and hands-on projects to showcase their newly acquired skills.

Students will benefit from professional development opportunities provided by PLTW, ensuring the proper implementation of the new course. The grant aims not only to enhance the educational experience within Taylorville Jr. High School but also to have a broader impact on the community by fostering a love for STEAM learning early on. The school aspires to motivate future generations of scientists, engineers, artists, and innovators who will contribute to a brighter future.

In the accompanying image, from left to right, Tammy Reindl, Technology Specialist, Cynthia Wagner, Science Department Chair, and Crystal Anderson, STEM teacher, stand together, representing the collaborative effort to advance STEAM education at Taylorville Jr. High School.

The Lake Land College Library will hold a used book sale from Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Members of the public are welcome at the sale, which will include a large selection of nonfiction books in most subject areas in addition to many fiction titles. All books will cost $0.50 and must be paid for in cash only. All proceeds will be used to help support and expand the library’s collection.

Community members attending the book sale are also encouraged to obtain a free Lake Land College Community Borrower Card. Cardholders can check out all Lake Land College library materials and access its ebook and e-audiobook apps. Those interested in obtaining a Lake Land College Community Borrower Card must bring a photo ID and a piece of mail proving district residency.

For more information on the Lake Land College Library book sale, contact Director of Library Services Sarah Hill at shill@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5440.

To learn more about the Lake Land College Library, visit LakeLandCollege.edu/Library/.

The WTIM High School Road Tour took to Pana High School for its second stop on the tour to learn about some achievements in 2023 and goals looking into 2024. Kevin McDonald, Pana High School Principal is pleased with the efforts taken by administration and staff to prepare students for any route they may decide on upon graduation.

While academic success is the number one priority for the students, McDonald says Pana High School is preparing the students for whatever journey is next.

Principal McDonald spoke on the language classes at Pana High School and the dual-credit options that will give students a leg up in their future education.

The goals for 2024 are set. McDonald takes the community through the processes that look to make the student's future more clear, in college admissions and employment.

The WTIM High School Road Tour will hit the road to Shelbyville High School on January 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are advising the public that a potent winter storm starting Thursday night is anticipated to create dangerous travel conditions in much of the state, with significant snow totals, severe cold and high winds continuing into the weekend. Slick and slippery conditions, reduced visibility, subzero wind chills and much longer travel times are expected.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman says to make sure to ask yourself if the trip is necessary or if it can be postponed.  She encourages the public to be prepared for extremely difficult travel these next few days. She says to make sure you’re ready should your vehicle break down

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning and advisory beginning Thursday through Friday for much of the northern half of the state. Snow accumulations are expected to range between 2 and 12 inches, with the highest totals north of Interstate 80 and in northwest Illinois. Between 3 and 8 inches are anticipated in the Chicago area. Significant rain is forecast for parts of central and southern Illinois.    

Starting Friday, wind gusts of up to 50 mph will create blowing and drifting, reducing visibility and challenging efforts to combat snow and ice. Temperatures will drop below zero degrees with wind chill factors between minus 10 and minus 35. Due to the sustained high winds and severe cold, the effectiveness of materials to treat roads will be diminished, with icy conditions expected to persist into the weekend throughout Illinois.    

If you must travel, please drive according to conditions, slowing down, increasing braking distances and allowing more space between you and other vehicles. Please do not crowd the plows – give them plenty of room and do not attempt to pass too closely. Conditions in front of the plow are going to be worse than behind it.  Statewide, IDOT once again will have available more than 1,800 trucks and equipment to treat roads, spread salt, plow snow and respond to weather emergencies.  “Driving in winter weather, whether it's ice or snow, can be dangerous for you and others on the road,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Take it slow, give yourself extra time, and make sure to move over for emergency vehicles.”  

For more safety tips:

• Check current road conditions 24/7 at GettingAroundIllinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

• Check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route and schedule.

• Fill up your tank or fully charge your vehicle and pack winter weather essentials, such as a cellphone charger, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, first-aid kit, washer fluid and ice scraper.

 • Use extra caution in areas susceptible to icing, including ramps, bridges, curves and shaded areas. Watch for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be extremely slippery.

• Give them distance. Obey the Move Over law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle.

• Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law and your best protection in the event of a crash.

• Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices. This, too, is the law.

• If you are involved in a crash, remain inside your vehicle. Exiting your vehicle near a busy road can have fatal consequences. 
 

Tower Terrace is thanking those who have helped during the holiday season provide for the residents. Kate Mansfield, residential service director of Taylorville Terrace says that the facility is a 16 bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled. Mansfield continued by saying that $5,000 was raised.

Mansfield says they are immensely grateful. 

She continued by saying that they are always looking for donations.  

For more information on Tower Terrace, visit www.phidd.org or call (217) 287-7787.

The WTIM High School Road Tour has made its first two stops and still has four more schools to venture to. Taylorville High School and Pana High School were the locations for the first two stops. Regional Radio News Reporter, Leroy Kleimola has spent time breaking down school operations and goals with school principals, learning about athletics with athletic directors, and finding a pulse on student life as student council leaders and extracurricular members are interviewed on their experiences.

Here are the schools for the WTIM High School Road Tour:

Taylorville High School- January 10th

Pana High School- January 11th

Shelbyville High School- January 17th

Morrisonville High School- January 18th

Central A&M High School- January 23rd

Pawnee High School- January 24th

All shows will fit inside the WTIM Morning Show segments beginning at 9:10 a.m. and running until 10:00 a.m.
 

Many community members chose the dieting route when trying to start their new year off right, but one professional says that flipping your lifestyle inside out and making large changes is making attaining the goals just too difficult. Instead, Kelsey Bentlage, a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Educator for the St. Louis Dairy Council, says that those looking to diet should be looking to add nutrient-rich foods into a diet as opposed to making large cuts from the menu.

Bentlage began with how she is flipping the dieting script in 2024 as many try to lose weight by cutting out food, Bentlage says this creates a “yo-yo diet” meaning the habits will return upon failing the new diet.

With new additions to one's lifestyle, physical activity is an aspect of life all citizens can and should be working into their schedule says Bentlage. Small things like parking further away from a store to get extra steps can fulfill a person's physical activity needs for that day.

Bentlage reminds the community that joy is a piece that can not be forgotten when implementing these new routines into one's life. Enjoyment can be found in the movements you make or the healthy recipes you create, explained Bentlage.

Information and recipes from the St. Louis Dairy Council can be found at their website, www.stldariycouncil.org, or on Facebook and Instagram.

Kelsey Bentlage appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The WTIM High School Road Tour kicked off yesterday and got its start at Taylorville High School. Regional Radio News Reporter Leroy Kleimola spoke with many players over at THS and got the chance to sit down with Matt Hutchison, Taylorville High School's Principal.

An addition to the southeast corner of the high school is the new home for special education at THS. Hutchison says that these rooms house an apartment-style setting for students to learn and engage with life skills.

More additions include a dedicated conference room for a variety of needs and a mental health therapy room. There has been much rearranging and classes relocating, but the Tommy TV classroom studio is now set and Principal Hutchison is happy to have this valuable THS program settled.

Principal Hutchison spoke on the many opportunities presented to Taylorville High School students ranging from STEM to the Future Farmers of America, to video production, and the buildings trades program.

The WTIM High School Road Tour will be traveling to Pana High School on Thursday, January 11th, Shelbyville High School on Wednesday, January 17th, Morisonville High School on January 18th, to Central A&M High School on Tuesday, January 23rd, and Pawnee High School on Wednesday, January 24th.

Taylorville High School will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, which provides blood for local hospitals.  The blood drive will be from 9:30 AM until 4 PM on Friday, January 26 at 815 Springfield Road, inside the donor bus.  To donate, please contact Julia Crowe at 824-2268 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60084 to locate the drive.  You can also contact ImapctLife at 800-747-5401.  Appointments are requested.

ImpactLife is the provider of blood and blood components to more than 125 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. ImpactLife is the exclusive provider to Pana Community Hospital & Taylorville Memorial Hospital and Wisconsin

Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour.

All donors will receive an ImpactLife Promo Voucher for either an Egift Card to Target, Amazon, Walmart, etc. or you can use the bonus points in an online donor store for a blanket or other branded item. 

A new Dean of English and Humanities has joined Lincoln Land Community College. Dr. Corrine Hinton joined LLCC on January 2nd. Dr. Hinton comes to LLCC after spending the last decade at Texas A&M-Texarkana as an assistant, then associate, professor of English, as well as department chair of arts, communication, media, and English for three of those years. 

Dr. Hinton has taught courses in rhetoric, writing studies, and humanities as well as graduate courses in research methods and the teaching of writing.  Her recent honors include university awards for Distinguished Faculty of the Year and Teaching Excellence in Undergraduate Mentorship, inductee into the Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators, and an Excellence in Teaching award from the National Society of Leadership and Success.  Dr. Hinton also is a notable scholar in the field of veterans studies and a veterans advocate, publishing and presenting research on the transitional experiences of student veterans into colleges and universities. 

Dr. Hinton is originally from Belleville.  She earned her Ph.D. in English with an emphasis in rhetoric and composition from St. Louis University.  She attended the U of M-St Louis for her master’s with a concentration on 20th century American literature, and a bachelor’s degree in English. 

Taylorville Fire Department was on the scene of a structure fire in Hewitville Tuesday evening at the 1100 block of South Street. According to Taylorville Assistant Chief Cody Rogers, the fire was hard to battle due to the wind.  He says the fire department was concerned about other structures nearby. 

The house was a total loss. No injuries were reported.  

State Senator Doris Turner has announced a significant boost for education in the 48th District, with five school districts receiving a total of nearly $18,000. The funds, allocated through the School District Library Grant Program, will be used to promote resources in libraries, including books, e-books, audiobooks, multilingual materials, technology, and various programs.

Senator Turner spoke on the importance of investing in libraries, stating that it is crucial for students to have access to fundamental resources that provide educational value. She highlighted the necessity of prioritizing students to ensure they become lifelong learners.

The grant amounts, determined by a statutory formula of $0.885 per enrolled student at each school with a qualified library, were distributed to the following school districts in the 48th District:

Ball-Chatham School District received $3,935. Decatur Public School District 61 with $6,125. Edinburg CUSD 4 got $850. Rochester CUSD 3A took in $1,722. And Springfield Public School District 186 received $5,283

These funds, awarded annually, are expected to support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state. The grants are sourced from the General Reserve Fund and are specifically appropriated for this educational purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

Senator Turner praised the progress made by Illinois in building bright futures for its youth, citing the funding as a testament to the state's commitment to education. A full list of libraries that received funding can be found on the Secretary of State's website at www.senatordoristurner.com.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has agreed to provide more than $1.4 million to the village of Dieterich in Effingham County to acquire and demolish nine homes and an apartment building that were damaged during flooding in August of 2022.  

The funding through IDNR’s Flood Hazard Mitigation Program will be used to reimburse the village for approved costs associated with buyouts of buildings on a total of 11 lots on Vine, Section, Maple, and Center Streets.  The eastern part of Dieterich, which doesn’t have a storm sewer system, is bisected by Dieterich Creek, which flooded during historic rainfall in 2022, causing significant water damage to several homes.  These properties have flooded five times since 2000.  

After the properties are purchased and demolished, deed restrictions will be placed on them to prohibit new structures from being built in the same locations.  IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie says that they are pleased to assist Dieterich and stressed that it’s important that IDNR works with the Village of Dieterich to break the cycle that leads to reconstruction in flood-prone areas.  

Dieterich Village President Brad Hardiek, thanked State Senator Chapin Rose, State Representative Adam Niemerg, and the IDNR for helping them out.  The total estimated cost for the project is $1,404,000 including acquisition, asbestos abatement, demolition and clearance of the acquired properties, reshaping the properties to a safe and manageable condition, and acquisition transaction expenses, such as title commitments, attorney fees, and recording costs. 

Sleep studies are now part of the services offered at Pana Community Hospital this year. These comprehensive and informative studies are non-invasive and comfortable for those who are having their sleep interrupted or experiencing sleeping-related issues like narcolepsy.

Jean Applegate, the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Pana Community Hospital. Applegate explained the four levels of sleep that individuals look to reach during their sleeping hours. One reading of the sleep study will follow brain patterns to identify the levels of sleep one is entering. This process is one way doctors understand and diagnose sleep-related ailments.

Applegate says trips to a sleep study commonly concern sleep apnea, where the use of a CPAP or a BiPAP machine would open the airways slightly to end snoring. These findings appear during the sleep study to allow doctors to prescribe the correct treatment.

Many struggle with the sleeping factor of the study as this is a controlled, medical environment that seems a long way off from one's bedroom. Applegate says for specific situations if the healthcare provider notices a risk of having obstructed sleep apnea, a home sleep study can occur.

For information on sleep studies or other services offered by Pana Community Hospital, contact them at 217-562-2131.

Jean Applegate appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.  
 

The City of Assumption is making plans to expand their community in 2024 as new plots of land have been freed up recently. Assumption along with Assumption Community Pride set off to create this new subdivision after the city broke through some of the “land-lock” issues they were facing.

Assumption Mayor Derek Page says that the city is surrounded by family-owned farmland which were not able to be utilized by the city to create new homes. Now prospective residents will have the opportunity to venture into new parts of the town to live.

Houses have sold recently in Assumption for more than the asking price and others have sold for over $200,000, Causing Mayor Page to believe that the attraction to rural cities is alive, but what incoming residents are looking for is a rural setting with urban activities.

The 16 plots of half an acre of land will be owned by the City of Assumption and Mayor Page and the city have made provisions to keep the homes over 1,300 square feet.

Mayor Derek Page and the Assumption Community Pride group are making an effort to attract new citizens into the city and with new developments and a growing activity scene 2024 looks to be successful for Assumption.

Mayor Derek Page appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

ROE #3 Learning Express Early Childhood Prevention Initiative has earned a prestigious endorsement from Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc., (PATNC) as a Blue Ribbon Affiliate, making it one of the top-performing home visiting affiliates within Parents as Teachers’ international network. The official designation was made in October 2023.  

Being named a Blue Ribbon Affiliate affirms that ROE #3 Learning Express is a high-quality member of the home visiting field, implementing the evidence-based Parents as Teachers model with fidelity. Families in the ROE #3 community are positively impacted by the services delivered by this program.  

Paula White, ROE #3 Learning Express Program Administrator says they underwent a rigorous self-study and review process from the National Center.  She says that Blue Ribbon Affiliates are exemplary programs and deliver the highest quality services to children and families. 

Regional Superintendent Julie Wollerman is extremely proud of the Learning Express team and this success. For more information about the Learning Express program, contact Paula White at our Hillsboro office 217-532-9605. 

The Taylorville School Board of Education met last night for their first meeting of 2024. To kick off the meeting the board approved minutes from regular, closed, and special board meetings taking place on December 7th, 12th, and 14th. 

Public comments ensued that surrounded the Taylorville High School building project and the absence of a performing arts center in the build plans in the beginning phase. Former and current educators and community members inquired about the total funds the district had to spend on the project.

Deborah Philpot, Interim Superintendent, and the board began to entertain questions about the construction of the gymnasium. Interim Superintendent Deborah Philpot addressed one comment by saying the board is not against the auditorium but the majority of the board had concerns of fiscal responsibility.

Wendy Dulakis, Taylorville School District Treasurer, broke down the figures starting 3 years ago when $13-million was set to be the total amount spent on the building projects, with an attempt to raise an extra $5-million with community efforts,  which sparked the conversation that the budget was $18-million. With the recent construction of the special education classrooms, the current budget sits at $10-million.

The variance for the project was passed through the Taylorville City Council.

Architects, Jacque Reynolds and Chris Tyra of Architechnics and Midwest Construction Professionals presented over the phone as they did not travel to Taylorville because of weather conditions. Option A Phase 1 of the building project will look to complete a new gymnasium and locker room, a new chorus classroom, and band room renovations. 

In the renderings for the completion building project, a plot has been assigned and designed to create the performing arts center after the completion of phase 1. 

The board then heard bids from the architects for the completion of the gymnasium, locker rooms, and lobby area, which totaled $6,972,137. That included costs of construction, site improvements, and fees.

The chorus, band room renovation, and classroom addition bid was set for $2,270,000.

Discussion for the approval of these bids caused Board Members Tom Finks and Dr. Ron Mizer to speak on slowing down the building project. Tom Finks Made a motion to revisit funds and other building project aspects but was voted No by the board. 

The bids for Option A Phase 1 of the building projects, gymnasium, locker rooms, band room renovations, and chorus room, passed with Board Members Tom Finks and Dr. Ron Mizer voting no.

The next Taylorville School board meeting is set for February 13th.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly business session, and heard comments from the Taylorville High School boys basketball coach, at their weekly meeting on Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

During the business session, Kiwanis members learned several members collected donations in the donation booth, for the Taylorville Park District’s “Christmas in the Park” at Manners Park on December 21st.   Almost 350 vehicles went thru the lighted displays that night.

Kiwanis members also began making plans for their annual Pancake and Sausage Day taking place at the Moose Lodge Saturday, April 27th.   Kiwanis member and treasurer Jeff Grimmett is this year’s chair for the event.

Program speaker was Ryan Brown, varsity boys basketball coach at  Taylorville High School.  Ryan outlined to Kiwanis members the boys basketball program, which begins in the 7th grade, and operates on 6 principles:   Attitude, defense, First to the Floor, offense, be powerful, and having the “one more” mentality in players’ minds. 

Besides being the boys head basketball coach, Brown is also a physical education teacher at the Junior High and Elementary levels.

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

The Jack Flash Truck Stop in Pana is fully operational now featuring your normal gas station products and services with an addition of hot fresh chicken and pizza, video gambling, and retail offerings that are unlike any other rest stop. The history of this build came with setbacks and friction but with the help of Pana Pride and the Pana community, the build is complete.

Speaking on the new Jack Flash Truck Stop is Nick Wortman, a Project Representative. Wortman says that the Pana location is their largest footprint and how many businesses inside the doors of Jack Flash are being represented.

Pana Pride was spoken of extensively as this organization has spent the last several years resorting and beautifying the City of Pana. Wortman says the developers for the project were happy to secure this location in a growing city.

Nick Wortman gives many thanks to the Pana community and Pana Pride for making this venture possible and Jack Flash is happy to be operating in Pana.

Jack Flash is located at 11 South Poplar Street in Pana.

Nick Wortman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our studios in Pana.

Pana Save-A-Lot and County Market in Pana have been serving the community, providing fresh food and a variety of products for the consumption of their city, institutions like these are important especially in rural cities as shopping locally continues to prevail as a factor that leads a town to a better future.

Tim Christer, Owner of Pana Save-A-Lot explains just how important having a grocery store in a town really is to the social and economic growth of a city.

Providing a quality product is the most important attribute of Christer’s stores. With a customer-first attitude, the community has local stores they can rely on.

Christer brought up a few cities that have been without a grocery store for some years. Adding Pana Save-A-Lot features a deli and fresh hot food to take away.

Pana Save-A-Lot is located at 1 West 4th Street in Pana and the County Market is located at 6 North Poplar Street in Pana.

Tim Christer appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our studios in Pana.

As Illinois experiences a significant increase in respiratory illness levels, transitioning from Moderate to High in the past week, the Illinois Department of Public Health issues a critical reminder. More than half of the state's counties are now reporting elevated COVID-19 hospitalizations.

The CDC's national COVID Data Tracker highlights alarming statistics, with 61 Illinois counties at either High or Medium levels for COVID-19 hospital admissions. There has been a 7.7% increase in new COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide, totaling 1,381 cases. However, only approximately 24% of adult Illinoisans are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.

Emphasizing the prevalence of seasonal respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, the IDPH urges the public to stay informed and follow health guidelines. Flu activity is surging to pre-COVID-19 levels, with two confirmed pediatric influenza deaths and an ongoing investigation into a potential third death with a December onset.

Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of IDPH, appeals to all Illinoisians, especially the vulnerable, to stay informed and utilize preventive tools. These include vaccination against COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumonia.

The public is advised to stay home if experiencing respiratory illness symptoms, wear masks in crowded areas, improve indoor air ventilation, and practice hand hygiene. IDPH underscores the effectiveness of updated COVID-19 shots against current variants and recommends flu and RSV vaccines for eligible individuals, particularly the elderly and pregnant people.

In response to the surge, IDPH has launched an Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard for weekly updates. Additionally, the 'Tis the Sneezin' campaign promotes vaccinations as the best defense against COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

IDPH also facilitates access to testing and vaccination. Every U.S. household is eligible for four free at-home tests through COVID.gov, and a single swab triple-test for Flu/RSV and COVID-19 is offered at no cost to high-risk congregate care settings. Uninsured or underinsured individuals can access CDC programs covering vaccination costs.

As the situation intensifies, the IDPH emphasizes the critical need for the public to prioritize their health, adhere to guidelines, and get vaccinated to mitigate the impact of respiratory illnesses in the community.
 

A Chatham Police Officer is being hailed a hero after he rescued a woman from a building.  On December 18th, at 10:37 Am, Officer Robin Brachear responded to a report of a structure fire. When police arrived, Officer Brachear noticed smoke billowing out of the south window of the residence and a young toddler boy 2-3 running towards the home that was currently on fire.

Brachear exited his squad car and picked up the little boy bringing him to safety. He then entered through the front door of the home and saw so much smoke he couldn’t see the ceiling.  Bending down he saw a person attempting to put the fire out.  Brachear raced out to his squad car after seeing a person in distress.  He grabbed a fire extinguisher from his car and raced back in spraying the fire as best he could.  While there he located the woman in distress and escorted her outside the residence. Chatham Fire responded shortly thereafter.  

Brachear says he was worried that the little boy was going to run into the trailer and was frantic to get the woman out before she succumbed to smoke inhalation.  The Chatham Police Department commended Officer Brachear for his quick thinking and efforts on this call to risk his own life and safety to help others.  CPD also praised the Chatham Fire Department for their efforts in the blaze.  

The Taylorville School Board of Education is set to meet at 1100 North Sports Man Drive in Taylorville on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. for their first meeting of 2024. 

After the approval of minutes from previous meetings and the Treasurer's Report, an update from the city of Taylorville hearing to allow variance for the high school construction project will take place.

Under new business, a presentation from Architects, Jacque Reynolds, and Chris Tyra, concerning Option A Phase 1, the construction of the new gymnasium locker rooms and lobby area, of the building project will take place. There will be discourse concerning bids for a new chorus classroom, band room renovations, and Tommy TV classrooms.

Following new business, Interim Superintendent Deborah Philpot will give her Superintendent Report and the meeting will conclude with an executive session.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on the story following the conclusion of the meeting.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, State Senator Steve McClure is working to make sure that senior citizens aren’t forgotten with a “Valentines for Seniors” card drive. Senator McClure says living in a nursing home or assisted living facility can be a lonely experience and he wants to make sure that those seniors know that they are an important part of the community and are loved.

To help with that goal, Sen. McClure is asking students, scout groups, churches, and other groups to consider creating homemade cards that will be delivered to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities throughout his district. 

Cards can be dropped off from now until February 5th at Sen. McClure’s Litchfield district office, which is located at 410 North Monroe Street in Litchfield, or his Effingham district office, at 208 North 4th Street, Suite B, in Effingham.  There will be a dropbox inside each office during normal business hours, from 9 AM until 4 PM.  For questions, please contact abrown@sgop.ilga.gov. 

With the first snowfall in Central Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to visit and bookmark gettingaroundillinois.com for continually updated information on road conditions.  Weather can change quickly and whether you’re driving for 2 miles or 200 miles, gettingaroundillinois.com is a great resource that is up-to-date 24/7/365.  

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman says that while IDOT is ready for whatever winter has in store, preparation and planning always are your best protection in keeping you and your family safe during the snow-and-ice season. 

Gettingaroundillinois.com is available on a computer and works well for smartphones.  The site includes the ability to identify and zoom into a location, travel route, or destination on a state map. Road conditions are reported by plow drivers out in the field and relayed to gettingaroundillinois.com through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview of IDOT-maintained highways.  

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million pageviews during the snow-and-ice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow, and green of traffic congestion reporting as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.  

The Christian County YMCA drew the first raffle winner on Friday, January 5th, for the 2024 Calendar Raffle, and the first winner was one of the YMCA’s very own part-time staff members Tina Allen. Tina Allen is a part-time front desk receptionist and nursery staff person. Tina is pictured receiving the $125 check from Bruce Blanshan, Executive Director.  Tina was the first winner of the 66 total draws.  The next draw was January 6th at 10 AM for the big $500 draw.  Tina was thrilled when she received the phone call from Blanshan stating “I never win.”  Calendar raffles can still be purchased as there are 65 chances to win throughout the year. 

The Dacey Trail Candlelight Walk will be returning to Shelbyville for the 14th year running on Saturday, January 20th. The community is invited to see the over 500 luminaries that line 2 mile the trail while enjoying hot chocolate and Cider.
Bob Neistradt with the Dacey Trail Candlelight walk says that the scene on the trails is overwhelming in beauty.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sign the giant luminary with their name and town, Neistadt says he sees citizens from across the state come to the Candlelight Walk.

Neistradt is pleased with the effort put into the trails and how the community utilizes their outdoor gathering places.

Information about the Dacey Trail Candlelight Walk can be found on their Facebook page titled, www.facebook.com/DaceyTrail/.

Bob Neistradt appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.

HSHS hospitals in Illinois announced their top baby names of 2023.  In Springfield, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Hudson was the top boy's name and Aurora was the top girl's name.  In HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, Oliver was the top boy's name and Amelia was the top girl's name.  In Effingham, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, the top boy's name was Oliver and the top girl's name was Harper.  At HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese, the top boy's name is Wyatt and the top girl's name is Ava.  At HSHS St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield, the top boy's name was tied between Liam and Ryker, and Eleanor was the top girl’s name.  

There were over 4,400 babies delivered at those hospitals in 2023.  The Women and Infant Centers at these HSHS Illinois hospitals in Springfield, O’Fallon, Effingham, Breese, and Litchfield provide quality and compassionate care for women and infants throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and in the time after delivery.  In addition, HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield is an award-winning hospital delivering pediatric services, including the area’s only Level III NICU, cancer care, ICU and inpatient units, rehabilitation programs, and more.  

For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org. 

Shelbyville Manor is inviting the community to their next Lunch and Learn to tackle the topic of Glaucoma during National Glaucoma Awareness Month. The lunch will be held on Tuesday, January 30th. These gatherings give the community an opportunity for fellowship and education.

Brittany Reynolds, Marketing Director for Shelbyville Manor says she is excited to be offering the program once again.

Games and entertainment are often offered at the Lunch and Learn’s.

Attendees must RSVP by January 23rd and interested citizens can contact 217-774-2111. Or visit them online at, www.shelbyvillemanor.com.

Brittany Reynolds appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.
 

Those in the community still hanging onto their real Christmas trees have the opportunity to donate those to provide habitat in Lake Shelbyville. The two locations for tree drop-off are Howys Lakeside Gas Station in Sullivan and the Johnstowne Mall in Shelbyville.

Shelbyville Park ranger Brock Key says that these mostly dead Christmas trees provide habitat for fish. The trees will be bundled in groups and sent into the depths of the lake for some new fish real estate.

Lake Shelbyville releases and adds water to the reservoir during all months of the year. Park Ranger Key takes us through the numbers of importance during season changes.

For information about Christmas tree drop off or more about Lake Shelbyville, contact the visitors center at 217-774-3951.

Brock Key appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has added a new face to their department.  Isaiah is a recent graduate of SIU Edwardsville. He was sworn in as a Deputy and will begin Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Academy College this weekend. Regional Radio News Salutes you Isaiah!

A Taylorville man is facing ten charges including attempted murder after Taylorville Police went to arrest him following a order of protection violation.  Roy J. Bates of Taylorville was arrested on Thursday morning following an incident in which Bates allegedly tried stabbing a Taylorville Police Officer, assaulting a separate officer, and trying to steal a weapon.  

Bates is being charged with attempted murder, a class X felony (6-30 years); attempting to disarm a peace officer, a class 2 felony (10-30 years); armed violence category 2 , a class X felony; and seven aggravated battery charges. 

According to Christian County State’s Attorney John McWard, the incident occurred when TPD Officers; Sergeant Christian Nelson, Detective Chris Adams, and Detective Jeff Wood went to the 200 block of East Poplar Street with the attempt to arrest Bates for a violation of an order of protection. After Officer Nelson let Bates know he was going to be arrested, McWard says Bates retreated into his residence and when police entered the house, he resisted.  As officers were struggling to arrest him, he grabbed a utility knife and swung at Sergeant Nelson making contact with the right side of his throat and giving him a deep cut.  Officers deployed their tasers and Detective Adams got shocked.  While this was going on, Bates cut the right index finger of Adams. 

When more officers arrived and they attempted to take Bates into custody, Officer Alan Mills was struck by a bludgeon with chains and daggers.  Mills split his head open and had to receive medical treatment.  Officer Nichols was also cut, and Chief Dwayne Wheeler was also kicked during the attack. During this time, it is alleged that Bates also tried grabbing an officer’s weapon.  

Chief Wheeler says he commends the professionalism and restraint from his officers, and thanked the Christian County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt response in providing assistance.  According to Taylorville Police Chief Wheeler, four officers went to TMH for treatment.  He says they are doing well.

Judge Brad Paisley found probable cause.  Pretrial release was denied and Bates first appearance with counsel is scheduled for January 8th at 10 AM.

In a move aimed at simplifying the licensing process for motorcyclists and enhancing their visibility on the roads, two new laws have recently taken effect in Illinois, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield.

Under House Bill 2582, motorcyclists under the age of 18 are no longer required to complete a duplicate motorcycle driver's examination with the Secretary of State. Previously, 16- to 17-year-old riders had to undergo a Cycle Driver Testing Course from the Illinois Department of Transportation and an additional examination. Senator Turner emphasized that eliminating this redundancy streamlines the licensing process, allowing young motorcyclists to hit the Illinois roads with ease.

In addition to license-related changes, Senate Bill 896, also championed by Senator Turner, introduces modifications to motorcycle lighting regulations. Motorcycles are now permitted to be equipped with two forward-facing electric turn signals emitting white or amber light. Furthermore, the law allows the addition of two driving lights displaying steady white or amber light, in addition to the required headlamps. Notably, motorcycles are now allowed to feature red-light auxiliary lighting for braking, enhancing clarity and visibility for other road users.

Senator Turner emphasized the importance of increased visibility, stating, that ensuring drivers remain attentive to their environment is crucial. The inclusion of lights and indicators on motorcycles aids fellow drivers in accurately spotting their presence on the road.

Both House Bill 2582 and Senate Bill 896 officially came into effect on January 1, marking a positive step forward for Illinois motorcyclists seeking a more straightforward licensing process and improved safety on the roads.

January is National Soup Month! The professionals with the University of Illinois Extension are recognizing the warm meal that is utilized during the cold month of January to fend off illnesses and battle the cold temperatures.

Lisa Peterson, a Nutrition and Wellness Educator for the University of Illinois Extension says that the community should be keeping an eye on the sodium levels, the recommended amount of sodium for a person's daily intake is 2,300 or about one teaspoon.

Peterson says making any meal at home gives the cook an opportunity to decide how much salt and additives are gathered in the pot.

The University of Illinois Extension has recipes and tips to give the local community when taking on a new cooking challenge.

To reach the U of I Extension visit their website at extension.illinois.edu/cjmm or call 217-287-7246.

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

The ball is officially rolling for the Taylorville Square development as another local business is relocating to the square in 2024. The Real Estate Group, formally located at 400 West Market Street in Taylorville, will be moving to the West Side of the Taylorville Square, to 117 South Washington Street.

Realtors, Jennifer Franklin and Ashley May described the building the Real Estate Group set off to renovate and upon pulling back the layers of drywall, genuine Christian County architecture was unveiled on the walls and ceiling.

Jennifer Franklin spoke on this opportunity to restore and preserve the authentic Taylorville Square in their space, as many businesses have embraced the surprises that are uncovered while renovating.

In an effort to restore the 117 South Washington Street building to its former glory, the Real Estate group now looks to the community to see if past photos or knowledge can unveil even more about the original property.

Contact Jennifer Franklin at 217-825-7433, or Ashley May at, 217-827-0550 for information on the original 117 South Washington Street building. Find the Real Estate Group on social media at The Real Estate Group on Facebook.

Jennifer Franklin and Ashley May appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry spoke on one of his goals for the city in the 2024 year, which is to demolish and create new space on the blighted properties in Taylorville. The Taylorville City Council has recently bought abandoned and broken down properties in the city to clear the land and make a fresh plot for the next Taylorville Resident.

The Mayor says he will begin by gathering a list of addresses that need to be handled by the city, and with two properties slated to be demolished, the city has a head start on their 2024 goals.

Mayor Barry mentions the Taylorville Building Trades Class that has constructed three homes after restarting the program and these fresh plots of land could provide new opportunities for the young trades-people.

The Mayor hopes that positive actions like these create better outcomes for current community members, future Taylorville residents, and even the students who will have their skills utilized in the construction of the new homes.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Pana, Ill. – January 2, 2024 – John Gardner, President & CEO of Peoples Bank & Trust, headquartered in Pana, Ill. and Dale Boyer, President & CEO of Arcola First Bank, headquartered in Arcola, Ill., are pleased to announce an agreement to merge Arcola First Bank with Peoples Bank & Trust. The bank resulting from the merger will be Peoples Bank & Trust. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in late spring or early summer. 

“I’m excited to bring Peoples Bank & Trust to Arcola, Arthur, and Tuscola.” Dale Boyer said, “They have a true focus on delivering the best possible services, and are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to the communities they serve.”

“We sought out a partner that will serve our customers with the same emphasis on personal service as we have had for the past 150 years. We found that in Peoples Bank & Trust” stated Joe Monahan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arcola First Bank. He continued, “The banks are very similar. Our motto is ‘Every Person Matters’, and their motto is ‘We Put People First’. Both banks place an emphasis on customers and customer service. We know that this approach will be continued in our communities moving forward.”

Boyer continued, “Peoples Bank & Trust’s strength as one of the top USDA and SBA guaranteed lenders in the state will certainly be a benefit for our business customers. We look forward to sharing expanded product offerings and a heightened business lending expertise with the business customers we serve.” 

John Gardner added, “Aside from the opportunity to be a part of the Arcola, Arthur and Tuscola communities, we’re excited about the opportunity to have the outstanding employees of these locations join our existing team.” As a part of the agreement, all existing staff will be retained. “We believe the most important relationships in banking are the personal relationships between the customer and the bank employees that serve their financial needs. Respecting that relationship is our first step in continuing to provide outstanding customer service” said Gardner.

Customers of Arcola First Bank will soon receive additional specific information explaining the transition well in advance of the actual transition date.

Arcola First Bank is headquartered in Arcola and operates three banking centers in central Illinois. Established in 1874, Arcola First Bank, which includes Arthur First Bank and Tuscola First Bank, is a community bank that offers a full range of financial services. For more information about Arcola First Bank, visit ArcolaFB.com

Peoples Bank & Trust is a locally owned and managed independent community bank with ten offices located in Pana, Taylorville, Altamont, Tower Hill, Charleston, Springfield, Morrisonville, Palmyra, Waverly, and White Hall. Peoples is a full-service bank offering outstanding customer service to consumers, small businesses, and farmers in Central Illinois. Peoples First Bancshares, Inc., with corporate offices in Pana, Illinois, is the holding company for Peoples Bank & Trust. For more information about Peoples Bank & Trust, visit BankPBT.com

Students attending Christian County Schools are invited to apply for various scholarships offered by the Taylorville Memorial Foundation in 2024. Among them is the Carolyn M. Butterfield Trust Nursing Scholarship, a $1,000 award for students who have graduated from a Christian County high school and are enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university, with a focus on nursing. The application deadline for this scholarship is Feb. 15, 2024.

Another opportunity is the John H. Butterfield Agriscience and Nutrition Scholarship, also valued at $1,000, which is available to students who have graduated from a central Illinois high school. Priority will be given to Christian County residents pursuing agriscience or food nutrition programs at a two- or four-year college or university. The application deadline is also Feb. 15, 2024.

Taylorville High School seniors can apply for the Dr. George Ferry Memorial Scholarships, with two scholarships worth $2,500 each. To be eligible, students must have been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university with a major in a healthcare field. Applications are available through the Taylorville High School guidance counselor, and the deadline for submission is April 1, 2024.

For those interested in the Katie McCarty Nursing Excellence CNA Scholarship, awarded to deserving students from central Illinois high schools, with priority given to Christian County residents, applications are accepted year-round. The scholarship supports students accepted into a CNA program, and the award amount varies, covering tuition, books, and/or fees. Additional information, including applications and submission instructions, can be found at memorial.health/TF on the education assistance tab.

The Taylorville Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1995, encourages tax-deductible donations to support Taylorville Memorial Hospital's mission of improving lives and building stronger communities through better health.

For more information, individuals can contact the Taylorville Memorial Foundation at 217-707-5250.

January 17th is known as “Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day” or “Quitters Day”. A Forbes survey reveals that the average New Year's resolution lasts about three months, with only 8% of respondents sticking with their resolution for one month. With many of the same goals presented each year, like losing weight and gaining financial freedom, one professional sees the structure of these goals as creating barriers that make achieving a better life too tough in the New Year.

Valerie Belusko, Community and Economic Development Educator for the University of Illinois Extension, wants the community to be making S-M-A-R-T Goals. Smart stands for Strategic, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This categorization of goals will allow the person to see their resolution as something much more attainable, rather than thinking about just losing weight in general.

Belusko says many people's goals are too broad, making the thought of the change seem too lofty. Breaking up a goal or making it very specific leads to less confusion and a clear vision of your finish line.

A task many community members might be wanting to tackle in the New Year is cleaning the home. Again, Belusko says this is a general goal that when broken down and split across a time period, the goal is much more achievable.

Belusko concluded by saying each person is different and a resolution should make sense with one's lifestyle and interests.

Valerie Belusko appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County YMCA has announced a new program for kids ages 4 to 6 that looks to sharpen their basketball skills and play ball in front of the Taylorville home crowd at Dolph Stanley Court. The Little Dribblers Camp will make its way to the Christian County YMCA on January 17th, 24th, and 31st from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tanner Jones, Program Director for the CC YMCA says the program is $15 per child and the cycle of activities will keep kids busy and focused. In an exciting end to the camp, the participants will take to the court at Taylorville High School before the Taylorville Vs. Pana Game on Saturday, February 3rd for a basketball show.

The participants will also have a chance to pick which school color they will be sporting for their appearance in front of the home crowd, either purple shirts for Taylorville or orange for Pana.

Information about the Christian County YMCA Little Dribblers can be found at www.ccymca.org, or call 217-287-7271.

Tanner Jones appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A Pana football player is being recognized by the NFL.  Sam Sims, who plays for the Pana Panthers was awarded the NFL Week 17 Way to Play Award.  The award is given to one high school player who is honored for displaying exemplary football technique and is voted on by representatives of the NFL Football Operations Department.  

NFL Network’s Good Morning Football had Sims on the show on Thursday morning.  Pana School receives a $3,000 grant from USA Football.  

We here at Regional Radio News salute you, Sam Sims!

After Christian County denied a permit for East Point Energy, and the Sangchris Energy Center, Will Frost, Project Developer, has issued a statement concerning the Christian County board's disapproval of the recent standalone battery energy storage system. East Point Energy released the following statement: “East Point is disappointed that the permit was not granted by the county board, but we are committed to continuing to engage with local communities while working towards energy solutions that help to make the grid more renewable, resilient, and affordable for generations to come.”

Some of the Christian County Board concerns included people maybe getting set on fire, questions on property ownership, and drainage reports. For more information on the project, visit sangchrisenergycenter.com.

Peoples Bank and Trust have a new member on their board of directors.  Kelly Evans has been appointed to the board as announced by PBT and Peoples First Bancshares. Evans is the President & CEO of LINC Systems in Westfield, Indiana, and has helped guide the company’s growth to include a nationwide sales and service footprint and authored a five-year strategic plan.  Evans also served as President and CEO of R.V. Evans Company, a family-owned distribution company founded in 1937.  

Evans board service highlights also include Decatur Memorial Hospital, Illinois Health Sciences Board, Millikin Univeristy Center for Entrepreneurship, and Millikin Decatur Executive Association.  He also obtained a BS Degree in Marketing from Millikin as well as an Industrial Distribution Professional Certificate from Purdue University.

Michael Trexler, Chairman of the Board for Peoples First Bancshares INC says that they are fortunate to be able to enhance the breadth of experience that Evans brings.  Trexler continued, stressing that PB&T emphasizes providing customers with the best possible experience and ensuring a relaxed yet professional culture for employees.  

John Gardner echoed that statement saying that PBT places a heavy focus on working with and for customers, both individuals and businesses.  He says looking for opportunities to strengthen their ability to provide the best possible service is at the center of what they do.  

Other members of the bank holding company board include Michael Trexler, Chairman, Brad Davis, Vice Chairman, Michael Beyers, David Dorn, John Gardner, Josh Shallenberger, Chris Swing, Brittany Walters, and David Slater, Director Emeritus. 

PB&T has locations in Pana, Taylorville, Altamont, Tower Hill, Charleston, Springfield, Morrisonville, Palmyra, Waverly, and White Hall.  For more information contact the bank at 888-728-1954 or visit www.BankPBT.com. 

The WTIM Morning Show from Pana went underway yesterday, as Host Kirby Casner looks to bring light to the development, events, and happenings in the City of Pana. Randal J. Miller, President of the Miller Media Group Radio Stations, was the first guest on the Pana Morning Show.

Miller spoke on the social and economic progress Pana has displayed, making it the perfect destination for the Morning Show, and will now have programming for the community and surrounding areas every Monday morning.

With many new developments like the Jack Flash Truck Stop, which just recently opened, Miller says that these aspects need a voice and the Pana Morning Show will give the city the proper acknowledgment.

The Pana Morning Show will be on air every Monday with shows starting at 8:40 a.m., 9:10 a.m., and 9:40 a.m.

Randal Miller appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from the studio in Pana.

According to the Christian County Sheriff's Office, the missing girl from Taylorville has been located.  Kynlee Callaway of Taylorville went missing on New Years Day at around 4:30 AM.  She is reported safe and is with her parents.  Christian County Sheriff's Office thanked everyone who helped look for her. 

The Taylorville Park Board met for their first meeting of 2024 on Tuesday, at the Manners Park Dining Hall at 7:00 p.m. Minutes from the November 27th meeting were approved along with the treasurer’s report.

Bailey Hancock, Recreation Director, spoke on the very successful Christmas in the Park light displays that lined the roads at Manners Park. The displays attracted over 1000 more cars than in 2022. Hancock also said the three-day jingle bell walk brought in over 250 people on all three nights.

The meeting concluded with an executive session.

It was a quick 7 minute meeting of the Taylorville City Council Tuesday night due to no committee meetings being held during the Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks.

Aldermen heard reports from city attorney Rocci Romano and Mayor Bruce Barry.   Barry told Regional News after the meeting he's excited for the start of projects to enhance downtown and the areas leading up to the Square.

During the public comment period, Taylorville Assistant Fire Chief Cody Rogers asked when the salary review for city department heads, including himself and Fire Chief Matt Adermann, would be taking place.   This prompted a conversation between Rogers, Mayor Barry, and Aldermen Randy Mitchelson.

The matter is up for discussion at this Thursday night's City of Taylorville Personnel Committee meeting.

Total nonfarm jobs increased in ten metropolitan areas, and decreased in four the year ending November 2023, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unemployment numbers were also released for the state with focuses on the Springfield, Decatur, and Central Illinois regions. 

Unemployment fell slightly in the Springfield MSA to 3.5% which a -0.1% decrease from last year. In the Decatur area, the not-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased +0.3 percentage points to 5.1% in November 2023 from 4.8% in November 2022. There were an estimated 2,335 unemployed people in the labor force in November 2023.  The number of total nonfarm jobs in the Decatur metro area decreased by -700 compared to last November.  Employment only increased in the construction mining sector up 100 jobs. 

In Springfield, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased a -0.1% to 3.5% in November 2023 from 3.6% in November 2022.  There were an estimated 3,718 unemployed people in the labor force in November 2023. Nonfarm jobs increased by 1,700 compared to a year ago. Payrolls also increased in Government, retail trade, leisure-hospitality, and other services.  Payroll decreased in professional business services, educational-health services, information, mining-construction, transportation-warehousing-utilities, financial activities, and manufacturing.

Christian County saw a .1% increase in unemployment from 4.1% to 4.2%.  Shelby saw a .2% increase from 3.7% to 3.9%.  Montgomery County also saw a .2% increase from 4.4% to 4.6% in unemployment. Finally, Macoupin County saw a .3% increase from 3.4% to 3.7%.  Scott County saw the largest decrease down .6%. Decatur saw the largest increase at .5%.  

With the holiday season wrapping up, and people setting resolutions for themselves, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, is encouraging a reset.  January has been coined by the ILCC as “Dry January.”  Dry January is a one month sobriety challenge where people stop drinking alcohol for 31 days.  The idea is to start the new year on a healthy note, detoxify the body, and potentially reassess the relationship with alcohol. 

Committing to “Dry January” can lead to positive changes, both physically and mentally.  For successful Dry January, individuals should have a strategy and set clear goals for managing cravings, peer pressure, and social situations that involve alcohol.  When in a social setting, the ILCC suggests grabbing a mocktail for the same taste without the alcohol or a canned water to blend in with those who are drinking. 

Dry January can give many benefits including improving overall health, saving money, resetting your drinking habits, improving sleep, aiding in weight loss, self-discipline, personal growth, and setting a positive tone for the year.  

For more information, contact ILCC.IndustryEducation@illinois.gov. 

Taylorville City Council is set to meet Tuesday evening for their first meeting of 2024. The council is set to have a short meeting at the municipal building in Taylorville at 7 PM.  After approval of the minutes, the council will hear from the City Attorney and Taylorville Mayor.  There were no committee reports to discuss, but the council will hear from the public if they have any comments.  

The Taylorville Park Board is set to meet Monday at 7 PM at the Manners Park Dining Hall in Taylorville. They will give an update on the dog park, as well as hear from the Maintenance Superintendent and Recreation Director Bailey Hancock. 

There will also be an approval of minutes, as well as the treasurer's report. Stay tuned to regional radio news following the conclusion of tonight's meeting.
 

Authorities are looking for a missing 13 year old girl from Taylorville possibly believed to be in Pana.  According to a social media post, Kynlee Callaway was last seen leaving her house around 4:30 AM.  Her phone last pinged at 4:36 AM.  She was last seen wearing a black and green Type O Negative band tshirt and baggy black parachute pants with converse shoes. She is believed to have left with someone, but it is unclear who she left with. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Christian County Sheriff's Office at (217)824-4961 or the Taylorville Police Department at (217) 824-2211 or your local authorities.  

If you have any information or have any information whatsoever on Kynlee's whereabouts, please contact the proper authorities, no information is too small.  

The Miller Media Group based in Taylorville has announced that the nationwide show "Murphy, Sam and Jodi" based on Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will join the programming lineup of WRAN groovy 97.3 from 3 to 7pm Monday, February 5th.

In making the announcement, company president Randal J. Miller said the trio, which has been doing their show for over 20 years, will bring relatable, relevent, and current content to WRAN listeners each weekday afternoon. 

Miller added Murphy Sam & Jodi are fun, upbeat, and positive, and connect with millennials and Gen X’ers connecting with real people living real lives just like them. Jodi is the show’s lead and resonates deeply with female and male listeners. Murphy and Jodi are married, and their long running friendship with Sam combines for compelling, meaningful, and connected programming to listeners. 

Murphy Sam and Jodi are the newest addition to the WRAN programming family that includes the Morning Show featuring daily contests weekday mornings from 7 til 8:30, the Saturday Request Show from 10am to 1pm, and Throwback Nation Radio Saturday nights from 6 til 11pm.

 Illinois State Senator Steve McClure says as new legislation is slated to begin on the first of the year, it will continue to be a confusing time for gun owners in Illinois. The Assault Weapons Ban is said to be the most widespread of all states by Senator McClure and with many pieces of the bill to sort out, state officials and gun-owning citizens in Illinois await the decision on whether the Supreme Court will have a look at the constitutionality of this ban.

Senator McClure calls the legislature confusing, throwing off gun owners and making those question if what they have is even legal.

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules or the J-CAR is referred to by Senator McClure as action is still needed to be taken by them to sort out every detail of the ban.

Many now wait to see if the Supreme Court selects this case to try and see if it is constitutional.

The Assault Weapons Ban looks to take effect on the first of the year. For questions regarding this policy, contact 217-782-8206.

Senator McClure appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

What started as a charitable resale shop to benefit expansion of the Christian County Animal Control building, is busting at the seams and is moving.   Furlove Charitable Resale Shop, currently at the corner of West Main Cross and Webster Streets in Taylorville, is moving by April First of next year to some 13-thousand square feet of a former furniture store on the southwest corner of the Taylorville square.

Steve and Sherri Craggs, who founded the resale shop as a 501C5 non-profit last summer, purchased the former furniture building in November, and tells Regional Radio News he wants what will be a completely remodeled early 20th Century building, to be one more reason people come to Taylorville.

Craggs invites you to shop their present location to see how unique it is.

And, Craggs says the Furlove effort is a passion for him and his wife Sherri.

Craggs hopes to have the resale shop moved to the new location on the square by April First of next year.

The American Red Cross has announced blood drive dates for this month in the Regional Radio listening area.

Here are the dates and locations in Shelby County:  
January12, the Shelbyville Fire Department blood drive, running from 1-5, in the Shelbyville Fire Station cafeteria
January18, the Mid-America Preparatory School blood drive, running from 12-4, in the Herrick Community Building hall
January 23,the Windsor High School blood drive, running from 9-2, in the Windsor HS gym
 
Dates for blood drives in Christian County are as follows:

January 3, the Pana Community blood drive, running from 12-5, in the Pana Christian Church gym 
 
And in Fayette County, blood drives are scheduled as follows:
January 9, at the Vandalia Moose Lodge, it's In Honor Of Colin Ledbetter running from, 11-5, in the Vandalia Moose Lodge hall 
January 10, the Brownstown Community blood drive, running from 2-6, in the Brownstown Elementary School cafeteria, sponsored by the Brownstown High School NHS
January 11, the Ramsey Community blood drive, running from 2-6, in the Ramsey Grade School cafeteria
and January 23, the Dutch Prairie Community blood drive, running from 1:30-6:30, held at Heartland Carriage

See all these dates in this story at taylorvilledailynews-dot-com.

The American Red Cross' January promotion encourages you to give blood ths month for chance at trip for 2 to Super Bowl in Las Vegas.