Another Scott’s Law violation is the 13th ISP Move Over Law-related crash of 2024. ISP investigated a traffic crash south of Litchfield in Macoupin County on April 20th at 9:02 PM, when an ISP trooper’s squad car was hit by a motorist who failed to move over. 

The ISP squad car was parked and blocking a lane of traffic on I-55 northbound near milepost 45. 8 with emergency lights activated handling a previous crash.  The trooper was outside of their car when it was struck by a white Toyota.  The trooper and driver, 76-year-old Fred J. Stewart of Springfield, Illinois were uninjured. 

In 2024, ISP suffered 13 move-over law-related crashes that have seen five troopers injured.  In 2023, there were 21 total move-over law-related crashes with seven troopers injured, and suffered 25 crashes in 2022, leaving 13 troopers injured.  You are encouraged to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle that has its emergency or hazard lights flashing.  

A person who violates the Move Over Law Fines for violating Scott’s Law is punishable by a fine of not less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first violation.  If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for anywhere between six months and two years. 

Operations are moving forward for Heartland Development Partners and President and CEO Cindy Frisina as multiple new projects are close to completion with others well on their way. On the west side of the Taylorville Square, The West Side Tavern and the new Legendary Small Town Trading Co. have been enjoyed by the community and are continuing to upgrade.

Frisina was very pleased with the community acceptance of the business on the Taylorville Square, saying the coffeehouse, restaurant, retail, and tasting room have attracted new individuals into the city.

Jack’s On Main is another Heartland Development undertaking that Frisina says should be completed this summer. The historic northwest corner of the Taylorville Square where Rene’s Drug Store has sat vacant will soon be transformed into the only rooftop bar in Christian County, says Frisina.

The final development that Frisina is bringing to the city is the Lincoln Hall/ Pavilion Performing Arts Center.

Frisina and the Heartland Development Partners are focused on the execution of these many developments, revitalizing Taylorville and attracting more citizens to boost the economy and social life. Find more information at heartlanddevelopmentpartners.com/about.

Cindy Frisina appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.  

Taylorville Memorial Hospital is set to host a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, April 30, shining a spotlight on the critical need for organ and tissue donation. Scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the hospital's main entrance flagpole, the event aims to raise awareness about the nearly 5,000 Illinois residents currently awaiting life-saving organ transplants, as reported by the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, serving Illinois and Northwest Indiana.

Recognizing April as National Donate Life Month, Eli Heicher, Chief Nursing Officer at TMH is honoring organ and tissue donors who selflessly provide the gift of life to others. The ceremony will not only serve as a tribute but will also feature addresses from officials representing Memorial Health, Saving Sight, and Gift of Hope.

The public is encouraged to participate in this meaningful event, with hospital staff on hand in the lobby to facilitate new donor registrations. Similar ceremonies are also slated to take place at the other four Memorial Health hospitals across Central Illinois.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from 7 Taylorville High School students that are on the “Tommy Awards” committee, at their weekly meeting on Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge. 

The “Tommy Awards” was an idea conceived by local entrepreneur Adam Vocks in 2021 to recognize deserving staff and students in the Taylorville School District.

Nominations are accepted by the Tommy Awards committee, made up of students in the Tommy TV video production class at Taylorville High School.   Thru a thorough review process, the selections are then made.

The event is a gala the committee holds at the Taylorville High School Cafeteria, and according to the students, is a first-class social event with a catered meal. 

Anthony Ravecka is this year’s producer and told Kiwanis members the event is produced as an awards show that is telecast on the Tommy TV youtube and Facebook channels.

15 “Tommy Awards” were given to deserving Taylorville School District staff and students last year.

Student Mylie Sims said the committee’s seniors are working with underclassmen to train them for future shows.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club’s biggest fund-raiser of the year takes place this Saturday at the Moose Lodge from 6:30 til eleven.  The annual Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast offers you a delicious meal, fellowship, and all proceeds benefit Kiwanis projects for children and youth in the Taylorville community including Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, YMCA and high school scholarships.  Tickets are available from Kiwanis members or at the door.

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 Autism and Movement Project in Pana is continuing to create opportunities for people with disabilities like the Brewin’ Hope Coffeehouse, a place of employment for those in the AAMP. Erica Matthews, Owner and Lead Instructor of the non-profit gives thanks to the community reception of the group and their support through donations and fundraising.

The AAMP is set to host a trivia night fundraiser on Saturday, May 4th at 6:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 213 South Locust Street in Pana.

The unique experiences offered by AAMP cause participants and their guardians to travel across counties to be involved. Matthews says that the monthly fee and fundraising efforts bring in sensory materials and scholarships to the AAMP members.

A recent purchase of a hanging walker now allows one wheelchair-bound member to move about the space with ease, joining his fellow AAMP peers on their feet. Matthews says this purchase was made possible by supportive area donations.

An uptick has been seen in doctor and school referrals to the AAMP group as positive results are seen time and time again, says Matthews.

Learn more about the Autism and Movement Project by finding them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMPTheAutismAndMovementProject.

Erica Matthews appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from the lobby of Peoples Bank and Trust in Downtown Pana.
 

Sunday’s Christian County C-E-O Trade Show at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall was well attended with several hundred people from across the area buying goods or services from the 21 C-E-O students that introduced their businesses for the first time.

Several C-E-O board members worked the Board booth, visiting with folks about the program and asking them to vote for their “People’s Choice Award”.  For board member Amy Hagen, who also heads up the Investors’ Committee, it’s a labor of love.

Hagen visited with WRAN listeners during our live coverage Sunday afternoon, and added the fund-raising effort to keep C-E-O going in Christian County is an important one.

McKenzie Sneed is the mom of one of the C-E-O students and told us it prepares students for the future.

Sneed added her son being in the C-E-O program helped him be more outgoing.

Get more information on the Christian County C-E-O program by going on-line to christiancountyceo.com.

The Taylorville Park District Board Of Trustees met on Monday night for their regular board meeting. It was a brief meeting that was the first for Recreation Director Jessica Franks and Administrator Carolyn Morse. 

The Board Approved Minutes and the Treasurer's Report. They also approved the new administrator Carolyn Morse as the IMRF representative. 

The board then heard from the maintenance superintendent and then the new recreation Director Jessica Franks.

The board then approved bills and adjourned.

The next park board meeting is scheduled for May 28th. 
 

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is urging vehicles to slow down and move over when approaching vehicles, as one of their squad cars was sideswiped by another vehicle.  On the morning of April 21st, deputies were in the area of Willey’s handling an incident.  Both squad cars were pulled off the side of the highway, with their emergency lights activated.  A vehicle was traveling northbound on IL 48 and struck one of the squad cars.  The deputy and no other individuals were around the squad car at the time.

Scott’s Law, or the “Move Over Law” requires that drivers move over and reduce speed when passing an emergency vehicle.  Fines for violating Scott’s Law are punishable by a fine of not less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first violation, a 90-day license suspension if the violation results in property damage, 180 days to 2-year license suspension if the violation results in the injury of another person, and a 2-year license suspension if the violation results in the death of another person. 

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is urging you to slow down, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution. 

It is unknown what happened to the individual who struck the Sheriff’s vehicle.

Litchfield gained a significant boost in emergency response capabilities as the Litchfield Fire Department has been awarded a grant from the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The grant, totaling $19,811, is earmarked for the acquisition of essential rescue equipment.

The funds will be utilized to receive Turtle Plastic Cribbing and the Apex Deluxe 4-point Rescue Jack System, both are important tools that enhance the department's capacity to handle complex rescue scenarios efficiently and safely.

Captain David Rogers played a large role in securing the grant, investing considerable effort and expertise in the application process. His dedication and strategic approach have been instrumental in guiding the competitive grant landscape and securing this vital funding for the department.

The grant represents not only a financial increase but also a testament to the department's ongoing commitment to excellence in emergency response.

A new piece of legislation will soon be up for decision that prohibits law enforcement and intelligence agencies from obtaining information from cell phones and laptops. The law would also block such records and information from being used in a trial, hearing, or proceeding. House Representative Bill 4639 will not allow law enforcement to gather evidence from technology, taken by a search warrant for crimes such as terrorism, grooming, drug-related offenses, and possible school threats.

Chief Deputy Jim Baker of the CC Sheriff’s Office expresses concern over this legislation, in line with the National Sheriffs’ Association, strongly opposing the bills. Law enforcement agencies now call on the community to get in touch with their Illinois U.S. Senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to vote “No” on House Representative Bill 4639 and its companion in the Senate S. 2576. 

Multiple search warrants have been carried out by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office in the past weeks that have found evidence of child pornography, weapons, and grooming.

Visit www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4639 for information on this piece of legislation and to get in touch with the two US Senators for Illinois, go to www.duckworth.senate.gov/connect or www.durbin.senate.gov/contact.

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

Taylorville Police Chief Dwyane Wheeler expressed much appreciation for the valuable assistance provided by Ford Motor Company and the Emergency Response Team in the wake of a recent derailment incident south of Taylorville.

Ford Motor Company donated a Ford F-150 to the Taylorville Police Department, a move that Chief Wheeler says symbolizes a commitment to community safety. This gesture not only fulfilled the department's vehicle fleet but also showed Ford's dedication to ensuring the well-being of local residents.

Chief Wheeler highlighted the ERT's decision to utilize the donated vehicle for training purposes as a move towards enhancing preparedness in emergency response scenarios. The versatility of the Ford F-150 will strongly augment the team's training capabilities, enabling them to simulate diverse situations and better equip themselves for real-world emergencies.

Acknowledging the collaborative effort, Chief Wheeler extended special thanks to the Stonington Police Department for facilitating the connection with Ford Motor Company, a partnership that made for the donation. 

Chief Wheeler commended Lieutenant Toberman, the ERT's Commander, for championing principles of safety and meticulous training within the organization. Recent investments in advanced equipment, such as grant-funded helmet-mounted cameras, further enhance the department's safety capabilities by providing total footage for analysis and training purposes.

Chief Wheeler expressed pride in the growth and readiness of the ERT, recognizing the crucial role of trained officers in safeguarding the community against unforeseen tragedies.

A record crowd attended Sunday afternoon's Christian County C-E-O Trade Show at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.  The event, broadcast live on WRAN groovy 97-point-3, was the culmination of the school year for the 21 students from across the county that enrolled in the program which focuses on learning entrepreneurial skills.

C-E-O Facilitator Neil Hohenstein told WRAN listeners during the live broadcast he was elated with the response from the public.

Hohenstein said the students learned how to work together.

Any Christian County high school senior should consider applying for next year’s class since the local C-E-O program will expand to 2 classes for 2024-25.

To apply or to get more information, go to christiancountyceo.com.

The Bluegrass Festival is making a return to Shelbyville on May 10th and 11th in the Chautauqua Auditorium in Forest Park in Shelbyville. The Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival made its debut in May of 2013 in Arcola, IL, in honor of a then recently deceased artist from the region, Chet Kingery, who performed for years with his group, the Knights of Bluegrass.

Performances will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday of the festival and on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Larry and Terry Schlabach are members of the Mackville Band and will host and perform on both days.

Forest Park in Shelbyville is located at E North 9th Street.

More information about the event can be found at www.mackvillebluegrass.com.

Larry and Terry Schlabach appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our studios in Downtown Shelbyville.
 

Kaufman Realty and Auctions held a ribbon cutting on Friday morning, opening a wide range of services up to the community, located on the Taylorville Square at 121 South Washington Street. Matt Corso will be leading the operations at Taylorville's Kaufman Realty and Auctions and has been in the realty and auction game for over 20 years.

Corso’s vision was to bring in realty and auction services that were not available to citizens in Taylorville and Christian County.

Anthony Kaufman, President of Kaufman Realty and Auctions says that with Corso’s experience and an opportune location in Central Illinois, the partnership makes for a great fit between Kaufman and Corso.

Now, Corso wants the community to know that he is here to help with services that can meet the wide variety of needs that the community might have.

Find more information on Kaufman Realty and Auctions Taylorville location by visiting kaufmanrealty.com/office/taylorville-il.

Saying there needs to be better help for juvenile offenders, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading a measure to bring emerging adult programs to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

Standing alongside advocates, experts, and fellow lawmakers, Murphy outlined her proposal at a press conference Thursday.

Senator Murphy says we should do something for our emerging adults to give them a chance. 

The measure would allow the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21-year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services. These services include individual or group therapy, case management, vocational training, and higher education opportunities.

Program participants would have to qualify based on eligibility criteria set up by the DJJ and IDOC. Transfer policies and procedures would be established by an intergovernmental agreement set by the two agencies.

Senate Bill 426 awaits further consideration from the Senate. 

Law enforcement agencies across the United States are recognizing and honoring the unsung heroes that ensure safety is on the way to people in need. The Week of April 14th is National Telecommunications Week and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office looks to highlight the dedicated staff behind the phone that

connects citizens often dealing with high-trauma scenarios to the first responders that will bring a resolution.

Chief Deputy Jim Baker of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office calls these dispatchers the glue holding precarious situations together.

The dispatchers are not only connecting people in an emergency with the first responders, Chief Deputy Baker describes that these dispatchers also understand when officers are in high-stress environments.

Chief Deputy Baker took the opportunity to read all the names of area dispatchers who complete life-saving work daily.

We here at Regional Radio News salute all first-responding dispatchers during National Telecommunications Week.

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

When thunderstorms and high winds are predicted in the forecast, Ameren Illinois recommends creating or restocking the family's home emergency preparedness kit in preparation for the spring and summer storm season. Nikki Cobb, Customer Experience for Ameren Illinois says it’s a good idea to have a kit ready to go. 

Plan ahead and organize items you may need in the event of a storm or emergency. Make sure all family members know where the kit is located. 

Ameren Illinois recommends an emergency preparedness kit stocked with the following essential items and supplies and stored in a dry area.

Ameren Illinois offers other home preparedness tips should the lights go out:
      

For more information, follow Ameren Illinois on Facebook and Twitter. 

Avoid the sticker shock and get your spring planting started off right with the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners Plant Sale, appearing on Saturday, May 4th at the Christian County Extension Office, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and staying open while supplies last.

Master Gardener, Gwen Podeschi says the plant sale is one of the biggest fundraisers for the group and helps provide services of gardening knowledge, like the help desk, to citizens.

The plant sale can also provide knowledge of the plant and its characteristics. Podeschi says the Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions for new and returning gardeners.

Podeschi says that, unlike many large plant nurseries, the plant sale will have a pricing limit of $5 per plant.

The Christian County Extension Office is located at 1120 North Webster Street in Taylorville and more information can be found at extension.illinois.edu/events/2024-05-04-master-gardener-plant-sale.

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

You get the opportunity to see the businesses that 21 Christian County C-E-O students have created, during this Sunday’s trade show from 2 til 5 at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

The students, who come from various high schools in Christian County, have spent the last 8 months learning entrepreneurial skills, touring county businesses, and learning from mentors.

C-E-O facilitator Neil Hohenstein told Regional Radio News the students the trade show is a culmination of several months’ of learning what it’s like to be an entrepre

Again you’re welcome to attend this Sunday’s Christian County C-E-O Trade Show from 2 til 5 at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

Online training is becoming a much bigger trend and the University of Illinois Extension program is extending that into gardening. Master Gardeners are encouraging you to take your love of gardening to the next level in 2024 by joining an online training course. Whether you are interested in the Master Gardener Certification process, want to volunteer, or simply want to become a better gardener, Illinois Gardener Training is for you. 

The training includes videos, a manual, reading materials, and quizzes. The course can be completed in 14 weeks with four hours of weekly work. A strong internet connection is highly recommended. This course is aimed at exposing participants to in-depth horticulture content through 13 modules including soils and fertilizers, plant diseases, entomology, pest management organic gardening and more. For more information, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/mg/become-master-gardener.  The course costs $300 and registration is open until May 20, 2024. Local fees may also apply.

After finishing training, participants have the option to put their newfound gardening knowledge to use by applying to become an Illinois Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. To become a Master Gardener, you must fill out and submit an application by contacting your local county Extension office. After the local coordinator reviews the application, applicants will be asked for an interview. Acceptance of trainees will be based on an established need for local Master Gardener volunteer activities. Please note that different counties have different periods for accepting applications and applying does not guarantee acceptance, as some units receive more applications than spaces available for training. 

Master Gardener volunteers participate in education programs in their communities. Those opportunities may include speaking at garden clubs, civic groups, or schools; answering calls or emails at garden help desks; establishing demonstration gardens that serve as educational tools; and educating citizens on how to establish community gardens.  For more information, contact your local Illinois Extension Office at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice. 

The Christian County C-E-O Investor Relations Committee held their annual breakfast this (Thurs) morning at the Pillars Event Center in Taylorville, to honor those who have contributed to the program which enables high school seniors in the county to learn entrepreneurial skills.

Committee chair Amy Hagen told Regional Radio News the event was a way to say thanks to those who give money to keep the program going in the county.

Christian County C-E-O President Doctor Bill Beyers told Regional Radio News the annual breakfast is an important occasion to honor those give the money to keep the program going.

Doctor Beyers added the dollars raised are even more important next year with a 2nd class being added in the county.

Don’t forget you’re invited to help this year’s 21 C-E-O students launch their businesses, by attending this Sunday’s trade show from 2 til 5 at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.  

Get more information on the Christian County C-E-O program on-line at christiancountyC-E-O-dot-com.

Memorial Health is accepting applications for a free three-day healthcare careers summer camp for junior and senior high school students to be held June 10-12th from 10 AM until 4 PM at the Memorial Learning Center Campers will participate in hands-on learning activities and informative learning opportunities will include interactions with Memorial colleagues, college faculty, and undergraduate students.  

Career assessments, guest speakers, simulated work environments, career networking, a suture skills lab, and other activities will be included.  College prep activities will be utilized to prepare for a variety of healthcare education pathways. The camp is offered free of charge and will include lunch and snacks daily.  Registration is open until April 30th at 5 PM and selected applicants will be notified by May 6th.  Parent or guardian consent is required.  You can learn more and register, by calling 217-788-0034 or visiting memorial.health/health-careers-camp. 

Multiple constituent-driven pieces of legislation have passed through the Illinois Senate after being coordinated and fought for by Senator and Republican Floor Leader Steve McClure. Senator McClure has moved 6 bills successfully through the Senate with one awaiting further consideration after being given an extension.

McClure states that this session has seen bipartisan support on many of the bills, a dynamic that he says is not shared in the Illinois House of Representatives.

A resident of Chatham IL,  brought issues to Senator McClure that involved the Illinois Department of Transportation spraying pesticides along roadways that were contaminating residential property. Upon Further investigation, Senator McClure uncovered the dangerous cocktail of chemicals that was being spread into backyards and pools.

After a dangerous, multiple-vehicle crash that spilled anhydrous ammonia in Teutopolis, killing five people, Senator McClure seeks to add more education into the driver’s ed classes that teach students the importance of safety around these tankers.

More information on Senator McClure's legislation can be found at senatormcclure.com.

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

The lottery for available boat docks, lake lots, and campgrounds in Taylorville will be held on Monday, April 22nd, at 5 PM at the Lake Shop.  If you are signing up, bring a photo ID along with proof of residence like a water or electric bill for in-town residents.  If you show up without those items, you may not be able to sign up.  

If you currently have a lot and want to try for another, you must sign paperwork to give up your current lot if your name is drawn.  Lake Taylorville says this will apply to everyone that is wanting to sign up for the lottery, whether you now have a lot or not.  The limit is one lot per household.  

For Campgrounds, it’s $857 plus $300 security deposit, for Lake Lots, $600 plus $300 security deposit, and for boat docks, $250. Lists and maps will be available at the Marina and the City Clerk’s Office. 

Taylorville Junior High School fifth-grade students might only be in the first year of their middle school careers, but they are setting the tone for future generations of young learners. Two recent initiatives have ignited the student's passion for learning and relationship building with the Tornadoes Together Program and the recent participation at the STEM Fair in Rochester.

Students Amber Achenbach and Ally Koniak explained that Tornadoes Together extends a friendly hand to FACeS (Functional Academic and Communication Skills) students or students with disabilities. Amber and Ally hope that the program eventually becomes normalized and implemented for future learners.

Keagan Heimsness and Truman McKenzie have ventured into the world of computer software and coding. The fifth graders were up to the task when fielding questions from STEM fairgoers and have future plans to continue their interests in technology.

There are many opportunities to become a well-rounded student while at TJHS. Principal Eric Bruder spoke on the many clubs offered such as office assistance, student council, jazz band, media assistance, drama club, and a popular Dungeons and Dragons Club, and more.

Matt Peabody, Student Services Coordinator, works with the Tornadoes Together Program and says it was completely student-driven, Peabody calls the initiative inspiring.

TJHS Dean of Students, Jodi Acree says that attendance rates are going up and students are present to enjoy the many academic and extracurricular opportunities available to them.

Students Amber Achenbach, Ally Koniak, Keagan Heimsness, and Truman McKenzie along with administrators, Principal Eric Bruder, Matt Peabody, and Jodi Acree appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.