Several awards were handed out to students in the Taylorville Choir program at a year-end Honors Concert held on the evening of Tuesday, May 7th. Awards that were given out included Outstanding 7/8th Grade Choir Member—Landri Salmon, Outstanding 7th/8th Grade Musician—Olivia Garren, Outstanding THS Mixed Choir Member—CJ Guy, Outstanding THS Mixed Choir Musician—Maelie Heberling, Outstanding THS Concert Choir Musician—Rhyker Wicks.

Also announced at the concert was the recipient of the prestigious National School Choral Award.  For the 2023-2024 school year, the award went to Mylie Sims.  Congratulations to all the winners!!! Regional Radio News Salute you!

Late last month, the Illinois House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 724 which congratulates the Christian County Agricultural Fair on its centennial anniversary and wishes the fair continued success in the future. State Representative Brad Halbrook this spring passed the resolution, honoring the Christian County Fair on their anniversary, and 100 years of excellence, and earlier this week recognized Fair Board President Craig Paulek, 2nd Vice President Jim Olive, and Treasurer Larry Budd who were present in the House gallery in Springfield. 

To see a full video of Representative Halbrook’s speech, click here. To see the resolution click here.

An Electric Vehicle Showcase has some Republicans seething as they see it as a waste of taxpayer dollars.  The EV Day was at held at the Governor’s Mansion showcasing multiple new vehicles including an electric school bus. State Representative Brad Halbrook spoke out about some alarming numbers that he noticed.

Representative Halbrook asked where is the new revenue coming from that will support the EV market. 

Representative Halbrook says the out-of-control spending must end. 

Democrats say they are working on easier ways for people to charge electric vehicles and places where you can charge them. 
 

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has approved a plan to convert the Springfield Post Office into a local processing center and relocate distribution operations to St. Louis, Missouri. This decision has sparked disappointment and concern from Illinois officials, who argue that it will leave the state capitol without a distribution center for crucial state payments.

Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza expressed her concern in a letter sent to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, explaining concerns about potential delays in vital payments such as those to home health care and childcare providers, state vendors, emergency child support, and tax refunds. The official emphasized the potential hardships that even a slight delay in these payments could cause for many residents.

Despite these concerns, the decision to move distribution operations out-of-state was made without addressing the impact on payment delivery times. Comptroller Mendoza requested an impact analysis to ensure that the new system would not result in delays, expressing skepticism about the efficiency of sending mail to St. Louis only for it to be redirected back to addresses in Illinois.

Exposing the scale of the issue, Mendoza noted that their office sends out around 11,000 checks per day, totaling 3 million annually, to various locations across the state. Timely delivery of these payments is crucial for Illinois residents.

In response to the decision, Mendoza called on U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to reconsider and focus on improving service and efficiencies rather than potentially burdening Illinois residents with further delays. The Illinois Comptroller’s Office has pledged to continue working with the Illinois Congressional Delegation to address this issue.

The Christian County Health Department is taking a proactive approach to student immunizations as communities reach the summer months. Diana Voiles, Director of Nursing at the CCHD urges citizens not to wait until the end of summer to complete these important immunizations and to avoid that Public Health Nurses, Katie Beck and Chelsey Davis along with Voiles, will extend operating hours to 6:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday and Third Wednesday of every month by appointment.

School-required immunizations will be offered by the CCHD and Voiles explains that those may vary based upon grade level.

Voiles says this strategic approach is to ease the community's busy schedule by opening up availability.

To book an appointment call 217-824-4113 or click here.

Diana Voile, Chelsey Davis and Katie Beck appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

 The Lincoln Prairie Trail takes local citizens from Taylorville to the lake, through Owaneco, and ends in Pana, depending on which end you start and has largely been blocked off due to the over 100-year-old bridge that has sat in disrepair for the last seven years. Members of the Lincoln Prairie Trail Conservancy, Steve Dennis and Bill Roseberry, announced that new enhancements for the trail are on the way, and bridge construction looks to begin in September.

Dennis explains the construction of the bridge and how the upgrade will not only excite outdoorist’s but will help the surrounding ecosystem.

Other enhancements soon to come to the Lincoln Prairie Trail are native plant species courtesy of the Christian County Master Gardeners, a bike rack, and a bike repair station.

This weekend the Optimist Club in conjunction with the Lincoln Prairie Trail Conservancy will host a Bike-A-Thon on Saturday, May 11th.

To stay current on the Lincoln Prairie Trail operations follow them on Facebook.

Steve Dennis and Bill Roseberry appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Christian County Extension Office is welcoming a new staff member to the SNAP-Ed Community Outreach. Sara Marten, Extension County Director, announced that Jennifer “Jenny” Foster to the staff.  Foster will lead classes and inform local community members (adults and youth) about essential nutrition, physical activity, and food access for individuals and families in need. 

Foster grew up in Palmer, and after graduating high school received an associate’s degree from Lincoln Land Community College.  She is a pastor’s wife and stayed home to help raise three children.  She has also volunteered for many years at Vision Way Christian School, coached track for ten years, and served her local community.  She is also a Diabetic Life Coach at the YMCA in Taylorville and has taught diabetic prevention courses.  Before accepting her current position, Jenny was a teacher’s aide at a local elementary school. 

Foster says she is excited to get to work.  She says that being a teacher’s aide confirmed her love for children and community, which sparked an interest in applying for the job.  She hopes to help educate qualifying children and adults through the Nutrition Education Program.  

Foster is based in the Christian County Office in Taylorville and can be reached at j52@illinois.edu or 217-287-7246.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has announced its Illinois Sheriff’s Association Academic Scholarships. Jay Bliler, of Taylorville, was awarded one of the 117 scholarships issued throughout the state of Illinois. The scholarship is for $500 and Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettlekamp says that there were a number of highly qualified applicants in the area and he commended them for applying.  

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office congratulated Jay Bliler on his award.  Over $58,000 in scholarships was awarded from the Sheriff’s Association. 

Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR along with People's Bank and Trust are recognizing the Pana Students of the Month for April.  The April Students of the Month are Griffin Kimbrell, Izzy Reed, Madyx Angel, and Lilly Jostes. We here at Regional Radio News salute our Students of the Month for April.

SENIOR GRIFFIN KIMBRELL; JUNIOR( NOT PICTURED IZZY REED; SOPHOMORE MADYX ANGEL; FRESHMAN LILLY JOSTES; PBT REPRESENTATIVE KYNDALL JONES 

The Taylorville Fire Department responded to a house fire on Mark Lane in Taylorville in the Bertinetti area on Tuesday evening.  Multiple crews responded to the blaze that saw massive damage in the back of the house.  Everyone was OK and two dogs were rescued as well. Crews continued to work on fixing hot spots through a good portion of the evening.  

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club reviewed the club’s current actities benefiting children and youth, at their weekly Tuesday meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Kiwanis Park Committee co-chair Duane Stock reported a new sign for the park will soon be installed, and the committee will be holding a Painting and Clean-Up Day in June for members to participate in.

Kiwanis Priority One chair Bruce Blanshan reported he’s working on 3 upcoming events.   The Kiwanis Club, in conjunction with the Taylorville Fire Department, will hold a child safety seat day in July with the specific date to be announced.   The club’s annual Kids’ Days, where Kiwanis members stand on street corners and collect monies for local Kiwanis projects that benefit children and youth, will take place September 20th and 21st.  And, the club’s annual Back to School Supply Drive, co-sponsored by HSHS Medical Group and the Christian County YMCA, will be held on Friday, August 23rd.

Kiwanis Spiritual Values chair Dick Wamsley reported the club’s annual Prayer Luncheon is set for next Tuesday, May 14th, with Doctor Richard Tribble as speaker.   The community’s Outstanding Spiritual Leader Award winner will also be announced.

The club announced at Tuesday’s meeting that preliminary figures show the April 27th Pancake and Sausage Breakfast netted the club approximately 25-hundred dollars.   The Kiwanis Club thanks the Taylorville community for the great turnout.

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.

A new restaurant in Taylorville held its soft opening on Tuesday morning and will be opening to customers on Wednesday.  Sonic held a grand opening including a ribbon cutting to a big crowd on Tuesday morning that included the Taylorville Cheer Squad, Jazz Band, and many Taylorville dignities.  Mike James, Founder and CEO of Guernsey Holdings, opened the Taylorville Store. It is the 100th Franchise for Guernsey Holdings and James says he’s proud of that number and proud to be in Taylorville. 

Sonic has one of the biggest menus in the world. James says there’s something for everyone.

James, presented two separate checks; one for the Taylorville High School and one for the Taylorville Food Pantry in the amount of $5,000.  James says it’s about giving back. 

The store is set to open Wednesday to the public. He encourages everyone to stop by and pick up something to eat. 

Missions for Taylorville, a group that assists homeowners in need by giving a helping hand is gathering volunteers and work applications for their workday on Saturday, June 1st. Project applications for homeowners must be submitted by Monday, May 13th to provide enough time to Missions for Taylorville to designate volunteers and coordinate building materials.

Ed Legg, Director of Missions for Taylorville says all volunteers are welcome, including those with no building experience. The workday is an all-hands-on-deck effort that looks to solve minor community members' home issues.

Popular jobs that have been completed in past years by the Missions for Taylorville team include gutter cleaning, general yard work, and wheelchair ramp installation. Legg notes that Missions For Taylorville looks to complete work mostly on the exterior of homes.

There are many ways to get involved in either volunteering to work or to have jobs completed at your home. Legg says many area churches are involved, handing out applications.

Click here, for more information about Missions for Taylorville.

Ed Legg appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

An emotionally charged, tense city council meeting took place Tuesday evening that saw a very full board room, a lot of anger, and clearly frustration. The question being clear: Does the city use taxpayer money to fund an advertising campaign for all of Taylorville? Several business owners were at the city council meeting on hand to discuss the topic after it was announced at the finance committee that the city was going to defund Small Town Taylorville (STT) unless STT would make some necessary changes including having a council member on the board for STT to “keep them honest.”  Alderman Randy Mitchelson voiced his concerns and clarified several topics in a rather lengthy letter that he read to the members in attendance. 

Mitchelson says that after many discussions surrounding Fur Love, he believes that no direct public tax money was used to create Fur Love. He also concluded that Fur Love is completely independent of STT and public funds for STT will NOT be used in the operation of Fur Love and haven’t been. He is concerned though over the amount of money being spent on advertising and where it is going. 

The motion to defund STT was tabled 5-2 with Alderman Steve Dorchinecz and Megan Bryant voting “no” on tabling. The discussion wasn’t over yet though.  During public comments, Alderman Chris Skultety, whom Regional Radio News spoke to last week concerning this topic, reiterated previous comments that he had stated, saying that he was supportive of STT but wanted more oversight and stressed the need for communication and better recording of what gets spent.  He also emphasized that every business in Taylorville needs to be included. 

Alderman Kathy Driskell reported that she didn’t believe there was any intent from Steve Craggs, who sits as the Chairman of STT, to sue the council. Aldermen Megan Bryant laughed at that comment and stormed out of the meeting saying that the board and the STT accountant were both “disgusting.” Many business owners spoke out in support of STT saying that with businesses returning to Taylorville, STT is a big part of it.  Nestor Lopez, owner of Nesty’s Burger Joint, spoke out, saying that the town is finally recovering from the pandemic and he doesn’t want to see that growth hindered.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry urged everyone to come to the Finance meeting that will take place on May 16th. 

Some attendees who spoke felt concerned about the next steps, urging everyone to ask, “Is this what’s best for Taylorville.”

Steve Craggs called for the dismissal of Megan Bryant, to which Aldermen Mitchelson vehemently came to her defense saying that Aldermen are only released from their position when they commit a felony, and she was well within her right to ask questions nor had she done anything criminal. 

The next City Council regular meeting is May 20th but again, Mayor Barry is urging everyone to come to the Finance Committee meeting that will take place May 16th.  Regional Radio News will have a separate story that will highlight the other parts of this meeting that took place. 

Emergency sirens will be tested on Tuesday morning. The City of Taylorville will also be performing additional testing on its outdoor sirens.  You can expect the traditional siren test at 10 AM.  Sirens will run normally for approximately 3 minutes.  After the initial test, around 10:15, a second siren tone may be heard.  This will also run for approximately 3 minutes.  This tone may sound different than the first one at 10 AM.  

Taylorville recently had work done on its weather sirens and will be checking to make sure all components are working properly.  If there is a threat of any type of severe weather all tests will be cancelled and rescheduled at a later date. 

All testing is expected to be complete by 10:30 AM. 

A 3D archery range is now available for public use at Hidden Springs State Forest near Strasburg in Shelby County thanks to assistance from students at Stewardson-Strasburg High School.

The archery range has 22 targets with more to come. It’s available for use during normal park hours seven days a week. Hidden Springs has not had a 3D archery range for more than a decade. The range fell into disrepair and was closed due to lack of funding for repairs, then became overgrown.

In November 2023, students from Stewardson-Strasburg High School who are also youth ambassadors with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Shelbyville decided to pitch in and help, along with a teacher. They assisted staff with clearing lanes using hand tools; placed 25 signposts; removed old targets, limbs, and debris; and installed most of the new 3-D targets.

Instead of shooting at paper targets, 3D archers shoot at foam three-dimensional animal-shaped targets, which are placed on a course. Hidden Springs used nearly $20,000 in Sustainability Funds to purchase the 3D targets and $5,000 in site funds to redo the trail.

Jennifer Barker, agriculture teacher and eco club sponsor at Stewardson-Strasburg High School, said the project has been a great opportunity for students to work with site staff to improve the archery course.

Hidden Springs State Forest consists of about 1,200 acres of land 10 miles southeast of Shelbyville. The name Hidden Springs was selected because of the property’s seven known springs, which were used for drinking water by early settlers. Visitors to the site can enjoy camping, fishing, hunting, bird watching, hiking, and picnicking.

In 2023, Illinois state parks and historic sites attracted more than 40 million visitors. Admission is free at all Illinois state parks and historic sites.

State Senator Julie Morrison and the American Cancer Society Action Network at a press conference Thursday to discuss the state of cancer and advocate for measures to tackle the deadly disease. Currently cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered by insurance as long as the patient meets the age requirement.  

Senator Morrison is working with the Cancer Society to pass Senate Bill 2697.  She says changes could make private insurance coverage easier for prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for all types of cancer for people who have a family member affected by the disease.  Insurance companies would also be required to cover genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a family history of cancer.

Senator Morrison is leading House Bill 5405 to the Senate as well.  This would increase the diversity of participants in clinical trials of drugs or medical devices by implementing rules that trials must follow if they receive funding from the National Institutes of Health.  Diversifying representation in clinical trials will result in more accurate, generalizable studies.

Senate Bill 2697 has passed the Senate and the House Insurance Committee.  It now moves to the full House for further consideration.  House Bill 5405 passed the House and has been assigned to the Senate Public Health Committee. 

Mental health services are not as widespread as many may think. The American Counseling Association says 122 million Americans, about 37% of the US. Live in areas with a mental health professional shortage.

Ed Lacheta, Clinical Director of Shelby County Community Services wanted to spotlight the top four aspects that bring mental struggles to community members and provide tips on how to curb feelings of depression and anxiety.

Current events, technology, loneliness, and social drivers round out the top of the list that pushes Americans towards negative feelings and leads to poor mental health.

Lacheta points out that many of the four factors can actually amplify the other, as in current events being seen time and time again on technology or social media streams, further leading to burnout.

But there are many ways for people struggling to work back towards a healthy mind, says Lacheta.

For resources or more information on Shelby County Community Services click here.

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

WTIM and People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their junior high students of the month for April. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes. Students of the Month for April are Colby Boykin, Bentley Heimsness, Damari Thompson, and Judson Shanks.  Regional Radio News salutes all of our junior high students of the month.

(L-R): Ms. Nicole Maloley, Colby Boykin (8), Bentley Heimsness (7), Damari Thompson (6), Judson Shanks (5)

In response to HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville being awarded a Critical Access Hospital designation, staff and administrators will hold a celebration recognizing the success on Thursday, May 16th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the south side of the hospital. Regina Agney, Operations Director, and Karla Dixon, Director of Nursing spoke on the day's events.

Aside from words being shared by a number of entities that made the designation possible, many family-friendly activities will be out to entertain and educate.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital reach their Critical Access designation in a unique way says Dixon.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is located at 201 South Pine Street in Shelbyville and for more information about the celebration click here.

Regina Agney and Karla Dixon appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in Downtown Shelbyville.

Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University recently partnered to establish a two-plus-two transfer agreement for students majoring in English. The agreement provides an opportunity for students to seamlessly transfer to Eastern Illinois with junior status in one of four career pathways leading to a bachelor’s degree.

Dr. Ryan Hendrickson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at EIU says this agreement is an example of the relationship EIU and Lake Land College share that makes student success the highest priority.  Lake Land College graduates who transfer to EIU, Hendrickson says, reinforce EIU’s strong academic standing. 

Starting this fall, Lake Land students who graduate with an Associate of Arts in English under the two-plus-two agreement can seamlessly transfer to Eastern Illinois and complete a bachelor’s degree in English in four additional semesters. Students can choose from four areas of concentration: Professional Writing, English Studies, Literacy & Cultural Studies and Creative Writing.

Representatives from Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University can provide additional information about the two-plus-two transfer agreement. From Lake Land College, contact Heather Nohren, Academic Counselor/Chair of Counseling & Judicial Affairs Advisement, at hnohren@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5256. From Eastern Illinois University, contact Rita Pearson, Transfer Coordinator/Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, at ripearson@eiu.edu or 217-581-7663. 

The Taylorville City Council is set to meet this evening at 7 PM for their regular city council meeting.  The council will recognize the IPA Student Leadership Award Recipients and the TJHS Scholastic Bowl Team.  The Council will approve the omnibus vote designation and hear from Ted Bailey with an Energy Consultant Presentation.  

The Council will discuss approving several ordinances including the sale of a tanker truck and a BDD agreement with Heartland Development Partners at 109 S Washington Street and 201 West Main Cross.  The council will discuss a resolution of the Springfield Road Route 29 water main replacement project, the Cloud Biller Agreement invoice, and special events permits for a bags tournament and the Taylorville Black Horse Pow-Wow. 

Under committee reports, the council will discuss and potentially table, deny or approve a motion concerning Hathaway Homes, and discontinuing payment for Small Town Taylorville and Taylorville Main Street (Downtown Taylorville) in October of 2024.  The council will discuss approving a City-wide dumpster day for May 18th, and a pay estimate for the city hall parking lot.  The council will look at approving some different positions for the lake department and approve bids for the Poplar Street properties. 

The council will hear from Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, the city attorney, and a closed session for salary schedules for the Police Chief and Deputy Chief Positions.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of the event. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their first drive-thru donation day of 2024 on Saturday, May 4th, in front of our studios at 918 East Park in Taylorville. Kiwanis Members Larry Kemner and Dean Ray worked the tent and accepted non-perishable foods and monetary donations to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

According to Amy Hagen, Coordinator at the Taylorville Food Pantry, the need for food donations rises during the summer months as students no longer receive daily breakfast and lunch from school, highlighting the importance of monetary and food donations at this time.

Larry Kemner says with the Kiwanis Club involved for so many years, the giving community shows up time and time again.

Kiwanis Member Dean Ray explains the reasoning behind accepting monetary donations as the TFP is able to stretch those dollars much further, buying food in bulk.

Saturday, May 18th is the next time the Kiwanis Club will be back out for a drive-thru-donation day to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry, accepting non-perishable foods and monetary donations in front of our studios located at 918 East Park in Taylorville.

Lincoln Land Community College is gearing up for its annual graduation commencement set to take place on Friday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.

This year, the spotlight will shine on Divina Sha Kluge, a local resident from Springfield, who has been chosen as the commencement speaker. Kluge, a dedicated student, is on the brink of earning her associate in applied science degree in integrated media design from LLCC. Apart from her academic pursuits, Kluge is also recognized as the weekend news anchor for WAX 93.9 FM. 

Students Alexa Maher and Olivia Marchizza will also be honored, both hailing from Auburn. Maher, who has maintained an impressive 4.0 GPA, has been actively involved in various leadership roles, including president of the Honors Program Student Club and treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa. Marchizza, named a Phi Theta Kappa 2024 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as Vice President of Scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa and Vice President of the Honors Program Student Club. Alongside her academic endeavors, Marchizza has been a valuable member of the women's basketball team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is set to graduate with an associate in science degree and intends to pursue a master's degree to fulfill her dream of becoming an occupational or speech therapist.

The 2024 LLCC Honored Alumni Award will be presented to David Western, an embedded software engineer at Lockheed Martin. Western's journey began at LLCC, where he laid the foundation for his academic pursuits. He earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, followed by a Master's degree in Space Resources from Colorado School of Mines. During his academic tenure, Western was actively engaged in research projects, including one sponsored by NASA to develop a CubeSat. Currently, Western is deeply involved in developing flight software for the U.S. Space Force's early warning missile detection and tracking satellite program, slated for launch in 2025.

As the date for the commencement ceremony draws near, anticipation rises, celebrating the achievements of these individuals and marking the beginning of new chapters in their lives.

Taylorville High School will be holding a Colors of Pride Festival on Sunday, May 5th on the Taylorville High School Turf from 12 PM to 2 PM.  The Colors of Pride is Taylorville High School’s LGBTQ Support and Advocacy Group.  It is a safe space for LGBTQ members to support one another and collaborate about promoting inclusivity in the school and community.  

The festival is being held to bring the community together and show the community that there is a bridge between community and school while promoting physical health. While you are there you can cheer on members as they participate in the 3rd Annual COP Walk-A-Thon, enjoy homemade treats from the student-led bake sale, sing and dance at the Karaoke Station, enjoy free kids activities including yard games, arts and crafts, and face-painting, participate in a selfie scavenger hunt, where you can win exciting prizes, and visit the LGBTQ information table for information and resources. 

Again, the event will be on Sunday, May 5th, at the Taylorville High School Turf from 12-2 PM.