LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Submitted July 21, 2025

Dear Editor:

In an especially shortsighted and destructive move, the Trump Administration has announced it will eliminate EPA’s Office of Research and Development, including its network of laboratories. Some of the best scientists in the world work at EPA labs protecting public health and making our air, land, and water cleaner. 
 
The research they perform is responsive to the most critical environmental issues facing Americans. They pursue innovative and pragmatic solutions to keep us safe. For example: at a homeland security research facility, scientists have figured out how to use Roomba vacuums and store-bought dehumidifiers to decontaminate buildings infected with anthrax. The lab in Duluth uses an autonomous underwater glider to map the Great Lakes. And, in North Carolina, robots rapidly test thousands of chemicals for toxicity.
 
It’s easy to forget how much better our environment is compared to a few decades ago, when illegal dumping was rampant, smog blanketed cities, and rivers routinely caught fire. But there is still plenty of work to do. For instance, EPA scientists have been researching the scourge of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. These carcinogens are found in thousands of products and they are showing up regularly in our food and water. There is much we still do not know, including all the products they are in, how to clean them up, and all the health impacts they cause. Until now, America relied on EPA’s world-class scientists to help answer these questions, but now there will be no one filling that critical role.
 
Paul Winters
Monticello, IL
 

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted June 28, 2025

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

Well, it’s the end of one era, and the beginning of another.  

The Federal Communications Commission in Washington, DC, on June 27th approved the transfer of our radio station licenses, to Hart Media Group, LLC, of Rochester.  Matt is a Taylorville native and worked for me as a part-time announcer on WTIM Taylorville while he was in high school in the 1990’s.

We announced the pending sale of our stations in Taylorville and Clinton, on March First, then applied to the F-C-C for license transfer approval shortly thereafter. We expect to close on the sale in late July, with Hart taking possession on August First.  Matt has asked me to stay on to serve as a consultant for a year after we close the sale.

Included in the sale are our 6 Taylorville-based radio stations and our on-line daily newspaper taylorvilledailynews.com; and our 2 Clinton-based radio stations plus our on-line daily newspaper dewittdailynews.com.

The sale will culminate my almost 52 years in the radio business, with 43 of them in ownership.  That ownership number includes almost 33 in Taylorville and nearly 18 in Clinton.

We thank God for the opportunity of serving you, our listeners, readers, and advertisers, in the many communities we serve, over these many decades.  It’s always been a joy to come to work because of the relationships I’ve had with my staff, our advertisers, listeners, and readers.   All of YOU have made this journey fun.

My wife Cathy, who has done special event marketing for our company since 2008, will also be retiring.    I’ll be spending more time working in my faith-based ministry called Win the Day Ministries which you can find on-line at wintheday-dot-life.   Cathy will be more involved in volunteering for several non-profits she’s been involved in.

Please welcome Matt and his family as they continue the legacy of local media in our communities, the same way you welcomed Cathy and I to your communities these many years ago.  

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted June 4, 2025

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

Well, both Washington and Springfield are again on the spending binge with less revenue to back it up.

In Washington, the House-passed “Big Beautiful Bill” that the U-S Senate is considering, while being sold as benefiting you and me, has been scored by the Congressional Budget Office to add another 2-point-4 TRILLION, that’s TRILLION with a “T”, to the already massive 36-point-2 TRILLION the U-S Government is in debt.   While being sold as cutting taxes, ANYTHING that INCREASES the national debt, even in the name of reducing taxes, is a BAD thing.

And in Springfield, in the late hours of May 31st, the Illinois General Assembly passed a 55-point-2 billion dollar budget that increases taxes by some one billion dollars to help plug a 3-billion dollar shortfall.   There are new taxes on businesses, nicotine, and sports betting.  

In both cases, the bottom line is that government—both federal and state—still haven’t figured out how to live within their means.  Every lobbying group that is at the trough for money, will again get what they want, in order for the politicians to get contributions from those same groups to get re-elected.   It’s all about getting re-elected for our legislators, NOT about governing or doing the right thing.

There IS a day of reckoning for both the United States and the State of Illinois.   You and I have never been allowed to spend more than we take in, without either filing bankruptcy or going to jail.   

We’re paying for their decisions with higher inflation and taxes.   Our kids and grandkids will pay for their decisions also with higher inflation, and in the case of the Federal Government, at some point, default, and that won’t be pretty.

Both our country and our state are going down a road that goes to nowhere, unless and until legislators on both sides of the aisle take fiscal responsibility seriously.  And, the chances of that right now are low.

That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted May 7, 2025

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

Here’s something that might surprise you: AM/FM radio is still a huge part of people’s daily lives. According to new research from Edison, about 35% of all daily audio time in the U.S. is spent listening to AM/FM radio. That’s more than any other ad-supported audio platform—by a long shot.

Sure, a lot of that listening still happens the old-fashioned way, especially in the car. But radio is also showing up in places you might not expect. At home, about 22% of AM/FM radio listening is done through streaming. At work, it’s around 16%. That’s a big shift—and it shows how radio is meeting people wherever they are, on whatever device they’re using.

Smart speakers are a great example. In 2024, AM/FM streaming actually had the largest share of ad-supported listening on those devices. People are clearly using smart speakers as an easy way to keep radio in their daily routine, whether they’re making coffee or winding down at night.

And get this—radio is resonating with Gen Z more than you might think. Nearly 40% of people aged 18 to 24 are tuning in every day. And for them, it’s not just about the music. It’s about the connection. Sixty percent of Gen Z listeners say that radio hosts make them feel like they’re hanging out with a friend. That kind of human touch really matters, especially in a world full of playlists and algorithms.

So even in the era of streaming and on-demand everything, AM/FM radio is evolving, growing, and staying relevant. Whether it’s through a car stereo, a smart speaker, or an app, radio is still showing up—and people are still listening.

All are important facts for businesses today to consider when spending their valuable advertising dollars.   

And, our local advertisers are also finding that the combination of AM-FM radio AND digital media is an UNBEATABLE combination!   We help our advertisers effectively use BOTH every day!

That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.  

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted April 22, 2025

Dear Editor:

Dear Editor,

This Saturday the Taylorville Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Pancake and Sausage breakfast fundraiser. 

Proceeds from this event benefit Kiwanis sponsored community projects including Coats for Kids, the Taylorville Food Panty and finance improvements to Kiwanis Park at Lake Taylorville.  Through this and other fundraisers throughout the year the Taylorville Kiwanis Club is able to provide scholarships for Taylorville High School seniors, sponsor the Taylorville High School Key Club and the Taylorville Junior High School Builders Club. 

This year’s breakfast will be held at the Taylorville Moose Lodge from 6:30am until 11:00am.  We will once again offer both inside dining as well as drive-thru and carry out. 

Community support is what allows the Kiwanis Club the ability to provide for our youth and community.  We hope to see you Saturday morning.

Sincerely,

Martin Vota
Secretary – Taylorville Kiwanis Club

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted March 7, 2025

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

Well, state government wants to get their hands into regulating home schooling in Illinois.

Representative Terra Costa Howard, a Democrat from Lombard, has filed a series of bills called the “Homeschool Act” to require parents to notify schools annually that they intend to homeschool their kids.   The bill also would require parents to keep a portfolio of their children’s academic work and immunization records.

The so-called “Homeschool Act” has some 15 co-sponsors.

As you might imagine, there are those supporting the bill including the Massachusetts-based Coalition for Responsible Home Education, which says the legislation will help keep kids safe.

Meanwhile, the Virginia-based Homeschool Legal Defense Association is strongly opposed to the bill claiming the bill is an attack on Illinois families to teach their kids at home.

Homeschooling in Illinois was the subject of a 1950 Illinois Supreme Court case in which they ruled a couple could homeschool for religious reasons as a form of private school.

Illinois presently is among several states that have few regulations for homeschooling.   The proposed bill is the first legislation that would attempt to regulate homeschooling in the state.

We see this as yet another attempt at government to stick its nose where it doesn’t belong.  There are countless examples of homeschooling working for youngsters, who typically have better test scores and do better in college as a result.   

We think this proposed bill shouldn’t see the light of day.   But, considering Illinois Democrats have a supermajority in both chambers and have a Democratic governor running to the far left to run for president, I wouldn’t be surprised if it passes.

That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.  Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted February 24, 2025

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

I want to take this time to brag a bit on our great staff in both Taylorville and Clinton that provide LOCAL radio each and every day.

The most recent example of that were our High School Road Tour in January, and our First Responders Road Tour in February, in both markets.

Our sales staff secured sponsorships to enable our programming staff to hit the road across our 12 counties and do live broadcasts from a host of high schools in January, along with Police and Fire Stations in February.

In January, our 2 news and information stations WTIM Taylorville and WHOW Clinton did a combined eleven live broadcasts from area high schools during each station’s respective Morning Shows.   Our programming staff interviewed the host high school principal, athletic director, Student Council president, and one extracurricular student representative find out all the great things happening at our local high schools.

In February, WTIM and WHOW did a combined eleven live broadcasts during our respective Morning Shows, from police and fire stations, visiting with those who put their lives on the line to protect us and keep us safe.

Our entire staff at both clusters of radio stations were involved in the sales, programming and scheduling of these live broadcasts.  Kudos to all of them for doing a record 22 live broadcasts of our Morning Shows from locations other than our respective studios, in just 2 months!

This is what LOCAL RADIO is all about:   Telling the story of each community!

Our radio group remains committed to telling the story of our great communities in the 12 counties our 2 radio station clusters serve.   That’s the legacy of LOCAL RADIO in our markets.  Our 2 heritage news and information stations WHOW and WTIM have a combined 151 years of service to Central Illinois.

We’re continuing our pledge to YOU to SERVE.   That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted February 6, 2025

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.  All signs point towards a growing economy in 2025 based on the figures released by several different organizations.

The Institute for Supply Management, one of the leading organizations that track industrial output and trends, reported U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in January after 26 consecutive months of contraction.   They added the Production and Employment Indexes Output was positive in January versus December showing companies are proceeding with growth plans.  

The U-S Bureau of Economic Analysis reported consumer spending was up almost 44-billion dollars in January reflecting an increase in spending for services that was partly offset by a decrease in spending for goods.  

Yet, there are still headwinds, the biggest being stubbornly high interest rates.  But, future trends are predicting a 2-percent inflation rate for 2025 which is the Fed’s benchmark.   If that 2-percent number holds as we head further into this year, it’s anticipated the Fed will provide some relief from high interest rates which will be good news for big ticket sales such as homes and vehicles.

It's a lot of information to ponder and predict what the 2025 economy will look like.  But, with certainty on who will be in charge in Washington, it’ll likely give some support to the country’s economic train.

My last observation is that despite there not being any talk on beginning to pay on the country’s 36-trillion dollar debt, I’m hopeful those discussions will begin.  Interest on the national debt is the single biggest expense the federal government has.  Both Republicans and Democrats have contributed to this problem in their quest to get re-elected.   At some point, we’ve got to have some sanity in government spending as 43-cents of every dollar they spend is BORROWED, mainly from China and Japan.

All points to ponder as head further into 2025.

That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.  Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com. 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted January 15, 2025

Dear Editor:

Every year, hundreds of students enroll at Lake Land College to take the first steps toward rewarding futures. No matter a student’s age or background, the college journey is almost certainly a time of exciting new experiences, opportunities and challenges. But there’s a certain group of students that, in addition to meeting new friends and studying for the next test, must learn the ins and outs of a foreign culture. This might sound like an unbelievable task, but it’s a remarkable reality for more than one million college students across the United States: international students. 
 
International students come from all across the globe, seeking educational opportunities that may be limited in their home countries. We at Lake Land College are pleased to welcome international students to campus and contribute to Illinois’ incredible international student enrollment numbers, which rank fifth in the nation.

At Lake Land College, international students can choose from roughly 150 academic majors, which will prepare them to either transfer to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree or immediately enter the workforce with industry-recognized credentials. With universities such as Eastern Illinois University and the University of Illinois nearby, as well as major cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis only a short travel away, Lake Land is conveniently located to help international students maximize their transfer and career opportunities.  
 
Beyond college and career trajectory, Lake Land’s International Studies Program aims to provide wholistic support and help students acclimate to an unfamiliar culture. The College’s Intensive English Language Program (IELP) helps non-native English speakers rapidly advance their English skills to prepare them for their college programs. All Lake Land College international students also enroll in a free course to learn about U.S. culture and government and ensure they are up to speed with American academic expectations, such as citing and formatting. Lake Land also assists international students with housing options and even transportation to and from campus. 
 
Of course, the International Studies Program also offers tremendous benefits to our domestic students and to our community as a whole. For local students attending Lake Land, sharing a class or maybe even an apartment with an international student is an incredible way to broaden horizons. When we surround our students with people of different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs and values, we create a more well-rounded educational experience and better imitate the diversity found throughout our country’s workforce. 
 
At Lake Land, international students enjoy boundless opportunities to integrate into campus and the surrounding communities. It is likely that you’ve seen several of our international students playing on our athletic teams, participating in student clubs, serving in leadership roles and volunteering in the community. Many also secure part-time campus jobs through the new Laker Works Student Service Internship program, which connects them with a wide range of work opportunities across campus and helps them gain relevant career experience. 
 
We are thrilled to report that our own International Studies Program has recently experienced remarkable growth. When Denver Daniels, Coordinator of the International Studies Program, began at Lake Land in 2021, we had 14 international students enrolled at the College. Since then, we’ve seen the program rapidly expand under Denver’s leadership. In fact, in Fall 2024, we saw a record-high 36 international students enrolled, an increase of more than 50% compared to the previous year! 
 
We also recognize that it is vital to celebrate our international students and help them feel at home here at Lake Land. In November, we partnered with the Mattoon Rotary to celebrate international education week with the dedication of two Peace Poles in Podesta Park. Each pole contains inscriptions of the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in all the languages spoken by past and present international Lake Land students. We hope these poles contribute to a welcoming campus environment to all international students and inspire unity across all backgrounds and cultures. 
 
With the Spring 2025 semester underway, I am excited to see our wonderful international student population again, and I look forward to discussing with you the immeasurable value these students bring to our campus community and beyond.

For more of my thoughts about a range of innovative topics that impact higher education, our communities and our future, be sure to check out the Laker Advantage Podcast: Insights and Sidebars with Dr. B on Spotify.

Sincerely,

Dr. Josh Bullock, President

Lake Land College

Mattoon, IL

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted January 9, 2025

Dear Editor:

Local street departments are going above and beyond to keep our towns safe and moving smoothly during the recent snowfall. However, some community members have been expressing frustration over the snow-clearing process, leading to confusion, miscommunication, and a breakdown of community connections.

One common complaint is the perceived lack of salt on side roads, with residents questioning the prioritization of main roads. It’s important to note that road treatments like salt and salt brining can be costly for the taxpayers in the short and long run.

While rock salt can be costly, the corrosive damage that it causes to roads, bridges, vehicles, and sidewalks can create an additional tax burden. If salt were to be used on every street, it would damage landscapes by causing nutrient imbalances and deficiencies.

Many large cities have also had to limit the amount of salt used for snow and ice treatment because it infiltrates groundwater, contaminating reservoirs and wells and negatively impacting community members, fish, bugs, and animals. While it may be frustrating to deal with snowy roads, something that we don’t often have to deal with, our local officials are making decisions that prioritize environmental damage mitigation, traffic volume and community safety considerations. 

Residents have expressed concern about snow being pushed into driveways during street plowing efforts. While this may be inconvenient, street departments do not have the means or equipment to clear the edge of every driveway. If they did, the tax burden on community members would be astronomical. While a snowstorm can be inconvenient, it is important to remember that patience and understanding during snow removal efforts are key.

Additionally, residents must take responsibility when planning for snow/ice storms and removal. Residents can take some simple steps to ensure they are prepared for the next snowstorm. First, make sure you are tracking local weather predictions. In Illinois, weather can change quickly, so checking outlooks several times a day before a storm can allow individuals to plan for any condition properly. 

If it looks like snow will be accumulating locally, residents should be thinking about their personal ability to remove snow from home sidewalks and/or driveways.  Residents may want to contact local snow removal companies early to inquire about price and availability. Everyone has different needs, and it can be important to let a snow removal company know about work schedules or medical issues that may require your property to be at the top of their service list. 

Area residents who use social media should follow local community pages. These pages will have weather and safety-related updates, information about businesses available for snow removal, road and business closures, and more. 

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the means and ability to remove snow. The elderly and those with health problems often need to be checked on and assisted. Make sure to check on your neighbors to see if they need assistance finding someone to help with snow removal. The sooner the snow can be removed, the better. As snow continues to sit, it becomes compacted and the sun will start to melt the snow, which will then freeze and delay removal.

To better understand the decisions made by local authorities, residents are encouraged to stay informed about their town's snow removal plan, be patient during winter weather events, and take proactive measures to help alleviate the burden on street departments.

Lastly, getting angry about snow and taking it out on community workers and leaders over social media does not alleviate the snow problem. Don’t worsen a snowstorm with a bad attitude, instead, work together to ensure safety for all residents this winter season.

Written by:

Valerie Belusko, Community and Economic Development Educator
Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin & Montgomery Counties
 

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted January 6, 2025

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

This editorial is all about spending YOU and I’s tax dollars in Springfield and Washington.

In Springfield, Governor J-B Pritzker got re-elected in 2022 claiming that the state was flush with cash, had a rainy-day fund, and that Happy Times were here again.  This is despite pausing until AFTER the election, another motor fuel tax hike making this tax the SECOND highest in the country after California.

Well, Happy Times are NO longer here again.  The state was using federal COVID money to make its budget look flush with cash, knowing that money would be gone.  But, it got him re-elected.

Today, while Pritzker continues to pass out money for things like municipal parks and the like, he’s warned state agencies cuts are coming as the state is 3-billion (with a b) dollars in the red.

This winter’s state budget address should be a good one.

And, in Washington, President-elect Trump is trying to defy the long-entrenched government establishment with his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency”.   President Eisenhower warned as he was leaving office in 1961 of what he called the “military industrial complex” controlling the government.  64 years later, it’s as though the federal government is so big that it’s pretty much controlling things no matter who is president.   Let’s hope the “DOGE” agency as it’s called, can get federal government spending under control as 43 cents of every dollar they spend, is BORROWED.

When it comes down to it, it’s ALWAYS about the money because it helps them get re-elected, whether they’re in Springfield or Washington.

That’s our opinion.   We welcome yours.  Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

STATION EDITORIAL 

Posted November 5, 2024

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.   As we enter seasons of thanksgiving and giving, I also see the 2024 calendar continuing to run out of dates.  A year is about over and another is about to begin.

This is the time of year I always look back on the year past and the year ahead.   The older I get, the faster it appears time flies.   Or, maybe it’s just that I cram more into the days, weeks, and months, the older I get.

Either way, Father Time is passing whether we want it to or not.   Our 3 girls were just a few years old what seems like a few years ago.  Now they’re 43, 40, and 34.

What started out as no grandkids over 20 years ago, is now 8 grandchildren…I think.

And, as I look at my broadcast career, it doesn’t seem possible that I’m in my 51st year in the business I love—radio—and 42 in ownership.

Cathy and I were blessed 32 years ago when God opened the door for us to move our family to Taylorville.   

And, 17 years ago on October 16th, we were again blessed when God opened the door for us to begin management of our Clinton stations, which we took possession of on January First, 2008.

The 12 counties our combined 8 radio stations serve, have been sooo good to my family and I in our decades in the radio business in Central Illinois.   I can’t begin to thank the hundreds of advertisers and listeners that have enabled me to serve their towns with local information and entertainment.

As we prepare to enter another year, we take time to thank every person listening for being a part of our radio family.  It’s because of YOU that my great staff and I do what we do every day.   As I’ve told them many times over, we’re ALL here to SERVE.

Thanks for relying on us for information and entertainment every day.  We wish you and your family a most blessed holiday season, and may the love Christ shared when he first arrived over 2-thousand years ago, be prevalent in the world in 2025.  I’m Randal J. Miller.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted October 28, 2024

Dear Editor:

In the early 80s, I was married at Our Savior Catholic Church in Jacksonville Il.
My uncle, Father John Spreen, officiated the ceremony. 

During a Catholic wedding, the bride kneels at an altar for Mary and places a rose at the feet of her statue. While I did this the vocalist sang Ave Maria. I sincerely asked Mary to bless our marriage. To guide me to be a good wife and mother. 

During my 12 years of Catholic education, I was also in the chorus.  Ave Maria was always a favorite song for the chorus to sing. I recall feeling reverence towards Mary as I sang it. 

I am aware that other Christian religions do not understand why we venerate Mary.

For me it is respect for a woman, the mother of Jesus. She birthed him, fed him, clothed him and loved him.  Then she watched him tortured, crucified and die.

Imagine how I felt when I saw the Donald Trump rally, where Ave Maria was playing over the loudspeakers.

I was unnerved. To me, it was an abomination of something I sincerely believe to be true.

Standing on the stage was an elderly man, an adulterous, convicted sexual predator. A man with 34 felonies awaiting his sentence, a proven fact-checked liar, a grifter and con man. 

Donald Trump claims to be a Christian and that confuses me, because I cannot see anything remotely Christian about his words and deeds. 

Ave Maria is about a woman, Mary. The mother of Jesus. It’s the Catholic prayer, Hail Mary, put to music. One of the verses is “blessed are thou among women.”

Trump does not respect women.  He cheated on his wives. The mothers of his children. He fat shames women, calls them stupid. He feels superior to them, denigrates them.

Being a “cradle Catholic,” to me this incident was a sickening gut punch.

Now my Catholic memories are stained by a man who probably doesn’t know the words to Ave Maria, let alone the message it conveys.

Karen Wade
Girard Il. 
 

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted September 25, 2024

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

I’m going back to our archives and share with you part of an editorial I did way back during the pandemic on February 7th, 2021.   I was about 2/3rd’s the way thru a 2018 book by author Doris Kearns Goodwin called “Leadership in Turbulent Times” describing how Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson--took the country thru various challenges our country went thru.  

Goodwin describes Lincoln as providing Transformational Leadership, Theodore Roosevelt providing Crisis Leadership, F-D-R providing Turnaround Leadership, and L-B-J providing Visionary Leadership.

The most striking thing about all 4, is that they all assembled people from all points of view and all political parties at the time, to help thru country thru what it was going thru at that time.  There was disagreement, but all 4 leaders listened to all sides, discussed the pros and cons of all sides, negotiated with all sides, and developed a consensus that all sides supported.  There was no demonizing one side or the other.  All points of view were listened to, and everyone was involved in arriving at a consensus.

Fast forward to the last decade or so.  Whether in Washington or Springfield, politicians have demonized the other side--whether it's left or right--making the atmosphere to come to a consensus on anything nearly impossible.  

Our country's founders over 200 years ago, set our democracy up with all sides' point of views considered to reach a consensus.  

Despite all the political rancor, the country is still basically to the left or right of the center, or as I call it, the middle.

The answer is still in the middle, whether we were in a Civil War, the industrial revolution, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, or a coronavirus outbreak.

The answer is still in the middle.  Politicians need to show more statesmanship and the ability to bring all sides, no matter which side we’re talking about, to the table.  Only then will our democracy work the way the Founding Fathers created it.  That's our opinion...we welcome yours.  Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted September 24, 2024

Dear Editor:

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club has been active in the community since October 1954.   Over the years the club has been involved with many community activities focused on supporting our youth.  In 1995 the club began support of Kiwanis Park at Lake Taylorville.  This commitment allowed our members to provide a great location for social gatherings. 

The park has grown.  We now make available three picnic pavilions and a great children’s playground area.  With increased use of the park the Taylorville Kiwanis Club constructed a restroom facility to accommodate those who use the park. 

Recently the club looked into the roof replacement of the restroom building.  The club was approached by “At Your Service Roofing” with the offer of donating the material and labor for installation.  With limited funds available for this project the offer was accepted. 

A new roof was recently installed by “At Your Service Roofing”.  The Taylorville Kiwanis Club greatly appreciates this gesture of support allowing our fund raising efforts to remain focused on the youth of our community through projects like “Coats for Kids” and High School scholarships. 

Over the years things have a way of changing.  However, the goals and focus of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club have remained the same.  “Serving one child and one community at a time”!

Martin Vota, Secretary

Taylorville Kiwanis Club

EDITORIAL written 8/10/24 by rjm. 

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

In a year where Central Illinois farmers are growing what looks to be a bumper crop, the Biden-Harris Administration is failing to keep the overseas markets we have as well as find new markets for the corn and soybeans that feed the world.

In interviews I did on our 2 ag stations WTIM Taylorville and WHOW Clinton during Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair, presidents of the state’s corn and soybean associations shared with our listeners that overseas sales of their products are languishing while we face a high carryover of last year’s crop, plus what will be another bumper crop this year.

Farm Credit Illinois President and CEO Aaron Johnson also shared high interest rates and low commodity prices have his farmer customers cutting back on farm machinery purchases.  And, we think with continued high costs for fertilizer and fuel, farmers may cut back on these inputs for next year, all negatively affecting our local economy.

Every time the national corn and soybean associations are thrown a bone by the Biden E-P-A about using that bumper crop for sustainable fuels like increased ethanol use, biodiesel use, or the new bio aviation fuel, the Administration then attaches strings to any new uses by stating the crop must have a conservation component attached to it with endless documentation to satisfy their green agenda.

In an opinion piece by Republican U-S Congressman Jason Smith from Missouri, in Agri-Pulse earlier this year, he states, and I’m quoting from his piece:

Unfortunately, the Biden Administration continues to drag its feet on enforcing existing trade agreements to protect our agriculture exporters. Simultaneously, it is bypassing Congress to negotiate fake, unenforceable trade dialogues, working groups, compacts, and handshakes on an ad hoc basis – zero strategy whatsoever. End of quote.

Bottom line is:   We think agriculture doesn’t fit into the Biden-Harris Administration’s green agenda, and another 4 years will make matters worse.  That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted July 31, 2024

Dear Editor:

By now, we have all seen the body cam footage of Sonya Masseys murder at the hands of a Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy. Here we are yet again America. Another, unarmed, black citizen of the U.S. murdered by a white cop.

And here we are yet again, expected to occupy the moral highground and remain peaceful while the "Thin Blue Line" crowd flood social media with outrageous excuse or outright lies about what happened.

But we must remain peaceful or we will be labeled as agitators or terrorists. So I must ask the "Thin Blue Line" crowd. How many more unarmed black citizens must be slaughtered?

We've tried to press police reform. You fought it. We tried to defund the police. You fought it. The only thing left for black Americans is self defense.

I will never condone violence but I will not fault a race of people who stand up and fight back. If that is inconvenient or upsetting for the "Back The Blue" types,

I have a simple solution. If you're tired of BLM protests and violence, then stop your white police from causing it. I promise all of you, if you stop police violence and murder, there will be no need to protest. 

Michael T. Griffin 

Camargo, IL 61819

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

Well, it’s summer.   Time for hot weather, vacations, swimming pools, t-ball and Little League games, reunions, and….Fairs.

Our local Fairs give our youth thru-out Central Illinois, the opportunity to show off their:   cows, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, flowers, cookies...well, you get the idea.

To show off all those things, these kids work countless hours getting ready for that big moment when that animal, bouquet of flowers, or plate of cookies, goes before the judges.   

Thanks to many businesses in our listening area, our stations will again have the honor of going out and broadcasting live from many of these Fairs.  Some of my greatest memories as a broadcaster and broadcast owner, are when I hear these kids and teenagers be interviewed to talk about all the hard work they put in ahead of the big moment when their animal or item is judged.

From the Junior, 4-H and County Fairs, to the State Fair, we’ll be there all summer long, capturing the sounds of summer.   We put many miles on our station vehicles, going out and interviewing those kids and teenagers that will be showing in the many Fairs across the area.  And, you’ll read the results of all that judging on the Fair Results page of taylorvilledailynews.com and dewittdailynews.com.

We encourage you to go out and support the future of agriculture by attending these Fairs, walking thru the barns and culinary buildings, and see that the future of agriculture is in good hands.

Yup, it’s summer….it’s hot….and it’s Fair season.   Go out and enjoy it...and have a corn dog!

That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:  Grave Markers in Disrepair at Fraley Cemetery

Posted June 10, 2024

Dear Editor:

Your local cemetery may not be top of mind – until you need to lay a friend or family member to rest.  Or you may be one who notices how pristine the grass looks as you drive by.  Let us be honest, cemetery maintenance isn’t something you really think about.    If you hear about gravestones in poor shape, or falling over, you are probably dismissing it thinking “old colonial” “in the middle of the woods somewhere”.     

I write to draw your attention to the state of the old graves in Fraley graveyard.  Fraley, like many cemeteries, are in need of some serious TLC because they have not been treated with the respect and attention they deserve.   Monuments have toppled and been left in the dirt and trees to crumble.  Other stones have been tossed in a pile, leaned against stumps so they don’t interfere with mowing.  No one is caring for them.    Loved one’s markers are being treated as trash and a nuisance.

How do I know this?  Why do I care?  As an amateur genealogist, I believe that the markers left are links to a different time and culture that we need to be mindful of, learn from and care for.  Markers were chosen and placed with love in hopes that family members would never be forgotten and forever celebrated My great great grandparents called Taylorville home in their early marriage. 

Their five children were born here – three are buried in Fraley Cemetery.   These babies were lost to time.  I knew “of” their existence due to a box filled in an old census and the where to start looking from a clipping in my grandmother’s scrapbook.  It was thanks to some local people that I was able to connect that I have been able to see the state of the old cemetery.   And it is because of local people, that I will be able to preserve my family’s monument.   If I waited til fall, I may have been too late -  Erma, Mettie and Ross Bell would have been lost.

It is these old cemeteries that tell the stories of war, influenza, the bitter winters, lifelong loves and high mortality rates of mothers and young babies.  These cemeteries are a snapshot of our story – our history.  We all have the responsibility to look after the cemeteries in our communities.  Families may have moved away, but they have placed their trust in their community to continue to care for their loved ones – the same way you have placed your trust in the cemetery and community where you have recently buried your loved one.

My letter today intended as a call to action to the community of Taylorville and surrounding area.  Save your old cemeteries.  Ensure they are properly cared for and respected.  Do not let any more markers get lost and with them the last trace of many of our early family members and their neighbours.

   
Respectfully,
Sandi Urban
Great-great granddaughter of Joseph B. Bell & Hattie Lowrance
Martensville, Saskatchewan Canada
 

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted May 16, 2024

While we’ve heard all the bad news about doing business in Illinois, I want to share some GOOD stories with you!

I’m writing this editorial on May 16th.   Earlier today, I covered the grand opening of the multi-million dollar Great Western popcorn oil plant recently completed in the Pana Industrial Park.  The City of Pana and the Pana Industrial Development Corporation, worked together for months making this plant a reality.   Kirby Casner, Pana’s economic development director, led the charge and should be complimented for her tenacity in getting this plant and its 50 jobs, up and going after a fire 2 years ago totally destroyed their former plant west of Assumption.

And, we’re on the verge of some great things happening in Taylorville as well.   The Christian County Economic Development Corporation, led by its executive director and Taylorville native Matt Hart, are working with the City of Taylorville to not only bring new business and jobs to the Christian County seat, but to re-purpose many vacant buildings for new owners that will also bring jobs.

In our Clinton-Monticello-Lincoln market, Curt Homann is leading the DeWitt County Development Council and that non-profit entity is providing grants to deserving county businesses to expand, as well as working with county officials in attracting industry and jobs to the county.

The Piatt County seat of Monticello continues to push dirt, build new homes, and expand.   Its school complex, thanks to a tax referendum passed a few years ago, is now the envy of schools and residents across Central Illinois.  And, new retail businesses continue to open.

The Logan County seat of Lincoln, christened by Abraham Lincoln himself, has established an organization called the “Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development” or LEAD, with members made up many different business categories.  The organization is privately funded by the business community.

These are examples of what the communities in our listening area are doing to grow.      Be listening and watching on our media platforms for the great, positive things happening right here in Central Illinois!  That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Posted April 16, 2024

Dear Editor:

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club will again be holding its annual Pancake and Sausage fundraising breakfast.  A GREAT breakfast for a GREAT price!!  This year’s fundraiser will be held Saturday April 27th from 6:30am until 11:00am.  The location will again be at the Taylorville Moose Lodge. 

Funds raised at this fundraiser will be utilized for the Coats for Kids project, Scholarships for High School Seniors and many other local youth focused projects. 

Advanced tickets for this event can be purchased from any Kiwanis member or at the Taylorville Community Credit Union, Peoples Bank and Trust (Taylorville Branch) or the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce.  You may also purchase tickets at the door. 

“To Go” orders can be placed by calling (217) 820-4403. 

Community support is greatly appreciated by not only the Taylorville Kiwanis Club but also by those who benefit from the funds that are raised.  We hope to see you for breakfast!!

Martin Vota
Secretary – Taylorville Kiwanis Club

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted April 3, 2024

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

You may remember in a late December editorial, I shared that a
colleague of mine forwarded an article by marketing guru Roy Williams who read the book Don Quixote, written in 1605.  Williams extracts from the book, that civilization has lived in 40 year pendulums from good to evil, and back to good.  Williams' opinion is that we've had 40 years of evil, and that 2024 will be the year that pendulum swings back to starting towards good again.

Now comes a story reported by multiple news outlets from the state of Oregon, doing a U-turn on a short-lived liberal policy that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of certain drugs.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, on April First signed into law a bill that reverses Measure 110, a 2020 law that voters OK’d to decriminalize most illegal possession of controlled substance offenses and redirect much of the state's marijuana tax revenue to fund grants for addiction services.

Around 58% of Oregon residents approved the initial measure.   Since that time, addiction and overdose deaths have skyrocketed in Oregon and nationwide as fentanyl swept across the country. In a change of heart in August, 56% of Oregonians disapproved of the pioneering drug law and both Republicans and Democrats introduced legislation to roll back the controversial measure which the Governor signed into law.

Going back to the Don Quixote book written in 1605 that marketing guru Roy Williams quoted late last year saying civilization has lived in 40 year pendulums from good to evil, and back to good, it’s Williams' opinion we've had 40 years of evil, and that 2024 will be the year that pendulum swings back to starting towards good again.

Let’s hope for the country’s sake, and for the sake of the human race, that we’re seeing that happen.   Just maybe.

That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted March 7, 2024

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

A news release came across my e-mail from the Illinois Corn Growers Association that I took note of.   On February 22nd, Illinois state lawmakers tried hitting the gas to incorporate California’s extreme vehicle emissions standards into the Midwest.

HB1634 allows California to govern Illinois Vehicle Code and would essentially require 35% of new light duty vehicles including cars, SUV’s and pick-up trucks sold must be electric by 2026. By 2035, 100% must be electric.

The bill also mandates 75% of all new heavy- duty truck sales and 40% of class 7 and 8 tractor sales must be zero emission by 2035, and requires new trucks sold to be zero emission starting in 2036. Requires used trucks owned by medium and large fleets also be zero emission by 2042.

Illinois Corn Growers Association President Dave Rylander was quoted as saying if this bill passes, it will have drastic impacts on agriculture, trucking and transportation industries, and also open the door for more aggressive regulations without the voter’s consent in the future.

I can’t believe that in one of the largest corn producing and ethanol producing states in the nation, a bill like this would even see the light of day.

But, some Chicago Democrats that don’t understand agriculture or anything south of Interstate 80, are pushing this and introduced the bill in the first place.

The Corn Growers are trying to stop this bill before it ever gets a hearing, and they need YOUR help.   Please click HERE to voice your concern with HB1634.  

Please take the time to respond NOW before this bill gets any further.   Its passage will mean higher prices for our vehicles, higher costs for agriculture, trucking and transportation, which means even MORE inflation put on our backs.

That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio-dot-com.

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted February 8, 2024

This is a station editorial, I’m Randal J. Miller, station president.

The dis-respect for the rule of law among those who are citizens of this country, is bad enough.   But for dozens of illegal immigrants who are being housed as sanctuary citizens in New York City, to beat 1 city police officers January 27th, is beyond belief.

According to CBS News, as the NYPD continues its search for six more suspects, pressure is mounting to deport the asylum seekers accused of attacking officers in Times Square.

The NYPD says of the dozen migrants involved in attack on January 27th, six are still wanted. Six were arrested, but only one is in jail; the rest were released.

On February First,  scores of Midtown South police officers were in the courtroom when a judge ordered one of those arrested, held on $15,000 bail for second-degree assault and obstructing governmental administration. The Manhattan District Attorney says he's the man accused of starting the fight. Police say they identified him by the tattoo on his neck.

In court, he was wearing a shirt that said, "Work hard. Be kind."

The head of the police union asked why 4 of the attackers were released on their own recognizance.  

New York Governor Kathy Hochul reiterated calls to deport them, quoting the Governor:    "Get them all and send them back. You don't touch our police officers. You don't touch anybody," she said.

When are we as a people, going to begin respecting the rule of law, and those whose job it is to enforce the law?   It goes back to what I’ve been saying for months.   It seems what was wrong is now right.   

A democracy can’t live like this.   Human beings created by God can’t live like this.   Something’s gotta change.   Inside of each one of us.

That’s our opinion, we welcome yours.   Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com. 

STATION EDITORIAL

Posted December 26, 2023

This is a station editorial, I'm Randal J. Miller, station president.

I think I shared with you in this space a few months ago, how a friend told me his philosophy of the world as it's playing out:  Since we've conquered about everything that was thought to be impossible 100, 50, 25, or even 10 years ago, we have nothing left to fix or solve.   As a result, my friend says, we've gone to thiking today that what was wrong is now right.

Take the case of of Hamas' attack on Israel in October.   The United States has been a long-time ally of Israel, but sadly much of the sentiment in this country has been it's the Palestinians who have been wronged despite the horrible atrocities Hamas had inflicted on Israeli hostages.   Hamas has showed pictures of dragging or beheading babies and children.

And, this is supposed to be right?

Major U-S university presidents were grilled by Congress earlier in December on the fact demonstrations supporting the Palestinians have broken out on their campuses.  And what did they do?   Support such demonstrations under the guise of free speech.

I go back to what I said at the start of this editorial.  So, what's wrong is now right?   Evil is now good?

But, there IS hope.  A colleague of mine forwarded an article by marketing guru Roy Williams who read the book Don Quixote, written in 1605.  Williams extracts from the book, that civilization has lived in 40 year pendulums from good to evil, and back to good.  Williams' opinion is that we've had 40 years of evil, and that 2024 will be the year that pendulum swings back to starting towards good again.  I hope he's right.

That's our opinion.  We welcome yours.  Our e-mail address is editorial@randyradio.com.