A structure fire consumed an attached garage with an extension into a residence on Tuesday evening.  At 6:40 PM, Taylorville Fire was dispatched for a structure fire in the 200 block of Vollentine.  When crews arrived, they found the garage had heavy fire coming from inside.  After attacking the fire, firefighters were able to limit the fire spread to the garage with minor damage to an interior room.  

Firefighters say they brought it under control within 8 minutes.  No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.  Taylorville Fire was assisted with mutual aid from Owaneco, Edinburg, Midland, Dunn's Ambulance, Christian County Sheriff's Office, and Ameren.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.  All photos courtesy of the Taylorville Fire Department. 

Donating blood is a routine for some and a rarity for others. Some do not realize just how much of an impact that can have on someone else's life by just donating one pint of blood. To learn more about the need for blood donations The WTIM Morning Show was joined by Julie Bly, a member of the American Red Cross Association, to speak on why donating blood is so important, who it can help, and the quick and painless sign up it takes to make a difference.

A way to connect to the blood donation program is by using the app. The app is titled Blood Donation American Red Cross, with this, a donor can track their donation to see who it is going to and how it is helping. This presents a new reason for why donating is important.

Connecting with a person you are able to help through your donation is what keeps patrons coming back.  The need for blood donations is constant. With summer beginging, this is the busiest time for Julie Bly and the American Red Cross.

Making it personal is what worked for Julie Bly when it comes to finding the motivation to donate. The American Red Cross is also introducing promotions for donating. From a gift card to backyard movie theater night, you can get something tangible out of donating.

For all the information on donating to the American Red Cross visit, https://www.redcrossblood.org/. 

And to contact Julie Bly directly you can call, 217- 663- 4343.

Members of the First United Methodist Church in Taylorville, opened their new 12-thousand 400-square foot Ministry Center to the public for the first time on Sunday during an Open House.   The event was broadcast live on WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 and WRAN groovy 97-point-3.

Long-time member of both the church and the local Optimist Club Terry Wright, told listeners that 2 Optimist Club events used the new building even before its Public Open House on Sunday.

A member of the church's Strategic Planning Team that worked to turn the Ministry Center idea into reality, Jeff Maxfield, told listeners on Sunday safety and security were the main reasons the church decided to build.

The new Ministry Center can seat up to 240 people at round tables or 500 without, has a state-of-the-art audio and video system, and is set up to play a variety of sports.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club reviewed committee activities in their ongoing efforts to benefit children and youth in the Taylorville community, at the club’s weekly meeting on Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Kiwanis Priority One chair Bruce Blanshan reported the May 20th annual Bike Rodeo, co-sponsored by Kiwanis, Taylorville Memorial Hospital, and the Christian County YMCA, went well with each participant receiving a new bike.

Blanshan added a Car Seat Safety Day is planned for June 24th at the Taylorville Fire House from 9am to noon, and the club’s annual Kid’s Day fund raiser at the Harrison Corner and Wal-Mart is set for September 22nd and 23rd.

Kiwanis treasurer Blain Cornwell reported that the April 29 Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast netted the club just over 3-thousand dollars for local projects for children and youth.   Incoming Kiwanis president Chuck Martin chaired the event.

Cornwell also reported the local club will again be manning gates at the Illinois State Fair in August, as another fund-raiser.

4 members fro the Decatur Early Bird Kiwanis Club were guests at Tuesday’s Taylorville Kiwanis meeting.

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.   

Shawn and Connie Mitchell along with the community honor and remeber the late Tanner James Mitchell with the annual Tanner Mitchell Electrician Apprenticeship Scholarship. This is the third annual award that gives a new electrician the support they need for the beginning costs of their occupation.

This year the Tanner Mitchell Electrician Apprentice Scholarship went to Noah Marlow of Shelbyville. Noah was awarded a $2000 Scholarship with the IBEW 146 Midstate Electrical Training Center. 

Noah Marlow, the winner of this year's scholarship, displayed excellent work ethic and stellar performance on the job everyday, making him the perfect candidate and winner of the third annual Apprentice Scholarship.

Noah will begin his work with the IBEW 146 Midstate Electrical training center in the fall.

Shawn and Connie Mitchell thank everyone who has supported the apprenticeship and scholarship funds while they look too keep this Scholarship award a tradition for many years to come.

A great crowd from Taylorville and Christian County attended Sunday afternoon's  First United Methodist Church in Taylorville held a Public Open House for their new Ministry Center.   The event was broadcast live on WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 and WRAN groovy 97-point-3.

Youth Director Jamie Brachear told listeners during the live broadcast the new building offers lots of new ministry opportunities.

Architect for the project, Dennis Schuette of Staunton, shared with listeners Sunday afternoon he was pleased to work with the project's committee co-chair Jim Brubaker.

The Public Open House was held Sunday, after the church held a consecreation service for the new building in May.

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening for their regular board meeting. All Aldermen were present except Jim Olive. The Board Discussed Minutes Business Ordinances and heard From the Committees 

The meeting began with the recognition of the following members:

Elsie Williamson -1st place 8th grade women's discus (also the new state record holder)

Liam Bettis - 2nd place men's1600m 3rd place men's 800m
Julie Wayman-- 6th place 7th grade women's shot put
Elayna Harker-- 6th place 7th grade women's pole vault
Gianna Tarr -- 8th grade women's shot put
Logan Barry -- 7th grade men's discus
Connor Hunsley - 8th grade men's discus
Brock Walton -8th grade men's shot put
Jayden Lash, Liam Bettis, Eli Ellis, Garrett Lehman, and Joseph Goodman -8th grade men's 4×400m

Mayor Bruce Barry Proclaimed June 5th as Elsie Williamson day.

The Main Intrigue of tonight's meeting was over the allowance of chickens within city limits. Larry Budd spoke first about why he was opposed to this motion 

Kathy Driskell then spoke second about how she supported the ordinance mentioning they could always take away the privileges. 

Mayor Barry then spoke about his concern over the cleanliness of the chickens. 

The vote carried  on the motion to prepare an ordinance to allow chickens 4-3, But Mayor Barry says there are still more hoops to jump through

In other Ordinance Voting, the vote passed 6-1 to approve the use of UTV’s on lake roads with proper permits. Larry Budd Voted No

In finance, the board approved The three Tier health insurance plan for 2023-2024 at a projected cost of just over 1.7 million. 

In Public Comments there were some disappointed members of the room about some trees being cut down, especially near Clay St. There were also a few members that pleaded for the alderman to vote yes for the chickens. 

The Next Meeting is on June 19th 
 

Shelbyville has few dull moments as they prepare for a summer of activities. Faith Wheeler, the Vice President of the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce and the Member service specialist for Shelby Electric Co-op, appeared on the WTIM Morning show in Shelbyville to explain what commerce is contributing. The Co-op looks to kick off the events with 4th of July Firework show. 

The events would not be possible without the help from the community. Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce is reaching out for sponsors in order to have a successful show every year.

Kevin Bernson is the Vice President of Media and Public Relations for Shelby Electric Co-op. Bernson speaks about the annual meeting and why you do not want to miss it.

Power lines, electric vehicles and new opportunities for linemen are expected at the upcoming events, as the Co-op has set aside money for these valuable workers, retired or still actively working.

Over $6 million has been allocated to workers that may need the extra help. The Shelby Electric Co-op is making it their mission to support and retire as many electric workers as they can.

To not miss any of the events or information that the Shelby Electric Co-op hosts make sure to visit https://shelbyelectric.coop/ .

For the past eight years, TCCU members and the general public have generously donated to TCCU’s annual Freedom Tree community food drive giving out hundreds of pounds of canned and boxed items and cash to help support the efforts of food pantries.  

That program begins again today running through Friday, July 14th and community donations are more important now than they have ever been before. Federal COVID emergency allotments to SNAP benefits were cut on March 1st.  This has resulted in an even greater need from families who are hurting. 

TCCU President Will Perkins says that with rising costs of food and many items in short supply, many don’t realize the demands on food pantries. The Freedom Tree community food drive helps support the efforts and programs of local food pantries.  TCCU invites all area residents not just members to give generously as boxed and canned food items are needed along with cash donations. Cash donations can go a long way, because the food pantry knows what they are short on, and can use the money appropriately. 

Donations can be dropped off at any of TCCU’s locations in Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield, and Pana. All locations have a “Freedom Tree” display and drop-off for boxed and canned goods.  Cash donations can be made at all teller stations within the office. 
 

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Municipal Building in Taylorville to discuss business, review ordinance, and hear from the public during their meeting on June 5th. After recognizing Elsie Williamson and Junior High Track Athletes, the council will approve minutes and review some business development districts.  The council will retroactively approve some special events permits and hear from both the City Attorney and Mayor Bruce Barry.

Under committee reports the council will recommend approval of the treasurer’s report, discuss approving allowing chickens in the city limits, and the use of UTV’s on Lake Roads. The council will look to accept a proposed three-tier health insurance plan, and purchase some materials for the street and sewer department.

The council will look to approve the promotion for Crystal Nichols in the Clerks Office and bid for a heavy equipment operator and approve a presented dress code policy.  The council will look to purchase some new gear storage racks and hear from the public. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on the meeting following the conclusion of the event. 

The public turned out in great numbers Sunday afternoon, when the First United Methodist Church in Taylorville held a Public Open House for their new Ministry Center.   The event was broadcast live on WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 and WRAN groovy 97-point-3.

Pastor Becky Lemke told listeners during the live broadcast the idea for the new building dates back to the 1990's.

F-U-M-C Education Director Sheryl Van Dyke told listeners the new Ministry Center includes new classrooms and opportunities for sports.

The Ministry Center has some 12-thousand 400-square feet of space on 2 floors.

The summer season makes for a busy time for many especially those that are active in the lakes and parks. Brock Key, a park ranger for the Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville came on the WTIM Morning Show in Shelbyville to talk, lake levels, plans and what to expect while participating in the summer fun.

Lake Shelbyville may have functions that the local community are not aware of. Recreation and fishing are the well known uses of the lake but Brock Key explains there is more to Lake Shelbyville.

Recreational activites are what the lake is most known for. Park ranger Key describes what the futre events will look like.

The yearly youth fishing tournament has been a long standing tradition for the Shelbyville area. With great participation once again Brock Key explains what makes this event so successful.

To not miss out on the Lake Shelbyville events and updates you can visit http://www.lakeshelbyville.com/

To register for the youth fishing tournament call 217- 774 -3951

The road to recovery for someone battling drug addiction can be long and painful. Natalie Inman, the Program coordinator for Drug Abuse in Shelbyville reappeared on the WTIM Morning show in Shelbyville to shed light on this road to sobriety, the challenges, and the right changes that can become a reality.

Inman explains that drug abusers have two routes, succeed in the drug court program and begin normal life or suffer the consequences behind bars.

Recovering addicts will be surrounded by professionals and people with the same experiences as them. This hands-on assistance is setting up struggling individuals to suceed when they are introduced to normal life. Inman explains.

When someone struggling with drug abuse finishes the program, they have graduated. This is a renewal for many and a signal that better times are near. This weekend one graduate will be honored at the courthouse.

for information on Shelby County Community services regarding drug abuse and addiction visit https://anabranchrecovery.com/
 

There are many ways to stay healthy and active this summer but challenges can arise as one increases in age. The Summertime Challenge is a new low-impact, exercise based program that will get the local community up and moving. Tim Casner, the Director of Live Well Fitness at the Pana Hospital, appeared on the WTIM Morning Show to discuss this summer's activities.

Consistency is key when it comes to your physical well being. Showing up day after day to participate will make you eligible for the prizes that are offered. The Sit-to-Fit exercise is popular for the less mobile patrons.

For ages 65 and older, there is a workout program for just about everyone. For those participants that are still able to get up and moving, the Summertime Challenge will have something in store.

The professional instructors for the Summertime Challenge classes are equiped to handle every type of activity. Tim Casner notes that going at your own pace is important.

Tim Casner and his staff at Live Well Fitness are ready to host their Summertime Challenge events and get everyone up and active. 

to learn more about the Summertime Challenge visit,  https://panahospital.com/services/hospital-services/profile/livewell-fitness-2
And to learn how to become a member you can call 217-562-6231
 

The Small Town Taylorville Committee First Friday Car Show on the square Friday evening brought out the classic cars and trucks.

The event is held monthly the First Friday of each month from 4:30pm to 8pm, except in October when it'll be held Friday, October 13th due to Chillifest.

A Taylorville man has pleaded guilty in connection to a fatal accident that killed two people. 48-year-old Robert M. Hodson of Taylorville plead guilty in a negotiated settlement in front of Judge Brad T. Paisley on Thursday. Hodson plead guilty to aggravated DUI resulting in accident or death. The cap is 20 years imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The incident occurred on April 8th, 2021 around 11 PM on Illinois Route 48 near East 1550 N Road between Taylorville and Stonington. 19-year-old Haley Anne Shoot and 20-year-old Zaydin Jon Dudra were hit and killed after Hodson crossed the center line, running head-on into the vehicle that Shoot was driving. One other passenger was hospitalized at the time of the crash. 

Sentencing is set for August 21st at 1:15.  

To beat the summer heat Pana Hospital's Live Well program has partnered with the University of Illinois Extension office to bring back the "eating well as you age" class. Lisa Petterson appeared on the WTIM Morning Show to talk about the events to look forward to, health plans for the summer and how to survive the summer heat with nutrition.

There are many nutritional facts to be aware of during old age, especially as temperatures rise. Lisa Petterson explains how to get ahead of the issue through diet.

Hydration is key for summertime health. There are facts on water consumption that are important but many may not be aware of the changing amounts of water they might need. Petterson explains.

If you are feeling tired throughout the day, Lisa Petterson recommends that carrying a reusable water bottle through the day's events will keep one hydrated and alert. Kidney function and digestive health decline with age, hitting your water goals will keep the body functioning.

To learn all about nutrition and hydration from the University of Illinois professionals visit, https://extension.illinois.edu/
 

The First United Methodist Church here in Taylorville has always been a community gathering place. Now that the 12,400 square foot building project is finished, the Strategic Planning Team with First United Methodist Church is reaching out to the listeners for ideas on what to do with the extra space. The four members of the team joined the WTIM Morning Show to explain the many aspects to look forward to. 

The open house is the official beginning to the new opportunities that are possible because of the renovations. The focus of the new development is community based and their doors are open for everyone.

Bob Febus, a member of the Strategic Planning Team says that this expansion was the plan all along, outside factors kept the First United Methodist Church to its original plans until the funds were present.

Now that the project is finished, First United Methodist is asking the community for their ideas on the best use for the space. From meeting places to tutoring rooms, there is a wide range of options for the building's functions.

Don't miss the opportunity to have your ideas heard by the First United Methodist group and feel free to dream with them! The options are plentiful for what can help the community. 

First United Methodist Church is located on, 200 S Walnut St, Taylorville, IL.

To learn about the new development and for more information visit,
https://taylorville1stumc.org/building-project/

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John J. Kim is encouraging Illinois residents to use caution when outdoors as air quality conditions are expected to be in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category for Friday, June 2, according to the National Air Quality Index. The Illinois EPA has issued an air quality forecast of “Orange” or “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” for all of Illinois for June 2nd.

Ground-level ozone is formed when emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from vehicles, power plants, and other industrial sources, react in the presence of sunlight. As a result of current ground-level ozone levels and anticipated weather conditions, the air quality is forecasted to be “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” in many regions today, and statewide tomorrow.

These conditions pose a potential health hazard to sensitive populations, including individuals with respiratory or pulmonary disorders, as well as active children and adults. Sensitive individuals should take special precautions and follow their physician-prescribed regimen. All residents should keep cool and limit physical activity when air quality is low. Possible symptoms related to sensitive groups impacted by low air quality include coughing or shortness of breath.

Businesses and residents are also encouraged to take steps to reduce contributions to air pollution including:

    Taking public transit, ridesharing, walking, or biking.
    Consolidating errands if driving.
    Reducing energy demands.
    Avoiding use of gasoline-powered equipment when air quality is elevated.

Because air quality can change from day to day, the Illinois EPA provides daily air quality forecasts based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) for fourteen sectors throughout Illinois. The AQI is a color-coded system that classifies air quality from Good (Green) to Hazardous (Maroon). Air quality forecasts are available at www.airnow.gov. Residents are also encouraged to subscribe to receive FREE air quality forecasts via email or Twitter at http://illinois.enviroflash.info.

U.S. EPA has also published an Air Quality Guide for Ozone at: https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/air-quality-guide-for-ozone_0.pdf 

In an effort to keep housing developers affordable and diverse, the Illinois Housing Development Authority has partnered with the Low-Income Tax Credit program to allow for an expanding talent pool and to promote equity for attainable housing development. The IHDA has approved a 5 million dollar award for the Next Generation Capacity Building Initiative that will provide not only affordable housing, but it will bring the capital, training, and technical assistance required for large projects.

Governor JB Pritzker is excited for the new initiative saying, "Programs like the Next Generation Capacity Initiative are reducing barriers of entry for our most underrepresented workers and developers, while building more affordable housing for those who need it the most."

Diversity amongst developers will help the companies that create buildings along with the people that will live in them. Kristin Faust, the Illinois Housing Development Authority Executive Director stated, " IHDA believes that greater diversity among the state's development partners will lead to more inclusive outcomes for residents and greater community engagement in the developments we fund."

The driving force behind the equity of housing developers is the Low-income Housing Tax credit Program (LIHTC). New developers have failed when it comes to workers having the right technical knowledge, training, and connections to begin the job. 

The Next Gen. Initiative will target the disparity in three ways,
First the IHDA will use the $5 million grant to support pre-construction, and planning costs. Next, an in-depth training series will prepare workers with 160 hours of curriculum and training, connecting many workers to valuable industry professionals. And finally, assistive measures from the IHDA can be utilized when specific needs are not met. 

The Illinois Housing Development Authority along with the Low-Income Tax Credit Program are lowering the barriers that the next generation of workers and homeowners may have to face.

For information on the Illinois Housing development Authority visit www.ihds.org. 

As the school year ends and students move on to the next chapter of their lives school districts are doing everything they can to make improvements. The Community Unit School district has excelled in the past years under superintendent Scott Doerr, who appeared on the WTIM morning show. Doerr talked about battling back from the Covid-19 pandemic, record breaking academic years and the future of his district.

The Nokomis School District has been successful in their extracurricular and academic endeavors. Superintendent Doerr explains the nationally recognized award given to his schools and what that means for a student's future.

Becoming a "showcase school" is not something many districts are able to achieve. Scott Doerr did not do it alone. With the help of his faculty and staff the Community Unit School District is better than ever.

The acceleration of the Nokomis Schools is unprecedented with rising academic scores. Superintendent Doerr explains that this is due to the thriving programs that have persisted and the determination from students and staff to succeed.

For information on the Community Unit School District and their future plans visit https://www.cusd200.org/
 

The Spillway Recreation Area at Lake Shelbyville will be closed for maintenance June 7th to June 16th. The closure applies to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. 

These closures are necessary to provide safety for workers and members of the general public while work is being conducted.  The closure is a result of performing periodic maintenance, milling the road surface and asphalting.

The Corps of Engineers recognizes the impact of road closures on the general public and apologizes for any inconveniences it may cause.  For additional information, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951..

The City of Taylorville is asking residents to opt out of Constellation after Ameren Illinois posted lower rates. Ameren Illinois’ adjusted electric rates were set at 8.04 cents per kilowatt-hour.  This is 3.88 cents less than the city of Taylorville’s electric aggregation rate of 11.924 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry encourages everyone to opt back into Ameren. 

The city designed its aggregate program to assure that participants have access to the lowest price available on the market allowing them to opt out at any time and at no cost. Taylorville residents are encouraged to opt out by calling Constellation toll-free or by going online.  Have your ten-digit Ameren account number available. 

To opt-out by phone, call Constellation’s toll-free number 833-367-3675.  Calls are handled in the order that they are received, but you can avoid lengthy wait times by leaving a request for a return call. You can also visit www.constellation.com/il-taylorville and click the opt-out online in the gray area at the bottom of the page, click the blue find my code button, enter your ten-digit Ameren account number, view your account information, enter email, check the box, and click the blue button, “do not participate.” 

Taylorville voters at a referendum authorized the city’s aggregation initiative.  It was paused in 2022. 

Electricity prices have been volatile in the regulated as well as the competitive market over the past year. Ameren’s regulated supply rate more than doubled—from 5.478 cents per kilowatt-hour in May 2022 to 11.833 cents currently. The utility is also permitted to recover and refund differences in its costs of energy when those costs vary by 5 percent from the approved rate. Such cost differences, known as purchased energy adjustments, are passed along on consumers’ monthly bills. Electric aggregation customers are not charged for purchased energy adjustments. 
    
Ameren will continue to deliver electricity to residents and small businesses, answer calls about power quality and outages, and bill for all electric supply and distribution services. Answers to questions about delivery service and bills are available by calling Ameren’s toll-free number at 800-755-5000. 

May is motorcycle awareness month in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and motorcycle safety advocates would like to remind the public to remind all users to “Start seeing motorcycles.” The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign coincides with the arrival of warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads.  With thousands of deaths every year, motorcyclists are significantly over-represented in traffic crashes and fatalities. 

Motorcycles represent 3% of total vehicle registrations in the state and according to recent data, more than 11% of the fatalities in 2022.  There were 1,270 traffic fatalities with 146 from motorcycles. This number is down 21 from 2021.

During the season, there will be banners and yard signs throughout the state, to help bring awareness to the campaign.  IDOT encourages drivers to do the following.  Look twice before changing lanes.  Use your mirrors and look over your shoulder.  Give motorcyclists enough space to maneuver and remember that traffic, weather, and road conditions affect motorcyclists differently than other vehicles on the road. 

Motorcyclists should wear DOT-compliant gear, and use clothing that increases visibility in traffic. Cyclists should use lane positioning to increase their visibility. Have your headlight on at all times. Give yourself time to react. Always signal before changing lanes, don’t weave, and flash your brake lights when you are slowing down.  Above all else, stay sober when riding. 

For more information, visit startseeingmotorcycles.org. 

Taylorville Fire Department battled an RV fire on Wednesday afternoon.  At 5:40 PM, TFD responded to an RV fully involved that was spreading to two campers. Fire Crews battled the blaze bringing the fire under control within about 15 minutes. One person was injured and taken to an area hospital with burns prior to the fire department's arrival.  

The fire is still under investigation.