St. Louis put up eight runs in the fifth inning and cruised to a 13-5 victory over the Cubs. The Cubs took a 5-0 lead in the first after Geovany Soto drilled a two-run double and Alfonso Soriano blasted a three-run homer. Those five runs scored off Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse were unearned. Lohse went five frames and gave up just two of the Cubs three total hits to improve to 9-and-7. Ryan Theriot was 4-for-5 with three RBI, while Albert Pujols hit a solo homer and David Freese added a two-run shot. Rodrigo Lopez took the loss for Chicago after going four-and-a-third innings and surrendering six runs. The win is the second straight for the Cards and the fourth in six contests. The setback is the fifth straight for the Cubs.

 Ryan Theriot and David Freese each plated a trio of runs as the Cardinals bashed the Cubs, 9-2.  Freese drilled a three-run homer while Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina each added an RBI.  Pujols' RBI double in the eighth was his 2,000th career hit.  Edwin Jackson went seven frames and gave just up one run to get the win in his Cardinal debut.  St. Louis has won three-of-five.  Matt Garza was chased after giving up six runs in five-and-two-thirds innings.  Tyler Colvin and Marlon Byrd each drove in a run for Chicago, which has lost four straight.

The Taylorville BBQ Blues & Cruise event was this weekend with events held in downtown Taylorville and the Christian county fairgrounds. Friday night the preparty drew BBQ enthusiasts and music lovers alike with samples of BBQ and great live music from “The Screaming Vatos” which features Taylorville musician Bill Cope in the horn section.  A full day of festivities on Saturday featured a state championship professional BBQ cook off and an amateur competition. Senator Sam McCann opened the event with the ceremonial eating of the first rib. Taylorville mayor Greg Brotherton told Regional Radio News this annual event is a major festival for the city bringing festival goers from all around the region who all spend money while they are here.  Gary Merker, executive director of Taylorville Main Street, said the event drew over 475 people to the event Friday night and expected several thousand on Saturday. The BBQ Blues and Cruise featured live blues music with Bumble Bee Bob Kamoake, The Jeremiah Johnson Band from St. Louis and World Class Noise from Chicago. This is the sixth year for the annual event.

Citing taxpayer savings and assuring quality work, IllinoisAFL-CIOPresident Michael T. Carrigan applauded Gov. Pat Quinn for signing into law the use of Project Labor Agreements on public works projects inIllinois.

 “PLAs have worked inIllinoisand across this country for decades,” Carrigan said. “We have a legacy inIllinoisof tending to our infrastructure needs and we’ve used PLAs to get them done under budget, on time and with quality workmanship. This law is the continuation of good public policy.”

 Project Labor Agreements are pre-hire, pre-bid contracts used to provide a mechanism for quickly staffing the job with the most highly-trained employees from all of the trades ensuring on-time and on-budget construction.

 Illinoishas used PLAs under Executive Orders issued by Gov. Rod Blagojevich and, most recently, Quinn. With this new law passed by the General Assembly, Project Labor Agreements may be used by state agencies now and into the future.

 Carrigan applauded the General Assembly for passing the bill, especially bill sponsors Rep. Pat Verschoore and Sen. Toi Hutchinson.

 “This is a prime example of government doing what it should to rid projects of waste and inefficiency,” Carrigan said. “Public works projects will use taxpayer money wisely and each dollar will go to makingIllinoisa better state.”

Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to help ensure a fair state contract bidding process for minority- and women-owned businesses, and to advance minority and female employment in Illinois’ workforce.

 “This important new law will help ensure fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses in Illinois,” Governor Quinn said. “Today’s action underscores my commitment to maintaining a diverse, skilled and effective labor force.”

House Bill 2987 creates the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Act, which requires state agencies under the Governor to consider the use of PLAs on public works construction projects. A PLA establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a construction project, ensuring a level bidding field for minority- and women-owned businesses and helping increase minority and female employment on public job sites. The new law codifies an Executive Order issued by the Governor in 2010.

 The law requires the state department, agency, authority or board responsible for awarding the project to negotiate the PLA with labor organizations engaged in the construction industry. If the parties cannot agree to the terms of the project labor agreement, the Governor appoints a designee to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.  

 Sponsored by Rep. Patrick J. Verschoore (D-Rock Island) and Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights), the law includes provisions for binding procedures for resolving jurisdictional labor disputes and grievances; guarantees against strikes; ensuring a reliable source of skilled and experienced labor; setting goals for apprenticeship hours for minorities and females as well as total number of hours to be performed  by underrepresented minorities and females; and binding all contractors and subcontractors on the public works project through the inclusion of appropriate bid specifications.

 The law also requires that an entity with a PLA in connection with a public works project to file a quarterly report with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) that includes workforce participation by minorities and females. The IDOL will submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Governor that details the number of minorities and females employees under all public labor agreements within the state. The new law takes effect immediately.

Governor Pat Quinn Wednesday signed legislation to ensure health insurance benefit equality between oral and injectable cancer drugs, allowing cancer patients more affordable treatment options and protecting them from significantly high out-of-pocket costs. House Bill 1825 requires private health insurance plans that provide coverage for oral and intravenous chemotherapy to cover both at the same benefit level.

 “Patients battling cancer shouldn’t have to forgo potentially life-savings treatments because of costs,” Governor Quinn said. “This legislation will provide more affordable coverage options, so that patients can choose the best, most appropriate therapy to fight their cancer.”

 Historically, chemotherapy drugs have been primarily administered intravenously. Today, many types of chemotherapy can be taken via a liquid, tablet or capsule, a less invasive therapy alternative. Oral chemotherapy is the only appropriate treatment for certain types of cancer, and can also provide an alternative for patients who have trouble responding to other treatments.

Many healthcare benefit plans have not changed to ensure patient access to oral chemotherapy, resulting in some cancer patients facing higher out-of-pocket costs simply because their treatment is dispensed orally rather than intravenously.

 The disparity in coverage for oral treatments is also a factor in deployment of “smart drugs” in cancer treatment. Traditional radiation and chemotherapy are effective in killing cancerous cells, but also kill many healthy cells, weakening a patient’s immune system. Smart drugs are delivered orally and designed to navigate the bloodstream with precision to stop the growth of cancer cells, often avoiding damage to healthy cells. While these regimens are often more costly up front, they may be able to significantly decrease the amount of therapy time, increase positive outcomes and reduce longer-term costs associated with traditional intravenous treatments.

Illinois joins a number of states that have enacted cancer drug parity laws including Connecticut, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, Oregon, Vermont, the District of Columbia, and New Mexico. Medicare recipients also receive this benefit for identical oral and intravenous chemotherapy drugs.

 Sponsored by Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), HB 1825 passed the General Assembly unanimously and takes effect Jan. 1.

The New England Patriots reportedly added a pair of high-profile names to their roster Thursday.  The Pats reportedly acquired defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins.  Later in the day, New England got wide receiver Chad Ochocinco from the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Arizona Cardinals acquired quarterback Kevin Kolb [[ Cobb ]] from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick in the 2012 draft Thursday.  Kolb reportedly reached a five-year contract extension with Arizona after the trade.

Tim Lincecum pitched six shutout innings as the Giants edged the Phillies 4-1.  Pablo Sandoval popped a solo homer to help the Giants win the rubber match of the three-game set between division leaders.  Carlos Beltran went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his debut with San Francisco.

Tiger Woods announced Thursday that he will play in next week's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.  Woods, who has won the event seven times, has been sidelined since May due to left leg injuries.  Woods will also have a new caddy next week.

Some  teams have  already announced  moves today,  including the  Indianapolis
Colts,  who agreed  to  terms with  kicker Adam  Vinatieri  and safety  Melvin
Bullitt.  The  Miami Dolphins  also made  it official  today and announced the
trade  for Reggie Bush, sending safety Jonathan Amaya and an undisclosed draft
pick  to  the New  Orleans Saints in  return. A couple  of teams also released
players,  as the  Atlanta Falcons  said  goodbye to  former first-round  picks
Michael  Jenkins  and Jamaal  Anderson, and  the New  York Jets dropped backup
quarterback Mark Brunell. 

                                   

A  couple  of first-round draft  picks agreed to  terms on Friday. The Buffalo
Bills  and defensive  lineman Marcell Dareus, the third overall selection back
in April, worked out a deal. The Seattle Seahawks came to terms with offenisve
tackle  James Carpenter  (No. 25), the Kansas City Chiefs signed wide receiver
Jonathan  Baldwin (No.  26) and  the Baltimore  Ravens inked  cornerback Jimmy
Smith  (No. 27).  The Tennessee Titans and quarterback Jake Locker, the eighth
overall pick, have reportedly agreed to a four-year deal.

Chicago fell into an early two-run hole, but climbed out on the way to a 6-3 victory over the Tigers on Monday at The Cell. A.J. Pierzynski drilled a solo homer and Paul Konerko added one of his own to go with a pair of RBI as the White Sox won their third straight. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] put in six frames of work and gave up just two unearned runs for the victory. Miguel Cabrera bashed a solo homer in the seventh in Detroit's failed comeback attempt. Duane Below surrendered four runs in four-and-two-thirds innings as the Tigers lost their second game in three contests. Jake Peavy will toe the rubber opposite Justin Verlander in tonight's second installment.

The Chicago Cubs kick off a three-game NL Central tilt with the Milwaukee Brewers this evening at Miller Park. Ryan Dempster gets the nod against Chris Narveson in tonight's opener. The Northsiders completed their first three-game sweep of the season with a trio of victories over the Houston Astros during a weekend to improve to 42-and-60 on the season.

Yadier [[ YAH-dee-AIR ]] Molina finished 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBI, including a solo shot, as the Cardinals dropped the Astros, 10-5. Colby Rasmus added a two-run homer and totalled three RBI for St. Louis, which has won four-of-five overall. Kyle McClellan earned the win, going seven innings of one-run ball. Mitchell Boggs notched his fourth save of the season. Carlos Lee blasted a grand slam in the eighth for Houston, which has lost four consecutive contests. The second of the four-game series is tonight with Jake Westbrook opposing Brett Myers.

With baseball's non-waiver trade deadline approaching, Colby Rasmus could be seeing his final days in a Cardinals uniform. The "Post-Dispatch" cites sources as saying the Redbirds are in talks with the White Sox about a possible trade. St. Louis could net starter Edwin Jackson or reliever Matt Thornton in return. Rasmus is batting .245 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI.

The Nationals scored three runs in the first frame and held off the Cubs for a 3-2 victory on Tuesday in the nation's capital. Roger Bernadina and Danny Espinosa both scored on a throwing error and Wilson Ramos added an RBI single for Washington, which has won three of its last four games. Ross Detwiler gave up two runs through five-and-a-third frames to pick up his first win of the season and Drew Storen closed it out for his 21st save. Aramis Ramirez' two-run homer in the sixth inning accounted for Chicago's only runs of the game. Ramon Ortiz, whose contract was purchased before the game, allowed three runs, two earned, through six innings of duty to absorb the loss. The Northsiders have dropped four-of-five. Randy Wells will toe the rubber against former Cub Tom Gorzelanny in tonight's third installment.

Felipe Paulino kept the White Sox bats at bay as Kansas City earned a 5-3 win in Chicago on Tuesday night. Paulino allowed three runs on nine hits while striking out nine over six innings to pick up his first win of the year. Joakim Soria gave up a couple hits in the ninth but still managed the save, his 14th of the year. Jake Peavy took the loss for Chicago after six frames of six-hit, five-run ball. He falls to 4-and-2 on the season. Paul Konerko continued his torrid year at the plate with his 22nd homer and a pair of RBI to give him 64 for the season. Edwin Jackson gets the nod opposite Bruce Chen in this afternoon's series finale.

Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman swatted back-to-back homers in the first inning and the Cardinals went on to trounce the Reds, 8-1. Holliday added a three-run jack in the fifth inning to back a solid start from Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia. Garcia tossed six frames of two-hit, one-run ball to run his record to 8-and-3 on the year. Edinson Volquez took it on the chin for Cincinnati, allowing seven runs, six earned, on seven hits in five-and-a-third innings. Scott Rolen drove in the Reds' lone run on a fourth-inning groundout. The finale of the three-game series is tonight with Jake Westbrook opposing Bronson Arroyo.

Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] is back. The St. Louis Cardinals activated their star first baseman off the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. The three-time National League MVP had been sidelined since suffering a fractured left wrist June 19th against Kansas City. Pujols was expected to miss four-to-six weeks, but the injury healed faster than anticipated. The perennial All-Star was not in the lineup for last night's game against the Cincinnati Reds, but is expected to start tonight.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is investigating an incident that occurred at Lake Taylorville Tuesday.

According to reports, a 65 year-old Mattoon man fell overboard from a boat while fishing with his wife on Lake Taylorville. Willie Richards fell overboard from his watercraft and was found floating and was unresponsive according to witnesses.

Richards was given lifesaving treatment from nearby help and was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital before he was then transferred to Memorial Medical Center for further treatment.

This incident remains under the investigation of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Regional Radio News will continue to provide updates regarding this story as they are made available.

Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn is reporting that his office is conducting an investigation following the death of a Taylorville man after an incident at the ConocoPhillips Refinery in Wood River, Illinois late Tuesday afternoon.

38 year-old Bradley D. Edmund was employed by Matrix Service Company and was welding on an above ground tank at the ConocoPhillips facility at 100 Madison Street in Hartford. Edmund was working from scaffolding at the top of the tank, and fell approximately 48 feet to the ground below. The incident occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Edmund was pronounced dead at the scene just before 5:30 p.m. by Coroner’s Investigator William Brandon.

An autopsy conducted late Wednesday morning indicated Edmund suffered head and chest trauma consistent with a fall. No final cause of death will be prescribed pending completion of the investigation as well as the return of routine toxicology results.

The incident remains under investigation by the Hartford Police Department and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The lights, colors, thrills and chills of the Midway are a county fair tradition that can be traced back through the decades. This year, the carnival at the Macoupin County Fair will open at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 19 and will be open nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. through Friday and 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Wristbands will be available nightly at 6:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Saturday.

American Banner Amusements, from Marine, IL, will provide between 15 and 18 exciting rides for all ages at the 2011 Macoupin County Fair. Founded in 1969 by family patriarch Robert Beyer, their rides have been kept at the highest quality and are constantly updated and renovated to provide a fresh look and the latest safety updates year after year. They also feature a variety of games filled with great family fun. Unlike a ride you are never too short or too young, and with almost every game being a prize every time you are sure to take home a memory.

Food vendors at the Macoupin County Fair are hired independently, and it’s hard to miss the colorful food stands with enticing smells floating in the air. Fairgoers can enjoy classic carnival treats from corn dogs and funnel cakes to cotton candy, hamburgers, and all their favorite fair foods.

For more information on this year’s Macoupin County Fair, visit their official website at www.macoupincountyfair.org.

Shelby Electric Cooperative's Power of Green recycling program is holding a recycler appreciation celebration on Saturday, July 9, from 8:00 a.m. to noon to celebrate one year of recycling.

“It's just a small celebration to acknowledge the accomplishments and efforts that have been made by everyone associated with this program,” said Monica Tomblin, Power of Green Coordinator. “We truly have been honored to host a program that has brought recycling back to Shelbyville and its surrounding areas. We have had such positive feedback, and everyone has been very respectful and supportive of the program.”

On July 9 at their east building on Route 16, Shelby Electric will be giving away a Power of Green recycling tote to each recycler that day, while supplies last, and serving pizza slices generously donated by the Shelbyville Monical's pizza - a proud recycler - from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Since its opening day on July 10, 2010, Shelby Electric's Power of Green has collected over 38 tons of material to be recycled.

“We are so proud of that number and know this next year will be even bigger,” notes Tomblin.

Shelby Electric collects the material at their building on East Route 16 (home to PWR-net Wireless Broadband). Collection hours are Tuesdays and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Shelby Electric is now driving the material to Community Resource, Inc. in Urbana to be processed. “This program would not have been possible without the grant money we received last year from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity,” adds Tomblin. “They paid the upfront costs for the recycling trailers and bins, fencing and security cameras located on site.”

Possessing dangerous synthetic “designer drugs” that mimic cocaine and marijuana is now illegal, under a new law sponsored by State Senator Sam McCann of Carlinville.

McCann says with the new law banning certain bath salts, the fight against drugs can continue and progress can be made in Illinois.

[audio:smcann726a.mp3]Listen to McCann's comments here.[/audio]

McCann says law enforcement agencies are already praising the passage of this law and what it will mean to the fight on drugs.

[audio:smcann726b.mp3]Listen to McCann's comments here.[/audio]

McCann adds that the labeling of such synthetic drugs as ‘bath salts’ is a marketing ploy by companies to get around authorities.

[audio:smcann726c.mp3]Listen to McCann's comments here.[/audio]

At least one death in central Illinois is believed to have been caused by an overdose of MDPV.

A Pana woman was arrested for battery early Wednesday morning according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

39 year-old Starla D. Hostetler of Pana was arrested for domestic battery on Wednesday, July 6th.

While the heat was unbearable for some last week, some workers might have felt the heat even more as they continued to finish up the Webster Street extension in Taylorville.

With heat indexes well into triple digits for much of last week, and expected for parts of this week, workers continue to put down asphalt on the most recent phase in the Webster Street extension.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says that hot weeks like the one that ripped through Christian County last week can be particularly rough on city and construction workers.

[audio:gregb726a.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

Brotherton adds that most of the extension project is completed with very little left, and he’s unsure of when the addition of stop lights to the extension will take place.

[audio:gregb726b.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the month according to several sources.

A Taylorville woman was arrested for a warrant by the Taylorville Police Department Thursday.

21 year-old Lacey J. Austin of Taylorville was arrested for a warrant Thursday, June 30th.

Earlier this month, Regional Radio News and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com reported that there were rumors circulating throughout the community about the possible closing of the AMC Cinema 1 and 2 in Taylorville.

Although they declined comment, AMC’s corporate office has confirmed that the theatre will be closing its doors at the end of business hours Thursday, July 28th.

Director of Public Relations Ryan Noonan, in a written statement, said,” that AMC continually upgrades the quality of our theatre circuit by adding new screens and by disposing of older screens through closures and sales. We do, however, look at our theatres on an individual basis. AMC Taylorville 2 has been identified as a theatre that no longer competes effectively in the marketplace and will close at the end of business on July 28.”

Taylorville has had a theatre in the historical downtown district since the middle 1920’s according to sources.

A Palmer man was arrested for warrant Saturday according to the Taylorville Police Department.

21 year-old Alex M. Collingwood of Palmer was arrested for a warrant on Saturday, July 2nd.

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford is expressing concern about the effect to Illinois government monies should the debate on the federal debt ceiling fail to produce a higher ceiling. “My first priority is to protect the state treasury,” said Rutherford.

“Let me assure you that the first priority as state treasurer is the security of the state treasury. The second priority is to earn a return on investment. Should the debt ceiling remain and there is a default, the state treasurer’s office may have to keep money in non-interest bearing, yet safe, FDIC-insured accounts until this debate is resolved. As of July 25, 36 percent of the state investment portfolio, or $3.6 billion, will have to be re-invested within 30 days. In addition, 58 percent of the Illinois Funds (municipal funds) investment portfolio, or $3.2 billion, will have to re-invested within 30 days. This gives you an idea of how much of these funds may be impacted.”

“The bottom line is that these funds will be safe. I do have another concern, however, that the debt ceiling problems will lead to a downgrade in the federal government’s bond ratings. That could lead to a downgrade in the state of Illinois’ bond rating, and therefore municipal bond ratings.”

“What is happening in Washington D.C. has an impact on my job as state treasurer. Further debt here in Illinois is not good. The threat of what could happen substantiates my call for Governor Pat Quinn to not pursue billions of more dollars of debt on the taxpayers of our state.”

A Taylorville man was arrested for not paying for fuel in Taylorville on Wednesday according to the Taylorville Police Department.

22 year-old Michael W. Emery of Taylorville was arrested for theft of services on Wednesday, July 6th.

This week Christian County CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a theft that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime during the overnight hours between Tuesday July 19, 2011 and Wednesday July 20, 2011 person or persons unknown entered a construction site located at 2901 West Elm Street in Taylorville. While there the unknown subject or subjects used a wheel barrow to steal several items from the site. Included in these items are tools, a phone, and a generator. The wheel barrow was recovered a short distance away. The total amount of items stolen is unknown at this time.

Please call Christian County CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.

You can contact Christian County CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, at their website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274637) keyword CCCS and then your tip. As always you will remain anonymous.

Wilson Ramos' go-ahead seventh inning sacrifice scored Mike Morse as the Nationals clipped the Cubs, 5-4, on Wednesday night. Danny Espinosa and Ryan Zimmerman each popped two-run homers for Washington, which has won the first three of a four-game set in the nation's capital. Ryan Mattheus worked a scoreless inning of relief to notch the win and Drew Storen tossed a 1-2-3 ninth to nail down his 22nd save. Carlos Pena and Aramis Ramirez both blasted two-run dingers for Chicago. Kerry Wood was tagged with the loss. The Northsiders have dropped five of their last six contests. Matt Garza will be on the bump opposite Livan Hernandez in tonight's series finale.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at Lincoln Land Community College will conduct free “Starting Your Business in Illinois” workshops in August in Springfield and Jacksonville with topics including preparing a business plan, financing your business, legal forms (proprietorship, partnership, corporation), registering a business name, taxes and more.

Registration is required for the workshops, which are scheduled:

Thursday, Aug. 4 – 6 to 8 p.m. in the Workforce Development Center on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield. To register, call 217.544.7232.

Wednesday, Aug. 17 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at LLCC-Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason St., Springfield. To register, call 217.544.7232.

Monday, Aug. 22 – 1 to 3 p.m. at the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, 155 W. Morton. To register, call 217.245.2174.

For more information, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC at 217.544.7232.

Jeff Francoeur [[ fran-COOR ]] drove in two runs and Eric Hosmer homered as the Royals topped the White Sox, 4-1, on Wednesday afternoon. Francoeur had an RBI single and a sac-fly for Kansas City, which took the final two games of the three-game set at U.S. Cellular Field. Bruce Chen pitched six innings of one-run ball for his fifth win. Edwin Jackson allowed all four runs in seven frames to take the loss for Chicago. The White Sox scored their lone run on a bases loaded walk to Adam Dunn in the sixth inning. The Southsiders welcome in the Minnesota Twins for a four-game set starting this evening. Philip Humber gets the nod against Carl Pavano in the opener.

Linda Osborne, owner of the new Re-Threads Consignment Shop in Taylorville, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Osborne talked about how she opened the business and how it has expanded. She opened in October of last year at a smaller location, and moved her business to a larger location at 320 North Walnut in May of this year.

She told the Kiwanis Club that her business is the ultimate in “going green”, as she consigns pre-worn clothing, furniture, antiques and collectables. Owners of the merchandise pay her a percentage when an item sells. Items are consigned for 90 days, and that consignment arrangement can be renewed or the items can be donated to local charities.

Osborne added the most popular items so far seem to be women’s clothing.

[audio:losb727a.mp3]Listen to Osborne's comments here.[/audio]

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings of the Kiwanis Club are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Ramon Hernandez doubled in the go-ahead run in the top of the 13th to give the Reds a wild 9-8 win over the Cardinals. Chris Heisey homered on the first pitch of the game for the Reds, who led 8-0 after five innings. John Jay clubbed a game-tying solo shot in the bottom of the ninth for the Cards, who scored two runs in the sixth and five more in the seventh. Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] started for the first time since June 19th and went 1-for-6 with an RBI single. Jose Arredondo was credited with his first win. Raul Valdes suffered his first loss.The Cardinals open a four-game home series tonight against the Diamondbacks.

Construction has begun to repair a damaged pipe line at the Pershing Street pump station in Taylorville.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton explains that the project, which was feared to cost more than 100-thousand dollars, has been estimated to be much less than that according to the company chosen to fixed the damaged pipes.

[audio:gregb727a.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

As a result of the broken pipe, a sink hole was created in the aftermath, and estimations are that the hole reaches 25-feet down.

Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] made his return to the Cardinals lineup last night against the Reds. The three-time NL MVP was back at first base and in his usual third spot in the batting order. Pujols went 1-for-6 with an RBI in his first game since fracturing his left wrist on June 19th against Kansas City. He was expected to miss four-to-six weeks, but came back in just over two.

This weekend will prove to be a busy one for the Taylorville Main Street and the city of Taylorville as the annual Barbecue Blues And Cruise returns to the Christian County Fairgrounds. 

Taylorville Main Street interim executive director Gary Merker explains that there will be two types of competitions this weekend; the professionals and the amateurs.

Merker explains that the pros will be competing in four different categories this weekend. 

[audio:gmerk727a.mp3]Listen to Merker's comments here.[/audio]

Merker says that the amateurs, also known as the Backyarders, will be competing in two categories. 

[audio:gmerk727b.mp3]Listen to Merker's comments here.[/audio]

In addition to barbecue this weekend, festival goers will be treated to live blues and jazz music all day long on the main stage.

The 4-H’s participation in the Christian County Fair continues to be one of the highlights for the annual event each year.

Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains that once again this year the 4-H kids will once again have a busy schedule during the week of the 2011 Christian County Fair.

[audio:cpaulek77a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

With school set to start in just over a month, Lincoln Land Community College will wrap up their summer courses this week, and as Dee Krueger of Lincoln Land Community College of Taylorville explains that there are several courses still available, many of which are new to the campus this upcoming semester.

[audio:deek727a.mp3]Listen to Krueger's comments here.[/audio]

Krueger adds that while Lincoln Land Community College might not be a first choice for some students, those students tend to be glad that they chose to go to school their first before attending a traditional four year campus.

[audio:deek727b.mp3]Listen to Krueger's comments here.[/audio]

For more information about Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville visit www.LLCC.edu.

Taylorville city aldermen heard reports a sink hole that has formed in the community at Monday night’s Taylorville City Council meeting.

The Chicago Bears have released punter Brad Maynard. Maynard was told by the coaching staff in late January after their NFC Championship Game loss that his chances of returning were slim. Maynard, who signed with the Bears as a free agent before the 2001 season, was the second-longest tenured Bear behind long nsapper Patrick Mannelly. He placed 24 punts inside the 20-yard line last season. In February, Chicago signed punter Richmond McGee and are also considered to be in the market for a veteran free agent punter.

Chris Narveson tossed five frames of two-run ball and the Brewers scored a trio of runs in the opening inning en route to a 3-2 win over the Cubs on Tuesday evening at Miller Park. Narveson picked up his seventh win of the season and John Axford closed it out to nail down his 28th save. Ryan Braun had an RBI single and Casey McGehee [[ McGee ]] added an RBI triple for Milwaukee, which snapped a two-game slide. Aramis Ramirez' two-run homer in the first frame accounted for the Northsiders' only runs of the game. Ryan Dempster gave up three runs through six innings of work to absorb the loss for Chicago, which was coming off its first three-game sweep of the season. Carlos Zambrano will be on the bump opposite Zack Grienke [[ GRAIN-key ]] in tonight's second installment.

Wilson Betemit's RBI single in the eighth inning gave the Detroit Tigers a 5-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox in the middle contest of a three-game set at The Cell on Tuesday evening. Justin Verlander earned the win despite allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk through eight innings. He also struck out seven in Detroit's sixth win in nine games. Jose Valverde tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his 27th save of the year. Will Ohman took the loss for Chicago. Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko each had two-run homers for the Southsiders, which had its three-game win streak come to an end. John Danks will toe the rubber against Max Scherzer [[ SURE-zer ]] in this afternoon's series finale.

Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] lifted a two-run homer in the first inning to help give the Cardinals a 3-1 victory over the Astros. David Freese also went yard with a solo shot for St. Louis, which has won two in-a-row and five-of-six overall. Jake Westbrook gave up one run in six innings for the win while Fernando Salas notched his 19th save. Carlos Lee drove in the lone run for Houston, which has lost four straight. Brett Myers pitched a complete game, going eight innings while taking the loss. The third of the four-game series is tonight as Chris Carpenter opposes Houston's Bud Norris.

The Rams began signing the first of what could be up to 20 rookie free agents yesterday morning. The first players to ink contracts were defensive tackle Arthur Thomas of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, offensive tackle Tyler Donahue of Bowling Green, cornerback Travon Bellamy of Illinois and running back Eddie Wide of Utah. More signings are expected today.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville will be conducting a dove hunt on opening day of dove season, September 1, 2011, at Refuge Point and Ree’s Ridge Dove Fields. The hunt taking place at Refuge Point will be by boat access only. If you or your hunting partner do not have access to a boat, please do not elect this field choice on your application. On September 1, two hunts will take place, one in the morning (7 a.m. - 11 a.m.) and one in the afternoon (1 p.m. - 6 p.m.). A permit is required to participate in the hunt on opening day. A youth hunt will be held at the same time. The youth hunt is limited to children sixteen years old and under. A hunting assistant who is a parent, legal guardian, or family member of at least eighteen years of age must accompany each youth. The hunting assistant WILL be able to hunt with the youth they accompany. Youths and their guardians will only be allowed to hunt one of the time slots to ensure maximum amount of participation. Permit applications can be picked up at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., or obtained online at www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Shelbyville/Wildlife.htm. Permit applications must be received at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office no later than 4 p.m. on August 17, 2011.

A $30.00 permit fee will be assessed to all successful applicants. In lieu of the $30.00 fee, the application fee for youth hunters will be a donation of 10 nonperishable food items on the day of the hunt that will go to a local food bank. One permit will allow two hunters the use of a designated hunting blind.

The public drawing for permits will take place on August 18, 2011 at 8 a.m. at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office. Applicants do not have to be present for the drawing; successful applicants will be notified by mail within 10 days of the drawing. Hunting blinds for both hunts will be drawn at the field before each hunt on September 1st. Beginning September 2nd, and throughout the remainder of the 2011 dove season, hunting will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hunting in Refuge Point will remain boat access only throughout the remaining 2011 Dove Season. Hunting will only be allowed from designated blinds and statewide shooting hours will be in effect (sunrise to sunset). For additional information concerning dove hunting at Lake Shelbyville, contact Natural Resources Specialist Ken Pierson or Park Ranger Brock Key at (217) 774-3951 ext. 4.

Farmers, gardeners, and just about anyone that spends some time around the yard has probably noticed that the now annual invasion of Japanese Beetles has begun in central Illinois. WTIM Ag Reporter Jared White has more.

[audio:jwhite77a.mp3]Listen to Jared White's report here.[/audio]

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM for the morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.

A new program for students interested in careers in silkscreen design and printing begins this fall at Lincoln Land Community College.

The nine-month silkscreen graphics program prepares students for employment in the silkscreen industry, or to go into business for themselves. Classes teach the entire process from art creation to production of silkscreen textiles, utilizing the college’s new silkscreen lab. Courses in career and interpersonal communication prepare students in customer service and running a business. An internship at a local silkscreen printer will also be available.

“At the end of this nine-month program next spring, students will have the skills to enter the workforce as silkscreen printers,” said Thom Whalen, professor of art and 2010 Pearson Master Teacher at LLCC, who will teach the art classes in the program.

Silkscreen graphics and production courses will be taught by Len Naumovich, owner of Primo Designs of Springfield.

More information on this “study-to-work” program is available by contacting Holly Whisler at holly.whisler@llcc.edu or calling 786.4694.

Lincoln Land Community College-Taylorville and Christian County YMCA are partnering to offer an evening child-care program to LLCC students this fall. The program begins Aug. 22. Child-care services are available from 3:45 to 10 p.m. and are arranged according to the student’s class schedule.

Youth ages six months to 11 years are eligible for the program and cost is $1.50 per child per hour. Third-party payments from providers such as Community Child Care Connections are accepted.

Pre-registration is required at the Christian County YMCA. Students must provide proof of their LLCC class schedule. For more information, contact Lori Zeitler at 217.287.7271, lzeitler@ccymca.org, or visit www.llcc.edu/taylorville.

Zack Grienke [[ GRAIN-key ]] fanned nine through six-and-two-third scoreless innings as the Brewers blanked the Cubs, 2-0, on Wednesday evening at Miller Park. Grienke gave up just three hits and a trio of walks to improve to 8-and-4 on the season. John Axford worked a 1-2-3 ninth to nail down his 29th save. Prince Fielder clubbed a solo home run and Yuniesky Betancourt added a sac-fly for Milwaukee, which has won back-to-back games. Rickie Weeks left the game in the second inning with an ankle injury. Carlos Zambrano allowed the two runs through six-and-two-third frames of duty to absorb the tough-luck loss for Chicago. The Northsiders have dropped two straight on the heels of their first three-game winning streak of the season. Randy Wells will toe the rubber opposite Shaun Marcum in this afternoon's series finale.

Alejandro De Aza belted a two-run homer in his first at-bat of the year and the White Sox held on to trim the Tigers, 2-1, on Wednesday afternoon at The Cell. De Aza was just called up to take the place of Mark Teahen [[ TEE-en ]], who was traded with pitcher Edwin Jackson to the Blue Jays earlier in the day. His home run in the second inning was all Chicago needed. John Danks fired six shutout innings before giving up a solo homer to Austin Jackson leading off the seventh. He struck out 10 over six-plus innings of one-run ball for the win. The Southsiders are off today. They open up a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox starting tomorrow evening in the Windy City. Gavin Floyd gets the nod in the opener.

Jose Altuve singled home the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth inning to lift the Astros to a 4-2 win over the Cardinals. Clint Barmes [[ BAR-miss ]] clubbed a two-run homer for Houston, which put the brakes on a five-game skid. Fernando Rodriguez tossed two scoreless innings to get his second win. Mark Melancon notched his ninth save. Jon Jay and Yadier Molina plated a run apiece for the Cardinals. Chris Carpenter struck out eight over seven innings of two-run ball in a no-decision. Mitchell Boggs was charged with the loss. The four-game set concludes tonight as Jaime Garcia opposes Wandy Rodriguez.

The Cardinals got some pitching help for the stretch run, trading outfielder Colby Rasmus to the Blue Jays in an eight-player deal. The Cards acquired Edwin Jackson, Octavio Dotel, Marc Rzepczynski [[ zep-CHIN-skee ]] and outfielder Corey Patterson for Rasmus and pitchers Trever Miller, P.J. Walters and Brian Tallet. Rasmus had been in manager Tony La Russa's doghouse.

While much of the Webster Street extension in Taylorville is nearing completion, several other projects throughout the community are set to begin this fall.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton explains that several projects, including some railroad construction, will begin soon in Taylorville.

[audio:gregb728a.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

Other projects underway right now are the Pershing Street pump station repairs and the work being done on West Spresser in Taylorville.

With a prolonged heat wave ripping through much of the area this month, medical officials are reminding the public to stay safe and take necessary precautions with heat indexes expected to go above 100-degrees for the weekend and beyond.

Pana Community Hospital marketing coordinator Melissa Rybolt says that people tend to drop workout club memberships during the summer hours to get in shape outside, but with hot and humid conditions, air conditioned facilities might be a safer place to work out this summer.

[audio:mryb728a.mp3]Listen to Rybolt's comments here.[/audio]

Rybolt adds that drinking plenty of fluids, including water and sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade, can help fight heat related illnesses.

A first of its kind event drew DeKalb corn growers from across the cornbelt to southern McLean County this week. WTIM and WHOW agricultural reporter Jared White has more.

Assumption Fest started Thursday night in City Park even though heavy rains soaked the area. Just as the Queen pageant was getting ready to start rain drove the festivities into the fire house. Due to quick response from the festival committee the Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Assumption was moved into the dry building. Country performer Justin VanCleve was scheduled to perform on the main stage after the Queen pageant. However, due to the rain he will perform Friday night.  Angela Marsters of the Assumption Fest committee told regional radio news one of the great things about small towns is everyone’s willingness to pitch in to make the event come together despite the inclement weather.

Assumption Fest will continue thru Saturday with live entertainment, fireworks and the grand parade on Saturday morning.

The Lake Land College Foundation hosted 110 golfers this year in its 14th annual Golf Classic at Meadowview Golf Course in Mattoon.

Prizes were awarded for low gross and low net scores in all male team, all female team and mixed team divisions.

The winning all male team members for low gross score were Brandon Wright, Dieterich; Doug Schultz, Brad Weishaur and Tim Krause, all of Effingham. The winning female team included Phyllis Karpus, Barb Butts, Sandra Gourley and Janice Moritz, all of Mattoon. Winning low gross score mixed team members were Jennifer Jansen, Jaclyn Jansen, Bob Huey and Blake Koerner, all of Effingham.

The winning all male team members for low net score were Kurt Hartke, Bloomington; Doug Thompson, Eureka, Mo.; Kevin Lange and Greg Thompson, both of Mattoon. Winning low gross score mixed team members were Fredalee Hall, Charleston; Dale Hoots, Marilyn Hoots and Roger Dettro, all of Mattoon.

Prizes were also given for several different categories. For the longest drive, Sandra Gourley won in the women's category and Frank in the men's. For closest to the pin, Doug Schultz won in the men's category. Frank took the prize for the longest put. Dave Johnson took first place in the putting contest, while Blake Koerner took second. For the skins competition winners, $250 was awarded to Thompson, Lange, Thompson and Hartke. An additional $250 was awarded to Brandon Wright, Doug Schultz, Brad Weishaur and Tim Krause.

This year's Golf Classic raised $27,000 for the Lake Land College Foundation, which assists Lake Land in developing and enhancing educational opportunities and services to its students, alumni and citizens of the district. The primary goal of the foundation is to provide students with scholarships through funds contributed by individuals, agencies and corporations. Nearly $1.3 million in scholarship funds has been awarded to 2,253 students through the Foundation since 2007.

In conjunction with the Chatham Jaycees, the Illinois Central Blues Club has announced the line-up of talent for the Chatham Sweet Corn Festival’s “Afternoon of Sweet Corn Blues”, Saturday, July 16, 2011 from noon til 5:00pm at the Chatham Community Park.

Taking the stage at noon will be Robert Sampson, the winner of the ICBC’s 2007 solo/duo Blues Challenge and as a band member of Pleasure Chest, the 2008’s ICBC Blues Challenge band winners. Representing the ICBC February 2008 at the 24th Annual Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Robert was a finalist among 99 bands and 60 solo/duo acts competing in 16 clubs from 6 continents, 10 countries, and 36 states. His high-energy blues enter­tained and delighted the Memphis audiences and continues to entertain his Illinois audiences.

Taking the stage at 1:50pm will be the Jeff Chapman Blues Band. Jeff Chapman, a South Central Illinois vocalist/guitarist/songwriter has been performing live since 1977. More recently the ‘Jeff Chapman Blues Band' continues to please audiences with their regional shows building a growing fan base. Over the last 5 + years he has been writing & performing his own music, which lead to his first solo release, Jeff Chapman - Big Jeff's Blues Vol.1 (Feb. 2009) and October 1, 2010 the Big Jeff’s Blues – Vol.2.

Closing out the “Afternoon of Sweet Corn Blues” at 3:40 pm til 5:00pm will be Hurricane Ruth. The first incarnation of Hurricane Ruth was in 1979. They enjoyed success with a huge Midwest following, and earned such accolades as "Best Local Band" by the Illinois Times & "Best of the Midwest; #1 Blues Artist" by Prairie Sun Magazine. The group performed with many national touring acts including Taj Mahal, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, BB King, Survivor, Judas Priest, and others. Hurricane Ruth returned briefly in the middle '90's delving more into her rock background & releasing the CD "Prepare for Impact". She is now back, and has gone back to her blues roots. Hurricane Ruth brings a powerful and electrifying stage show.

The colorful lights that dance on the rides, the smells that waft from the food stands, the attractions that bring back memories for young and old. It’s never too early to start thinking about the Macoupin County Fair! This year, the fair will provide a variety of attractions and entertainment for the whole family from July 18-23. Annual events – including the tractor pull, talent show, and demo derby – will take place, as well as a performance by the oldies rock-n-roll group, SH-Boom. New to the fair in 2011 is Mud Racing, featuring six different classes. An array of exhibits, livestock shows and auctions, children’s activities, and free entertainment will cater to the tastes of all visitors.

The 52nd Macoupin County Fair Queen Pageant and the 4th annual Jr. Miss Macoupin County Fair Competition will highlight the first full day of the fair. Crownings will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Free Entertainment will be featured at the Macoupin County Stage located under the Franke Pavilion nightly from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The “Kids Corner” returns this year with games, contests, displays and more each evening.

The Junior Livestock Auction is Thursday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. and the Western Horse Show will take place on the infield of the track on Saturday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m.

As the oldest county fair in Illinois, the Macoupin County Fair is sure to provide a delightful week of family fun and entertainment. The theme for this year’s fair is —“Where Family, Friends, and Neighbors share in the fun.”

For more information on the 2011 Macoupin County Fair, visit their website at www.macoupincountyfair.org or find them on Facebook.

A 20 year-old female was the victim of a sexual assault while walking at the Don Bragg Sports Complex at approximately 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night according to the Taylorville Police Department.

As the victim walked along the west end of the track, she was confronted and then sexually attacked by a young male subject who appeared from the trees. Following the attack the male subject fled on foot heading to the west. The subject was described as a white male, approximately 5-foot 6-inches tall, having blond semi-short hair, and a thin build.

The victim didn’t recall any identifying marks on the subject. He was described as wearing black with red, cargo shorts with large pockets and possibly a picture of Garfield on the shorts. He was wearing a dark colored tee shirt and wore small round plastic glasses. The victim described the male subject as having a high pitched voice.

The Taylorville Police Department is asking anyone who might have seen or heard anything, or observed the male subject prior to or after the crime to contact their offices by calling 217 – 824 – 2211 or the Christian County Crime Stoppers at 217 – 824 – 9100.

With less than a week before the Christian County Fair kicks off in Taylorville, people are already buzzing about the list of entertainment and activities taking place at this year’s county fair.

Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek says that there will be a full list of entertainment including the annual truck and tractor pulls, as well as plenty of musical entertainment.

[audio:cpaulek78a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

July is Elder Abuse Awareness month and one local agency is reminding people that the elderly need to be educated and protected from those who may cause harm.

Brenda Beanblossom of the Locust Street Resource Center in Carlinville, who serves Christian and Macoupin Counties, says that this month is a chance for the community to become aware of the abuse elderly citizens might be victims of.

[audio:bbean78a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information contact the Locust Street Resource Center in Carlinville.

The Cubs scored nine unanswered runs and Darwin Barney clubbed a go-ahead, RBI double in the top of the ninth en route to a 10-9 win over the Nationals on Thursday night. Blake DeWitt smacked a three-run homer and Carlos Pena added a two-run shot for the Northsiders, who rallied from an 8-0 deficit to salvage the finale of a four-game set from the nation's capital. Sean Marshall was credited with the win and Carlos Marmol closed it out to nail down his 18th save. The Cubs head to PNC Park this evening to open up a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Rodrigo Lopez will get the nod opposite James McDonald in the opener.

Joe Mauer went 3-for-5 with two RBI in his debut at first base as the Twins trounced the White Sox, 6-2, on Thursday night at The Cell. Ben Revere also went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored for the Twins, who have beaten the Sox eight straight times. Carl Pavano tossed seven innings of two-run ball to improve to 6-and-6. Mark Teahen hit a two-run homer for the White Sox, who have lost 26 of their last 32 meetings with Minnesota. Phil Humber was lit up for six runs and 11 hits in only three-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 8-and-5. Gavin Floyd will toe the rubber opposite Nick Blackburn in tonight's second installment.

Justin Upton clubbed a two-run homer in the top of the sixth inning after a second rain delay as the Diamondbacks dumped the Cardinals, 4-1. The game was initially delayed a little over an hour due to rain. Sean Burroughs and Ryan Roberts each plated a run for Arizona, which has won four of its last six games. Joe Saunders tossed five frames of one-hit ball to pick up the win. David Hernandez worked a 1-2-3 ninth to nail down his sixth save. Matt Holliday's RBI double in the sixth inning accounted for St. Louis' lone run of the game. Kyle McClellan was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs, three earned, through seven innings of duty. Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] is now just 1-for-9 with an RBI in two games since returning from the disabled liSt. The second of the four-game series is tonight as Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] opposes Ian Kennedy.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police officers arrested 25 boaters for operating under the influence and another five motorists for driving under the influence as part of enforcement efforts during the recent 4th of July holiday weekend on Illinois waterways and at state parks, recreation areas, fish and wildlife areas and other IDNR-managed sites.

In addition to the OUI and DUI arrests, Conservation Police officers (CPOs) issued 519 citations for other offenses and issued 776 written warnings statewide while on patrol during the weekend, July 1-4.

“The hot sunny days led to thousands of boaters out on the state’s waterways this weekend”, said IDNR Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez. “While there were a few who made poor decisions and were arrested for OUI or DUI, the majority of those we came across were enjoying the holiday responsibly and safely, which is what we want to see.”

CPOs also investigated 14 boating accidents on Illinois waters during the holiday weekend and performed routine safety inspections of over 2,000 vessels.

Offenses for which other citations were issued ranged from possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, underage drinking and disorderly conduct to illegal fishing and a variety of boat safety and boating law violations.

Several Lake Land College Honors Program students were recognized recently at the annual honors luncheon.

There were 11 sophomores in the Honors Program in 2010-2011, including Rachel Huizinga, agriculture major; Kathleen Rebbe, elementary education major; and Brandy Strohl, agriculture major.

Five sophomores graduated with Associate Honors Status, which required that they earned at least a 3.5 overall GPA, graduated from a college transfer program and completed at least two honors course options. Those who graduated with Associate Honors Status are the following: Patricia Ortciger, sociology/social work major; Shari Upton, sociology/social work major; Brett Probst, pre-engineering major; Candace Albin, pre-med major; and Genna Stodden, pre-med major.

Three sophomores graduated with Full Honors Status, which required that they earned at least a 3.5 overall GPA, graduated from a college transfer program and completed four honors course options. Those who graduated with Full Honors Status are the following: Suzanne Walker, biology major; Kiley Mettendorf, biology major; and Letisha Lewis, criminal justice major.

Lewis, Juszczak, Mettendorf and Walker all received LLC Foundation scholarships.

In addition, three honors students gave honors course presentations. Juszczak spoke on her research on climate change in Bio-Science, Letisha Lewis spoke about her honors work on funeral planning in Death and Dying, and Kiley Mettendorf presented her honors work on animal behavior in Introduction to Animal Science.

Freshmen in the program were Jarid Lewis, engineering science major, Lindsey Juszczak, psychology major, and Whitney Miller, Mattoon, elementary education major.

As of Monday, July 4, 2011 the Lake Shelbyville lake level is 607.95 feet above sea level, which is 8.25 feet above normal summer pool. The discharge rate is set at 1,780 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is 13,350 gallons per second going into the Kaskaskia River. Inflow into Lake Shelbyville is 910 cfs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be providing programs for everyone to come out and enjoy during the weekend of July 9 &10, 2011. All of the programs and activities listed are open and free to the public.

Saturday, July 9:

1:00 p.m. Beach Games at Dam West Beach

3:00 p.m. Tour of the Dam – Starts at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center

6:00 p.m. Beach Games at Sullivan Beach

8:30 p.m. Bats of Illinois at Coon Creek Amphitheater – Bats are fascinating animals that sometimes get misunderstood. Park Ranger Stephanie McBee will engage you in an interesting program about bats so you will be able to appreciate them. You might even see a live bat flying in the night sky above the amphitheater.

Sunday, July 10:

9:00 a.m. Bo Wood Amphitheater: Non-Denominational Church Services

11:00a.m. Coon Creek Amphitheater: Non-Denominational Church Services

1:00 p.m. Tour of the Dam- Starts at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center

4:00 p.m. Dam West Beach- Beach Games

While enjoying Lake Shelbyville, please remember to play it safe and wear your life jacket and make this weekend one of many… not your last!

The Christian County Fair is set to kick off Tuesday in Taylorville and with the prices of gas fluctuating, it could affect the turnout for one fan favorite according to fair officials.

Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains that gas prices could affect how many drivers show up for this year’s demolition derby, although he remains optimistic the numbers will be good once again this year.

[audio:cpaulek79a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

The future of TEC continues to rest with the Illinois General Assembly.  A bill authorizing construction of the project, the Electric Generation Modernization Act (SB 1653), was introduced and passed the House Committee on Public Utilities on May 30, but did not come to the floor for a vote before the General Assembly adjourned on May 31.  Christian County Generation, L.L.C. (TEC owner and developer) will be working with members of the legislature over the summer.  Officials are anticipating a vote being taken in the fall veto session, which is scheduled to begin October 25.

As in the past, officials are urging the public to keep in touch with elected representatives at all levels of government to show their support of this important project for jobs and advanced clean energy in Christian County. 

A few weeks ago, a scoping hearing was held in Taylorville because Christian County is also an alternate site for storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the FutureGen 2.0 Alliance project in Morgan County.  We want to remind you that the FutureGen 2.0 project is not affiliated with TEC, and decisions made by planners of the FutureGen project are expected to have no impact on TEC plans.

Michael McKenry belted a three-run, go-ahead

homer  in the  eighth inning  as the  surprising Pittsburgh Pirates earned  a

dramatic  7-4 victory  over the  Chicago Cubs  in the  opener of  a three-game

set.

 With  two-out,  McKenry fell behind  0-2, then  fouled off five pitches before

sending his first major-league home run into the left-field bleachers.

 Josh  Harrison preceded the blast with a game-tying RBI single, as the Pirates

won for the fifth time in seven games.

 Daniel  McCutchen  (3-1) recorded the  final out of the  eighth to pick up the

win.  Joel Hanrahan earned  his 26th save of the season, setting a club record

for most saves before the All-Star break.

 Sean  Marshall (5-3) and  Carlos Marmol were each charged with two runs in the

eighth, as the Cubs fell for the sixth time in eight games

.

 Kelly Johnson hit a grand slam in the seventh

inning  and Arizona held on to beat St. Louis, 7-6, in the second edition of a

four-game series from Busch Stadium.

 Chris  Young posted two hits and two RBI and Miguel Montero drove in the other

run for the D-Backs, who have taken four of their last five.

 Ian  Kennedy (9-3)  yielded six hits and  three runs over six innings for the

win.  The 26-year-old  tied his  career-high in  wins, set  last year  when he

finished 9-10 for Arizona.

 Matt  Holliday hit a solo homer and knocked in two runs for the Cardinals, who

have  dropped  five of seven.  Daniel Descalso posted  a two run double, while

Lance Berkman homered among his two hits and scored twice in the setback.

 Kyle  Lohse  (8-6) was  charged in  defeat for  seven runs  on seven hits over

6 2/3 frames.

 "I  have  to locate my  pitches better,"  Lohse said. "I  was trying to be too

fine."

 The  D-Backs  pulled ahead for good  in the seventh. Juan Miranda singled with

one  out,  Gerardo Parra walked  and Ryan  Roberts added a pinch-single before

Johnson  launched  a grand slam  to make  it a 7-3  game for the visitors. Two

batters later, Lohse exited for Jason Motte, who managed to keep it a four-run

margin.

 Holliday  began the home eighth with a homer to left, then Berkman singled and

Nick  Punto added a two-out pinch-hit single. Descalso brought two home with a

double  for a  7-6 game, and though Skip Schumaker walked, David Freese struck

out swinging to end the inning.

 David  Hernandez  earned his fifth  save in as  many tries and seventh overall

after  a  scoreless ninth, but it  wasn't easy. Albert Pujols worked a leadoff

walk,  then  Berkman reached on  an error with  one out. However, Colby Rasmus

struck out and pinch-hitter Jon Jay grounded out to end the game.

 "I  definitely had  a little more adrenaline tonight," Hernandez said. "Facing

Pujols, Berkman and Holliday is a tough situation."

 Berkman's  one-out solo homer put the Cards on the board in the second, then a

Pujols  sacrifice fly and  a Holliday RBI double made it 3-0 for the home team

in  the  third. St.  Louis failed to  widen its gap  despite loading the bases

with one out.

 Arizona  countered  in the  fourth with  three runs.  Stephen Drew doubled and

Justin Upton walked before both scored on a triple by Young -- who then scored

when Montero followed with a base hit.

St. Louis scored three in the eighth to tie and Tony Cruz drilled a walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the ninth as the Cardinals upended the Diamondbacks, 7-6.  Albert Pujol went 3-for-4 with three RBI including a two-run homer that tied the game in the eighth.  Fernando Salas earned the win out of the bullpen as the Cards snapped a three-game slide.  Arizona starter Daniel Hudson went five innings and gave up three runs, two earned, but did not factor.  Hudson also drove in a pair of runs at the plate.  Joe Paterson took the loss after Yhency Brazoban blew the save as the D'Backs snapped a two-game

Kosuke Fukudome drove in a run and scored twice as the Cubs cut down the Pirates, 6-3.  Darwin Barney scored twice for Chicago, which has won two-of-three overall.  Ryan Dempster gave up three runs in the start for the win, and Carlos Marmol locked down his 19th save.  Matt Diaz drove in two runs for Pittsburgh, which has lost two of the last three contests.  Kevin Correia only went three-and-two-thirds innings, giving up five runs.

There’s something about watching drivers smash up their vehicles that thrills the young and old alike. The Demolition Derby at the Macoupin County Fair draws thousands of spectators annually to watch this spectacle unfold in front of the grandstand.

Drivers will compete in four different classes including trucks. Any full size ½ ton or ¾ ton truck, SUV, Suburban, or Van may compete in the Fair Truck class. The stock class is limited to any year car and cannot include El Caminos, trucks or vans. The compact and mid-size class includes compact cars which do not exceed a 104-inch wheelbase measured between center of wheel and center of wheel. Mid-size cars shall be 104½-inch to 112-inch wheelbase measured between center of wheel and center of wheel. No convertibles or pacers are allowed and cars shall not have engines bigger than 4 or 6 cylinders. The full size class excludes Jeep, Trucks (Rancheros/El Caminos), Convertibles, Carryalls, Hearse, Limos, and Imperials.

The Demolition Derby gets underway at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 23 6:00 p.m. Admission is $10 per person; pit pass, $20 (Good only for pit admission, not grandstand seats) (no one under 14 years allowed in pit or on track).

For more information, call the Macoupin County Fair office at (217) 854-9422 or visit their website at www.macoupincountyfair.org.

The 2010-2011 Lake Land College Livestock Judging Team has had a memorable season, winning seven of 11 competitions.

This season the team has won the champion titles at the Purdue Block and Bridle Judging Contest, Western Illinois University Hoof and Horn Show, NACTA Livestock Judging Contest, the Tulsa State Fair Junior Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest, the National Barrow Show, the Dixie National Livestock Show and the American Royal. The team won 3rd high team title at the North American International Livestock Expo Junior Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest, 4th high team title at the National Western Stock Show and received a top 10 team title at the Houston Stock Show and San Antonio Stock Show.

"This is without question the best season that the Lake Land College Judging Team has experienced during my tenure," said Coach Jon Althaus, who is retiring at the end of this season to take the position of agriculture division chair at the college. "These students were not only supremely talented, but they were also very goal driven. It was a great honor to coach this team, and I'm confident that each student will have outstanding future success."

Team members are Dillon Garver, Paris; Jordan Rauch, Montrose; Justin Schaal, Farina; Kurt Berg, Mason; Clay Zwilling, Sherrard; Carly Wesner, Chalmers, Ind.; Cody Lamle, Columbia City, Ind.; James Schinbeckler, Columbia City, Ind.; and Caleb Klingenberg, Zeeland, Mich.

Lincoln Land Community College-Capital City Training Center is offering information sessions in July for its pharmacy technician and massage therapy programs. Information sessions will meet at LLCC-Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason St., Springfield.

Pharmacy technician is a 105-hour course that will meet Mondays and Wednesdays, Aug. 8 through Dec. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. The pharmacy technician course is designed to teach students the fundamentals and particulars of being a pharmacy technician. Healthcare workers wanting to enhance their knowledge of prescription drugs, students interested in being a pharmacy technician and future pharmacists can benefit from the program, which includes training in pharmacy math, generics, pharmacy law and interpreting prescriptions.

The class also introduces students to various pharmacy practice settings and covers drug classes and interactions, daily pharmacy operations and basic physiology. Upon completion of the course, students will be efficient in completing daily tasks performed in a pharmacy setting and be prepared for entry-level pharmacy positions. Students must have a high school diploma or GED and a minimum 10th grade math level to enroll.

An information session for pharmacy technician is being held Wednesday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m.

Massage therapy is a 32-week program that prepares students to become licensed massage therapists. The full-time, intensive program covers various massage modalities, business and the therapeutic relationship, and applied sciences of anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and pathology.

Entrance requirements for the program include a high school diploma or GED. The course runs from Aug. 22, 2011 through May 4, 2012. The classroom portion of the courses meets from 6 to 10 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The clinical portion of the course meets 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays.

An information session for massage therapy is being held Thursday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m.

To attend an information session about the pharmacy technician or massage therapy program, pre-register by calling 217.524.6749. More information is available at www.llcc.edu/cctc.

The Strasburg Lions Homecoming is Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 at the park, offering two days of good, clean family fun. On Friday, the annual Pork Chop Dinner will start at 5 p.m. and also offers an Ice Cream Social. Dance, Etc. will perform on the stage at 7 p.m. and that is the same time the Beer Garden opens. New this year is a Pet Parade on Friday at 7:45 p.m. followed by a free movie at 8:30 p.m. on the ball diamond showing "Happy Feet." Bring blankets and lawn chairs. The band The Harley’s will also be performing at 8:30 p.m. on the stage.

Saturday will bring the Sauerkraut Bike Ride 9 and 21 miles at 9 a.m. Food stands will open at noon and at 1 p.m. one of Central Illinois' largest Tractor Pulls will begin. Also at 1 p.m. Kids Games on the ball diamond begins. At 3 p.m. there is a pedal tractor pull. The Beer Garden opens at 3 p.m. and runs throughout the evening. Truck Pulls start around 6 p.m.

To register for the Pet Parade or for more information, visit www.strasburgil.com.

The Illinois State Police responded to a one vehicle accident in Montgomery County this week.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Eric T. Wyatt of Mount Olive, was headed eastbound on Walshville Trail, just west of Turtle Dove Lane. Wyatt told officers that the passenger side front tire blew out on his 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora.

Wyatt pulled his vehicle to the right and left the roadway to the right. Wyatt’s vehicle then went down a steep ditch and embankment before coming to a complete stop at the bottom of the ditch.

Wyatt reported no injuries from the accident.

The Christian County Fair kicks off tomorrow in Taylorville and it all gets started with a ceremonial ribbon cutting bright and early.

Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains that after the ribbon cutting, everything gets off to a fast and furious pace on the Christian County Fairgrounds.

[audio:cpaulek711.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comment here.[/audio]

Tune into TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for daily updates from this year’s Christian County Fair in Taylorville.

The Pirates wrapped up their best first half in 19 years with a 9-1 victory over the Cubs on Sunday at PNC Park. Andrew McCutchen, who was named to the NL All-Star team on Saturday, hit a three-run homer and knocked in five as Pittsburgh won two of three in the weekend series. Paul Maholm [[ muh-HALL-um ]] worked into the eighth inning for the win, striking out eight and allowing just four hits and a run to improve to 9-and-2 in 16 career starts against the Cubs. Ramon Ortiz lost his second straight start since being called up from the minors after giving up six runs and seven hits in four-plus innings. Darwin Barney had two of Chicago's four hits and the Cubs finished the first half by losing seven of their last 10 games. They head to the break with a record of 37-and-55. The Northsiders are now off for the All-Star break. They will kick off the second half of the season on Thursday with the opener of a four-game series against the Florida Marlins at Wrigley Field.

Anthony Swarzak pitched well, giving up one run over six frames while striking out five as the Twins closed out the first half with a 6-3 win over the White Sox on Sunday at The Cell. Alexi Casilla scored twice for Minnesota, which sits seven games back of the AL Central-leading Tigers. Matt Capps secured his 15th save of the season. Jake Peavy took the loss, allowing five runs in four-and-a-third innings. A.J. Pierzynski scored and drove in a run for the Southsiders, who are four-and-a-half games back of Detroit. The Southsiders are off for the All-Star break. They return to action on Friday with the opener of a three-game set against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

David Freese clubbed a two-run homer to lift the St. Louis Cardinals to a 4-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a four-game series on Sunday at Busch Stadium. Freese added a sacrifice fly for the Cardinals, who salvaged a split after dropping the first two games of this set. Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia gave up a two-run homer to Arizona's Ryan Roberts among seven hits over six innings to register the victory. Lance Lynn tossed two innings of relief before Fernando Salas closed the door in the ninth for his 16th save of the season. The Cards are now off for the All-Star break. They return to the diamond on Friday to kick off a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ball Park.

The Taylorville School District’s Board of Education held their monthly meeting Monday night and as Taylorville School’s superintendent Dr. Greg Fuerstenau explains, Governor Pat Quinn’s decision to cut funding to the regional superintendents’ offices throughout the state could come with some big consequences.

[audio:greg712a.mp3]Listen to Fuerstenau's comments here.[/audio]

The district also received word that they would be on the receiving end of grant money to sustain their preschool program for another school year.

The Lake Land College TRiO Educational Talent Search program recently held its first annual awards ceremony for Mattoon middle and high school participants in the college's theatre.

Lori Ohnesorge, director of TRiO ETS, welcomed the students and parents who shared the development and growth of the program over the past five years. Tina Stovall, Lake Land College vice president for student services, was the guest speaker. She discussed her personal keys to success and how she has applied them in reaching her educational goals.

The students were then recognized for their achievements. Hannah Bell, Shavon Francis and Shelby Hubbart all received the TRiO Achiever Award, which recognizes and honors students who demonstrate the spirit of excellence and achievement. The recipients of the award exhibit commitment to academic achievement, leadership in school and community and promote a positive attitude, as well as the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

Samantha Cooley, Javiera Green and Paige Paris all received the TRiO Spirit Award, which is presented to students who demonstrate the "spirit" of the program by presenting positive attitudes and a desire to work towards, academic, college and career goals.

Bell and Hubbart also received the College-Ready Award, which is for seniors who have met high school graduation requirements, prepared for post-secondary education and provided required ETS documentation.

Alaina McCormick, Patrick Baxter and Samantha Wheeler, along with Bell, Cooley, Francis, Green, Hubbart and Paris, all received academic achievement honors and the TRiO ETS Participation in recognition of student support and participation.

The Lake Land College TRiO Talent Search program provides free college, career and financial aid activities, information and experiences to more than 600 students in 23 different middle and high schools in the LLC district each year.

Qualified students who show the potential for college enrollment are given the resources, skills and support to enroll in a program of postsecondary education after high school graduation. TRiO Educational Talent Search provides students in 6th to 12th grades with services and activities at designated schools and trips to various locations at no cost to the student.

For more information, visit http://www.lakelandcollege.edu/triotalentsearch/index.cfm.

Quad County Hospice will conduct Volunteer training classes on September 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 11, 2011. The meetings will be from 6:30PM to 8PM in the Administrative Conference Room at Pana Community Hospital. Thanks to the generosity of our Foundation Board and our community, our options for learning have expanded. Learning materials according to your learning preference will be furnished at no charge to you. We are able to offer classroom, DVD and online combinations for training. When you RSVP, please be prepared to state your preference for learning so the necessary training materials can be ordered. Refreshments will be served at each session.

Quad County Hospice is a full service Medicare certified hospice organization that cares for the terminally ill in Christian, Fayette, Montgomery and Shelby counties. If you have an interest in becoming part of our caring team, please RSVP with your name, address and learning preference to 562-2518 or suecastle58@yahoo.com by 4:30PM on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. A registration packet will be mailed to your home for completion and return to us prior to the start of the classes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented the Dog-O-Rama Dog Show at the Coon Creek Recreation Area Amphitheater on July 2, 2011. Fifteen dogs were entered in the show and over 120 spectators enjoyed watching the canine participants show off their looks and talents. A variety of dogs were present, including a Miniature Schnauzer, Collie, and Boston Terrier just to name a few.

Five categories were judged and the winners were as follows:

Biggest Dog: Bentley and owner Alexis Reese of St. Louis, Missouri

Best Trick: Sammy and owner Wendy Hamm of Delavan, IL

Best Dressed: Elliot and owner Linda McBee, Herrick, IL

Smallest Dog: Guido and owner Carol Logan of Findlay, IL

Most Precious Puppy: LD and owner Connie Large of Owaneco, IL

The category winners received a plaque and a bag of treats donated by Double D Tack, County Market and Brix Veterinary of Shelbyville. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to thank the businesses and everyone that participated in the event for making it a success.

The Illinois State Police responded to a two vehicle accident that resulted in serious injuries on Illinois Route 4 last week.

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for our region, Taylorville Memorial Hospital located at 201 East Pleasant is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 and Thursday, July 21, 2011 in the Auditorium. The hours of the blood drive are 12:30pm to 6:00pm (both days). For your convenience, please call Jessica to sign up (toll free) at 1-866-GIVE-BLD, ext. 118 or schedule an appointment online at www.cicbc.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) is a not-for-profit organization that is the exclusive supplier for patients in 12 area hospitals. CICBC is a division of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which serves a total of 75 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. For more information about blood drives, blood facts, blood types please check out the web site at www.cicbc.org. Please give what’s in your heart and donate blood.

The American League will square off against the National League in tonight's 2011 All-Star Game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. NL skipper Bruce Bochy [[ BO-chee ]] and AL manager Ron Washington announced their respective lineups at a press conference on Monday afternoon. Phillies right-hander Roy Halladay and Angels righty Jered Weaver were selected as the starting pitchers for this year's Midsummer Classic. Once again, the winner of the All-Star Game will give its league home-field advantage in the World Series. The National League snapped a 13-game winless streak last year, posting a 3-1 victory at Angel Stadium.

Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez declined an opportunity to be an All-Star. National League manager Bruce Bochy asked Ramirez to be the replacement for Phillies' Placido Polanco, however, A-Ram opted to spend the break with his family in the Dominican Republic. Ramirez, who was an All-Star in 2005 and 2008, is batting .300 with 15 homers and 51 RBI.

The NFL lockout might be in its final weeks. According to a report published Monday on ESPN, there could be a collective bargaining agreement in place between the NFL and its players in time for the deal to be ratified during league meetings on July 21st. Citing people familiar with the ongoing negotiations, the report said a "handshake deal" could be in place within 7-to-10 days and would be up for ratification by both sides. The ESPN report said both sides appear comfortable with a deal that would split all revenue so that the players would receive about 48 percent of the money at first and not less than around 46.5-percent during a new CBA that would last for 7-to-10 years. Almost all preseason games would be played if a deal is reached by July 21st, according to the report. The lockout began on March 12th after the NFL and players' union failed to reach an agreement on how to split about $9-billion in revenue, among other sticking points.

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah is reportedly on his way to France to begin preparation for a stint with Team France in the European Championships in Lithuania. Noah, who has dual U.S. and French citizenship, is expected to be overseas for the next two months as the NBA lockout continues. The 26-year-old Noah averaged 11.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 48 regular season games for the Bulls last season.

New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano captured the 2011 Home Run Derby, beating Boston first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Cano, who was in the derby for the first time in his career, smacked a final round-record 12 long balls to beat Gonzalez. Cano's father, Jose, pitched to him in the derby. Cano tied Gonzalez with a 472-foot blast to right-center field and then paused for a moment to grab a sports drink and converse with his American League teammates. Jose then delivered a ball that ended up 408 feet over the wall in right-center to clinch the title. Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday was knocked out in the first round. David Ortiz and Prince Fielder advanced to round two by beating Holliday in a swing-off after all three had five homers in the first round.

The Taylorville Police Department responded to a one vehicle accident on North Cherokee Street Tuesday morning.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Jerry E. Wasson of Taylorville was making a wide turn onto North Cherokee Street, traveling north. A witness advised that Wasson's vehicle traveled to the far right side of the roadway and hit a sign before going to the left side of the roadway and jumping the curb and hitting a house in the 500-block of North Cherokee Street.

Wasson told officers he wasn't feeling well and blacked out at the time of the accident. Wasson told responders that he did not remember the accident.

Wasson was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

A Springfield man was arrested in Christian County for aggravated battery Monday night according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

26 year-old James T. Lewis of Springfield was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for aggravated domestic battery on Monday, July 11th.

A Millersville man was arrested for a warrant Friday according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

42 year-old Troy D. Bush of Millersville was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Friday, July 8th.

A Taylorville man was arrested for driving under the influence Saturday night according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

40 year-old Donald A. Klinger of Taylorville was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Saturday, July 9th.

A Taylorville man was arrested for providing alcohol to a minor this weekend according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

23 year-old Jesse W. Mollet of Taylorville was arrested by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for providing liquor to a minor on Saturday, July 9th.

A Taylorville man was arrested for driving suspended on Monday according to the Taylorville Police Department.

59 year-old Larry C. Krouse of Taylorville was arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license on Monday, July 11th.

A Palmer man was was arrested for burglary Tuesday evening according to the Taylorville Police Department.

22 year-old Keith J. Weller of Palmer was arrested for burglary, attempted burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia on Tuesday, July 12th.

The Illinois Supreme Court Monday morning upheld the states $31 billion public works program and the video poker that's supposed to help pay for it.

The 7-0 ruling follows an appellate court decision earlier this year that had thrown out the deal.

The appellate court had sided with an argument that the law creating the construction program had too many different issues tied together. The state Supreme Court, in a decision written by Justice Anne Burke, maintained the General Assembly's actions were valid and dealt with a single matter rather than several unrelated matters.

Hutsonville State Representative Roger Eddy, who serves part of Shelby and Coles County, says that the education sector will benefit from this ruling.

[audio:reddy712a.MP3]Listen to Eddy's comments here.[/audio]

Decatur State Representative Adam Brown says that infrastructure will be a great way to get Illinois back to work.

[audio:abrown712a.MP3]Listen to Brown's comments here.[/audio]

More than just bricks-and-mortar projects involving schools, roads and sewers were at stake in the ruling by the seven Illinois justices. Also at issue were new and controversial sources of state revenue: Increases in driver's license and license plate fees, higher taxes on alcohol, candy, soft drinks and beauty products, and the video gambling. All were targeted to cover the cost of construction bonds plus interest.

Illinois' freshman Senator may reside on the north side of Chicago, but he's doing what he can to keep in touch with the state's largest industry. WTIM Ag Reporter Jared White has more on how Mark Kirk is keeping tabs on Illinois agriculture.

[audio:jwhite712a.mp3]Listen to Jared White's report here.[/audio]

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM for the morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.

The Christian County Fair kicks off today, and despite temperatures expected to be in the mid-90’s, Christian County Fair officials are expecting a good turnout for the first day of the 2011 Christian County Fair.

Helping celebrate the sacrifice of service men and women throughout the area, the Christian County Fair will celebrate military appreciation day Tuesday, and in keeping up with celebrations, the fair will also hold its annual Young American’s Day on Thursday.

Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains that there are plenty of activities planned for this year’s Young American’s Day.

[audio:cpaulek712a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Regional Radio News will be broadcasting from the Christian County Fair all week long. For sights and sounds of this year’s fair, visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

The 2011 Christian Count Fair kicked off Tuesday and one of the most popular events of the annual event returned in fine fashion as the Christian County Interactive Farm was a popular attraction for families Tuesday night.

With members of the Taylorville High School FFA assisting with the interactive farm, visitors are able to get a chance to see some of the livestock found throughout much of Christian County according to FFA member Ross Carls.

[audio:dnorv713a.mp3]Listen to Carls' comments here.[/audio]

Carls adds that plenty of planning and preparation was a part of this year’s interactive farm.

[audio:dnorv713b.mp3]Listen to Carls' comments here.[/audio]

For more sights and sounds of the Christian County Fair visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

A new beach regulation went into effect this year at all of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed beaches at Lake Shelbyville. All beach users must stay within the designated swim area, which is the yellow buoy line at the beaches. No boats or people are allowed within the area between the keep out/no boat buoys and the outer yellow swimming area buoy line. If you violate this regulation you may receive a citation and will have to leave the area.

This regulation was put in place primarily because the majority of people that drown at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes and rivers drown in non-designated areas more than likely exceeding their swimming abilities. It is important that you learn to swim well and never exceed your swimming abilities because the consequences could be deadly.

For more information concerning this regulation contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951 or email: lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil.

On Monday July 11, 2011 State Senator Kyle McCarter, a business owner and Republican lawmaker from Lebanon, announced plans to seek election in the newly drawn 54th Senate District, which includes all or parts of eight counties stretching from Effingham in the east to O’Fallon in the west.

Since first taking office in February of 2009, Sen. McCarter has made job creation, improving the state’s business climate and responsible government his top priorities in Springfield.

McCarter brought the issue of reforming the state’s workers’ compensation system to the forefront this year when many Capitol observers said it couldn’t be accomplished.

“The current system, with its high costs and virtually no protections against fraud, puts Illinois at a competitive disadvantage with other states when it comes to attracting and retaining jobs,” said McCarter. “While some amount of change to the system was made this year, it’s a task that is unfinished. If we’re going to put our families back to work, we need to take steps that actually make it worthwhile for the business risk takers to invest their money in buildings, equipment and employees.”

Visiting communities in the new district on Monday, Sen. McCarter told voters, “There is unfinished business in Springfield and we owe it to our children and grandchildren to demand a responsible government that lives within its means.”

McCarter also led an effort to craft and present a detailed budget plan to help get Illinois out of a debt crisis that threatens to leave an unmanageable tax burden on future generations. The Reality Check Budget plan of spending cuts, debt reduction and lower taxes was the only plan presented this spring that showed how fiscal health could be restored. Details of that plan are still available for review at www.IllinoisRealityCheck.org.

The Illinois State Police is offering several safety tips for children this summer which could help save lives.

Driver’s licenses expire. The license plates on your car expire. The medicine in your cabinet and the milk in your refrigerator expire. That child safety seat in the back seat of your car has an expiration date too. The expiration date can be found actually cast into the plastic shell of the seat or on a label on the seat. If you cannot find either then the rule of thumb is the seat expires six years after the date of manufacture.

The date of manufacture can be found on a label on the seat. If that label is missing it is time to get a new seat. The reason child safety seats expire is that the plastic weakens with age.

Exposure to sunlight, heat and cold causes the plastic to become brittle.

Although an expired seat looks just fine, it could fail when it is needed most. If the seat is expired, replace it.

Brewers slugger Prince Fielder clubbed a three-run homer in the fourth inning to power the National League to a 5-1 win over the American League in the 2011 MLB All-Star Game. Fielder was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Pablo Sandoval of the Giants doubled in a run, while Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier added an RBI single for the National League, which earned homefield advantage in this year's World Series with the win. NL starter and Phillies ace Roy Halladay tossed two scoreless innings. Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard got one out in the fourth to earn the win. Giants closer Brian Wilson got the final two outs to get the save. After going winless in 13 straight Midsummer Classics, the NL has won the last two.

As the 2011 season approaches, Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester has some advice for the team's front office. Sign free agent wide receiver Santana Moss. The 32-year-old Moss has been on the Bears' radar and had a career-high 93 catches for 1,115 yards and six touchdowns with Washington last season. Due to the ongoing NFL lockout there is no telling when free agency will begin, however, a report on ESPN recently speculated a July 28th start date.

The Cardinals will go back to work on Friday. The Cards will travel to Cincinnati to begin a three-game series with the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Jake Westbrook is scheduled to start on the mound for the Redbirds. The Reds will counter with Johnny Cueto [[ KWAY-toe ]].

The United States will face France in the semifinals of the Women's World Cup today in Germany. The Americans secured a spot in the semis with a dramatic victory over Brazil on Sunday. Abby Wambach scored on an incredible header in the 122nd minute of the game to force penalty kicks. The Americans then scored on all five kicks to oust Brazil. Wednesday's match will get underway at 12:00 p.m. Eastern. Meantime, Japan will square off with Sweden in the other semifinal. That contest will begin at 2:45 p.m. Eastern.

The voice of the Fighting Illini, Brian Barnhart of Urbana, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Barnhart is in his 10th year of broadcasting University of Illinois football and basketball games on the Illini Sports Network, which includes WTIM Newstalk 97.3 in Taylorville.

[audio:bbarn713a.mp3]Listen to Barnhart's comments here.[/audio]

Barnhart told the local Kiwanis Club that prospects are bright for both the football and mens’ basketball teams. The Illini football team has its first five games at home this fall, and the mens’ basketball team will see nine new players due to graduation.

Barnhart also commented on the recent retirement of long time Illini athletic director Ron Guenther, saying a replacement won’t be named until the university has a new chancellor, which is expected in the next few months.

[audio:bbarn713b.mp3]Listen to Barnhart's comments here.[/audio]

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings of the Kiwanis Club are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

The Christian County Fair continues to be the big attraction in Taylorville this week and as Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains, the Christian County Fair continues to be a great trip for those families looking to be a little more mindful of their economic spending.

[audio:cpaulek713a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Tune into TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for daily updates from this year’s Christian County Fair in Taylorville.

With the Taylorville School Board of Education still working on a budget for the next fiscal year, the school received word Monday that they would be on the receiving end of grant money for the preschool program once again.

Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Greg Fuerstenau explains that much like in years past, the state’s promise of aid won’t mean as much until the money is actually received by the district.

[audio:gregf713a.mp3]Listen to Fuerstenau's comments here.[/audio]

The school board must create a budget for the next school year by August to be voted on in September.

The Village of Strasburg will be flushing fire hydrants beginning Monday, July 18th.

When crews are flushing, residents may experience a discoloration of the water in their household. This discoloration does not indicate that the water is unsafe, but may have a displeasing appearance and can stain laundry. Because of the possible discoloration, the City recommends that the following procedure be following during and after the time of flushing before washing clothes:

Run a glass of water from your tap (allow water to run 3 to 5 minutes before filling the glass);

Check the glass for clarity. If clear, the clothes may be washed.

If you have any problems or questions, please call the Water Department at 644-3018.

Professional bass fisherman and Professional Anglers Association (PAA) board member Chad Morgenthaler of Coulterville is hooked on Special Olympics. He is teaming up with Special Olympics Illinois and the Law Enforcement Torch Run to host the 6th Annual Chad Morgenthaler Bass Tournament presented by Jasper Engines & Transmissions on July 30 at Rend Lake in southern Illinois.

The tournament is a buddy team format, with a Beat the Pro fishing contest and chances to win great prizes. Professional angler and PAA President David Mansue will attend as celebrity guest to meet and greet anglers and participate in the Beat the Pros contest with Morganthaler.

The fishing tournament is limited to the first 150 boats to register. Entry is $175 per boat if registered by 5 p.m. July 22 which includes entry into the Big Bass pot. The team that still catches the Big Bass of the tournament will win a guaranteed $500, sponsored by Svada GM Motor Group. Entry fee is $200 per boat for those who register after 5 p.m. July 22. Entries will be taken until 6 p.m. Friday, July 29. Each angler receives a meal, T-shirt and goodie bag full of tackle. The first five years of the tournament raised more than $130,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

Anglers and companies interested in getting involved in the tournament may contact Henson at 800-394-0562 or email him at jhenson@soill.org. Tournament sponsors and auction items are still needed for the tournament. Auction items may be sent in care of Jeff Henson at Special Olympics Illinois, 605 E. Willow St., Normal, IL 61761.

Registration for the tournament is from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 29, at Mt. Vernon Holiday Inn. A pre-tournament meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the hotel. The meeting includes dinner, an auction of great fishing items and a meet and greet with the pro anglers. Rend Lake Sailboat Harbor is the launch site for the tournament.

For entry forms or more information, contact Jeff Henson at Special Olympics Illinois at 800-394-0562, email him at jhenson@soill.org or visit http://www.soill.org to download a form.

A Taylorville man was arrested following an incident at the Christian County Fair Tuesday night according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

25 year-old Roy C. Ginger of Taylorville was arrested for aggravated battery and possession of child pornography and films on Tuesday, July 12th

Ginger allegedly was scene taking inappropriate pictures of the Miss Christian County contest Tuesday night.

With the Christian County Fair going on this week, it seems fitting that the newest Christian County Farm Bureau manager be named as well.

Sam Stock has been selected to be the new leader of the Christian County Farm Bureau. Stock’s first day on the job is slated for Monday, August 1st.

Stock replaces Eric Johnson, who also served as president of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation, who has taken a job elsewhere in the state of Illinois.

Regional Radio News will continue to provide updates about Sam Stock being named the newest Christian County Farm Bureau manager as the details are made available.

The Chicago Cubs welcome in the Florida Marlins to Wrigley Field for a four-game series starting this evening. Matt Garza gets the nod against Anibal Sanchez in the opener. The Northsiders dropped two-of-three to Pittsburgh to wrap up the first half of the season at 37-and-55. They are 12 games back of St. Louis and Milwaukee atop the NL Central standings.

The Chicago White Sox kick off the second half of their season tomorrow night as they square off against the Detroit Tigers in a three-game set at Comerica Park. Gavin Floyd will be on the bump opposite Justin Verlander in the opener. The Southsiders dropped five of their last six games heading into the All-Star break to sit at 44-and-48 on the season. Chicago is five games back of the Tigers atop the AL Central standings.

The U.S. Women's soccer team has advanced to the World Cup Final for the first time since 1999 with a 3-1 win over France in the semifinal round on Wednesday. Abby Wambach headed in a corner kick in the 79th minute to give the U.S. a 2-1 advantage and Alex Morgan sealed the deal with another goal in the 82nd minute. Lauren Cheney started off the scoring for the U.S. in the ninth minute. Team USA will square off against Japan in Sunday's final.

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed pitcher Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia to a four-year contract with two club options. Financial terms of the deal were not announced, but multiple media outlets have reported the contract will pay Garcia $27.5-million for the four guaranteed years. The 25-year-old Garcia has developed into one of the best young pitchers in baseball. He made 10 appearances for St. Louis in 2008 but truly blossomed in 2010, when he went 13-and-8 with a 2.70 earned run average in 28 starts. Through 19 starts this season, he is 9-and-3 with a 3.22 ERA and two shutouts. He has also struck out 100 batters and walked 32 in 117-and-a-third innings. Garcia is playing this season on a one-year deal worth $437-thousand.

While the NFL’s season is not guaranteed this year, one local organization is bringing NFL-style football to Christian County this summer.

The Springfield Foxes, one of the newest members of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, will be visiting and meeting with Christian County football fans all week long at the Christian County Fair this week inside the Expo Building.

Team Owner Jake Hollinshead explains that the mission of the Foxes is simple: bring fast paced football to Christian County.

[audio:jhollins714a.mp3]Listen to Hollinshead's comments here.[/audio]

The Springfield Foxes’ home games will be heard this season on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

As the Christian County Fair continues this week, the Christian County Fair Board is looking to revamp the Expo Building located on the east side of the Christian County fairgrounds in Taylorville.

With vendors and 4-H displays located inside the structure, Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains that they are hopeful to draw some new interest inside of the Expo Building at the annual event.

[audio:cpaulek714a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

For more sights and sounds of the Christian County Fair, visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

Agriculture continues to be the number one job industry in Christian County, and with the national recognition of the Taylorville High School FFA helping students learn the importance of agriculture in everyday life, students this week are helping Christian County fairgoers become educated about the ag industry in Christian County.

Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Greg Fuerstenau says that with the hard work of Taylorville FFA and Christian County 4-H, kids are able to be leaders in ag education.

[audio:gregf714a.mp3]Listen to Fuerstenau's comments here.[/audio]

The Taylorville High School FFA students are assisting with the Christian County Farm Bureau Interactive Farm this week at the Christian County Fair.

With the scandals involving college athletes and academics in the headlines the past twelve months, it comes as no surprise that some schools are beginning to look at ways to protect students from making similar mistakes.

At Monday night’s Taylorville School Board of Education meeting, Taylorville High School Matthew Hutchison reported that with some changes in the policy of athletes and those students involved in extracurricular activities, students might be deterred from breaking rules that would lead to suspensions or removal from activities.

[audio:mhutch714a.mp3]Listen to Hutchison's comments here.[/audio]

Hutchison says that there would be several changes that would keep kids out of trouble and eligible for school activities.

[audio:mhutch714b.mp3]Listen to Hutchison's comments here.[/audio]

Hutchison adds that there will be other changes to the rule book as well.

[audio:mhutch714c.mp3]Listen to Hutchison's comments here.[/audio]

The school board decided to table this discussion for another meeting so they could have time to further review the issue at hand.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Roy Ginger (25) of Taylorville.

On Tuesday July 12, 2011 Christian County Sheriffs Deputies, who were on patrol at the Fairgrounds, were approached by a complainant who stated that she had observed the suspect taking photographs of several adolescent girls under the grandstand bleachers.

At approximately 8:30 pm Roy Ginger was arrested and taken into custody. He was booked in on Battery and Child Pornography related charges.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp stated “I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the annual Christian County Fair remains a safe and family friendly environment. However, as with all major public events, due diligence must be exercised by all members of the public.” Sheriff Kettelkamp added “If you observe any suspicious activity notify law enforcement as quickly as possible.”

Anyone with information pertaining to this, or any other crime, is requested to contact the Christian County Sheriff’s Office (824-4961), their local law enforcement agency or Christian County Crime Stoppers at (1-800-568-TIPS) or (824-9100).

Christian County Sheriff's deputies responded to a one vehicle rollover earlier this week on County Highway 11.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Christopher A. Knepler of Pawnee was south on County Highway 11 when he drove off the west shoulder before he lost control of the vehicle on the east shoulder.

Knepler's vehicle then went down into the east ditch and rolled twice. The vehicle came to a rest on the driver's side and landed partially in a cornfield. Knepler was not on scene and could not be located at the scene upon arrival by authorities.

Sangamon County Rescue Squad was called to the scene and attempted to find Knepler with K-9 search teams. After several hours, the search teams determined that the driver was not at the scene.

Knepler came to the Christian County Sheriff's Office at around 5:30 p.m. Monday night to report the crash. He told officers that he swerved to miss a deer and did not remember anything else until his family located him in the cornfield at the crash site around 3:00 a.m.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office responded to a vehicle that had become stalled in high water last week.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Doreen M. Hilbert of Tovey was traveling west bound on 1450 North Road, just east of 1075 East Road, last Thursday, when she ran into water on the roadway.  The water was too deep to cross and the vehicle stalled out.

The water came into the car and was up to the Hilbert's waist as she was sitting inside the vehicle.  Hilbert accepted a ride from another motorist and left the scene after having them contact the sheriff's office.

No injuries were reported from the accident.

Several members of the Christian County community came out to celebrate and honor the hard work of the hundreds of farmers and producers throughout Christian County with the annual ag appreciation luncheon held at the 2011 Christian County Fair.

Visitors heard from a number of speakers, including Sue Davis of the Christian County Soil and Water Conservation who says that due to state spending cuts, without support of community members, the Soil and Water Conservation could be without state funding in the very near future.

[audio:sdavis715a.mp3]Listen to Davis' comments here.[/audio]

Davis says that if people are wanting to get involved, they should contact Governor Pat Quinn’s office and explain how important the organization is.

[audio:sdavis715b.mp3]Listen to Davis' comments here.[/audio]

For more information contact the Christian County Soil and Water by calling at 217 – 287 – 1315.

During the school year, Taylorville High School FFA members are educated about agriculture and how it affects the everyday lives of people throughout the nation.

This week, those students are switching roles and are becoming the educators teaching community members of Christian County about how important agriculture is on a local level.

Taylorville High School FFA member Travis Whitaker explains that being the educator this week has been a bit challenging at times.

[audio:twhit715a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Whitaker adds that everyone should be involved in Christian County’s number one job force.

[audio:twhit715b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more sights and sounds of the Christian County Fair, visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com and visit the Christian County fair page.

Ask any wildlife biologist what it takes to keep wildlife healthy, happy and close to home, and they’ll tell you it’s all about having quality habitat. Learn how to improve wildlife habitat on your property by attending the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Forestry Workshop Saturday, July 23, 2011 at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The workshop is free and includes lunch. Participation is limited to the first 60 people that register by July 16, 2011. You can register for this workshop by calling Stacy Lindemann at (217) 728-7921 ext 3.

During the workshop, landowners and managers will spend time with wildlife biologists and foresters learning how to enhance your woodlands for wildlife. Topics will include how to conduct timber stand improvements, exotic and invasive species control, demonstration areas, and chainsaw safety.

Sponsors and Partnering Organizations for this program include the National Wild Turkey Federation, Illinois Forestry Association, Shelbyville Strutters, Kaskaskia Longbeards, Ken Hoene Timber Services, Inc., and Lilly Timber Services in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For more information about this workshop contact Stacy Lindemann at (217) 728-7921 ext 3, Kent Adams (217) 690-4950 of the NWTF, or Park Ranger Jeremy Logan at (217) 774-3951 ext. 7009.

While the 2011 – 2012 school year is still a little over a month away for the Taylorville School District, construction continues on several projects on facilities within the district.

Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Greg Fuerstenau explains that construction has begun on Memorial Elementary School and has been a difficult task so far to date.

[audio:gregf715a.mp3]Listen to Dr. Fuerstenau's comments here.[/audio]

Construction is also planned to begin this summer on the Taylorville Junior High School, with an expected completion date before school starts August 19th.

Carlos Marmol walked the bases loaded before Greg Dobbs clubbed a three-run double in part of a six-run ninth inning as the Marlins rallied to crush the Cubs, 6-3, on Thursday night at Wrigley Field. Gaby Sanchez, Hanley Ramirez and Mike Cameron each plated a run during the decision frame for Florida, which has won six games in-a-row. Edward Mujica was credited with the win. Marlon Byrd blasted a solo home run and Geovany Soto went 4-for-4 for the Northsiders, who went into the ninth inning leading 2-0. Matt Garza struck out six through seven scoreless frames in a no-decision. Marmol finished with four walks and five earned runs on one hit without recording an out to absorb the loss. Ryan Dempster will toe the rubber opposite Ricky Nolasco in this afternoon's second installment.

In recognition of the contributions agriculture makes in Christian County, the Christian County Agriculture Group, the Christian County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Christian County Fair, and the University of Illinois Extension Christian County office are hosting the 12th Annual Agriculture Appreciation Dinner during the Christian County Fair on Thursday, July 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This year, the meal will be provided by the Mid-Illinois Pork Association and the Mt. Auburn Rustlers 4-H Club.  The menu will include a boneless pork chop, potato salad, green beans, lettuce salad, roll, dessert and drink. The luncheon is free to those who pick up a ticket in advance at the University of Illinois Extension Christian County office, Christian County Farm Bureau, and the Christian County Soil & Water Conservation District office. 

Mark Gebhards, Executive Director of Government Affairs and Commodities at the Illinois Farm Bureau in Bloomington, will be the keynote speaker.  Mark is involved in following farm-related issues in Washington and Springfield, and he’ll be discussing farm related issues legislators are considering in both Springfield and Washington.

The Chicago White Sox kick off the second half of their season tonight as they square off against the Detroit Tigers in a three-game set at Comerica Park. Gavin Floyd will be on the bump opposite Justin Verlander in the opener. The Southsiders dropped five of their last six games heading into the All-Star break to sit at 44-and-48 on the season. Chicago is five games back of the Tigers atop the AL Central standings.

At the 2011 Lake Land College associate degree in nursing pinning ceremony, 41 graduate nurses received their pins. 

Kortnie Hanners, Casey, received the Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Nursing Award. 

This award is given each year to a graduating student who is considered to be the all around best student in the class.  The student must be professionally superior and morally responsible, be capable of making wise decisions, be compassionate and caring, be dedicated and possess common sense and a strong scientific knowledge base, demonstrate superior technical skills, possess superior communication skills and composure, often in crises situations.  

Hanners’ name will be engraved on a plaque that is located in the nursing skills lab in Neal Hall.

Cassie Kinnaman, Mattoon, received the Associate Degree Nursing Peer Award.  This award was voted on by the students.  The recipient of this award is chosen because of his or her clinical and scholastic performance, willingness to help other students, professionalism, maturity and spirit.  The award is characterized by a true team player who also is considered a leader.

The NFL may be a step closer to ending the lockout. ESPN reports owners and players have agreed in principle to a rookie wage scale. That item has been a major hurdle in the ongoing labor negotiations. The NFL Network reports owners have made concessions regarding the fifth-year compensation for rookies. League owners are scheduled to meet in Atlanta next Thursday with the hopes of having a new collective bargaining agreement proposal to vote on. Training camps are slated to open later this month, with the NFL Hall of Fame Game scheduled for August 7th.

The Lincoln Land Community College Veterans Club has announced that the Brian McMillen Memorial Run/Walk held May 28 at the college raised a total of $7,000. Proceeds from the event will support the LLCC Brian McMillen Veterans Scholarship and other charities in honor of Brian.  The scholarship will provide financial support to veterans attending LLCC.   

There were more than 425 participants in the event. The overall top three male participants were: Daniel Plunkett, Springfield; Andy Arenz, Auburn; and David Plunkett, Springfield.  The overall top three female participants were:  Jessica Larson, Springfield; Jeanine McMillen, Geneva; and Claudia Magnussen, Oconee.

McMillen, an LLCC alum and Illinois State Trooper, served as a Technical Sergeant in the Air National Guard and spent two years of active duty with the Air Force in Saudi Arabia and Romania.  He worked in the LLCC Veterans Office while a student there. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois-Springfield and was pursuing a master’s degree when he lost his life at age 24 in the line of duty with the Illinois State Police.

Former Illinois point guard Demetri McCamey signed a one-year deal with Mersin in Turkey on Thursday. The 6-foot-3 guard was projected as a second-round pick in the recent NBA Draft but was not selected. McCamey could face another former Illini player and current New Jersey Nets point guard Deron [[ Darren ]] Williams, who recently signed with Besiktas in Turkey.

Potential changes in the interpretation of federal trucking regulations could have a major impact on agricultural operations. WTIM Ag reporter Jared White has more.

The Cardinals return from the All-Star break to begin the second half of the season tonight against the Reds in Cincinnati. St. Louis sends Jake Westbrook to the mound, while Cincinnati counters with Johnny Cueto [[ KWAY-toh ]]. The Cards won their final two games before the break and are tied with the Brewers atop the NL Central with identical 49-and-43 records.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office responded to a one vehicle accident on 2080 North Road earlier this week.

According to the accident report, on Monday, a vehicle driven by Natasha R. Robinson of Springfield was headed south on 2080 North Road when she drove onto the shoulder of the roadway when she over-corrected her vehicle causing it to skid sideways.

Robinson's vehicle slid sideways for an approximate 65-feet before leaving the roadway and striking the ditch, causing it to overturn one complete rotation.

While in rotation, the car seat located in the passenger seat directly behind the driver was fully ejected from the vehicle. The car seat landed approximately 18-feet away from where the vehicle came to a stop.

Robinson, along with a front seat passenger and the baby in the car seat, was taken to St. John's Hospital in Springfield for treatment of minor injuries.

A Taylorville man was arrested for two warrants Wednesday according to the Christian County Sheriff's office.

28 year-old Alter E. Ivy of Taylorville was arrested for a pair of bond forfeiture warrants for unspecified statutes on Wednesday, July 13th..

Alex Gordon led a balanced attack, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, as the Royals downed the Cubs 6-3. Kansas City won the final two games in the three-game interleague set. Geovany Soto belted his second home run in as many games and added an RBI double, but it wasn't enough, as the Cubs dropped their seventh consecutive interleague series. Randy Wells was knocked around for six runs and 10 hits over six-plus innings to take the loss. Chicago has lost six of its last eight games. The Cubs are making up a game against the Rockies tonight with Matt Garza on the hill.

A Taylorville man was arrested for battery Thursday according to the Taylorville Police Department.

24 year-old Robert C. Delahunt of Taylorville was arrested for battery on Thursday, July 14th.

Danny Espinosa belted a two-run homer in the seventh to lift the Nationals to a 2-1 win over the White Sox. Jerry Hairston Jr. had two hits for Washington, which took two-of-three in the series and has won 13-of-15 overall. Livan Hernandez struck out nine over six-and-two-thirds innings of one-run ball to improve to 5-and-8. Drew Storen earned his 19th save. The Nats picked up the win in their last game under interim manager John McLaren, who will be replaced by Davey Johnson on Monday. Philip Humber took a no-hitter into the sixth, but allowed the two-run blast in his six-and-two-thirds innings of work to fall to 7-and-4. Chicago has dropped six-of-11 overall. The White sox open a three-game set in Colorado Tuesday with Gavin Floyd on the hill opposite Jason Hammel.

A Taylorville man was arrested for battery Wednesday night according to the Taylorville Police Department.

27 year-old Derek A. Skinner of Taylorville was arrested for battery and disorderly conduct on Wednesday, July 13th.

Ricky Romero essentially beat the Cardinals single-handedly with a four-hit shutout and a two-run single, as the Toronto Blue Jays completed a sweep of St. Louis with a 5-0 victory. Romero retired the first 10 batters he faced and allowed only one runner to get past first base. The left-hander walked two, struck out five, and his a two-run hit highlighted a four-run sixth inning. St. Louis dropped to 3-and-12 in its last 15 games. Kyle McClellan gave up all five runs over five-and-a-third innings to take the loss. The Cards send Kyle Lohse [[ Lowsh ]] to the bump tomorrow as they begin a three-game set with the Orioles.

A Kincaid man was arrested for a public intoxication offense Wednesday night according to the Taylorville Police Department.

35 year-old Aaron C. Davis of Kincaid was arrested for public intoxication Wednesday, July 13th.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you and your pet to join them for a dog-gone good time at this year’s 17th Annual Lake Shelbyville Dog-O-Rama Dog Show. 

The show will be held at Coon Creek Recreation Area Amphitheater.  Registration will start at 6:00 p.m. and the show will start at 6:30 p.m.  You can enter your dog in the following categories: Best Trick, Best Dressed, Smallest Dog, Biggest Dog, and Most Precious Puppy.  Prizes and plaques will be awarded to the winners of each category. Multiple dogs per owner are allowed, but only one dog per owner is permitted in each category.  Everyone is welcome to attend this event.                  

Please remember all dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length while at this show and within any recreation area at Lake Shelbyville.  The leash regulation is meant for the safety of both the dogs and the people who enjoy Lake Shelbyville, so compliance with this regulation allows everyone to have a fun and safe time. 

For more information concerning the Dog-O-Rama Dog Show contact the Lake Shelbyville Interpretive Services and Outreach Department at (217) 774-3951 extension number 2.

Christian County Sheriff's deputies responded to a one vehicle accident on 1800 North Road Wednesday afternoon.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Kelly A. Zoellner of Edinburg was traveling east on 1800 North Road, approaching the intersection with 800 East Road, when she saw a car at the intersection that she believed was coming into the intersection and swerved to avoid a crash.

After avoiding the car, Zoellner lost control of her vehicle and hit a utility pole.

Zoellner, along with a child passenger, reported no injuries from the accident.

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for our region, the Central Illinois Community blood center is offering several opportunities to donate blood in Christian County.

Wednesday, July 6th

Pana – First United Methodist Church, 619 Kitchell Street; 1 PM – 7 PM.

Assumption – Fire House, 217 North Chestnut; 3 PM – 6 PM.

For your convenience, please call 217-241-7550 to sign up or schedule an appointment online at www.cicbc.org.  Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) is a not-for-profit organization that is the exclusive supplier for patients in 12 area hospitals. CICBC is a division of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which serves a total of 75 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. For more information about blood drives, blood facts, blood types please check out the web site at www.cicbc.org.  Please give what’s in your heart and donate blood.

The Springfield Sliders semi-pro baseball team is hosting "Taylorville Night" at their July 27th game at Robin Roberts Field on North Grand Avenue in Springfield. Free tickets to the game are available at the Miller Media Group studios at 918 East Park in Taylorville, as well as the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce office on the 2nd floor of the U-S Bank building on the south side of the square.

Mary Kate Berger of Chatham and Logan Kuhn of Auburn represented Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative in Washington, D.C., during the annual “Youth to Washington” Tour, June 10-17. This event, sponsored by the electric and telephone cooperatives of Illinois since the late 1950s, is an introduction to our democratic form of government and cooperatives for rural youth.          

The students met with Congressman John Shimkus and were among 76 rural Illinois youth leaders selected for the trip. The Illinois students joined more than 1,500 young leaders from across the country. In addition to the Capitol, they also visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington National Cathedral, several Smithsonian Museums, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the World War II Memorial, memorials to Presidents Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington and Roosevelt, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the National Archives, the Newseum and a number of other historical sites.         

Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative is a member of Touchstone EnergyÒ — an alliance of more than 720 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country. RECC is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 5,779 meters over 1,345 miles of line in parts of Christian, Macoupin, Montgomery, Morgan and Sangamon counties. For more information visit www.recc.coop.

As of Tuesday, July 12, 2011 the Lake Shelbyville lake level is 606.91 feet above sea level, which is 7.21 feet above normal summer pool. The discharge rate is set at 880 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is 6,600 gallons per second going into the Kaskaskia River. Inflow into Lake Shelbyville is 200 cfs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be providing programs for everyone to come out and enjoy during the weekend of July 16 & 17, 2011. All of the programs and activities listed are open and free to the public.

Saturday, July 16

8:30 p.m. Movie: Ice Age- Opossum Creek

Sunday, July 17:

9:00 a.m. Bo Wood Amphitheater: Non-Denominational Church Services

11:00a.m. Coon Creek Amphitheater: Non-Denominational Church Services

1:00 p.m. Tour of the Dam- Starts at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center

4:00 p.m. Dam West Beach- Beach Games

While enjoying Lake Shelbyville, please remember to play it safe and wear your life jacket and make this weekend one of many… not your last!

Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich is speaking out following his conviction on federal corruption charges.

July 16, 2011, Saturday – Community Party (Chautauqua Pavilion)

July 19, 2011, Tuesday - Pana Chamber Board Meeting, Peoples Bank Drive up Meeting Rm 7:30 am.

July 23, 2011, Saturday – “3 on 3 Soccer Shoot Out” 8:00 am Tanner Park

July 31, 2011, Sunday – United in Faith Church & Grace Harmony Mike & Sue Filisky 5 pm

Local amateur martial arts schools and boxing clubs in Illinois will be protected from professional level regulations that could otherwise force them out of business, under legislation signed into law July 14 by the Governor.

House Bill 1490 was cosponsored in the Senate by State Sen. Kyle McCarter.

“My goal in getting involved with this legislation was to make sure our local martial arts schools and clubs teaching Tae Kwon-do, Karate, Judo and boxing to our youth would not be unfairly lumped in with professionals and higher-level amateurs who fight in rings or cages,” said McCarter (R-Lebanon).

Sen. McCarter said while its important that fighters are protected he did not want to see over-regulation put the local clubs and organizations at risk.

“Our local community clubs teach discipline and respect through traditional martial arts and they do a great job in building character and helping our youth succeed in life,” said McCarter. “That’s what I wanted to protect.”

Under House Bill 1490, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) will continue to regulate amateur and professional bouts inside a ring or cage.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville is partnering with the American Red Cross for a blood drive on Thursday, July 21, 2011. The blood drive is from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center auditorium. Participants who attempt to donate will receive a voucher for a free night of camping at a campground managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville. There will be refreshments for participants provided by the Shelbyville Dairy Queen. Donors will have a chance to win a $250 weekly gas card giveaway.

Throughout the afternoon there will be information available for anyone interested about health care from the Shelby County Health Department, Shelby Memorial Hospital, and other local businesses. The Shelbyville Memorial Hospital will be available to conduct free blood pressure screenings. The hospital will have information available on mammograms that are available for individuals with lower income.

To schedule an appointment call 1-800 RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org and use the code USACEShelbyville. All donors must present a Photo ID. For questions please contact the Lake Shelbyville Interpretive Services and Outreach Department at (217) 774-3951 ext. 2.

Brandon Philips pounded a two-run, walk-off homer to give the Reds a 6-5 win over the Cardinals.  Chris Heisey had two solo shots and scored three times for the Reds.  Logan Ondrusek picked up the win in relief for Cincy, which had lost three-of-four before the All-Star break.  Albert Pujols had given the Cards the lead in the eighth with a two-run blast, his 19th of the season.  Fernando Salas went home with the loss after giving up the deciding blow.  He was the eighth pitcher of the night for St. Louis, which had its two-game win streak come to an end.

Ryan Dempster hurled eight shutout innings and the Cubs held on in the ninth to nip the Marlins, 2-1.  Dempster struck out nine while allowing just four hits without a walk to improve to 7-and-6 with the win.  Carlos Marmol, who blew the save on Thursday, gave up an RBI single to Logan Morrison in the ninth before Sean Marshall closed it out for his second save.  Ricky Nolaso took the tough-luck loss, allowing just two unearned runs in seven frames.  Omar Infante's two-run error in fourth was all Chicago needed.  Florida had its six-game winning streak snapped.

Chili cooks from around the United States moved into the beer barn at the 88^th annual Christian County Fair Saturday. Over 40 chili cooks vied for the best bowl of chili according to the judges. Judging was held for competition for both red and green chili as well as salsa. Top prize for the competition was one thousand dollars and title of the Illinois State Chili Champ. Regional Radio News was on hand for a live broadcast and talked with chili cooks from Rochester, Normal and  as far away as Arkansas and Texas.

The American Cancer Society held its annual Christian County Relay For Life Friday night at the Taylorville High School track.

 Looking to surpass last year’s numbers, the Christian County Relay For Life was hailed as a success as the organization reported that they had gone above and beyond the target number of teams for this year’s event prior to the start of the celebration Friday night.

Lisa Sims of the Christian County Relay For Life explains that this year’s event was able to raise over 50,000-dollars for the American Cancer Society.

[audio:lsims628a.mp3]Listen to Sims' comments here.[/audio]

Sims adds that Relay For Life continues to be an integral part in helping promote cancer awareness throughout the community.

[audio:lsims628b.mp3]Listen to Sims' comments here.[/audio]

Relay For Life continues to be the largest fundraiser each year for the American Cancer Society.

Albert Pujols clubbed a three-run homer as the Cardinals cut down the Reds 4-1.  Chris Carpenter struck out seven over eight innings of one-run ball to improve to 5-and-7.  Fernando Salas worked the ninth to earn his 17th save.  St. Louis has won three of its last four.  Joey Votto singled in Cincinnati's only run in the third inning.  Bronson Arroyo allowed all four runs and eight hits over six-and-two-thirds to fall to 7-and-8.

The 2011 Christian County Fair is set to kick off in two weeks and there already plenty of activities planned for this year’s county fair celebrations.

Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains that in addition to fair food and grandstand entertainment at the fair, fairgoers will also have a chance to help out those in the community in need. 

[audio:cpaulek628a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12^th.

Mike Stanton homered twice and drove in four as the Marlins mauled the Cubs 13-3.  Hanley Ramirez doubled three times, knocked in two runs and scored three for the Fish, who have won seven-of-eight.  Javier Vazquez struck out 10 over seven innings of three-run ball to improve to 6-and-8.  Aramis Ramirez belted a three-run homer for the Cubs.  Carlos Zambrano was lit up for eight runs in only four-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 6-and-5.

The "Super Bowl" of agriculture is only two months away from returning to central Illinois, and crews are already hard at work getting Progress City USA in Decatur ready for late August.  WTIM Agricultural Reporter Jared White has more.

[audio:jwhite628a.mp3]Listen to Jared White's report here.[/audio] 

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM for the morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.
 

The Illinois State Police responded to a one vehicle accident involving a Morrisonville man last week.

According to the accident report, a motorcycle driven by Nathan E. Pinnell drove off of the roadway and struck the ditch on the shoulder of Illinois Route 127, a quarter mile south of North 3rd Avenue.

When Pinnell’s 1996 Honda motorcycle hit the ditch, he was ejected from the motorcycle. Pinnell was transported to Hillsboro Hospital by Hillsboro Ambulance and then transported to St. Johns Hospital by Arch Helicopter.

Pinnell was cited for operation of an uninsured vehicle following the accident.

Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena each homered twice to power the Cubs to a 7-3 win over the Rockies on Monday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Each hit a two-run and a solo shot, with Ramirez finishing 3-for-4. Matt Garza pitched seven-and-a-third innings of three-run ball for his fourth win. The Cubs had lost four-of-five. The Northsiders kick off a four-game series against the reigning World Series champion San Francisco Giants starting this afternoon with the opener of a day-night doubleheader. Doug Davis will be on the bump in the opener and Rodrigo Lopez will toe the rubber in the nightcap.

You've heard how the wet and cool spring affected corn and soybean growers across Illinois, but the wet conditions have also hampered specialty growers this year. Jared White has more.

[audio:jwhite718a.mp3]Listen to Jared White's report here.[/audio]

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM for the morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.

The Chicago White Sox head to the Mile High City to open up a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies starting this evening at Coors Field. Gavin Floyd gets the nod against Jason Hammel in the opener. The Southsiders dropped two-of-three to Washington over the weekend, capped with a 2-1 setback on Sunday, to fall to 38-and-41 on the season.

If you attended last week’s Christian County Fair in Taylorville, chances are you received an educational experience while visiting the Christian County Farm Bureau’s Interactive Farm located next to the Christian County Fair Expo Building.

University of Illinois Extension of Christian County ag educator Ann Lupton says that for those kids who aren’t familiar with farming, the Interactive Farm is a great way to see some of the animals that are grown on local farms in Christian County.

[audio:alupt718a.mp3]Listen to Lutpon's comments here.[/audio]

Lupton adds that while the number one job, agriculture, in the United States remains a staple, there are fewer and fewer production jobs in the ag industry.

[audio:alupt718b.mp3]Listen to Lupton's comments here.[/audio]

To see sights and sounds from this year’s 2011 Christian County Fair, visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

After an off day Monday, the Cardinals will look to get well on the road as they open a three-game Interleague series at Baltimore. The reeling Redbirds got swept at home by the Blue Jays over the weekend and have lost five of their last six games overall. Kyle Lohse [[ Lowsh ]] will oppose Zach Britton tonight. St. Louis will play three games at Tampa Bay later this week.

If you’re looking to travel on North Webster in Taylorville next week, expect some major traffic delays as construction continues.

Taylorville City Alderman Earl Walters explains that delays will be likely beginning on Monday, but should lighten up by Friday.

[audio:earlw718a.mp3]Listen to Walters' comments here.[/audio]

Walters says that after having delays in construction due to weather, if workers stay on the current pace, construction should be finished by the end of the month.

[audio:earlw718b.mp3]Listen to Walters' comments here.[/audio]

Regional Radio News will continue to provide details regarding the North Webster construction as they develop.

The Cardinals' infield should get a boost with the return of Nick Punto [[ POON-toh ]] and David Freese. They have been activated off the 15-day disabled list. Punto had been out since May 18th with a strained right forearm. Freese had been sidelined since May 2nd with a broken bone in his left hand. Infielder Pete Kozma and outfielder Andrew Brown were sent to Triple-A Memphis.

Logan Morrison laced a two-run single during a three-run eighth inning as the Marlins sunk the Cubs, 7-5, on Sunday at the Friendly Confines. Greg Dobbs hit a two-run homer and had three RBI for the Fish, who took three-of-four in the series. Hanley Ramirez smacked a solo homer in the victory. Edward Mujica was credited with the win. Leo Nunez earned his 26th save. Aramis Ramirez hit a pair of RBI doubles for Chicago, which has dropped four-of-five. Kerry Wood allowed all three runs in the eighth to fall to 1-and-5. The Northsiders welcome in the Philadelphia Phillies to Wrigley Field this evening for the opener of a three-game series. Rodrigo Lopez will toe the rubber opposite Cliff Lee in the opener.

Lincoln Land Community College and the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association announced today a partnership that involves training for a growing number of wine entrepreneurs and educational opportunities for wine enthusiasts.  

The partnership officially began today with LLCC hosting the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, formerly held on the campus of the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign. The competition, which continues through Wednesday, features approximately 125 Midwest amateur entries and nearly 300 Illinois commercial entries.

“This partnership acknowledges the expansion of the Illinois wine industry and the vital role education plays in helping these businesses succeed,” said Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., president of LLCC. “This is a growing area for entrepreneurs, and we are very interested in providing training and information to aid in these endeavors. We also recognize the interest among wine enthusiasts to learn more about enjoying and evaluating wines.” 

She noted that the Illinois wine industry has grown from 12 wineries in 1997 to more than 90 today, with 450 vineyards across the state.

Future plans under development include credit classes in viticulture, wine dinners and classes through the culinary arts program, and next year, hosting of the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition in a culinary restaurant located in the soon-to-be-completed Workforce Careers Center on campus. 

Thomas Jennings, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, commented, “The Department of Agriculture is pleased to see this partnership between the Illinois wine industry and Lincoln Land. Providing this type of education to our young adults and entrepreneurs is the key to creating sustainable futures in this industry.”

Bruce Morgenstern, chair of the board of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, thanked LLCC and Director Jennings for their support of the wine industry..  “I can’t stress enough the importance of education in the wine industry. Thanks in large part to the Department of Agriculture, we are able to retain Bradley Beam as our enologist for the state of Illinois.. He has taught dozens of wine classes at the University of Illinois, assisted numerous winemakers in fine-tuning their product, and hosted winemaking workshops in nearly every corner of the state. We are pleased to offer the budding winemakers of central Illinois an opportunity to learn from Brad’s expertise through LLCC’s upcoming workshops and classes.”

Victor Martinez's two-run single in the sixth tied the game and he scored the go-ahead run later in the frame to help the Detroit Tigers salvage the finale of a three-game series with a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday at Comerica Park. Brennan Boesch had a solo home run for Detroit, which was outscored, 13-2, in the first two games of the series. Brad Penny allowed three runs in six-and-two-third innings to get his second straight win. Alex Rios, Gordon Beckham and A.J. Pierzynski all knocked in a run for the White Sox, who came into the game having won three of their last four. Phil Humber was tagged with the loss. The Southsiders head to Kauffman Stadium this evening to start a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Mark Buehlre [[ BURR-lee ]] gets the nod against Kyle Davies in the opener.

The Christian County Emergency Management Agency is searching for a small team of individuals, approximately ten people, to assist  in collecting damage assessment immediately following a disaster.  

There are currently no perquisites for this position, nor does anyone interested have to be affiliated with a response agency. Training for this task will last approximately two hours at a location to be named later. 

The team will be called into action following a significant disaster in Christian County, adhering to an organized response enhancing the safety of all members.

If you are interested in joining the Christian County Damage Assessment Team, please call Taylorville Fire Department assistant fire chief Mike Crews at 820-0912.

Japan stunned the United States in the Women's World Cup Final on Sunday. The match went to penalty kicks after the teams were tied at two after two 15-minute extra periods. Japan then outscored the Americans 3-1 in penalty kicks to pull off the upset. Japan entered Sunday's title match 0-22-and-3 all-time against the United States. Alex Morgan gave the Americans a 1-0 lead in the 69th minute, but Japan tied it up in the 80th minute. Abby Wambach scored on another header in the 104th minute, but Japan tied it again in the 117th minute. The Americans failed to score on their first three penalty kicks in the loss. The U.S. has won not the Women's World Cup since 1999.

The Miller Media Group in Taylorville, which includes radio stations WTIM Newstalk 97.3, WMKR Genuine Country 94.3, and WRAN Solid Gold 98.3, as well as the on-line daily newspaper taylorvilledailynews.com, has announced that it has entered into a long-term sponsorship agreement with the Christian County Fair Board, to promote the fair across all four of its advertising platforms in Central Illinois.

Miller Media president Randal J. Miller stated that with agriculture being the area’s main industry, it was important to see the Christian County Fair survive and thrive.

The Miller Media Group stations will feature a daily story on the fair, in its local newscasts starting two weeks before the fair begins.

The Christian County Fair will also be promoted heavily on MMG’s on-line daily newspaper, taylorvilledailynews.com.

And, WTIM Newstalk 97.3 will broadcast over 10 hours of its programming from the Fair during its 6-day run, featuring interviews with fair officials and reporting results in judging throughout the fairgrounds.

Owners and players continued to meet and negotiate over the weekend attempting to finalize details for a new collective bargaining agreement for the National Football League. Major breakthroughs were made early in the weekend and a deal could be struck this week. A few unresolved issues including $320-million-dollars in lost benefits to the players and limitations on the use of the franchise tag still loom for the sides to work out. With many training camps set to open later this week, the two parties are putting in extra work and meeting again today to complete a deal. The Rams are set to open the preseason on August 7th with the Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears from Canton, Ohio.

Denise Kistner began her position as University of Illinois Extension Multi-County Director for the Unit comprised of Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery counties on November 1. She had previously served for 13 years as County Director in Montgomery County, and 12 years in Christian County as Youth Development Educator.

The new four-county partnership is one of 26 multi-county Units that were established in a statewide reorganization of U of I Extension programs, according to Robert Hoeft, Interim Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach on the Urbana campus. Although a shortfall in state funding prompted the move to multi-county Units, Hoeft says the goal of the reorganization is to ensure that high-quality Extension programs remain available, close to home.

Extension Educators recently named to serve Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery counties include: Peggy Hampton, 4-H Youth; Amanda Cole, Community Development; and Gary Letterly, Environmental and Energy Stewardship. An educator in Nutrition and Wellness and a Horticulture Educator are in the process of being hired. Local staff will continue to serve the 4-H, SNAP-Ed nutrition program and Master Gardener program areas. Counties will begin to function in the 4-county unit on July 1.

For more information about how to find your local Extension office or personnel, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/.

Ryan Hanigan knocked in the eventual winning run in the bottom of the seventh with a single up the middle and the Cincinnati Reds took a 3-1 victory over division rival St. Louis Cardinals in the finale of a three-game series. Zack Cozart hit his first career major league home run for the Reds, who took two-of-three from St. Louis. Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia allowed a pair of runs over seven frames to absorb the loss. Garcia suffered his first career loss at the hands of the Reds in six starts. Lance Berkman clubbed a home run in defeat. After the day off today, the Cards are back in action tomorrow night in the Big Apple when they face the Mets. Kyle Lohse [[ lowsh ]] is set to take the ball against Dillon Gee in the opener of a three-game set from Citi Field.

Nate Schierholtz and Brandon Crawford each plated a pair to back seven strong innings from Barry Zito as the Giants swept a day-night Tuesday doubleheader against the Cubs with a 6-3 win in the nightcap at Wrigley Field. Zito, who was just lifted from the disabled list, gave up just two runs on four hits to pick up his first win of the season. Brian Wilson worked a 1-2-3 ninth to nail down his 24th save. Lou Montanez clubbed a two-run homer and Aramis Ramirez added a solo shot for Chicago. Rodrigo Lopez was tagged with the loss. In the opener, Pat Burrell clubbed a two-run homer and Aaron Rowand added a bases-clearing double as the Giants cruised to a 13-7 victory. Ryan Dempster will toe the rubber opposite Tim Lincecum in tonight's third installment.

The city of Taylorville is one step closer to repairing a sink hole at the Pershing Street pump station following Monday night’s Taylorville City Council meeting.

Taylorville city engineer Joe Greene spoke before members of the city council Monday and as he explains, the city will be able to repair the problem for a much cheaper price than previously expected.

[audio:jgreene719a.mp3]Listen to Greene's comments here.[/audio]

Greene adds that the winning bidder was comfortable with their offer and is capable of getting the job done.

[audio:jgreene719b.mp3]Listen to Greene's comments here.[/audio]

Greene says that the second closest bid received was over 150-thousand dollars.

[audio:jgreene719c.mp3]Listen to Greene's comments here.[/audio]

Greene reported that construction to repair the collapsed pipe could begin as early as Thursday or Friday.

Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade [[ KWAH-dee ]] is headed to the All-Star Game. National League All-Star manager Bruce Bochy [[ BO-chee ]] announced on Tuesday that Quade will replace former Washington Nationals skipper Jim Riggleman on his staff. Also coaching for Bochy is Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson.

Police are investigating several incidents of vandalism that occurred last week on Virginia Avenue, just east of Kroger, in Taylorville.

According to the authorities, an unknown subject or subjects had damaged several houses in the late evening and early morning hours on Virginia Avenue and Heights Avenue. The subjects left a string of damages including eggs thrown onto homes, as well as damages done to landscaping. Authorities report that there are currently no suspects at this time and are still searching for leads.

The Taylorville Police Department is investigating this case and they urge anyone with any information to contact the Taylorville Police Department at 217 – 2211, the Christian County Crime Stoppers, or the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.

Regional Radio News will continue to provide updates regarding this story as they are made available.

Ty Wigginton had a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 13th inning to give the Rockies a 3-2 win over the White Sox on Tuesday night at Coors Field. Seth Smith plated the other two runs for Colorado, which snapped a three-game slide. Rex Brothers worked a scoreless frame to register the victory. Alexei Ramirez clubbed a solo home run and Juan Pierre added an RBI double for Chicago, which has dropped three of its last four contests. Will Ohman was saddled with the loss. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] gets the nod against Ubaldo Jimenez in tonight's second installment.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville will be conducting a dove hunt on opening day of dove season, September 1, 2011, at Refuge Point and Ree’s Ridge Dove Fields. On September 1, two hunts will take place, one in the morning (7 a.m. - 11 a.m.) and one in the afternoon (1 p.m. - 6 p.m.). A permit is required to participate in the hunt on opening day. A youth hunt will be held at the same time. The youth hunt is limited to children sixteen years old and under. A hunting assistant who is a parent, legal guardian, or family member of at least eighteen years of age must accompany each youth.

The hunting assistant will be able to hunt with the youth they accompany. Youths and their guardians will only be allowed to hunt one of the time slots to ensure maximum amount of participation. Permit applications can be picked up at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., or obtained online at www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Shelbyville/Wildlife.htm. Permit applications must be received at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office no later than 4 p.m. on August 17, 2011.

A $30.00 permit fee will be assessed to all successful applicants. In lieu of the $30.00 fee, the application fee for youth hunters will be a donation of 10 nonperishable food items on the day of the hunt that will go to a local food bank. One permit will allow two hunters the use of a designated hunting blind. The public drawing for permits will take place on August 18, 2011 at 8 a.m. at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office. Applicants do not have to be present for the drawing; successful applicants will be notified by mail within 10 days of the drawing. Hunting blinds for both hunts will be drawn at the field before each hunt on September 1.

Matt Holliday and Colby Rasmus each clubbed solo homers as the Cardinals flew past the Orioles, 6-2. Kyle Lohse [[ Lowsh ]] went five innings and scattered four hits to earn the victory, improving his mark to 8-and-4 and helping St. Louis to snap a three-game slide. The game was delayed for 27 minutes in the top of the sixth due to rain. Nick Markakis went 2-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to 17 games and J.J. Hardy blasted his 11th home run for the O's, who have won just two of their last eight contests. Zach Britton fell to 6-and-6 after surrendering four runs over five-and-two-thirds innings. The series continues tonight as Chris Carpenter opposes Chris Jakubauskas.

The Illinois State Fair is looking for volunteers to help in a number of areas throughout the ten days of this year's fair. These areas include information booths, various buildings, the Illinois State Fair Museum and the interactive agricultural exhibit, “Farmer's Little Helpers.”

“The Illinois State Fair draws nearly three-quarters of a million people to the fairgrounds in Springfield each year,” State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick said. “The men and women who donate their time to the fair are a big part of its success.”

A minimum of 15 hours of service is required for all information booths, buildings and Illinois State Fair Museum volunteers. Available hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. “Farmer's Little Helpers” volunteers can choose from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shifts or 2:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. shifts.

All volunteers will receive a free 2011 Illinois State Fair t-shirt, plus complimentary admission and parking for the days they work. Volunteers must be 11 years of age or older. Volunteers ages 11-13, however, will need adult supervision while working their shift. An application for volunteer employment is posted on the Illinois State Fair’s website at www.illinoisstatefair.info. Once the application is received, the fair will send volunteers a confirmation letter specifying their work schedule.

For additional information, please call the Special Events Office at (217) 782-0777. The Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 12-21.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors met for their quarterly luncheon meeting Tuesday at the First National Bank of Pana board room, to review current efforts towards attracting and retaining jobs in Christian County.

Board chairman Dick Adams told Regional Radio News that he's pleased to again lead the organization following his appointment after the resgination of Eric Johnson, who has a new job outside of the county.

Adams said his first job is to get the economic development efforts on a more solid financial footing going forward.

[audio:dadams629a2.mp3]Listen to Adams' comments here.[/audio]

Adams said the local economic development organization passed a motion Tuesday that requires board members to contribute or raise at least one-thousand dollars to the C-C-E-D-C.

[audio:dadams629b1.mp3]Listen to Adams' comments here.[/audio]

The board also heard a report from executive director Mary Renner, that a couple of projects are on the front burner—the Tenaska coal gasification project, and an expansion of the Nexus National Greenhouse business in Pana.

The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) awarded accreditation to Pana Community Hospital Laboratory, based on the results of a recent onsite inspection.

The laboratory’s director, Alan F. Frigy, MD, was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. Pana Community Hospital is one of more than 7,000 CAP-accredited laboratories worldwide.

The federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, as well as the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, in addition to the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.

The College of American Pathologists is a medical society that serves more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of Board-certified pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The College is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective patient care.

With the annual Taylorville 4th of July parade and celebration just a week away, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is already gearing up for their time in the annual event.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Fred Ronnow says that the chamber will be ditching the traditional candy treat in the parade for something a little ‘cooler’ this year.

[audio:fronnow629b.mp3]Listen to Ronnow's comments here.[/audio]

Newstalk 97.3 WTIM will be broadcasting live from the Taylorville 4th of July celebration at Lake Taylorville Monday evening beginning at 4:00 p.m.

A Taylorville man was arrested for battery on Monday according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

20 year-old Justin A. Jett of Taylorville was arrested aggravated battery, possession of liquor, and criminal damage to property on Monday, July 18th.

Christian County youth will have several opportunities for a fun filled trip to the Christian County Fair this July, and in addition to fun and entertainment, they’ll be able to learn about farm safety while attending the fair.

Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains that kids will be able to learn about safety do’s and don’t’s about farm machinery while attending the Christian County Fair.

 [audio:cpaulek629a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

A Taylorville woman was arrested for drug related charges on Monday according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

49 year-old Mary A. Scott of Taylorville was arrested for manufacturing and delivery of cannabis and possession of methamphetamines on Monday, July 18th.

The Lake Land College Office of Community and Professional Programs will offer a course on speaking the Chinese language.

In Beginning Spoken Chinese, students will learn how to introduce themselves, simple phrases and the Chinese alphabet. Students will meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 11 - 28 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on campus in Northeast, room 101. The cost of the class is $60 and is offered to students eight and older. Joy Wen Li Yao is the instructor for this course.

For more information, contact Mary Rogers, administrative assistant to the office of community and professional programs, at 217-234-5219.

To register by phone, call admissions and records at 217-234-5434. A statement for payment will be sent. The drop date for a refund is five business days prior to the start of the class.

A Stonington man was arrested for illegal consumption Sunday night according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

20 year-old James R. Fry of Stonington was arrested for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor on Sunday, July 17th.

Outdoor grilling is an American tradition, and Christian County Extension offered a workshop which allowed twenty participants a chance to enhance their skills in the art of grilling. Jenna Hogan, Nutrition and Wellness Educator with University of Illinois Extension, taught participants fun and relaxing ways grill different foods.

Participants learned to use indoor and outdoor grills, of both charcoal and gas varieties, by preparing a variety of meats, fruits and vegetables on the grill.

Participants received healthy recipes, grilling tips, and information on safe food handling. In addition, they enjoyed tasting the foods they have helped grill that evening.

For more details about this program, or other workshops offered by University of Illinois Extension, contact the Christian County Extension Office at, 217- 287-7246.

While the 2011 – 2012 school year doesn’t start until August, one local organization is already looking for volunteers to help impact the lives of grade school children this upcoming school year.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Christian County continues to serve children in need of mentoring and once again this year the organization is searching for volunteers. Vanessa Wiseman of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Illinois Capital Region explains that seeing a big brother or sister is the best part of a student’s week.

[audio:vwise719a.mp3]Listen to Wiseman's comments here.[/audio]

Wiseman adds that high school students looking to help mentor a child this year can once again sign up for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

[audio:vwise719b.mp3]Listen to Wiseman's comments here.[/audio]

For more information go online to www.bbbscapitalregion.org.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) will be out in full force this weekend on the look-out for boaters operating under the influence (OUI) of drugs or alcohol. Boaters can expect to see stepped up patrols and increased enforcement as CPOs protect Illinois waterways this coming holiday weekend.

“We want people to enjoy their time on the water, but being safe and responsible should always be a boater’s top priority,” said IDNR Office of Law Enforcement Chief Rafael Gutierrez. “Alcohol use is one of the leading causes of fatal boating accidents in Illinois and across the country. We have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence at any time; however, boaters will see a stepped up effort as we approach the 4th of July holiday.”

DNR Conservation Police suggests that anyone planning to consume alcohol while out on the water have a designated skipper onboard. Impaired boaters caught this weekend can expect harsh penalties. In Illinois, operating under the influence (OUI) is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense. It is punishable by a maximum of one year in jail and/or up to $2,500 in fines.

“Our CPOs work throughout the year to make sure boaters are safe on Illinois public waters,” added DNR Boating Law Administrator Captain Joe Morelock. “This past weekend we took part in a national coordinated effort called Operation Dry Water in which we made 9 OUI arrests, handed out 64 citations, 364 warnings, and inspected over 600 vessels.”

The push for county-wide public transportation continues and as Christian County Senior Center Executive Director John Heldman explains there is still plenty of discussion and research being put forward to obtain this program.

[audio:jheld719a.mp3]Listen to Heldman's comments here.[/audio]

Heldman also reminds the community that in times of extreme heat this week, the senior center will serve as a cooling center.

[audio:jheld719b.mp3]Listen to Heldman's comments here.[/audio]

For more information contact the Christian County Senior Center in Taylorville by calling 217 – 824 – 4263.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors met for their quarterly luncheon meeting Tuesday at the First National Bank of Pana board room, to review current efforts towards attracting and retaining jobs in Christian County.

Economic Development executive director Mary Renner outlined to Regional Radio News a couple of projects that have the potential to create and increase jobs in the county, those being the Tenaska coal gasification project, and a proposed expansion of the Nexus National Greenhouse factory at Pana.

[audio:mrenner630a.mp3]Listen to Renner's comments here.[/audio]

Renner added the Nexus National Greenhouse expansion in the Pana Industrial Park will mean more jobs for the county.

[audio:mrenner630b.mp3]Listen to Renner's comments here.[/audio]

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation is made up of 33 government, civic and business leaders from throughout Christian County.

The Shelby County 4-H Fair is underway this week in Shelbyville, giving youth in the county a chance to display their animals and exhibits and a chance to show their talents to the county once again.

One local girl claimed first place Monday afternoon for her pet goat, and for first year competitor Hayley Virden of Assumption, she says a lot of the credit goes to her pet ‘Weather Man.’

[audio:hvird719a.mp3]Listen to Virden's comments here.[/audio]

Regional Radio will be broadcasting from the Shelby County 4-H Fair Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. through Wednesday.

The Christian County Fair is set to return to the fairgrounds in Taylorville in less than two weeks, and as Christian County Fair Board president Craig Paulek explains, those in the who have been, and are currently in, the military will be honored just before the Christian County Queen Pageant Tuesday, July 12th.

[audio:cpaulek630a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville will be hosting a family fun event at Dam West Beach on July 23, 2011 from noon until 4 p.m. This event is the Aquafest Water Safety Carnival. There will be activities for all ages, so everyone is encouraged to attend this event. No day use fee will be charged to use the Dam West Beach during the event. Donations to the Lake Volunteers Association are encouraged to help support special events at Lake Shelbyville like the Aquafest Water Safety Carnival.

Individuals are also encouraged to donate a life jacket that is in good used or new condition to the Lake Shelbyville Life Jacket Loaner Program and by doing so you will receive three one day beach day use passes that can be used at any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed beach at Lake Shelbyville. Individuals may also bring their life jacket to the event, so that it can be inspected for proper fit and condition.

Throughout the event participants attending the different activities will receive tickets that will be redeemable for a ride on the water slide, and a chance to win a life jacket.

For more information about this event contact the Lake Shelbyville Interpretive Services & Outreach Department at 217-774-3951 ext. 2.

The Christian County Emergency Management Agency is searching for a small team of individuals, approximately ten people, to assist in collecting damage assessment immediately following a disaster.

There are currently no perquisites for this position, nor does anyone interested have to be affiliated with a response agency. Training for this task will last approximately two hours at a location to be named later.

Mike Crews of the Christian County Emergency Management Agency says this will help with response time following natural disasters.

[audio:mcrews630a.mp3]Listen to Crews' comments here.[/audio]

The team will be called into action following a significant disaster in Christian County, adhering to an organized response enhancing the safety of all members.

If you are interested in joining the Christian County Damage Assessment Team, please call Taylorville Fire Department assistant fire chief Mike Crews at 820-0912.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office reports the re-arrest of 25 year-old Roy Ginger of Taylorville on charges of aggravated child pornography.

This arrest is in connection with an ongoing investigation which resulted from an incident on Tuesday July 12, 2011 at the Christian County Fairgrounds. At that time Ginger was arrested and booked on battery and child pornography related charges and was released after posting bond.

During the subsequent investigation evidence was obtained that resulted in the re-arrest of Ginger on July 18th, 2011. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further information has been made available at this time.

This matter is currently being handled by investigators from the Christian County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Illinois Attorney General's Investigations Division, High Tech Crimes Bureau and in conjunction with the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp explains that thanks to a tip from several witnesses, Ginger was apprehended by authorities.

[audio:bket720a.mp3]Listen to Kettelkamp's comments here.[/audio]

Kettelkamp adds that Ginger was in no way associated with the carnival and that it was a safe place to visit and have fun.

[audio:bket720b.mp3]Listen to Kettelkamp's comments here.[/audio]

Under Illinois statute Aggravated Child Pornography is a Class 2 Felony that carries a minimum fine of $1,000.00 up to a maximum of $100,000.00.

Anyone with information pertaining to this, or any other crime, is requested to contact the Christian County Sheriff’s Office (824-4961), their local law enforcement agency or Christian County Crime Stoppers at (1-800-568-TIPS) or (824-9100).

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce will once again be holding a Business After Hours next month.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Fred Ronnow explains that the chamber will be holding the event at Angelo’s on Thursday, July 21st, but the hosting company will be KMRM.

[audio:fronnow630a.mp3]Listen to Ronnow's comments here.[/audio]

For more information about attending the Business After Hours event contact the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce by calling 217 – 824 – 4919.

Older adults are invited to participate in free health screenings this Friday, July 22, at “Passport to Wellness,” a wellness fair to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason in Springfield.

Eighteen individual screenings will be available focusing on wellness promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention. Participants will be eligible to win door prizes after completing 10 or more screenings.

The event is sponsored by the Lincoln Land Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program, Senior Services of Central Illinois, and Active Senior Options, Inc. of Champaign.

LLCC OTA students are coordinating the event and will assist with screenings.

No pre-registration is required. More information is available by calling Ruth Bixby, director of the LLCC OTA program, at 786.2872, or Senior Services of Central Illinois at 528.4035.

Aramis Ramirez had a pinch-hit, walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Cubs a 2-1 win over the Giants on Wednesday night in the Windy City. Blake DeWitt got the Northsiders on the board with a run-scoring single in the seventh. Ryan Dempster tossed eight-plus innings of one-run, three-hit ball with six strikeouts in a no-decision. Carlos Marmol blew the save, but was credited with the win. Chicago snapped a two-game slide in the third installment of a four-game set at the Friendly Confines. Carlos Zambrano is on the bump against Matt Cain in this afternoon's series finale.

A Taylorville man was arrested for battery Saturday night according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

26 year-old Shane D. Farris of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for domestic battery on Saturday, July 16th.

A.J. Pierzynski's sac-fly RBI in the top of the ninth was the difference as the White Sox nipped the Rockies, 3-2, on Wednesday night at Coors Field. Pierzynski also doubled in a run during a two-run fourth for Chicago, which stopped a two-game skid with the win. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] lasted seven innings in a no-decision. Brian Bruney picked up his first win. Sergio Santos tossed a perfect ninth to notch his 16th save. Jason Giambi and Ty Wigginton hit solo homers for Colorado, which was a 3-2 winner in the opener of the three-game set on Tuesday. Ubaldo Jimenez also went seven innings in a no-decision. Huston Street was saddled with his second loss. Jake Peavy will toe the rubber opposite Aaron Cook in this afternoon's series finale.

Michael Martinez' two-run double in the top of the ninth led the Phillies to a 4-2 win over the Cubs on Tuesday evening at Wrigley Field. Chase Utley added an RBI double for Philadelphia, which has alternated wins and losses in all five of their games since the All-Star break. Michael Stutes was credited with the win and Antonio Bastardo fanned the side in the ninth to register his seventh save of the season. Starlin Castro's two-run homer in the first frame accounted for Chicago's only runs of the game. Sean Marshall was tagged with the loss. The Northsiders have dropped three of their last four contests. Ryan Dempster will toe the rubber opposite Vance Worley in this afternoon's series finale.

The Chicago Bulls have exercised the fourth-year option of forward Taj Gibson's contract. Gibson has played in 162 games over two years with the Bulls, averaging eight points and 6.6 rebounds per game. The 26th overall pick in the 2009 draft, Gibson has shot .485 from the field and .659 from the free throw line over his career.

A Taylorville man was arrested for a warrant on battery Saturday night according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

48 year-old John S. Rodden of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for an original arrest warrant for battery on Saturday, July 16th.

Chris Carpenter went the distance as the Cardinals cruised past the Orioles 5-1. Carpenter allowed a run and seven hits while striking out five and walking one to improve to 3-and-7. Colby Rasmus belted a two-run homer for St. Louis, which will go for a sweep in the three-game set on Thursday. Skip Schumaker knocked in a run and scored twice in the victory. Nick Markakis doubled in a run in the third for Baltimore. Chris Jakubauskas allowed all five runs in five innings to fall to 2-and-1. The three-game series concludes tonight as Jake Westbrook opposes Brian Matusz [[ MATT-is ]].

A Taylorville man was arrested in Edinburg for warrants Friday according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

39 year-old Aaron W. Wemple of Taylorville was arrested by the Edinburg Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for resisting a peace officer and operating an uninsured vehicle on Friday, July 15th.

The Cardinals have parted ways with pitcher Ryan Franklin. The 38-year-old right-hander struggled much of the season, getting demoted from the closer's role. He was just 1-and-4 with one save and a gaudy 8.46 ERA. Franklin blew four saves in 21 appearances and surrendered nine home runs. Last year, he was 6-and-2 with a 3.46 ERA and saved 27-of-29 opportunities.

A Kincaid man was arrested for a warrant on soliciting a child Friday night according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

32 year-old Nicholas F. Marcogliese of Kincaid was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for indecent solicitation of a child on Friday, July 15th.

With the 4th of July weekend set to go, city officials in Taylorville are happy to announce that after having higher than normal e-coli counts in Lake Taylorville, tests revealed Friday that the beach will be safe for swimming this 4^th of July weekend.

The beach had been closed for several days due to tests for e-coli being higher than normal in the lake water because of floodwaters according to Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton.

Brotherton says that a second of round tests shows that water will be safe for everyone to enjoy this weekend.

[audio:gregb71a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For boaters on the lake this weekend, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will have increased lake patrol for safety precautions.

The Pana Police Department is investigating criminal damage that occurred in 900-block of East Second Street last week.

According to the complainant, Donald G. Bland of Pana, an unknown person or persons had used a sharp object to puncture two tires on his 1995 Dodge pickup truck park at 913 East Second Street. The total amount of damage was over 200-dollars according to authorities.

The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between 11:30 p.m. Friday, July 15th, and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 16th. There are currently no suspects in this case at this time. This case remains under the investigation of the Pana Police Department.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors met for their quarterly luncheon meeting Tuesday at the First National Bank of Pana board room, to review current efforts towards attracting and retaining jobs in Christian County.

Among those in attendance was Lake Land College president Scott Lensik, who told Regional Radio News that the college's participation in economic development in Christian County is important.

[audio:slensink71a.mp3]Listen to Lensink's comments here.[/audio]

Lensik was accompanied to Tuesday's Christian County Economic Development Corporation meeting, by the college's Director of Development Pam Chrisman.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 49 year-old Mary Scott of Taylorville for possession of cannabis and possession of methamphetamine.

On Sunday, July 17th, Christian County Sheriff’s deputy Gary Rexroad observed a vehicle traveling south bound on Route 29 at a high rate of speed. Deputy Rexroad stopped the vehicle and it was determined that Scott was driving with a suspended license. She was issued three citations for driving with a suspended license, speeding, and operating an uninsured vehicle. It was also ascertained that she had an active warrant out of Fayette County.

At the time of her arrest it was further determined that Scott was in possession of cannabis and methamphetamine. She was removed to the Christian County Correctional Center and booked on these charges.

Anyone with information pertaining to this, or any other crime, is requested to contact the Christian County Sheriff’s Office (824-4961), their local law enforcement agency or Christian County Crime Stoppers at (1-800-568-TIPS) or (824-9100).

Landmark Taylorville continues their huge “Barn Sale” at the Christian County fairgrounds this week. Landmark Taylorville has moved their entire inventory to the fairgrounds and is offering great deals on new and pre-owned cars, trucks, vans, SUV’s and crossovers. Bill Lynch of Landmark told Regional Radio News they are offering financing on vehicles with as little as one dollar down. Regional Radio was on hand to promote the event Thursday evening with a live broadcast on Solid Gold 989.3 WRAN.

Matt Treanor had a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth and Melky Cabrera added a solo homer in the seventh as the Royals doubled up the White Sox, 4-2, on Tuesday evening at Kauffman Stadium. Danny Duffy struck out six through seven innings of two-run ball to pick up his second win of the season and Joakim Soria worked a one-hit ninth to notch his 17th save. The Royals snapped a three-game skid. Carlos Quentin and Alex Rios each plated a run for Chicago. Jake Peavy gave up three runs through six innings of duty to absorb the loss for the White Sox. John Danks gets the nod against Bruce Chen in tonight's series finale.

The 4-H Food Show was held on Monday, June 27, 2011 at University of Illinois Extension Christian County Extension office. Over forty youth exhibited food projects for the judges. Hannah Cornell and Megan Peterson gave food demonstrations that were quite informative and amusing. The results from the show are grouped by project area and are listed in the following sequence: child’s name, 4-H Club, city of residence and awards. The award of Best of Show winners given to those 4-Hers who are under ten years of age and not eligible to continue onto the State Fair with a State Fair quality project.

Each exhibitor received individualized conference judging on their food projects, allowing for a learning experience. This show was a success due to the generosity of the volunteers who judged. Thank you to all of the volunteers that help throughout the 4H year.

Claire Lupton was selected as outstanding Wilton cake decorator, and will be receiving a yearbook from Wilton Industries.

The number of youth allowed to exhibit at the State Fair is limited; therefore, it is a true honor to be selected at the county level to continue to the state level. Projects will be conference judged on Christian County’s designated day at the Illinois State Fair, Monday, August 15, 2011.

Reminder this is just the beginning of our 4-H Fair season .The Clothing Show will be held on Tuesday July 5, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension Office at 1120 North Webster, Taylorville IL.

The 4-H and FFA Horse show will kick off the activities at the fairgrounds on Sunday, July 10, at 9:00 a.m. Monday will bring all of the 4-H “general” projects to the Expo building for project evaluation. Poultry, rabbits, cats, and dogs will be exhibited on Monday. Tuesday is reserved for FFA exhibiting. Wednesday kicks off our production livestock shows at 8:00 a.m. Swine Show will be followed by the Sheep and then the Goat Show. Thursday morning is just an all-around busy day. Starting at 8:30 a.m. beef cattle will be judged. The Christian County Ag Appreciation luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. All projects need to be removed from the Expo building by 5:00 p.m. and the 4-H Auction at 6:30 p.m. concludes the 4-H activities during the fair.

For more information about joining 4-H, please contact the University of Illinois Extension office, 1120 North Webster Street, Taylorville IL, or call 287-7246.

Former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon is recovering after he and his girlfriend were injured in a car accident on Monday night in Reno. McMahon and Lori Navon of Scottsdale, Arizona were riding in a limousine when they crashed through a fence south of Reno. Nevada Highway Patrol officials say the limo went through the fence, over a culvert and into a pasture. The limo was headed to Reno-Tahoe International Airport at the time of the accident. McMahon, Navon and the driver all have non-life threatening injuries. Authorities say alcohol was not involved in the accident. McMahon spent 15 years in the NFL and played for seven different teams, most notably the Chicago Bears with whom he won a Super Bowl title in 1985.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources harvested 104,593 walleye, averaging 2.01 inches, from the Fin and Feathers Nursery Pond located near Sullivan, IL. Harvested fish were immediately stocked at a number of different locations in Lake Shelbyville on June 9, 2011.

Walleye fishing this year at Lake Shelbyville has been excellent. This can be contributed to the increased number of stocked walleye and natural recruitment of walleye from the Spring of 2009. Come and enjoy fishing at Lake Shelbyville! While fishing always remember to play it safe and wear your life jacket so you can return home to those who love you.

For more information concerning the walleye harvest and stocking you can contact Park Ranger Jeremy Logan at (217) 774-3951ext. 4 or Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Biologist Mike Mounce at (217) 345-2420.

Daniel Murphy and Angel Pagan each had two-run doubles to back seven strong innings from Dillon Gee as the Mets doubled up the Cardinals, 4-2. Gee, who carried a no-hitter into the fifth frame, allowed both runs on three hits with a pair of strikeouts to improve to 9-and-3 on the season. Jason Isringhausen worked a 1-2-3 ninth to nail down his first save for the Mets, who snapped a two-game slide. Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] had an RBI single and Lance Berkman added a solo home run to account for St. Louis' only runs of the game. On the mound, Lohse gave up all four runs through five-and-two-thirds frames to absorb the loss. The Cards have dropped three-of-four. Kyle McClellan will toe the rubber opposite R.A. Dickey in tonight's second installment.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) encourages additional blood donors leading up to Independence Day. Donations will help ensure the Blood Center’s ability to continue providing an adequate supply after the holiday weekend. Walk-ins are welcome, or to schedule an appointment, call CICBC at (217) 753-1530.

To encourage blood donations leading up to the Independence Day holiday, CICBC is offering the following to all presenting donors at the Springfield Donor Center (1134 S. Seventh St., Springfield):

Friday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 5 – Color-Changing Beverage Cups will be given to all presenting donors at the Donor Center, as well as mobile blood drives.

Following the completion of last week’s Christian County Fair, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton gave a special congratulation to the newly crowned Christian County Fair Queen Bethany Brown at Monday night’s Taylorville City Council meeting.

[audio:gregb720a.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

Brotherton says that the fair continues to be a great event for the county and city of Taylorville each year.

When the Christian County Fair kicks off Tuesday, July12th, it will also mean the end of Alicia Schneider’s campaign as the Christian County Fair Queen.

The pageant is set to kick off that night and as Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains the group was honored to have a Schneider as the queen for the past twelve months.

[audio:cpaulek71a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.
 

Winning at any competition is exciting for any child, but at this week’s Shelby County 4-H Fair, it’s not just the kids who are proud, as parents get a chance to see their children’s hard work pay off.

Mike Virden of Assumption says that watching his daughter place first in competition Monday was a real treat and that seeing her hard work pay off was what the whole process was all about.

[audio:mvird720a.mp3]Listen to Virden's comments here.[/audio]

For sights and sounds of the Shelby County 4-H Fair visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford is grateful to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) for allowing him to display the first Illinois treasurer’s money storage box and pan scales at the Vandalia Statehouse. Earlier this year, one of Rutherford’s staffers conducted research that helped IHPA identify this box and place it with the pan scales. Prior to that, the past history of this box in the Springfield Old State Capitol’s treasurer’s office was unknown. “Even though it is believed this particular money storage box and pan scales were only used at the first Illinois Capitol in Kaskaskia, I think it’s important to showcase it in Vandalia-- the home to the second, third and fourth Illinois State Capitol,” said Rutherford. “It’s amazing to see how far the state’s money storage has advanced through the years.”

According to the1947-1948 Illinois Blue Book, “In 1818 this cherry box was the safety vault for the deposit of all cash, bonds and securities of the State of Illinois. This storage box contained a pair of pan scales for weighing gold dust, as well as a lever scale for weighing gold coins of the period, so that the Treasurer could be sure that clever frontiersmen had not shaved gold off the unmilled edges with their hunting knives.” Research indicates that only two Illinois treasurers used this money storage box and pan scales at the Kaskaskia Capitol. The first Illinois Treasurer was John Thomas (D-St. Clair County), appointed to office by the Illinois General Assembly on October 9, 1818. Thomas had previously served as Treasurer of the Illinois Territorial Government. Treasurer Thomas died in July 1819 and R.K. McLaughlin (D-Fayette County) was appointed as his replacement in August 1819. The State Capitol was relocated to Vandalia in 1820.

Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Curator Linda Norbut Suits does not believe the cherry wood money storage box and pan scales were used at any of the Vandalia Statehouses. IHPA officials believe a tin strong box was used in the treasurer’s office in and around the Vandalia Statehouses. Historians do believe, however, that the cherry wood box and tin strong box were used similarly. The treasurer’s office used these storage boxes to hold money and fines collected by people who owed money to the state. “We believe the treasurer’s office would use the box to store money and papers the treasurer wanted to lock up,” said Suits. “Then the treasurer’s office would then take that money to the designated state bank where the money, bonds and securities were safely held.”

The original treasurer’s money storage box and pan scales are now permanently on display at the Old State Capitol in Springfield. The set is on display at the Vandalia Statehouse for one day, July 20, 2011, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Strasburg Community Action Network is creating a 2012 Strasburg calendar titled "Our Veterans" and photos and information are needed. Now through Aug.. 31, SCAN will be accepting submissions of photos for consideration for the 2012 calendar.

Pictures of veterans with ties to Strasburg, who have served our country-past or present will be considered. There is a $5 fee for each photo submitted. Submissions will also be accepted for birthdays and anniversaries to be placed on the calendar for just $1.

Submit veteran photos by emailing a high resolution jpeg file to gnomenews@strasburgil.com or contact the Village Office at 217-644-3007.

The calendar submission forms are also available in Strasburg at the Shelby County State Bank, Strasburg Short Stop and are downloadable on www.strasburgil.com. Calendars will be available for purchase in November or they may be pre-ordered with the calendar submission form. Two dollars from every calendar sold will be donated to the American Legion Post 289.

This week Christian County CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a series of vandalisms that occurred in Taylorville.

During the early morning hours of Wednesday July 13, 2011 several residences and vehicles in the area of Heights and Virginia Avenue had been vandalized. Person or persons unknown threw eggs and several other items onto residences located at 504 Virginia Ave. and 602 Heights Ave. The unknown subject or subjects also used the same items on vehicles in the 600 block of Heights and the 400 block of Virginia Ave. The total amount of damages is unknown at this time.

Please call Christian County CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.

You can contact CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, at the website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274637) keyword CCCS and then your tip. As always you will remain anonymous.

Jimmy Rollins homered from both sides of the plate for the second time in his career as the Phillies flogged the Cubs, 9-1, on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Rollins finished 3-for-5 with three RBI and four runs scored as Philadelphia took the rubber match of a three-game set at Wrigley Field. Chase Utley doubled twice and drove in two for the Phils, who posted their major league-leading 61st win. Vance Worley fanned seven over eight innings of one-run ball to move to 6-and-1. Ryan Dempster gave up six runs in three frames to take the loss. Geovany Soto drove in the lone run for Chicago with a groundout. The Northsiders are off today. They kick off a three-game series against the Houston Astros starting tomorrow afternoon at the Friendly Confines. Carlos Zambrano will be on the bump opposite Bud Norris in the opener.

Another professional sports league is in a lockout. The NBA has joined the NFL in a work stoppage after players and owners failed to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement Thursday. The CBA expired at midnight Eastern. The lockout is the NBA's first since the 1998-99 season was shortened to 50 games because of labor strife. Among the issues are disagreements over the salary cap, revenue sharing and guaranteed contracts. The NFL has been in a lockout since its CBA expired in March.

Alex Gordon scored on Sergio Santos' wild pitch in the bottom of the 11th as the Royals dropped the White Sox, 2-1, on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium. Gordon also scored the other run for KC, which won its second straight game. Aaron Crow got the win out of the bullpen. Carlos Quentin blasted a solo shot for Chicago's lone run. Chris Sale took the loss in relief. The ChiSox have lost three-of-four overall. The Southsiders are off today. They wrap up a nine-game road swing with a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians starting tomorrow night at Progressive Field.

Geovany Soto delivered a pinch-hit, three-run homer to cap a four-run bottom of the 13th as the Cubs rallied to beat the Giants, 5-2. Darwin Barney's RBI single tied the game at two for Chicago, which earned a split of the four-game series at Wrigley Field. Aramis Ramirez hit a solo homer in the ninth to tie the game at one and force extra innings for the Cubs. John Grabow gave up a solo homer to Pablo Sandoval in the top of the 13th, but got credit for the win. Ramon Ramirez took the loss. Brian Wilson blew the save in the ninth for the Giants after Matt Cain pitched seven shutout frames. Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano left in the second with back spasms.

Today could be the day the NFL finally has a new collective bargaining agreement in place. Lead players negotiator Jeff Pash says he expects both players and owners to have a final deal to vote on today. An expected player vote yesterday was delayed with some parts of the CBA still unresolved. League owners are gathered in Atlanta this morning and are expected to ratify the deal once the players have signed off. They will still meet even if the players haven't voted by then. ESPN reports additional items of the CBA that have been agreed upon include an enhanced injury protection benefit, players allowed to remain in the league-sponsored medical plan for life, and an annual increase in the league minimum player salary.

Juan Pierre's two-run single in the top of the 10th inning lifted the White Sox to a 6-4 win over the Rockies. Pierre's sac-fly in the eighth tied the game at four for Chicago, which overcame a 4-1 deficit to win the rubber match of the three-game set at Coors Field. Gordon Beckham went 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI for the Sox. Jesse Crain got the win and Sergio Santos his 17th save. Clayton Mortensen took the loss. Troy Tulowitzki hit a three-run homer for the Rockies.

Angel Pagan clubbed a walk-off, solo home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Mets a 6-5 win over the Cardinals. Jason Isringhausen worked the final two innings to register the win. Matt Holliday finished 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored for St. Louis. Fernando Salas was tagged with the loss for the Cards, who have dropped four-of-five since the All-Star break. The teams wrap up the three-game set this afternoon as Jake Westbrook opposes Jon Niese.

The White Sox and Cubs will renew their rivalry in the opener of a three-game series at Wrigley Field this afternoon. The Pale Hose head to the Northside after taking two-of-three from the Cubbies at The Cell last week. Edwin Jackson will get the start on the mound for the Sox. The Cubs will counter with Randy Wells. First-pitch is at 1:20 p.m.

Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] came in as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning last night. He went 0-for-2 with a strikeout. Lance Berkman started at first base and batted cleanup before switching to right field after Pujols entered the game. Left fielder Matt Holliday hit third, with third baseman David Freese batting fifth. Daniel Descalso started at shortstop. Ryan Theriot [[ TARE-ee-oh ]] was suspended two games for bumping an umpire on Sunday.

Lance Berkman homered twice and knocked in three as the Cardinals outslugged the Orioles 9-6. John Jay clubbed a three-run homer to help the Cards complete a three-game sweep. Jaime [[ HIGH-me ]] Garcia allowed five runs and 10 hits over five-and-a-third innings, but still improved to 7-and-3 with the win. Fernando Salas notched his 13th save. Nolan Reimold smacked a three-run homer and finished with four RBI for Baltimore. Mark Reynolds launched a two-run shot in defeat. Brian Matusz [[ MAT-is ]] was shelled for eight runs and nine hits over three-and-a-third innings to fall to 1-and-4.

Three members of the Taylorville High School Environthon Team, and their advisor Mary Dawson, were Tuesday’s guest speakers at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Dawson was escorted by THS students Sky Fisher, Louis Cella, and Zibin Zhang. Mrs. Dawson gave an overview of the five member team and how it competes statewide with over 200 other teams for the right to compete in the combined United States-Canadian competition held each year.

[audio:mdaws721a.mp3]Listen to Dawson's comments here.[/audio]

The teams gain insight into natural systems of the world, doing hands-on solutions of environmental problems. There are five members of each team which combines classroom learning with hands-on field experiences. Each of the five team members rotate through five outdoor testing stations during the competition. This year’s U-S and Canada competition is being held later this month in New Brunswick, Canada, and for the 4th time in several years, the THS team will be competing.

[audio:mdaws721b.mp3]Listen to Dawson's comments here.[/audio]

Sky, Louis, and Zibin each talked about one of the five different areas students are tested as part of the overall competition. Top team members each win monetary awards from the Canon Corporation, which is the national sponsor.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings of the Kiwanis Club are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office is investigating a theft that occurred in Pana this week.

According to the complainant, Leland H. Matthews and unknown person or persons was on his property and removed a homemade log-splitter without his permission. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between Thursday, June 16th, and Tuesday, June 28th, in the 700-block of North Poplar in Pana.

This case remains under the investigation of the Christian County Sheriff's Office. There are currently no suspects at this time.

Hard work comes full circle this week for the Shelby County 4-H Fair this week as kids continue to show off their animals and exhibits in Shelbyville.

One local competitor, recent Shelbyville graduate Isaac Uphoff, says that this is a chance for boys and girls to come out and put their work on display for the whole county to see.

[audio:iuphoff721a.mp3]Listen to Uphoff's comments here.[/audio]

Uphoff adds that says that getting involved with the animals isn’t easy, and that there’s a lot of work done each day.

[audio:iuphoff721b.mp3]Listen to Uphoff's comments here.[/audio]

See sights and sounds, as well as results, of this year’s 2011 Shelby County 4-H Fair by visiting TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

Friday July 1, 2011 - Pana Friday Farmers Market 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Kitchell Park. (Chautauqua Pavilion)

Friday July 1, 2011 – “Open Mike” Night 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Kitchell Park (Chautauqua Pavilion) , Sign up begins at 6:30 PM, Each act will get 10 minutes to perform, Acoustic musicians only, No Air Bands, or Lip Singing. Contact Dave or Tracy Kennedy 217 562-3959.

Saturday July 2, 2011 – Decatur Park Singers 6:30 Kitchell Park

Saturday July 2, 2011 – Pana Lions Club Pork Chop Dinner 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 P.M. Kitchell Park (Chautauqua Pavilion)

Sunday July 3, 2011 – Little Miss & Mr. Firecracker Contest 4:00 p.m. Kitchell Park (Chautauqua Pavilion)

Monday July 4, 2011 – WJLY/WTRH Radio Hometown "Fourth of July" Free Patriotic and Inspirational Concert with Grand Ole Opry Fiddler Bill Murk. 5:30 p.m. Kitchell Park (Chautauqua Pavilion)

Monday, July 4, 2011 - Fire Works at the Fairgrounds – Dusk

With a prolonged heat wave ripping through much of the Midwest this week, medical officials are reminding the public to stay safe and take necessary precautions during the hottest week of this year.

Pana Community Hospital marketing coordinator Melissa Rybolt says that people without air conditioning of some sort or who are working outside are most at risk during the hot conditions this week.

[audio:mryb721a.mp3]Listen to Rybolt's comments here.[/audio]

Rybolt explains that drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, are important when trying to stay safe and hydrated during the excessively hot temperatures.

[audio:mryb721b.mp3]Listen to Rybolt's comments here.[/audio]

As a reminder, for those in need of air conditioning, the Christian County Senior Center will serve as a cooling center once again this summer.

As of Sunday, June 26, 2011 the Lake Shelbyville lake level is 607.44 feet above sea level, which is 7.74 feet above normal summer pool. The discharge rate is set at 1,800 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is 13,500 gallons per second going into the Kaskaskia River. Inflow into Lake Shelbyville is 1,150 cfs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be providing programs for everyone to come out and enjoy during the weekend of July 2 & 3, 2011. All of the programs and activities listed are open and free to the public.

Saturday, July 2

Dog-O-Rama Dog Show at Coon Creek Amphitheater

Registration starts at 6:00 p.m. Show Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Prizes and certificates awarded to: Best Trick, Best Dressed, Smallest Dog, Biggest Dog, and Most Precious Puppy

3:00 p.m. Tour of the Dam – Starts at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center

7:00 p.m. Tour of the Dam – Starts at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center

8:30 p.m. Movie: Over The Hedge at the Visitor Center

Sunday, July 3:

9:00 a.m. Bo Wood Amphitheater: Non-Denominational Church Services

11:00a.m. Coon Creek Amphitheater: Non-Denominational Church Services

1:00 p.m. Tour of the Dam- Starts at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center

4:00 p.m. Dam West Beach- Beach Games

A Pana male was arrested this week for a Coles County warrant according to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

According to the Christian County Sheriff's Office, the Christian County Probation Office called to report that they had a male subject, Brian P. Clutter, with a warrant out for his arrest. Clutter was wanted on a Coles County warrant for failure to appear in court on a domestic battery charge.

Clutter was taken into custody and was transported to the Christian County Sheriff's Office. Clutter's warrant had no bond.

Thomas W. Clarke of Taylorville was cited for improper use of registration.

Donald W. Nance, Jr. of Bulpitt was cited for with a revoked license.

Erik S. Skundberg of Taylorville was cited for failing to yield a stop intersection.

Christine M. Ransdell of Taylorville was cited for improper backing.

David W. Moore, Jr. of Pana was cited for driving with a suspended license.

Victor M. Alsonso-Velasco of Taylorville was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol.

Brent P. Scroggins of Pana was cited for failing to yield at a stop intersection.

James B. Harlow of Pana was cited for driving with a suspended license.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office is investigating a theft over 300-dollars that occurred sometime between Wednesday, June 22nd, and Wednesday, June 29th, in the Mt. Auburn Township.

According to the complainant, Michael S. Hamrick of Mechanicsburg, an unknown person or persons had removed property from a pole barn located in rural Mechanicsburg. The subjects took an engine, two car transmissions, leaf springs, and several pieces of metal and iron.

The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 22nd, and the morning hours of Wednesday, June 29th.

There are currently no suspects in this case at this time. This case remains under the investigation of the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office was called to the scene of a one vehicle accident at the corner of Ridge and Elm Street in Taylorville early Wednesday morning.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Johnny L. Katcher of Taylorville was located in the ditch without the driver at the scene by responding officers. Deputies observed that the car's hood and tires were still warm.

The driver arrived with Taylorville Police Department officers, and told deputies that he was driving the vehicle and texting when he crashed into the ditch. Katcher told deputies he was not injured in the accident, but did complain of a minor headache from hitting his head on the driver's side window.

Katcher reported to deputies that he has called his father to come and pick him up after the accident and that he had left with him. Deputies asked Katcher, his father, and Katcher's girlfriend if he had been consumed any alcohol after the accident with all parties answering no.

Katcher was later arrested for leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence of alcohol after deputies located an almost empty bottle of Crown Royal on the driver's side floorboard.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White Announced that all offices and facilities that are normally open, including Shelbyville and Taylorville, Monday through Friday will be closed Monday, July 4th.

Driver service facilities that are normally open Tuesday through Saturday will be closed on Saturday, July 2nd.

All driver service facilities will be open for regular business on Tuesday, July 5th.

Reports are circulating throughout Taylorville and the surrounding Christian County areas that the historical movie theatre in Taylorville will be closing at the end of the month.

A for sale sign from a local realtor, Curvey Real Estate, has been seen in front of the building which is located on the north side of the historical Taylorville square.

Several attempts by Regional Radio News to confirm the closing of the theatre have been unsuccessful as the AMC Corporate Office has yet to return calls.

The city of Taylorville has had a movie theatre since the early 1920’s.

Regional Radio News will continue to provide updates about the possible closing of the theatre as they are made available.

Members of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, along with members of the city of Taylorville joined The Wooden Flower owner Twyla Helms and her staff for the ceremonial ribbon cutting Thursday morning in Taylorville.

Pana Community Hospital Foundation is planning its’ 18th Annual Golf Fundraiser. The date for the golf outing will be Saturday, August 20th and will be held at the Pana Country Club. The Foundation office is currently seeking teams and sponsors for the tournament.

The outing is an 18-hole scramble with a morning tee time of 8:00 am and an afternoon tee time of 1:00 pm. Teams can be men, women or mixed. The cost is $75 per player and includes golf, a meal (lunch for morning teams and dinner for the afternoon teams), and prizes. Teams can sign up by contacting Deb Stalets, Foundation Director at Pana Community Hospital.

Businesses and individuals can also get involved by sponsoring the tournament at many different levels including sponsoring a team, sponsoring one of the holes or by donating items to be given away as prizes.

The Pana Community Hospital Foundation Golf Outing is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Foundation. Proceeds from the fundraiser support the Pana Community Hospital.

The Pana Police Department is investigating criminal damage that occurred in the 100-block of South Chestnut.

According to the complainant, Janet E. Arnold of Pana, and unknown person or persons had damaged the left front tire on her 2003 Dodge Dakota sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 23rd and 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24th.

There are currently no suspects in this case at this time. This case remains under investigation of the Pana Police Department.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a silent auction for 33 impounded deer stands and 11 sets of climbing sticks on Saturday, July 30 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at the special events lot, across the street from Lake Shelbyville’s new Project Office adjacent to the Government vehicle compound. Of these, 28 are commercial models in good condition and include ladder stands, lock-on’s, and climbing stands. During the past two years, 204 tree stands have been impounded on Lake Shelbyville for abandonment of personal property or failure to comply with posted restrictions.

The remaining stands were either home-made or in poor condition and were destroyed due to safety concerns. Proceeds from the auction will help fund the 3rd Annual Youth Deer Hunt held in October and the 22nd Annual Disabled Deer Hunt held in November. Anyone wishing to bid on any of the stands will be able to view all stands at the above date, time, and location.

Bidders will fill out a bid sheet with their contact information, the stand number(s) they are bidding on, the bid amounts, and a mandatory liability form holding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and any of its partners harmless in the event of a tree stand accident. Sealed bids will be opened Monday morning (August 1) and the high bidder(s) awarded the stand(s). For additional information on the silent auction or Lake Shelbyville’s Tree Stand Policy please contact Park Ranger Brock Key at (217)-774-3951.

The Pana Police Department was called to the scene of a domestic dispute in the 700-block of East Lincoln Tuesday night.

According to the incident report, Katie N. McKenna was taken into custody for criminal damage and disorderly conduct following her involvement in an incident Tuesday night. McKenna was processed and released with a notice to appear in court.

A group of men were also questioned following an incident at 700 East Lincoln Tuesday night according to the Pana Police Department. The Pana Police Department has requested to investigate an alleged incident of intimidation of a state witness which occurred Tuesday night.

28 year-old Ryan Nance, 25 year-old Casey D. Denton, and Brock A. Drockton are all being questioned about their involvement.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office was called to the scene of a one vehicle accident at the corner of Ridge and Elm Street in Taylorville early Wednesday morning.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Johnny L. Katcher of Taylorville was located in the ditch without the driver at the scene by responding officers. Deputies observed that the car's hood and tires were still warm.

The driver arrived with Taylorville Police Department officers, and told deputies that he was driving the vehicle and texting when he crashed into the ditch. Katcher told deputies he was not injured in the accident, but did complain of a minor headache from hitting his head on the driver's side window.

Katcher reported to deputies that he has called his father to come and pick him up after the accident and that he had left with him. Deputies asked Katcher, his father, and Katcher's girlfriend if he had been consumed any alcohol after the accident with all parties answering no.

Katcher was later arrested for leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence of alcohol after deputies located an almost empty bottle of Crown Royal on the driver's side floorboard.

The Lake Land College Office of Community and Professional Programs will offer a community learning course titled Creating a Digital Memory Book, section CE-ARTS168-21975 which will meet Tuesday, July 12 from 6 - 7:15 p.m.

Learn how to import digital photos, drop them into templates and add journaling in this demonstration class. Discover how to get a digital book printed into a hardbound photobook or how to print them on a home computer. The cost of this course is $10.

Paper Scrapbooking Album, section CE-ARTS145-21974, will also be offered. This class will meet Tuesday, July 19 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. In this class, students will create an album to keep or to give as a gift. Each 6.5 x 6.5 inch paper album kit includes six white pages, 14 double-sided designer-print papers, 12 double-sided photo mat papers, epoxy and title stickers, die-cut designs and a mailing envelope. Each person needs to bring 12 photos they want to include in the album. The cost of this course is $27.50.

Scrapbooking for the Beginner will be offered several times. Section CE-ARTS133-21959 will meet Tuesday, July 12 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. Section CE-ARTS133-21958 will meet Wednesday, June 29 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Section CE-ARTS133-21957 will meet Tuesday, July 19 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. The cost of this class is $17.50. All of these classes will be taught by Nancy Huckaba and be held at her workshop in Mattoon.

For more information and a detailed description of the courses, contact Mary Rogers, administrative assistant to the office of community and professional programs, at 217-234-5219.

The Illinois State Police responded to a motorcycle accident that resulted in serious injuries Tuesday evening on Illinois Route 4.

According to the accident report, a motorcycle driven by Stacey A. Kellebrew of Staunton was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 4, just south of the Cahokia Creek Bridge, located north of Staunton. For an unknown reason, Kellebrew crossed the southbound lane of Illinois Route 4 and struck the guardrail on the west shoulder of Illinois Route 4. Kellebrew was ejected from her motorcycle and sustained serious injuries.

Kellebrew was transported by ambulance to Staunton Community Hospital prior to being transported by ARCH helicopter to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding organizations and individuals sponsoring fireworks displays in Illinois to be sure their fireworks vendor has the required state licenses and certificates issued by the IDNR prior to their fireworks show.

The Illinois Explosives Act requires that anyone who purchases, possesses, uses, transfers, stores or disposes of explosives, including display fireworks, must have an explosives license and explosives storage certificate issued by the IDNR. Licensing and storage requirements administered by the IDNR do not apply to consumer or personal fireworks (classified as 1.4 explosives) such as roman candles, bottle rockets or firecrackers.

“The Independence Day holiday allows us to celebrate our freedoms and our great nation – and it is also a time many of us enjoy spectacular fireworks shows. To have a safe and memorable holiday celebration, we encourage those sponsoring fireworks shows to put safety first,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “Display fireworks can be dangerous if not stored and handled properly. Only certified and licensed vendors have the authority from the state to handle these types of explosives.”

The Illinois Explosives Act is administered by the IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals Blasting and Explosives Unit. This unit is staffed by trained and experienced blasting specialists located throughout Illinois. In addition to requiring comprehensive licensing, training and examination for individuals, the law requires that unattended display fireworks and explosives must be stored in an explosives magazine, storage facility or container that is inspected and certified by IDNR.

Taylorville native Tim Calvert has recently been installed by the Fraternal Order of Eagles Illinois Worthy State President. This is the first time an Aerie member from the Taylorville Eagle’s Club 1425 has ascended to the position in its 105 years of history.

Calvert is currently the local’s secretary. He has served as an officer for many years. He served as president from 1991 until 2007.

On June 14th, Calvert was installed as the F.O.E 2011 – 2012 Illinois Worthy State President at the state convention held in Decatur. At the induction ceremony, Calvert chose his own theme and motif. He used Taylorville school colors, purple and gold, for the decorations.

This Saturday, July 23rd, the Aerie and Auxiliary Club are having a reception at 6:00 p.m. to congratulate Calvert.

The F.O.E. 1425 is located at 217 East Main Cross in Taylorville.

The Chicago Cubs wrap up a 10-game homestand with a three-game series against the Houston Astros starting this afternoon at the Friendly Confines. Carlos Zambrano is expected to be on the bump against Bud Norris in the opener. The Northsiders dropped two-of-three to the Philadelphia Phillies in their last set to fall to 39-and-60 on the season.

The Chicago White Sox are in Cleveland this evening as they kick off a three-game series against the Indians at Progressive Field. Gavin Floyd will toe the rubber opposite Carlos Carrasco in the opener. The Southsiders dropped two-of-three at Kansas City in their last set to fall to 47-and-51 on the season.

The Cardinals salvaged the finale of their three-game series with a 6-2 win over the Mets in New York. Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] clubbed a two-run homer in the first inning and Jon Jay went 2-for-4 with an RBI for St. Louis. Skip Schumaker also drove in a run. Jake Westbrook allowed just four hits and two runs over eight innings for the win. Jon Niese suffered the loss.

Four wheelers will look to fill the stands of the Christian County Fair again this year.

Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek explains that thanks to the area’s success and involvement with four wheeler racing, they’ll be bringing the event back to the fair this year.

[audio:cpaulek72a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

The Cardinals wrap up their three-city road trip in the Steel City with the first-of-three against the surprising Pirates. Chris Carpenter is slated to start the series opener opposite Pittsburgh's Paul Maholm [[ mah-HAH-lum ]]. St. Louis is 51-and-47 on the season, a game behind both the Pirates and Brewers in the NL Central.

Health awareness can be an educational, yet entertaining, night out for women in Shelbyville with the Shelbyville Memorial Hospital’s ‘Girls Night Out’ again this month.

Tad Mayhall with the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says this is a great chance for women to come out and be educated while having a fun night out as well.

[audio:tmay722a.mp3]Listen to Mayhall's comments here.[/audio]

For more information contact the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce by calling 217 – 774 – 2221.

Governor Pat Quinn today announced a package of new laws to fight crime and protect residents across Illinois. The new laws will increase public safety by stopping anyone convicted of a sex crime from working in healthcare in Illinois, protecting law enforcement officers and those who tip off police to violent crimes, preventing anyone convicted of domestic battery from owning a gun, and ensuring that anyone convicted of first degree murder registers with the state upon their release from prison.

“We must stand up strong against the violence and crime that destroys communities,” Governor Quinn said. “Whether they are at the doctor’s office or in the streets of their own neighborhood, families and citizens should feel safe and protected. These new laws will help make Illinois safer and more peaceful place to live.”

Among the 11 bills signed into law to increase public safety was House Bill 1271, which prevents anyone who is required to register as a sex offender or has been convicted of a criminal offense from receiving a health care worker license in Illinois. The new law also revokes licenses from any healthcare worker convicted of a sexual criminal act, criminal battery against a patient or any other forcible felony. Sponsored by Rep. Will Burns (D-Chicago) and Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), the new law takes effect in 30 days.

Governor Quinn also announced new laws to fight gang violence and protect first responders in the line of duty. Sponsored by Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and Rep. Constance Howard (D-Chicago), Senate Bill 1739 aims to help break the code of silence by making it an offense to intimidate a citizen who reports information about a forcible felony to a law enforcement agency. Too often, individuals do not come forward with information about crime because of fear of gang intimidation and retaliation. This new law, effective Jan. 1, will help protect citizens who come forward and encourage them to share information and cooperate with law enforcement.

Sponsored by Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago), House Bill 3390 makes the aggravated assault of a peace officer with a gun a non-probationable offense. Currently, offenders may be sentenced to only probation, periodic imprisonment or even conditional discharge. The law takes effect immediately.

The local food movement continues to take off around Illinois, and now some producers are reaching out to the community to help ensure they remain a viable option for locally grown produce. WTIM Agriculture Reporter Jared White has more.

[audio:jwhite72a.mp3]Listen to Jared White's report here.[/audio]

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM for the morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.

With the prospect of more hot weather through next week, Ameren Illinois is advising customers on how to stay safe and cool while better managing their electricity usage.

“With air conditioners running almost continuously during afternoon and evening hours to keep homes, stores and offices cool, we set two new records for peak electricity demand records this week,” said Ron Pate, Ameren Illinois vice president of Operations.

The new records are: 9,502 megawatts on July 19 and 9,605 megawatts on July 21.. The previous record was 9,386 megawatts set on Aug. 7, 2007.

Typically, residential customers use more electricity during the summer months than the rest of the year. Most of this additional electricity is used to operate air conditioners and fans.

“While we work to maintain the reliability of our delivery system, we want to make certain our customers stay safe and cool while taking steps to better control their electricity usage,” Pate said. He offered these suggestions:

Turn the air conditioner’s thermostat up. For each degree you increase the temperature, you can reduce electricity use by about 3 percent.

Regularly change or wash (depending on type) air conditioner filters.

Use ceiling fans or other types of circulating fans. Circulating air feels cooler. Many people find this allows them to set the air conditioner thermostat to a higher temperature.

Keep shades, curtains and blinds closed during the day to reduce effects of solar heating.

Replace incandescent bulbs with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).

Unlike incandescent bulbs, Energy Star qualified CFLs emit little heat and last up to 10 years.

During extremely hot weather, check on friends, neighbors and relatives who may be especially vulnerable to high temperatures, such as those who are older, have medical issues or do not have air conditioning.

Live entertainment will be coming to the Christian County Fair this year in the form of music and celebration.

The Decatur Park Singers will be one of several attractions at the fair this year explains Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek.

[audio:cpaulek74a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

A Pana man was arrested for a Montgomery County warrant this week according to the Pana Police Department.

On Monday, 24 year-old Jason S. Houseman was arrested for a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear following an arrest for resisting a peace officer or correctional employee.

Houseman was transported to the Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond Monday evening.

 Led by Colby Rasmus, the Cardinals' offense provided enough pop for starter Jake Westbrook as St. Louis dropped the Rays, 5-3.  Rasmus hit a three-run homer and drove in four as the Cards won their fourth straight.  Westbrook tossed seven scoreless innings, giving up just two hits and striking out seven, to improve to 7-and-4.  Wade Davis equaled Westbrook's seven innings of work for Tampa Bay, but surrendered two runs to suffer the loss.  Evan Longoria hit an RBI double and Matt Joyce tacked on a two-run home run in the Rays failed comeback attempt.  The loss is Tampa Bay's third in four games.  Rays manager Joe Maddon, pitcher David Price, reliever J.P. Howell and shortstop Elliot Price were all ejected in the top of the eighth inning for arguing.

A Pana man was arrested for a Montgomery County warrant this week according to the Pana Police Department.

On Monday, 24 year-old Jason S. Houseman was arrested for a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear following an arrest for resisting a peace officer or correctional employee.

Houseman was transported to the Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond Monday evening.

Juan Pierre laced a two-run triple a four-run seventh inning as the White Sox clipped the Cubs 6-4.  Alexei Ramirez belted a two-run homer in the seventh for the Sox, who have won three of the four meetings with their crosstown rivals this year.  Edwin Jackson lasted six innings to improve to 5-and-6.  Sergio Santos notched his 18th save.  Aramis Ramirez hit his 300th career homer and had two RBI for the Cubs.  Randy Wells allowed all six runs over six-and-a-third innings to fall to 1-and-3.

It's been 40 years since Randy Dalton's helicopter went down in the Vietnam War, and now his family will finally get some closure.  The Army Specialist's body will arrive at the Lambert Airport in St. Louis today then a motorcycle escort will lead him to Sunset Hill Funeral Home in Glen Carbon.  More than one thousand flags have been placed on the side of the road to honor the fallen soldier.  He will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Sunset Hill cemetery Sunday.

Despite temperatures near 100-degrees Saturday, several hundreds of people came out for the annual Fourth of July weekend parade in Rochester as part of the Sparks In The Park celebration.

Visitors were entertained by the battle of the bands contest Saturday, as well as the carnival and food vendors.

The highlight of the weekend festivities this weekend will be the fireworks display set to start at 9:30 p.m. Sunday night in Rochester.

Volunteers are still needed for this year's state fair. Those who help out will man the information booths, the Illinois State Fair Museum and the interactive agricultural exhibit called "Farmer's Little Helpers." Volunteers are asked to work a minimum of 15 hours during the ten-day fair, which starts August 12th. Applications are posted on the Illinois State Fair's website at llinoisstatefair.info.

Aramis Ramirez's two-run homer was enough for the Cubs to slip by the White Sox, 3-1, and avoid a three-game sweep.  Rodrigo Lopez allowed just two hits in seven scoreless innings to pick up his first win in a Cubs uniform.  Starlin Castro went 2-for-4 with a run batted in for the victors.  Carlos Marmol registered his 17th save of the season.  Gavin Floyd took the loss after surrendering three runs on seven hits in his seven-inning start.  Mark Teahen scored in the eighth on a wild pitch from Kerry Wood.  The ChiSox had won four straight.

St. Louis used the power of three home runs to swing past the Pirates, 6-4.  Albert Pujols and David Freese connected on two-run shots in the first, and Yadier Molina added a solo bomb late.  It was the second straight win for the Cardinals, who had lost their previous three.  Chris Carpenter earned the victory, going eight frames and surrendering four runs, while Fernando Salas notched his 18th save.  Garrett Jones drove in a pair for Pittsburgh, which has lost two straight after winning its previous three.  Paul Maholm gave up five runs in six frames to suffer the loss for the Bucs.

Johnny Damon finished a homer shy of the cycle and knocked in four runs, leading the Rays to an 8-3 victory over the Cardinals in the finale of a three-game series.  Damon's hits included a three-run triple and an RBI double that he scored on because of a throwing error.  The Rays took the lead for good on RBI singles from B.J. Upton and John Jaso in the sixth inning, giving rookie right-hander Jeremy Hellickson his first win in five starts.  Kyle Farnsworth recorded his 17th save of the season.  Tampa Bay won the last two games of the series and finished Interleague play with a 12-and-6 record.  All-Stars Lance Berkman and Yadier Molina homered for the Cardinals, who have lost two straight on the heels of a four-game winning streak.  Kyle Lohse took the loss, giving up five runs, four earned, over five-and-a-third frames.

 Aramis Ramirez snapped a 2-all tie with a two-run homer to cap a four-run fifth inning as the Cubs doubled up the Astros, 4-2.  Alfonso Soriano also homered and Starlin Castro had a sac-fly for Chicago, which took the opener of the three-game set at Wrigley Field.  Carlos Zambrano pitched six innings of two-run ball for his seventh win.  Five relievers followed, with Sean Marshall posting his third save.  Bud Norris allowed all four runs in six and a third frames to suffer the loss.  Michael Bourn went 3-for-5 with an RBI to highlight the Houston attack.

Taylorville Optimist club played host to another evening of fireworks Monday night at the lake Taylorville marina. Steve Turner of the Optimists told Regional Radio News the great weather was a big factor in bringing a large crowd to the lake. Optimist club member Steve Milling said this years fireworks show would have many more shells than in years past and is larger than most cities  and towns in central Illinois. Regional Radio was on hand with a live broadcast direct from the marina. Planning for next years event has already started.

Jaime Garcia tossed seven-and-a-third innings of one-run ball as the Cardinals creamed the Pirates, 9-1. Lance Berkman drilled a three-run homer, and Yadier Molina added a solo shot for the Cards, who have won three in-a-row. Brandon Wood knocked in the lone run for the Pirates, who have lost three straight. Kevin Correia took the loss after giving up seven runs in four-and-two-thirds frames.

The Lake Land College Child Care Lab has earned its reputation for early childhood educational excellence by helping children successfully achieve through learning and developmental growth opportunities in a unique environment.

The lab is currently accepting enrollment for the 2011 fall semester. The enrollment eligibility consists of completely toilet trained children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old.

"The entire program is based on positive and creative teaching and learning methods to promote educational success at an age appropriate level to prepare the children for Kindergarten. Every child is given the opportunity to fully reach his or her potential through teacher planned activities, diverse areas of learning, with physical and developmental growth activities, all in a colorful and creative setting. This program encourages positive self-esteem and promotes creative self expression, which expands social skills and offers them a balance and excitement for learning," said Sheila Hughes, lab director.

Those interested the Child Care Lab or enrolling in the program should contact Hughes at 234-5295. 

Randy Wells earned his first victory in more than three months, while Geovany Soto homered and drove in two runs, as Chicago downed Houston, 5-1.  Wells allowed five hits and one run, fanning four over six innings en route to his first positive decision since an April 4th win over Arizona.  Marlon Byrd also hit a solo shot and Starlin Castro knocked in a run for the Cubs, who have taken the first two in the set after dropping six of their previous eight.  Carlos Lee finished 3-for-4 and drove in the lone run for the Astros, who have dropped four of six.  Wandy Rodriguez took the loss despite yielding only two runs on three hits with seven strikeouts in seven full frames.

The next Safe Sitter class for girls and boys ages 11 to 13 will be held on Wednesday, August 3 and Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Christian County Extension Office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville, IL 62568.

The two-day Safe Sitter program is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension Christian County, Christian County Home and Community Education Association, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

During the course, students get hands-on practice in basic life-saving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis, with medical information taught by a certified professional.

Safe Sitter participants also receive helpful tips to make them more confident caregivers, learning safety and security precautions, such as what to do if a stranger comes to the door and when and how to call for help. Information on child development and age-appropriate activities, and the business aspects of babysitting are also taught.

To become a certified Safe Sitter, students have to pass a rigorous practical and written test to show they have mastered the key concepts and have the skills necessary to handle an emergency.

For a registration form or information, call the Christian County Extension Office at 217-287-7246. There is a limit to the number of participants we can accommodate in the class, so register as soon as possible. The registration fee is $30, and pre-paid registration is due by Friday, July 29.

Free residential building certification training for area businesses is being offered by the Lincoln Land Community College Green Center.

The training prepares individuals with experience in residential building or inspection for the Building Performance Institute’s (BPI) Building Analyst and Envelope Professional written and field certification tests.

Six classroom sessions will be held August 22-29, with testing sessions August 30-September 2. Registration is available by calling 558.4277. Although the training is free, a refundable $100 deposit is required to reserve a seat in the class.

Participants will learn fundamentals of how a residential building works as a system; how to use the latest building science technology to help solve heating, cooling and air leakage problems; and how to apply a whole-house, performance-based approach to building issues to provide clients with energy-efficient homes.

Certification can increase job opportunities in the green economy, build credibility with a nationally recognized credential, and add energy performance assessments to a business’s list of services.

Fees for the course are covered through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, State Energy Sector Grant and the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance.

After more than a three year hiatus, a program aimed at promoting agricultural conservation in Illinois is up and running again. WTIM Agriculture Reporter Jared White has more.

[audio:jwhite75a.mp3Listen to Jared White's report here.[/audio]

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM for the morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.

This summer, blood donors with Central Illinois Community Blood

Center (CICBC) can help top off the local blood supply and receive a chance to win a $50 gas card at the same time. To help ensure an adequate blood supply for our region during the difficult summer months, CICBC will hold weekly drawings throughout the service area for $50 gas gift cards from all donors who give blood each week from Monday, July 11 through the week of Labor Day (week of Monday, Sept. 5).

All persons who present to give blood at the Springfield Donor Center, 1134 S. Seventh St., or at a mobile blood drive will be eligible to win the drawing. To schedule an appointment for donation, or to find a mobile blood drive, call the Blood Center at (866) GIVE-BLD (866-448 3253) or see www.bloodcenterIMPACT.org.

Due to summer vacations and holiday weekends, summer is the most difficult time of year to recruit blood donors. "The need for our lifesaving products never takes a day off," said Tara Matheson, manager, donor relations at CICBC. "That's why we're pleased to reward donors who give at this time of year with a chance to win a gas card and fill their tank on us!"

All persons age 17 and up (or 16, with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 lbs. and are in general good health meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation.

For more information, call CICBC at (866) GIVE-BLD (866-448-3253) or visit www.cicbc.org.

To schedule an appointment to donate, or to find an area blood drive, visit www.bloodcenterIMPACT.org. Walks-ins are always welcome.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the provider of lifesaving blood for 12 hospitals throughout central Illinois, including St. John’s Hospital and Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. A division of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood

Center (MVRBC), Central Illinois Community Blood Center and MVRBC collect 165,000 units of blood annually and serve a total of 75 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.

While the Christian County Fair is set to kick off in less than two weeks on July 12th, one fan favorite will once again be absent from the fair this year largely due to the state of Illinois’ budget problems.

Christian County fair board president Craig Paulek explains that due to Illinois’ budget problems, horse racing will once again be absent from the fairgrounds this year, but he remains optimistic that the races will eventually return.

[audio:cpaulek75a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

When Jerry Smudde decided to return to college, he had been out of school for several years, working and raising his three children. He had already attended college but found that he wanted to search for a new career path. Lake Land College offered him the right opportunity.

As the semester progressed, the Mattoon resident decided to participate in the student life community. He chose to join TRiO and found it to be one of the best decisions he made while at Lake Land.

“TRiO gave me confidence and a sense of belonging,” Smudde said. “It helped me step outside of the box to go above and beyond to achieve my dreams. But most importantly, TRiO taught me that age doesn’t matter. Determination does.”

And Smudde wasn’t the only TRiO student determined to earn a degree.

Rick Williams had been a hardworking laborer for most of his career. When he got laid off from a well-paying factory job in December of 2009, he knew he needed to find something new to put his energy into.

The Charleston resident enrolled in Lake Land College’s Power Plant Mechanic program and also took extra classes in the area of Wind Technology. His classes were providing him the education he needed to find a successful career. Like Smudde, Williams chose to participate in the TRiO program.

“Signing up for the TRiO program was the best thing I could have done,” he said. “All of it helped me, the workshops, counselors, and all of the support really made a difference.”

Both Smudde and Williams, along with 19 other students, were honored at the TRiO annual Spring Recognition Banquet.

“This ceremony formally recognizes the success of students at Lake Land College that are proud participants in the college’s Student Support Services program,” Marko Mohlenhoff, director TRiO student support services, said.

Thirteen out of the 21 students graduated with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. These students were: Reginald Collins, Mattoon; Bessie Davis, Charleston; Norma Habing, Effingham; Samanthia Hall, Casey; Amber Hood, Shelbyville; Megan Johnson, Lakewood; Samantha Tilford, Windsor; Suzanne Walker, Windsor; Devan Washburn, Casey; Calvin York, Windsor; Smudde and Williams.

Williams, along with Angela Gordon, Casey; Linda Wemple, Tower Hill; Keith Bodeker, Altamont; and Marilyn Menser, Casey all received TRiO Grant Scholarships.

“I think this ceremony sends a clear message about how powerful and effective the federal Education Department’s TRiO programs are in positively impacting the nation at the level of our local communities,” Mohlenhoff said.

Jayson Werth scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch by Carlos Marmol in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Nationals a 5-4 win over the Cubs on Monday afternoon. Werth along with Laynce Nix each plated two runs for Washington, which has alternated wins and losses in its last six contests. Henry Rodriguez tossed a 1-2-3 top of the 10th to register the victory. Marcos Mateo walked Werth before leaving and was saddled with the loss for Chicago. Alfonso Soriano drove in a pair, while Marlon Byrd and Geovany Soto each knocked in one for the Cubs, who have dropped three-of-four. Ramon Ortiz will be on the bump for Chicago, opposite Ross Detwiler in tonight's second installment from the nation's capital.

Jeff Baker singled with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th, as the Chicago Cubs downed the Houston Astros 5-4 to record their first three-game win streak and sweep of the season on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Marlon Byrd scored the winning run after leading off with a high fly ball to right, which Hunter Pence lost in the sun, allowing Byrd to reach with a triple. John Grabow worked a scoreless top of the 10th to register the victory. The Northsiders are off today. They head to Miller Park to kick off a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers starting tomorrow night.

After tying the game in the ninth, the Royals coughed up a chance at victory after Aaron Crow balked allowing Juan Pierre to score a walkoff victory of the White Sox, 5-4. Adam Dunn drilled a two-run homer for Chicago to hand them a 4-3 lead in the eighth but Eric Hosmer hit a solo shot in the ninth to tie things up at four. Ramon Castro also homered for the Sox and Sergio Santos earned the win out of the pen, Chicago's fifth victory in six games. Jeff Francoeur drilled a two-run homer for Kansas City, which has lost six of seven. Jake Peavy gets the nod against Felipe Paulino in tonight's second installment.

The Chicago White Sox took advantage of a shaky Indians defense, scoring three unearned runs, to claim a 4-2 win on Sunday in the finale of a rain shortened two-game series at Progressive field. Mark Teahen had an RBI single and Juan Pierre chipped in with a double for the White Sox, who have won back-to-back games after dropping three of their previous four. Edwin Jackson worked six solid innings to earn the win, giving up a pair of runs on five hits while walking three and striking out three. Sergio Santos worked around a walk to record the final two outs of the game and earn his 20th save of the season. The Southsiders return to The Cell this eveing to start a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Philip Humber gets the nod against Duane Below in the opener.

Mark Hamilton drove in a run on a pinch-hit infield single in the eighth to help the Cardinals nip the Reds, 1-0. Each team had just six hits in the pitchers duel, which was won by Chris Carpenter who went eight innings to improve to 4-and-7. Fernando Salas pitched a perfect ninth for his 15th save as the Cards stopped a two-game slide. Johnny Cueto [[ KWAY-toh ]] suffered the tough loss after pitching a full eight innings as the Reds fell for the third time in four contests. Joey Votto managed three of the Cincinnati hits, going 3-for-4 in defeat. Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia will toe the rubber opposite Edinson Volquez in tonight's second installment.

A deal has been reached to end the NFL lockout. ESPN is reporting that the NFL Players Association and the league's owners have reached an agreement on the remaining issues needed in their 10-year labor deal. The new agreement will require a majority vote from the players, which is slated to take place on today in Washington, DC. The NFLPA is reportedly making plans to hold a major press conference after the vote. The owners voted unanimously to pass the new collective bargaining agreement on Thursday.

It is possible that Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] could return to the lineup today. The St. Louis slugger, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since late June with a fractured wrist, said yesterday that he will visit the doctor today and could even return to the lineup tonight. He is eligible to return from the DL today. Pujols has reportedly been swinging a bat at full strength for almost a week and also taking ground balls. Manager Tony La Russa has already stated that Pujols will not need to go on a rehab assignment before he makes his return to the lineup.

Chase d'Arnaud scored Xavier Paul with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th, as the Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a three-game sweep with a dramatic 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Jason Motte was saddled with the loss for St. Louis. Colby Rasmus went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored but the Cardinals couldn't extend their win streak to four games. St. Louis returns home tonight to start a four-game series with the Houston Astros. Kyle McClellan will take on J.A. Happ in the opener from Busch Stadium.

The annual summer festival Assumption Fest returns to Assumption next week and as Angela Marsters of the Assumption Fest board explains that there will be plenty of great activities for the family all weekend long, including the annual pet show and the carnival.

[audio:amarsters75a.mp3]Listen to Marster's comments here.[/audio]

Regional Radio News will be broadcasting live from Assumption Fest Thursday night on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR.

Several construction projects remain active in the city of Taylorville, and for at least a week, one will be put on hold to help the county celebrate its annual fair.

At Monday night’s Taylorville city council meeting, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton told city council members that construction on West Spresser will be halted during the week of the Christian County fair.

[audio:gregb76a.mp3]Listen to Brotherton's comments here.[/audio]

Other major construction projects includes the Wilson Street Extension in front of the Taylorville Memorial Hospital on Illinois Route 29.

One local man was lucky enough to win a 1953 International Farmall H at this year’s Christian County Fair in Taylorville.

The tractor, donated by Bob Ridings, was able to raise 7400-dollars for the Christian County Fair this year through ticket sales, including assistance from fair board members and this year’s Christian County queen according to Christian County Fair Board President Craig Paulek.

 [audio:cpaulek725a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

The winner, Matt Mizeur of Owaneco, happened to be on hand to receive his prize as he is a member of the Owaneco Fire Department as he was assisting with the locally owned truck pull Saturday night at the fair.

Paulek adds that the money raised will be used for projects on the fairgrounds, including a new fence near Spreser Street.

 [audio:cpaulek725b.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

The tractor has an estimated value of 2500-dollars.

Among the food, the rides, the concerts, and the pageants at the Macoupin County Fair are the ever popular 4-H shows. Throughout the week of the fair, visitors can enjoy the 4-H General Show and numerous animal shows.

Over 100 4-H members, ranging from ages 8 to 19, will present their projects on Monday, July 18 at the General 4-H Show. Projects such as woodworking, electricity, and horticulture will be judged by adult volunteers who specialize in those areas. Projects will be judged on quality and knowledge of their projects, along with ability to fulfill the requirements for their projects. All participants will receive either a blue, red, or white ribbon, depending on their ability to meet or exceed the requirements for their projects. Judging will take place on July 18 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, and projects will remain on display for the remainder of the week.

Fairgoers will not want to miss the 4-H animal shows, which will be held every day of Fair Week. Cat lovers will not want to miss the Cat Show, which takes place on Tuesday, July 19 from 8:00 – 9:00 AM. On Wednesday, July 20 the Swine Show will take place from 8:00 – 8:30 AM. Thursday, July 21 will provide fairgoers with two shows to attend. From 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 4-H members will show their sheep, and the Beef Show will begin at 10:00 AM and last until noon. Friday, July 22 will also have two shows: the Poultry Show from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and the Goat show from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. The 4-H animal shows will close on Saturday, July 23 with the Rabbit Show, taking place from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, 4-H provides young people the opportunity to learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills by participating in hands-on projects. These projects are focused on three areas, including healthy living, citizenship, and science, engineering, and technology.

All the 4-H members have worked very hard on their projects and with their animals. Fairgoers should take the advantage of the opportunity to see their accomplishments during the week of July 18 – July 23 at the Macoupin County Fair. All displays and shows will take place in the 4-H Building on the fairgrounds. For more information on the 4-H shows, contact Kate Harding at 217-854-9604 or at harding@illinois.edu. To learn more about the 2010 Fair, visit the Macoupin County Fair website at www.macoupincountyfair.org.

Members of Taylorville Park Board heard from the committee for improvement at Lakeshore Golf Course in Taylorville at Monday night’s monthly meeting held inside the office building at Manners Park.

Committee for improvement at Lakeshore Golf Course member Jim Lumb told board members that in an effort to help cut down on maintenance costs to the park and course, volunteers would like to some cleanup work at the course.

[audio:jlumb726a.mp3]Listen to Lumb's comments here.[/audio]

Lumb adds that volunteer will help limit costs and allow money to be used for other projects at the course.

Lumb also says that the group will also be repairing shelters used for protection against lightning strikes at the golf course.

[audio:jlumb726b.mp3]Listen to Lumb's comments here.[/audio]

The group was also given permission by park board members to create temporary tee boxes for senior players on a select list of holes.

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for our region, the Central Illinois Community blood center is offering several opportunities to donate blood in Taylorville.

Friday, July 15th

Christian County Fairgrounds, 9 AM – 12 PM.

Saturday, July 16th

Christian County Fairgrounds, 9 AM – 12 PM.

For your convenience, please call (toll free) 1-866-GIVE-BLD, ext 118 to sign up or schedule an appointment online at www.cicbc.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) is a not-for-profit organization that is the exclusive supplier for patients in 12 area hospitals. CICBC is a division of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which serves a total of 75 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. For more information about blood drives, blood facts, blood types please check out the web site at www.cicbc.org. Please give what’s in your heart and donate blood.

The Lincoln Land Community College Police Department will offer the women’s self-defense class RAD (Rape, Aggression, Defense) in October and November, with registration available now. RAD will be held Tuesday evenings, October 18, 25 and November 1, 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Trutter Center on the LLCC campus.

Females, 11-years-old and up, are invited to learn how to protect themselves in dangerous or uncomfortable situations. The RAD program begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training.

Students under 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a female 18 or older.

Cost of the 12-hour course, taught by RAD-certified instructors, is $25 per person and includes the RAD workbook/reference manual. The manual outlines the entire physical defense program for reference and continuous personal growth. Lifetime re-training is free. Previous participants are welcome to attend the courses at no cost.

Due to limited class size, registration is required for all students, new and returning. More information is available at 786.2278 or email rad@llcc.edu. To register by phone, call LLCC Registration at 786.2292 and request course code PSC 001-50.

The Illinois State Police responded to a one vehicle accident involving injuries Saturday in Montgomery County.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Rodney M. Hall of Litchfield was headed west on Illinois Route 108, near Interstate 55, when a blue car drove around him at a high rate of speed. Hall said he swerved to the right and then over corrected his vehicle back to the left and drove over the median. Hall’s vehicle continued across the east bound lane and hit the side of the bridge.

Hall was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield for treatment of minor injuries. Hall was cited for driving under the influence and for failing to reduce speed to avoid causing an accident.

The Pana Police Department is investigating a theft that occurred two weeks ago.

According to the Pana Police Department, an unknown person or persons had stolen the driver’s license and personal checkbook from the residence of Donna J. Tarrant in Pana sometime between 8:00 p.m. July 13th and 8:00 a.m. July 14th.

According to the report, Tarrant was at work at during the time of the incident. This case remains under investigation of the Pana Police Department. There are currently no suspects in this case at this time.

Floyd Curl was an integral part of the foundation of Lake Land College. His contributions to the college started prior to its official birth in 1966.

Curl served on the original mid-1960s steering committee that worked to bring Lake Land into existence. He spent many hours and drove many miles in the development of the idea that eventually became Lake Land College.

Curl's commitment to the College was recognized when he was awarded posthumously the Clem G. Phipps Exemplary Trustee Award at the June 13 board of trustees meeting. The award, established in 2009, is designed to honor former trustees who have made significant contributions to the board and/or college and/or have made contributions at the local, state, regional or national level that reflect positively on the College.

"Floyd was an early backer of LLC and never wavered in his dedication to the college and the staff," said Robert Webb, former president of Lake Land College.

"His past experience in school administration gave Floyd insight into the proper role of the board and the CEO in an organization," Webb added.

Curl had previously served as the superintendent of the Neoga school district from 1951-1956, but by the time of the steering committee, he was retired from education and was the owner of an insurance agency in Neoga.

Following Lake Land's creation, Curl was elected to the first board of trustees by voter approval in September 1966. He served as a trustee until he retired from the board on April 18, 1977. During his 11 years of formal service, he served in a wide variety of board positions, such as secretary, vice chairman and chairman, and contributed to regional, state and national committees, such as the boundary sub-committee, the legislative committee of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the health care licensure commission, the regional coordinator for the East Central region and the chairman of the ad hoc committee, where he studied the relationships between the Capital Development Board and the community colleges in the state.

"Even after leaving the board, Curl remained loyal and supportive to Lake Land College, often stopping by campus and offering his assistance," said Max Jaeger, who nominated Curl for the award.

In 1985, Curl was honored by Lake Land College when he received the Distinguished Service Award at commencement that year. Until the end of his life, he fully supported the college. In his will, Curl left a generous portion of his estate to the Lake Land College Foundation.

The Pana Police Department is investigating the theft of a boys bicycle that occurred last week.

According to the Pana Police Department, an unknown person or persons had taken a 20-inch boys’ bicycle from the garage of Donna Robinson in Pana. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime after 10:30 p.m. on July 20th.

According to the complainant, Donna Robinson, the bike is described as a blue and silver Mongoose. The bike has an estimated value of 106-dollars.

There are currently no suspects in this case at this time. This case remains under the investigation of the Pana Police Department.

The highlight of the Christian County fair this year will once again be the livestock judging as well as the open competitions held all week long.

Christian County Fair Board president Craig Paulek says that what the fair was created for and that that tradition continues to this day.

[audio:cpaulek76a.mp3]Listen to Paulek's comments here.[/audio]

Listen to Regional Radio News and visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for updates everyday leading up to the kick off the Christian County Fair on Tuesday, July 12th.

Hot temperatures mixed with dry conditions last week improved crop progress throughout Illinois. Plenty of field work, as well as increase growth in corn and soybean, proved to be valuable for farmers throughout much of the state.

With more on this week’s crop report is USDA Illinois Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab.

[audio:cropreport.mp3]Listne to Schwab's report here.[/audio]

Tune in weekly for the crop report by Brad Schwab from the USDA Illinois Offices up until the harvest on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

22 year-old Jeremy D. Sickles of Edinburg was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia on Friday, July 22nd.

31 year-old Jeffrey D. Dunkirk of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery on Friday, July 22nd.

31 year-old Nichole R. Oller of Taylorville was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute on Saturday, July 23rd.

18 year-old Justin M. McKay of Taylorville was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor on Saturday, July 23rd.

26 year-old Jaclynn E. Hill of Edinburg was arrested for domestic battery on Saturday, July 23rd.

23 year-old Heather A. McBride of Kincaid was arrested for an unspecified statute on Sunday, July 24th.

27 year-old Bradley P. Graham of Tovey was arrested for an original arrest warrant for trespassing on a residence on Sunday, July 24th.

26 year-old Brian M. Daneberger of Springfield was arrested for an original arrest warrant for an unspecified statute on Sunday, July 24th.

The Taylorville Police Department reports the following arrests.

19 year-old Brett R. Grant of Pawnee was arrested for attempting to purchase alcohol with a fake ID on Sunday, July 17th.

20 year-old Alexander A. Daykin of Taylorville was cited for unlawful use of a weapon and disorderly conduct on Monday, July 18th.

19 year-old Samuel F. Spurling of Taylorville was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon and disorderly conduct on Monday, July 18th.

Tawana R. Hall of Pana was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle.

The Miller Media Group, based in Taylorville and owners of 8 radio stations in central and northwest Illinois, today announced it has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission, to purchase WEIC (AM) 1270 Radio in Charleston, from Eastern Illinois Christian Broadcasting, Inc.

Terms of the deal were not announced. Miller Media’s Kaskaskia Broadcasting, Incorporated, will own and operate WEIC once the purchase is closed, which is expected around October 1.

WEIC operates at 1270 on the AM dial with 1000 watts of daytime power, and 500 watts of nighttime power, covering an area from Illinois Route 16 to Interstate 70, and Shelbyville to the Indiana state line in eastern Illinois.

Kaskaskia Broadcasting, Incorporated, already owns a construction permit for an FM translator in Charleston, and it will re-broadcast WEIC after the purchase is completed. The FM signal will be at 107.5 on the dial, and cover Coles County and surrounding area. That signal is expected to be on the air during the 4th quarter of 2011.

Miller Media president Randal J. Miller, said his company is excited about its entry into Eastern Illinois, and looks forward to providing local radio to that area of the state.

Despite hot temperatures, festival goers came out by the hundreds for the annual Bull Frog Jumping Contest held at the Morrisonville Homecoming Thursday afternoon.

Amanda Grundy of the Morrisonville Community Club says that support continues to be great for this annual event.

[audio:agrund729a.mp3]Listen to Grundy's comments here.[/audio]

The Morrisonville Homecoming will be going on all weekend at the park in Morrisonville.

Wednesday night was Taylorville Night at the home of the Springfield Sliders’ Robin Roberts Stadium, and while the temperatures were warmer than normal, community members were able to make the short trip to the capital city for some great family entertainment at the diamond.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Fred Ronnow was on hand for the event to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and says this is a great event and he was proud to be a part of it.

[audio:fronnow729a.mp3]Listen to Ronnow's comments here.[/audio]

The Sliders would go on to win over the Dubois County Bombers by a score of 17 – 6.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

27 year-old Alisha N. Manion of Pana was arrested for criminal damage to property on Wednesday, July 20th.

33 year-old Phillip R. Daugherty of Taylorville was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for domestic battery on Tuesday, July 19th.

27 year-old Derek A. Skinner of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for domestic battery on Tuesday, July 19th.

The Taylorville Police Department reports the following arrests.

19 year-old Brett R. Grant of Pawnee was arrested for attempting to purchase alcohol with a fake ID on Sunday, July 17th.

20 year-old Alexander A. Daykin of Taylorville was cited for unlawful use of a weapon and disorderly conduct on Monday, July 18th.

19 year-old Samuel F. Spurling of Taylorville was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon and disorderly conduct on Monday, July 18th.

Corn crops across central Illinois are showing good progress after a tough planting season, however experts are reminding producers to be on the lookout for potential pest problems. WTIM Farm Reporter Jared White has more.

[audio:jwhite725a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Tune into Newstalk 97.3 WTIM for the morning and afternoon farm show with Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.