The Bears will host the Panthers at Soldier Field on Sunday. Chicago dropped to 1-and-2 on the season with a 27-17 home loss to the rival Packers last week. Carolina collected its first win by beating the Jaguars last week. The Bears have won three of the five all-time meetings between the teams.

The Rams will once again try for their first victory of the season when they host the 2-and-1 Washington Redskins Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis is coming off a 37-7 beatdown at the hands of the Ravens last weekend to fall to 0-and-3.

The White Sox acquired pitcher Jhan Marinez and infielder Ozzie Martinez from the Marlins in exchange for pitcher Ricardo Andres on Thursday. The transaction was contingent on the Marlins reaching a deal with new manager Ozzie Guillen.

Fresh off a dramatic finish to the National League Wild Card, the Cardinals now get set to face the Phillies in Game One of the NLDS tomorrow at Citizens Bank Park.

St. Louis completed an improbable run to the postseason, winning 16 of its final 21 games to finish a game ahead of the Braves. Kyle Lohse opposes Roy Halladay in tomorrow's Game One.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office recorded the following arrests:

Adam J. Kee, 20 of Langleyville, had a bond forfeiture warrant out for consumption of liquor.

Richard B. Peat, 49 of Kincaid, was arrested for domestic battery.

As heard on WTIM, Taylorville fell to Sacred Heart Griffin with a score of 48-0.

As heard on WMKR, Central A&M fell to Tuscola with a score of 49-29.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville fell to Clinton with a score of 67-22.

On Wednesday afternoon, William Young reported to Christian County Sheriff’s Officers that an unidentified person or persons had entered his property and took 950 gallons of diesel fuel from his storage tank.

William said that the tank was filled on September 20th and when he used the tank on September 24th, the fuel was gone.

The Taylorville Police Department was out on patrol Wednesday afternoon when they saw 37-year-old Lawrence Coghlan driving at the corner of Cheney and Spresser Street. Officers verified that Coghlan’s license was suspended and proceeded to stop the vehicle.

The Taylorville Police Department responded to the scene of a two vehicle accident Wednesday night. 66-year-old Darla F. Munson of Taylorville was traveling west on Main Cross Street as she approached the intersection of Main Cross and Webster.

Lincoln Land Community College Alumni Services is accepting nominations for its 2012 Honored Alumni Award. The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2011.

Anyone may nominate an LLCC alum for the award by completing a nomination form that can be found at llcc.edu/alumni. Nominees must have graduated from or successfully completed coursework at LLCC; achieved outstanding success and distinction in his or her chosen field; demonstrated humanitarian service that has proven beneficial to society; overcome life’s obstacles; have a continued interest in and support of education and community colleges; and have the ability to attend LLCC’s commencement ceremony on May 11, 2012.

For more information, call the Alumni Services Office 217-786-4612.

To support a healthy lifestyle for children and encourage green transportation practices, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Board of Education are urging schools across the state to participate in International Walk to School Day on October 5. The event, which started as a community demonstration in Chicago and grew into a worldwide effort, will be celebrating its 15th year.

More than 140 schools across Illinois have registered as of this week. The 2011 International Walk to School Day slogan, “Hike it. Bike it. I like it!”, was the winning submission in an online contest by one of those schools.

Schools with questions about the International Walk to School Day can contact Erik Hall in the Illinois Department of Transportations Sustainable Practices office at (815) 434-8520.

The idea behind a community college is to offer students the chance to start their college careers off on the right foot and not pressure them into a four-year college from the get-go. Scott Stahlman, Executive Director of Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville, says that the community plays a vital role with the college.

[audio:scott930a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Savings also come to mind with the Community College. Stahlman says that by attending one vs. the first two years at a four year institution, you’re able to complete your prerequisites at a cheaper price.

[audio:scott930b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information about Lincoln Land Community College, you can visit their website at llcc.edu or reach them by phone at 217-786-2200.

The Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the Shelbyville Hospital Foundation Bazaar this Saturday. Tad Mayhall, of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce, is looking forward to the event and hopes that there is a big turnout.

[audio:mayhall930a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Shelbyville Hospital Foundation Bazaar will take place this Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm at Moulton Middle School in Shelbyville. Mayhall also discussed how well the School Supplies Drive went in order to provide students with supplies that would otherwise not have them.

[audio:mayhall930b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For information on any upcoming event involving the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce, feel free to give them a call at 774-2221 or visit them online at shelbyvillechamberofcommerce.com.

Computers are the way of the future and Fred Ronnow, who is the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, says in addition to holding computer workshops on Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Social Networking sites are what interests the community as well.

[audio:ronnow930a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Another program that is popular among residents is the Lead Program and Ronnow says that this is a program you should sign up for.

[audio:ronnow930b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For information on these and other programs offered by the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, you can contact them at 824-4919.

Chicago Sky center Sylvia Fowles was named the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday. Fowles led the league in blocks per game and was second overall in rebounds and double-doubles. Fowles was also named to the WNBA's All-Defensive Team.

A full slate of college football action is on tap tomorrow In-state rivals will collide when 22nd-ranked Illinois hosts Northwestern at 11:00 a.m. Long-time rivals will also square off when Notre Dame does battle with Purdue at 7:00 p.m.

Blackhawks forward Viktor Stalberg will likely be out for three weeks due to a lower-body injury. Stalberg left Wednesday's preseason win over the Red Wings with the injury. Meantime, the 'Hawks will host the Penguins in an exhibition affair at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund each scored in the third period to lead the Blues to a 3-1 win over the Avalanche in preseason action last night. David Backes also tallied for the Blues, who got two assists from Andy McDonald. Ben Bishop needed to make just 18 saves to pick the win.

St. Louis improved to 5-and-2 in exhibition play with the victory. The Blues play their final preseason game tomorrow afternoon at home against the Stars.

The Missouri Tigers enjoy the weekend off as they have a bye following last Saturdays' loss at number-one Oklahoma. The Sooners beat Mizzou 38-28 behind 448 yards passing and three touchdowns by quarterback Landry Jones. James Franklin threw for 291 yards and also ran for 103 in defeat.

Missouri will take on Kansas State in Manhattan next Saturday, October 8th.

Quarterback Sam Bradford should have more help from one of his key weapons on Sunday. Running back Steven Jackson still isn't 100-percent after a quad injury, but says he's ready for a heavier workload after just four carries against Baltimore.

Wide receiver Danny Amendola practiced this week following a dislocated elbow in Week One, but is still doubtful for Sunday.

Kirk Kettlekamp, Principal at Taylorville High School, advised the Taylorville Police Department on Tuesday morning that he had two juvenile males that were caught fighting in the hallway of the junior high school.

Both juvenile males were arrested and transported to the Taylorville Police Station where they were processed and released to their mothers.

The Taylorville Police Department was out on patrol Tuesday afternoon when they saw 29-year-old Jacob A. Miller, of Taylorville, walking on the corner of Vandeveer and Silver Streets.

Officers verified that Miller had a warrant out for his arrest and apprehended Miller. They later transported him to the Christian County Sheriff’s Office in lieu of bond.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the Taylorville Police Department responded to the Walmart Store in Taylorville where they were informed of two male juvenile shoplifters. Both juveniles were arrested, processed, and released to their parents.

The Taylorville Police Department responded to a two vehicle crash on Tuesday night. A juvenile female was traveling westbound on Vine Street approaching Shumway Street in Taylorville where she thought that the North/South traffic had a stop sign.

She proceeded to pull out into the roadway where 55-year-old Deborah C. McCoy, of Taylorville, could not stop her vehicle in time and struck the juvenile female’s car in the left rear, causing the vehicle to spin in a counter clockwise direction and up onto the boulevard.

McCoy was traveling north on Shumway Street when the juvenile female pulled out in front of her. McCoy could not stop in time to avoid hitting the juvenile female. No injuries were reported and both vehicles drove from the scene.

31-year-old Keri C. Ellis, of Taylorville, informed the Taylorville Police Department of theft of motor fuel on Tuesday.

Some of the most beautiful babies in Christian County have already entered the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest “Beautiful Baby” Contest to be held during this year’s event October 15th and 16th on the Taylorville square.

This year’s event is a fund-raiser for the Chillifest, as a “People’s Choice” contest. Friends and relatives are urged to put in coins and dollars for their favorite baby, in the jars that will be sitting on the south side of the Taylorville square during Chillifest weekend. There will not be judging of contestants this year.

The top fund raiser will be announced directly after the “Parade of Babies” to be held on the Chillifest stage at 3pm Sunday, October 16th.

There is a limit of 40 entries that will be accepted. There is a $5 entry fee. Entry forms are available at the Chamber office on the 2nd floor of the US Bank building on the Taylorville square, or on the Chillifest-dot-com web site. Entries will be cut off as soon as 40 are received.

Peoples Bank and Trust is again sponsoring the event, and donating savings bonds to the top 3 winners. First place receives a $100 savings bond; second place winner gets a $75 savings bond, and third place winner gets a $50 savings bond.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club will hold their annual Peanut Days fund raiser on the streets of Taylorville, this Friday and Saturday.

Kiwanis members will be wearing brightly colored vests at key intersections, asking motorists to give to local Kiwanis projects for children and youth. A package of peanuts will be the Kiwanis’ members way of saying “thank you” for your donation.

Projects supported by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, include Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, scholarships for high school seniors, money for the Christian County YMCA, Baby Talk, and Camp Care-a-Lot, among others.

The club thanks all those who take the time to give a little or a lot, during their Peanut Days fund raiser this Friday and Saturday in Taylorville.

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 hot, dry summer has taken its toll on Illinois' corn and soybean crops, but it's looking like a good year for the state's pumpkin crop. Local Farm Broadcaster Jared White has more.

[audio:jared929a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen to the WTIM morning and afternoon farm show with local farm broadcaster Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on the Talk of Central Illinois, Newstalk 97.3 WTIM

As each community is slowly rebounding from the recession of the past couple of years, funds have been tight in all areas of government and any purchases are looked at under a very big microscope.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton and the Taylorville City Council recently purchased a new ambulance that has seen its disagreements among members of the community. But Mayor Brotherton has stood by their decision to make the purchase.

[audio:mayorgreg929a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mayor Brotherton reassures the community that the newly purchased ambulance would not take away from the current ambulances that are already in use. It would be determined by the type of call that comes in if the new ambulance would in fact be used.

[audio:mayorgreg929b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information on the new ambulance, you can contact the City of Taylorville.

The 2011 – 2012 school year is well over a month old and students from Kindergarten to incoming Freshman at college are getting back into the groove of classes and studying.

Scott Stahlman, Executive Director at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville, says things have gone very smoothly to start the year and it doesn’t hurt to start looking ahead to the spring semester.

[audio:scott929a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Even though it is just the end of September, the start of the spring semester will be here before you know it. Stahlman says that getting everything taken care of now will avoid the stresses of trying to complete everything later.

[audio:scott929b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information on attending Lincoln Land Community College or the registration process or even financial aid, feel free to visit their website at llcc.edu or you can call them 287-7088.

NBA commissioner David Stern says a deal to put an end to the lockout is not close. ESPN reports that Stern is planning to threaten players with the cancellation of the entire upcoming season if no major progress is made in talks by the end of the upcoming weekend.

The sides are scheduled to meet Friday afternoon, and the talks could extend through the weekend.

A hat trick from Marco Pappa helped the Chicago Fire earn a surprising 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday to keep their playoff hopes alive. Pappa scored twice in the opening half and added a third 15 minutes from time, as the Fire claimed only their second road win of the year.

With the win, Chicago sits just three points shy of the final wild card playoff spot, currently held by the New York Red Bulls. The Fire are back on the pitch Saturday as they square off against the Houston Dynamo at Robertson Stadium.

Marian Hossa's power-play goal less than nine minutes into the third period was the difference as Chicago downed Detroit, 4-3, in preseason action on Wednesday night at the United Center. Patrick Kane and Brent Seabrook also tallied, while Ben Smith added a goal early in the third before leaving the game after absorbing a hit to the head from Detroit's Brendan Smith.

Corey Crawford made 17 saves for the win. Chicago is back on the ice tomorrow night as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at the United Center.

Blues forward Jason Arnott will have surgery to have a cataract removed from his right eye. The 36-year-old is only expected to miss one week of action. St. Louis begins its regular season on October 8 against Nashville. Arnott has appeared in 1,172 career games over 17 years in the NHL.

He ranks sixth among active players in career games and seventh in points. The Blues head back into preseason action tonight with Colorado.

Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson both practiced today as the Rams head into this week's matchup with the Washington Redskins. Bradford is suffering from an injured toe, while Jackson inches closer to 100 percent after a thigh injury in game one put him on the shelf.

Wide receiver Danny Amendola also hit the field Wednesday, joining the squad in a limited fashion, while sporting a new brace for his elbow that was injured in the opener.

Mark Teahen and Adam Loewen each walked with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth as the Blue Jays rallied to beat the White Sox, 3-2, in both team's season finale on Wednesday afternoon at The Cell. Shawn Camp earned the win out of the bullpen, and Frank Francisco recorded his 17th save.

Chris Sale took the loss for Chicago. Gordon Beckham lifted a solo shot for the Sox, who were under the direction of pitching coach Don Cooper after Ozzie Guillen was named the manager of the Florida Marlins. Chicago finished its 2011 campaign with a mark of 79-and-83

Wade LeBlanc threw seven strong innings and the Padres ended a woeful 2011 season on a high note with a 9-2 rout of the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night at Petco Park. The 2011 season for the Cubs was a breakout one for Starlin Castro. The 21-year-old shortstop became the youngest player in NL history to top the league in hits with 207.

Ryan Dempster, who was charged with eight hits and a season-high nine runs over five-and-two-third frames, lost his last six decisions to end at 10-and-14 on the season. The Northsiders finished the season with a mark of 71-and-91.

Matt Holliday and Rafael Furcal did not play in the Cardinals season finale, and their status for playoff action is listed as day to day. Holliday reinjured a tendon injury on his middle finger while Furcal is out due to an injured hamstring.

Pitching coach Dave Duncan was back in the dugout Wednesday after missing over a month while tending to his ailing wife, who had a brain tumor removed in August. It is not known if Duncan will accompany the team during the playoffs.

The Cardinals clinched the National League Wild Card due in part to an 8-0 clobbering of the Astros on Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park. Following the victory, the Cards watched as the Braves suffered a 4-3 loss to the Phillies in 13 innings. The win coupled with Atlanta's loss gave the Cards the final playoff spot in the NL. St. Louis will face the Phillies in Game One of their NL division series in Philadelphia Saturday.

Chris Carpenter struck out 11 in a two-hit shutout. Carpenter upped his record to 11-and-9. The Cards scored five runs in the first inning in the win. Brett Myers gave up seven runs, six earned, through five frames to fall to 7-and-14 on the season. The 'Stros finished the season at an MLB-worst 56-and-106.

Wilber Perez Vargas of Charleston was cited for speeding and operating an uninsured vehicle.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office recorded the following arrests:

Colt A. Stephens, 23 of Morrisonville, had a bond forfeiture warrant out for operating a vehicle without proper insurance.

Paul M. Hocq, 36 of Springfield, had a bond forfeiture warrant out for possession of cannabis.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office recorded the following arrests:

Colt A. Stephens, 23 of Morrisonville, had a bond forfeiture warrant out for operating a vehicle without proper insurance.

Paul M. Hocq, 36 of Springfield, had a bond forfeiture warrant out for possession of cannabis.

In this week’s crop report, the end of the growing season has been met with drier than normal conditions in the northern part of the state and above average rainfall in the southern half of the state. USDA Illinois Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab has more.

[audio:cropreport928.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen each week to the crop report on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and online at taylorvilledailynews.com throughout the harvest season.

Kiwanis Division 30 Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Early of the North Mac Kiwanis Club of Girard, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Early spoke about her goals for the upcoming Kiwanis year. Membership and interclub visits between clubs were goals Early discussed in her remarks to the Taylorville club.

[audio:jearly927a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Another one of the goals that Early discussed while attending the Taylorville club meeting was a new effort to eradicate tetanus in infants overseas.

[audio:jearly927b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Early also complimented the Taylorville club for being one of the largest clubs in Division 30, and for their continued efforts in visiting other Kiwanis clubs in the area.

The community is reminded of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Peanut Days this Friday and Saturday on the streets of Taylorville. Kiwanis members will be wearing brightly colored vests at key intersections, asking motorists to give to local Kiwanis projects for children and youth. A package of peanuts will be the Kiwanis’ members way of saying “thank you” for your donation.

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.

On Monday Night, the Taylorville Police were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on northbound Webster Street. Jessica D. Baird, 27 of Taylorville, was traveling south on Webster Street where a black Mustang driven by 90-year-old George W. King of Nokomis, IL cut across Baird’s lane of traffic to avoid a collision.

Baird applied her brakes to avoid hitting King and was still moving slowly when a police car struck her vehicle. King stated that the pulled out of the KFC parking lot to head south on Webster when he was struck by Baird. No injuries were reported.

The Taylorville Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Monday where 20-year-old David M. Droke of Taylorville failed to yield at the stop sign at Main Street and Pleasant. When Droke came to a stop, he exited the vehicle and started running eastbound. Officers caught up with the driver in a yard in the 500 block of Cottage, where a taser was deployed while apprehending Droke.

It was determined that Droke had a warrant out of Christian County as well as Dewitt County. He was charged with driving while a license was revoked, resisting/obstructing an officer, and was issued citations for disobeying a stop sign and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office was informed of a theft in Blue Mound on Monday. Todd Klay reported that sometime between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, unknown subjects entered his machine shed and took his air compressor and fifty feet of air hose. A five gallon gas can was also taken.

The sheriff’s office received word of another theft on Monday. Laura Wolfe of Taylorville reported that an unknown person took her wallet containing her debit card, Illinois I.D. card, and $60 in cash while she was at the Loading Zone off of west Spresser Street.

Christian County Sheriff’s were dispatched to the home of William R. Reeter of rural Blue Mound to respond to a Burglary Monday morning. Upon arrival, Reeter informed police that his 18-inch poulan chain saw, skil circular saw, and two five gallon gas cans were missing from their usual place in the garage. Nothing else on the property or inside the garage were disturbed.

On Wednesday, September 21, Christian County Sheriff’s Officers were dispatched to the home of Brett D. Rickman of Taylorville. Rickman reported an intruder entered his home at 1349 Wantland Drive while he was asleep and hit him with a chair, cut his boot laces and urinated on his clothes.

When Rickman awoke, his face hurt and then he saw his injuries. Rickman also stated that his front door was not locked at the time the intruder entered his home. There were no witnesses to the crime and no suspects are reported.

Mayor Greg Brotherton and the Taylorville City Council recently made some changes to how things are run during the City Council Meetings. Mayor Brotherton said that the consent agenda wasn’t a very popular change, but everyone is getting used to it.

[audio:mayorbrotherton927a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The idea behind the consent agenda was to take the minutes from the previous meeting and review them at a faster, more efficient way instead of reviewing them on a line-by-line basis.

[audio:mayorbrotherton927b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Those who would like to review minutes from a previous meeting can always attend a city council meeting, which are held on the first and third Monday of every month, or they can stop by the City Clerk’s office for a copy.

The leaders of the NBA and the players union met in New York on Tuesday, 89 days into the lockout and just over a month before the scheduled start of pro basketball's regular season. The league postponed the start of training camps and cancelled the first week of pre-season games last Friday.

Union President Derrick Fisher, Executive Director Billy Hunter and player union attorneys are met with NBA Commissioner David Stern, Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver and labor relations chairman Peter Holt. The regular season is scheduled to begin November 1st. Some analysts believe the entire season could be lost if the two sides don't agree on a new labor contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks hit the ice this evening as they continue their preseason schedule with the back-end of a home-and-home set with the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. On Sunday, Henrik Zetterberg scored the decisive goal in the shootout, as the Red Wings beat the 'Hawks, 4-3, at Joe Louis Arena.

Chicago hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night. In related team news, on Tuesday the Blackhawks assigned forward Brett McLean to Rockford of the AHL.

Carlo Colaiacovo scored the game-winning goal at the 18:51 mark of the third period, sending the St. Louis Blues to a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild in preseason action.  Scott Nichol, Matt D'Agostini and Patrik Berglund all scored for the Blues and Jaroslav Halak stopped 17-of-20 shots he faced. 

Marek Zidlicky, Mikko Koivu and Brett  Bulmer lit the lamp for Minnesota and new offseason acquisitions Devin Setoguchi and Dany Heatley added two assists apiece.  Niklas Backstrom made 22 saves on 26 shots for the Wild.  The Blues continue preseason play tomorrow night at home against the Avalanche.

The Rams are breathing a sigh of relief after another injury to quarterback Sam Bradford. The sophomore signal-caller suffered a sprained right toe in Sunday's loss to the Ravens.

Head coach Steve Spagnuolo said he hopes it's not a big deal. Bradford injured a finger on his throwing hand in Week One against the Eagles, but it turned out to be just bruised and not broken.

The Rams return to the practice field today after reviewing film of Sunday's embarrassing 37-7 blowout loss to the Ravens. The Rams are off to an 0-and-3 start as they prepare for Sunday's home game against the 2-and-1 Washington Redskins.

The 'Skins are working on a short week after suffering their first loss of the season, 18-16 to the Cowboys on "Monday Night Football."

Allen Craig clubbed a three-run homer in the eighth inning to lead the Cardinals in a 13-6 win over the Astros. Craig's RBI double sparked a four-run seventh inning, while Nick Punto finished 4-for-5 with a homer and two RBI for St. Louis, which pulled into a tie with the Atlanta Braves atop the NL Wild Card standings.

The Braves lost to the Phillies on Tuesday night. St. Louis rallied from a 5-0 deficit with five runs in the fourth frame. Eduardo Sanchez was credited with the win. Cards outfielder Matt Holliday left the game in the third inning with a hand injury. The teams play the regular season finale tonight with Chris Carpenter opposing Brett Myers.

If Tony La Russa has any interest in the now vacant White Sox managerial job, he isn't letting on. La Russa refused to answer questions about the position he once held prior to last night's game, saying he wanted to focus on the Cardinals' playoff push.

Ozzie Guillen was let go as White Sox skipper on Monday. La Russa managed Chicago from 1979 through 1986.

Tyler Flowers clubbed a solo home run to back seven scoreless innings from Mark Buehrle as the White Sox edged the Blue Jays, 2-1, on Tuesday evening at The Cell in interim manager Don Cooper's debut. Cooper, who was the team's pitching coach, is serving as the interim manager for the Southsiders' final two games of the season after Ozzie Guillen left for the Florida Marlins on Monday.

Buehrle struck out six and gave up just six hits to improve to 13-and-9 on the season. Chris Sale registered the final five outs to nail down his eighth save. A.J. Pierzynski knocked in Chicago's other run on an RBI single in the sixth inning. Mike McCoy's solo home run in the eighth frame accounted for Toronto's lone run of the game. Philip Humber will be on the bump this afternoon opposite Brandon Morrow in both team's season finale.

Alfonso Soriano clubbed a three-run homer and Aramis Ramirez added a solo shot as the Cubs topped the Padres, 6-2, on Tuesday night at Petco Park. Blake DeWitt added a two-run single for Chicago, which snapped a three-game slide. Matt Garza improved to 10-and-10 on the season, pitching seven innings and surrendering two runs while fanning eight.

Chad Qualls gave up three runs in just one inning to absorb the loss. Kyle Blanks smacked a two-run double to account for all the runs for San Diego, which has lost three-of-five. The Northsiders play their season finale this evening in San Diego. Ryan Dempster gets the nod against Wade LeBlanc.

Eric R. Whitaker of Assumption was cited for speeding.

Jeffrey L. Hunter of Tower Hill was cited for failure to reduce speed/accident.

Traci D. Stiner of Moweaqua was cited for speeding

Alexander G. Reid of Moweaqua was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and failure to reduce speed/accident.

Jeffrey L. Diener of Sullivan was cited for failure to wear a seat belt.

Kenneth M. Willoughby of Pana was cited for failure to wear a seat belt.

Alicia B. Bess of Morrisonville was cited for littering on a roadway.

Michael W. Emery of Taylorville was cited for driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, speeding, improper lane usage, and operation of a vehicle with expired registration plates or registration sticker.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office recorded these arrests:

Joseph T. Klein, 30, was arrested for driving with a revoked license.

Floyd E. Garrison, 30 of Harvel, IL, had an original arrest warrant out for the misuse of a credit card.

Jamie L. Weller, 34 of Harvel, IL, had an original arrest warrant out for the misuse of a credit card.

Daniel L. Mosby, 36 of Taylorville, was arrested for aggravated battery and domestic battery.

Jacob A. Miller, 29 of Taylorville, had a bond forfeiture warrant out for driving on a suspended/revoked license.

Joseph A. Leckner, 20 of Taylorville, had a bond forfeiture warrant out for knowingly damaging property.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office responded to a two vehicle accident on East Road Friday morning.

Crystal M. Myers, 46 of Taylorville, was traveling northeast in the 1400 block of East Road where she was driving in the center of the roadway as she entered the curve an dhit 39-year-old Douglas Bly of Decatur.

A juvenile passenger with Myers was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.

The Taylorville Police Department responded to a two vehicle collision in the 700 block of McAdam Drive on Saturday Afternoon.

Todd M. Denning, 40 of Taylorville, was traveling southbound on McAdam Drive when he drifted into the northbound lane in front of 67-year-old Dale T. Lowis, also of Taylorville, causing the collision. Both men were taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Matt Latos cruised through seven innings scoreless innings with nine strikeouts as San Diego defeated the Cubs, 2-0, on Monday night at Petco Park. Latos improved to 9-and-14 on the season. Will Venable hit a solo home run and Cameron Maybin had a RBI double to account for the Padres runs. Heath Bell closed the ninth for his 43rd save. Cubs starter Casey Colemen tossed five-and-two-third innings of two-run ball with seven strikeouts to fall to 3-and-9. Matt Garza gets the nod opposite Anthony Bass in tonight's second installment.

Tyler Flowers bashed a three-run homer to help the White Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the final game for Ozzie Guillen as manager of Chicago on Monday night at The Cell. Dayan Viciedo added an RBI double for the Sox, who won just their second game in five tries. Dylan Axelrod tossed six innings of three-hit ball and Sergio Santos survived a scary ninth in which he gave up two runs to pick up his 30th save. David Cooper drove in a pair for the Jays and Adam Lind added an RBI as Toronto lost its third straight. Dustin McGowan suffered the loss for the Blue Jays. Before the contest, sources indicated that Guillen would leave the White Sox after the game and become the manager of the Florida Marlins next season. Mark Buehrle will be on the bump against Henderson Alvarez in tonight's second installment.

Ozzie Guillen is out as the manager of the Chicago White Sox. Guillen will manage the Florida Marlins next season as part of a deal between the two teams. The two teams are reportedly in the final stages of completing a deal that would send the firey Venezuelan manager of the Southsiders and his 2012 contract to Florida for two players to be named. Guillen has managed the White Sox for the past eight seasons and won a World Series with the team in 2005. He played shortstop for the team for 13 seasons.

The Chicago Blackhawks are back on the ice tomorrow night as they continue their preseason schedule with the back-end of a home-and-home set with the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. On Sunday, Henrik Zetterberg scored the decisive goal in the shootout, as the Red Wings beat the 'Hawks, 4-3, at Joe Louis Arena. Chicago hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night.

In related team news, the Blackhawks assigned forwards Kyle Beach, Peter LeBlanc, Brandon Segal and Jimmy Hayes, defensemen Brian Connelly and Joe Lavin to Rockford of the AHL.

Rookie Dan Bailey kicked six field goals, including the game-winner with 1:47 remaining, boosting the Dallas Cowboys to an 18-16 win over the Washington Redskins. Dallas wrapped up the victory when Anthony Spencer sacked Rex Grossman from behind, causing a fumble that was recovered by Sean Lee at the Washington 40 with 28 seconds left. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo played one week after suffering a fractured rib and a collapsed lung.

Brian Bogusevic scored the game-winning run on Angel Sanchez's bunt single in the bottom of the 10th to give the Astros a 5-4 win over the Cardinals. Matt Holliday had an RBI single in the third and Lance Berkman added a two-run double to tie the game at four in the eighth for St. Louis, which failed to gain ground in the NL Wild Card standings after Atlanta lost on Monday night to Philadelphia. The Cards still remain a game back with two games to play. Octavio Dotel was saddled with the loss. The second game of the three-game set is tonight with Jake Westbrook opposing Henry Sosa.

The Rams return to the practice field tomorrow as they begin to prepare for Sunday's home game against the Redskins. The Rams are reeling after an 0-and-3 start, punctuated by Sunday's 37-7 thrashing at home by the Baltimore Ravens. The injury-riddled Rams again played without running back Steven Jackson and wideout Danny Amendola among others.

The Blues continue preseason play tonight when they host the Minnesota Wild at Scottrade Center. St. Louis is 3-and-2 in exhibition play following Saturday's 3-2 loss at Dallas. The Blues have played four straight one-goal games. After tonight, they finish with home games against Colorado and Dallas before the regular-season opener October 8th against Nashville.

Registration for the second eight-week session of fall semester classes will continue through Tuesday, Oct. 18. Classes begin Monday, Oct. 17 and end Friday, Dec. 9, with the following week being final exams.

Counselors are available to assist students with Module II registration Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening hours are available by appointment only.

For registration information or for a complete list of courses, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu or call Counseling Services at (217) 234-5232.

Contestants are still needed for the 2011 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Little Miss and Little Mister pageant, scheduled for 9am Saturday, October 15th, on the Chillifest stage on the south side of the Taylorville square.

All contestants must be residents of Christian County, and be at least 4 but not more than 6 years old on October 15th. There is a $10 registration fee, and the deadline for entering is September 30th.

All entry forms must be accompanied by a picture.

Entry forms can be obtained at the Chamber office on the 2nd floor of the US Bank building on the south side of the Taylorville square, or on the Chillifest web site, chillifest-dot-info, that’s Chillifest with 2-L’s.

Entries must be received by the Chamber office by September 30th.

Questions regarding the Taylorville Chamber Chillifest Little Miss and Little Mister pageant, can be directed to chairperson Laura Hadley at 827-6287.

It's been a rough growing season in Illinois, but some producers are being pleasantly surprised by the yields in some of their corn fields. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this story.

[audio:jwhite927a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen to the WTIM morning and afternoon farm show with local farm broadcaster Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on the Talk of Central Illinois, Newstalk 97.3, WTIM.

The Web Advantage Seminar is approaching very fast and Fred Ronnow, who is the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, says that there are a few seats open if you’re interested in attending.

[audio:fron927a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The format of the seminar will include in-depth looks at how Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook all work as these three programs are what will interest the patrons the most.

[audio:fron927b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information, you can contact the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at 824-4919.

Road construction has been an on-going project in Taylorville as Webster Street has been getting upgraded. Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says it’s tough for businesses when road construction is going on in front of their stores, but the process is nearing completion.

[audio:gregb927a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Depending on how cooperative the weather is, asphalting could last only a couple of days.

[audio:gregb927b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Aside from completing Webster Street, the Mayor wants to complete drainage projects around town.

[audio:gregb927c.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Even though road construction has its inconveniences to drivers and area businesses, the new and improved roadway will make travel on that road that much better.

Local Taylorville restaurant owner Gaetano Gambino, of Gambino’s Louisiana Restaurant, passed away Sunday morning.

Gambino passed away as a result of a blood clot in his lungs following five heart surgeries spanning over a period of nine days in Belize.

Gambino first offered his Louisiana cuisine in Rochester before moving his restaurant to the Taylorville area over two years ago.

A special service for Gambino will be held this evening allowing the community to purchase items from the restaurant in order to support Gambino’s children.

Gaetano Gambino is survived by his three children.

Tyler R. Bright of Taylorville was cited for failure to report an accident to police and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Jason M. Chronister of Taylorville was cited for driving with a suspended license.

Lisa M. Harker of Taylorville was cited for driving with a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle, and no valid registration.

Andrea L. Tomasello of Assumption was cited for speeding.

Season S. Sherman of Taylorville was cited for speeding.

Daniel K. Thompson of Tower Hill was cited for for illegal squealing and screeching of tires.

Gabrielle L. Larfald of Taylorville was cited for failure to reduce speed/accident.

Patrick S. Gagne of Taylorville was cited for speeding.

Jennifer L. Brown of Tower hill was cited for driving with a suspended license and speeding.

Trent A. Culberson of Taylorville was cited for driving with a revoked license.

Jason M. Freeman of Taylorville was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol and excessive noise.

Crystal R. Myers of Taylorville was cited for driving in the wrong lane.

Stephen J. Vancil of Taylorville was cited for failure to yield exiting an alleyway.

Jana M. Held of Morrisonville was cited for speeding.

Chanel L. Daugherty of Taylorville was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol.

Stephen C. Peck of Taylorville was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol.

Zachary K. Waterman of Taylorville was cited for disobeying a stop sign.

Jarod K. Challons of Shelbyville was cited for driving with a suspended license and failure to yield at an intersection.

The Taylorville Police Department made the following arrest:

Gary J. Foreman, 28 of Taylorville, had a warrant for his arrest out of Christian County

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville fell to Monticello with an ending score of 25-22.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene of a one vehicle accident on County Highway 8 Thursday morning.

According to the accident report, James B. Harlow of Pana was traveling east bound on County Highway 8, near 1600 East Road, when two deer ran out into the roadway. Harlow swerved his 2000 Dodge Dakota to avoid hitting the deer causing his truck to go off the roadway to the south and strike a street with the front end of his vehicle.

Harlow reported no injuries from the accident.

Christian County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a one vehicle accident involving a motorcycle on Route 51 late Thursday evening.

According to the deputies report, a motorcycle driven by Richard C. Lancaster of Decatur was traveling north on Route 51, near 415 North Road, when his passenger, Lisa C. Lancaster, dropped something from the motorcycle.

Richard Lancaster slowed the vehicle down and attempted to make a U-turn, but drove the motorcycle into wet grass causing the motorcycle to overturn.

Lisa Lancaster was taken to Pana Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Taylorville Police Department was called to the scene of a two vehicle accident involving a car and mped.

Stephen J. Vancil of Taylorville was waiting on traffic in the 100-block of Walnut Street when he was waved across the street by the witness who was driving the truck. Vancil proceeded to cross Walnut Street when he was struck by Daniel R. Dallstream of Taylorville.

Dallstream was heading northbound on Walnut when Vancil came into his lane of traffic and tried to avoid but could not.

The witness stated that the traffic was heavy on Walnut, so he let Vancil go into traffic first. He thought Vancil was going to pull out and go the same direction, but Vancil proceeded across both lanes of traffic when he was struck by Dallstream.

Vancil suffered minor injuries form the accident and was issued a citation for failure to yield when exiting an alleyway.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the annual Chillifest next month.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO explains that in addition to the crowd pleasing sounds of Danny Russell and the Hillbilly Circus, festival goers will be able to watch the crowning of the Little Miss and Mister Chillipepper contest on Saturday, October 15th.

[audio:fron926a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Ronnow adds that Miller Media Group president Randall J. Miller will serve as emcee for the events once again this year.

He says the chamber is still searching for chilli and salsa judges for the competitions as well.

[audio:fron926b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information about this year’s Chillifest visit www.chillifest.info.

 While most gardeners are done for the season, several are beginning to prepare for educational experiences with the fall edition of the University of Illinois Extension Offices of Christian County telenet series.

Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi says there will be plenty of information made available once again this fall.

[audio:gpod926a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Podeschi adds that learning about weeds will be a popular topic as well as learning about backyard landscaping.

[audio:gpod926b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information or to sign up, call 217 – 287 – 7246.

Senior citizens continue to be a prime target for phone and internet scams, and a familiar scam has taken a new twist with seniors.

Mac Macguire with the Christian County TRIAD explains that the well-known ‘grandparent’ scam has taken on a new twist and is robbing seniors at alarming rates.

[audio:mmac926a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Macguire adds that the scam now has three parts, making it more costly for victims.

[audio:mmac926b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information about the Christina County TRIAD call 217 – 824 – 4263.

Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes to Jermichael Finley as the Packers beat the Bears, 27-17, on Sunday at Soldier Field. Rodgers passed for 297 yards with an interception for Green Bay, which moved to 3-and-0 on the year. Greg Jennings had nine catches for 119 yards in the victory. Jay Cutler passed for 302 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Bears, who have dropped two straight to fall to 1-and-2. Chicago only had 13 rushing yards on 12 attempts in the loss. The Bears host the Carolina Panthers in Week Four at Soldier Field.

Rafael Furcal clubbed a go-ahead, solo home run in the eighth inning to lead the Cardinals in a 3-2 win over the Cubs on Sunday afternoon. Yadier Molina also smacked a solo shot for St. Louis, which climbed to within one game of the Atlanta Braves for the NL Wild Card lead. Octavio Dotel was credited with the win and Jason Motte worked a flawless ninth to nail down his ninth save. Geovany Soto and Starlin Castro both plated a run for Chicago. Randy Wells gave all three runs in a complete-game effort to suffer the tough-luck loss for the Cubs, who dropped two-of-three at Busch Stadium. The Northsiders head to Petco Park for a season-ending three-game series against the San Diego Padres starting this evening. Casey Coleman will be on the bump opposite Mat Latos in the opener.

Jarrod Dyson's two-run double in the sixth inning was all the Royals needed as they defeated the White Sox, 2-1, on Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field. Luis Mendoza tossed seven-and-two-thirds innings of one-run ball, and Greg Holland notched his fourth save of the year. Kansas City has won two-of-three. Paul Konerko drove in the lone run for Chicago, which has lost three of the last four. The Southsiders kick off a season-ending three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays this evening at The Cell. Dylan Axelrod gets the nod against Dustin McGowan in the opener.

Henrik Zetterberg scored the decisive goal in the shootout, as the Detroit Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-3, on Sunday at Joe Louis Arena. Brandon Pirri had two goals and one assist for the Blackhawks, while Alexander Salak turned aside 30 shots in defeat. The two teams play again on Wednesday at the United Center.

Derek Dimke kicked a go-ahead 21-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, and Illinois held on for a 23-20 win over Western Michigan on Saturday in Champaign to remain undefeated.  The Illini host Northwestern on Saturday afternoon.

Rookie Torrey Smith had five catches for 152 yards and three touchdowns as the Ravens routed the Rams, 37-7. Sam Bradford threw for 166 yards, a touchdown and an interception for the Rams, who fell to 0-and-3. Brandon Gibson hauled in a 34-yard touchdown pass in the lopsided loss. Next Sunday the Rams welcome in the Washington Redskins. The 2-and-0 Skins face the Dallas Cowboys tonight on Monday Night Football.

Michael Ryder, Matt Fraser and Raymond Sawada each scored to lead the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues in preseason action Saturday.  Andy McDonald and Alexander Steen scored for the Blues while Brian Elliott let in three goals on 26 shots.  The Blues move to 3-and-2 on the exhibition season as they prepare for a Tuesday night matchup in Minnesota with the Wild.

Citations

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests.

49 year-old Julie K. Riggs of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for theft on Friday, September 23rd.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department recorded these arrests:

Brandon M. Fetters, 19, was arrested on Illegal Consumption of Alcohol.

Chanel L. Daugherty, 30 of Bulpitt, was arrested on Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Cannabis, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Jason M. Freeman, 41 of Taylorville, was arrested on Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Felisha R. Sickles, 24 of Taylorville, had a Bond Forefeiture Warrant for Knowingly Damaging Property.

Jennifer L. Brown, 25 of Tower Hill, had a Bond Forfeiture Warrant for Driving with a Suspended License.

Daniel D. Karpen, 48 of Springfield, was arrested for Driving under the Influence.

The Taylorville Police Department recorded these arrests:

Carole A. Brasche, 23, was arrested for Retail Theft.

Melissa J. Patrick, 44, was arrested fo rUse of Intoxicating a Prohibited Compound.

Jason M. Chronister, of Taylorville, was cited for driving with a suspended license.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defeated Neoga with a last score of 25-14.

Adron Chambers scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth as the Cardinals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 win over the Cubs.  Ryan Theriot drew a bases-loaded walk in the ninth for St. Louis, which is now two games behind the Braves in the NL Wild Card standings.  Atlanta lost to Washington Saturday.  Jason Motte was credited with the win.  Alfonso Soriano singled in a run in the first for Chicago.  Carlos Marmol blew his 10th save and suffered his sixth loss.

As heard on WTIM, Illinois looks to improve to 4-0 when Western Michigan comes to Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office responded to a one vehicle accident on Illinois Route 48 in the late evening hours of September 18th.

Kathleen M. Buck, of Taylorville, was traveling northbound on Route 48, near 100 East Road, when she swerved her vehicle to avoid hitting an animal that was standing in the roadway.

Buck lost control of her vehicle and entered the south ditch. She was taken to the Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The program formerly known as Lake Land College Trio Educational Talent Search (ETS) has a new face and name. Now called Destination College, the program is aimed at more fully reaching the individual needs of area middle school and high school students in addition to providing academic, career and financial aid counseling.

“The overall goal of Destination College is to increase the number of students in the area who continue their education at either two-or four- year universities, vocational training institutions, or in a certificate program, and complete that program,” said Lori Ohnesorge, director of Destination College.

With its last grant cycle, Trio ETS focused on disseminating information about academic skills, college, post-high school opportunities and financial aid to middle and high school students throughout the Lake Land College district. Now, the revised program, Destination College, sets out to individually guide each student to create individual goals and a specific plan of how they can work to reach those goals.

“We are making an intentional effort to guide students instead of just relaying information so that they can be the masters of their own futures,” said Ohnesorge. “We aim to expand their horizons to make their biggest dreams be achievable goals and help them to see the paths they can take to realize their dreams.”

Additionally, Destination College will incorporate a more intense student tracking system that will follow students’ grades and connect them with tutoring or additional resources while in middle or high school. The program also will track students into their post-secondary educational pursuits in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

“Tracking the students and their grades is a tool that we can use to help students, but it’s also a great tool to ease the demands on our area guidance counselors by helping them to guide students,” said Ohnesorge.

Other new features to the program include online exercises and activities that students can access at a time convenient for them. This curriculum includes self-paced activities and information on college exploration, financial literacy, job exploration and other guides for students to develop an idea of where they want to be and how to get there.

Governor Pat Quinn announced this week that federal disaster assistance is available to help Illinois farmers who suffered crop losses due to flooding this year.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the Governor’s request to designate 46 Illinois counties as natural disaster areas. The designation qualifies farmers in those counties and 27 contiguous counties for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including low-interest emergency loans.

“Grain prices will help offset production losses for farmers who were fortunate enough to get a crop in the ground, but thousands of acres across Illinois were totally destroyed,” Governor Quinn said. “These loans will help farmers who weren’t able to plant this year’s crop by refinancing debt and covering production costs and essential family living expenses.”

The January to June period this year was the fourth-wettest on record. Precipitation totaled 27.2 inches - nearly eight inches more than normal. This includes a record 7.59 inches of rain in April, which delayed spring planting in much of the state and flooded an estimated 500,000 acres.

Chicago Congressman Danny Davis says he never said the new redistricting map violates the Voting Rights Act. He's disputing reports he and Chicago Congressmen Jesse Jackson Jr. and Bobby Rush have split from the rest of the Democratic Party and refuse to help pay for the lawsuit filed by Republicans. Davis says he's declined to pitch in any money because he's waiting for more information about the attorneys who will try the case. But as far as Davis is concerned, the map is representative of the people in Illinois and when it boils down to it, he thinks Democrats can win the case against the Republicans.

Two state senators are asking their colleagues to override two of Governor Quinn's vetoes and restore education funding. Senators Gary Forby and John Sullivan say cuts to educational transportation are unfair for rural school districts. Some students are walking about half-a-mile just to get to the bus stop. They also want the legislature to reinstate salaries for the state's regional superintendents. Senator Sullivan says the superintendents are elected officials whose jobs are protected by state statute. He says it's not right to eliminate their pay without first finding a way to shift their responsibilities. Lawmakers are expected to deal with both issues when they head back to Springfield on October 25th.

A 15-year old Jerseyville girl has been found safely in Colorado. Arica Blair apparently ran away with 23-year old John Allen, who happens to be a convicted sexual predator. Allen has been taken into custody and Blair is in the care of social services after the U.S. Marshals Service and the local sheriff's department found the pair in Pueblo County. Jerseyville Police said Blair left on her own last Wednesday and was considered a runaway, but they were concerned because Allen has never registered as a sex offender. Blair was last seen September 14th when she was leaving school.

Alfonso Soriano clubbed a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth as the Cubs dealt the Cardinals a crushing 5-1 loss.  The loss, coupled with Milwaukee's win over the Marlins, gave the Brewers the NL Central title.  St. Louis also slipped three games behind the Braves in the NL Wild Card race.  The Braves beat the Nationals earlier Friday.  Jeff Samardzija earned the win for Chicago.  The Cardinals scored their only run on a Chris Carpenter suicide bunt in the second.  Kyle McClellan took the loss for the Cards, who left 10 men on base in defeat.

The raffle held at this year’s Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, will offer some great prizes as it has in past years.

Prizes include a complete set of Home Tour Bone China cups and saucers donated by Carol Alexander; a one year family membership at the Christian County YMCA, a $625 value; an HP tablet from Aaron’s valued at $180; 2 tickets to the Michigan at Illinois football game November 12th, valued at $130, and 2 tickets to the Wisconsin at Illinois football game November 19th, also valued at $130, all being donated by the Miller Media Group and WTIM Radio.

Other Chamber of Commerce Chillifest raffle prizes include a Honeywell 6000 programmable digital thermostat valued at $100 provided by Blakley Heating and Cooling; a $50 gift certificate good at the Taylorville Big R Store; 2 $25 Chamber gift certificates donated by the Palmer Bank; and 2 $25 gift packs from Taco Bell.

Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10, and can be purchased at the Chamber office on the 2nd floor of the US Bank building on the south side of the Taylorville square. Tickets can also be purchased during Chillifest weekend at a table on the south side of the square.

The drawing for all the Taylorville Chamber Chillifest raffle prizes, takes place at the end of the 2-day festival on October 16th.

Two employees of Lincoln Land Community College recently graduated from the Academy for Leadership and Development. Julie Rourke of Chatham, director of workforce development, and Diane Clark of Hillsboro, assistant director of public relations, were selected by the college to participate in the leadership program.

The Academy for Leadership and Development was developed by the Chair Academy, a division of the Maricopa Community College District in Mesa, Arizona, to advance organizational leadership and provide succession planning for leaders in post-secondary institutions.

The Academy is a yearlong program which includes an initial week of on-site training, a practicum experience involving implementation of an individualized professional development plan, a mentor and coaching program, and a final week of on-site training. Some of the program topics include the complex role of the organization leader, work behavioral styles, building effective work teams, strategic planning and managing conflict productively.

This year Lake Land College’s radio station, WLKL 89.9 FM, will participate in College Radio Day, which is slated for Oct. 11. This nation-wide event aims to raise a greater, national awareness of the many college and high school radio stations that operate in North America by encouraging people who would not normally listen to college radio to do so, according to College Radio Day’s Web site.

At Lake Land College, the Broadcasting Club, in coordination with WLKL 89.9 the Max Alternative, the college’s own student produced radio station, has planned several events for the day. Students will be broadcasting live from the Luther Student Center, and there will be free prizes and giveaways. Additionally, the Lake Land College Broadcasting Club will be kicking off its annual food drive, accepting non-perishable food donations.

According to Greg Powers, broadcasting instructor and station manager, WLKL is an invaluable asset to the radio and TV broadcasting program at the college.

“WLKL provides a tremendous opportunity for students to gain on-air experience their first semester of college,” said Powers. “Students leave the program with the skills necessary to make an immediate impact in the industry.”

WLKL provides programming for listeners not otherwise available in the immediate area, such as broadcasting local college and high school sporting events and featuring local musicians. All programming is produced and aired by students enrolled in the program.

With the school year underway, elementary children throughout the Taylorville school district will soon be learning about agriculture and its influence on the local economy.

Ann Lupton, ag literacy educator for the University of Illinois Extension in Christian County, says that this fall students will be learning about apples instead of pumpkins.

[audio:alup923a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Lupton says that this time of year is especially important as kids will learn about farm safety as well as preparing for learning about bugs later this year.

[audio:alup923b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information about the University of Illinois Extension of Christian County ag literacy program call 217 – 287 – 7246.

Childhood obesity continues to be a battle for parents and many school districts and with this month being Childhood Obesity Awareness Month the St. Louis District Dairy Council is reminding parents and children about the risks and dangers associated with childhood obesity.

Asdrubal Cabrera hit a three-run homer and finished with five RBI as the Indians hammered the White Sox, 11-2. Kosuke Fukudome and Jason Kipnis had solo shots in the first for Cleveland, which earned a split in the four-game set with the win. Juan Pierre had two hits and an RBI for the White Sox, who closed out the road portion of their schedule with a record of 43-and-38. Phil Humber was lit up for seven runs and eight hits in six-plus innings to fall to 9-and-9. The Southsiders return to The Cell to kick off a three-game series with Kansas City. Zach Stewart gets the nod against Bruce Chen in the opener.

The Cubs are back on the diamond this evening as they open up a three-game series against NL Central rival St. Louis at Busch Stadium. Ryan Dempster will be on the bump opposite Chris Carpenter in game one. The Northsiders took two-of-three from Milwaukee in their last series to improve to 69-and-87 on the season.

Illinois Fighting Illini host Western Michigan on Saturday afternoon in Champaign. The Illini are coming off a 17-14 victory over then-18th-ranked Arizona State last weekend to improve to a perfect 3-and-0 on the season. They also have wins over Arkansas State and South Dakota State.

Willie Harris smacked a go-ahead two-run single during a six-run ninth inning as the Mets stormed back to shock the Cardinals, 8-6. Ruben Tejada drilled a game-tying two-run double in the big frame for New York, which trailed 6-1 after seven innings. Allen Craig clubbed a two-run homer and Albert Pujols added a solo shot for the Cards, who are now two games behind the Braves in the NL Wild Card race. Marc Rzepczynski [[ zep-CHIN-skee ]] was charged with the loss. The Cards play their final regular season home series starting tonight against the Cubs.

Jordan Staal scored twice during a four-goal third period as the Penguins beat the Blackhawks, 4-1. Michael Frolik lit the lamp in the second period for Chicago, which is 0-and-2 in preseason play. Chicago is right back on the ice this evening as they play its exhibition home-opener against the Washington Capitals at the United Center.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests.

20 year-old Travis D.G. Gordon of Stonington was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for criminal trespassing on Tuesday, September 20th.

26 year-old Shane D. Farris of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department a bond forfeiture warrant for domestic battery on Tuesday, September 20th.

37 year-old Kevin W. Wicker of Illiopolis was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department a bond forfeiture warrant for driving on a suspended or revoked license on Tuesday, September 20th.

49 year-old Mary A. Scott of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for meth manufacturing, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of cannabis on Wednesday, September 21st.

19 year-old Shelby K. Herman of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia on Wednesday, September 21st.

32 year-old Jared L. Hohenstein of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department was arrested for an original arrest warrant for driving with a suspended license on September 21st.

19 year-old Brandon K. Beaty of Pana was arrested by the Pana Police Department for an original arrest warrant for unspecified statute on Wednesday, September 21st.

As heard on WTIM, Taylorville fell to Rochester with a score of 57-12.

As heard on WMKR, Central A&M defeated Argenta-Oreana with a score of 41-14.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville fell to St. Teresa with a score of 78-42.

The renewable energy installations at Lake Land College are garnering state-wide attention as the college was invited to participate in the 2011 Illinois Solar Tour by the Illinois Solar Energy Association and the American Solar Energy Society.

The tour, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1, is a free, self-guided, state-wide event that demonstrates how Illinois homes and businesses are using solar, wind, geothermal, passive solar design and energy efficiency to become energy independent. Owners and installers of renewable energy systems will give tours and answer questions on how to harness the power of the sun and wind to fuel homes and businesses.

Joe Tillman, renewable energy instructor and coordinator at the college, said that tour participants at Lake Land College will get to see the many renewable installations the college has including the solar panels, solar hot water converter and photovoltaic panels in addition to the wind turbines and the geothermal loop.

“We’re going to feature and discuss all of the installations the college has on campus, with a specific focus on the solar energy production,” said Tillman. “We will also discuss the amount of energy the installations produce and offset, and will talk about how Lake Land College’s hybrid renewable system, a combination of wind and solar energy, works best with the Illinois climate.”

Tours will be given at the top of each hour starting at 9 a.m. with the last tour starting at 4 p.m. Participants should report to the west foyer of the West Building on Lake Land’s campus.

An energy efficiency milestone was achieved today when the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy® Refrigerator Recycling Program collected the 30,000th refrigerator/freezer unit for recycling.

The milestone refrigerator was picked up today at the home of Jane Haslem in Quincy. The Quincy customer will receive $50 from ActOnEnergy. Furthermore, she will save $150 or more annually in electricity bills by retiring her Energy Hog refrigerator.

“The amount of electricity used by those 30,000 refrigerators and freezers is equal to the power used by about 3,000 typical residential customers for an entire year,” said Karen Warnke, Ameren Illinois Customer Service energy efficiency advisor.

“This program is good news for the environment because the retirement of these refrigerators will prevent about 22,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being released into the atmosphere in a year.”

In addition, the recycling of the 30,000 refrigerators and freezers prevented 7,800 tons of metal and other waste from ending up in landfills.

“We rehabilitate these Energy Hog refrigerators and freezers at our recycling facility in Springfield. Their recycled components – primarily metal, plastic, glass – will get the opportunity to lead productive lives as new products,” Warnke said.

Ameren Illinois now pays an electric customer $50 for any standard size refrigerator or freezer. The appliance must be plugged in and operating at the time it is picked up for recycling. Customers are not required to replace the unit.

Eligible Ameren Illinois electric customers should call 1-866-899-9088 to schedule a pickup of their refrigerator or freezer. Customers will need their electric account number when scheduling a pickup.

The Pana Community Hospital Live Well Fitness Program announces a new fall class schedule that will now offer ZUMBA ®, as well as Yoga, Pilates, Boot Camp and Aqua Fit. The new class schedule begins October 3rd.

ZUMBA ® is the latest fitness craze that is great for all people of all ages. It's a combination of merengue, salsa, cumbia, and hip hop divided into an hour of calorie burning fun. ZUMBA ® classes will be taught by Ashley Duduit, Amber Blackwell, Erica LaMarche, Amanda Taylor and Ashley Kime.

Pana Community Hospital marketing coordinator Melissa Rybolt explains that this will be a welcomed addition to the programs offered by the Rehab and Wellness Center.

[audio:mryb922a.mp3]comment here[/audio].

Rybolt adds that PCH continues to offer several lifestyle changing programs to help benefit the community.

[audio:mryb922b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

An advanced registration and 3 month payment will still be required for aqua fit classes.

General and premier memberships are another option for anyone wanting to take classes plus have access to the wide variety of cardio and strength training equipment. The Rehab/Wellness Center is equipped with state of the art cardio equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent and upright bikes, semi-recumbent elliptical, stair master, arm cycles and the Keiser functional trainer. Members also have access to health and fitness assessments, goal setting and motivation, nutrition counseling, and chronic disease management.

To find out more information on the Pana Community Hospital Live Well Fitness Program or for a tour of the center, call Nancy Alexander, Wellness Coordinator at 562-6231.

Matt Garza struck out 10 while allowing just an unearned run in a complete-game effort as the Cubs closed out their home schedule with a 7-1 win over the Brewers on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Garza gave up six hits and a walk to improve to 9-and-10. Marlon Byrd belted a three-run homer for Chicago, which took two-of-three from Milwaukee at Wrigley Field. Randy Wolf was tagged for 10 hits and six runs in six innings of work to fall to 13-and-10 with the loss. Jerry Hairston Jr. had two hits for the Crew. The Northsiders are off today. They kick off a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals starting tomorrow night at Busch Stadium. Ryan Dempster will go up against Chris Carpenter in the opener.

Brent Morel hit a two-run homer during a four-run eighth as the White Sox doubled up the Indians, 8-4, on Wednesday evening at Progressive Field. Alexei Ramirez and Alex Rios added solo shots in the eighth for Chicago, which has won 11 of its 17 meetings with Cleveland this season. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] tossed six innings of two-run ball to improve to 12-and-9. Travis Hafner hit a two-run homer for Cleveland. Ubaldo Jimenez struck out seven, but allowed four runs over seven innings to fall to 4-and-3. Philip Humber will toe the rubber opposite Jeanmar Gomez in tonight's series finale.

David Freese provided the big blow with a three-run jack in the bottom of the seventh as the Cardinals clipped the Mets, 6-5. Freese also tripled home a pair of runs in the first for St. Louis, which moved to within one-and-a-half games Braves in the NL Wild Card standings. Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia went seven-and-two-thirds to move to 13-and-7 on the year. Jason Motte got the final four outs for his eighth save. The three-game series wraps up today with Jake Westbrook opposing Chris Capuano.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Christian County Coroner are investigating a fatal farm vehicle accident that occurred on Wednesday in the rural Taylorville area.

At approximately 4:30 P.M., 911 received a medical call in the vicinity of the Mt. Auburn Road, just north of Taylorville. Sheriff’s Deputies, along with Taylorville Fire and Sutton Ambulance responded. The victim, identified as 56 year-old Christine Stephens of Edinburg, was treated and removed to Taylorville Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

While the 2011 harvest is under way and gardeners are left with just pumpkins and other late season produce to pick, the University of Illinois Master Gardeners are reminding the public that there is work for next year that can be started this month.

Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi explains that this time of year is prime for making repairs to your yard.

[audio:gpod922a.mp3]comment here[/audio].

For more information contact the Master Gardeners Help Desk at 217 – 287 – 7246.

The 2011 school year is a little over a month in for Taylorville High School, but as with years past, struggles within the state of Illinois continue to affect the district’s budget.

Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau explains that because of the state’s pro rating of payments from last year, changes have been made in planning for the next year budget.

[audio:greggf922a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The school board recently passed the budget for the 2012 fiscal year.

Lake Land College's green initiatives are expanding to the advisement and registration process. In the past, degree-seeking students received a letter notifying them of their academic advisor and the first date they could register. This year, students will receive this communication electronically.

"This new process provides students with immediate access to their advisor's phone number and office hours as well as their registration information," said Emily Hartke, chair of counseling and judicial affairs advisement. "While the first date of registration is in November, we strongly encourage students to contact their advisors as soon as possible."

All degree-seeking students at Lake Land College are required to contact their advisor for advisement before they are eligible to register each semester. This ensures students are taking courses that they need for their major and gives them the opportunity to connect with an expert in their area of interest.

“The advisor-student relationship is very important,” said Hartke. “Advisors help students ensure they are taking the correct courses for their major and establish their short-term and long-term educational goals. The new communication process will not only save paper, but it will make it easier for students to connect with their academic advisor.”

Students will still receive a postcard in the mail on or about Oct. 14, reminding them to go through the registration process with step-by-step instructions. The notification coincides with the date the spring 2012 schedule is published on the college's home page.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced this week it is renewing its commitment to child safety seat awareness during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 18-24.

ISP and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) are collaborating this week and throughout the year to provide child safety seat services to Illinois residents.

The purpose of Child Passenger Safety Week is to remind families and motorists about the importance of securing all children in a car seat, booster seat or seatbelt.

“Our goal is to ensure children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat-every trip, every time,” said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. “Safety seat programs like this provide parents and guardians with the necessary information and resources to make travelling with young children as safe as possible,” he added.

Throughout the year, DHS provides car seats to qualified individuals. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate and have their child’s safety seat checked by a certified technician. "As a mother, I know the importance of car safety seats and I encourage all parents to take the time to be educated in the proper installation of car safety seats and learn how to properly secure their child in the seat," said Ivonne Sambolin, Director of the IDHS Division of Community Health and Prevention. "It is our duty to act responsibly and ensure children’s safety."

Both agencies point out that countless lives have already been saved by simply requiring drivers to wear their seat belts. Statistics reveal that over 92 percent of motorists choose to wear their seat belts and officials stress that it is equally important to ensure that children in vehicles are properly secured in the appropriate child safety seat.

A total of 35 people in 10 states have been infected in the multistate outbreak of listeriosis linked to Rocky Ford Cantaloupes shipped by Jensen Farms in Colorado, including a suburban Cook County woman, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed.

IDPH along with local health departments in Illinois has been collaborating with CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the multistate outbreak of listeriosis, a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The FDA also reported the Rocky Ford Cantaloupes voluntarily recalled by Jensen Farms on September 14th were distributed in at least 17 states, including Illinois. Both the FDA and CDC have recommended that consumers not eat Rocky Ford Cantaloupes from Jensen Farms.

The 82-year-old Illinois woman became ill on September 7th after she reported that she ate a cantaloupe from a store where the recalled cantaloupes were sold. She was subsequently hospitalized.

Tuesday’s Kiwanis program was presented by Lou Ann Jacobs, co-owner of Del’s Popcorn Shop in Taylorville. Del’s was founded in Decatur by John Baldwin in 1934. The original location was 146 N. Main Street. In the 40’s he moved the shop to Merchant Street. In the 60’s Del & Emily Barnett bought the shop and moved it to the present location and changed the name to Del’s. In 1978 Lou Ann purchased the business and bought the building next door to increase their space to 1000 square feet. They are capable of popping 80 pounds of corn per hour. In 1980 she opened Del’s of Springfield selling that store to her sister Shellie in 1984. In 2002 her brother Mike and his wife Trudy open a store in Mt. Zion. In 2009 she sold the Decatur store and planned on retiring. Shellie and her son Logan had other ideas. Lou Ann, Shellie and Logan formed Del’s Popcorn Global and opened a store in Taylorville. Logan, who is a THS grad, really wanted a store in Taylorville. Del’s has done many custom popcorn creations over the years, including a 600 pound popcorn ball. The largest corporate order they have filled was for State Farm of Bloomington, 16,000 gifts.

Kiwanis Peanut Days will be held on September 30th and October 1st.

Next week’s special guest & program will be Kiwanis Lt. Governor Jeannette Early.

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.”

For the latest news on Kiwanis you can log onto their website at www.taylorvillekiwanis.com.

It's been a challenging growing season for producers across central Illinois, and it looks like the harvest is also going to pose some difficulties. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this story.

[audio:jwhite921a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen to the morning and afternoon farm show with local farm broadcaster Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

A tractor junket and show will again be a part of the 2011 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, on Sunday, October 16th.

The Taylorville FFA Chapter is presenting both events, which are being chaired again this year by Larry Barry.

The junket will meet in the parking lot of Jensen Home Furnishings, at 400 North Webster in Taylorville, at 8am that day, and travel about 20 miles on the outskirts of Taylorville, ending their trip on the Taylorville square.

The show takes place on the square from 12 noon to 3pm, with tractor games, a kiddie tractor pull, prizes and best of show all being offered.

There is no entry fee, but you need to register to participate, and also to receive a free t-shirt. Registration forms are available on the Chillifest web site, chillifest.info, or at the Chamber office on the 2nd floor of the US Bank building on the south side of the Taylorville square. Registration forms can be dropped off at Larry’s Service Center on North Webster, or mailed to Barry at PO Box 643 in Taylorville.

If you have questions, you can reach Barry at 824-9060.

Shortly after 12:00 a.m. Wednesday morning the Taylorville Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 600-block of West Third Street that resulted in the arrest of a Taylorville woman for drug charges.

49 year-old Mary A. Scott was taken into custody pending multiple charges, including unlawful participation of drug methamphetamines, possession of controlled substances, and possession of cannabis.

Information obtained during the investigation led to the discovery of cannabis and methamphetamine precursors being discovered at Scott’s residence. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

Further charges are pending at this time.

More than 1,500 junior and senior high school students will have the opportunity to meet with more than 30 college representatives this year at the annual Lake Land College Illinois College Exposition and Career Day, held Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Field House.

This year’s Career Day is once again an Illinois College Exposition (ICE Fair), which means university representatives, as well as career and military representatives, will be in attendance to share information on opportunities in higher education and the armed forces.

"College and career decisions are challenging, but life-changing choices,” said Lisa Shumard-Shelton, director of new student admissions at Lake Land. “The ICE and Career Day provides students with vital information that will help them in the decision-making process."

Additionally, faculty and staff from Lake Land College will be in attendance to offer direction to students interested in the various educational opportunities Lake Land College offers. Participants can attend sessions taught by Lake Land faculty where they will answer questions about their respective fields of study. Participants will have a chance to ask questions about the education needed for a particular career and the work itself.

“Our faculty have many connections within their disciplines and can often offer additional information and contacts so students can gain the necessary information to help guide them on a career path,” said Tina Moore, director of career services.

Shelton said the event, which is now more than 30 years old, is designed to educate students in a fun way.

"It’s a fun-filled day full of opportunities for students interested in a variety of options. Students can find out what they want to know about educational and career options," she said.

Shelton encouraged students interested in Career Day to talk to their guidance counselor about attending the event. The ICE Fair portion of the event is free and open to community members to visit during 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Field House.

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

Sometime between 3:00 pm on Sunday September 3, 2011 and Tuesday September 6, 2011, person or persons unknown made entry into a residence located at 1918 Greenview Street. While inside the unknown subject or subjects took several items including: a power saw, 3 extension cords, a torch, and copper fittings. The unknown subject or subjects also damaged a window screen while making entry. The total amount of damage and items stolen is unknown at this time.

Please call the 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.

Geovany Soto went 3-for-3 with a pair of two-run homers and an RBI single to lead the Cubs in a 5-2 win over the Brewers on Monday evening at Wrigley Field. Casey Coleman struck out eight through six innings of two-hit, one-run ball to pick up his first win since May 19th and improve to 3-and-8 on the season. The Northsiders have won three of their last four games. Jerry Hairston Jr. and Casey McGehee [[ McGee ]] each smacked solo home runs for Milwaukee. Randy Wells will toe the rubber opposite Shaun Marcum in tonight's second installment.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood will not play for the remainder of the season in anticipation of knee surgery. Wood, who will require a procedure to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, has to sit out until the swelling subsides before going under the knife. The 34-year-old reliever appeared in 55 games this season for Chicago, going 3-and-5 with a 3.35 earned-run average and one save. Originally a fireballing-starter, Wood was converted to a closer near the end of his first tenure with the Cubs in 2008. He spent the previous two years with the Indians and Yankees in the AL before returning to the north side of Chicago on a one-year deal.

The Chicago White Sox are back on the diamond this afternoon as they open up a day-night doubleheader with the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Gavin Floyd will go up against Fausto Carmona in the opener and Dylan Axelrod gets the nod opposite Zach McAllister in the nightcap. The Southsiders snapped a seven-game slide with a 10-5 win over Kansas City in Sunday's finale of a four-game set to improve to 74-and-78 on the season.

The New York Giants defense held the Rams to three field goals in four red zone attempts en route to a 28-16 win over St. Louis in a sloppy Monday night game at MetLife Stadium. The turning point came in the second quarter when linebacker Michael Boley picked up a fumbled, backwards pass and took it 65 yards for a touchdown to put New York up 14-6. Sam Bradford threw for 322 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort. Dontario Alexander did the bulk of the work for the Rams receiving crew with three catches for 122 yards and a TD. The Rams return home to host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Lance Berkman went 2-for-2 with a home run to back seven-and-a-third stellar innings from Kyle Lohse [[ Lowsh ]] as the Cardinals held off Roy Halladay and the Phillies, 4-3. Lohse fanned five and gave up just one unearned run on seven hits to improve to 14-and-8 on the season. Octavio Dotel recorded the final out in the ninth to notch his second save. St. Louis has won 10 of its last 12 games. They are just two-and-a-half games back of Atlanta atop the NL Wild Card standings. The Cards host the Mets for three games starting tonight, with Edwin Jackson opposing Mike Pelfrey.

The Christian County TRIAD Senior Police Academy continues this week as part of the 12-week series teaching senior citizens to be safe and aware of scams going on that could affect them.

Cooler conditions mixed with dry conditions continues to allow local producers continue the 2011 harvest season throughout Illinois.

While there has been scattered showers the past two weeks, cooler than normal temperatures, mixed with dry conditions throughout much of the state, has kept farmers busy in the fields.

With more on this week’s crop report is USDA Illinois Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab.

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

Listen to the Crop Report with Brad Schwab each week on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and TaylorivlleDailyNews.com through the 2011 harvest.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee held a planning meeting Monday night as the dates draw near for the annual event on the Taylorville square.

This year’s event takes place October 15th and 16th, and co-chair Greg Hornbuckle says plans are coming along great.

[audio:hornb921a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hornbuckle says additional volunteers are needed for such duties as helping to cook the chilli the Chamber tent sells, serve the chilli and drinks, or act as cashier. The Chillifest has many volunteers lined up to participate, but could use more.

You can volunteer by contacting the Chamber office at 824-4919. Any and all help is appreciated.

The complete Chillifest entertainment schedule can be found on the event’s web site, chillifest (with 2-L’s) dot-com.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville fell to St. Teresa with an ending score of 25-13.

Children at the Lake Land College Child Care Lab recently explored a John Deer tractor which is housed on the Lake Land College campus for the John Deere agriculture technology program.

Allen Drake, John Deere agriculture technology instructor, gave a lesson to the children which included information on the John Deere tractor like what a tractor does and why farmers and the work they do is important. The children also got an opportunity to climb into the cab of the tractor and explore.

“I’ve ridden in a green tractor with my dad before,” said four-year-old Bodi. “One thing is they don’t have horns.”

The lesson was given in coordination with a unit where students explore farm life. According to Sheila Hughes, director of the Child Care Lab, students are learning about all that is involved with farm life including the animals, the type of work farming is and the equipment used on a farm.

“We’re incorporating this unit for the children because a lot of them either live on farms or have family members who are farmers,” said Hughes. “So we create lessons about farm life by introducing, puzzles, games and hands-on experiences that help the children understand how important farming is to everyone, especially in this region.”

The Lake Land College Child Care Lab has been serving the child care needs of campus parents and families for over 20 years. The program has grown and changed over the years to earn its reputation for excellence with the high quality early childhood education services they offer. The Lake Land College Child Care Lab differs from other facilities because it provides a hand-on learning environment for adult students in the early childhood education and family services program.

On Thursday, the U.S. House voted to stop the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from “ordering any employer to close, relocate, or transfer employment under any circumstance,” according to Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19).

The Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act (HR 2587) was brought up by House Republicans as part of their effort to show how the Administration is actually taking regulatory actions that stifle job creation and harm the economy.

“A private business should be allowed to locate anywhere in the United States that they choose,” Shimkus noted. “Yet the NLRB says ‘no you can’t build a plant in that state.’ That’s ridiculous.”

On April 20, 2011, the NLRB issued a complaint against Boeing for deciding to build a new plant in South Carolina. However, the plant is already up and running. It cost $750 million and has over 1,000 employees.

“While this Administration talks about jobs a lot, in reality they are causing uncertainty in the economy and trying to close down plants,” Shimkus added. “Dictating where a private company must locate jobs sounds more like communism than a democratic republic that we are.”

Lincoln Land Community College invites the public to enjoy a colorful and musical celebration of the many cultures around us at the 8th annual Multicultural Fest Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event takes place in and around the Trutter Center on the Springfield campus.

The Multicultural Fest, one of the most popular events on campus, showcases cultural traditions from around the world and within the United States. Ethnic food, entertainment and informational booths will be featured at the free event. Among the many exhibitors and participants are African Influence, Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo, St. Andrew’s Society, Coalition to Promote Human Dignity and Diversity, D.A.N.K. (German-American National Kongress), Homeless United for Change, Illinois Consortium for International Studies, Society for Creative Anachronism, NAACP, Sister Cities Association and Springfield Commission on International Visitors. Also a number of LLCC student groups will be represented.

Entertainment will take place throughout the day with a variety of dance and music styles including Celtic, Native American, German, Hungarian and Mexican.

Local restaurants will offer free samples from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Restaurants participating are Clay’s Popeye’s Bar-B-Q, Garden of Eat’N, Gateway to India, Holy Land Diner and Hunan Chinese Restaurant along with German food by Manfred Stachowiak and Mexican food by Carlos DeLeon.

Cultural craft items will be available for purchase from various exhibitors.

The event is sponsored by the LLCC Multicultural Awareness Center, with more information available by calling 786.2789.

Drew Brees was 26-of-37 for 270 yards and three touchdowns as the New Orleans Saints bombed the Chicago Bears, 30-13, on Sunday in the Big Easy. Brees hooked up with Devery Henderson on a 79-yard scoring strike early in the second quarter to put New Orleans ahead for good. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was 19-of-45 for 244 yards and a touchdown, but was sacked six times and also lost a fumble deep in Chicago territory. The Bears were just 2-of-12 on third down, while the Saints were 8-of-17. Chicago fell to 1-and-1 with the loss. The Bears host the Green Bay Packers in Week Three.

Clint Barmes [[ BAR-mess ]] singled in two runs to cap a three-run top of the first and the Astros held on to clip the Cubs, 3-2, on Sunday in the Windy City. Ryan Dempster gave up three runs in seven frames to take the loss. Bryan LaHair and Aramis Ramirez each had a sac-fly for Chicago. The Northsiders start a three-game series with Milwaukee this evening at Wrigley Field. Casey Coleman gets the nod opposite Chris Narveson in the opener.

A.J. Pierzynski went 4-for-5 with two home runs, four RBI and three runs scored as the White Sox doubled up the Royals, 10-5, on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium. Paul Konerko hit his 30th home run of the season and Brent Morel drove in two runs as Chicago salvaged the finale of the four-game series at Kauffman Stadium. John Danks gave up four runs in six-plus innings to get the win. The Southsiders are off today. They kick off a four-game set at Cleveland starting tomorrow afternoon. Gavin Floyd will be on the bump against Fausto Carmona in the opener.

The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish were both victorious over the weekend. A.J. Jenkins' 16-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter was the difference, as Illinois downed 18th-ranked Arizona State, 17-14, at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Chris Carpenter dazzled, tossing eight innings of shutout ball as the Cardinals blanked Philadelphia, 5-0. Carpenter scattered eight hits while striking out five. Allen Craig was 3-for-4 with a pair of homers and three RBI and Albert Pujols added a two-run home run of his own for the Cards, who have won four-of-five. The four-game set wraps up tonight with Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] opposing Roy Halladay.

The United Way of Christian County held their annual 8-week fundraising campaign Thursday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

The organization, which helps benefit over 35-thousand community members in Christian County, is looking to reach their fundraising goal of 140-thousand dollars for the 8-week campaign.

In addition to an informational DVD and food provided by Taylorville Memorial Hospital, those attending Thursday night’s kick off dinner were able to listen to two speakers from United Way-supported agencies, the Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Christian County Prevention Coalition.

John Coady of the Christian County Prevention Coalition explains that drug and alcohol addictions can ruin lives, and through their agency, lives can be changed in Christian County.

[audio:jcoady919a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Coady explains how important the United Way is to the people they serve.

[audio:jcoady919b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information on the United Way of Christian County campaign, contact Beyers at 824-8404.

Harvest is beginning to ramp up across Illinois, and that means long days in the field for producers. It also means producers need to remember to be safe. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this story.

[audio:jwhite919a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen to the WTIM morning and afternoon farm show with local farm broadcaster Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

Illinois' unemployment rate shot up almost half a percentage point in August to 9.9 percent. It was a fourth straight month of diminishing job prospects that state officials blame on weak consumer confidence and the struggles of the national economy.

At Monday night’s Taylorville City Council meeting Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton reported to city aldermen that he, and council members Earl Walters and Shawn Burtle, attended the annual Illinois Municipal League’s conference in Chicago last week.

Brotherton reported that there was plenty of useful information gathered at the conference, and he appreciated the hard work of Walters and Burtle at the meetings in Chicago.

[audio:gregb920a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Brotherton also reported that he learned several useful pieces of information while attending the conference as well.

[audio:gregb920b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Brotherton thanked Walters and Burtle both for traveling to the annual gathering in Chicago.

The United Way of Christian County held their annual 8-week fundraising campaign Thursday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

The organization, which helps benefit over 35-thousand community members in Christian County, is looking to reach their fundraising goal of 140-thousand dollars for the 8-week campaign.

In addition to an informational DVD and food provided by Taylorville Memorial Hospital, those attending Thursday night’s kick off dinner were able to listen to two speakers from United Way-supported agencies, the Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Christian County Prevention Coalition.

Cathy Coker, executive director for the Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center in Taylorville explains how important the United Way is to the people they serve.

[audio:ccoke919a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information on the United Way of Christian County campaign, contact Beyers at 824-8404.

This week is National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week throughout the state of Illinois, and Lake Land College’s Adult Education and Literacy is offering various programs to serve new or returning students.

The adult education program, funded by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), serves adult learners as they prepare for GED tests to attain a high school equivalence certificate and transition to postsecondary training or employment. According to the U.S. Census, the number of adults with less than nine grades of education has increased by 26 percent since 2001.

New to the adult education programming this fall, is an increase in the number of days that GED classes meet at the Lake Land College extension centers. These free classes will now meet two evenings a week, instead of just one as in previous years, and there will continue to be open enrollment. Online GED training is available to students who qualify academically.

Additionally, if a student earning a GED is a parent or legal guardian of a child, the child may attend free preschool while the parents are in the GED classes at the Mattoon location. The components of this Family Literacy program include the GED classes, preschool for the child, field trips, library visits and family activities. This program is made possible by a grant from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Library Literacy Office.

Also, the program has implemented new individualized reading assessment and tutoring programs for students who need the extra help in reading, in addition to offering professional development opportunities to instructors. According to Paula Linker, director of adult education and literacy, most professional development is focused on reading and meeting the needs of the adult learner.

“We’ve implemented a new reading program in order for our students to make greater gains,” said Linker. “Our instructors will continue to attend professional development which will help students achieve their goals.”

Adult Education and Literacy also offers a chance for community members to volunteer through the Partners in Adult Literacy program. Through this initiative, students can receive help from a tutor one-on-one, and tutors are available at all Lake Land College locations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville announces that the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center will be closed Monday, September 19, 2011 through Wednesday, September 21, 2011 in order for the floors within the lobby and hallway to be resealed. The visitor center will reopen on September 22, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Hours of operation for the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center after reopening will be Sunday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. until November 4, 2011.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause you while visiting Lake Shelbyville.

A destructive pest that feasts on ash trees has been confirmed in two new Illinois counties. The emerald ash borer (EAB) recently was discovered just north of Salem in Marion County and at the Green Creek Rest Area on Interstate 57 in Effingham County. The beetle now has been confirmed in 20 counties in Illinois, with the latest detections being the first time the insect has been located in southern Illinois.

The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing the trees to starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten the ash tree canopy.

Currently, there are 25 counties in the northeastern and central part of the state included in an EAB quarantine issued by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to prevent the “man-made” spread of the beetle; however, Marion and Effingham counties are not within those quarantine boundaries.

“With these latest finds, the quarantine boundaries will need to be adjusted. However, changes will not be made until all the purple traps that were placed throughout the state to monitor the movement of the beetle have been harvested and analyzed,” Warren Goetsch, IDOA bureau chief of Environmental Programs, said. “EAB is a sneaky traveler, which is why it is important that everyone, even those counties not currently inside the quarantine zone, put the quarantine guidelines into practice by keeping all firewood and untreated wood products from movement outside of its county of origin.”

Campaign contributions made to an Illinois Supreme Court justice seven years ago are under fire. A group of attorneys say Justice Lloyd Karmeier received between two-and-a-half and four-million dollars from insurance giant State Farm when he ran in 2004. They say Karmeier won the election then reversed a one-billion-dollar judgment against the company. The attorneys want the state Supreme Court to reconsider the case against State Farm, and this time, they want Karmeier to excuse himself from participating.

HUD has awarded more than six-million dollars to Illinois. The grant funds will help public and assisted housing residents find employment and connect with needed services. It will also help the elderly and people with disabilities maintain their independent living. The money allows the grantees to retain or hire case workers to work directly with these HUD-assisted families to connect them to the supportive services that meet their individual needs. The money is going to the towns of Carbondale, Lebanon, Champaign, Rockford, Aurora, Rock Island, Kankakee, Peoria, and the Chicagoland area. Macoupin, Menard, Greene, Henry, and Lake counties will also receive some of the money.

Adron Chambers singled in a run in the top of the 11th and Tyler Greene followed with an RBI double as the Cardinals slipped past the Phillies 4-2.  Yadier Molina clubbed a solo homer for St. Louis, which has won three straight.  Kyle McClellan picked up the victory out of the bullpen while Fernando Salas notched his 24th save.  John Mayberry Junior doubled in a run for Philadelphia, which tied the game when Michael Martinez scored on an error in the ninth.  Reliever Michael Schwimer took the loss for the Phils.

As heard on WTIM, Taylorville fell to Springfield High with a score 58-13.

Lake Land College, in coordination with the University of Illinois Extension, Unit 19, will host activities for the 2011 4-H National Youth Science Day on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake Land College.

During this fourth annual nation-wide event, 75 students from Cumberland Elementary School will become scientists for the day and conduct an experiment called Wired for Wind, where they will engage in the engineering and design process of renewable wind energy technology.

“This nation-wide event is designed to engage hundreds of thousands of American youth in a single science experiment focusing on a very important issue facing our global community – renewable energy,” said Dana Homann, University of Illinois Extension youth educator.

In this three-part experiment, students will design and build their own wind turbines, play with blade pitch variables and map a potential wind farm site in their own region. Instruction will be led by the Lake Land College technology division including Tim Van Dyke, technology division chair and civil engineering technology instructor; Joe Tillman, renewable energy instructor and coordinator; Jeff Oder, director of sustainability; and Mark Dyer, training coordinator. Additionally, students will discuss energy consumption as they discover ways to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources.

Additionally, students participating in the experiment will have the opportunity to see the two functioning turbines on the Lake Land College campus.

“We are eager to meet these future scientists and technicians,” said Tillman. “These students will have a chance to see Lake Land’s existing turbines up close, as well as build their own models. We hope that seeing real turbines and doing some creative hands-on projects will help inspire both their designs and minds now and into the future.”

4-H seeks to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, forming attitudes and developing life skills that enable them to become caring, competent and contributing members of society. For more information on this experiment or other 4-H programs contact your local University of Illinois Extension office.

The largest hands-on volunteer effort to preserve America’s lands, the 18th Annual National Public Lands Day, will take place Saturday, September 24, 2011. Lake Shelbyville is a location participating in this event. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like your help and encourages you and your family, friends, civic, school, youth, or church organization to participate by contributing your time to help keep Lake Shelbyville beautiful.

Activities that you can assist with include maintaining and planting plants in the landscape beds and butterfly garden at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center and painting the Dam East Recreation Area picnic shelter. Other work efforts that are of specific interest to an individual or group will be given full consideration.

If you are interested in volunteering please call the Lake Shelbyville Interpretive Services and Outreach Department at (217) 774-3951 ext. 2. Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. All volunteers should meet at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. for work assignments. All tools and supplies will be provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Volunteers are encouraged to wear the proper clothing, which includes pants and hard-soled shoes and bring a pair of gloves with them. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers at Noon.

Your contributions to maintaining and preserving the public lands at Lake Shelbyville are very much appreciated and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers looks forward to seeing you and working with you on National Public Lands Day on September 24, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. For more information concerning this event contact the Lake Shelbyville Interpretive Services and Outreach Department at (217) 774-3951 ext 2 or email LakeShelbyville@usace.army.mil.

Illinois State Police District 18 stopped a Black 2006 Jeep on September 10, shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Interstate 55 heading southbound towards Litchfield, Illinois.

An ISP Trooper on patrol observed the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed in excess of 80 mph in a 65 mph zone and curbed the vehicle. The Trooper detected a strong odor of cannabis emanating from the vehicle.

Upon further investigation, the Trooper located 185 grams of cocaine and 2 grams of marijuana.

“Crime has no boundaries on Illinois highways, and these officers were able to detect and dismantle drug trafficking through the hidden surface of a trap door,” said District 18 Captain Scott Compton.

Police arrested the offender, Terence X. Jones, 29, of Chicago, on federal drug charges.

Illinois State Police acknowledge the on-going law enforcement partnership with Litchfield Police, the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration in this investigation.

A difficult thing about family relationships is that you can’t control the entire relationship. The very meaning of the term “relationship” implies that more than one person is involved, maybe even several. As we move through different life stages, our lives as well as our relationships with others may go through both positive and negative changes. It is important to understand that many of these changes are normal, but it can be stressful for those who have difficulty dealing with the changes.

By attending this seminar, you will be able to learn more about the dynamics of relationships as individuals in the family grow up and grow older, and how to respond positively to these changes.

Molly Hofer, University of Illinois Extension Family Life Educator, will conduct the seminar on Tuesday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m. at the U of I Extension Christian County office, 1120 N. Webster Street in Taylorville.

The seminar is provided free of charge, but advance registration is needed. To register, call U of I Extension in Christian County, 217-287-7246.

Nine school districts across Illinois recently received major financial contributions from Monsanto. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has the details.

Regional Superintendents of schools continue to work without pay in the state of Illinois and this has begun to make school districts worrisome of what this may mean to local school district budgets each year.

At Monday night’s Taylorville School Board of Education meeting, Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau, Taylorville School’s superintendent, explained that in addition to worry about regional superintendents, schools are also going to have send board members back to test for their recertification.

[audio:greggf916a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fuerstenau adds that being recertified is important for all district members.

[audio:greggf916b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Sources say they expect the Illinois General Assembly to vote on the regional superintendents pay this fall veto session.

Jay Bruce's two-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the 11th gave the Reds an 8-6 win over the Cubs. Alfonso Soriano and Darwin Barney each plated a run in the ninth to force extras for the Cubs, who scored their other four runs on two-run homers from Carlos Pena and Marlon Byrd in the first inning. James Russell took the loss. The Northsiders return to Wrigley Field this afternoon to open up a three-game series with the Houston Astros. Matt Garza gets the nod opposite Wandy Rodriguez in the opener.

Billy Butler belted a three-run homer as the Royals crushed the White Sox, 7-2. Alexei Ramirez had two hits and an RBI for the White Sox, who have dropped five straight. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] allowed seven runs, six earned, and 15 hits over six-and-a-third innings to fall to 11-and-9. Phil Humber will be on the bump against Felipe Paulino in tonight's second installment.

The Chicago Bears look to take their Week One momentum on the road when they face the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome. The Bears blew out the Falcons 30-12 at Soldier Field. Brian Urlacher had an interception and also returned a fumble for a score. Jay Cutler passed for 312 yards and two scores for Chicago. The Saints have had a few extra days to prepare after losing the Thursday night season opener 32-34 at Green Bay. Drew Brees threw for 419 yards and three scores and New Orleans totaled 477 yards in defeat.

The Illinois Fighting Illini  play ranked opponents this weekend. The Illini, who are coming off a 56-3 rout over South Dakota State last weekend to improve to a perfect 2-and-0, host 18th-ranked Arizona State on Saturday evening in Champaign.

The St. Louis Cardinals open a four-game series with the Phillies in The City of Brotherly Love. The Cards send Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia to the hill tonight to counter Vance Worley. St. Louis is five-and-a-half games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central and four-and-a-half games behind Atlanta in the wild card.

The Taylorville Police Department responded to several alleged vehicle burglaries Thursday night in the area of the 1300-block of Knute Rockne Drive.

According to the Taylorville Police Department, they responded to the 1300-block of Knute Rockne Drive around 10:30 and observed four females subjects walking in the area and were arrested for burglary.

Numerous items were recovered from the individuals including stolen items from Wal Mart and stolen items from various vehicles. Several victims have been identified and linked to some of the property, however, the Taylorville Police Department still has an assortment of property that has not been identified. They are asking citizens who live on Knute Rockne, Lawerence Avenue, Sportsman Drive, Lincoln Avenue, Western, Northwestern, or other areas in close proximity to check their vehicles for damage and / or missing items.

As heard on WMKR, Central A&M defeated Clinton with a score of 53-14.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defated Meridian with a score of 48-30.

The Illinois State Police was called to the scene of a one vehicle accident in Montgomery County earlier this week.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Seth J. Ragland, of Springfield, was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 127, approximately four-tenths of a mile south of the Raymond/Nokomis blacktop. Ragland stated that he momentarily drifted off to sleep and was awakened when his vehicle left the roadway to the west. Ragland steered the vehicle back onto the roadway causing him to overcorrect and cross both lanes of traffic.

Ragland left the roadway to the east striking an embankment and over turning. Ragland came to rest approximately 30-feet from the roadway, on its wheels, facing the north east. Raymond Fire Department, Raymond/Harvel Ambulance, First Medic Ambulance Service, Montgomery County Sheriff's Department and Illinois State Police responded to the crash. All occupants of the crash were transported to hospitals via ambulance.

The Shelbyville Rotary Club held their weekly meeting Monday.

Mr. Monte Bower presented Monday’s program.

Bower is a member of the Illinois Guard 65th Troop Command Brigade. Monte originally began in the Corp in the transportation corps; but has since changed to become a Corp Chaplain, and is studying to receive a master’s in Divinity Degree. Monte is endorsed in his service by the Independent Christian Church, a 72-hour program.

Bower regularly serves one weekend per month, by which he and his unit respond to various calls to duty by the Illinois Governor, and sometimes with the Illinois Governor's approval responds to the United States Presidents call to service as part of the United States Army Reserve Corp.

As a Chaplain, Bower serves as a staff officer, is called to provide and conduct Sunday Services, and conduct Funeral Services, as well as personal counseling work. A chaplain is also called upon to address moral issues. A U S Chaplain does not carry a fire arm.

The United States Chaplaincy program began in 1775 being started by the Continental Congress. General George Washington appointed the first U S Chaplain. In 1861 the U S Chaplains were provided with their first uniforms. Title 10 and other regulations and laws now define the role and responsibilities of a U S Army - State Guard Chaplain. Chaplains are involved in the PIC "Partners in Care" program. A Chaplain is also able to keeps tabs on an enlisted reserve solders community and supportive relatives and friends. Monte expressed his role of Ill Guard Chaplain as doing ministry - the Army Way.

Pana Community Hospital is preparing for the conversion of their current computer system to a new system called “McKesson Paragon”. The hospital is in its’ final stages of preparation as they get ready to “go live” with the new system on Sunday, September 18.

Pana Community Hospital asks that all patients coming to the hospital for services bring photo identification and a current Insurance/Medicare/Medicaid card which will be scanned into the new system when they are registered for services.

The new computer system will allow Pana Community Hospital to create and maintain all patient records electronically. The new system will also allow local physicians to access patient information via the computer as opposed to having to request the patient’s paper chart. Local physicians will be able to securely view patient records from their office, and will soon be able to forward patient information securely to specialists and sub-specialists to whom they are referring the patient for follow-up or specialty care.

As a new feature of the McKesson Paragon Computer System, physicians on staff at Pana Community Hospital will be able to utilize Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). CPOE allows physicians to enter their orders into the computer system, instead of writing their orders on paper. CPOE can be done from within the hospital or through a secure portal at the doctor’s office. Physicians’ orders entered using CPOE are easy to read and will improve the timeliness of our patients’ care.

A team of dedicated hospital employees were selected and have been involved over the past year in the preparation of this new computer system. As the hospital team prepared the new computer system for our upcoming conversion, they used “what is best for our patients” as their guide. The new System has been designed to improve your patient care experience at Pana Community Hospital, and continues our mission to be a leading partner in assuring community-based quality healthcare.

Students from the Lake Land College Automotive Club have been climbing the ranks at the Coles County Dragway in preparation for the King of the College drag race that will take place on Oct. 15.

Jason Lord of Charleston and Lucas Doedtman of Effingham are both second-year students in the automotive technology program, and have been racing for the Lake Land College Automotive Club for nearly a year and a half. Starting in the novice class as freshmen, both racers now compete in the sportsman class.

“These boys have excelled in the local racing scene in just a year’s time,” said Scotty Adams, adjunct automotive instructor. “They’ve been racing folks from all over the region including St. Louis, Chicago and Terre Haute. The dragway really draws a wide variety of people and I’m happy to say some of the top racers come from Lake Land.”

The King of the College race attracts drivers from other area colleges and universities where they compete for the title of King of the College. Last year, representatives from Parkland College and Southern Illinois University competed against drivers from Lake Land.

Lord and Doedtman both race the Auto Club’s 1993 Pontiac Firebird, which has been re-vamped by its members. The car still has most of its stock parts except for the tires, rims and exhaust which have been replaced in order to meet its needs as a drag car.

“The car runs at 77 miles per hour on average, and takes about 8.8 seconds to travel the one-eighth of a mile strip,” said Doedtman. “But with the racing we do, it’s more important to get a proper dial-in time, which is an estimate of how long you think it will take to cross the finish line.”

To estimate the run time, drivers must factor in several different aspects including the weather, track conditions and humidity.

“You really play a mind game with yourself and have to know how the vehicle will run when it’s hot or cold out,” said Lord. “That’s the real key to racing.”

According to Adams, the Auto Club is gaining momentum both on and off the drag strip as more people are gaining interest in drag racing.

This week is National Assisted Living Week and one Shelby County facility is celebrating with plenty of activities for the residents.

Ramon Hernandez hammered a three-run homer in the second innings to give the Reds a 7-2 win over the Cubs on Wednesday at the Great American Ball Park. Chris Heisey clubbed a solo shot and Juan Francisco knocked in a pair for Cincinnati, which has won back-to-back games on the heels of a three-game slide. Johnny Cueto [[ KWAY-toh ]] tossed three-and-two-third scoreless innings before leaving the game with an apparent strained right lat muscle in his back. Sam LeCure was credited with the win. Carlos Pena and Alfonso Soriano each plated a run for Chicago. Casey Coleman was tagged with the loss for the Cubs. Randy Wells will toe the rubber opposite Homer Bailey in tonight's series finale.

Detroit tied the game with a pair of pinch-hit homers in the ninth and Carlos Guillen singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th as the red-hot Tigers rallied to beat the White Sox, 6-5, on Wednesday afternoon at The Cell. Ryan Raburn's solo shot brought Detroit to within two and Alex Avila followed with a two-run blast to knot the game at five. Guillen also homered as the Tigers extended their winning streak to 12 games. Phil Coke got the win and Jose Valverde struck out the side in the 10th for his 44th save. Sergio Santos took the loss for Chicago. Alexei Ramirez and Paul Konerko each drove in two runs for the Sox. The Southsiders hit the road for a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals starting this evening at Kauffman Stadium. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] gets the nod against Jeff Francis in the opener.

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. Urlacher spearheaded a Chicago defense that kept the high-powered Atlanta Falcons out of the end zone in a 30-12 win on Sunday. He led the Bears with 10 tackles and added an interception while also returning a fumble 12 yards for a touchdown. The 12th-year veteran from New Mexico earned his sixth weekly honor and first since the 2004 season.

Yadier Molina snapped a 1-all tie with a two-run double in the fourth inning and the Cardinals held on for a 3-2 win over the Pirates. Allen Craig had an RBI double in the first for St. Louis, which remains four-and-a-half games behind Atlanta for the NL Wild Card. Edwin Jackson pitched six-and-two-thirds innings of two-run ball for the win. Jason Motte posted his seventh save. Charlie Morton took the loss. Alex Presley and Derrek Lee had RBI doubles for Pittsburgh.

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford practiced yesterday wearing a special glove. The glove is designed to increase blood flow after the second-year signal-caller suffered a bruised index finger in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Eagles. He's expected to play when the Rams travel to the Meadowlands for a Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Giants.

Reports about home buying and home selling seem to change from month to month, but one thing that remains constant are lower interest rates for consumers.

One local bank, First National Bank in Taylorville, is continuing to educate their clients about interest rates and what they can do to take advantage of the record low rates.

Blain Cornwell of First National Bank in Taylorville explains that there are major factors in interest rates.

[audio:bcorn915a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Cornwell adds that economic problems in the US and abroad have also contributed to interest rates.

[audio:bcorn915b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information contact the loan officers at First National Bank in Taylorville by calling 217 – 824 – 2241.

A long-time friend of the Taylorville High School athletics and academics has given up his place behind the camera this school year.

Harold Parrish, known as ‘Slick’ to his friends and THS athletes, has been filming and assisting with Taylorville athletics for much of his life, but has decided to hang up his lenses this school year.

Parrish was honored at Monday night’s Taylorville School Board of Education meeting by Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau.

[audio:greggf915a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Despite no longer filming games, Parrish can still be spotted on the sidelines and in the stands wearing Taylorville Purple and Gold.

The United Way of Christian County held their annual 8-week fundraising campaign Thursday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

The organization, which helps benefit over 35-thousand community members in Christian County, is looking to reach their fundraising goal of 140-thousand dollars for the 8-week campaign.

In addition to an informational DVD and food provided by Taylorville Memorial Hospital, those attending Thursday night’s kick off dinner were able to listen to two speakers from United Way-supported agencies, the Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Christian County Prevention Coalition.

Joni Beyers, United Way of Christian County executive director, explains how important the United Way is to local agencies.

[audio:jbeyers916a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Beyers explains that the campaign’s success is largely attributed to the generosity of donors and volunteers of the United Way.

[audio:jbeyers916b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Beyers adds that the fundraising efforts have already begun and the organization is ahead of schedule so far.

[audio:jbeyers916c.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information on the United Way of Christian County campaign, contact Beyers at 824-8404.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville will hold the 3rd Annual Youth Firearm Deer Hunt on October 8 and 9, 2011. To apply for the hunt youth must be less than 16 years old on October 8, 2011, be accompanied by an adult on the hunt, and be a resident of Illinois. The youth must also purchase a 2011 youth either sex deer permit, which can be purchased for $10.00 at any over-the-counter licensed vendor starting in September.

Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on September 23, 2011. Applications can be picked up at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or on-line at www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Shelbyville/wildlife.htm.

On September 26, 2011, a total of ten participants will be drawn from the pool of applicants. All applicants will be notified by mail to let them know if their name was drawn to participate in the hunt. Each of the ten participants will hunt in select locations in either Shelby or Moultrie County and will enjoy a deer camp atmosphere at the Okaw Bluff Group Camp on October 8 and 9, 2011. For further information contact Park Ranger Brock Key at (217) 774-2513 ext 7008.

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

Sometime between Monday August 1, 2011 and Friday August 19, 2011, person or persons unknown made entry into a garage at a residence located at719 South Florence Street. While inside the unknown subject or subjects took several items including: 2 Honda generators, a power washer, a wire welder, and several other items. Two overhead doors and a walk in door were damaged during the break-in. The total amount of damage and stolen items in not known at this time.

Please call the 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 their website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274637) keyword CCCS and then your tip. As always you will remain anonymous.

Regional Superintendents across the state continue to work without pay from the state of Illinois, and a resolution for that doesn’t seem to be in the near future according to sources.

Former Taylorville High School principal and current Regional Superintendent Tom Campbell explains that at this point it’s not clear when the employees will be receiving pay.

[audio:tcamb914a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Campbell adds that it’s dedication to the students and the districts they serve that motivates them to work while the state continues to figure out how the regional superintendents will be paid.

[audio:tcamb914b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Regional Radio New will continue to follow this story as new details are made available.

Tuesday’s Kiwanis program was presented by Kaleigh Friend, Public Relations Manager for the Central Illinois Food Bank. September is “Hunger Action Month”. They are part of the national Program: Feeding America. CIFB was formed in 1982 and covers 21 counties and 150 agencies.

[audio:kfriend914a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

They have seen a 40% increase in need over the last 2 years. They are a United Way Certified Agency. They are funded by Federal, National and local donations. They also accept nonfood items, soap, shampoo, etc. Friend reported that 97-percent of their budget goes for food, only 3-percent is spent on operating expenses.

Friend says that the agency services over 17-thousand people through their 150 agencies and that the donations and goods come from several groups.

[audio:kfriend914b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Friend adds that mobile food pantries have become important and popular among people in need.

[audio:kfriend91c.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The program for September 20th will be presented by Del’s Popcorn Shop. Kiwanis Lt. Governor will be a special guest on September 27th

Kiwanis Peanut Days will be held on September 30th and October 1st.

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.”

For the latest news on Kiwanis you can log onto their website at www.taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Taylorville Kiwanis Club meets each Tuesday at noon in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. If you would like more information about joining Kiwanis contact Fred Ronnow at 824-4919. 

Citations

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

20 year-old Alannah J. Wilderman of Pana was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor on Tuesday, September 13th.

33 year-old Jared T. Brasche of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for aggravated methamphetamine manufacturing, possession of cannabis, and possession of methamphetamine manufacturing materials on Monday, September 12th.

26 year-old Charles D.L. Peterson of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for battery on Tuesday, September 13th.

30 year-old William W. Moore of Palmer was arrested for a bond forfeiture warrant for operating an uninsured vehicle on Monday, September 12th.

18 year-old John E. Zini of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for resisting and obstructing an officer, home invasion, and aggravated criminal sexual assault on Tuesday, September 13th.

20 year-old Nicole M. Conaway of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for retail theft under 300-dollars on Tuesday, September 13th.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrests.

43 year-old Troy D. Bush of Pana was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of a controlled substance on Saturday, September 10th.

76 year-old Christopher L. Oconnell of Mt. Auburn was arrested by the Mt. Auburn Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving with a suspended license on Friday, September 9th.

27 year-old Nicholas L. Suggs of Kincaid was arrested by the Kincaid Police Department for two bond forfeiture warrants for unspecified statutes on Sunday, September 11th.

29 year-old Jacob A. Miller of Kincaid was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for driving with a suspended license on Sunday, September 10th.

32 year-old Destiny R. Rickman of Taylorville was arrested by the Taylorville Police Department for a bond forfeiture warrant for aggravated battery.

Starlin Castro went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer, three RBI and four runs scored to lead the Cubs in a 12-8 win over the Reds on Monday evening at the Great American Ball Park. Aramis Ramirez and Jeff Baker each popped solo home runs and Alfonso Soriano knocked in three for Chicago, which has won three games in-a-row. Rodrigo Lopez gave up five runs through five-and-a-third frames to register the victory. Brandon Phillips clubbed a pair of homers, while Juan Francisco and Devin Mesoraco both deposited a ball into the seats for Cincinnati. Dontrelle Willis allowed eight runs through just three-and-a-third innings of duty to suffer the loss. Ryan Dempster gets the nod opposite Mike Leake in tonight's second installment.

Detroit used the strength of a six-run sixth inning to claw their way past the White Sox 14-4, on Monday evening at The Cell. Jhonny Peralta and Ryan Raburn [[ RAY-burn ]] each plated a trio of runs with a homer while Alex Avila and Ramon Santiago each drove in a pair for the Tigers, who have won 10 straight. Rick Porcello picked up the win, going six-and-two-thirds innings while allowing three runs. On the other side, John Danks gave up seven earned runs in just five innings to absorb the defeat. Brent Morel clubbed a pair of solo homers for the Sox, who have dropped three-of-four. Gavin Floyd will be on the bump against Justin Verlander in tonight's second installment.

Pedro Ciriaco drove in two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning as the Pirates beat the Cardinals, 6-5. Albert Pujols [[ POO-holes ]] lifted a two-run home run for St. Louis, which saw a five-game win streak end. Mike Rzepczynski took the loss out of the bullpen. Chris Carpenter opposes Jeff Karstans in the second of the three-game series tonight. The Cardinals are four-and-a-half games behind the Braves for the NL Wild Card with 15 games to play.

Tom Brady started the 2011 campaign right where he left off the 2010 regular
season, with an epic, MVP-type performance. Brady threw for a New England
team-record 517 yards in a 38-24 win over the Dolphins. The league's reigning
MVP, who connected on 32-of-48 passes with four touchdowns, compiled the
fifth-most passing yards in an NFL game and completed a 99-yard TD pass to Wes
Welker. New England had 622 total yards and Brady had the most single-game
passing yardage in Monday Night Football history. Welker had eight catches for
160 yards and a pair of scores for the Patriots (1-0), who went a league-best
14-2 last year, but were upset by the Jets in the divisional round of the
playoffs. The Dolphins (0-1), coming off their second straight 7-9 campaign,
got 416 yards passing from Chad Henne.

The Taylorville Police Department responded to a possible residential burglary early Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Taylorville Police Department responded to West Main Cross and upon arrival, officers were advised that a male subject had gained entry into a residence located in the 1300-block of West Main Cross.

After gaining entry into the residence, the subject sexually assaulted a female juvenile who had been in bed asleep. Following a short confrontation, the male subject fled the residence.

Through the investigation, officers learned the identity of the male subject, 18 year-old John E. Zini. Officers located Zini at a residence in Taylorville and following a short foot pursuit took Zini into custody. Zini was charged with home invasion, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and resisting arrest.

The female juvenile was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released.

The Taylorville Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the initial investigation.

As the ethanol industry continues to closely monitor the budget discussion in Washington, one organization took its pro-industry message to the public at last week's Farm Progress Show. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more.

[audio:jwhite913a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen to local farm broadcaster Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on the Talk of Central Illinois Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

The Christian County Sheriff’s reports that on Tuesday morning at approximately 4:30am they responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a passenger vehicle and a truck at the intersection of County Highway 12 and 2000 East Road.

The driver of the passenger vehicle, a 29 year old Tiffany A. Lech of Pana, was extricated from her vehicle and transported to Pana Community Hospital by Pana EMS where she later died of injuries sustained in the crash.  The driver of the truck was treated at the scene for injuries.

The crash is currently under investigation by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Christian County Coroner’s Office.

The Lake Land College Community Choir will begin its fall rehearsals Tuesday, Sept. 27. Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday nights in the Lake Land College Theatre from 7-9:30 p.m.

The choir is a group of approximately 55 mixed voices including students, college employees, and members of the community. All singers age 18 and older are welcome to participate. No audition is required.

Choir members may earn one hour of college credit for singing in the choir. Interested singers can complete a registration form at the first rehearsal, or register online.

“The number of students who choose to participate in the choir continues to grow every year,” said Nancy Caldwell, music instructor at Lake Land College and director of the choir. “Singing is a wonderful way to manage stress, and singing in the choir allows students to make new friends while earning credits toward graduation.”

Registration for college credit is not required, however, and participation in the choir is free for those who do not register.

The fall season will conclude with a concert on Sunday, Nov. 20th, at 3 p.m. in the Theatre. After a Broadway opener from Gypsy, the concert will feature a set of gospel songs. The rest of the program consists of a variety of Christmas carols, featuring the traditional favorites “The First Noel” and “Do You Hear What I Hear,” as well as less familiar British carols such as “The Sussex Carol” and “The Rose Tree Carol.”

Contact Caldwell at (217) 234-5464 with any questions.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville is offering additional deer hunting opportunities at Whitley Creek Recreation Area for people with disabilities that have a state issued P2A card. Hunters that are eligible due to their disability will be able to reserve a block of two blinds in the closed portion of the Whitley Creek Recreation Area during archery deer season. In addition, hunters that are eligible due to their disability that have a valid permit for Lake Shelbyville Project Moultrie second shotgun season, which is on December 1 – 4, 2011 or permit for Lake Shelbyville Project Moultrie muzzleloader season, which is on December 9 – 11, 2011 will be allowed to hunt in the Whitley Creek blinds.

Hunting within the Whitley Creek Recreation Area will be allowed by reservation only on Tuesday/Wednesday and Saturday/Sunday throughout the archery season. No hunting by reservation will be allowed in the Whitley Creek Recreation Area during the youth firearm deer season, which is October 8 – 9, 2011 and first firearm deer season, which is November 18 – 20, 2011. Reservations will be taken starting September 12, 2011 by calling (217)-774-3951 ext. 4 or in person at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office, which is located at the east end of the Lake Shelbyville Main Dam off of IL Route 16, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations must be made 3 days in advance of your hunting date. After you make a reservation a special use permit will be issued to you. Only one reservation per hunter may be made at a time and the hunter must have used their previous reservation before signing up for another one.

Additional information and a map of the Whitley Creek Recreation Area blind locations can be found at www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Shelbyville/wildlife.htm . If you have any further questions contact Natural Resource Specialists Lee Mitchell or Ken Pierson at (217) 774-3951.

It's a no go for big utility companies that want to raise rates on customers in Illinois. Governor Pat Quinn vetoed the measure Monday. He says there's no proof that a smart grid will improve service.

The United Way of Christian County will officially kick-off the 2011-2012 Campaign on Thursday, September 15th at 6:00 PM at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. This year’s drive, themed “Live United”, has a goal of raising $140,000.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital has stepped up to pledge their support once again this year by sponsoring the United Way Kick-off dinner. Dan Raab, President and CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital, has generously donated the time of his staff as well as the hospital’s food services and auditorium facilities to provide the Kick-off Dinner meal and venue. “We truly appreciate the generosity of Taylorville Memorial Hospital in sponsoring our 2011 Kick-off Dinner,” said Joni Beyers, Executive Director of the United Way of Christian County.

Two member agencies will be featured at this year’s kick-off event. Cathy Coker, Executive Director of Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center, will talk about the support and assistance they offer to women facing unplanned pregnancies and share some success stories. John Coady, Co-Chairperson of the Christian County Prevention Coalition, will cite how their group of volunteers is working together toward a community free of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use by individuals in general and youth in particular. Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center and Christian County Prevention Coalition are two of the county’s twenty-three caring organizations supported by United Way of Christian County.

The 2011-2012 fund drive continues for eight weeks ending on November 10th. Close to 100 volunteers will take on the mission of raising funds for United Way and its 23 member agencies. Carol Schramm, 2011-2012 Campaign Co-Chair, talks about her motivation for the campaign. "Knowing that United Way of Christian County is directly impacting the communities of Christian County is extremely important to me. Each dollar that is donated makes a huge difference in the lives of so many. A big thank you goes out to all those who contribute to United Way.”

DJ Kennedy, who also shares the role of Campaign Co-Chair, tells why he supports the United Way and the impact it makes in the county. “I feel honored to help in the efforts of United Way of Christian County. When you hear from the agencies we have helped with your contributions, you know that this money is making a difference in people’s lives in our home county.”

The Kick-off Dinner is for all Caring Leaders, volunteers, donors and anyone wishing to participate in this year’s fund drive or learn more about the United Way of Christian County. To RSVP if you plan to attend or for more information, contact Joni Beyers at 824-8404 or visit the United Way’s website at www.unitedwayofcc.org

Slow moving vehicles are required to be marked on the rear with a slow moving vehicle triangle. When motorists encounter one of these vehicles moving in the same direction, slow down and wait for a safe and legal time to pass. Many crashes involving farm equipment occur when the farm equipment is making a left turn and a motorist is attempting to pass.

Drivers should be aware that when the farm equipment slows down near a farm for instance, that it might be getting ready to turn left. Drivers should watch the farm equipment operator for hand signals. As a courtesy farm equipment operators should find a place to pull off and allow traffic to pass should traffic back up behind the equipment.

When encountering slow moving equipment moving in the opposite direction drivers should watch for impatient drivers passing at the wrong time. Drivers also need to remember that farm equipment is wide and may be taking up more than just their lane.

“Voices from the Past” is the name of the annual cemetery walk presented by the Christian County Genealogical Society. This event will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, 820 S. Cherokee, Taylorville, IL on September 25, 2011 with the tours to begin at 1:00 p.m. and tours at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Bill Kennedy has donated a tour mobile that will be available at the 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. tours for anyone that is unable to walk or stand during the tour times.

The life of Horatio M. Vandeveer, pioneer and self-taught lawyer of Christian County, 1816-1894, portrayed by Lindsey Reese, local Attorney; Gulbrand Anderson, jewelry store owner 1850-1941, portrayed by David Cowell, present owner of Anderson Jewelry Store; Joseph Sibley Torrey, Civil War Veteran, 1844-1928, portrayed by Charles Dilley and Ellen Torrey Rockwell, sister of Joseph Torrey, portrayed by Rhonda Corbin; Judge James Carroll McBride, Appellate Judge, 1845-1919, portrayed by Tom Pickett; and Andrew Simpson, Civil War Veteran, 1830-1883, person portraying Andrew to be announced at a later date.

The Lake Land College technology division recently gave a presentation to two classes at Arland D. Williams, Jr. Elementary School in Mattoon. Students in Mrs. Livingston and Mrs. Ifft’s fifth grade classes met with Tim Van Dyke, technology division chair and civil engineering technology instructor, to discuss renewable energy.

“We have been working on an energy unit for the last two weeks,” said Debbie Livingston, fifth grade teacher. “We began by defining what energy is and then progressed from there to sources of energy. Those discussions transitioned into alternative energy sources and potential solutions for the future and during one of the discussions, a student mentioned the battery powered car at Lake Land.”

For the presentation, Van Dyke took the Lake Land College Lightning Bug, a 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle that was converted from gas power to electric, for a real-world alternative energy lesson.

“We opened up the bug so the students could see the batteries that make it run in addition to the other renewable components of the vehicle,” said Van Dyke.

According to Livingston, students couldn't contain their enthusiasm when exploring the car, which runs on 16 six-volt batteries rather than gasoline.

“Up to that point, [an electric vehicle] was just something that we discussed as a possible solution to slow down our consumption of fossil fuels,” said Livingston. “Seeing the converted bug really brought science to life for the students!”

After the presentation, both teachers got a chance to drive the car.

“The students were completely tickled that we were able to drive the car,” said Livingston. “They had a lot of questions after we returned to the classroom about what it was like, and I told them that it didn't get any better than driving a battery powered ‘Lightning Bug.’ They are all looking forward to getting their licenses now so they can drive it!”

Additionally, students discussed with Van Dyke how to harness energy from the sun, wind, water and fuel cells.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Illinois Enforcement Group (CIEG) report the seizure of nearly 1000 cannabis plants.

These plants, along with approximately 200 other seized plants and 30lbs of cannabis, were also destroyed yesterday by the CCSO and CIEG personnel.

The street value of these plants was estimated at well over half a million dollars.

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 Taylorville Police Department and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Taylorville man for manufacturing methamphetamines.

Shortly before 3:00 a.m., a state authorized search warrant was executed at 814 West Market by the Taylorville Police Department and Christian County Sheriff’s Office. The search warrant was a result of a long term investigation concerning the manufacture of methamphetamines. The State police Methamphetamine Response Team arrived to assist with the investigation, collection of evidence, and clean-up. Numerous items were used in the manufacturing of methamphetamines were seized along with surveillance equipment the suspect had installed.

The suspect, 33 year-old Jared T. Brasche of Taylorville, was taken into custody without incident. Brasche was initially charged with aggravated unlawful participation in methamphetamine production. Additional charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. Charges on additional subjects are also pending the investigation.

Jay Cutler threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns as the Bears blasted the Falcons, 30-12. Matt Forte [[ FOR-tay ]] had a 56-yard touchdown catch and rushed for 68 yards for Chicago. Brian Urlacher returned a fumble 12 yards for a score in the win. The Bears travel to take on the New Orleans Saints next Sunday.

Chicago busted out the bats in the 11th, scoring six on their way to a 10-6 victory over the Mets. Tyler Colvin drove in three while Carlos Pena and Alfonso Soriano each plated a pair for the Cubs, who have won three-of-four. Ramon Ortiz earned the victory out of the bullpen. Rodrigo Lopez will oppose Dontrelle Willis when the Cubs begin a four-game series with the Reds at 6:10 p.m. in Cincinnati.

Lou Marson and Carlos Santant each had two-run doubles to lead the Indians to a 7-3 win over the White Sox. Zach Stewart gave up three runs in five frames to take the loss. Juan Pierre and Alexei Ramirez both went 2-for-5 with an RBI for Chicago. The White Sox are 10-and-a-half back of the Tigers and the Indians 11 in the AL Central. John Danks will oppose Rick Porcello when the White Sox start a three-game set with the Tigers at The Cell at 7:10 tonight.

Michael Vick threw two touchdown passes and Juqua Parker returned a Sam Bradford fumble 56 yards for a score as the Eagles beat the Rams 31-13 in the season opener at the Edward Jones Dome. Bradford was 17-of-30 for 188 yards in defeat. Steven Jackson ran 47 yards for a touchdown on the Rams' first play. St. Louis is at the Giants next Monday.

Yadier Molina's three-run double highlighted a five-run third inning as the Cardinals doubled up the Braves, 6-3. Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman all drove in runs for St. Louis, which swept the three-game series to pull within four-and-a-half games of the NL Wild Card leaders. Jake Westbrook got the win. St. Louis is at Pittsburgh tonight.

Chicago's DePaul University is the home of a new "Portrait of a Soldier Memorial" exhibit. Governor Pat Quinn unveiled the memorial yesterday on the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks. The exhibit features more than 250 hand-drawn portraits of the Illinois men and women who have died serving the country since the 2001 attacks. Mattoon artist Cameron Schilling has drawn a portrait of every Illinois soldier who's died in the Global War on Terror. The exhibit will be on display until this Friday, September 16th.

Harvest season is underway across Illinois, but a recent yield survey indicates most producers are finding a lackluster crop. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this story.

[audio:jwhite912a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen to local farm broadcaster Jared White on the morning and afternoon farm show at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

Governor Quinn plans to close two facilities for the developmentally disabled along with three mental health facilities, a youth detention center and an adult correctional center. Most of the 1,938 layoffs will reportedly align with the facility closings. The governor plans to act quickly on the closings and layoffs, but will face strong resistance from AFSCME, which represents state workers. Quinn previously made a deal with the union, agreeing not to lay off any workers or close facilities through June 2012.

State Representative Bill Mitchell of Forsyth calls it just another attack on downstate Illinois.

[audio:billm912a.MP3]comment here[/audio]

Quinn is looking to pass a supplemental budget to keep programs and agencies running through the end of year.

The state of Illinois isn’t the only operating government with a problematic budget in place for fiscal year 2012.

At Monday night’s Taylorville School Board of Education monthly meeting, the board voted on a budget that saw slight increases from the proposed budget in August due in part to unforeseen expenses in construction to district facilities.

Taylorville School District Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau told board of education members Monday night that supplies and technology increases also contributed to an increased budget for the 2012 fiscal year.

[audio:greggf913a1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fuerstenau adds that reductions in certain revenues are also going to affect the district on the new budget.

[audio:greggf913b1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The board approved the budget by a vote of 6 – 0.

As heard on WTIM, Freshman running back Donovonn Young introduced himself to Illinois fans with a pair of touchdowns and Nathan Scheelhaase ran for two more on Saturday in a 56-3 blowout over South Dakota State.

Lincoln Land Community College political science faculty will present a Constitution Day program Friday, Sept. 16 at noon entitled “Health Care and the Constitution.” The program takes place in the Trutter Center on LLCC’s Springfield campus, with the public invited.

The event will be facilitated by Professor Chris McDonald, Ph.D. Presenters are Professor John Vinzant, Ph.D., and Instructor Tony DiMaggio, who will discuss health care reform and how it relates to the Constitution.

Dr. McDonald joined the LLCC political science faculty in 1998. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in political science from the University of Georgia and a B.A. from the University of Lancaster-Lancashire, England. He teaches courses in American government, international relations and world political systems, and is an expert on World War I.

Dr. Vinzant joined the LLCC political science faculty in 2002. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Southern Illinois University and a B.A. from Iowa State University. He teaches courses in American government, state and local government, and public administration.

Mr. DiMaggio is new to the LLCC faculty this fall. He earned bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from Illinois State University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He teaches courses in political science.

The Lake Land College Office of Community and Professional Programs will host a Pheochromocytoma (feo-chrome-oh-sigh-toma) and Paraganglioma (para-gang-leo-muh) Symposium on Thursday, Oct. 6.

The symposium is set out to not only educate the public about pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma which are rare tumors originating in the adrenal glands that have emerged as the key model of cancer biology and future treatments of all cancers, but it will also serve as a continuing education opportunity for dental hygienists and nurses.

The event will bring survivors of the disease and specialists who study the disease from all over the nation to Lake Land College. Last year’s symposium hosted 127 participants and this year, five patient survivors with various familial and genetic components will present their case histories, with time for questions and answers.

Dr. James Filipiak, adjunct instructor of human anatomy and physiology, is the keynote speaker. After 23 years of symptoms, Filipiak was diagnosed with a life-threatening tumor of his left adrenal medulla. Dr. Filipiak is an advocate for the education of pheochromocytoma by maintaining a support group, representing the disease in newspapers and magazines and by hosting the 2010 Pheo Symposium through Lake Land College.

episode of “The

Cost to register for the event is $59 which will cover a catered breakfast, lunch, one-half of a college credit hour and class materials.

To register visit www.lakelandcollege.edu/learn and choose the medical link.

In 2011, Illinois State Police District 9 have increased their DUI arrests by 35 percent. From January to present, District 9 has made over 370 DUI arrests. District 9 Commander, Captain Michael Zerbonia explains, “This increase has directly resulted in the reduction of alcohol related fatalities.” District 9 has experienced 4 alcohol-related deaths in 2011 compared to 9 alcohol-related deaths in 2010. However, “One death is too many,” explains Captain Zerbonia.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one alcohol-impaired fatality occurs every 48 minutes. In addition, one-third of fatal crashes involve alcohol-impaired driving. Illinois State Police District 9 was in full force with additional officers during the Labor Day weekend. This enforcement effort resulted in nearly 20 alcohol-related arrests.

District 9 will continue to remove impaired drivers from the roadway and focus on the Fatal Four violations: speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, distracted driving and driving under the influence. “Our duty is to keep the public and our roadways safe. The choice is simple. Drive safely and responsibly or risk losing your license and going to jail,” said Captain Zerbonia.

Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is encouraging residents in the Hillsboro area to attend his Cash Dash event on Wednesday, September 14, to determine if the state is holding any money or unclaimed property entitled to them. The event will be held from 1 – 3 p.m. at Hillsboro City Hall, 447 South Main Street.

“People are thrilled to find out they have money just waiting for them through Cash Dash,” says Rutherford. “I encourage area residents to come visit me at local Cash Dash events for assistance is locating their money or property – plus everyone should make an attempt to review our online database annually so they don’t miss out on money or valuable assets the state is holding for them.”

The treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division has $1.5 billion in cash, plus contents from Illinois bank safety deposit boxes that have been abandoned for at least five years. The Cash Dash program helps reunite owners with their unclaimed property. On average, the Cash Dash program returns about $80 million dollars annually to owners. It’s common for people to lose track of their assets when they move or when loved ones pass away. Businesses and banks are required to turn over unclaimed accounts to the treasurer’s office.

To find out if you have unclaimed property through Cash Dash, you can visit the treasurer’s website www.treasurer.il.gov and follow the Cash Dash link. The website is updated weekly to reflect new properties remitted to the office. Additionally, our Cash Dash teams conduct regular outreach across the state, place twice-annual inserts in major newspapers and send direct mail to new single-owner claimants over $100. You can contact the Unclaimed Property Division by calling 217-785-6998 or emailing info@cashdash.net.

United Way of Christian County Caring Leaders met in Taylorville for their first organizational meeting of the 2011-2012 Campaign. This year’s goal is set at $140,000 after exceeding the goal last year of $135,000.

United Way Executive Director Joni Beyers presided over the meeting and outlined the details of the upcoming campaign. Beyers talked about the theme “Live United” and the 23 member agencies supported by United Way. Executive Director Beyers presented the roles and responsibilities of the Caring Leaders, who familiarize people in their workplace with United Way’s mission and encourage their financial support.

During the meeting, several Caring Leaders shared ideas for successful workplace campaigns and how to encourage employees to get involved with United Way. The meeting closed with Board President Dick Wamsley thanking everyone for their continued involvement with United Way and support for the 23 member agencies.

“The individuals who serve as Caring Leaders are not only leaders in the community, but also leaders for United Way. Through their employee campaigns, they help spread the United Way message, which in turn helps 23 agencies,” stated Wamsley. “The dollars raised by the employee campaigns and additional corporate gifts end up providing over half of our campaign goal, which is an amazing achievement.”

The United Way of Christian County’s Caring Leaders Program has 29 local leaders participating this year from around the county. Terri France, who serves as a Caring Leader and a 2011-2012 Campaign Co-Chair, talks about her commitment to United Way. “I agreed to assist the United Way of Christian County because I know how vital this organization has been to thousands of people in our community and surrounding areas. The United Way is an excellent conduit for anyone who wishes to contribute to many deserving agencies without having to research their integrity. You never have to wonder if your hard earned dollars are being spent wisely.”

The 2011-2012 Fund Drive will begin with the annual Kick-off Dinner in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium on Thursday, September 15th at 6:00PM. For more information about United Way of Christian County or the Caring Leaders Program, contact Joni Beyers at 824-8404 or visit the organization’s website at www.unitedwayofcc.org

LLCC loses to Longview 21-25, 22-25, 17-25

LLCC loses to Vincennes  22-25, 19-25, 21-25

Record: 6-5

Next: SAT @ Lindenwood Tournament Noon/2pm

vs. Longview:
Kills: Smith 11, Rhodes 10, Boyer 7

Blocks: Rhodes 2

Assists: Bushur 32

Digs: Orrick 32, Schultz 9

Aces: Smith 2

vs. Vincennes

Kills: boyer 7, Gilbert 5,

Blocks: Gilbert 3, Maxwell 2

Assists: Bushur 21

Digs: Orrick 28, Petefish 8

Aces: Orrick 2, maxwell 2

Jassamyn Criss (Fr, Jacksonville) was injured vs. Longview and is out indefinitely.  Abby Hunt and Katie Lees remain sidelined.  Taylor Rhodes (Fr., Shelbyville) was injured vs. Vincennes--but should be able to play tomorrow.

Justin Turner singled home the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning, and the Mets clipped the Cubs, 5-4.  Tuner totalled two RBI and a run for New York, which had lost two straight.  Manny Acosta got the win after blowing the save in the top of the ninth.  Carlos Pena lifted a two-run homer for Chicago, which has lost two-of-three.  Sean Marshall took the loss.

Amy Calvert Winans has announced her candidacy for reelection to the office of Christian County Coroner on Thursday.

Since being elected as Christian County Coroner in November of 2004, Calvert Winans has handled an increased number of coroner calls and updated the office with the addition of computer technology. She has made it a priority to focus on educating teens about the dangers of drinking and driving and texting while driving. She has organized and participated with the assistance of other agencies, "mock crashes" for high schools in the Pana, Taylorville, and Kincaid area. She has spoken to many school driver education classes, civic groups, and the local community college about the functions of the coroner's office.

'I am fortunate in Christian County to be able to work with great people such as local, county, and state law enforcement, medical personnel, and other county officials and their staff. I take great pride in my office and the deputies that represent me. We continue our commitment...care of the deceased, concern for the living. "

Calvert Winans graduated from Taylorville High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and has worked in the area of funeral service since 1994.

A lifelong resident of Christian County, Amy has been very active in her community. In 2009, she received the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church, Taylorville, Vision Way School Board, Illinois Coroner and Medical Examiner Association, Illinois Funeral Director Association, Illinois Department of Child and Family Services Child Death Review Team, Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donation Task Force, Illinois Homicide Investigators Association, SIU-C Committee member for the College of Mortuary Science and Funeral Service, and Christian County Democrat Women. She previously served on the Illinois Terroism Task Force and Illinois Suicide Prevention team. For several years, she has volunteered as Chillifest Craft and Vendor Chair. Amy has also worked with the Taylorville Home Tour Christmas Tea, Christian County YMCA Healthy Kid Campaign and Christian County Relay for Life.

Lincoln Land Community College student groups will sponsor “Chickfest,” a celebration of women’s music and art, Sat., Oct. 1 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on the Springfield campus. Admission for musical performances is $3 for the day; all other events are free.

Proceeds will benefit Sojourn Shelters and Services, Inc. of Springfield, the Rutledge Youth Foundation, Inc. of Springfield, and the LLCC groups sponsoring the event: Student Government Association, Gay-Straight Alliance and Feminist Activist Coalition.

Eight musicians are scheduled to perform beginning at noon including LLCC professor Carmen Allen of Springfield; Carla Sloan of Taylorville; Josie Lowder of Springfield; Judy McNutt of Vandalia; and St. Louis-area performers Jenn Powers, Jennifer Norman, Julie Schurr and Summer Osborne. Chickfest will also feature female artists who sell and showcase both fine art and craftworks such as jewelry, candles and purses.

Donations of personal hygiene items and clothing for women and children will be accepted at the event.

More information is available from the LLCC Student Life Office at 217.786.2241 or “LLCC Chickfest 2011” on Facebook.

On September 10, 2011, the Kaskaskia Coon Hunter's Association in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be conducting a youth no-kill raccoon hunt at Lake Shelbyville in the Lone Point Recreation Area. No firearms will be involved and all interested youths 16 years of age and under are welcome to participate in this age old tradition.

Any youth interested in attending this event must be accompanied by an adult and must register for the hunt by 3:00 p.m. September 8, 2011 by calling Park Ranger Brock Key at (217) 774-3951 ext. 7008.

Interested youths should meet at the entrance gate to Lake Shelbyville's Lone Point Recreation Area at 6:00 p.m. on September 10, 2011. A hotdog roast will follow the raccoon hunt at 7:00 p.m. The hunt will end no later than 9:00 p.m.

Seasoned dogs and veteran dog handlers will be conducting the hunt so come out and listen to their dogs run and enjoy some good conversation around a campfire. For more information concerning this youth hunt contact Park Ranger Brock Key at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951 ext. 7008.

If you’re looking for ways to save on your home energy bills, Lake Land College has just the course for you. The one-day Home Energy and Weatherization Workshop will teach participants how to reduce their energy consumption the very next day.

Learn why energy bills are soaring and how to reduce cost. Learn valuable skills to weatherize your current home or build a future home for optimal energy conservation. Learn how to take advantage of rebates and appliance trade-ins from local energy providers.

“This conference is designed so that attendees will leave with ideas and projects they can to do save energy,” said Mark Dyer, training coordinator. “Our hope is that attendees can get started on energy saving projects the very next day from the knowledge they receive at the conference.”

Guest speakers include Jennifer Hagen from Ameren Illinois, Bob Dickey from Eastern Illini Electric Co-op and Rob Westcott, dean of the LLC Center for Business and Industry.

The conference will be held at Lake Land College’s main campus on Saturday, Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the West Building, rooms 119 and 120. Registration is limited, so reserve your spot today by emailing Dyer at mdyer46174@lakeland.cc.il.us, or call 234-5371. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Lunch is included. This workshop is made possible by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Thursday marked the beginning of the 2nd Annual Senior Police Academy.

Christian County TRIAD, Taylorville Police Department, and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office have again teamed up to put on the academy to help educate and prepare seniors to be safer and less vulnerable from such things as fraud.

At Thursday’s first meeting, Brian Hile, assistant chief of police for the Taylorville Police Department, that in addition to being trained on how to be safer and identify scams, he reported that the Christian County Health Department will soon be having flu shot clinics.

[audio:bhile99a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hile added that next week’s class will be held at the Taylorville Fire Department.

Hile explains that the seniors will witness demonstrations from members of the Taylorville Fire Department.

[audio:bhile99b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Former Taylorville Police Chief and current Taylorville mayor, Greg Brotherton, was also in attendance and expressed his gratitude for this year’s academy class.

[audio:gregb99a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The academy is set to last eight weeks.

A Bunker Hill man is looking to shake things up at the capital and help speak up for southern Illinois as he announced his candidacy for the 48th Illinois Senate seat on Thursday.

Bunker Hill native Andy Manar (muh-nar) announced his running for the Senate seat at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital heli-pad Thursday afternoon before a gathering of friends, family, and supporters.

Manar says that its time someone from the central part of the state speak up and be heard at the capital.

[audio:amanar99a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Manar explains that the economic woes he’s seen in Bunker Hill are similar to those the entire state is feeling.

[audio:amanar99b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Manar currently serves as chief of staff under Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.

Paul Konerko belted a grand slam during a seven-run seventh inning as the White Sox trounced the Indians, 8-1. Brent Morel homered twice and drove in four to help Chicago take the opener of the four-game set. Matt Thornton was credited with his first win. Mark Buehrle [[ BURR-lee ]] will oppose Jeanmar Gomez when the series continues tonight.

The Cubs begin a three-game series with the Mets in New York this evening. Casey Coleman will be on the mound for the Cubs. The Mets will counter with Mike Pelfrey. First-pitch is at 6:10 p.m.

Northwestern will also be at home to face Eastern Illinois. Notre Dame will be on the road to battle Michigan at The Big House under the lights.

A pair of 2010 division winners battle in Week One as the Falcons face the Bears at Soldier Field. The Falcons earned the top seed with an NFC-best 13-and-3 record last season. The Bears won the NFC Central with an 11-and-5 mark. They beat Seattle at home in the Divisional Playoffs before losing to the Packers in the NFC Championship Game.

The Cardinals will try to make a wild card playoff push this weekend when they host the Atlanta Braves for three games at Busch Stadium. Edwin Jackson takes the mound in tonight's series opener, while the Braves counter with Randall Delgado. The Braves enter play with a seven-and-a-half-game lead after sweeping a doubleheader with the Mets yesterday.

As heard on WMKR Unity beat Central A&M 41 to 13.

As heard on WTIM, Taylorville fell to Glenwood with a score of 35-13.

As heard on WMKR, Central A&M fell to Unity with a score of 41-13.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville fell to Tuscola with a score of 41-6.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office responded to a one vehicle accident near the intersection of 1250 North Road and 875 East Road on Sunday.

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Annie R. Mullins of Pawnee was traveling west on 1250 North Road when she approached the crest of a hill and a white car traveling east on 1250 North Road forced her off the roadway causing her to lose control of her vehicle and hit the ditch embankment.

Mullins' vehicle overturned one time before coming to a rest on its wheels. Mullins' vehicle flipped over concrete rif raf that was placed in a ditch to prevent soil erosion.

Mullins reported minor injuries from the accident. She was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Be on your way to a career or college education in just eight short weeks with Lake Land College’s new Fundamentals of Applied Technology program. The program will provide students with specific workforce training in areas employers are looking for, at no cost to participants.

“I’ve had several employers call and ask me if I have candidates who have skills such as communication, timeliness and the ability to complete tasks independently,” said Brian Haskins, adult education and transition coordinator. “Employers are also looking for people who have safety training, a high school diploma and some technical skills. We designed this program so completers will be well qualified to meet the expectations of those job openings.”

There are no requirements to be admitted to the eight week program. Students who need to complete a GED or receive educational assistance will do so at the same time they are receiving the workplace training. Additionally, students interested in a career in welding have the opportunity to take Fundamentals of Welding and receive 2.5 credit hours, getting a jump start on their welding certificate.

“While they are receiving classroom instruction, participants will also be learning actual technical skills in welding and basic technology. This hands-on training will provide them with valuable, tangible skills for the job market,” Haskins said.

The program, which will begin on Oct. 17 is set to meet Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the Eastern Region Center in Marshall, consists of lessons that lead to certificates of completion in worth ethics, OSHA Safety, industry career readiness and college preparation. Participants will also receive one-on-one coaching to help them pave their way into a career or college.

“One of the excellent features of this program is that there are no costs to the participants,” Haskins added. “In addition, we provide transportation vouchers to help people afford the commute to the Eastern Region Center in Marshall.”

The training is made possible through a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

To learn more about the program call 235-0361, stop by the Eastern Region Center on 224 S. Sixth St. in Marshall, or visit us online at http://www.lakeland.cc.il.us/adulteducation/index.cfm.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces the closing dates of their campgrounds and beaches at Lake Shelbyville.

Opossum Creek Campground closes September 6, 2011.

Lone Point Campground closes September 6, 2011 expect for the ten campsites mentioned below.

Coon Creek Campground closes October 10, 2011.

Lithia Springs and Bo Wood Campgrounds close October 30, 2011.

Dam West, Sullivan and Wilborn Creek Beaches close September 11, 2011.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be keeping Lone Point Recreation Area campsites 86 through 95 open until December 4, 2011. These ten electric campsites will be available on a first-come first-served individual site basis. There will be no reservations available for these sites. The camping fee for these sites is $16 per night for each campsite. A self-deposit vault will be located near the entrance to sites 86 through 95 with directions explaining the process for paying your camping fee and to provide a payment tag for your campsite post. Water and flush toilets will be available until early November. After that the water will be shut off due to winterization of the facilities. After the water is shut off porta-potties will be available. Persons camping on these ten sites will be permitted to use the showers in the Coon Creek Recreation Area Campground until it closes on October 10, 2011.

As a reminder all rules and regulations governing land owned and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers apply and will be enforced. For more information concerning camping at Lake Shelbyville contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951.

Lincoln Land Community College invites students and community members to experience “Springtime in Paris (and environs)” March 2-10, 2012 (LLCC’s spring break). The nine-day study trip, led by Chris McDonald, Ph.D., LLCC professor of political science, will focus on history, culture and travel, and may be undertaken as a college credit or non-credit learning experience.

Information sessions describing the trip will be held at noon and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the R.H. Stephens Room of Menard Hall on the Springfield campus. All interested persons are invited to attend.

Dr. McDonald says trip participants will be immersed in the history and culture that shaped the modern world. “This trip is designed as a whirlwind immersion in the center of Europe. Between 1914 and 1918, the great powers of Europe, and eventually the world, clashed in the fields of France and Flanders – the heart of the First World War. In 1917, millions of Americans joined in the struggle. Our trip uses these events as a backdrop for unforgettable days split between the history and landscape of the most momentous battles (Ypres, Somme, Meuse-Argonne and Verdun) and the amazing concentration of culture that is Paris.”

Participants will fly from Chicago to Paris and then move along the Western Front (including an overnight in Belgium), before returning to the bright lights of Paris. After days touring the Louvre, Notre-Dame and other sights, the tour concludes with a Seine River cruise and an evening ascent of the Eiffel Tower.

More information is available by visiting www.llcc.edu/europe or contacting Dr. McDonald at chris.mcdonald@llcc.edu or 786-4937.

St. Mary Parish in Taylorville will hold its annual Fiesta during the weekend of September 16 - 18. Events will include a fish fry on Friday evening; a food both featuring rib-eye sandwiches, bratwurst, and hamburgers on Saturday evening, and a chicken dinner in the parish hall on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will also be activities for children, quilt raffles, a garage sale, a beer wagon, a variety of games, and music featured each day of the Fiesta. The parish is located at 108 W. Adams St.  For more information regarding the Fiesta, please call (217)824-8178.

Carlos Pena's three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth gave the Cubs a 6-3 win over the Reds. Aramis Ramirez doubled home two runs in the sixth to help Chicago take the rubber match of the three-game set. Kerry Wood was credited with his second win. Carlos Marmol earned his 33rd save. The Cubs are off today. They'll begin a three-game set with the Mets in New York tomorrow.

The Twins scored four runs in the third and held on for a 5-4 win over the White Sox. Danny Valencia and Chris Parmelee plated two runs apiece in the third as Minnesota avoid a sweep in the four-game set. Paul Konerko went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for Chicago. John Danks allowed all five runs, four of which were earned, over six innings to fall to 6-and-11.

The curtain raises on the 2011 NFL season with the annual Thursday night kickoff game. It's a matchup of the last two Super Bowl champions as the Packers host the Saints at Lambeau Field. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m.

Chris Carpenter tossed a four-hit shutout as the Cardinals blanked the Brewers, 2-0. Carpenter scattered two walks while striking out five to improve to 9-and-9. Rafael Furcal homered and Yadier [[ YAH-dee-air ]] Molina had a sac-fly RBI for the Cards, who took two-of-three in the series. Zack Greinke [[ GRAIN-key ]] permitted both runs over seven innings to fall to 14-and-6. Milwaukee leads St. Louis by eight-and-a-half games in the NL Central. The Cards are off today before opening a three-game home series against the Braves tomorrow.

Seniors will have a chance to be educated and trained by law enforcement officials as part of the 2nd Annual Senior Police Academy thanks to the TRIAD of Christian County and Taylorville Police Department.

Dry conditions mixed with cooler temperatures have caused several farmers throughout south central and southwest Illinois to begin the 2011 harvest in the early part of September.

Many farmers have hit the fields a little earlier than preferred, but quality may be at its best right now due to the rough growing season fields fought this year.

With more on this week’s crop report is David Ward with the USDA offices of Illinois in Springfield.

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

Tune into the Talk of Central Illinois Newstalk 97.3 WTIM and TaylorvilleDailyNews.com for the crop report all the way until the end of the 2011 harvest.

At Tuesday night’s Taylorville City Council meeting Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton gave recognition and congratulations of the RECC’s 75th Anniversary and the impact the organization has had on the local communities they serve.

Brotherton added that he wishes the company success and good luck for many years to come.

[audio:gregb98a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Brotherton also reported that he and two of Taylorville’s city aldermen, Earl Walters and Shawn Burtle, will be attending this year’s Illinois Municipal League’s annual meeting.

[audio:gregb98b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Lake Land College Foundation is pleased to announce its 2011 Art Heritage Show, and invites artists to enter their work, which will be displayed at the Virgil H. Judge Learning Resource Center throughout the month of October.

Artists interested in entering their work in this year’s show should submit an entry form by Sept. 23, and then bring pieces to the Virgil H. Judge Learning Resource Center on the Lake Land College campus either on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 3-6 p.m. or Wednesday, Sept. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. Artists are limited to enter two pieces of artwork. Entry forms are available by calling the Foundation office or http://www.lakeland.cc.il.us/foundation.

“We’re very excited to host this show once again, and offer an opportunity for many talented artists in the area to display their work,” said David Cox, foundation director. “Last year we saw so many interesting pieces from artists in various communities, and we hope to have the same response this year.”

Monetary awards of $75, $50 and $25 will be given to first, second and third place winners in each of the three categories: Professional, Amateur and Student. The artist chosen for Best in Show will receive a prize of $100. The First National Bank will sponsor the Professional and Amateur Division, and the Prairie Field Folk Art and Craft Show will sponsor the Student Division. The Student Division is open to 6th-12th grade students.

Instructions to enter the competition are as follows: a $5 entry fee is required for each entry at the time of registration; on the back of the artwork, list the artist’s name, title of the artwork, category, and either the price of the artwork or “not for sale.” All artwork must be framed and wired to be hung on a hook. Failure to do this will disqualify a piece from the show. Any 3D works of art don’t need to be wired to hang, as they will be placed in or on a display case.

A reception for all exhibiting artists will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011 in the Lake Land College Virgil H. Judge Learning Resource Center from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. Presentation of awards and individual critiques for artists who request them will take place during the reception.

All artwork should be picked up on Oct. 31, after the show at the Virgil H. Judge Learning Resource Center. The hours of operation for the center are as follows: Monday through Thursday 7a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 7a.m.-5p.m.; Saturday 12:30-4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 12-9 p.m.

For more information or inquiries, please contact Cassie Bivins, foundation operations assistant at 217-234-5445.

This week Christian County CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a burglary that occurred in ChristianCounty.

Sometime between Wednesday June 1, 2011 and Wednesday August 31, 2011, person or persons unknown made entry onto a property located at 730 North and2300 East Roadnear Pana. While there the unknown subject or subjects took several items including: sheets of Corrugated Metal, Mayrath Auger with motor, and several other items. The total amount of items taken is estimated at $1000.

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 their website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274637) keyword CCCS and then your tip. As always you will remain anonymous.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Twin Oaks Sporting Clays and the Shelby Sports Club will be conducting a hunter safety education course on September 17 and 18, 2011. The hunter safety course will be held at the Twin Oaks Sporting Clays near Mode, Illinois. Participants must attend both days, which will consist of a minimum of 10 hours of instruction time. On Saturday, September 17th, the course will be from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided on Saturday by the Shelby County Sportsman Club. On Sunday, September 18th, the course will be from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Only 35 participants will be able to take the course, so registration is required and it is recommended that you register early. To register for the hunter safety course contact Twin Oaks Sporting Clays at (217) 774-4196 or (217) 259-2343.

The basics of hunter responsibility, wildlife conservation and identification, firearms and ammunition, field safety, wildlife management, first aid, archery, muzzle loading, and state regulations will be covered during the course.

The Kiwanis Club of Taylorville installed their new Board of Directors at their weekly meeting on September 6.   Presiding was Gregg Fuerstenau, outgoing President.   The new Board members for 2011-2012 are: Matt Richardson-President, Gina Prinzavalli- President-Elect, Diane Beatty-Secretary, Dan Sneed-Treasurer, Gregg Fuerstenau-Past President, Membership-Fred Ronnow, Treasurer- Dan Sneed, Priority One-Kristine Lecocq, Key Club-Eric Kahle, Park Committee-Jerry Woodard, Interclub-Chris Weittenhiller, Spiritual Values-Dick Wamsley, Public Relations-Randy Miller.   Dick Wamsley awarded several members perfect attendance pins: Elle Kammerer-1 year, Dan Sneed-3 years, Fred Ronnow-4 years, Jerry Woodard-6 years.  

Kristine Lecocq was presented the “Kiwanian of the Year” award for her dedication to Priority One.   Priority One focuses on programs for children.

Kiwanis Annual Peanut days will be held Friday September 31st and Saturday October 1st

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.”

 For the latest news on Kiwanis you can log onto their website at www.taylorvillekiwanis.com.        

 Taylorville Kiwanis Club meets each Tuesday at noon in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.  If you would like more information about joining Kiwanis contact Fred Ronnow at 824-4919.

Joey Votto's RBI double in the 13th lifted the Reds past the Cubs, 4-2. John Grabow gave up two runs in two innings to suffer the loss for Chicago, which has lost four-of-six. Bryan LaHair hit a pinch-hit two-run homer to tie the game in the ninth and account for the Cubs runs. Ryan Dempster will toe the rubber opposite Johnny Cueto [[ KWAY-toh ]] in tonight's series finale.

Jake Peavy tossed six-and-a-third innings of shut out ball with nine strikeouts as the White Sox dumped the Twins, 3-0. Alex Rios launched a solo shot for Chicago, which looks to complete the four-game sweep tonight. Sergio Santos earned his 29th save of the year. Liam Hendriks threw seven innings of three-run ball for the loss. The Twins have lost five straight. John Danks gets the nod against Carl Pavano in tonight's series finale.

New contract talks between the Chicago Bears and running back Matt Forte [[ FOR-tay ]] have been put on hold for the moment. The Bears had reportedly offered Forte a deal worth $13-to-14-million guaranteed, but it apparently wasn't accepted. The two sides had hoped to wrap up a deal before the teams' season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Soldier Field. Forte, a 2008 second-rounder out of Tulane, rushed for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns last season.

Kyle Lohse [[ Lowsh ]] tossed six innings of shut out ball as the Cardinals dropped the Brewers, 4-2. John Jay and Matt Holliday each lifted a solo shot for St. Louis, which had lost two straight. Jason Motte recorded his third save. The Brewers lead the Cardinals by nine-and-a-half games in the NL Central. The Cards put Chris Carpenter on the mound against Brewers starter Zach Greinke [[ GRAIN-kee ]] tonight in the series finale.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office reports the following arrest.

40 year-old Carl W. Tuttle of Decatur was arrested for an original arrest warrant for theft and deceptive practice on Tuesday, September 6th.

The Taylorville Police Department reports the following arrests.

19 year-old Justin M. Durbin of Taylorville was arrested for driving suspended and for driving with a suspended or revoked license on Thursday, September 1st.

22 year-old Lacey M. Myers of Shobonier was arrested for a warrant on Wednesday, August 31st.

25 year-old Brad M. Kirchhoff of Taylorville was arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license and for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration on Tuesday, August 30th.

50 year-old Sheila K. Crowder of Taylorville was arrested for criminal trespassing on real estate property on Saturday, September 3rd.

21 year-old Justin T. Bland of Taylorville was arrested for a warrant and for driving with a suspend or revoked license on Tuesday, September 6th.

59 year-old Donald W. Black of Taylorville was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Sunday, September 4th.

20 year-old Chesten L. Conn of Taylorville was arrested for a warrant on Monday, September 5th.

25 year-old Andrew L. Calvert of Taylorville was arrested for a warrant, driving suspended, operation of an uninsured vehicle, and driving with a suspended or revoked license on Monday, September 5th.

25 year-old Travis W. Foor of Taylorville was arrested for aggravated assault on Saturday, September 3rd.

Citations

PCH Foundation Executive Director Deb Stalets announces the winners in the 2011 Raffle drawing held on August 20th at the Foundation Annual Golf Outing.

Amy Craig was the winner of the $200 cash prize, Suzanne Dooley of Nokomis was the winner of the $200 in gas, and Anne Ade was the winner of $200 in groceries. Michael Havrilka was the winner of the meat bundle.

The Pana Community Hospital Foundation extends special thanks to everyone who participated in the raffle. The Foundation assists Pana Community Hospital in its mission by securing additional funds for current and future needs of the hospital. These funds are used to continually upgrade and expand the services Pana Community Hospital offers to the patients they serve.

Dr. Nanci Huels of Altamont has been appointed to the Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors.

“We are excited to add a new member to the board of directors who has such a strong interest in her community,” said Pam Crisman, vice president for development and executive officer for the Lake Land College Foundation. “We know Nanci will be a great addition to our team.”

Huels and her husband moved to the Altamont area in 1988 and started Huels Veterinary Services. She currently serves on the St. Anthony Memorial Hospital Community Advisory Council, the Effingham Area Catholic Charities Advisory Board and is a member of the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry where she is a past president. Currently, Huels is a member of the Altamont Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Vision 20/20 Education Committee.

Huels and her husband have two sons, one of whom is a freshman at Lake Land College this fall.

Huels graduated with a bachelor’s degree in domestic animal biology and completed a master’s degree in domestic animal parasitology from the University of Arkansas. Additionally, she received a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Missouri.

The Lake Land College Foundation assists the college in developing and enhancing educational opportunities and services to its students, alumni and citizens of the district. The Foundation’s major focus is to provide students with scholarships through funds contributed by individuals, organizations and corporations. The Foundation board of directors is comprised of 19 directors, two ex-officio members, and three honorary directors.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at Lincoln Land Community College will conduct free “Starting Your Business in Illinois” workshops in September in Jacksonville, Springfield and Taylorville. Workshop topics include 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, Sept. 1, 6 to 8 p.m. at LLCC Capital City Training Center, 130 West Mason, Springfield. To register, call 217.544.7232.

Thursday, Sept. 15, 2 to 4 p.m. at Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, 108 West Market Street, Taylorville. To register, call 217.824.4919.

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at LLCC Capital City Training Center, 130 West Mason, Springfield. To register, call 217.544.7232.

Monday, Sept. 26, 1 to 3 p.m. at Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, 155 West Morton, Jacksonville. To register, call 217.245.2174.

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

“Voices from the Past” is the name of the annual cemetery walk presented by the Christian County Genealogical Society. This event will be held September 25, 2011 with the tours to begin at 1:00 p.m. and tours at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Bill Kennedy has donated a tour mobile that will be available at the 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. tours for anyone that is unable to walk or stand during the tour times.

The life of Horatio M. Vandeveer, pioneer and self-taught lawyer of Christian County, 1816-1894, portrayed by Lindsey Reese, local Attorney; Gulbrand Anderson, jewelry store owner 1850-1941, portrayed by David Cowell, present owner of Anderson Jewelry Store; Joseph Sibley Torrey, Civil War Veteran, 1844-1928, portrayed by Charles Dilley and Ellen Torrey Rockwell, sister of Joseph Torrey, portrayed by Rhonda Corbin; Judge James Carroll McBride, Appellate Judge, 1845-1919, portrayed by Tom Pickett; and Andrew Simpson, Civil War Veteran, 1830-1883, person portraying Andrew to be announced at a later date.

The 42nd Annual Grande Levee, a celebration of the grand receptions held during the 1800s to honor government dignitaries and important visitors, will be held Friday and Saturday, September 23 and 24 at the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site. The event is free and open to the public, and is cosponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Vandalia Tourism Commission, The Old Capitol Foundation, Friends of the Old State Capitol and Vandalia Leader Union newspaper. The event coincides with the Corn Day Festival being held September 24.

The festival will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 23 with the Illinois Society of 1812’s 20 flag program followed by musical performances from the Riverview Band at 4:30 p.m., playing old time and bluegrass music. George Portz & Friends of Bluegrass will continue at 6 and play until 8 p.m. An Old Fashioned Ham & Bean Dinner sponsored by the Vandalia Ministerial Alliance starts at 5 p.m., and funnel cakes and homemade ice cream will also be offered on the Statehouse lawn.

Events on Saturday, September 24 begin with a 5K run sponsored by the YMCA - call John Ashdown at (618) 283-1258 for more information. Period arts and crafts demonstrations and selling of wares will be held on the Statehouse lawn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. including blacksmithing, basket weaving, pottery, tatting and lace making. There will also be an 1812 Encampment on the lawn. Home made root beer and many “Taste of Vandalia” food booths will offer local fare and old time favorites.

Several entertainers are scheduled to perform Saturday, including Dr. Balthasar’s Marvelous Miracle Medicine Show, DePriest Puppets, and Madame Rosa’s Museum of Natural Oddities. Lead Out will provide music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Grass Pack will play at 1 p.m. and the Salt Creek Band will perform from 4:30 to 8 p.m. The World Bird Sanctuary will present “Raptor Awareness” with live birds, including a bald eagle, at 1 p.m.

Voting for the 2011 Lake Shelbyville Area Photo Contest has ended and the winner is “Waiting for Mama. The public voted 2,583 times in five categories with 120 photos entered.

The Grand Prize winner is “Waiting for Mama” from the Wildlife Category with 209 total votes. The photo was taken by Belinda Sanders of Mahomet.

In The Lake Category Sarah Wooters from Findlay took 1st place with “The Dam” and Amanda Marek from Milwaukee, Wisconsin took 2nd with Lysie Loves the Lake

In Places “Loud Festival Fun” was the winner for Amanda Marek from Milwaukee with “Coal Shaft Bridge” taking 2nd from Kevin Sesko of Sullivan.

Carol Thompson of Windsor took 1st place in the Recreation category with “Camping is Fun” and Nick Esslinger of Strasburg took 2nd with “Perfect Day”.

The Scenic category ad Dock Sunset take 1st place by Sarah Wooters of Findlay and 2nd place went to Amanda Marek of Milwaukee.

Sarah Wooters of Findlay took 1st place in the Wildlife category with “Baby Deer” and Kevin Sesko of Sullivan took 2nd with “Baby Cardinal”

The Shelby County Office of Tourism and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Shelbyville Project office would like to thank everyone who entered and voted for their time and effort.

A new month means another Business After Hours for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, and according to chamber president and CEO Fred Ronnow, one local retirement center will look to be the place to be this month on September 21st.

Ronnow explains that Taylorville Estates will host this month’s event and this is one you won’t want to miss.

[audio:fredr96a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information or to attend the event as a guest of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce contact their offices by calling 217 – 824 – 4919.

While the school year has started for students at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville, the community will have a chance to learn about professional programs through ‘try’ classes according to executive director Scott Stallman.

Stallman explains that with social media becoming popular, it’s natural that older community members are going to want training on how to use social media websites, and LLCC will be offering courses on that.

[audio:scotts96a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Stallman says for more information to go online to www.llcc.edu.

Aramis Ramirez plated two runs to back seven-and-two third stellar innings from Matt Garza as the Cubs clipped the Reds, 4-3, on Monday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Garza gave up three runs, only one earned, on six hits and fanned eight to improve to 8-and-10 on the season. Carlos Marmol worked a flawless ninth to nail down his 32nd save. Alfonso Soriano added an RBI single for the Northsiders, who have won back-to-back games on the heels of a three-game slide. Yonder Alonso and Devin Mesoraco each drove in a run for Cincinnati. Dontrelle Willis allowed all four runs through seven innings of duty to absorb the loss. Rodrigo Lopez gets the nod opposite Mike Leake in tonight's second installment.

Zach Stewart went the distance and gave up just one hit, leading the White Sox past the Twins, 4-0, and sweeping a doubleheader. Stewart struck out nine and took a perfect game into the eighth inning before Danny Valencia hit a lead-off double. Brent Morel went 3-for-5 with a two-run single while Juan Pierre and Alexei Ramirez added an RBI apiece. Scott Diamond gave up two runs over five frames to suffer the loss. In the opener, Philip Humber tossed seven shutout innings as the White Sox topped the Twins, 2-1. Jake Peavy will toe the rubber against Liam Hendriks in tonight's third installment.

Ryan Braun and Nyjer Morgan both popped solo home runs to back eight stellar innings from Randy Wolf as the Brewers rolled to a 4-1 win over the Cardinals. Wolf fanned five and gave up just one run on four hits to improve to 12-and-9 on the season. Jake Westbrook was tagged with the loss for the Cards, who have dropped three of their last four. The Cardinals now trail the Brewers by 10-and-a-half games in the NL Central. Tonight, Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse squares off against Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo at Busch Stadium.

At Tuesday night’s Taylorville City Council meeting, city aldermen voted in favor of making the Taylorville Fire Department an ALS services department, which will allow the department to also have an ambulance service as a back-up to other ambulance services in town.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton explained that this will not affect other EMS teams in town and that this will be a beneficial addition to the city.

[audio:gregb97a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The motioned passed by a vote of 8 – 0.

Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday had two hits and an RBI apiece as the Cardinals downed the Reds, 6-4.  Jon Jay had two hits and scored twice for the Cards, who have won five-of-six.  Jaime allowed two runs, one earned, over six innings to improve to 11-and-7.  Jason Motte earned his second save.  Jay Bruce belted a two-run homer for the Reds.  Homer Bailey permitted five runs, four earned, over only three innings to fall to 7-and-7.

Pittsburgh went into the ninth inning trailing 5-3, but Derrek Lee's grand slam propelled the Pirates to a 7-5 victory over the Cubs.  Ryan Doumit and Garrett Jones each added an RBI for the Bucs, who will look to sweep the three-game set Sunday.  Chris Resop got the win, and Joel Hanrahan recorded his 34th save.  Alfonso Soriano drove in four runs for the Cubs, who have lost three straight.  Carlos Marmol took the loss after giving up Lee's homer.

Marlon Byrd knocked in a pair of runs as the Cubs doubled up the Pirates, 6-3.  Carlos Pena walked four times and scored twice to help the Cubs avoid a three-game sweep.  Randy Wells tossed six innings of one-run ball to improve to 7-and-4.  The Cubs continue their six game homestand today against the Reds.  Matt Garza gets the start for Chicago and he squares off against Dontrelle Willils. 

The Bears agreed to terms with safety Brandon Meriweather, who was cut on Saturday by the Patriots, to a one-year contract on Sunday.  Meriweather was the  Pats' first-round selection in the 2007 draft out of Miami-Florida, and was named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons.  Meantime, running back Chester Taylor, who was cut by the Bears, signed with the Cardinals.

As heard on WTIM on Satuday,  Illinois took care of buisness at home against Arkansas St. 33-15.   

Juan Francisco's RBI single in the top of the 10th inning gave the Reds a 3-2 victory over the Cardinals.  Edgar Renteria provided a two-run homer in the first inning for Cincinnati, which took two-of-three from St. Louis.  John Jay hit a solo home run for the Cards.  Fernando Salas took the loss out of the bullpen.  Today the Cardinals open a four-game set with the division-leading Brewers at Busch Stadium.  Jake Westbrook will take the mound against Randy Wolf.

Monday marked the end of the 2011 Pana Tri-County Fair and in addition to the annual parade highlighted by a special 9/11 remembrance, festival goers were greeted by good weather and plenty of great fair food.  

The finale of the fair will happen Monday night with the annual demolition derby which is set to begin at 7 o'clock in the grandstands.

Cool temperatures and blue skies made for a perfect Labor Day parade in Pana monday morning. A special ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy kicked off the parade. An actual twisted I-beam from the twin towers will be part of a memorial that will be  dedicated at a Pana firehouse this coming weekend. The parade started with a fire engine draped in black and followed by 343 firemen and 60 pollicemen from across the country marking the number of emergency responders who died in the attack. The parade, one of the largest in the state, lasted about two hours and featured entries from marching bands to politicians. Over 20 thousand specaters were expected to enjoy the parade that was broadcast on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR.

A Taylorville, Ill., man, Jeffrey L. Deal, has entered pleas of guilty to filing false income tax returns. According to court documents and information presented in federal court on Aug. 30, 2011, Deal, 43, formerly ran the daily operations of Luster-Deal, Inc., a local corporation which owned, worked, and leased farm properties in central Illinois.

During his court appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Byron G. Cudmore,

Deal waived indictment and pled guilty to an information charging him with two counts of filing false income tax returns. Deal admitted that as a result of his misapplication of corporation funds, he received a significant amount of additional income which he did not report on his income tax returns. According to court documents, Deal submitted false tax returns for the year 2004, which understated his income by $170,254.69; for the year 2005, understating his income by $233,863.05; and, for the year 2006, which understated his income by $99,570.57.

Deal admitted that he misapplied corporation money to his personal use by maintaining a corporate bank account which he represented to others was closed, and then using the money deposited for personal expenses; by writing corporate checks for personal expenses, and then misrepresenting the expenses on the corporate books as a business expense; by mis-using a company credit card for personal expenses and listing them as corporate expenses; and, by misdirecting corporate deposits into his personal bank account. Deal is currently on bond awaiting sentencing, which is set for Jan. 12, 2012, before Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Mills. Each count of filing a false income tax return carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to three years in prison, as well as fines for each charge of up to $100,000 and a term of supervised release to follow any jail time.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, upon referral following a civil audit of the corporation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Hansen.

Illinois agriculture organizations announced this week a new, collaborative program to promote, implement and track the rate of adoption of enhanced nutrient stewardship practices by Illinois agricultural producers. "Keep it for the Crop by 2025" will focus on the 4R's of Nutrient Stewardship: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has identified six priority watersheds for nutrient reductions including Lake Bloomington, Lake Vermilion, Lake Decatur, Vermilion River (Illinois Basin), Salt Fork Vermilion River (Wabash Basin) and Lake Mauvaisse Terra. Marcia Wilhite, IEPA's Bureau of Water Chief, said "The lakes and rivers in these watersheds have water quality problems due to too much nitrogen or phosphorus, or both. Illinois EPA strongly endorses efforts to promote voluntary action by producers to adopt nutrient stewardship practices in their watersheds.

If everyone does their part, we can assure clean water for future generations."

The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (CBMP) will implement the KIC by 2025 program.. CBMP's members include the Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Pork Producers and Syngenta Crop Protection. Gary Hudson, a corn grower and President of CBMP, said "Farmers are very concerned about good stewardship and water quality. That is why we developed the KIC program and we encourage everyone to help us in our efforts to educate not only growers, but our communities as well as this program goes forward."

KIC by 2025 lays out a framework to continually promote, implement and measure adoption of the 4R system by producers and agricultural retailers who provide custom nutrient application. According to Jean Payne, President of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA), the industry is also working to secure dedicated funding from the ag sector for KIC by 2025 with state legislation that creates the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council. In the meantime, start-up funding for the program is being provided by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, the Illinois Soybean Association and IFCA fertilizer manufacturer members Agrium, CF Industries, Koch Fertilizer, The Mosaic Company and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan.

Phillip Nelson, President of the Illinois Farm Bureau, reinforced that Illinois producers are major stakeholders in this efforts. "We have always believed that farmers are among the original stewards of our soil and water. KIC by 2025 will provide the resources, knowledge and outreach needed to ensure that growers make the best possible decisions when it comes to implementing practices that protect our streams and rivers and further enhance nutrient efficiencies in agricultural production."

With thousands of motorists expected to travel on state roadways over the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that road work will be suspended where possible for the weekend to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. The advance notice of lane closures for the holiday weekend is designed to aid motorists’ travel plans and improve safety.

“With heavy traffic expected as usual during the holiday weekend, IDOT is providing a list of closures in advance to help motorists plan their trips,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. “With less construction and heavy equipment in use this weekend, traffic congestion can be reduced, and safety and traffic flow will continue to improve.”

Starting at 3 p.m. Friday, September 2, IDOT will suspend all non-emergency road work and open up all lanes where possible through midnight on Monday, September 5. Some construction zones will continue to have lane closures in effect, due to the nature of some projects.

IDOT is urging motorists to slow down, obey posted speed limits and drive with caution through work zones. Holiday travelers are reminded that work zone speed limits are still in effect wherever they are posted, even where no construction workers are present.

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) this week announced $524,925 in grants from Veterans’ Cash scratch-off lottery ticket sales to help nine colleges and non-profits deliver rehabilitative programs and other services for Illinois’ veterans.

Championed by now-Governor Pat Quinn in 2006, Veterans Cash has funded programs for veterans throughout Illinois. All proceeds from ticket sales are deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund, making it the first Illinois Lottery ticket for which 100 percent of the net proceeds are dedicated to support Illinois veterans.

“The Veterans Cash lottery ticket has been a fun, easy and unique way for Illinois citizens to help our veterans tackle many chronic and often debilitating conditions that affect them when they return to civilian life,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren.

On a quarterly basis, IDVA’s Veterans Cash Grant Committee reviews applications and awards grants to groups that help address PTSD, homelessness, health insurance costs, long-term care and disability benefits. To date, more than 160 organizations have shared about $9 million in funding.

Illinois is still looking to get around recent federal demands to share police records on illegal immigrants. Mark Fleming, with Heartland Alliance's National Immigrant Justice Center, says the federal government's actions go against the state's rights.

[audio:mflem93a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fleming says states are not required to help the federal government with regulatory policies.

[audio:mflem93b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The state isn't ruling out the possibility of suing the federal government over the program they say is aimed at mass deportation rather than targeting criminal activity. Fleming has already filed a lawsuit on behalf of two U.S. residents he says had their rights violated through the Secure Communities program.

One Illinois gas company is looking to make a deal with their customers who are behind on their bills. Nicor Gas Spokesman Richard Caragol says their Reconnect program allows customers to pay just a third of their past due bill to get their gas turned back.

After over 2 months of practically no rain, thunderstorms moved thru the Regional Radio listening area late Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening, bringing high winds and hail.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Christian County, Saturday evening, after 60 mile-per-hour wind gusts and quarter-inch hail were reported 2 miles southwest of Taylorville at 6:30 Saturday night.

The storms caused numerous power outages. Ameren reported that the Saturday night storms sent 536 Taylorville customers, 461 Rochester customers, and several hundred customers in St. Peter in Fayette County, into the dark.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville announces that all day use beach fees to use Wilborn Creek Beach for the remainder of the 2011 recreation season have been waived, which means you can swim for free the rest of the season at Wilborn Creek Beach. Wilborn Creek beach is located on the northwest portion of Lake Shelbyville near Bethany, IL. Take IL Route 121 east of Bethany or west of Sullivan and follow the signs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has recently cleaned up the vegetation and debris left from high water and made more of an effort to control the goose population in the Wilborn Creek area and would like to invite everyone to enjoy the beach free of charge for the remainder of the recreation season. The public beaches including Wilborn Creek, Sullivan, and Dam West Beaches at Lake Shelbyville close for the season on September 11, 2011.

The Wilborn Creek Beach area has a lot to offer you and your family and friends including a new shower facility, playground, outdoor rinse off shower, sand volleyball net, life jacket loaner station, and picnic area, which includes several tables and grills. This area is tucked back in the woods and is a nice area to spend a quiet afternoon relaxing in the outdoors.

The daily or annual day use fees for the use of the Wilborn Creek Boat Ramp still remains in place and have not been waived. The only fees that have been waived at Lake Shelbyville are for the usage of the Wilborn Creek Beach.

If you would like further information on the Wilborn Creek Beach area contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville Facility and Grounds Maintenance Department at (217) 774-3951 ext. 5.

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

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by Ryan L. Ring of Decatur was traveling Interstate 72 east bound at mile post 117. Ring lost control of the pickup truck and drove off the left side of the roadway into the center grass median. While skidding in the center grass median, the passenger side of Ring’s vehicle struck the metal guardrail. The bed of the pickup truck was loaded with landscaping construction materials which spilled on Interstate 72.

Interstate 72 east bound had partial lane closures for more than three hours while IDOT cleaned the debris. Both occupants of the pickup were transported to a Springfield hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Fall is an ideal time to plant many woody trees and shrubs, but before you grab the spade and start digging a hole, consider the suitability of the site where it is to be planted, the species involved, growth characteristics of the tree, the tree’s age, and how the nursery plants were grown. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Rhonda Ferree offers some general information and tips for planting a tree that will thrive in the fall.

“Nursery stock is usually offered for sale in the following ways: bare root, packaged, potted, container grown, and balled and burlapped,” Ferree said. “These designations relate to the way the plants were grown and how they are being marketed. For example, bare-root stock has exposed roots that are very susceptible to drying out and therefore need to be kept moist until planting. Packaged plants are similar to bare-root plants, except they have their roots in a loose, moist organic material. Potted plants are bare-root stock that have been potted into containers and sold shortly thereafter. Potted plants differ from container-grown plants in that they were not grown in the original containers. Balled and burlapped stock are generally more durable than their bare-root counterparts because they contain a large soil ball with the root system relatively intact.”

To plant a tree, Ferree recommends digging a hole about 50 percent wider than the root ball or root spread of your tree. It is extremely important to plant all trees at the same level in the soil at which they were originally growing—no shallower and no deeper. Starter fertilizer can be applied with the first watering after planting.

Once the tree is set into the planting pit, backfilling should be done by shoveling in and firming the soil around the root ball. Ferree recommends that a water basin be formed around the base of the plant to hold water, allowing it to soak in rather than run off. When watering new trees, make sure that the plants never dry out. Keep the soil moist at all times during the first season.

“It’s also a good idea to mulch newly planted trees with shredded hardwood bark, compost, or coarse peat moss,” she said. “These materials conserve moisture, retard weed growth, and help maintain a more even soil temperature. A 2- or 3-inch mulch is usually plenty for one season.”

Lake Land College is taking measures to improve several courses of study in its agriculture division. In August, the college offered a workshop called Developing a Curriculum, or DACUM, that focused on bridging Lake Land’s agricultural curriculums with the emerging green energy industry.

“The DACUM was conducted to provide greater insight as to how Lake Land College could meet the training needs of current industry employees in the agriculture and energy fields,” said Jon Althaus, agriculture division chair.

The goal of the DACUM was to create a concise job analysis that includes a graphic profile of important duties, tasks and skills required of successful workers in these occupations. To do this, representatives from the college met with a panel of employees who currently work in the agriculture and energy fields. GROWMARK, a regional agricultural cooperative based in Bloomington, Ill. that provides fuels, lubricants, plant nutrients, crop protection products, seed, structures, equipment and grain marketing assistance throughout the Midwest, helped facilitate the panel.

“This is a great tool for Lake Land to be able to meet with industry experts and current employees in the industry so that they can pull out the necessary information in order to benefit the college’s program,” said Dave Rich, GROWMARK senior trainer and career development representative.

The panel consisted of multi-level experts who worked in agricultural sales, delivery and fuel development. Panelists were: Mike Boles from Evergreen FS; Jason Stauffer from Star Energy; Bruce Bruns from Advantage FS; Darren Becker from Agriland FS; Brad Wessel from Sunrise Ag.; Merle Simon from Two Rivers FS; Kris Zerrusen from Effingham Clay FS; and Ed Hillard from Illini FS.

The DACUM process for job and occupational analysis has been used worldwide. It has been proven to be a very effective method for quickly determining, at relatively low cost, the tasks that must be performed by persons employed in a given job or occupational area.

“Having students understand the concerns surrounding farming and the environment is a sure way to develop a future workforce that will address future farming and energy needs,” said Rich.

Next week will wrap up the season for one local team and member of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, and the chamber is looking to support the Springfield Foxes as they look to wrap up the 2011 season with back to back wins.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Fred Ronnow explains that the Foxes will end their season against the Lake County Steelers on John B. Pacotti Field in Kincaid next Saturday.

[audio:fredr92a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at 217 – 824 – 4919.

The New Year for the Christian County 4-H officially kicked off yesterday and the month of recruiting new members has begun, and as Christian County 4-H program coordinator Jodi Heberling explains, parents and children interested in joining this year can attend an informational meeting later this month.

[audio:jodih92a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information about the Christian County 4-H contact Jodi Heberling by calling 217 – 287 – 7246.

The Cubs welcome in the Pittsburgh Pirates to Wrigley Field this afternoon for the opener of a three-game series. Ryan Dempster will toe the rubber opposite Jeff Karstens in the opener. The Northsiders were winners in two-of-three at San Francisco in their last set, however, they dropped Wednesday's finale to dip to 59-and-78 on the season.

The White Sox are back in action this evening as they kick off a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. John Danks will toe the rubber opposite Brad Penny in tonight's opener. The Southsiders took two-of-three from Minnesota in their last set but dropped Wednesday's finale to fall to 68-and-66 on the season.

Robert Hughes rushed for 69 yards and two touchdowns as the Bears beat the Browns, 24-14, in their preseason finale. Caleb Hanie passed for 83 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The Bears host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday in their regular season-opener.

Albert Pujols [[ POOH-holes ]] went 4-for-4 with two home runs, including a grand slam, as the Cardinals earned a 8-4 win to complete a three-game sweep of the NL Central-leading Brewers. Matt Holliday hit the 200th homer of his career and Rafael Furcal added a solo shot for the Cardinals, who have won four straight and six-of-seven. Octavio Dotel was credited with the win. The Cards are back home to open a three-game series with the Reds tonight.

Sam Bradford threw for 133 yards and a touchdown as the Rams dumped the Jaguars, 24-17, in their preseason finale. Thaddeus Lewis added 164 yards in the air for St. Louis, which went 4-and-0 in exhibition play. Chase Reynolds and Keith Toston had rushing scores in the win. The Rams open the regular season a week from Sunday at home against the Eagles.

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.

As heard on WTIM, Taylorville defeated South East with a score of 40-22.

As heard on WMKR, Central A&M defeated Sullivan with a score of 50-7.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defeated Warrensburg-Latham with a score of 38-26.

Michelle France, of Shelbyville, was selected as the winner of the Lake Land College Amazon Kindle Giveaway.

France, who is in the administrative assistant training program, said she is ecstatic to receive the Kindle because her favorite pastime is reading murder mysteries.

“I have so many books at home, it’s not even funny,” said France. “Now, I’ll be able to take my entire library with me wherever I go!”

France was selected as the Kindle winner by a random drawing after she entered the contest by “liking” the Lake Land College Facebook page. After a few short questions, France along with 755 other contestants were put in a pool that randomly generated the winner.

“I never win anything, especially something like this,” said France. “I never really expected to win, but I was hoping I would because I’ve been researching the Kindle for quite a while now, wishing I’d be able to get one sometime.”

The next novel in France’s murder mystery queue is “The Prey” by Allison Brennan.

“Murder mysteries are by far my favorite read because it seems like the pages just don’t stop turning,” said France.

The Amazon Kindle is an electronic book reader that uses a wireless Internet connection which allows readers to shop for, download, browse and read electronic books, newspapers, magazines and other media.

The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development is taking vendor applications for the 2011 Oktoberfest-8th Annual Chili Cook-Off on Friday, October 14, 2011 and Saturday October 15, 2011. The festival provides a Friday night Illinois Wine Tasting tent with bluegrass concert, plus a variety of other food, craft and artist vendors, and Illinois Roller Derby bout. Saturday morning kicks off at 8am with the First United Methodist Church 5K walk/run and children’s 50 yard dash.

Vendors and chili cooking begins at noon with chili tasting between 5pm and 7pm. The King or Queen of the Judge’s and People’s Choice awards will be announced at 7:30pm. However, Oktoberfest is not all about chili.

This weekend festival all takes place on the historic downtown square in Sullivan, Illinois. Live music fill streets on the Hometown Stage and a variety of contests including an art, photography, and pet contest and more. Applications are being accepted for chili cookers, food vendors, art & craft vendors, contests, activities and performers for the Hometown stage.

For more information, or obtain registration forms, log onto www.sullivanchamber.com or email info@sullivanchamber.com

At noon on Saturday, August 27th over 125 motorcycles and 193 people went for a ride for a great cause on a gorgeous day. The 8th Annual Veterans Benefit and Poker Run turned out to be a huge success according to the event planner and Auxiliary President, Holly Beard. Participants gathered at the Thunderbird Lounge in Hewittville for sign up and left at noon for four stops totaling about 70 miles.

"The whole thing went way beyond my expectations", said Beard. This year there were 193 participants beating out last year's high of 170. Included in the run this year besides the 125 motorcycles of various types, were a stretch limo, a dune buggy, and an RV that has been in the Poker Run for the last several years. When stopping at the Silver Dollar in Farmersville, there were several people lining the roads holding flags and signs of support for the event.

"Weather was a big factor in the huge turn out this year, as well as more awareness of our cause." Says Julie Pearson, Auxiliary Secretary Treasurer. "We made almost $7000 for the veterans at Danville and Quincy VA Hospitals.", she adds. The proceeds buy "canteen" books, fresh fruit, recreational materials and takes care of many daily needs of the residents at these hospitals.

The Auxiliary would like to thank everyone involved in the success of this event. Businesses and individuals in this and surrounding communities came together to provide some great prizes and a really fun day for participants.

During veteran recognition, over 50 veterans of various branches of the military were honored and thanked for their service. Rock Upton, an Army veteran, served as emcee and auctioneer for the event. For an array of pictures from the poker run, you can go to www.facebook.com/veteransrun.

The Kiwanis Club of Taylorville gathered for lunch in the Auditorium at Taylorville Memorial Hospital Tuesday August 30th. Jodi Heberling, President of the Christian County Historical Society gave the program. She shared their upcoming events: September 18th will be the Lincoln-Douglas debate re-enactment, Annual Persimmon Festival November 12th & 13th, they will also participate in the Annual Home Tour sponsored by the Taylorville Tourism Council. They are investigating the possibility of doing a picture/history book of Christian County. Their annual budget is $15,000 funded by memberships and donations. The biggest expense

they have is upkeep. Volunteers are always welcome and greatly appreciated. The CC Historical Society grounds are open Thursday-Sunday, 10am-3pm April 1st-November 30th and Saturday 11am-3pm December 1st-March 30th. September 6h the Board will have a meeting prior to the noon meeting which we be the Installation of the officers for 2011-2012.

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.”

For the latest news on Kiwanis you can log onto their website at www.taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Taylorville Kiwanis Club meets each Tuesday at noon in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. If you would like more information about joining Kiwanis contact Fred Ronnow at 824-4919.

Jeff Keppinger and Pablo Sandoval each popped a solo home run to back eight scoreless innings from Madison Bumgarner as the Giants salvaged the finale of a three-game set with a 4-0 win over the Cubs on Wednesday afternoon at AT&T Park. Bumgarner struck out 11 and allowed just two hits and two walks to improve to 9-and-12 on the season. Keppinger also added an RBI single and Chris Stewart had a run-scoring double for San Francisco, which snapped a three-game slide. Starlin Castro and Marlon Byrd each had a hit for Chicago. Rodrigo Lopez was saddled with the loss. The Northsiders are off today. They head back to Wrigley Field tomorrow afternoon to open up a three-game series with Pittsburgh. Ryan Dempster gets the nod opposite Jeff Karstens in the opener.

Jason Repko's solo homer in the seventh inning proved to be the winning run as the Twins held on for a 7-6 win over the White Sox on Wednesday afternoon at The Cell. Jason Kubel and Luke Hughes hit two-run homers in a six-run first inning for Minnesota, which salvaged the finale of the three-game set at U.S. Cellular Field. Scott Diamond pitched six innings of three-run ball for his first career win. Joe Nathan gave up two runs in the ninth, but held on for his 12th save. Jake Peavy took the loss. Paul Konerko drove in two runs and Brett Lillibridge homered for the Sox, who fell six back in the AL Central. The Southsiders are off today. They head to Comerica Park tomorrow night to kick off a three-game set with Detroit. John Danks gets the nod against Justin Verlander in the opener.

Chicago Bears wrap up their preseason schedule this evening. The Bears host the Cleveland Browns tonight at Soldier Field. Chicago is 1-and-2 so far this preseason. They host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday in their season-opener.

Jake Westbrook lasted five innings on the mound and hit a grand slam as the Cardinals crushed the Brewers, 8-3. Westbrook allowed three runs, two of which were earned, to improve to 11-and-7. The grand slam was Westbrook's first career homer. Rafael Furcal and Albert Pujols [[ POOH-holes ]] launched solo homers in the first for St. Louis, which will try to sweep the three-game series today. Brandon Dickson makes his first major league start opposite Milwaukee's Yovani Gallardo [[ guy-ARE-doh ]] in the series finale this afternoon.

The Rams are in Jacksonville tonight for their final preseason tuneup against the Jaguars. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo is expected to play the starters sparingly in the fourth and final exhibition game. The Rams have won all three preseason games thus far over the Colts, Titans and Chiefs. They open the regular season a week from Sunday at home against the Eagles.

The state’s economic downturn continues to effect educational institutions throughout Illinois, and two local schools are connected by that commonality as their pre-K programs are tied together by one grant.

The Pana School District, as well as the Taylorville School District, funds their pre-kindergarten program through a grant, and the past couple of years, the state’s economic woes have put that program at risk.

Pana School District Superintendent Dr. David Lett explains that this program has been invaluable to both districts.

[audio:dlett9111.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Dr. Lett adds that it hasn’t been easy for the districts to keep the program running, but it does remain important to both school districts.

[audio:dlett9111b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The state currently owes the Pana School District over 100-thousand dollars.

The school year is off and running for Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville and as executive director Scott Stallman explains, with freshman enrollment at universities down, enrollment at community colleges are on the rise.

He explains that fall semester tends to be a busy and exciting time for the college and students.

[audio:sstall91a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Stallman adds that the remains of the temporary classroom facilities have been completely removed on the Taylorville campus.

Stallman also says the school will be looking to create additional parking space.

[audio:sstall91b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information or to start planning for the spring semester Stallman says to visit www.llcc.edu.

The 2011 Farm Progress Show is upon us, and even if you can't make it to the "Super Bowl of Agriculture" you can still keep tabs with what's going on. Local farm broadcaster Jared White has more on this story.

[audio:jwhite9111a.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen to local farm broadcaster Jared White each weekday at 6:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

The 2011 Pana Tri-County Fair continued its nightly events of family activity in the grandstand as the main attraction was locally owned tractors pulls Thursday night.

Friday night’s action in the grandstand will be highlighted by horse racing and quad racing beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Other activities this weekend at the Pana Tri-County Fair include more tractor and truck pulls, as well as the annual demolition derby.