Rumors are circulating on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade about expanding the trading time each trading day. Arlan Suderman, market analyst for Farm Futures and Farm Progress Company, explains how this all got started.

[audio:cbotchange1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

And consequently - Suderman says that window - when reports come out - would be lost and USDA would have to decide if they wanted to change when reports are released. Suderman actually talked to the Board of Trade about the rumors on Monday.

[audio:cbotchange2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Suderman says it’s important to keep in mind that this is not set in stone - and the CME Group has not made anything official as of Monday afternoon.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office announced today that they will be participating in “Project Sticker Shock” in cooperation with the Christian County Prevention Coalition. On Monday, April 30^th, Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp, accompanied by local youth, will visit various liquor establishments throughout Christian County to distribute material related to the program. Additional visits will be conducted throughout the month of April.

“Project Sticker Shock” was created by the education department of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. April is Alcohol Awareness Month and during this period stickers, window decals, posters, and proof of age signs will be posted in liquor establishments reminding consumers that “Providing Alcohol to Minors is Illegal, Unhealthy, & Unacceptable”.

Further information is available through their website: www.dontbesorry.org

The warm weather started early this year, prompting many area farmers to get a head start on planting. Gary Letterly, educator for the University of Illinois Extension, says the early start has worked out well for most growers.

[audio:letterlycorn043012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The University of Illinois Extension is located on North Webster Street in Taylorville.                 

A ceremony was held by the American Red Cross recently, honoring some local heroes. Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says a special breakfast was held:

[audio:mayorheroes043012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The mayor says the event took place in Springfield earlier this month.

Route 29 may have a new look in a few years, and that will mean bypassing Edinburg to the east.

Sal Madonia the Program Engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation District 6 says that the bypass option was preferred.

[audio:SalMadoniaClip043012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Madonia says that the new edition to Route 29 will resemble the other sections of Route 29.

[audio:SalMadoniaClip020430121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Madonia says that when the project is built will be dependent on weather conditions.

[audio:SalMadoniaClip030430121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Madonia says that the new section will improve safety, economic development and the capacity.

[audio:SalMadoniaClip040430121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

There is will also be exits that will lead into Edinburg with the new bypass on Route 29.

Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans has released the names of the occupants that were involved in the crash in Kitchell Park in Pana on Friday.

Shelly McKenna, 23, of Pana was pronounced dead at the crash scene while Melissa Keller, 18, of Pana, and 3 month old Kenence McKenna of Pana were pronounced dead at Pana Community Hospital. Autopsies will take place later today.

The driver of the vehicle, 24 year old Katie McKenna was airlifted to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. The Pana Police Department, Christian County Coroner's Office, and Christian County Sheriff's Office are assisting with the investigation.

At 11:12AM, the Pana Police Department and the Pana Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a single vehicle accident in the South East corner of Kitchell Park. Upon arrival it was determined that at 2007 Ford Taurus, occupied by four individuals, had struck a large tree at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.

A 24-year-old female driver was transported by Arch Ambulance Service to a Springfield, Illinois Trauma Unit. A 23-year-old female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. An 18-year-old female passenger and a 3-month-old male passenger were transported to Pana Community Hospital by Pana Ambulance Service where they were later pronounced dead. Autopsies will be conducted Saturday, April 28, 2012. Information on the identity of the occupants is being withheld pending notification of family.

The soap opera as a result of Congressman Tim Johnson's announcement he will not seek re-election, is getting even more dramatic.

On Thursday, Johnson issued a statement saying that no member of his family or staff should run for his seat, which must now be filled by the Republican Party chairmen of the various counties in the new 13^th Congressional District.

One of the announced candidates is Jerry Clarke, Johnson' former chief-of-staff.

Other announced candidates include Rodney Davis of Taylorville, an aide to Congressman John Shimkus; former state representative Mike Tate of Springfield; former Miss America Erika Harold of Chicago; former state agriculture director Becky Doyle of Gillespie; and Springfield truck driver Sam Spradlin.

In Johnson's statement Thursday, he indicated that the process should be as open as possible, and that Clarke should not be a candidate that the party chairmen consider.

Champaign County GOP Chairman Habeeb Habeeb appears to have the most clout in the nomination process, as that county has the most Republican voters in the last election. Percentage of Republican voters in each county, determines how many votes each county party chairman has in the process to nominate a candidate to go up against Democratic candidate Doctor David Gill of Bloomington.

It's not been announced when the 13^th Congressional District Republican County Chairmen will meet to formally vote to select a candidate.

Some ongoing projects in Taylorville are nearing completion, according to Mayor Greg Brotherton.

[audio:mayorprojects042712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mayor Brotherton says the work would not be affordable if not for an increase in sales tax okayed by Taylorville voters in 2010.

Some events coming up this weekend will benefit a couple of local organizations. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says the Shriners will be busy:

[audio:tadshriners042612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mayhall says you will have a chance to enjoy some music this weekend as well:

[audio:tadconcert042612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Contact the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce at 774-2221, or stop by the offices at 124 North Morgan Street in Shelbyville.

The Taylorville High School is hosting the annual Spring Music Festival that will have members of the elementary schools, junior high school, and the high school.

Taylorville High School Music Teacher Chris Gunn says that there are many different songs in the festival.

[audio:ChrisGunnClip042712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again the music festival is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Taylorville High School West Gymnasium.

With obesity becoming a bigger and bigger problem in America many people are not eating healthy. Joyce Fikri Nutrition Educator with the St. Louis District Dairy Council says that using the food groups is important.

After a 4-4 campaign in 2011, the Foxes are looking forward to bigger and better things in 2012. The season starts on April 28th with their annual fundraising auction and player awards. The even will be hosted Saturday at the American Legion in Kincaid.

The Foxes would like to invite everyone to enjoy some food, a DJ, meet the team, and to the live auction. The doors open at 5 p.m., player awards at 5:30, and the auction will begin at 6:00. There will be plenty of sports memorabilia, amongst other things to be auctioned off.

Along with the auction, there will also be a 50/50 raffle and a separate raffle for an Xbox 360. There is no entry fee to enter the event.

Also on May 5th, the Foxes will be hosting the first try-outs of the 2012 season. The first round of try-outs will be held at Lincoln Park in Springfield. Cost to try-out is $20.00 and does include a t-shirt. The drills will include a shuttle run, 40 yard dash, and many others including agility drills.

The team does prefer interested players to pre-register online at www.springfieldfoxes.com, but it is not required, as players can sign up the day of.

Any questions regarding the fundraiser or tryouts can be directed to Jake Hollinshead 217-553-0901 or Coach Roe 217-416-1470.

As heard on Solid Gold 98.3 WRAN the Shelbyville Rams defeated the Pana Panthers in baseball 9-1.

Big Brothers Big Sisters just held a successful fundraiser, but they are still a little short on their money raising goals this year.

Vanessa Wiseman of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region says they are still trying to cover some shortfalls.

[audio:bbbs042612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wiseman says the rough economy may be to blame for the lower totals.

It is a busy time of year for Lincoln Land Community College, according to Scott Stallman of LLCC Taylorville:

[audio:stallmangrads042612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Stallman says registration is now underway:

[audio:stallmanregister042612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call 287-7081 to find out more.

On Saturday April 21^st the Shelby County Habitat for Humanity held an electronics recycling collection at the Shelbyville Wal Mart.

With the Tenaska vote upcoming many people who are for the measure think that the Taylorville Energy Center will help the Illinois Economy.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department has issued the following arrests.

In a world where many people don't know anything about agriculture, it is up to the farmer to speak out, according to Assumption area farmer and member of the Corn Marketing Board Len Corzine:

[audio:lencorzine042512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Corzine is a past President of both the National and Illinois Corn Growers Associations.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce holds its annual banquet every May. This year's event is coming up next week, according to Chamber President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle:

[audio:pattybanquet0425121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Patty says they will also be drawing the $10,000 raffle winner's name that evening again that is Friday May the 4th.

This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week, and as recent events like the tornadoes that occurred earlier this month in Texas show us you can never be over prepared. Mike Crews the Christian County Emergency Manager says that the week is important because sometimes people get complacent.

[audio:MikeCrewsPreparednessWeekClip042512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Crews says that there is one very important item that people should have in case of emergency

[audio:MikeCrewsPreparednessWeekClip02042512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Crews says that you should go over your emergency plan this week.

[audio:MikeCrewsPreparednessWeekClip03042512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information on making an emergency preparedness kit go to ready.illinois.gov.

Some of the churches in Taylorville are joining hands for the third annual Missions for Taylorville. The work day is going to be on Saturday June 9^th from 8 am until 4 pm. Chris Wilson the Task Force Coordinator for Missions for Taylorville says that the project is good because it is a Mission Trip in Taylorville.

[audio:ChrisWilsonClip042512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wilson says that they do many different jobs with this mission.

[audio:ChrisWilsonClip02042512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

If you want any information about the event contact Chris Wilson at 824-8181.

If you want to volunteer for the event you can pick up application forms for it at CEFS, the Senior Citizens Center, Home Health Care Nurses, the Taylorville Park District Office, Community of Christ Church, Community of Faith Church, Davis Memorial Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Taylorville Christian Church, and Taylorville United Methodist Church.  

On Sunday officers stopped a vehicle for equipment violations, Brittney N. Usher 19 of Fillmore, Jana L. Melton 19 of Fillmore, and Megan E. Huber 18 of Godfrey were all arrested on illegal consumption/possession by a minor. All three were transported to the Taylorville Police Department, processed, and released on a notice to appear.

The Taylorville Community Unit School District #3 will be holding kindergarten registration for the 2012-13 school year, Tuesday, April 24 from 3:30-7:30 p.m. at each of the district's elementary schools. Please register at the school your child will be attending next year.

If you are unsure about which school your child will attend please contact any of the elementary schools' offices or the superintendent's office at 824-4951.

If you live in the Taylorville School District and have one or more children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2012 please plan to register. There will be no screening this year.

Before entering in the fall, the district will need a copy of your child's physical/immunization record, a certified birth certificate from the county in which the child was born, the child's social security number, and a proof of residency (your tax bill or contract for lease/purchase of your home, driver's license or utility bill with current address). If you have any of this information available, please bring it to the registration.

Again registration forms will be available at North, South, Memorial and Stonington elementary schools from 3:30-7:30 p.m. 

If you're looking for a feed supply for your horse, you're in luck: Equine and Farm Supply is open for business. Laura Neil, owner of the business, says she has come up with a nutritious feed for horses.

[audio:lauraneil042412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Equine and Farm Supply is located on the Nokomis Blacktop about a mile and a half South of Taylorville.

The wait continues for a vote on the Tenaska Clean Coal Project. While most observers had been predicting an April vote in the Illinois House, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says we may be in for more delays:

[audio:apriltenaskavotemayor042412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The proposed coal to gas plant would be built near Taylorville, bringing billions of dollars in investments to the area.

An Illinois State University student is claiming to be the victim of a hate crime.  Normal Police said Eric Unger, of Deerfield, was walking home from a party Saturday around 2:30 a.m. when he was allegedly jumped by six black men.  Unger says the six men were yelling anti-gay slurs during the beating. Police say the student was taken to the hospital where he was treated for facial injuries, including scratches and bruises.

It's Severe Weather Readiness Week in Illinois and officials are urging people to create a plan in case of emergency.  Federal, state, and local agencies across the nation are encouraging people to know their severe weather risks, take action to be prepared and set an example for others. 

Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken says people may not be able to prevent severe weather but they can lessen its impact and save lives if they're better prepared. Information on how to prepare is available online at Ready.Illinois.gov.

You've undoubtedly noticed corn farmers across Illinois getting a jump start on the growing season due to the abnormally warm weather, but central Illinois specialty growers are also taking advantage of the early start to the season despite some early setbacks.  Jared White has more:

[audio:SpecialtyGrowers042412JaredWRAP.mp3]comment here[/audio]

At the Park Board meeting on Monday many topics were discussed, but the main issues involved the new and improved Lakeshore Golf Course. The golf course has already seen a lot of business for the month of April with a total of 1267 rounds of golf purchased since it opened on April 1^st. Also brought up about the course was the issue of the contract.

There was $300,000 of renovation during the offseason for the course and the general manager of the course Jeff Boldig wanted a guarantee that for every year that course stays in business that a year is extended on the current five year contract that measure was passed through unanimously. There was also an issue of the City of Taylorville giving a liquor license to the golf course as Boldig is not a city resident so an employee will have to sign the license instead of Boldig.

The employee that does sign will not be responsible for any problems with the license though, because those problems would have to be dealt with by the Park District if they should happen. It was also decided to sell the current Toro Sand Rake from the golf course for $200 as the cost to repair that item would be $1000, and the golf course will now purchase a new sand rake replacement will cost $1749.

In other Park District news the golf ball dispenser shed that is currently located at Don Bragg Sports Complex will be moved for Red Bland Little League storage out to Manner’s Park. There is one catch to this deal though, as the Park Board decided to put a 30 day limit for Red Bland to move the shed themselves and if they do not move the shed themselves then the Park District will be able to sell it.  

Also discussed at the Park Board meeting were upcoming events. One event that is coming up is the Senior Citizens lunch, which will be on May 10^th and the seniors will get to enjoy some Polynesian chicken. Also at the lunch will be the Taylorville Junior High School 8^th grade choir.

Also brought up at the meeting was when the opening of Manner’s Park Pool would occur. The pool will open, like it has in years past on Memorial Day weekend, which this year will occur from May 26^th through the 28^th. The next Park Board meeting will occur on May 28^th.

On Saturday April 28^th the Taylorville Police Department will be offering a safe place to dispose of drugs that are past their due date. This event will take place at the Walgreens Parking lot.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department has issued the following arrests.

Another Girls Night Out event is coming up in Shelbyville this week. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says the event has grown in popularity.

[audio:tadgirlsniteout042312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, Girls Night Out is Tuesday night at the Army Corps of Engineers in Shelbyville.

The Taylorville School District’s year is winding down, but there is still of a lot of important things happening. Taylorville Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Fuersteneau says that new boys basketball coach Carey McVickers is a unique coach.

[audio:FuersteneauClip042312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fuersteneau says that there is a problem with funding for cooperatives like Mid-State Special Education.

[audio:FuersteneauClip02042312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fuersteneau says that school is close to being out for summer

[audio:FuersteneauClip03042312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

There were no snow days for this school year, which is why students are being let out earlier than usual.

Lincoln Land Community College is hosting an agriculture careers exploration event for females Tuesday, April 24.  “Women in Agriculture” is being held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Workforce Careers Center on the Springfield campus at 5250 Shepherd Road.

Bill Harmon the professor of agronomy at LLCC says that women are underrepresented in the Ag industry.

[audio:BillHarmonLLCCWomeninAgClip042312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Harmon also says that he thinks some women don’t get into agriculture because they might assume it is just farming.

[audio:BillHarmonLLCCWomeninAgClip02042312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Harmon says that the event will show prospective female students what goes on in LLCC’s Ag Department.

[audio:BillHarmonLLCCWomeninAgClip03042312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information about the event, contact Bill Harmon at 786.2573 or bill.harmon@llcc.edu.

Students going into sixth and ninth grades next year are required to get a Tdap vaccination. Illinois Department of Public Health Spokeswoman Melaney Arnold says it'll help ward off things like tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

[audio:TdapVacc042412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Students who don't show proof that they've had the vaccination will not be allowed to attend school. It's the first time that Tdap shots are being required for Illinois students entering junior high and high school.

The Illinois High School Association is looking for a new home for the state football championships next year. Spokesman Matt Troha says three sites are in the running.

 [audio:rddIHSAChamps1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The state title games will still be played at the University of Illinois in even number years, but in those odd number years, the Illini will be playing at home due to an expanded Big Ten schedule. The IHSA Board of Directors is slated to make a final decision on June 11th.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department issued the following arrests.

Bryan K. Jones 29 of Pana was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for theft.

Charles K. Wafford 21 of Glen Carbon was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of cannabis, and possession of a controlled substance.

David A. Kibler 28 of Forsyth was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

Zachery M.T. House 21 of Rochester was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

Roslyn M. Tarrant 32 of Taylorville was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Paul J. Lybarger 26 of Springfield was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for aggravated battery.

Brandon J. Gardner 22 of Alton was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for aggravated assault.

Over 40 community leaders met Wednesday night at the Taylorville City Council Chambers, at the request of mayor Greg Brotherton, to brainstorm ideas on how to pay for providing infrastructure for the new Taylorville Industrial Park on the city’s northeast side. 

The Taylorville Development Association purchased some 84 acres there, from Archer Daniels Midland, several years ago, but infrastructure such as water, sewer, power, telephone, streets, curb and gutter have not been started due to lack of funds.

Steve Warren, an economic development representative from Ameren, the city’s electric provider, told the group that the new industrial park could attract smaller industries if it was subdivided.

[audio:WarrenaudioApr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christian County Board chairman Paul Schmitz said the county will do anything it can to help Taylorville develop the new industrial park.

[audio:SchmitzaudioApr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Officials with the Taylorville Sanitary District, including their engineers, were among those attending Wednesday night’s meeting.

Brotherton told the group at the end of Wednesday night’s meeting, that he will call another meeting of community leaders in a couple of months so that the issue can remain prominent in the community.

Over 40 community leaders met Wednesday night at the Taylorville City Council Chambers, at the request of mayor Greg Brotherton, to brainstorm ideas on how to pay for providing infrastructure for the new Taylorville Industrial Park on the city’s northeast side. 

The Taylorville Development Association purchased some 84 acres there, from Archer Daniels Midland, several years ago, but infrastructure such as water, sewer, power, telephone, streets, curb and gutter have not been started due to lack of funds.

Steve Warren, an economic development representative from Ameren, the city’s electric provider, told the group that the new industrial park could attract smaller industries if it was subdivided.

[audio:WarrenaudioApr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christian County Board chairman Paul Schmitz said the county will do anything it can to help Taylorville develop the new industrial park.

[audio:SchmitzaudioApr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Officials with the Taylorville Sanitary District, including their engineers, were among those attending Wednesday night’s meeting.

Brotherton told the group at the end of Wednesday night’s meeting, that he will call another meeting of community leaders in a couple of months so that the issue can remain prominent in the community.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department has issued the following arrests.

Jerry T. Crosby 32 of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for driving under the influence of alcohol.

A penny minted in 1792 sells at auction for one million dollars.  The rare coin was on the auction block Thursday in Schaumburg eventually going to a group of investors who'll be paying Heritage Auction Galleries an additional 15 percent on top of their winning bid. 

Over 40 community leaders met Wednesday night at the Taylorville City Council Chambers, at the request of mayor Greg Brotherton, to brainstorm ideas on how to pay for providing infrastructure for the new Taylorville Industrial Park on the city’s northeast side. 

The Taylorville Development Association purchased some 84 acres there, from Archer Daniels Midland, several years ago, but infrastructure such as water, sewer, power, telephone, streets, curb and gutter have not been started due to lack of funds.

Among those speaking at the meeting was Phil Martin of Martin Engineering, which has done work for the Taylorville Development Association.  Martin said that while he understood the various governmental entities have their own budgets to worry about, there needs to be a change in mindset about the growth of Taylorville.

[audio:MartinaudioApr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Officials with the Taylorville Sanitary District, including their engineers, were among those attending Wednesday night’s meeting.

Brotherton told the group at the end of Wednesday night’s meeting, that he will call another meeting of community leaders in a couple of months so that the issue can remain prominent in the community.

There will be a fun fundraiser this weekend for the Shelby County Humane Society, according to Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce:

[audio:tadhumanesoc0420121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Contact the Shelbyville Chamber at 774-2221 for more information on events in Shelbyville.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has its yearly $10,000 raffle going on, and it's not too late to buy tickets. Chamber President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle says the drawing will be held May 4 at the Chamber's annual banquet:

[audio:pattyraffle0419121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

You can buy the tickets over the phone with your credit card, and the Chamber will mail them to you. The phone number is 824-4919.

Lincoln Land Community College’s Veterans Club is sponsoring the fifth annual Brian McMillen Memorial 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run Saturday, May 26.

LLCC Veterans Club Secretary Jay Hoffman says that the 5K Run/Walk and the 10K are important for many reasons.

[audio:JayHoffmanLLCCrunwalkClip042012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hoffman says that the event can help high school athletics also.

[audio:JayHoffmanLLCCrunwalkClip02042012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hoffman says that the 10K was added to the event to help more runners come out.

[audio:JayHoffmanLLCCrunwalkClip03042012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Participants may register online for the Run/Walk at www.llccveteransclub.org through May 24.  Registrations will also be accepted at the event. 

The cost for the 5K run/walk is $20, $25 on race day; the 10K run cost is $30, $35 on race day. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 pre-registered participants.  Awards will be presented in several categories.

A lot of interesting business news has been happening in Christian County; Mary Renner the Executive Director of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation says that she is waiting for more news on Tenaska.

Over 40 community leaders met Wednesday night at the Taylorville City Council Chambers, at the request of mayor Greg Brotherton, to brainstorm ideas on how to pay for providing infrastructure for the new Taylorville Industrial Park on the city’s northeast side.  The Taylorville Development Association purchased some 84 acres there, from Archer Daniels Midland, several years ago, but infrastructure such as water, sewer, power, telephone, streets, curb and gutter have not been started due to lack of funds.

Among those speaking at the meeting was Phil Martin of Martin Engineering, which has done work for the Taylorville Development Association.  Martin said that while he understood the various governmental entities have their own budgets to worry about, there needs to be a change in mindset about the growth of Taylorville.

[audio:MartinaudioApr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Officials with the Taylorville Sanitary District, including their engineers, were among those attending Wednesday night’s meeting.

Brotherton told the group at the end of Wednesday night’s meeting, that he will call another meeting of community leaders in a couple of months so that the issue can remain prominent in the community.

Some families are angry after several kindergartners were shown the Hillside Police Department jail.

[audio:chijailfamilies1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Sunnyside Elementary students were shown the jail, along with the Village Hall earlier this week.  The families say they didn't know the Sunnyside Elementary students would be shown the jail when they visited Village Hall on Monday.

Police say the jail is part of the tour, but promise no kids were locked inside the facility.  There is apparently footage of the tour which will be shown to school officials.

Governor Quinn wants to increase the cigarette tax from 98-cents to a dollar 98-cents.  That's a one dollar hike that Kathy Drea, with the American Lung Association in Illinois, says they support 100-percent.

[audio:rddALASmoke1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The governor is proposing the hike as part of his plan to restructure Medicaid.  Quinn anticipates the increase will bring in an additional 337-million dollars a year, plus the federal government will match that 100-percent.  The proposal still needs to get through the general assembly.  It's drawing some resistance from both House and Senate Republicans. 

A new business is coming to Taylorville, but is familiar to both Pana and Mattoon. Gowin Parc provides 24 hour care to people suffering from many forms of dementia. Co-owner Theresa Gowin says that Gowin Parc wants their residents to succeed.

[audio:TheresaGowinClip419121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gowin says that the socialization offered by Gowin Parc helps residents.

[audio:TheresaGowinClip02419121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gowin says that the newest Gowin Parc in Taylorville should open sometime this year.

[audio:TheresaGowinClip03419121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

If you want any more information on Gowin Parc you can contact them at 234-3003 or by checking out their website at gowinparc.com

On Saturday April 28 from noon till two pm there will be a kite fly at the Taylorville Junior High School.

Many county residents are not aware of the Christian County Historical Society in Taylorville, Jodi Heberling of the CCHS says it's one of the area's best-kept secrets:

[audio:heberlingcchs041912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Exhibits at the Historical Society include the old Christian County Courthouse, where Abraham Lincoln practiced law.

With springtime settling in you may be looking at ways to improve your yard, and one of the hardest problems to solve can be rodents. Larry Snyder of Caddy Shaque Rodent Removal may have the answer:

[audio:snydercaddyshaque041912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

You can call Larry Snyder of Caddy Shaque Rodent Removal at 820-1191.

Even in a rural area of the state, not everyone is knowledgeable about agriculture. That's where Ann Lupton comes in. She says with planting season here, she is teaching her students about seeds:

[audio:luptonseeds041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Lupton is an Ag Educator for the University of Illinois Extension.

The Illinois Legislature is back in session this week, and one of the issues expected to come up is the Taylorville Energy Center.

State Representative Wayne Rosenthal, a Republican from Morrisonville says he is in favor of the Tenaska Project for a lot of different reasons.

[audio:rosenthaltenaska041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Those in opposition to the Tenaska Project say it will cause huge spikes in energy costs for Illinoisians.

With Tim Johnson’s surprise retirement, the Republican Party’s Nominee for the 15^th Congressional District is up for grabs. One person vying for the seat is John Shimkus’ Programs and Grants Manager, Rodney Davis.

Davis says he is the experienced choice.

[audio:RodneyDavisClip041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis also says that his values will help him in Congress

[audio:RodneyDavisClip02041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says that he wants to balance the Federal budget.

[audio:RodneyDavisClip03041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis is one of many Republicans contending for Johnson’s spot in Congress. Others include former Johnson Chief of Staff Jerry Clarke and State Representative Adam Brown of Decatur.

Whoever the Republicans choose will run against Bloomington Doctor David Gill who won a tightly contested primary against Matthew Goetten.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department issued the following arrests.

Over 40 community leaders met Wednesday night at the Taylorville City Council Chambers, at the request of mayor Greg Brotherton, to brainstorm ideas on how to pay for providing infrastructure for the new Taylorville Industrial Park on the city’s northeast side. The Taylorville Development Association purchased some 84 acres there, from Archer Daniels Midland, several years ago, but infrastructure such as water, sewer, power, telephone, streets, curb and gutter have not been started due to lack of funds.

Brotherton told Regional Radio News that the issue of developing the new Taylorville Industrial Park is important for the city and the county.

[audio:Brothertoncut1Apr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

And, the Taylorville mayor added he was pleased with the turnout for the meeting Wednesday night.

[audio:Brothertoncut2Apr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Shown above is Joe Greene, Taylorville's city engineer, explaining where the sewer line installed in 1999 for the Wal-Mart Super Center on the city's northwest side, was located, and how it would tie into a proposed sewer line to serve the new industrial park.

Former mayor Dick Adams, representing the Christian County Economic Development Corporation, echo’ed Mayor Brotherton’s comments about the importance of the development of the new Taylorville Industrial Park.

[audio:Adamscut1Apr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Adams added improvements in the new park are urgent.

[audio:Adamscut2Apr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Ted Gietl (GE-tul), an engineer with Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, engineers for the Taylorville Sanitary District, said the district is aware of the need for a new sewer line to go from the Wal-Mart Super Center to the new industrial park, but costs relating to continuing to satisfy the EPA, and attempts to keep sewer rates down, put the Sanitary District in a position not to have the money to build the new sewer line.

[audio:GietlaudioApr1812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The current estimate for the proposed sewer line to connect to the new Taylorville Industrial Park, is 3-million dollars.

Brotherton told the group at the end of Wednesday night’s meeting, that he will call another meeting of community leaders in a couple of months so that the issue can remain prominent in the community.

Many issues were discussed at last night’s Christian County Board Meeting. Something that was not on the docket, but has been an issue is the dispute between the City of Taylorville and Christian County for the Prison.

Christian County Board Chairman Paul Schmitz says there has been no communication from the City of Taylorville

[audio:PaulSchmitzClip041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Something that came up during the meeting was the issue of helping people get their dogs and cats spayed and neutered. Schmitz says that nearly half the cost for spaying and neutering pets will be covered now.

[audio:PaulSchmitzClip02041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Another item brought up was the wellness fair that is forthcoming for Christian County employees. Schmitz says that people who come will get healthy food.

[audio:PaulSchmitzClip03041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

With electricity costs rising everyday people are not the only ones looking for a change in their electric companies. The Christian County Board also brought up the issue of changing their electricity provider. Schmitz says that the board is waiting to make sure there is not a buyout on their electricity contract.

[audio:rosenthaltenaska041812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The next County Board meeting is scheduled for May 15^th at 6 pm.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department issued the following arrest.

On Saturday officers were sent to the Taylorville Wal Mart in regards to a theft in progress. Inside the store 41 year old Rosemarie Davis of Pana was located with items inside a bag she was pushing around in a car.

Your taxes are due today. Lori Henry, of H&R Block says if you are just now getting your taxes filed it will be at least a couple of weeks before you see your refund, because the IRS is running a little behind this year.

[audio:taxday041712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Henry says a scam artist only needs a little bit of information about you.

[audio:taxday2041712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Lori Henry and her husband Steve Henry operate H&R Block stores in Taylorville, Shelbyville, Pana and Nokomis. Taxes are due today because April 15th was on a Sunday this year.

Dr. Randy Thompson of the Northside Veterinary Clinic in Taylorville says most animal surgery is performed locally:

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Safety Education Section held an incentive raffle for Hunter Safety Education instructors who taught classes during the last three months of 2011.  Safety Education Administrator Jeff Hopkins says that safety is essential.

[audio:JeffHopkinsClip0417121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hopkins also says that the names were drawn during the state wide workshop.

[audio:JeffHopkinsClip020417121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hopkins says that the six winners were actually split into two groups of three.

[audio:JeffHopkinsClip030417121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

You can get more information about the Illinois department of natural resources at dnr.illinois.gov.

The Taylorville City Council passed many ordinances on Monday night. One of the key ordinances was in regards to the increase of prices for cemetery plots. The increase will go into effect on May 1^st 2012. The rate will increase a normal grave from $500 to $625 for a resident.

Alderman Earl Walters of Ward IV says that the change is ok because of the beauty of the Taylorville Cemetery.[audio:EarlWaltersCityCouncilClip41712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Taylorville Airport also came up in the meeting as there was a need for insurance to be renewed for the airport. The price for insurance for the airport has dropped in recent years, and Alderman Walters says that the decrease in price is due to the improvements made on the airport.

[audio:EarlWaltersCityCouncilClip02417121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Waste Management also gave a check of $2500 to the City of Taylorville (Pictured Above) to help fund the Solar Panel project.

Walters says that Waste Management has worked well with Taylorville in recent years.

[audio:EarlWaltersCityCouncilClip03417121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

In other City Council news Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton as well as the city council as a whole has advised the Taylorville Police Department for stepped up enforcement in warning citizens of Taylorville to keep grass out of the streets as this has caused some clogging in the sewage systems.

Also announced by Mayor Brotherton was a brainstorming meeting in regards to the Industrial Park. This meeting will take place on Wednesday night at 6 pm and messages have been sent to state legislators to come and help with some ideas.

The next city council meeting is to occur on May 7^th 2012 at the Taylorville Municipal Building at 7 pm.

The Taylorville Varsity and Sophomore Boys Baseball games at Decatur Eisenhower have been cancelled. The Freshman Boys Baseball game at Lincoln will still be played this evening.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp is passionate about fighting the drug problem.

He says a lot of work went into a recent investigation into the death of a 29 year-old Stonington woman who apparently died of a methadone overdose:

[audio:sheriffoninvestigation041612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Lori D. Langen 42 of Farmersville was indicted April 5th, and is accused of illegally supplying the methadone which caused the the Stonington woman's death June 10th of last year.

Langen is reportedly still being held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. She could face life in prison if convicted.

It's a busy time of year for the Christian County YMCA. Director of the Y Chris Whitenhiller says they have a lot going on right now:

The Taylorville Junior High School has the annual Spring Program upcoming. Tammy Witt the producer of the program says that this year’s play is a twist on a classic story.  

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has a new President and CEO.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department issued the following arrests

As heard on WTIM the Taylorville Girl's Softball team defeated Lincolnwood with a score of 10 to 0.

All Taylorville athletic events today are cancelled. Games for the Varsity, Sophomore, and Freshman baseball teams are cancelled, as well as the Pana Open for the Boys Track team.

This is a garage fire that occurred at the home of Mark Smith of Kincaid at approximately 8:00 pm Friday evening. The cause of the fire is not yet known nor is the extent of the damage.

You'll have a chance to recylce your old electronic equipment next week in Shelbyville. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says recycling old computers, televisions, and VCRs is not only smart, but it's also the law:

[audio:tadrecycling041312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mayhall says a technician will be on hand to wipe your hard drive clean when you drop items off. Again, that event is coming up Saturday April 21st from 9am to 3pm at the Shelbyville Walmart.

There was news released last week about the methadone overdose death of a Stonington woman, and the subsequent indictment of a Farmersville woman for allegedly supplying the drug.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says the Sheriff's Deputies were the first to be called to the scene of Stonington woman's death:

[audio:sheriffkmethadonedeath041312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Sheriff says the accused could spend the rest of her life in prison.

With gas prices’ rising it is nice to have a lower price when buying other items. The Goodwill is a store that can save people money on many items, and one is coming to Taylorville. Sharon Durbin the President and CEO of the Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries says that she feels that the Goodwill can help the community.

[audio:SharonDurbinGoodwillClip0413122.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Durbin also says that items given to the Goodwill are taxable.

[audio:SharonDurbinGoodwillClip02041312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Durbin says that the Goodwill could be providing jobs in the community.

[audio:SharonDurbinGoodwillClip03041312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Goodwill currently has 3 locations in Springfield.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department issued the following arrest.

Sara L. Redfern 28, of Taylorville was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Todd J. Brookens 33, of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for theft.

Jesse W. Mollett 24, of of Kincaid was arrested for obstruction of justice and resisting arrest.

The Taylorville Police Department received a call about several kids walking in the roadway at Manner's Park. Officers arrived and spoke with the group of juveniles and the officer was telling them to stay out of the roadway at Manner's Park.

Lake Land College in Mattoon Friday afternoon issued a statement regarding the loss of long-time Mattoon businessman and philanthropic resident Burnham Neal. Neal died in a house fire Thursday morning at his Mattoon home.

Pam Chrisman, vice president for developoment at Lake Land, said that the Lake Land community was deeply saddened and mourns the loss of Mr. Neal who was not only a friend of the college, but a supporter of many organizations throughout east central Illinois.

Neal’s association with Lake Land College goes back to 1966 with the founding of the College. He and his parents actively supported the creation of Lake Land. In fact, the election for issuing bonds to begin construction of the college campus passed in Neal’s hometown, Toledo, by a 9 to 1 margin. This was the largest margin in favor of any school district in the entire college district.
Neal’s first recorded financial gift to the Lake Land College Foundation was in 1998 when the Steve Smith Memorial Scholarship was established, in memory of an employee. In 2005, Neal and his wife Nancy presented the Lake Land College Foundation with a $1.2 million gift which included a gift of real estate that houses the corporate headquarters of Ben Tire, Toledo, and a ten-year leaseback agreement with the Foundation, providing an additional $36,600 in unrestricted annual income to the Foundation. Their generous gift has provided financial assistance through scholarships to more than 50 students annually who might not have otherwise had an opportunity to obtain a college education.
Chrisman added that Burnham’s unselfish contributions to the college have made it possible for hundreds of students to obtain a college education.

Neal, who is well known for his generosity and caring for his fellow man received the 2008 National Tire Dealers Association’s Tire Dealers Humanitarian Award and the 2008 East Central Illinois Association for Fundraising Professionals’ Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Additionally in 2005, Lake Land College re-named and re-dedicated the East Classroom Building in honor of Burnham E. and Nancy Neal, acknowledging the family’s generous contributions to the college.

On April 1^st Howard V. Stacks II of Pana reported sometime between 5:00 pm on 3-31 and 6:20 pm on April 1^st someone entered his unlocked 2001 Chevy pickup and caused damage to the turn signal and steering column. It appeared the damage was caused in an attempt to steal the vehicle.

Mitzi J. Beard reported that sometime between 5:30 pm on Sunday April, 1^st and at 4:22 pm on Monday April 2^nd that someone entered the residence at 816 East 2^nd Street and stole a tenor saxophone and case.

The saxophone was property of Pana School District. Other objects stolen were a 6500 BTU whirlpool air unit, 6 window blinds, and an oval mirror with gold trim.

Beard state that they have been moving out for the past 5 days and the doors had been left unlocked.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation had a meeting recently and many important issues that are facing Christian County were on the docket.

Mary Renner, Executive Director of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation says that the future gen project has potential.

[audio:MaryRennerEconDevelopmentClip041212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Renner also says that she has no reservations about Tenaska.

[audio:MaryRennerEconDevelopmentClip02041212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Renner says that a community leader round table is upcoming with Clean Line Energy.

[audio:MaryRennerEconDevelopmentClip03041212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The next full board meeting is scheduled for June 26^th at Noon at the First National Bank in Pana.

More and more people want to have someone trustworthy to handle their pet’s medical issues.

Randy Thompson with the Northside Veterinary Clinic in Taylorville says that they handle typical pets such as dogs and cats, as well as some farm animals

[audio:RandyThompsonVetClip041212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Thompson also says that they don’t typically use a scalpel anymore, but instead they use a laser.

[audio:RandyThompsonVetClip02041212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Thompson says that Northside Veterinary Clinic has a talented staff.

[audio:RandyThompsonVetClip03041212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

To contact Northside Veterinary Clinic you can call them at 824-3202 or you can go to their website at northsidevetclinic.net.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has announced that Patty Hornbuckle has been named its new president and CEO of the organization.

Hornbuckle, as chairperson of the Chamber's board of directors, had been acting president and CEO during the illness and ultimate death of former president/CEO Fred Ronnow.

Hornbukle also sits on the executive committee of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation.

Hornbukle says it's an honor to be named president and CEO of the organization, and she says she looks forward to bring new ideas to the Chamber to benefit the community and Chamber members.

As heard on WRAN, Selbyville topped Vandalia with a score of 13 to 3.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department issued the following arrests.

Ricky R. Richardson 59, of Kincaid was arrested for domestic battery.

Austin D. Bottrell 19, of Mt. Auburn was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of liquor, and possession of cannabis.

David W. Turley 22, of Mt. Auburn was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

John D. Waynick 31, of Witt was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

William A. Mikula 27, of Taylorville was arrested for battery.

Brenda A. Birdsell 46, of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery.

Heather A. McBride 24, of Kincaid was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for knowlingly damaging property.

According to reports there was a hit and run accident that occurred on Thursday. Officers were advised via 911 that a hit and run accident just occurred at the intersection of Springfield Road and North Cheney Street

911 said that one vehicle was a blue chevy cobalt and it had pulled into the Bob Ridings car lot and the other vehicle was a grey Cadillac which had left the scene.

Officers were unable to locate the grey Cadillac when they arrived on the scene. One hour later the grey Cadillac was located at 525 South Main Street.

33 year old James B. Burgess of Taylorville was arrested for obstructing and was issued several traffic citations which included failure to reduce speed, leaving the scene, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to report an accident. Burgess was processed and transported to the Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond.

On Thursday officers were dispatched in reference to a retail theft at CVS. Jennifer Albers the manager of the store said 21 year old Taylor Christian took some items from CVS without paying for them.

The Pana Police Department were sent for a structure fire with smoke showing.  Pana Fire arrived on scene to find heavy smoke coming from the 100’X60’ metal building at Cherry’s Auto Repair in Pana.

Firefighters cut metal overhead doors to gain entry to the structure. The fire had started in the center office are of the building and had spread to the west. The west end of the building was an auto repair shop.

The center was office space with storage built above it and the east end was an auto body shop and paint booth. The owner advised Pana Command that there were several 5 gallon cans of paint thinner stored above the office. Chief Bland instructed firefighters to stay out of the structure in the office area until the building was ventilated and the condition of those cans could be confirmed.

Entry holes were cut in overhead doors on both sides of the office and attack was made through them. A third overhead door on the northwest side was cut open for ventilation. Once this was established, firefighters entered the building on the southwest and advanced to the upper storage area. An under control was called and overhaul began.

An engine and manpower was requested from Tower Hill and an air fill station from Nokomis.

Pana had 23 firefighters on scene within 10 minutes of them being called and an additional 8 to 10 from the surrounding towns. Chief Bland stated that, sometimes, Holidays call for men to travel out of town to be with families, but the turn out was great.

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the insurance company were on scene the next day and determined that the fire did start in the office on a desk from a printer or the cord of the printer. No one was injured and firefighters were on scene for around two hours.

With gas prices closing in on four dollars a gallon many people around the state of Illinois are wondering what can be done to lessen the pain at the pump.

With budgets for schools being tighter than ever many schools are getting help from the community with funding.

Tim and Jennifer Christer, owners of Hometown Food Center in Pana, have announced that after operating their store for the past 10 years as a conventional grocery store, they will convert their operation to a Save-A-Lot store in the next 30 days. Christer told Regional Radio News that there will be a difference between how his store has operated, and how it will operate as a Save-A-Lot.

[audio:Christercut1Apr1112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christer says the Save-A-Lot concept enables customers to save up to 40-percent on their food bill every day.

[audio:Christercut2Apr1112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Save-A-Lot chain is one of the fastest growing grocery chain in the United States according to Christer.

[audio:Christercut3Apr1112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christer says Sunday, April 22 will be the last day his store will operate as Hometown Food Center, with a target date for the opening of the new Pana Save-A-Lot being May 23rd.

[audio:Christercut4Apr1112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hometown Food Center is located just south of Pana's downtown business district.

It was a rewarding and exciting day in Shelbyville for Brad Halbrook, his campaign, and his family. Halbrook, the new Representative for the 109th District in Illinois, was joined by a full courtroom of his family, supporters and the media to be sworn in at the Shelby County Courthouse Tuesday. The Honorable Judge Kimberly Custer led the ceremony, first speaking words of wisdom to Halbrook for his forthcoming term in the Illinois legislature.

Judge Custer then asked Halbrook to stand to be sworn in.

Halbrook took time to thank his wife, Linda, as well as his family, friends and supporters. Full of emotion, Halbrook spoke about how things fell into place for him and his campaign, ultimately leading to this moment.

Halbrook will be headed to Springfield next week, but still has a few more things to take care of before fully stepping into the shoes of Representative- the shoes worn previously by the now retired Representative Roger Eddy.

[audio:Swearing0410e.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Halbrook, running on a platform of conservative values and reform, says that one of the pressing issues he foresees tackling soon is pension issues.

[audio:Swearing0410f.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The 109th Legislative District encompasses all or parts of Cumberland, Crawford, Lawrence, Clark, Edgar, Shelby, and Effingham Counties. Halbrook plans to have his district office up and running in the next couple of weeks, and will be providing contact information for the office in the near future.

At least one well-respected firm has its doubts despite USDA projections of the largest corn crop in recent history.  Jared White has more....

With the Tenaska vote upcoming many people have come forward to support the bill, but according to Environmentalist Patty Rhykus there is a core group of local citizens against the project.

Rhykus says she is against the project for two main reasons.

[audio:RhykusTenaskaClip041012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Rhykus says that people have faced adversity for disagreeing with the Tenaska project.

[audio:RhykusTenaskaClip02041012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Rhykus says that citizens should do their research.

[audio:RhykusTenaskaClip03041012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

People who are for Tenaska say that it will bring jobs to the area, Rhykus disagrees, and says most of those jobs are temporary positions.

At the Taylorville School Board meeting last night the name of the Taylorville High School court was changed. The court did not previously have a name and most people referred to the arena as a whole as the west gym.

The court will now be called Dolph Stanley Court The motion was originally to just have a plaque put on the front entrance stating the gymnasium as Dolph Stanley Gym.

Now the court will have writing on it that says Dolph Stanley Court. Kate Fraley brought the issue up at last month’s school board meeting, and said that a motion would be made for this month’s meeting in regards to the issue.

Fraley says that Dolph Stanley was a legendary figure in Taylorville.

[audio:katefraleyclip041012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fraley says that previous administrators did not want the court to be named.

[audio:katefraleyclip02041012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The motion passed unanimously.

Another very important issue at the meeting was in regards to a change in school codes. One of the main changes suggested by Assistant Principal Matt Hutchinson was to allow the usage of cell phones, as well as electronic devices during study hall, lunch, before school, and during passing periods.

A similar measure has been in place at the Chatham School District, although they let their students also use their devices during the final 10 minutes of class periods.

This change is only going to occur on a temporary basis. If the change does not work out the school district can switch back to not letting the use of cell phones occur during school hours at all.

Local Sr. Citizen's Advocate Mac McGwire is observing the one-year anniversary of his appearances on radio, and says it's been fun and worthwhile so far.

He says the idea grew out of another activity.

[audio:macanniversary041012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

McGwire says one of the things he likes about this area is the availability of programs like one he attended last week:

[audio:macanniversary2041012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

McGwire is referring to author David Parnell, who spoke to area students last week about his harrowing experiences with drugs.

The news just recently came out that the month of March was one of the warmest on record.

Andrew Holsinger, Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension, says you may see some effects of the unusual weather in your garden.

[audio:holsinger041012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

You can call the U of I Extension to talk to one of the Master Gardeners at 287-7246.

Tax time is almost here. Are you sure you have taken all the deductions you can? Lori Henry of H&R Block says they're having great results with their "Second Look" program:

[audio:handrblock2ndlook0409121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Lori and her husband Steve Henry operate H&R Block stores in Taylorville, Pana, Shelbyville, and Nokomis.

The artistically inclined in Central Illinois should know there is an art show coming up. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says it's coming up this weekend:

[audio:tadartshow040912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce for info, at 774-2221, or stop by the Chamber offices at 124 North Morgan Street in downtown Shelbyville.

The Illinois legislature is expected to address the topic of Tenaska this month. Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville says the project would be a huge plus for Illinois:

Work continues on the Shelbyville Works program. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says they are looking for public input at an upcoming meeting:

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 4,371 people from the ages of 15-24 committed suicide last year, and every 14.2 minutes someone in the world dies from suicide.

With suicide becoming a bigger issue with teenagers David Parnell who attempted suicide twice and was also a meth addict, came to speak at Taylorville High School in front of Taylorville, Kincaid, and Edinburg students.

Parnell says that his suicide attempts were because of drug use.

[audio:ParnellMondayClip040912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Parnell says he would tell teens contemplating suicide that it will get better.

[audio:ParnellMondayClip02040912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Parnell says he speaks to high school students because he does not want young people to make the same mistakes he made.

[audio:ParnellMondayClip03040912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

If you are contemplating suicide please get help by calling the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

As heard on Newstalk 97.3 Taylorville fell to Maroa-Forsyth with a score of 2-1.

A project which has been in the works for more than two decades will finally see completion this summer. Representative Wayne Rosenthal says the last few miles in the widening of Route 29 will be finished this year:

David Parnell was addicted to drugs for 23 years, and methamphetamine for seven years, but he has been sober for the past 9 years he has been sober after a harrowing experience with an attempted suicide.

Parnell speaks at 230 events every year in regards to drug addiction. Parnell says that meth addiction is so much worse because meth addicts will do anything for the high.

[audio:DavidParnell040512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Parnell says he needed to quit all drugs to be sober.

[audio:DavidParnell02040512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Parnell says that if someone is addicted to drugs they need to get help.

[audio:DavidParnell03040512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Parnell is an author of the book Facing the Dragon: How a Desperate Act Pulled One Addict Out of Methamphetamine Hell.

Parnell has also been featured on the documentary Meth Nation which has been on the Discovery Channel.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction you can contact Parnell by email at david@facingthedragon.org.

According to reports damage was done to the shed of 55 year old Larry J. Barry of Taylorville. Barry said that sometime in the overnight hours of Saturday subjects unknown entered his property.

19 year old Tabitha L. Pastor of Edinburg was going East on Lincoln Street approaching the intersection with Campbell Street.

Pastor said she did not see the stop sign and drove into the path of 55 year old Randy T. Spengler of Edinburg, who was going south on Campbell Street in his 2005 Chevy Avalanche.

Spengler said that Pastor went into the intersection in her 1999 Chevy Monte Carlo when he was going south on Campbell Street. Spengler did not have a stop sign.

CBS News is reporting that Veteran Illinois U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson intends to drop his bid for a seventh term and retire, according to a Republican official.
Johnson was expected to make a public announcement of his decision today, said the official, who spoke directly with Johnson but would confirm the decision only on condition of anonymity in order not to pre-empt the congressman's formal announcement.
The reason for the 65-year-old Johnson's decision was not clear, but the official said he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Johnson, known for taking positions at odds with his party colleagues and his attempts to call every resident of his district, was considered a strong candidate for re-election in November to his seat in eastern Illinois' 13th Congressional District. He is just two weeks removed from a primary victory over two candidates.
Despite a new congressional district map drawn by Illinois Democrats, national Republicans had largely considered Johnson's seat safe in the November election. Johnson felt secure enough to stay in Washington during Illinois' primary election last month where he easily won the GOP nomination over two challengers.
But national Democrats had targeted the seat as a potential pickup in their efforts to reverse Republican gains in Illinois congressional seats in 2010 and help their party win back a majority in the U.S. House. They cite how the new map added Democratic-friendly territory to Johnson's district, which now covers a much bigger section of central Illinois to the Missouri line.
In November, Johnson faced David Gill, a Democrat from Bloomington.
A second Republican official said that Johnson has been telling colleagues about his plans for at least two weeks, and that Johnson believed the seat was secure enough to leave to another Republican in November. The official, also speaking anonymously ahead of Johnson's formal announcement, said jockeying among other Republicans for the seat already was intense, with "all kinds of names bandied about."
"I think that there are a lot of people that are interested because we are going to win that seat. I don't know if I would call it jockeying for position, but a lot of good people are interested," said Pat Brady, chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.
A replacement candidate would be chosen by county officials from the congressional district, officials said, but Brady said he had asked party lawyers Wednesday to verify the exact process. Habeeb Habeeb, interim chairman of Champaign County's Republican Party, did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press.
Johnson was first elected to Congress in 2000 after serving in the state General Assembly since 1976. Before that he was a member of the Urbana City Council.
Among the positions Johnson has sometimes taken against his party colleagues are his call last year for an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last month he endorsed Ron Paul in the presidential race.
Leaving now, Johnson will have never lost an election. He is a lawyer and University of Illinois graduate.

A federal grand jury Thursday handed down a  three-count indictment charging a Farmersville woman with distributing methadone in Christian and Montgomery counties. The indictment alleges the crimes took place last June.

The affadavit in support of the indictment alleges 42 year old Lori D. Langen supplied the drugs to a Christian County woman who subsequently died of an overdose.

The charges are a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Police, Central Illinois Enforcement Group, the Christian County Sherrifs Office, the Stonington Police Department and the Christian County Coroner.

Langen, who remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, could face life in prison if convicted.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department issued the following arrest.

Gary M. Hunter 32, of Litchfield was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

The Illinois Legislature will be back in Springfield this month, and the question of Tenaska is expected to come up for a vote.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says it could be voted on within a couple of weeks

[audio:mayortenaskaapril040412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Mayor says there is a cautious optimism about the upcoming vote.

[audio:mayortenaskaapril22040412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Tenaska project would bring billions of dollars in investment to Christian County, and hundreds of jobs would be a result, but those in opposition to the project say it would cause electricity costs to rise across the state.

The Lincoln Land Community College Community Education Department is offering spring trips. These learning experiences are open to the public.

Judy Wagenblast, the Director of Community Learning at LLCC says that one of the trips is to the Cardinals vs. Cubs game, and it will teach people about the game of baseball.

[audio:LLCCTripsJudyWagenblastClip40412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wagenblast also says that a trip is upcoming to Southern Illinois and it will teach people about gangsters of the past.

[audio:LLCCTripsJudyWagenblastClip0240412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wagenblast says another trip is planned to Mississippi and will teach people about the Civil War.

[audio:LLCCTripsJudyWagenblastClip0340412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Details for these trips are available online at www.llcc.edu/commed or by calling at 786-2432.

Many school districts in Illinois are bracing for another cut in transportation funding and some are even hinting at having kids pay to ride the bus.

The Christian County Sheriff's Department issued the following arrests.

Tyler D. Walker 18, of Pawnee was arrested for reckless driving.

Jeffrey A. Durbin 25, of Edinburg was arrested for domestic battery.

Clinton S. Sparks 19, of Edinburg was arrested for illegal consumption of liquor and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Lacey M. Myers 21, of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian S. Moore 38, of Taylorville was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Melvin R. Cothern 36, of Ramsey was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Darrin L. Babbs 25, of Lincoln was arrested for violation of an order of protection.

Dominique A. Wilson 26, of Taylorville was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespassing of a residence.

Officers were first sent to Walmart because of a complaint of a possible armed male subject threatening employees.

After an investigation, Lucas C. Wise 18, of Taylorville was arrested for aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.

Then officers were sent to the Taylorville Walmart in reference to a male subject that was trespassing. After officers arrived spoke to M. Abbott who stated that Kyle Shoemaker, 20 of Taylorville was trespassing in the store and had left walking towards the Taylorville Crossing Shopping Center.

Officers found Shoemaker and placed him into custody. Shoemaker was transported to the Taylorville Police Department where he was processed and released on a notice to appear.

On Friday officers were dispatched to a hit and run accident that occurred at Park Street and Cheyenne. G. Hrabek said that a vehicle had struck his vehicle and left the scene. Hrabek said the vehicle was red with front end damage and the passenger side rear view mirror was broken off.

The vehicle was registered to James L. Shafer 64, of Taylorville. Officers went to Shafer's residence and located the vehicle. Shafer was placed under arrest and transported to the Taylorville Police Department to be processed.

On Friday officers saw a vehicle making a traffic violation.

officers stopped the vehicle at East Main Street and Long Street after investigation, Cameron S. Vincent 21, of Mount Auburn was arrested for possession of cannabis 30 grams and under, and Jacob C. Noren 20, of Taylorville was arrested for illegal consumption

On Sunday Officers stopped a vehicle for multiple Illinois Vehicle Code violations at Cindy Lane and Northern.

After the traffic stop Clinton S. Sparks 19, of Edinburg was arrested for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, illegal consumption by a minor, illegal transportation, zero tolerance policy, improper lane usage, and no rear registration light.

Conner E. Fields 19, of Edinburg was arrested for illegal possession and consumption by a minor, unlawful use of a weapon, and illegal transportation of alcohol.

Haley A. Robinson 19, of Blue Mount was also arrested for illegal possession and consumption by a minor.

Your Federal taxes are due in less than two weeks now, and you may still be confused about whether your Social Security benefits are taxable.

Jack Myers of the Springfield Social Security Office says there is help available.

[audio:myerstaxtime040312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Taxes are due April 17th instead of the 15th this year.

One of the biggest local fundraisers for Big Brothers Big Sisters Christian County recently took place. Vanessa Wiseman of BBBs says "Bowl for Kid's Sake" was a success, even though the numbers were down a little bit this year.

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Wiseman says several factors, including the economy, may have contributed to the slight decline.

The agreement with StraightUp Solar for a 19.20 Kilowatt grid Photovoltaic System was again a topic of debate as it came up this time in form of a resolution at the Taylorville City Council meeting.

With all 8 aldermen in attendance for Monday night's meeting there were six votes to approve the measure and two that said no to the measure.

One of the two aldermen who said no to the measure was Rob Heberling of Ward II. 

The other Aldermen who disagreed with the measure is Shawn Burtle of Ward IV. 

The payment for the plan will include money from the Reader's Digest "We Hear You America Campaign".

Heberling says he wants to see those funds put to a better use.

[audio:RobHeberlingCityCouncilClip40212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Another topic that was briefly discussed is the annexation of the Taylorville Correctional Center into the city. This issue has been an ongoing struggle between Christian County and the City of Taylorville.

Alderman Heberling says that the issue with the prison has been going on for years.

[audio:RobHeberlingCityCouncilClip0240212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Another major issue was the cemetery Board of Managers Budget. Alderman Heberling says he appreciates their efforts to cut spending.

[audio:RobHeberlingCityCouncilClip0340212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Other things brought up at the City Council meeting was a motion to purchase a 2012 Ford Truck in the amount of $19,955 from Bob Ridings with the money for spending coming from the Perpetual Care Fund Interest.

Another item bought with money from the Perpetual Care Fund Interest was a 2012 740 Garden Tractor from Sloan Implement for the amount of $9,283.10.

Also the Water Department will transfer $2000 to the cemetery for the 2006 740 Garden Tractor that was previously in use.

Some events were also approved at the City Council Meeting including the United Way of Christian County Fundraiser which will be held on May 4th and May 5th at the intersection of West Main Cross and Webster Street.

Also the Sertoma Candy Day Fundraiser will also be held at the same intersection of West Main Cross and Webster Street, but will be on May 11th and May 12th.

One more event that was approved was the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary 4th Annual 5K Run/Walk which will be held on May 5th.

The last concern brought up at the meeting was that there will be some delays and one lane roads on Spresser Street to fix potholes on one of the main commercial areas of Taylorville.

The next City Council Meeting is scheduled to be on April 16th at 7 pm.

On Tuesday March 27, 2012 the Christian County State's Attorney filed a motion to drop both of the charges of attempted murder levied against Reginald Britton Jr.

Britton was originally arrested on November 20, 2011after Roxanna Fanshier was found in a dog kennel with multiple wounds, the kennel was located in Edinburg. Bail was originally set for Britton at 1 million dollars.

It won't be long before the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life takes place. Steve Turner of the American Cancer Society says the money raised is used in a number of ways:

With Easter less than a week away, your kids may be itching for an Easter Egg Hunt. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says that's just part of what's going on this weekend in Shelbyville:

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Mayhall says there will be a dance for the adults Saturday night:

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Call the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce with questions at 774-2221.

(Taylorville)—The Miller Media Group based in Taylorville, signed on its newest radio station, Hott Hits 96.3, Sunday afternoon just before 6 o’clock.

          The new station’s signal, which covers Christian County and surrounding area, features a hot adult contemporary format via satellite from the Dial-Global Radio Network in Valencia, California.  The new 96.3 FM station operates 24/7 and plays the best mix of hit songs from today, as well as from the 1990’s and 1980’s.  Dial-Global brands the format as “Top 40 Radio for Adults” without rap or hard rock.  Artists heard include Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Train, Pink, Nickelback, Gwen Stefani, Daughtry, Coldplay, and Cee Lo Green.

           Hott Hits 96.3 broadcasts a local news update each hour, weather twice an hour, and NBC Radio Network News every hour at :50.

            The new station joins groovy 93.5, WRAN Solid Gold 98.3, WMKR Genuine Country 94.3, and WTIM Newstalk 97.3, that all operate from studios at 918 East Park in Taylorville.