Lincoln Land Community College is currently registering for fall courses. Scott Stallman the Executive Director of LLCC Taylorville, Litchfield, and Hillsboro says that enrollment has increased substantially since last year.

[audio:ScottStallmanClip053112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Stallman says that the ease of financial strains helps students once they transfer from LLCC.

[audio:ScottStallmanClip02053112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

To register for classes go to llcc.edu or if you want to be advised on courses or more information contact LLCC Taylorville at 287-7081.

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

The Shelbyville Works Organization is continuing its efforts to improve the Shelbyville downtown area. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says they are making progress.

A Central Illinois TV Station is focusing its cameras on Taylorville. WCIA TV Channel 3 in Champaign will be featuring Taylorville all next week.

Patty Hornbuckle, President and CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, says they are interested in suggestions for possible story topics.

[audio:pattywcia060112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, that coverage will be next Monday through Friday.

The month of May was Stroke Awareness Month. Greg Hager, Nurse Manager of Outpatient Services at Pana Community Hospital, says stroke is a leading cause of preventable illness.

[audio:hagerpch060112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hager says the other main type of stroke is hemmoragic, which involves burst blood vessels.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office has issued the following arrests

At their monthly School Board Meeting earlier this month, the Taylorville School Board voted to apply for membership into the Apollo Conference. Currently, the Apollo Conference includes Charleston, Effingham, Mt. Zion, Newton, Olney, Paris, Robinson and Salem, but effective next school year, Olney, Newton and Robinson will be moving to the Little Illini Conference. Also effective next school year, Mattoon will be coming into the Apollo Conference, making them the sixth team, and with the possibility of Taylorville joining the conference after going through the approval process, that will make them the seventh team.

Dave Meister, Principal at Paris Cooperative High School, says that the Taylorville Athletic Program always provided Paris with a great, competitive match-up when they were part of the conference before leaving in the early 1990s. Now that they might be part of the conference again, Meister worries about the travel time to and from Taylorville for games.

[audio:ApolloTville053112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

With Paris now being the smallest school in the conference, Meister says that they have no good option as far as leaving the Apollo Conference to join another conference.

[audio:ApolloTville02053112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

After speaking with Dave Veith, Athletic Director for the Mattoon School District, says that he welcomes the addition of Taylorville into the conference, stating that it would be a good fit and he doesn't see any future additions or subtractions of teams in the Apollo Conference. As far as the approval process, Veith says that the voting is in the principal's hands to either accept them into the conference or vote to deny them entry.

Charleston High School Principal Diane Hutchins gave no comment.

The Taylorville Park District Board Meeting was held last evening due to Monday being Memorial Day and many issues were discussed.

One important issue that happened at the meeting was the annual audit report as the fiscal year for the district ended on February 29. Sheridan Pulley of Pulley, Martynowski, and Blakeman went over the numbers for the district.

Pulley says that the important number for the district was $74,000.

[audio:SheridanPulley053012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Two bills that are to be voted on in the state house that would affect the Taylorville Park District were brought up by Kelly Bland the director of park operations and finance.

Bland says that House Amendment number two could lose the district $46,000.

[audio:KellyBlandParkBoard053012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Bland says that the increase in minimum wage will also affect the district.

[audio:KellyBlandParkBoard02053012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Also at the Park Board meeting Park Recreation Director Bailey Hancock brought up the Park Pool’s opening.

Hancock says that there are still some job openings for lifeguards for the pool.

[audio:BaileyHancock053012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Also brought up at the meeting was the motion for a road repair proposal from the Dunn Company. This motion passed with one nay vote from Larry W. Budd who said he would have liked to have seen the road repair advertised and put up for more bidding.

Also the approval to purchase two aeration motors for a dosing tank, a trash tank, and a pump septic tank in the amount of $1,990, as well as, electrical wiring to rebuild power and controls for an aeration system in the amount of $472 at Lakeshore Golf Course was approved unanimously.

The next meeting will be on Monday June 25.

When you mention Social Security, most people think of retirement, but Kevin Rice of Social Security's Springfield office says that, that's not all there is to it.

[audio:ricess1052912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Rice says Social Security is intended for others as well.

[audio:ricess2052912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Rice says there is even a provision for benefits for dependent parents. Call your local Social Security office for more information.

The City of Taylorville is in need of a new industrial park. The old park is no longer usable because of mine subsidence.

Mayor Greg Brotherton says he will schedule another meeting of area leaders to discuss the topic soon.

[audio:mayorinduspark053012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mayor Brotherton hopes people understand why the industrial park is so important.

[audio:mayorindpark2053012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the next meeting on the topic will probably be scheduled in August.

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life is now just weeks away. Steve Turner of ACS says the date is set and preparations are being made.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville girls fell to Mt. Zion with a score of 9-1.

Many people may be wondering what to do with this unusually warm weather for this time of year. One thing you might want to do is check out Lakeshore Golf Course in Taylorville which is under new management.

Today is Memorial Day and with many people focusing on grilling or swimming it is easy to forget the reason for Memorial Day.

The Tenaska question is still pending in the Illinois Legislature. Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville says they are still hoping to get a vote on the matter this session.

The new Pana Save-A-Lot just south of the downtown area, officially opened its doors on Wednesday morning, to a huge number of customers for its first day in business.

The former Hometown Food Center was converted to a Save-A-Lot by owners Tim and Jennifer Christer (chreye-stur), who closed the grocery store April 22 and spent a month doing an extensive renovation to the interior of the store to change the building from a conventional grocery store, to the Save-A-Lot concept.

Tim told Regional Radio News at the Wednesday ribbon cutting, that the extensive remodeling made a huge difference in the look of the store.

[audio:Christercut1May2412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Pana economic development director Jim Deere said the addition of the new Pana Save-A-Lot is important for the town.

[audio:Deerecut1May2412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

And Deere added the Save-A-Lot concept is growing around the country.

[audio:Deerecut2May2412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The new Pana Save-A-Lot is open 8 to 8 7 days a week.

With underage drinking being an increasing problem the City of Taylorville wants to make sure that local businesses, with liquor licenses, will not serve people who are underage.  

John Coady the co-chair of the Christian County Prevention Coallition says that serving alcohol to the wrong people can lead to terrible consequences.

[audio:JohnCoadyClip052512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Coady also says that there are many aspects to the training.

[audio:JohnCoadyClip02052512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Coady says that the liquor industry of Taylorville has concerns about the abuse of alcohol.

[audio:JohnCoadyClip03052512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Coady says that the training is mandatory for Taylorville businesses with liquor licenses

[audio:JohnCoadyClip04052512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again that BASSET training will be on Thursday June 7, at 1 pm at the Taylorville Municipal Building.

For more than 20 years, the Project 29 organization has pushed for th eexpansion of Route 29 to four lanes between Taylorville and Springfield.

Most of the work has been completed, but a six-mile stretch remains unfinished. That final expanse is now scheduled to be widened, according to Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle.

[audio:pattyrte29052412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hornbuckle says the widened highway will have a beneficial effect on the local economy.

Volunteers are needed to help out with Memorial Day activites in Shelbyville, according to Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce.

[audio:memdaysvl052512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mayhall is himself an active member of the National Guard.

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

Anthony E. Fair 34 of Pana was arrested for aggravated battery, resisting a peace officer, and disorderly conduct.

The season for summer cookouts begins this weekend with Memorial Day on Monday. USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline Food Safety Specialist Tina Hanes says the hotline gets questions every year about food safety for summer cookouts - and they pick up right around this time. Hanes says sticking with the basics is the best. That would be clean, separate, cook and chill…tape

[audio:cookouts1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hanes says many cookouts happen away from home. When taking food to another location - she says it’s important to keep it cold to minimize the growth of bacteria and germs. To do this - Hanes suggests transporting raw meats, poultry and perishable items in an insulated cooler with ice and ice packs to keep the food at 40-degrees Fahrenheit or below…tape

[audio:cookouts2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Also - when at the cookout location - Hanes suggests keeping the cooler in the shade or a shelter. When the cookout is finished - she says leftovers need to be chilled and put back in the cooler in a clean container or wrapper - such as foil.

For more food safety tips - call the hotline at 1-888-MPHotline - that’s 1-888-674-6854. Tips also can be found online at www dot fsis dot usda dot gov slash education (www.fsis.usda.gov/education).

Grain market trading hours have recently been expanded, and many are wondering how that will affect the release timing of market sensitive USDA reports. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says it’s not an easy decision to make.

[audio:vilsackmarkets1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Vilsack says USDA is analyzing the pros and cons of a variety of ways to approach this issue.

Many people have wondered what is going to be done with the old Long John Silver’s building since it went out of business last year.

Well, it looks like the building will continue to be a restaurant, but a very different kind of restaurant.

Don Broaddus, the owner of the property, says that he didn’t think the offer he made would for the property would be accepted.[audio:DonBroaddusClip052412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Broaddus says that he is working on making the property a sandwich shop.

[audio:DonBroaddusClip02052412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Broaddus says that this is a long term investment.

[audio:DonBroaddusClip03052412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Broaddus says that location is everything

[audio:DonBroaddusClip04052412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Quiznos is possibly most known for being the first sub shop chain to offer toasted subs.

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

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

The new Pana Save-A-Lot opened this (Wed) morning to a huge crowd and an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 o'clock.  Owners Tim and Jennifer Christer, their staff, and local dignataries were on hand to open the store, which had been operated by the family as Hometown Food Center the past 10 years.

Christer told Regional Radio News that the opening was a culmination of a month's hard work to re-tool the former grocery store.

[audio:Christercut1May2312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

And, Christer said the new Pana Save-A-Lot is about saving people money.

[audio:Christercut2May2312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christer said the public will be excited when they see the prices at the new Pana Save-A-Lot.

[audio:Christercut3May2312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The new Pana Save-A-Lot at # 1 4^th Street just south of downtown Pana, is open 8 to 8 7 days a week.

A recent pension reform plan passed in the Illinois Legislature would mean State retirees would have to pay for their own health insurance premiums.

Representative Wayne Rosenthal voted no, saying we need to address pension and Medicaid reform, and that there are several problems with the bill.

[audio:rosenthalpension052312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Representative Rosenthal is a Republican from Morrisonville.

The gardens are productive a little early this year thanks to the early spring. Ed Downs, manager of the Taylorville Main Street's Farmer's Market, says there are varieties of produce at the Farmer's Market that are not found in stores.

[audio:edheirloom052312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Farmer's Market takes place every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.

A lot of people have heard of Big Brothers Big Sisters, but you may not know the impact that it has on some members.

Vanessa Wiseman of Big Brothers Big Sisters says that it’s important because the children in Big Brothers Big Sisters are our future leaders.

[audio:VanessaWisemanBigBrothersBigSistersClip052312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Big Brothers Big Sisters Christian County can be contacted at 824-5531.

In the race in the 13^th District for US Congress a lot of the talk has been on the Republican side, as the Republicans have had to find a replacement for former Congressman Tim Johnson who announced his retirement in April at the end of this term. Johnson’s replacement, Taylorville native Rodney Davis was announced on Saturday.

Dr. David Gill of Bloomington is running as the Democrat against Davis in the 13^th district. Gill is an ER doctor and says his experience as a doctor can help him in Congress.

[audio:DavidGillClip052312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gill also says that although he likes some things about the Affordable Care Act (Obama care), but is not a big fan of the bill.

[audio:DavidGillClip02052312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gill says that Rodney Davis appears to be a Washington insider

[audio:DavidGillClip03052312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

David Gill won a closely contested primary against Green County State’s Attorney Matthew Goetten in March.

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

As heard on WTIM in Regional play, Taylorville fell to Effingham with a score of 3-1.

There's a new company in Taylorville. Don Hoehn was long-time windows and doors man, and recently decided to try his hand again.

[audio:hoehnwindows052212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call Hoehn Windows and Doors at 824-0425.

During the just ended school year, Taylorville High School decided to try easing cell phone restrictions on students.

Superintendent of Taylorville Schools, Dr. Greg Fuersteneau, says officials did their homework concerning the issue before any changes were made.

[audio:fursteneaucellphones052212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The easing of the restrictions is on a trial basis.

AMC has reached a tentative agreement with Mike Wiseman to sell the old Taylorville AMC 2 to Wiseman. The theater has been closed since late July of last year. The theater has a long history on the square that dates back to the 1920’s.

The Taylorville City Council met last evening and they discussed many issues in a brief 37 minute meeting.

One of the things discussed was the motion to approve the First Church of the Nazarene’s request to close a portion of South Simpson Street for their Spirit Fest event on June 2, 2012 from noon until 5 pm.

Alderman Earl Walters of Ward IV says that this is not the typical way to do things, but it was necessary for the church.

[audio:EarlWaltersCityCouncilClip052212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Also brought up at the meeting was the nomination of Taylorville native Rodney Davis as the Republican nominee for US congress in the 13^th district. Walters says that Davis will be able to help Taylorville more than other politicians.

[audio:EarlWaltersCityCouncilClip02052212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The issue of the solar panels out by the airport was brought up at the meeting as the mayor updated the city council of its progression. Walters says that solar panels will be good for Taylorville.

[audio:EarlWaltersCityCouncilClip03052212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Another thing brought up at the meeting was the City of Taylorville being featured on WCIA TV in Champaign. Walters says that this can bring exposure to the city.

[audio:EarlWaltersCityCouncilClip04052212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Other issues brought up at the meeting were the appointment of Tom Frevert to the Board of Appeals which passed unanimously. Another thing brought up was the resolution of power of attorney to D.R. Stock Inc. for City Farm Property that passed unanimously. Another item that passed unanimously was the annexation of certain territory surrounded or nearly surrounded by property which is incorporated within the City of Taylorville including Route 104 ordinance and annexing certain territory to the city at 1209 Springfield Road. There was also a motion to advertise for bids for the painting of the Cherokee Street Tower which passed unanimously.

Another item passed unanimously at the city council meeting was the motion to increase the outside city limits industrial users’ water rates 4.5% for the next two years with the first year’s rate increasing to $1.91 per 100 cubic feet of water beginning on January 1, 2013. The second year increase to begin on January 1, 2014 will be at $1.99 per 100 cubic feet.

A motion brought up was the motion to allow Lake Superintendent Jackson and Water Superintendent Speagle to direct City Engineer Joe Greene to do a study in regards to dredging of Lake Taylorville to determine the amount of silt, the density, the best location and what size of berm was needed at a cost not to exceed $15,000; with half coming from the Lake Restoration Fund and the other half coming from the Water Fund.  That motion also passed unanimously. A motion brought up at the City Council, but sent back to committee due to the motion being to general was the motion to lease property to Lisa and Rick Champley for a three year period. This property is to be used for hunting by the Champley’s and is currently adjacent to their own property.

The next City Council meeting is on Monday June 4.

The Christian County Sheriff's office recently awarded a scholarship to a local college student. Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says it was a tough choice, but a winner was selected.

[audio:sheriffscholarship052112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Sheriff says nine local students applied for the scholarship.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee held their first meeting of 2012, Monday afternoon in the Chamber board room.

Chamber president and C-E-O Patty Hornbuckle chaired the meeting, to organize the various subcommittees and begin preparing for the 2012 Chillifest which takes place October 13th and 14th on the Taylorville square.

Chillifest co-chair Greg Hornbuckle told Regional Radio News, that the Chamber has been looking forward to this organizational meeting.

[audio:GREGHcut1May2112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hornbuckle said past Chillifest subcommittee chairs are assisting some of the new chairs to make this year's event a success.

[audio:GREGHcut2May2112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Chillifest Committee will meet on the third Monday of each month, at 5:30 in the afternoon, at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce board room.

After six public forums and much debate over which candidate would be the right candidate for the job the Republican County Chairman have chosen Taylorville native Rodney Davis to run for the 13^th district in the US Congress.

Tim Johnson, who won the Republican primary in March, retired in April leaving the spot open.

Davis says that he is excited to run.

[audio:RodneyDavisNomineeClip052112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says that the process showed the differences between the candidates

[audio:RodneyDavisClip02052112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says that there are many differences between him and his opponent Democrat and ER Physician from Bloomington David Gill.

[audio:RodneyDavisNomineeClip03052112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis has been an aide to Congressman John Shimkus and has been endorsed by Shimkus as well as Congressman Bobby Schilling, and Aaron Schock.

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

On Friday officers were dispatched to Wendy's in reference to suspicious activity in their parking lot. Officers located 3 subjects in a vehicle.

With the race to replace Representative Tim Johnson on November’s Election for the 13^th congressional district winding down, three of the four candidates were in Carlinville last night to hold a public forum.

Jerry Clarke of Urbana was not able to make it to the forum due to him being called into duty as he is a reserve serviceman.

The three candidates who were at the forum were Rodney Davis of Taylorville, Erika Harold of Chicago, and Kathy Wassink of Shipman.  

One of the candidates for the office is Taylorville Native and current programs and grants manager for Congressman John Shimkus, Rodney Davis.

Davis says he will cut spending.

[audio:RodneyDavisForum051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says he will cut spending in a few specific ways.

[audio:RodneyDavisForum02051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says he can win Independent voters.

[audio:RodneyDavisForum03051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wassink said during the forum that there was a need for a woman candidate, but Davis disagrees and says the winner should be the best one for the job regardless of gender.

[audio:RodneyDavisForum04051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Erika Harold a Harvard Law graduate and former Miss America is also one of the last four left to replace Tim and says that she wants to reach out to voters.

[audio:ErikaHaroldForum051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Harold also says that she wants to move past her Miss America Crown in this election.

[audio:ErikaHaroldForum02051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Harold says that she wants to assume the best of people that disagree with her.

[audio:ErikaHaroldForum03051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Kathy Wassink attacked Harold on being a “Chicago Republican”, but Harold says she considers herself a downstate republican.

[audio:ErikaHaroldForum04051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wassink says that her business background is what sets her apart.

[audio:KathyWassinkForum051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wassink says that she wants to get more people involved if she is elected as a congresswoman.

[audio:KathyWassinkForum02051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wassink says that she wants to center things on the constitution

[audio:KathyWassinkForum03051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wassink says that she does not change her views when she is a different county like Harold.

[audio:KathyWassinkForum04051912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Republican nominee for the U.S. House should be chosen today by County Chairmen.

The Taylorville area will be receiving some extra attention from a television station. Patty Hornbuckle, President and CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, says Channel 3 from Champaign will be visiting.

[audio:chamberwcia051812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is located on the South side of the Taylorville Square.

With Memorial Day Weekend approaching, law enforcement agencies are paying special attention to motorists. The state-wide "Click it or Ticket" campaign is already underway, and Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says his deputies will be out in force, especially tonight.

[audio:clickitsheriffk051812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Sheriff Kettelkamp says Christian County has already seen 5 fatalities so far this year.

The Central Illinois Food Bank, in conjunction with Wal-Mart, is having a food pantry this evening at 5:30 at the United Methodist Church in Taylorville. Families and individuals in need of food assistance are encouraged to attend this mobile food pantry. Spokeswoman for the Central Illinois Food Bank Kayleigh Friend says that the food bank is always working to meet the needs of people.

[audio:KayleighFriendPantryClip051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Friend also says that Wal-Mart helped this mobile pantry happen

[audio:KayleighFriendPantryClip02051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Friend says that you should bring an empty box or a bag to fill with food items.

[audio:KayleighFriendPantryClip03051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

To contact the Central Illinois Food Bank go to centralilfoodbank.org

Senate Bill 678 involving the Taylorville Energy Center has been changed recently to start out as a Natural Gas Plant that has the possibility of changing later into a coal gasification plant.

The National Barber College has been open in Taylorville since December. The College’s Owner and Instructor Debra Turvey says that the college is open to anyone 16 and older.

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

Whether you've noticed it or not, there is a lot of economic activity in this area, including continued efforts towards the Taylorville Energy Center and the expansion of Route 29.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says for the city to continue growing, an infrastructure for business expansion is vital.

[audio:mayorindpark052112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Mayor will convene another meeting of community leaders in coming weeks to seek ideas to finance the improvements.

Last night's mobile food pantry at United Methodist Church was a big success according the Central Illinois Food Bank.

The food pantry was partnered with Wal-Mart, and was able to serve 136 children, 114 households and 378 individuals in one hour.

Landmark Chevrolet Cadillac was recognized by General Motors recently and awarded the prestigious Mark of Excellence Award. The award is given annually to the dealerships, nationwide, that achieve outstanding customer satisfaction.

General Manager Sam Short explained that the award is based on customer feedback and participation in satisfaction surveys. Short stated that the goal of Landmark Chevrolet Cadillac is to cultivate a lasting relationship by putting the customer first.

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

Landmark is located at 1531 West Springfield Road in Taylorville; you can call them at (855) 872-7557 or go to their website at landmarkoftaylorville.com.

The 2012 Community Caps Program rolled out in early March with various Pepsi Products featuring the marked yellow caps with “Pepsi Community Caps 5 Cents” stamped on them. 

Community groups, organizations and schools have collected these caps during the spring and will redeem them for 5 cen for each cap collected.

Joe Jordan a Category Development Representative for the program says that the program will help fund organizations in the area.

[audio:JoeJordanCommunityCapsClip051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Jordan also says that people who drink Pepsi products, and people who don’t can participate in the program.

[audio:JoeJordanCommunityCapsClip02051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Collection will occur at the Taylorville YMCA on Wednesday May 23 from 9 am until 4 pm.

The Taylorville High School will be having its graduation this weekend. The high school has 175 students scheduled to receive their diploma.

SB 678 was scheduled to go to committee today at 10 AM in Room 114 at the Capitol.

Shortly after the meeting was called to order a motion was made to adjourn the meeting subject to reconvening at the discretion of the committee chairman.

Mary Renner the Executive Director of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation says that this could help get more support for the amendment to Senate Bill 678.

[audio:MaryRennerClip051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Renner says that the report done by Pace Global shows that the Taylorville Energy Center will do little to no harm to consumers of electricity

[audio:MaryRennerClip02051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Senate Bill 678 was amended to make the plant a Natural Gas Plant at first, with the option of becoming a coal gasification plant in the future.

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

According to an independent rate impact analysis conducted by Pace Global LLC, a Siemens business, under the revised “Power Block First” proposal for the Taylorville Energy Center (TEC), Illinois electricity customers could save an estimated $437.7 million over a 20-year period, including more than $250.6 million in the plant’s first five years of operation.

Tenaska Vice President Bart Ford says that there will savings for Illinois residents based on this analysis.

[audio:BartFordClip051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Ford says that this report turns the argument against Tenaska around.

[audio:BartFordClip02051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Ford says that Illinois State House members should take a new look at the Senate Bill.

[audio:BartFordClip03051712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

This report goes against many statements by opponents of Tenaska who previously have stated that the plant would increase electricity rates.

Jordan Stout of Taylorville was awarded one of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Academic Scholarships.

In a statement Sheriff Kettelkamp said that Ms. Stout was selected from a number of highly qualified applicants in the Christian County area, and we commend all of them for participating in this process.

Stout says that the scholarship means a lot.

[audio:JordanStoutClip051612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Stout also says that she wants to go into a field that works closely with police.

[audio:JordanStoutClip02051612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Stout says she wants to go into forensics

[audio:JordanStoutClip03051612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Kettelkamp also said in a statement that Illinois Sheriffs consider this scholarship program to be an investment in the future as well as a strong signal of their respect and support for education.

The Christian County Board met last evening and many issues were discussed. One of the issues discussed was brought up by former owner of Nashville North from 1985-90 Leroy Harris. Harris wanted to bring a new center for similar entertainment.

Musicians brought to the area during Harris’ time as owner of Nashville North included Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, and Conway Twitty. Board Chairman

Paul Schmitz says that Nashville North attracted a lot of people.

[audio:PaulSchmitzClip051612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Harris also said that he wanted to get a liquor license for the new center, but only for the events, not for everyday selling, so it would not cut into Kincaid liquor sales.

The issue of a mutual aid agreement for communities around the area was also talked about after the incident with the fatal crash in Pana recently.

Schmitz says that the agreement is common for communities close to each other.

[audio:PaulSchmitzClip02051612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

That crash occurred on April 30^th and killed three of the four occupants of the vehicle including a 3 month old.

The Board also approved the name for the Christian County Public Transportation Service.

Schmitz says that this service is not just for senior citizens.

[audio:PaulSchmitzClip03051612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

One of the bigger issues on the docket was one of a residency requirement for a Christian County Courthouse employee. The board went into Executive Session to discuss what to do about the employee.

Schmitz says that this will really help the office.

[audio:PaulSchmitzClip04051612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The next County Board Meeting will be on June 19.

Gas prices have been up and down like a yo-yo in recent years, and Congressman John Shimkus says the public is tired of it.

The congressman says there are things the government could be doing to improve the situation.

[audio:shimkusgasprices051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Congressman Shimkus is a Repubilican from Madison County.

A favorite target of scam artists continues to be Senior Citizens. Senior Advocate Mac McGwire says knowledge is the best defense, and says an upcoming meeting of the Christian County Triad should be very informative.

[audio:maccomptroller051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Triad meeting will not be held at the Senior Citizens Center. Instead, it will take place at the Taylorville Municipal Building on the 1st floor on May 23rd at 9:30 am.

The Republican nominee for the Illinois 13^th Congressional District has still not been decided, but will be this Saturday by county chairmen. The primary was originally won by 4 term Congressman Tim Johnson.

Taylorville native Rodney Davis is one of the four vying for the nomination. Davis says that this process is more of a job interview than a campaign.

[audio:RodneyDavisClip051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says that this is not a process for the weary

[audio:RodneyDavisClip02051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says that the public forums for the candidates could decide who will win the nomination.

[audio:RodneyDavisClip03051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says that he likes the communication house members are having on Tenaska.

[audio:RodneyDavisClip04051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says that the final four candidates for the Republican nomination could all beat Democrat David Gill.

[audio:RodneyDavisClip05051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis’ opponents for the Republican nomination are former Miss America turned Chicago Attorney Erika Harold, former aide of Tim Johnson, Jerry Clarke of Urbana, and Therakids President Kathy Wassink of Shipman.

On Monday Henry E. Jaeger 66 of Highland was driving his bus full of 41 people, including 33 students south on I-55 near milepost 57.

Gerald A. Rees 54 of Hattieville Arkansas was driving in front of Jaeger in his semi and had slowed for construction traffic. Jaeger did not realize that Rees had slowed in time to avoid hitting him. The right front of the bus hit the left rear of the trailer being pulled by Rees.

Jaeger had serious injuries and was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Jaeger was also charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.  

The University of Illinois Extension's Master Gardeners recently held a plant sale. Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi says the event was a big success.

The Taylorville School Board met Monday and discussed many important issues.

One of the issues brought up was the change in conference for Taylorville High School athletics. The previously brought up Apollo conference has a rule that would make a change take longer than previously anticipated.

Dr. Greg Fuersteneau says that this would prolong the move to the Apollo

[audio:FuersteneauClip03051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

There was a measure to apply to the conference before the deadline of June 30^th. This does not necessarily mean a change in conference though, as the Apollo would have to accept Taylorville into the conference. The measure passed with only one nay vote by board member Kathy Fergin. Because of the passing of this measure an application letter will be sent to the Apollo Conference.

Also brought up at the meeting was the issue of the bullying incident that occurred recently at Stonington Elementary School.

Fuersteneau says that the situation was handled correctly.

[audio:FuersteneauClip04051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The bullying situation was brought up by board member Kate Fraley at the meeting because of speculation around the area.

Another topic of discussion at the meeting was the preliminary use of cell phones at Taylorville High School. The board along with Assistant Principal of Taylorville High School Matt Hutchison came up with the idea to allow cell phone use during passing periods and during study halls previously. Fuersteneau says that he believes the change has gone well.

[audio:FuersteneauClip051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

In budgeting news at the school board meeting the board approved an increase in the cost for Drivers Education. The previous cost was $50, and the school board voted unanimously to increase the price to $100.

Fuersteneau says that the increase has been needed.

[audio:FuersteneauClip02051512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The next school board meeting is on June 11^th.  

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

Many restaurants have come and gone out of business throughout the years, but not Druby’s in Shelbyville. Druby’s will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary this Friday.

Owner Rob Bosgraf says that the fresh food served at Druby’s has helped them stay in business.

[audio:RobBosgrafClip051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Bosgraf says that he remembers the grand opening day 20 years ago.

[audio:RobBosgrafClip02051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Bosgraf says his favorite thing on Druby’s menu is the double cheeseburger.

[audio:RobBosgrafClip03051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Bosgraf says that on the 20^th anniversary Druby’s will be having some deals for its customers.

[audio:RobBosgrafClip04051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Druby’s is located at 520 West Main Street in Shelbyville, you can contact Druby’s at 774-5143.

With the change to the Tenaska Bill last week, many people have been weighing in. State Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville says that the main reason the change was made is because of strong opposition.

[audio:RosenthalTenaskaClip051212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Rosenthal says that the change will remove some of the opposition.

[audio:RosenthalTenaskaClip02051212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Rosenthal says that to vote on the bill he and his constituents need feedback from those who oppose the bill.

[audio:RosenthalTenaskaClip03051212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Some opponents to the bill have said that Tenaska will raise electricity rates.

Just as there are different types of farm products, there are different types of farmers. Jack Erisman, a certified organic farmer in Southern Christian County, says his farm has been organic for years.

[audio:erisman051412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mechanical weed control means no pesticides or chemicals are used.

The farmers market in Shelbyville opens tomorrow. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says they are looking forward to a great year.

[audio:svlfarmersmkt051412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the Shelbyville Farmers Market is every Tuesday from 4:30 until 6:30 pm.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet last week, with over a hundred people in attendance.

Chamber President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle says some big awards were handed out:

[audio:pattyawards051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Jay I. McDowell of Taylorville was the $10,000 raffle winner. The event was held at Taylorville Memorial Hospital's auditorium.

A fundraiser this weekend will benefit Shelbyville sports programs. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says the event is Saturday:

[audio:footballfundraisersvl051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, that fundraising event is Saturday at the Shelbyville High School gym.

Some people may be confused whether or not the U of I Extension is just for college students, but Amanda Cole of the Illinois Extension says that the extension is here for all citizens who are looking for information.

[audio:AmandaColeClip051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Cole says that the extension office will try to find an answer to people’s questions.

[audio:AmandaColeClip02051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

To contact the extension office you can call 287-7246.

Peoples Bank & Trust, Taylorville High School and Altamont High School announce a new initiative to bring financial literacy education to high school students in Taylorville and Altamont by providing them with access to the EverFi Financial Literacy Platform.

John Gardner the President and CEO of People’s Bank and Trust says that it is important that students make good financial decisions.

[audio:JohnGardnerClip051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gardner also says that this course could not be possible in the past due to the new technology available.

[audio:JohnGardnerClip02051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gardner says that the class will be interesting to students.

[audio:JohnGardnerClip03051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gardner says that the Taylorville and Altamont School Districts are looking forward with this class.

[audio:JohnGardnerClip04051112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The course will uniquely track the progress and score of every student and provides students who successfully completes the course with Certification in Financial Literacy, a valuable mark of distinction on college applications and resumes.

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

Neal J. Crusius 36 of Auburn was arrested for aggravated battery, resisting a peace officer, and obstructing service.

Jan W. Wagoner 48 of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute.

Dennis W. Conway 23 of Herrick was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute.

Charles A. Declerk 46 of Assumption was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Tenaska, the company behind the proposed Taylorville Energy Center, is now reportedly considering dropping the clean coal technology plan in favor of a 650 megawatt natural gas facility at the Taylorville site.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says the changes are not definite.

[audio:mayorbtenaska1051012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Using a baseball comparison, the mayor says building a natural gas plant in Taylorville is a good thing:

[audio:mayorbtenaska2051012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Opponents of the clean coal plant cited environmental and cost concerns as reasons for being against it. The project would have brought in hundreds of jobs. It's not known how much of an economic impact the new proposal might generate.

Tenaska president Bart Ford told Regional Radio News that their decision on Tuesday afternoon was as a result of possible changes to Senate Bill 678, with both supporters and opponents of the bill that had passed the Illinois Senate. 

Ford said one of the proposals included deferring construction of the substitute natural gas island until conditions improve and the General Assembly approves, but would allow the power island as a natural gas plant, to proceed. Ford added Tenaska would not have any further comment as discussions with the General Assembly continue.

Mary Renner the Executive Director of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation says that the she is taking a wait and see approach.

[audio:MaryRennerClip051012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Renner also says that even if the change is made she believes there will still be auxiliary in the area.

[audio:MaryRennerClip02051012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

To contact the Christian County Economic Development Corporation call 287-2580.

On Saturday May 19, 2012 the Attorney General’s Office will be sponsoring a “Help for Homeowners Mortgage Resource Fair”. The event will be held at the Office of the Attorney General at 500 South Second Street in Springfield from 9 am until 1 pm.

Scott Mulford the Spokesperson for the fair says that the event will help homeowners get back on track with their mortgage.

[audio:ScottMulfordMortgageFairClip051012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mulford also says that many mortgage lenders will be at the event.

[audio:ScottMulfordMortgageFairClip02051012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information on this free event or to learn more about your options, please contact the Attorney General’s Homeowner Helpline at 1-866-544-7151.

Recent cuts in funding have brought changes and consolidations for Illinois Extension offices. Jodi Heberling of the extension says as a result, local 4H members are getting to meet people from a broader area:

[audio:heberling050912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

4H members are currently getting ready for a very busy fair season.

Golfers are getting set to tee up for the Christian County YMCA's annual golf outing. Director of the YMCA, Chris Weitenhiller, says the event is scheduled for next week:

[audio:ymcagolfouting050912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The golf outing will be Friday May 18th. The proceeds will go to the YMCA's financial assistance program.

Tenaska is reportedly giving up its plans to build a coal gasification plant in Taylorville. The company will apparently build a 650-megawatt natural gas plant on the Taylorville site instead. The cost of the alternative plant will be about one-third of the original $3.5 billon proposal.

Company officials met with lawmakers and other business executives in Springfield yesterday. Tenaska has been unsuccessful for several years in trying to get lawmakers to support the project, opponents, including Exelon, the parent company of Northern Illinois' Com Ed, said the unproven technology would cause rate increases, especially for businesses. Supporters said the project would have meant jobs in construction and the coal industry.

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

Hometown Food Center in Pana is in the midst of a major remodel, to turn the building into Pana's new Save-A-Lot store. Owner Tim Christer told Regional Radio News the remodeling includes new painting, floor and shelving.

[audio:Christercut1May912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The new Pana Save-A-Lot opens May 23^rd according to Christer.

[audio:Christercut2May912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christer says he decided to convert from a conventional grocery store to a Save-A-Lot, to save customers up to 40-percent on their food bill.

[audio:Christercut3May912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christer and his wife Jennifer have owned and operated a grocery store in Pana for some 10 years.

The Taylorville Main Street's Farmers Market takes place every Saturday on the Downtown Taylorville Square. Market Manager Ed Downs says there is a reason why you can't buy any produce until the 9:00 bells chime:

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville softball team fell to Jacksonville 2-3.

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

You may not know it, but the Wellness Center in Taylorville features a massage therapist. Cory Mathes says she has been a licensed therapist for years:

[audio:matheswellness050812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Wellness Center is located at 1001 North Cheney Street in Taylorville.

The new President and CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is settling into her new job. Patty Hornbuckle says she has some new ideas for the Chamber, but she will take it slow.

[audio:pattynewideas050812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Last Wednesday was Hornbuckle's first official day on the job. The Chamber is located on the South side of the Taylorville Square.

According to the Center for Disease Control Stroke is the third highest cause of death in the United States. Dr. Matt Johnson the ER director at Taylorville Memorial Hospital says that people above the age of 65 are the most at risk.

[audio:DrMattJohnsonClip050812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Johnson says that there are many signs of a stroke you should be aware of.

[audio:DrMattJohnsonClip02050812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Johnson says that not only is stroke the third leading cause of death, but it is the leading cause of permanent disability.

[audio:DrMattJohnsonClip03050812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Johnson says that reducing risk factors can lower the chance of having a stroke.

[audio:DrMattJohnsonClip04050812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

According to Stroke.Org 80% of strokes are preventable.

You may have noticed that something looks different at the old Vera Cruz restaurant on Route 104 in Taylorville. It’s the new signs proclaiming Charro Mexican Restaurant and Bar. Since taking over Vera Cruz is November of 2011, new owner, Ezequiel Camacho, has been looking forward to this day.

The Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant has officially been renamed Charro Mexican Restaurant and Bar. Mr. Camacho owns a restaurant in Chesterfield, Missouri by the same name and has been eagerly anticipating putting the corporate stamp on the Taylorville location.

Charro Mexican Restaurant and Bar is still providing the signature service from the moment you arrive until you leave. The menu will remain the same as will the savory, authentic Mexican dishes prepared with only fresh ingredients and marinated meats.

At his Chesterfield location, Mr. Camacho’s restaurant has been voted the best Mexican restaurant in Chesterfield the last two years and he has owned it for only three years. Stop out on Route 104 in Taylorville today and taste for yourself, what sets Charro Mexican Restaurant and Bar apart from the rest.

The Kansas City Board of Trade has now announced plans to expand electronic trading hours for hard red winter wheat futures and options contracts.

A homeless pig has become a mascot in the City of Taylorville. Liberty the pig was first seen back in the spring 2007 by Carol Alexander a Representative of the Taylorville Tourism Council.

The Christian County Senior Center is going to be having a lot of events in May. Marilyn Fisher of the Center says that the center will be taking a trip to the Orr building in Springfield.

The Taylorville City Council met last night and discussed many different issues in the brief half an hour meeting. One of the biggest issues brought up was the City of Taylorville paying to relocate the sewer located under the new location of Larry’s Service Center at 710 West Springfield Road because that sewer line is actually a city line that is used by the Taylorville High School.

Alderman Earl Walters of Ward 4 says that the problem was found while investigating the site.

[audio:EarlWalters050812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Another important talked about was the liquor training used by Mach 1 in Taylorville which the City Council passed unanimously.

Alderman Bruce Jones of Ward 3 says that the Mach 1 training is equal if not better than the required training.

[audio:BruceJones050812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Other issues brought up at the meeting was the motion to allow the Taylorville Area Arts Council to block off the Northeast corner of the Square on June 2, 2012 from 10 am until 4:30 pm for the Art on the Square. That motion passed unanimously, along with the motion to allow the closing of Lincoln Avenue from Northwestern Avenue to Springfield Road from 5 until 10 pm on June 1, 2012 for the O’Reilly’s Car Cruise.

There was a motion to allow the Optimist Club to hold a Charitable Fund Drive on June 15, 2012 at the corner of West Main Cross and Webster Streets to help fund the 4^th of July Fireworks which passed unanimously

Another motion was one to close Cherokee Street going south from Gandy Street to Second Street and to close First Street at Gandy from 8 am until 11 am for the Memorial Day Service on Monday May 28, 2012. That motion passed unanimously as well.

Trash Attendant Alex W. Smith Sr. was unanimously retained as the Trash Attendant for the 2012-13 year. The motion to no longer accept pickup truck loads of garbage for $10 and to remove #8 pickup truck loads that require ten $1 tickets from the garbage tickets was also unanimously approved.

The motion to approve Change Order #3 extending the completion time from April 1, 2012 to July 1, 2012 with McIntire and Company for the Kenmore Phase II Storm Sewer Project to coordinate the completion date with Phase 3 was also passed.

There was also two different motions to approve Pay requests from Mcintire and Company in an amount totaling $422,225.24. These pay request motions were also passed unanimously. The last motion passed was to purchase an additional two Norway Spruce Trees and 3 prairiefire Crab Apple Trees which will complete the Route 29/McAdam Drive Streetscape Project and that motion passed unanimously.

Seven aldermen were present at the meeting the only alderman that was not present was Alderman Shawn Burtle of Ward 4. The next City Council meeting will be on May 21^st.

As expected, Taylorville's Rodney Davis has filed an application to run for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Congress in the 13th Congressional District.

The field became open after Congressman Tim Johnson decided not to run, even though he secured the nomination in the primaries last April. Davis believes he is the man for the job:

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

A total of eight cadidates have thrown their hats in the ring, including former Miss America Erika Harold and former Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Becky Doyle. The deadline to apply was last week.

A study released last week showed that after years of decline, marijuana use among teens is increasing. While many have said the drug should be legalized, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says it's a dangerous drug:

[audio:mayorinremarijuanalaws011012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mayor Brotherton is the former Taylorville Chief of Police.

Bullying has been a big topic around the area after a recent incident has caused an uproar. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettlekamp says that the people should let the authorities deal with the matter.

[audio:SheriffKettelkampBullyingClip0507121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Kettelkamp also says that bullying can affect children in many ways.

[audio:SheriffKettelkampBullying0507121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

According to the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, the State of Illinois takes the matter of school bullying very seriously.

There was a recount held last week for the democratic primary’s spot in the November election for State Representative of the Illinois 96^th House District.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce annual banquet is tonight at Taylorville Memorial Hospital's auditorium.

Patty Hornbuckle, whose first official day as President and CEO of the chamber was yesterday, says they have a very interesting speaker lined up:

[audio:chamberpattybanquet050412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Chamber will also draw the name of the $10,000 raffle winner at tonight's event. Hornbuckle says you can still buy the raffle tickets, right up until the program begins tonight.

There will be a new "I Think Green" curriculum in Hillsboro according to Andrew Holzinger, horticulturist from the University of Illinois Extension:

[audio:holzingerbruemersanctuary050412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Contact the extension office at 287-7246.

Thursday was National Prayer Day and many people went to the Taylorville National Prayer Day Breakfast. One of the people who were there was Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton. 

Brotherton updated the people on some issues with the city, and also joined in the food and prayer. Brotherton says that he believes that we need God in government.

[audio:Brotherton050412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

This was the third year for this National Prayer Breakfast the breakfast was held at the Manner’s Park Dining Hall.

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

On Tuesday night officers were requested at Taylorville Memorial Hospital at the emergency room for an out of control patient. Upon arrival officers were able to speak with Justin O. Droke 28 of Taylorville and calm him enough for medical treatment.

The Illinois State Fair is losing more than 400-thousand dollars in financial support thanks to the state's budget woes, but Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick says that won't impact the outcome of the fair.

[audio:rddFair1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Bliefnick says there are plenty of exciting events for fairgoers to participate in this year.

[audio:rddFair2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

There will be some changes to the way premium payouts are made for competitions.  There won't be any more than six winners per competition, compared to 14 in years past.  But fairgoers won't get shortchanged on entertainment or games.  Several big named artists will hit the grandstand this year, including Eric Church, Demi Lovato, and Miranda Lambert. 

Fairgoers can still enjoy carnival rides, harness racing, and farm exhibits, plus eat lots of great food.  Admission to the fair will be seven dollars for adults and three dollars for children and seniors.  The fair will run from August 10th through the 19th.

NATO may have to brush-up on Chicago and Illinois history before coming to the summit in two weeks.  Listen closely to this audio from Natochannel.tv.

[audio:chinatogoof1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The narrator forgets that Springfield is the capital city of Illinois, not Chicago.  The narrator also goofs by calling Chicago the place where President Obama grew up.  The President actually spent his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia.

Over 100 business people and community leaders attended Friday night’s 105^th annual meeting of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Reverend Dick Wamsley of Taylorville Christian Church, gave the invocation in memory of long-time Chamber president and C-E-O Fred Ronnow, who passed away in February.

Following dinner, many Chamber awards were presented.  The “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” award was given to Taylorville Memorial Hospital C-E-O Dan Raab for his 16 years of commitment to the hospital and the community. Under Raab’s leadership, the hospital has seen tremendous growth.  Following the banquet, Raab spoke with Regional Radio News and was very humbled.

[audio:Raabcut1May412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

And, Raab said he felt extremely fortunate to work with many great people in the Taylorville community over his 16 years.

[audio:Raabcut2May412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The “Randy France Volunteer of the Year” award went to Linda Smith, who chairs the Chamber’s scholarship committee.  And, the Chairman’s Award, awarded by outgoing Chamber chairperson Jim Montgomery, went to Todd Altman for his community work on behalf of the Chamber.

The Taylorville Chamber “Ambassador of the Year” award went to Len Hempen.

Outgoing Chamber directors were recognized…they were Kevin Flynn, Eric Kahle, and Don Broaddus.

New Chamber directors named Friday night were Todd Altman, Scott Stallman, Bruce Rahar, Len Hempen, and Allen Miller.  Outgoing Chamber chairperson is Jim Montgomery, and the new Taylorville Chamber chairperson is Jenni Stephens.

The end of the evening at Friday night’s 105th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce meeting, was the announcement of raffle winners.

The winner of the 10-thousand dollar Chamber raffle, was J-I McDowell. The winner of the annual meeting raffle, with the winner receiving 152-dollars, was Craig Reed.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Committee chair Linda Smith presented college scholarships to 3 winners, at the Chamber’s annual meeting Friday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

From the Left:  Nathan Brown, a senior at Taylorville High School, was given 2 semesters of tuition and fees at the University of Illinois in Springfield. Brown is majoring in computer science.

Hayden Gardner, a senior at Taylorville High School, was given 2 semesters tuition and fees at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. Gardner is majoring in chiropractic medicine.

And, John Morrell, a senior at Central A-and-M High School, was given 2 semesters of tuition and fees at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. Morrell will major is European history or English. Total value of the 3 scholarships is nearly 16-thousand dollars.

Wines were the topic at Friday night’s 105^th annual meeting of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.  Guest speaker for the evening was Doctor Larry Jackson, a senior research scientist at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, who is also the owner of Tuscan Hills Winery in Effingham. 

Jackson told the gathering how he got into the wine business, and how the flavors and colors of wines vary by region of the country and the world.  Jackson told Regional Radio News about his journey into the wine business.

[audio:Jacksoncut1May412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

And, Jackson added that his day job at the U of I involves digital projects.

[audio:Jacksoncut2May412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Jackson’s winery is located just outside of Effingham.

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

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

Jake M. Cox 30 of Pana was arrested for aiming a laser pointer at a deputy's vehicle.

Brandon E. Hudson 28 of Bulpitt was arrested for driving with a revoked license.

Skyler J. Gist 21 of Bulpitt was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for consumption of liquor.

Raymond V. Bethel 36 of Tovey was arrested for an unspecified statute.

Rachel L. Purkes 25 of Pana was arrested on an original arrest warrant for violating a period of imprisonment.

Michael W. Emery 23 of Taylorville was arrested for criminal damage to property, an unspecified statute, and for violating an electronic monitoring device.

On Tuesday James R. Everly 29 of Taylorville was driving north through the New Wave parking lot and Jody L. Carroll 36 of Taylorville was going east on Route 104.

In what has become a Taylorville tradition, the Taylorville Main Street's Farmer's Market takes place every Saturday.

Ed Downs says they are expecting their best year yet:

[audio:edfarmersmkt050212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Farmer's Markets are every Saturday from 9 am till 1 pm on the downtown Taylorville Square.

The Christian County YMCA is gearing up for summer programs and activities. YMCA Director Chris Weitenhiller says if you sign up this Saturday, you'll get a bonus.

[audio:weitenhillersignupsaturday050312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, Weitenhiller says the sign up times is this Saturday from 10 am untill 2 pm.

On April 30th the Shelbyville Rotary Club had a tour of Shelbyville facilities as program chairman Phil Miller provided a tour of the Shelby Memorial Hospital newly renovated Doctor Offices and Clinic located on the southwest corner of the hospital.

The Lincoln Land Community College student newspaper The Lamp and several staff members recently won awards from the Illinois Community College Journalism Association. Chelsea Stroud (Strode) the Editor of The Lamp says that she was surprised in the success in her first year as editor.

[audio:ChelseaStroudandKatieGoodLampClip02050312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Lamp Assistant Editor, and Owaneco native Katie Good says that the award 2^nd place award her and Sara Shryock won for best news story was not a surprise.

[audio:ChelseaStroudandKatieGoodLampClip03050312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

This was the last year for Student Adviser Brenda Protz after being the full-time adviser for 7 years. Good says that these awards in Protz’s last year as Adviser show her hard work has paid off.

[audio:ChelseaStroudandKatieGoodLampClip04050312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Lamp overall took home 10 awards for LLCC and 3 of them were for 1^st place. The Lamp also received an Honorable Mention in Overall Excellence.

As heard on 98.3 WRAN Shelbyvilla defeated Marora Forsythe by a score 6 to 2

As heard on 97.3 WTIM the Rochester Rockets defetaed the Taylorville Tornades by a score of 11-2

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

Bruce S. Orear 40 of Pana was arrested for violating an order of protection, domestic battery, and home invasion.

Raymond Bethel 36 of Tovey was arrested for domestic battery.

Aaron N. Long 37 of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery.

Samantha J. Harp 22 of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for consumption of liquor.

The American Cancer Society's biggest local fundraiser of the year, Relay for Life, is less than 2 months away. Lisa Simms of ACS says this year, they are getting a lot of help from area students.

[audio:acskidshelp050212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Christian County Relay for Life is scheduled for June 29 at Taylorville High School.

The Illinois EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has approved an air quality permit for the Tenaska Project. Bart Ford the CEO of Tenaska says that this shows how clean the project will be.

[audio:BartFordClip050212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Ford says that Illinois Attorney General Madigan has been helpful in the process.

[audio:BartFordClip02050212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Ford says that there is a cost for the project, but asks the question what is the cost of doing nothing?

[audio:BartFordClip03050212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Ford says that there are many Chicago legislators who support of Tenaska.

[audio:BartFordClip04050212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Tenaska Project has had criticism from some environmentalists in the past.

Americans are overpaying at the pump every time they're forced to choose the standard gasoline blend. That is according to the Oil Price Information Service, based on wholesale prices ethanol was $1.20 cheaper per gallon than gasoline last week.

Dave Loos, the Technology and Business Development Director with the Illinois Corn Growers Association, says that there are various reasons for the high prices at the pump.

[audio:DaveLoosClip050212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Loos also says that Ethanol is cheaper for many reasons.

[audio:DaveLoosClip02050212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Loos says that losing government subsidies has not hurt Ethanol.

[audio:DaveLoosClip030502121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

To find out more information go to ilcorn.org.

Mother's Day is this month, and Jack Myers of the Springfield Social Security Office, says there are a variety of ways you can help mom:

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Mother's Day is May 13th.

Those looking for a nice place for their elderly relatives may want to consider Rolling Meadows. Jenny Turvey says they have a lot to offer:

Regional Radio News has learned that Conn Communications, the U-S Cellular provider with a store just off of North Webster in Taylorville, is closing their local store effective May 1.  Conn owns a group of U-S Cellular stores in Illinois and Iowa, and will continue to maintain stores in those markets.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office participated in the “Project Sticker Shock” on Monday.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp and some area students involved with Students Against Destructive Decisions put stickers on liquor at many businesses in Christian County including, Taylorville Wal Mart, Casey’s in Morrisonville, Casey’s in Pana, and Casey’s in Kincaid. Pictured above are Sheriff Kettelkamp, Tori Davis, and Aundrea Marsh.

Kettelkamp says that he doesn’t want to have a student die this year after prom.

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Kettelkamp says that underage drinking enforcement has improved over the years.

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Kettelkamp has a message to students who are thinking about drinking alcohol after prom.

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For more information about underage drinking you can go to dontbesorry.org.

On July 25 and 26 there is going to be a Safe Sitter class at the Christian County University of Illinois Extension Office from 8 am until 2:30 pm.

The Safe Sitter Coordinator Barb Miller says that the event will help babysitters with emergencies.

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Miller also says that the event gives students many helpful tips.

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Miller says that the event is for ages 11 to 13 and that her son introduced her to the program.

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For a registration form or information, call the Christian County at 287-7246. There is a limit of 18 participants in the class.

Although the weather refused to co-operate, Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorville used their North Campus to host their first Sportsman's Expo.

Several vendors set up booths with everything from taxidermy to an air rifle range. Many turned out to try their hand at an archery range. Unfortunately, the weather shortened the day on Saturday by a couple of hours and the substantial rainfall totals, washed out the Expo for Sunday.

Plans are already underway for next year's event where Calvary will be looking to expand the Expo by inviting several more vendors.

The Taylorville Baseball team's games today against Rochester have been postponed. Also the Taylorville Softball games against Rochester were also postponed. All the baseball and softball games have been moved to Thursday May 3 at the same time.