>>Cardinals' Molina Wins Fifth Gold Glove

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina won his fifth straight Gold Glove award last
night.  Molina's streak is currently the longest in the majors.  His win moved
him past his manager, Mike Matheny, who won four in his career.

>>Bears Get Back To Work

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears are back to work this morning in preparation for Sunday's road game against the Titans.  Chicago moved to 6-and-1 after last week's comeback win over the Lions.  The
Bears also made a minor practice squad move yesterday, signing wide receiver
Raymond Radway and releasing wide receiver Joe Anderson.

>>Rams Have Until Tomorrow To Trade Jackson

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Rams have until 3 p.m. tomorrow if they wish to try and move running back
Steven Jackson.  The NFL trade deadline was pushed back from Tuesday until
Thursday with the league offices closed the last two days due to Hurricane
Sandy.  Jackson can become a free agent after the season.

>>Mizzou, Illinois On The Road Saturday

(Undated)  --  Missouri and Illinois are both gearing up for big games on the gridiron Saturday.  The
4-and-4 Tigers will be on the road against seventh-ranked Florida.  Kickoff is
at 11 a.m.  The Gators are 7-and-1.  The 2-and-6 Fighting Illini play at Ohio
State at 2:30.  The Buckeyes are a perfect 9-and-0.

>>Bulls Tip Against Kings Tonight

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls get their regular season underway tonight when they tip off at United Center against the Sacramento Kings.  Chicago was 5-and-2 in the preseason, which wrapped up
late last week.  The Bulls play at Cleveland Friday before returning home
Saturday to host New Orleans.

The kids will be out trick or treating again tonight. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says there are some things to remember when Halloweening.

The Edinburg Wildcat volleyball team chose to make it interesting as they continued their advance in the 1A State volleyball tournament. The Wildcats won their sectional semi-final against a feisty, but young, Harden Calhoun Warrior team.

The Wildcats and Warriors played back and forth volleyball throughout the first set until late when the Wildcats were able to string together a run that put the set away 25-23. In the second set the Wildcats started quickly only to see the momentum slip away as the Warriors captured the set 20-25. With a trip to the sectional finals on the line, the Senior laden team from Edinburg managed to shake off a sluggish start that saw them fall into a 6-0 hole before rallying for a thrilling 25-21 victory.

The Wildcats are in the first year of a co-op with Kincaid South Fork and have advanced further than either team has. Their record stands at 26 and 12 and they will face Jacksonville Routt in the Sectional Finals on Thursday evening at 7 pm. The match will take place at Carrollton High School.

The First National Bank on Spresser Street in Taylorville presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to the YMCA to fulfill their commitment to the YMCA’s 2012 Debt Reduction Campaign.

Christian County YMCA Executive Director Chris Weittenhiller says that lowering the debt will help the YMCA.

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

Weittenhiller says that if the debt at the YMCA is reduced, then the YMCA will improve in many ways.

[audio:ChrisYMCAStuff2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

To date the YMCA has raised $217,500; which represents 45% of their $485,000 goal.

(Shown above from left to right are Dick Adams – Community Bank President, Raedena Ryan – Loan & Marketing Officer, Chris Weittenhiller – YMCA Executive Director and Matt Beavers – CEO & Chief Lending Officer.)

One of the contested races in this Tuesday's elections is in the Christian County State's Attorney Office. Republican Candidate Lorinda Lamken says she hopes voters will concentrate on the issues.

The Miller Media Group, which owns and operates the farm web portal illinoisfarmradio.com, today unveiled its new, improved web site.

The new site is easier to read, and has menu tabs that are easier to access. The new site also includes a new streaming provider for listening to the morning and noon farm shows, and the over 6 hours a day of agriculture programming.

Desktop computer users can simply click on the "listen live" icon on the right side of the page, to hear live streamed agriculture programming.  If you've bookmarked either the web site or the streaming site in the past, please update your bookmarks to the revised web URL and stream address.

Users of iphones and smartphones can also hear illinoisfarmradio.com's live ag programming, simply by downloading the free tunein.com app at their app store, then searching for WHOW.

The updated web site and new streaming platforms are a continuing effort to make current agriculture programming as easy to access as possible, according to Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller.

There is going to be a new restaurant in Taylorville. Fat Moe’s is going to be at the old location of Chris’ Steakhouse at 923 West Spresser Street.

Mike Naser (nas-er) the owner of Fat Moe’s says that many customers at his Fat Moe’s in Springfield told him to come to Taylorville.

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

Naser says that he originally wanted a different location, but later decided on the Spresser Street location.

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

Naser says that the food at Fat Moe’s is Chicago Style.

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

Naser says that Fat Moe’s will be opening soon.

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

Fat Moe’s has two Springfield locations at 2345 West Monroe Street and at 2605 North Dirksen Parkway.

>>Bears Shift Gears From Big Win Over Panthers

(Lake Forest, IL) --  The Bears are turning the page from Sunday's comeback win over the Panthers.  Head coach Lovie Smith praised the fourth-quarter play of quarterback Jay Cutler yesterday while speaking to the media.  Chicago will travel to Nashville to face the Titans this Sunday.

>>Rams Pick Up Pieces After Loss In London

(Earth City, MO)  --  Rams head coach Jeff Fisher addressed the media yesterday following Sunday's
45-7 loss to the Patriots in London.  Fisher said that despite the blowout loss,
he was pleased with how the team handled the week overseas and all the
distractions that come with it.  St. Louis enters the bye week at 3-and-5 and
will take on the 49ers in San Francisco on November 11th.

>>NFL Pushes Back Trade Deadline Due To Storm

(New York, NY)  --  The NFL is pushing today's trade deadline back 48 hours due to Hurricane Sandy. 
The league announced yesterday that the trade deadline has been moved from 4
p.m. Eastern Tuesday until 4 p.m. Eastern on Thursday.  The league office is
closed due to the storm.

>>Bulls Tip Season Tomorrow

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls get the regular season underway tomorrow night when they host the Sacramento Kings at United Center.  Chicago went 5-and-2 in the preseason, which wrapped up last
Friday.  The Bulls will play at Cleveland on Friday night before returning home
to welcome New Orleans on Saturday.

>>NHL Reportedly To Cancel Winter Classic This Week

(New York, NY)  --  The Winter Classic is reportedly next on the chopping block due to the
NHL lockout.  According to ESPNNewYork.com, the NHL is expected to cancel the
annual outdoor game on Thursday.  The Winter Classic is scheduled for January
1st between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium.

You may have noticed some improvements in downtown Taylorville. Becky Edwards of Taylorville Main Street says it's a result of a special fund.

With the elections less than a week away, it's time to decide who to vote for. Democratic candidate for Christian County State's Attorney Mike Havera says he has several reasons for seeking election.

[audio:havera1103112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Havera says he has received some important endorsements.

[audio:havera2103112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Havera's opponent in the race is Republican Lorinda Lamken.

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

On Sunday Phillip Kirkendoll 30 of Taylorville called the Christian County Sheriff's Office to report that someone had entered his residence at 1253 West Wantland Drive Apt. #1 and removed several items.

Jordan Villanueva a 17 year old Central A&M student recently received a message that he is going to be on Jeopardy.

The Taylorville Memorial Hospital has added many things in the last six years. CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital Dan Raab says that the hospital is now getting a new lab that will make going to the lab easier for patients.

>>Bears Erase 12-Point Deficit To Beat Panthers

(Chicago, IL)  -- Robbie Gould nailed a game-winning 41-yard field goal as time expired as the
Bears rallied to beat the Panthers, 23-22.  Tim Jennings had a 25-yard
interception return for a touchdown to help Chicago erase a 12-point fourth
quarter deficit.  Jay Cutler ended 19-for-28 for 186 yards with a TD and an
interception for the Bears, who have won five straight to improve to 6-and-1 on
the season.  The Bears head to Nashville to face the Titans next week.

>>Patriots Rout Rams In London

(London, England)  --  Sam Bradford threw for 205 yards with a touchdown and interception as the Rams were blown out in London yesterday by the Patriots, 45-7.  Chris Givens added three catches for
63 yards and a touchdown in defeat.  The Rams have lost three straight and enter
the bye week at 3-and-5.

>>Illinois Falls To Indiana

(Champaign, IL)  --  Nathan Scheelhaase threw for 176 yards and a touchdown but Illinois lost at Indiana on
Saturday, 31-17.  Scheelhaase added a rushing touchdown while Donovonn Young ran
for 124 yards in the loss as the Illini fell to 2-and-6.  The Illini travel to
Ohio State on Saturday to face the Buckeyes.

>>Northwestern Handles Iowa

(Evanston, IL)  --  Despite a pair of turnovers, Northwestern held off Iowa on Saturday for a 28-17 win.  Kain Colter ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns while Venric Mark added 162 yards of his
own in the win.  The Wildcats have a week off before facing Michigan on the road
November 10th.

>>Irish Pull Away From Sooners In Norman

(Norman, OK)  --  Fifth-ranked Notre Dame pulled away late to grab a
30-19 victory over number-eight Oklahoma.  Everett Golson threw for 177 yards
and ran for 64 more with a touchdown for the Fighting Irish, who moved to
8-and-0 for the first time in 10 years.  Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick each ran
for 74 yards and a score for the Irish.  Notre Dame moved to third in the BCS
and now turns its attention to Saturday's home game against Pittsburgh.

>>Bulls Start Regular Season Wednesday

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls are set to tip off the regular season on Wednesday night against the
Sacramento Kings.  Wednesday's game will tip off at 7:00 p.m. at United Center. 
The Bulls wrapped up the preseason on Friday with a win against Indiana to close
the exhibition slate at 5-and-2.

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

Michelle D. Dilley 27 of Shelbyville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute.

Zachary M. Barnett 18 of Springfield was arrested for consumption of liquor.

Hunter M. Atwood 19 of Springfield was arrested for consumption of liquor.

Gerald A. Brown 18 of Taylorville was arrested for vehicle theft, burglary and theft.

David M. Dunaway 27 of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute.

Jason K. Beaty 30 of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for retail theft.

On Saturday afternoon officers went to 214 East Vine Street in Taylorville because a man was allegedly squatting in a garage.

With the election getting closer, voters are growing weary of all the negative campaign ads. Republican Rodney Davis of Taylorville, who is locked in a tight race for Congress against Democrat Dr. David Gill, says some of the things said about him are flat out not true.

[audio:davis1103012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis says his views on Medicare have also been distorted.

[audio:davis2103012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Davis, a former aide to Congressman John Shimkus, is running in Illinois' 13th Congressional District. The election is November 6th.

Trick or treat time is here again. Kids will be going door to door looking for candy. Halloween is a lot of fun, but it does also pose some dangers.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says it's up to the adults to make sure the kids stay safe.

[audio:sheriffhalloween103012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Sheriff Kettelkamp says make sure kids costumes are safe, and mom and dad should inspect all candy for tampering before eating.

Kettelkamp says drivers should be extra cautious as they make their way through the streets during trick or treat hours.

Here is the list of the indictments for Christian County for October.

As heard on groovy 93.5, Pana fell to Tolono Unity with a score of 46-8.

As heard on WTIM 97.3, Central A&M defeated Milford with a score of 55-27.

As heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM the Rochester Rockets defeated the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs 43-0. Rochester moves to 9-1 on the season with the victory Mahomet-Seymour ends their season with a 6-4 record.

There are some very important issues facing Central Illinois in this election season. State Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville says that one issue that citizens are concerned with is concealed carry.

There is a Dudley Smith Day coming up for the U of I Extension. Gary Letterly with the U of I Extension says that the event will be about cattle production techniques.

>>Pats, Rams Ready For London Rumble

(London, England)  --  The Patriots will play the Rams Sunday in the NFL's annual International Series game
at Wembley Stadium.  This is the sixth straight year the NFL has played a
regular season game in London and the seventh straight year a game has been
played outside the United States.  The Rams are coming off a 30-20 home loss to
the Packers to fall to 3-and-4.  St. Louis has lost its last two games overall.

>>Bears Host Panthers Sunday

(Chicago, IL)  --  Teams with opposite records meet up on Sunday as the Carolina Panthers battle the Bears at
Soldier Field.  The Bears are working on a short week after a 13-7 win over the
Lions on "Monday Night Football."  Chicago has won four straight and sits atop
the NFC North at 5-and-1.  The Panthers have lost four in-a-row to fall to
1-and-5 following last Sunday's 19-14 setback to Dallas.

>>Illinois, Notre Dame In Action Saturday

(Undated)  --  Illinois and Notre Dame are both in action on Saturday.  The Illini look to snap a
four-game losing streak when they host Indiana.  The Irish, meanwhile, put their
perfect 7-and-0 record on the line at eighth-ranked Oklahoma.  The Sooners are
5-and-1 on the season.

>>Mizzou Hosts Kentucky Saturday

(Columbia, MO)  --  Missouri and Kentucky will each be looking for its first conference win Saturday when the two clash in Columbia.  The Tigers are 3-and-4 with an 0-and-4 SEC mark following a
loss to top-ranked Alabama two weeks ago.  The Wildcats are 0-and-5 in
conference and just 1-and-7 overall having lost six straight.

>>Mark Grace Indicted On Four Felony DUI Counts

(Phoenix, AZ)  --  Former Diamondbacks and Cubs first baseman Mark Grace has been indicted on four
felony DUI counts.  The "Arizona Republic" reports Grace faces nearly four years
in prison if convicted.  He is also charged with driving on a suspended license
and without an interlock device, a requirement from his previous DUI conviction
in 2011.  Grace is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial conference on
December 5th.

>>NBA Commissioner Stern Says He's Stepping Down In 2014

(New York, NY)  --  NBA Commissioner David Stern is putting a
timeline on his tenure.  Stern will step down as commissioner on February 1,
2014.  Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver will replace Stern.  Stern's retirement
will come 30 years to the day he took the job.

>>Pats, Rams Ready For London Rumble

(London, England)  --  The Patriots will play the Rams Sunday in the NFL's annual International Series game
at Wembley Stadium.  This is the sixth straight year the NFL has played a
regular season game in London and the seventh straight year a game has been
played outside the United States.  The Rams are coming off a 30-20 home loss to
the Packers to fall to 3-and-4.  St. Louis has lost its last two games overall.

>>Bears Host Panthers Sunday

(Chicago, IL)  --  Teams with opposite records meet up on Sunday as the Carolina Panthers battle the Bears at
Soldier Field.  The Bears are working on a short week after a 13-7 win over the
Lions on "Monday Night Football."  Chicago has won four straight and sits atop
the NFC North at 5-and-1.  The Panthers have lost four in-a-row to fall to
1-and-5 following last Sunday's 19-14 setback to Dallas.

>>Illinois, Notre Dame In Action Saturday

(Undated)  --  Illinois and Notre Dame are both in action on Saturday.  The Illini look to snap a
four-game losing streak when they host Indiana.  The Irish, meanwhile, put their
perfect 7-and-0 record on the line at eighth-ranked Oklahoma.  The Sooners are
5-and-1 on the season.

>>Mizzou Hosts Kentucky Saturday

(Columbia, MO)  --  Missouri and Kentucky will each be looking for its first conference win Saturday when the two clash in Columbia.  The Tigers are 3-and-4 with an 0-and-4 SEC mark following a
loss to top-ranked Alabama two weeks ago.  The Wildcats are 0-and-5 in
conference and just 1-and-7 overall having lost six straight.

>>Mark Grace Indicted On Four Felony DUI Counts

(Phoenix, AZ)  --  Former Diamondbacks and Cubs first baseman Mark Grace has been indicted on four
felony DUI counts.  The "Arizona Republic" reports Grace faces nearly four years
in prison if convicted.  He is also charged with driving on a suspended license
and without an interlock device, a requirement from his previous DUI conviction
in 2011.  Grace is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial conference on
December 5th.

>>NBA Commissioner Stern Says He's Stepping Down In 2014

(New York, NY)  --  NBA Commissioner David Stern is putting a
timeline on his tenure.  Stern will step down as commissioner on February 1,
2014.  Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver will replace Stern.  Stern's retirement
will come 30 years to the day he took the job.

On Thursday Peter J. Traynor 26 of Taylorville was going south on Leland Lane in Taylorville when Traynor drove off the roadway and onto the soft shoulder as he was entering a curve and lost control of his 1997 Ford F150.

The truck rolled onto the driver's side and came to a rest in the roadway on the driver's side. No injuries were reported, but Traynor's truck was towed from the scene of the accident.

The Edinburg Wildcats made history last night by winning their first ever regional title in volleyball and it didn't come easy. The first seeded Wildcats faced a tough and determined Nokomis Lady Redskin team that held the second seed in the Raymond Lincolnwood Class 1A Regional.

The Lady Redskins started strong and captured the first set with a late rally to score a 25-17 victory. The senior leadership of the Wildcats pulled it together and edged Nokomis 25-22 in the second set. Once the Wildcats got rolling, it was over quickly as they slammed the Lady Redskins 25-15 in the third and decisive set. The Wildcats will play Tuesday night at the Carrolton Sectional.

This is the first year of a volleyball co-op between the Kincaid South Fork Ponies and Edinburg Wildcats. The victory moved the Wildcats record to 25 and 12 on the year and garnered Coach Kim Peabody her 103rd victory in just 5 years at Edinburg.

This week is National Protect Your Identity Week. Jack Meyers, Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security in Springfield, says ID theft is a problem they deal with a lot.

[audio:meyersidtheft102912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Find out more about protecting your identity by going to socialsecurity.gov.

If you're thinking about getting your high school equivalency degree, you may want to hurry. Lyn Buerkett, Lincoln Land Community College's Director of Adult Education and Literacy, says needs vary depending on the individual.

[audio:buerkettged102912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The current GED test series will expire, along with incomplete test scores, at the end of 2013. This means those now seeking a GED will need to finish and pass all their sections before then, or they will lose credit for any tests previously passed.

>>Bears' Tillman Earns NFC Weekly Honors

(New York, NY)  --  Bears cornerback Charles Tillman was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for
Week Seven yesterday.  Tillman forced two fumbles and posted seven tackles in
Monday's 13-7 win over the Detroit Lions.  He becomes the first Bears player to
win the award in consecutive games, as he earned the honor in Week Five prior to
the bye.

>>Bulls' Hinrich Suffers Groin Strain; Team Waives Jaric, Allen

(Chicago, IL)  --  Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich has reportedly suffered a right groin strain.  The team website says Hinrich suffered the injury in Tuesday's 94-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.  He left at
halftime and did not return.  The injury is a huge blow to the Bulls, who were
counting on Hinrich to fill in while guard Derrick Rose recovers from knee
surgery.  In other team news, the Bulls waived guards Ryan Allen and Marko
Jaric.

>>NHL Commissioner Says 82-Game Season Unlikely

(Brooklyn, NY) --  NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is conceding that an 82-game regular season is
unlikely.  Speaking at a press conference to announce the New York Islanders'
pending move to Brooklyn yesterday, Bettman said the union has opted not to
negotiate off the league's proposal from last week that called for a 50-50 split
of revenue.  Bettman says a labor deal would have to be in place by Thursday in
order for that to happen and the two sides aren't even talking.

>>James Franklin Doubtful

(Columbia, MO)  --  Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin is doubtful for Saturday's game against Kentucky.  Franklin injured his knee October 6th against Vanderbilt.  The Tigers are
3-and-4 on the season and have yet to win a SEC game in four tries. 

It's time to think about the upcoming LEAD Program. Patty Hornbuckle, President and CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce says it's worth your time.

[audio:pattyleadpgm102612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Chamber at 824-4919 or stop by their offices on the South Side of the Taylorville Square.

The referendum concerning the formation of an electric aggregate in Taylorville will be on the November ballot. According to Lee Morris, spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, the company takes a neutral position on the topic.

[audio:morrisaggregateameren102612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Customers may see savings of $150 or $200 a year if the aggregate plan is approved.

They might be knocking on your door tonight but they're not asking for candy. According to Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce, a group of kids from Moulton Middle School will be out looking for food donations to help the needy.

[audio:tadfoodortreat102612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, they'll be out tonight in Shelbyville from 4:30 to 6:30.

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

Mary C. Boblitt 87 of Divernon said she was at the intersection of Rt. 29 and Rt. 104 and had the green arrow to turn.

The Central Illinois Food Bank received a 5,300 pound donation yesterday from the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA).

Kristy Gilmore the Manager of Food and Agency Resources with the food bank says that products that are high in protein, like pork are integral to the food bank.

[audio:KristyGilmoreippadonation1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gilmore says that she is glad the IPPA and the food bank have been working together.

[audio:KristyGilmoreippadonation2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Gilmore says that the food bank is always accepting donations.

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

Gilmore says that there are many different ways you can donate to the food bank.

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

Again you can call the Central Illinois Food Bank at 522-4022.  

>>Hall of Famer Fisk Charged With DUI

(New Lenox, IL)  --  Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk is facing a DUI charge in Illinois.  New Lenox,
Illinois police say the former White Sox and Red Sox backstop was found
unconscious in a corn field Monday night behind the wheel of his vehicle.  An
open container of alcohol was also found.  Fisk played with Boston from 1969 to
1980 before spending his final 13 seasons with Chicago.

>>Cardinals Pack Up, Start Offseason

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Members of the Cardinals spent most of yesterday cleaning out lockers in the clubhouse
at Busch Stadium following Monday's season-ending loss to the Giants.  St. Louis
suffered a 9-0 loss in Game Seven of the NLCS as San Francisco advanced to the
World Series.  The Giants and Tigers start the Fall Classic tonight in San
Francisco.

>>Rams Arrive In London, Start Practice For Pats

(London, England)  --  The Rams arrived in London yesterday and got to
work in preparation for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.  St.
Louis fell to 3-and-4 after last week's 30-20 loss to Green Bay.  The Pats moved
to 4-and-3 after defeating the Jets 29-26 in overtime.

>>Bears' Cutler Expects To Practice

(Chicago, IL)  --  Bears quarterback Jay Cutler expects to practice this week and doesn't feel his
bruised ribs will be a problem come Sunday.  Cutler was injured in Monday's 13-7
win over Detroit when Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh drove him into the
ground on a sack in the second quarter.  Cutler, who finished the game, said on
his weekly radio show on ESPN 1000 Tuesday that he'll "be good to go" for
practice this week.

>>NFL Says No Fine For Suh's Hit On Cutler

(New York, NY)  --  The NFL is saying the hit by Lions defensive tackle
Ndamukong Suh [[ en-DOM-uh-kon  Soo ]] on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was
legal.  The league confirmed to NFL Network that Suh will not be fined for his
hard takedown Monday night that left Cutler slumped over in pain.  Cutler
briefly came out of the game before returning.  He later called Suh's hit a
clean play.

>>Bulls Top Thunder

(Chicago, IL)  --  Carlos Boozer racked up 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists to lead the Bulls to a 94-89 win over the Thunder last night at the United Center.  Luol Deng scored 21 points and Joakim
Noah had 10 points and 15 boards for the Bulls, who have won three in-a-row to
improve to 4-and-2 in preseason play.  Chicago wraps up exhibition play against
the Pacers Friday night in South Bend, Indiana.

The Rochester Rockets first round playoff game will be on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM this Saturday. The 8-1 Rockets will face off against the 6-3 Mahomet Seymour Bulldogs out of the Corn Belt Conference in which Rochester used to play in.

The Pana Panthers got their 5th win last Friday and also received a playoff berth on Saturday. The Panthers will go on the road this Saturday to play the 8-1 Tolono Unity Rockets in Tolono.

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

On the ballot November 6th will be a referendum concerning the formation of an electric aggregate. The intention is to get a lower rate on electricity.

Dave Titus of Simec Corporation says the aggregates historically have saved people money.

[audio:titussimec102512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The proposed aggregate would not cost Ameren any money since they do not profit from the sale of electricity. If the referendum passes, any Ameren customer would be eligible.

A major fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Christian County is coming up. Vanessa Wiseman says the event is coming up next month.

[audio:wisemandartbbbs102512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the Dart Tournament will be Saturday November 10th. Call Big Brothers Big Sisters in Christian County at 824-5531.

Flea and tick problems have been at a minimum this year, possibly because of the hot dry summer. Dr. Randy Thompson of Northside Veterinary Clinic in Taylorville says the threat posed by ticks is not as bad as people may think.

[audio:drthompsonticks102512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Northside Veterinary Clinic is at 1100 North Webster Street in Taylorville.

The cost of college seems to just keep increasing. This increase in costs for 4 year colleges is actually increasing enrollment Lincoln Land Community College.

The Taylorville Main Street’s Farmers Market will come to an end for the 2012 season on Saturday.

>>Giants Clobber Cards To Win NL Pennant

(San Francisco, CA)  -- The Giants advanced to the World Series by clobbering the defending champion
Cardinals, 9-0, in Game Seven of the NLCS.  San Francisco will host the Tigers
in Game One of the Fall Classic on Wednesday.  Kyle Lohse [[ lowsh ]] was lit up
for five runs and six hits in only two-plus innings to take the loss.  St. Louis
blew a three-games-to-one lead in the best-of-seven series.

>>Bears Outslug Lions

(Chicago, IL)  --  Brandon Marshall had six catches for 81 yards and a score as the Bears outslugged the Lions, 13-7.  Jay Cutler threw for 150 yards and the score to help the NFC North-leading Bears
improve to 5-and-1.  Matt Forte [[ FOR-tay ]] rushed for 96 yards and Chicago's
defense forced four turnovers in the victory.  The Bears host the Panthers on
Sunday.

>>Rams Head To London

(London, England)  -- The Rams have arrived in London
for this Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.  St. Louis departed
yesterday in order to get adjusted to the time difference throughout the week. 
Sunday's game will kick off at noon.

>>Rams Release Ojinnaka

(Earth City, MO)  -- The Rams have released offensive lineman Quinn
Ojinnaka.  The 28-year-old was benched for Sunday's game against Green Bay after
starting the previous five contests at left guard.  Shelley Smith replaced
Ojinnaka in the lineup and St. Louis signed former Bears lineman Chris Williams
to fill the roster spot.

>>Packers' Woodson Out Six Weeks With Broken Collarbone

(Green Bay, WI)  --  The Bears rival Packers will be without defensive back Charles Woodson
until December.  Woodson suffered a broken right collarbone during Sunday's
30-20 win over the Rams and will miss six weeks.  The Packers are 4-and-3 on the
season.

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

The former Christian County Health Department Director Richard M. Ruff 39 of Taylorville has had six felony counts charged against him.

Ruff allegedly stole government property including one Apple iPhone, one Dell Latitude E5500 laptop, one Hitachi video camera, one USA Mobility pager, one external hard drive and various Christian County Health Department clothing the allegedly stolen items are worth over $500.

Ruff also allegedly obtained unauthorized control of government property. Specifically parts of the Christian County Health Department which he made withdrawals against and made various personal purchases with having a total exceeding $500.

Two of the counts filed against Ruff are for theft those two counts are both class two felonies and the other four counts filed against Ruff are for Official Misconduct those four counts are all class three felonies.

With the change in seasons, deer become more active. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says it's getting more hazardous.

[audio:sheriffdeer102412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Kettelkamp says it is usually better to hit the animal, as trying to avoid it may make the situation even worse.

[audio:sheriffdeer2102412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Although property damage is common, injuries to humans are relatively rare in deer-car collisions.

A plan to close some Illinois prisons and other facilities is on hold. Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville says even some Democrats are coming out against Governor Quinn's plan.

The Taylorville High School will be giving away winter coats to help families in need. The sizes of the coats range from kids to adult.

The process of early voting has started in Illinois. Christian County Clerk Linda Curtin says that you will need to bring a couple items with you to early vote.

The Stonington Township Library located at 500 East North Street in Stonington is having an event on November 1^st to remember the soldiers from Stonington who served in the Civil War.

People are still confused about the electric aggregate plan. The city has retained SIMEC Energy Company to explain the plan to voters.

Dave Titus of SIMEC says there is very little downside for most customers.

[audio:simec1102312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says the aggregation will have no effect on the city, nor will the city make any money on it.

[audio:simec2102312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The yes or no referendum will appear on the ballot November 6th.

All Auburn Schools will be dismissed early today at 11:30 this morning due to a power outage. This does include the Divernon Elementary School.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has selected it's Member of the Quarter. Patty Hornbuckle says the honor goes to Lincoln Land Community College.

The 2012 Pumpkin Prowl on the Taylorville Square has been cancelled. According to Becky Edwards the Program Director of Taylorville Main Street due to unforeseen circumstances the Pumpkin Prowl will not occur this Saturday October 27th as previously scheduled.

The Christian County Prevention Coalition held a special town hall meeting on the 97.3 WTIM from 2-3 pm on Monday.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp explained what the coalition is all about.

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

Judge Brad Paisley says that one of the keys to prevention is the communication between parents and children.

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

Taylorville High School student and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) member Aundrea Marsh says that saying no to peer pressure is important.

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

(From left to right, Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp, Aundrea Marsh, Tori Davis, Judge Brad Paisley and Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans)

Tori Davis also a THS Student and SADD member says that some teens don’t know the laws about drinking.

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

According to a youth survey completed by Christian County students 11% of 6^th graders have used alcohol in the past year, while 65% of Sophomores in high school have in the past year and 69% of Seniors have consumed alcohol in the past year.

The Taylorville Park Board met last night and one issue discussed at the meeting was the maintenance that needs to be done to the Manner’s Park Pool.

The Pana Panthers won on Friday night over Hillsboro 28-21 to get to 5-4 on the season. Still in the IHSA that does not necessarily mean a playoff berth.

Well on Saturday night it was announced that Pana would be in the playoffs.

Pana Coach Al Stupek says that although Pana made some mistakes early against Hillsboro early he credits his team for the comeback win.

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

Stupek says that Pana’s first round opponent in the playoffs is a good football team.

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

Pana will be going on the road to face the 8-1 Rockets of Tolono Unity. Pana does have an impressive road record this season of 4-1 though, including a victory over the South Central Champion Carlinville Cavaliers.

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

On Thursday officers were sent to 415 South Madison Street because two 10 year old males getting into a shed on the property.

>>Cards Down Giants In Game Four

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Adam Wainwright fired seven innings of four-hit, one-run ball to lead the Cardinals
to an 8-3 win over the Giants in Game Four of the NLCS.  Wainwright struck out
five and walked none to earn the win.  Jon Jay, Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina
plated two runs apiece to help the defending World Series champs take a 3-1 lead
in the best-of-seven set.  The Cards can close out the series with a win Friday
night. 

>>Braggin Rights Game Extended

(Columbia, MO)  --  Missouri and Illinois are extending their annual college basketball matchup in the Braggin
Rights game.  The two schools have agreed to continue the series through 2017 at
Scottrade Center in St. Louis.  The Tigers and Fighting Illini are set to clash
on December 22nd this year.

>>Bears Prepare For "MNF" Showdown With Lions

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bears continue to prepare for their "Monday Night Football" showdown against
the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field.  Chicago has won three straight since its
lone loss at Green Bay in Week Two.  The Bears, coming off their bye, lead the
NFC North at 4-and-1.  Detroit is 2-and-3.

>>Packers Play Rams In Dome

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Green Bay Packers head to the Gateway City to play the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome.  The Rams dropped a 17-14 decision to the Dolphins in Miami.  St. Louis is
3-and-0 at home and 0-and-3 on the road.  The Rams have been outscored 93-34 by
the Pack in the last three meetings.

>>NHL Rejects Three Union Counter-Proposals

(Toronto, Ontario)  --  The NHL is back to square one in labor negotiations.  Commissioner Gary
Bettman says the league has rejected three union counter-proposals to their
offer of a 50-50 revenue split earlier this week.  Bettman adds the players are
still insisting on a gradual drop from 57-percent to 50-percent of revenue over
several years.  No further talks are scheduled.

>>Irish Host BYU Saturday; Illini Off

(South Bend, IN)  --  The Notre Dame Fighting Irish put their perfect record on the line once again on
Saturday as they host the BYU Cougars.  The Irish are a perfect 6-and-0 on the
year following a 20-13 overtime win over Stanford last week.  Meanwhile, 2-and-5
Illinois is off this week.

On Thursday morning officers were sent to Wal Mart because an alleged shoplifter was in custody. Officers spoke with Travis Miller of loss prevention and Miller told officers that he watched as Karla J. Gregory 44 of Springfield placed clothing into her purse and exited the store without paying for items.

One of Christian County’s biggest Halloween events is coming up at the Calvary Baptist Church. The event is Trunk or Treat and Pastor Steve Switzer with the Calvary Baptist Church says that the event is a safe way to celebrate Halloween.

After one of its major yearly events, Chillifest, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce last week held a monthly event.

Chamber President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle says they held their Business After Hours get-together last week.

[audio:bahwrapuppatty101912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hornbuckle also says the Chamber has named its Business of the Quarter, Lincoln Land Community College.

WTIM Newstalk 97.3 in Taylorville will host a one-hour Town Hall meeting, with members of the Christian County Prevention Coalition as special guests on the air, on Monday, October 22, from 2:10 to 3pm.

Listeners are encouraged to call the station during the show at 824-WTIM, and talk about how to curb the county’s underage drinking and drug problem. Guests that are scheduled to appear from the Coalition include Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettlekamp, Judge Brad Paisley, and Coroner Amy Calvert Winans.

Taylorville beat South East with a score of 20-17.

Coming up on Wednesday there will be a debate in Springfield between the three candidates for the 13^th Congressional District in Illinois.

>>Cardinals Down Giants In Game Three

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Matt Carpenter clubbed a two-run homer as the Cardinals downed the Giants, 3-1, in
Game Three of the NLCS.  Carpenter came on after Carlos Beltran left after the
first inning with a strained left knee.  Shane Robinson also plated a run to
help the Cards take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.  Kyle Lohse [[ lowsh
]] tossed five-and-two-thirds innings of one-run ball to get the win.  Jason
Motte earned a two-inning save.  Rain delayed the game for nearly
three-and-a-half hours in the seventh inning.  St. Louis hosts Game Four
tonight.

>>Longtime Announcer Bob Brenly Leaving Cubs

(Chicago, IL)  -- Longtime announcer Bob Brenly will be leaving the broadcast booth at Wrigley
Field to head up another baseball broadcast operation.  Brenly, half of the "Len
and Bob" broadcast team with Len Kaspar, is leaving the team after eight years
in the broadcast booth.  Baseball insiders are speculating the Brenly could be
headed to work as a broadcaster with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. 
Brenly was manager of the D-Backs from 2001-2004, but no official announcement
of the move has been made.

>>Jenkins, Hunter Miss Practice

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins and offensive tackle Wayne Hunter missed practice
yesterday.  Both are on the injury report with back problems.  Mario Haggan and
Rodger Saffold were also absent as the team gets ready for the Packers on
Sunday.

>>NHL, Union Set To Meet Again Today

(Toronto, Ontario)  --  The NHL and the Players' Association are set to meet again today in Toronto to
discuss the league's latest labor proposal.  The NHL presented a new offer to
the union on Tuesday, proposing a 50-50 split of hockey-related revenue over a
six-year deal, with a mutual option for a seventh year.  The latest offer is
contingent on an 82-game regular season that would begin November 2nd.

The First Presbyterian Church in Taylorville has a new website. The website designer for the First Presbyterian Church Jay Traughber says that the former website designer moved.

It's been a busy time for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle says Chillifest turned out great, despite the threat of bad weather.

[audio:cfestwrapuppatty101912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The 2 day event takes place every October in downtown Taylorville.

Authorities believe they have solved a series of car burglaries that have been taking place across a wide section of Central Illinois.

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

Halden W. Burgener 64 of Moweaqua was exiting Mid-State Salvage Yard and failed to lower the dump bed and hit the power lines at the salvage yard causing a pole to fall on a vehicle and power lines to fall.

On Wednesday morning officers were sent to 404 South Clay Street in Taylorville because a 14 year old male was lying on the ground and not moving.

On Sunday afternoon officers were sent to the Taylorville Wal Mart for a disturbance. After investigation Amanda Osborn 21 of Taylorville was arrested for assault.

>>NLCS Shifts To St. Louis For Game Three

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Cardinals and Giants continue the NLCS today in St. Louis with Game Three.  San
Francisco crushed the Cards Monday night to even the series at a game apiece. 
Kyle Lohse will make the start tonight against San Francisco's Matt Cain.


>>Rams Prepare For Green Bay

(Earth City, MO)  --  The Rams are back to practice today in preparation for Sunday's home game against
Green Bay.  St. Louis fell to 3-and-3 with a 17-14 loss at Miami last week.  The
Packers will also enter Sunday's tilt at 3-and-3.

>>Bears Sign Bowman; Release Williams

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bears
re-signed cornerback Zack Bowman to a one-year contract yesterday and terminated
the contract of former first-round pick Chris Williams.  The team also released
defensive end Aston Whiteside from the practice squad.  Bowman spent the first
four seasons of his career with the Bears.  He joined Minnesota in March but was
waived on September 2nd.

>>Bulls Beat Bucks

(Chicago, IL)  --  Nate Robinson racked up 24 points and 13 assists as the Bulls beat the Bucks
100-94 last night at the United Center.  Richard Hamilton scored 23 points and
Joakim Noah posted 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls, who snapped a brief
two-game losing streak and improved to 2-and-2 in preseason play.  Chicago hosts
Minnesota on Friday.

>>League Proposes 50-50 Revenue Split With Union

(Toronto, Ontario)  --  The NHL is making a new labor proposal to
the players in an effort to end the lockout.  The league says it is proposing a
50-50 split of hockey-related revenue with no salary rollbacks.  Commissioner
Gary Bettman says the offer is contingent on an 82-game season that would begin
November 2nd.  Regular season games have already been cancelled through October
24th.

>>Cubs Lowering Ticket Prices

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Cubs are lowering ticket prices next year.  Officials say the most drastic cuts
will be in the bleachers, where the average ticket price will be slashed by
10-percent.  Meanwhile, season ticket holders will pay one-to-two-dollars less
per game than individual game tickets in the same location.

On Tuesday evening officers were on patrol traveling west on Spresser Street when they saw a domestic disturbance happening in the parking lot of the Houston Street car wash.

Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans has released the identity of the sole occupant involved in a one car vehicle crash on Tuesday morning.

The crash occurred on Rt. 29 .4 miles South of Park St, Taylorville.  53 year old Gary Alexander of Gillespie was pronounced dead on scene at 4:41A.M. The autopsy showed that Mr. Alexander died prior to the crash of natural causes relating to his heart.  Illinois State Police are handling the investigation.  Assisting at the scene were Taylorville Police, Christian County Sheriff office, Taylorville Fire, and Sutton Ambulance.

One of Pana Community Hospital's most popular events is coming up next week. Melissa Rybolt of Pana Community Hospital says the Annual Children's Health and Safety Fair will be Saturday October 27th.

[audio:ryboltfair101812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

First National Bank of Pana has donated a Nintendo Wii system which will be given away. Again, the date will be Saturday October 27th.

The Christian County YMCA will hold one of the community's favorite events next month. Chris Weitenhiller of the YMCA says their annual auction is November 9th.

>>Giants Clobber Cards To Get Even

(San Francisco, CA)  --  Angel Pagan hit a lead-off homer and the Giants went on to crush the Cardinals, 7-1, in Game Two of the NLCS.  The series is now even at one game each.  Chris
Carpenter doubled in a run in the second for St. Louis, which will host Game
Three on Wednesday.  On the mound, Carpenter allowed five runs, two earned, in
four innings to take the loss.

>>Bears Waive Bell; Sign Eldridge

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears waived running back Khalil Bell on Monday and signed tight end Brody Eldridge.  Bell rushed for 32 yards on 12 carries in two games this season.  The UCLA
product has ran for 589 yards on 131 touches in 22 career games over three
seasons, all in Chicago.  He also has 21 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown. 
Eldridge has 14 catches for 84 yards in 27 career contests with Indianapolis.

>>Rams Turn Attention To Packers

(Earth City, MO)  --  The Rams are turning the page from Sunday's 17-14 loss at Miami.  St. Louis is shifting focus to this Sunday's contest against the Green Bay Packers at Edward Jones
Dome.  The Rams and Packers each enter the game with a 3-and-3 record.

>>NHL Labor Talks To Resume Today

(Undated)  --  The NHL and players' association are set to get back to the bargaining table today with an
eye on ending the current lockout.  The two sides most recently met last
Wednesday and Thursday but discussed small issues like drug testing and free
agency, not revenue.  The regular season would have begun last Thursday but the
league has cancelled games through October 24th.

>>Bulls Host Bucks Tonight

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls continue preseason play tonight as they battle the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center.  Chicago is just 1-and-2 in exhibition action following an 82-75 setback at
Minnesota on Saturday.  The Bulls have four more preseason tilts left before
opening the regular season against Sacramento on Halloween.  Tipoff tonight is
at 7:00 p.m.

>>Bulls Waive Emmett

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls waived guard Andre Emmett on Monday.  Emmett averaged just 1.5 points and
1.5 rebounds in 3.8 minutes per game in two of the teams first three preseason
contests.  He is in his third season out of Texas Tech.  The Bulls training camp
roster is now at 16.

(Taylorville)—WTIM Newstalk 97.3 in Taylorville, will again originate its long-standing “Pigskin Playoff Preview” show featuring the Illinois High School Association state football playoff pairings, this Saturday night from 8 to 10 pm.  The show will also be streamed by clicking the WTIM icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The show will feature the first information on what local high school teams make it into the IHSA football playoffs, and who their first round opponents will be.  The show will also include live interviews with coaches whose teams make it into the playoffs.

The show’s concept was first created by the Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller in 1988, and has originated locally from MMG radio stations ever since.

(Taylorville)--The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest held its first-ever bags tournament on Saturday.17 teams participated in the first bags tournament at the event. 

The first place team calling themselves "Cruzan-Armor" consisting of Kenneth Cruzan and Jason Armor, received a 100-dollar cash prize.  Second place winners were Brett Wiseman and Jared Naber, calling themselves the "Cleveland Steamer Games", with the team winning 50-dollars.  The third place team consisted of Tom and Travis Hunt, calling themselves the "Hot Rod Hunts," and together won 20-dollars.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest thanks all the teams that participated in this first-ever event.

A new plan to extend a taxiway at Taylorville Municipal Airport is being considered. Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says as usual, there are people who don't see the benefits of Taylorville having an airport.

[audio:mayortaxiway1017121.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the cost to the city will be around $60,000.

Next month voters will be asked to approve or disapprove a new bill limiting the legislature's ability to increase pension benefits for employees.

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

On Monday Anthony Randle 44 of Peoria was going east on Route 104 and was stopped in the eastbound traffic lane to turn left onto township road 900 East.

Mandy J. Boehler 31 of Kincaid was also traveling on Route 104 and approaching Randle. Boehler said she was looking at a pedestrian and did not see Randle.

Boehler applied the brakes to her 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 and attempted to swerve to the right to avoid striking Randle's 1999 Ford Ranger.

Boehler rear ended Randle's truck though, and both Randle and Boehler were taken to the Taylorville Memorial Hospital and both of their vehicles here towed from the scene.

On Friday evening 911 paged out Taylorville Fire and EMS to 1014 West Franklin Street on a report of an allegedly intoxicated male subject who had fallen off his bike and had a head injury.

The Christian County Board met last evening and one important issue brought up at the meeting was a new revision of the liquor ordinance.

Christian County Board Chairman Paul Schmitz explained why a revision was needed on that license.

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

That revision of the ordinance passed unanimously at the meeting.

Another topic brought up at the meeting was the approval of the AFSCME contract by the board. Schmitz says that he had to abstain because of his daughter’s involvement with AFSCME from the vote, although he believes it to be a good deal for both sides.

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

That motion passed with two abstentions and one no vote by Chad Michel.

Another issue discussed at the meeting was the grant money not given to the county by the Illinois Terrorism Task force for a narrowband radio upgrade at the highway department.

The county said that there will be quotes brought up for this upgrade at the next meeting as the equipment needs to be installed by January of 2013.

The next Christian County Board Meeting will be on November 20^th.

A Taylorville holiday tradition will not be occurring this year. The Taylorville Tourism Council’s Holiday Home Tour has been an ongoing event in Taylorville for over 20 years but will not happen this year because of lack of houses to participate.

Carol Alexander with the Taylorville Tourism Council says that the event just didn’t happen this year, but says some people have already signed up for next year.

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

This year would have been the 22^nd annual Taylorville Tourism Council Holiday Home Tour.

(Taylorville)--Results have been announced from Saturday's Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest 5-K Race and Walk. The race began and ended on the southeast corner of the Taylorville square, as the kickoff to the 2012 event. There were a total of 45 participants in the 5-K race and walk. 

In the womens' division, the top 3 overall winners included Anna Lowry taking first place with a time of 23 minutes 26 seconds, 2^nd place Consuela France with a time of 24 minutes 41 seconds, and 3^rd place was Nelle Richardson with a time of 24 minutes 52 seconds.

In the mens' division, the top 3 overall winners included Jason Pochynok who won first place with a time of 21 minutes 55 seconds, Eric Gonsales taking 2^nd place with a time of 23 minutes 18 seconds, and Michael McGinnis taking 3^rd place with a time of 23 minutes 43 seconds.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation had a speaker on Friday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium to talk to the corporation about the benefits of Tax Increment Financing or TIF.

Thomas Henderson the speaker at the event who is the Executive Director of the Illinois Tax Increment Association says that TIF’s goal is to help get more businesses into a community.

[audio:TomHendersonITIA2TIFF.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Henderson says that there are many different ways TIF can be used.

[audio:TomHendersonITIA3TIFF.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Henderson also says that Taylorville is already using the enterprise zone program which is used for economically depressed areas of the state designed to stimulate growth, but Taylorville still may be able to use TIF.

[audio:TomHendersonITIA4TIFF.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Henderson also stated in his speech to the CCEDC that the city of Springfield used TIF financing to revitalize their downtown area.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation held their monthly meeting on Friday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Mary Renner the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation says that Tenaska is not dead and that there could be a new business moving into Christian County.

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

Tenaska had previously planned on having a coal gasification plant in Taylorville, but later decided to try to win legislative approval with a natural gas plant instead.

(Taylorville)--Raffle winners were announced Sunday at the end of the 27^th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

All raffle prizes can be picked up at the Chamber office during regular business hours.

(Taylorville)--Cutiest Baby Contest winners were announced Sunday, as part of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

Voting was done by donating money for a particular baby, in a jar with that baby's name and picture on it.  All proceeds benefit the Chillifest fund.

Leah Lynn Depue was the first place winner, and received a 100-dollar Greater Taylorville Chamber gift certificate.  Avril Abianna Gatton was second place winner, and received a 75-dollar Chamber gift certificate, while Maliyah Reber was the third place winner and received a 50-dollar Chamber gift certificate.  All gift certificates were donated by People's Bank and Trust, which again sponsored the contest.

Parents can pickup their gift certificates at the Chamber office during regular business hours.

(Taylorville)--8 girls participated in Sunday's Pony Tail Contest at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

There were 2 different divisions of competition for the longest pony tail:  Age 5 and under, and age 6 and over.

There was a tie for first place in the age 5 and under division.  5-year-old Ivie Mills and 5-year-old Kenna Vandervort, both had pony tails that were 21 inches long.

In the age 6 and over category, the winner was eleven-year-old Kirra Walter, who had a pony tail that was 31-and-a-half inches long. 

(Back row, from the left:  Chillifest volunteers Courtney Dees, Linda Allen, Amy Kent, and Elizabeth Hohenstein, owner of Karma Salon and sponsor of the contest.)

She had her pony tail cut off on stage by Elizabeth Hohenstein, owner of Karma Salon which sponsored the contest.  Kirra donated her pony tail to Locks for Love, an organization that makes wigs for children with cancer.

Winners in both categories were given prizes from Karma Salon.

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

Daniel L. Watkins 22 of Morrisonville was arrested for resisting a peace officer, theft and possession of a controlled substance.

John E. Zini 19 of Taylorville was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a cannabis, aggravated assault and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Christina J. Stark 44 of Decatur was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute.

Dustin M. Boyd 29 of Kincaid was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Clint A. Emery 20 of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery.

Bryan K. Jones 30 of Pana was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for theft.

Shalee M. Bayne 21 of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for driving under the influence of alcohol.

On Monday morning Claude Jamison reported to the Christian County Sheriff's Office that person or persons had allegedly taken a push mower with a honda engine, an orange Husqvarna mower deck and some misc. scrap metal from his business Butch's Sales and Service.

The items were stored outside of the business on the northeast side of the building.

The monthly Girl's Night Out event in Shelbyville is tomorrow night. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says it's being held on a special night this month.

[audio:tadgirlsnite101612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mayhall also says that the Annual Festival of Lights still needs more volunteers.

[audio:tadneedshelp101612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the Festival of Lights takes place at Shelbyville's Forest Park.

The Taylorville City Council met last evening for a brief 27 minutes and many issues were discussed at the meeting.

One issue brought up at the meeting was Kincaid water rates increase to $3.60 per 1000 gallons the maximum allowable rate.

Alderman Ernie Dorchinez of Ward III says that the reason for the increase is that the City of Taylorville is trying to make the rate even for all surrounding communities.

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

That motion passed unanimously at the meeting

An ordinance discussed at the meeting was the reimbursement of sales taxes, rebate of real estate taxes, and waiver of sewer and water tapping fees as well as building permit fees for the new Larry’s Service Center.

Alderman Martin Vota of Ward II says that this ordinance will be used on a case by case basis.

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

That ordinance passed unanimously at the meeting.

There was also a proclamation made at the meeting for the Illinois Federation of Business Women by Mayor Greg Brotherton to be celebrated this week October 15^th thru the 19^th.

All other motions, resolutions or ordinances discussed at the meeting passed unanimously and those include:

Resolution – Permanent Sanitary Sewer Agreement with James R. Hankins at 309 E. Vine Street Resolution – Permanent Sanitary Sewer Agreement with David L. and Gloria A. Brummer at 212 N. Walnut Street

Resolution – Taylorville Municipal Airport, Terms and Conditions of Accepting Airport Improvement Program Grants

Resolution – George Lumb Agreement (Dumpster Attendant)

Ordinance – Annexing Certain Territory to the City (Bernard A. and Jane E. Curvey –2100 S. Spresser)

Again all those matters passed unanimously.

All motions discussed in the committee reports also passed unanimously and they include:

Personnel Committee –

Motion to uphold AFSCME Grievance number 2012-4  by recommending that           Superintendent Speagle bid one (1) Heavy Equipment Operator position in the Water Department and Superintendent Wiseman to bid one (1) Working Foreman position in the Street/Sewer Department as requested by the AFSCME Union

Motion to approve the proposal considered for the Fire Union Contract

 Water/Environmental Committee –

Motion to authorize the annual Cathodic Protection Maintenance Agreement with Corrpro Co. for the Cherokee Street, Southwest and High School Water Towers in the amount of $1,980.00.

Motion to authorize Brotcke Well & Pump to complete repairs of the Well #2 pump and new motor for an amount not to exceed $12,598.00

Motion to approve an Irrigation Meter Policy

Lake/Airport Committee –

Motion to direct the City Clerk to prepare an ordinance to allow the sale of approximately 20,000 cubic yards of excess silt from the Locust Creek Dredging Project at a cost of $5.00 per cubic yard with the proceeds going back into the Lake Resource Fund and with the pickup time to be scheduled through Superintendent Jackson. 

Motion to direct the City Attorney to prepare a Lease and Ordinance to lease approximately 64 acres of City owned property at the South end of the Lake by the South Fork of the Sangamon River to Rick Champley, for his use only,  at $15.00 per acre October 15, 2012 thru September 30, 2013 and $20.00 per acre for October 1, 2013 thru September 30, 2014, with the stipulation that the City can break the lease any time for use for future projects with Mr. Champley being responsible for all costs’

Motion to direct the Mayor to sign the Terms and Conditions of Accepting Airport Improvement Program Grants for the Taylorville Municipal Airport

Motion regarding the dam inspection

Motion to approve the Lake/Airport Committee Minutes of October 15, 2012

Motion to approve and/or ratify payment of bills ($139,800.14)

Again all these motions passed unanimously at the meeting. The next city council meeting is scheduled for November 5^th.

Taylorville voters will soon be able to choose who will provide their electricity. Dave Titus Consultant and Broker with Simec says that there will be an informational meeting today in Tovey about electric aggregate.

(Taylorville)--Winners were announced in the 2^nd day of chilli, verde, and salsa judging on Sunday, during the 27^th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the square.

In chilli judging, first place winner was Aldo Klinghammer of Taylorville, who won 750-dollars, a plaque, and the right to participate in the International Chilli Society World Championship in 2013. Second place winner was Julie Netser of Seymour, Indiana, who won 200-dollars and a plaque. Third place winner was Bob Hall of Taylorville, who won 100-dollars and a plaque.

In chilli verde competition on Sunday, Bob Dunn of Taylorville, a first time green cook, won first place, which earned him 200-dollars and a plaque. Second place winner was Georgia Weller of Rockton, Illinois, who won 50-dollars and a plaque; third place winner was David Thordarson of Bloomfield, Iowa, who won 25-dollars and a plaque.

In the salsa judging Sunday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest, first place winner was Larry Lentz of Nicholasville, Kentucky, who won 100-dollars and a plaque. Second place winner was Georgia Weller of Rockton, Illinois, who won 25-dollars and a plaque. Third place winner was Julie Netser of Seymour, Indiana, who won a plaque.

More stories on this weekend's Chillifest, can be found by clicking the "Chillifest" icon on taylorvilledailynews.com.

-30-

CAPTION TO PIX # 009: Winners in Sunday's chilli judging at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest included, back row from the left: 3^rd place winner Bob Hall of Taylorville, Illinois; 2^nd place winner Julie Netser of Seymour, Indiana; first place winner Aldo Klinghammer of Taylorville; and chilli cook-off organizer Tom Calvert. Front row, from the left: 2012 Little Miss Chilli Pepper 4-year-old Peyton Olivia Stark, the daughter of Kristina Stark of Taylorville; and 2012 Little Mister Chilli Pepper 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana.

CAPTION TO PIX # 007: Winners in Sunday's chilli verde judging were, back row from the left: 3^rd place winner David Thordarson of Bloomfield, Iowa; 2^nd place winner Georgia Weller of Rockton, Illinois; first place winner Bob Dunn of Taylorville; and chilli cook-off organizer Tom Calvert. Front row, from the left: 2012 Little Miss Chilli Pepper 4-year-old Peyton Olivia Stark, the daughter of Kristina Stark of Taylorville; and 2012 Little Mister Chilli Pepper 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana.

CAPTION TO PIX # 003: Winners in Sunday's salsa judging at the Taylorville Chillifest were, back row from the left: 3^rd place winner Julie Netser of Seymour, Indiana; 2^nd place winner Georgia Weller of Rockton, Illinois; first place winner Larry Lentz of Nicholasville, Kentucky; and chilli cook-off organizer Tom Calvert.

Front row, from the left: 2012 Little Miss Chilli Pepper 4-year-old Peyton Olivia Stark, the daughter of Kristina Stark of Taylorville; and 2012 Little Mister Chilli Pepper 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana.

(Taylorville)--29 little girls and 13 little boys, participated in the kickoff event of the 2012 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on Saturday morning on the Taylorville square. The annual Little Miss and Little Mister Chilli Peppers, were crowned on the Chillifest stage.

In the Little Miss Chilli Pepper contest, the winner was 4-year-old Peyton Olivia Stark, the daughter of Kristina Stark of Taylorville. First runner-up was 5-year-old Lilyan Harden, the daughter of Charlotte and Todd Harden of Taylorville. Second runner-up was 5-year-old Kennady Margaret Klinger, the daughter of Aaron and Ashley Klinger of Taylorville.

In the Little Mister Chilli Pepper contest, the winner was 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana. First runner-up was 4-year-old

Dylan Ryan Dawson, the son of Matt and Patty Dawson of Taylorville. Second runner-up was 4-year-old Cash Michael O'Connell, the son of Ashley McCalister and Justin O'Connell of Taylorville.

More stories on Chillifest can be found by clicking the "Chillifest" icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

-30-

CAPTION TO PIX: The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest crowned new Little Miss and Little Mister Chilli Peppers Saturday morning. From the left: 2011 Mister Chilli Pepper Landon Douglas Bowsher, the son of Doug and Tonya Bowsher; second runner-up Little Mister Chilli Pepper 4-year-old Cash Michael O'Connell, the son of Ashley McCalister and Justin O'Connell of Taylorville; first runner-up for Little Miss Chilli Pepper 5-year-old Lilyan Harden, the daughter of Charlotte and Todd Harden of Taylorville; Little Mister Chilli Pepper 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana; Little Miss Chilli Pepper 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana; second runner up for Little Miss Chilli Pepper 5-year-old Kennady Margaret Klinger, the daughter of Aaron and Ashley Klinger of Taylorville; Little Mister Chilli Pepper first runner-up 4-year-old Dylan Ryan Dawson, the son of Matt and Patty Dawson of Taylorville; and the 2011 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Milana Henson, the daughter of Bob and Amy Henson.

(Taylorville)--Winners were announced in the first of 2 days of International Chilli Society chilli, verde, and salsa competition on Saturday during the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the Taylorville square.

In chilli judging, first place winner was Larry Lentz of Nicholasville, Kentucky, who received 750-dollars, a plaque, and the right to compete in the 2013 World Championship. Second place winner was Cathy Schmedeke of Clinton, Illinois, who received 200-dollars and a plaque. Third place winner in Saturday's chilli cook-off was Julie Netser of Seymour, Indiana, who received 100-dollars and a plaque. Jim Deere of Pana, Illinois, won 4th place and honorable mention.

In chilli verde competition, first place winner was Larry Lentz of Nicholasville, Kentucky, who received 200-dollars and a plaque. Second place winner was Larry Eastep of Springfield, Illinois, who won 50-dollars and a plaque. Third place winner in the verde competition was Lloyd Weir of Normal, Illinois, who won 25-dollars and a plaque.

In the salsa competition on Saturday, first place winner was George McMinn of Decatur, Illinois, who won 100-dollars and a plaque. Second place winner was Jill Goldberg of Madison, Wisconsin, who received 25-dollars and a plaque. Third place winner was Scott Barrett of Willow Spring, Illinois, who received a plaque, and fourth place honorable mention was won by Ally Atchison of Clinton, Illinois.

CAPTION TO PICTURE #005: Top winners in Saturday's International Chilli Society chilli competition at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest were, back row from the left: Third place winner Julie Netser of Seymour, Indiana; 2nd place winner Cathy Schmedeke of Clinton, IL; first place winner Larry Lentz of Nicholasville, Kentucky; and Taylorville Chamber Chillifest cook-off organizer Tom Calvert. Front row, from the left: Little Miss Chilli Pepper 2012 4-year-old Peyton Olivia Stark, the daughter of Kristina Stark of Taylorville; and Little Mister Chilli Pepper 2012 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana.

CAPTION TO PICTURE # 003: Winners in Saturday's chilli verde competition at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest included, back row from the left: Third place winner Lloyd Weir of Normal, Illinois; 2nd place winner Larry Eastep of Springfield, Illinois; first place winner Larry Lentz of Nicholasville, Kentucky; and Taylorville Chamber Chillifest cook-off organizer Tom Calvert. Front row, from the left: Little Miss Chilli Pepper 2012 4-year-old Peyton Olivia Stark, the daughter of Kristina Stark of Taylorville; and Little Mister Chilli Pepper 2012 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana.

CAPTION TO PICTURE # 002: Saturday's salsa judging winners at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest were, back row from the left: 4th place honorable mention won by Ally Atchison of Clinton, Illinois; 3rd place winner Scott Barrett of Willow Spring, Illinois; 2nd place winner Jill Goldberg of Madison, Wisconsin;first place winner George McMinn of Decatur, Illinois; and Taylorville Chamber Chillifest cook-off organizer Tom Calvert.  Front row, from the left: Little Miss Chilli Pepper 2012 4-year-old Peyton Olivia Stark, the daughter of Kristina Stark of Taylorville; and Little Mister Chilli Pepper 2012 6-year-old Clayton Worker, the son of Brad and Angie Worker of Pana.

The St. Louis Cardinals did the impossible Friday night in Washington, defeating the Capitals 9 to 7 in the bottom of the 9th.

The Capitals got off to a 6 to nothing lead, but the Cardinals chipped away at their lead thru-out the game.

The Cardinals begin their National League Championship Series against the Giants, Sunday night at 8pm.  Hear the game live on WTIM Newstalk 97.3.

As heard on WTIM Newstalk 97.3 Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Saturday, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Fighting Illini of Illinois 45 to 0.

As heard on WMKR Genuine Country 94.3 Saturday afternoon, Eastern Illinois University hosted Jacksonville State at Eastern's Homecoming Saturday.  The EIU Panthers beat Jacksonville State 31 to 28, scoring the winning points in the 2nd half.  EIU is now 4 and 3.  

With the deregulation of electricity a few years ago, new power companies are popping up. Taylorville voters will soon be able to choose who will provide their electricity.

Mayor Greg Brotherton says aldermen have selected a company to take the preliminary steps.

[audio:mayorsimec101512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Most local power consumers use either Ameren or one of the electric cooperatives.

>>Werth Walk-Off HR Extends Nats, Cards To Game Five
(Washington, DC)  --  Jayson Werth led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a solo home run to give the Washington Nationals a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Four of their National League Division Series.  The best-of-five set is now tied at two games apiece.  Werth connected off reliever Lance Lynn, swatting the 13th pitch of the at-bat over the wall for the walk-off win.  The deciding Game Five is tonight at 7:37 p.m.

>>Bears Enjoy Bye
(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bears will enjoy their bye this weekend.  At 4-and-1, Chicago enters its off week tied with the Vikings atop the NFC North.  The Bears will be back in action a week from Monday when they host the Lions at Soldier Field.

>>Rams, Dolphins Face Off In Miami
(Miami, FL)  --  The resurgent Rams head to South Florida to take on the Miami Dolphins Sunday at Sun Life Stadium.  The Rams recorded nine sacks in a 17-3 win over the previously unbeaten Cardinals in Week Five.  St. Louis has won two straight to improve to 3-and-2, the first time the team has been over .500 since 2006.  The Rams have lost four in-a-row in Miami and are 0-and-2 on the road this year.  The Dolphins are 2-and-3 this season.

>>Illinois Visits Michigan
(Ann Arbor, MI)  -- Illinois will be on the road to battle Michigan tomorrow afternoon.  Illinois is 2-and-4 on the season after last week's 31-14 loss to Wisconsin.  Michigan holds a commanding 68-23-and-2 lead in the all-time series.  Kick-off will be at 2:30.

>>Notre Dame Squares Off With Stanford

(South Bend, IN)  -- Seventh-ranked Notre Dame will square off with 17th-ranked Stanford in South Bend tomorrow.  The Fighting Irish moved to 5-and-0 on the season with a 41-3 win over Miami last week.  The Irish hold a 17-9 edge in the all-time series.  Kick-off will be at 2:30.

>>Mizzou Hosts #1 Alabama Saturday
(Columbia, MO)  --  The Missouri Tigers host the top-ranked and undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday at Faurot Field.  Mizzou slipped to 3-and-3 on the season and 0-and-3 in the SEC with last Saturday's 19-15 home loss to Vanderbilt.  Redshirt freshman Corbin Berkstresser will start in place of James Franklin, who sprained his left knee last week against Vandy.  The Tigers are 0-and-12 all-time against 'Bama, which is playing in Columbia for the first time since 1978.

From left to right:  Judy Prasun - from
Peoples Bank & Trust, Sr. Amber Pearse, Jr. David Gardner, Soph. Benjamin
Curtin, Fresh. Elysse Seaton and far right is Ken Hart from Peoples Bank &
Trust. 

From Left to Right are Ken Hart from Peoples Bank & Trust, Sr. Sydney Miller, Jr. Kirsten Cloyd, Soph. Keane Rogers and Fresh. Brendan Held - far right is Judy Prasun from Peoples Bank & Trust.

On WTIM, Taylorville beat Lanphier 47-6.

On WMKR, Moroa beat Central A&M 36-39.

On WRAN, Monticello beat Shelbyville 42-8.

>>Cardinals Crush Nats To Take 2-1 NLDS Lead

(Washington, DC)  --  The Cardinals are just a win away from reaching the National League Championship Series.  Pete Kozma hit a three-run homer and the Cardinals shut out the Washington Nationals 8-0 at Nationals Park to take a two-games-to-one lead in their best-of-five Division Series.  Matt Holliday went 3-for-5 with two RBI for the Redbirds, who spoiled the first playoff game in the nation's capital in 79 years.

>>Cards Can Close Out Series Today

(Washington, DC)  --  The Cardinals can close out their NL Division Series with a win in Game Four this afternoon in Washington.  Kyle Lohse will get the start for the Redbirds.  The 34-year-old veteran finished 16-and-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 33 starts during the regular season.  The Nationals will counter with left-hander Ross Detwiler, who went 10-and-8 with a 3.40 ERA in 33 games including 27 starts this year.  First pitch is at 3:07 p.m.

>>Cards' Holliday Nominated For Hank Aaron Award

(Undated)  --  Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday has been named a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award.  The honor is given to the most outstanding offensive player in each league.  Holliday batted .295 with 27 home runs and 102 RBI in 157 games this season.  Voting runs through Tuesday and the winners will be announced during the World Series.

>>Bears' Tillman Wins Weekly Award

(New York, NY)  --  Bears cornerback Charles Tillman was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week yesterday for Week Five.  Tillman racked up four tackles and had 36-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Bears' 41-3 rout of Jacksonville last Sunday.  The defense held the Jaguars to just 189 total net yards.  The Bears have their bye this week and will return to action at home against Detroit on Monday, October 22nd.

>>Soriano, Rios Named Hank Aaron Award Finalists

(Undated)  --  Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano and White Sox outfielder Alex Rios have both been named finalists for the Hank Aaron Award in their respective league's.  The honor is given to the most outstanding offensive player in each league.  Soriano hit .262 with 32 homers and 108 RBI in 151 games this season.  Rios batted .304 with 25 homers and 91 RBI in 157 contests.  Voting runs through Tuesday and the winners will be announced during the World Series.

>>Bulls Host Cavs Tomorrow At Assembly Hall

(Champaign, IL)  --  The Bulls are back in action tomorrow night as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Assembly Hall on the campus of the University of Illinois.  Chicago will then head to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves on Saturday.  The Bulls opened exhibition play with a 92-88 win over Memphis on Tuesday.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has a full agenda over the next few days. The Chillifest is Saturday and Sunday in downtown Taylorville.

Patty Hornbuckle President and CEO of the Chamber says they have had to cancel only one activity.

[audio:pumpkinpatty101212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Next week, Hornbuckle says the Chamber will sponsor its monthly Business After Hours.

[audio:pattybahcleeton101212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

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

With cooler weather here, a hot bowl of soup would be welcome, and you'll have a chance to indulge yourself this weekend in Shelbyville.

Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says a soup supper will take place Saturday to raise money for volunteer firefighters.

[audio:tadsoupsupper101212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the cost is just five dollars and kids under 12 eat free.

The Miller Media Group's newest radio station in Taylorville, HOTT Hits 96.3, got an increase in coverage and power this week.  The station signed on April 1^st from the group's Park Street studios at 918 East Park.

The station earlier this year received permission from the Federal Communications Commission, to raise its antennas an additional 60 feet on its tower south of Taylorville. 

Station engineer Glenn Hopkins, along with tower climber Brian Baker, owner of Baker Antenna Service, completed the installation of additional antennas and cabling on the tower, this week, to give HOTT Hits 96.3 additional coverage over Christian County and enabled the station to go to its maximum power of 250 watts.

HOTT Hits 96.3 features current hot adult contemporary hits from such artists as Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Train, Pink, Nickelback, Gwen Stefani, Daughtry, Coldplay, Cee Lo Green, Bon Jovi, and Bruno Mars.

The format comes live via satellite from the Dial-Global Radio Network in Valencia, California, and is also streamed by clicking the HOTT Hits 96.3 icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The station is one of 5 stations operated at the Park Street studios of the Miller Media Group at 918 East Park in Taylorville.  The company also owns and operates radio station clusters in Kewanee, Clinton and Charleston.

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

There will be a monthly online newsletter at the Taylorville Junior High School. This will be the first newspaper started at the junior high in five years.

The newspaper idea was brought to the attention of TJHS Principal Kirk Kettelkamp and Assistant Principal Beth Vincent by 6^th grader and editor of the paper Xanna Tomasello.

The first meeting of the newspaper club was on September 20^th and the club will meet every Thursday from 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm.

Sixth grader Brian Sklenka  the Technical Adviser for the paper says that he has experience with website design.

[audio:briansklenkatechguy101212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

(Pictured left to right in the back row are: Kalab Beaman, Nick Livingston, Brian Sklenka, Carter Walton, Traci Johnson, Anna Mathias and Noah Nelson pictured in the front row left to right are Tyler Davis, Jacob Kilduff, Olivia Hadley and Riley Barker. Not pictured, but also a part of the club are Xanna Tomasello, Matt Cody, Josie Gollahon, Dylan Tipsword, Lakota Clark, Jessica Mathias, Perrie Gardner, Alea Corriveau, Valerie Donnan, Blake Beckley, Taylor McArdle, Abigail Smith, Megan Myers, Raven Rozplochowski, Cali Best, Brooke Williams, Izzy Newberry, Christopher Durbin and Jacob Boehm.)

Sklenka says that he does a lot of different things for the paper.

[audio:briansklenkatechguy1012122.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Sixth grader Rayne Miller has been working to get some donations to help the new TJHS newspaper. Miller says that she likes to interview people.

[audio:raynemillerdonationgirl101212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Miller also says that she wanted to get donations to help the club because it has been so long since there has been a junior high paper.

[audio:raynemillerdonationgirl1012122.mp3]comment here[/audio]

7^th grader Noah Nelson also works for the paper in the advice column and sports column. Nelson says that he wanted to write for the newspaper because he plans on having a career in writing.

[audio:NoahNelsonadviceandsports101212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Nelson also says that the paper will cover a lot of different news stories.

[audio:NoahNelsonateam101212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The paper will be available online at the Taylorville Junior High School Website.

The Taylorville Public Library will be having a book sale this weekend. Library Director Dorothy Siles says that the event will continue through Sunday.

>>Cards Face Nats Today In Game Three

(Washington, DC)  --  The Cardinals face the Nationals this afternoon in Game Three of their National
League Division Series at Nationals Park.  The Cards evened the series at a game
apiece with Monday's 12-4 home win.  Chris Carpenter will take on former
Cardinal right-hander Edwin Jackson today.  First pitch is at 12:07 p.m. Central
time.

>>Cardinals Drop Garcia, Add Miller To Playoff Roster

(Washington, DC)  --  The Cardinals are making an injury change to their
postseason roster.  Starting pitcher Jaime [[ HIGH-may ]] Garcia has been placed
on the disabled list with a rotator cuff strain and inflammation in his left
shoulder.  Rookie Shelby Miller has been added to the roster to take Garcia's
spot.

>>Bears' Costanzo Has Thumb Surgery

(Chicago, IL)  --  Bears linebacker Blake Costanzo underwent thumb surgery yesterday and was held out of
practice.  Costanzo is not expected to miss any time as the Bears have their bye
this week.  The six-year pro has recorded four tackles in five games this
season.  In other team news, the Bears signed wide receiver Kamar Aiken to the
practice squad and released running back Harvey Unga from the practice squad. 
The Bears host Detroit on Monday, October 22nd.

>>Bulls Beat Grizz In Preseason Opener

(Chicago, IL)  --  Luol Deng scored a game-high 18
points to lead the Bulls to a 92-88 win over the Grizzlies in their preseason
opener last night at the United Center.  Nazr Mohammed added 13 points and 12
rebounds for the Bulls, who also got 13 points apiece from Richard Hamilton and
Nate Robinson.  The Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.

>>NHL To Resume Labor Talks Today

(New York, NY)  --  The NHL is set to resume labor talks with the players' union today.  According to
"USA Today," major economic issues will not be part of today's discussions. 
Tomorrow was to have been the start of the regular season.  The NHL has already
cancelled games through October 24th.

>>Veteran Goalie Hasek Retires

(New York, NY)  --  Former Blackhawks goalie Dominik Hasek [[
HAH-sick ]] is finally hanging up his skates for good.  The 47-year-old is
retiring after failing to draw interest from an NHL team.  Hasek last played in
the NHL with Detroit in 2008, helping the club win its fourth Stanley Cup in a
12-year span.  Hasek spent the first two years of his career in Chicago, going
13-4-and-2 in 25 games.

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

On Monday officers located Michael Durbin 46 of Taylorville was located at the Cork N Keg. Durbin was arrested for not registering as a sex offender.

On Tuesday evening officers were sent to the 900 block of Hawley Street in Taylorville because a male on bikes was breaking into vehicles.

The Christian County YMCA will have a presence at this weekend's Chillifest. Chris Weitenhiller of the YMCA says they will be involved in some fitness activities.

The investigation continues on the recent plane crash that took place in Taylorville in summer. Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says the city will eventually consider seeking reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of the accident.

[audio:mayorreimburse101112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The accident, which claimed the life of the pilot, took place in a residential neighborhood and caused extensive damage.

The race for the new Illinois 13^th US Congressional District is heating up. In a recent poll taken by Victoria Research Democrat and Bloomington native Dr. David Gill currently leads with 40%, Republican and Taylorville native Rodney Davis is at 39% and Independent and Edwardsville Native John Hartman has 8%.

Davis says that there are some big differences between Gill and himself.

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

Gill says that he thinks this election will come down to him not taking money from big corporations like his opponent Davis.

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

Davis says that he believes that this is a very important election because of all the recent job loss in Illinois.

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

Gill says that he believes this election is important because there are people in Washington DC that do not care about the public interest.

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

The candidates will be holding a debate at Illinois State University next Wednesday at 6 pm in the Brown Ballroom of the Boone Student Center in Normal, IL.

The Taylorville Movie Theater is coming back, after over a year of being out of business. The new Taylorville Theater will be coming back with some new renovations.

Mike Wiseman the owner of the Taylorville Theater says that the remodeling is moving along nicely.

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

Wiseman says that there will be plenty of changes inside of the building.

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

Wiseman says he is glad to bring the theater back to the community.

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

Wiseman says that the new equipment for showing the movies will be digital.

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

Wiseman has also said that the community has been very supportive of the theater coming back.

>>Cards Even Series With Nationals

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Carlos Beltran homered twice and drove in three as the Cardinals crushed the Nationals,
12-4, to even up their National League Division Series at a game apiece.  Allen
Craig and Daniel Descalso also went deep, while Jon Jay knocked in three runs
for the Cards, who lost 3-2 in Game One of the best-of-five series on Sunday. 
Lance Lynn tossed three innings of two-run ball to pick up the win in relief. 
The Nats will host Game Three tomorrow.

>>Garcia To Be Removed From Roster With Injury

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Jaime Garcia left yesterday's win over the Nationals with a shoulder injury.  The "Post-Dispatch" reports the Cardinals will remove Garcia from the NLDS roster due to the
injury.  If the Cards replace Garcia, he would be ineligible to pitch in the
NLCS.

>>Police Say Bears Fan Was Killed For Talking To Suspect's Wife

(Jacksonville, FL)  --  Police in Florida believe a Bears fan had his
throat slit for talking to the wife of his alleged murderer.  Jacksonville
County Police Lieutenant Rob Schoonover believes Matthew Hinson used a pocket
knife to kill William "Chris" Pettry.  Pettry was visiting Jacksonville from
Lake Villa to see the Bears take-on the Jaguars.

>>Bulls Open Preseason Play

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls begin preseason play against
the Grizzlies at the United Center at 7:00 tonight.  The contest is the first of
three exhibition games for the Bulls this week.  Chicago will host Cleveland at
Assembly Hall on Friday before hitting the road to face the Timberwolves on
Saturday.

>>Noah's Status Uncertain

(Chicago, IL)  --  It's unclear if Bulls center Joakim Noah will play in tonight's game against the
Grizzlies.  Head coach Tom Thibodeau said Noah missed his third straight
practice yesterday due to personal reasons.  Noah will be a game-time decision.

Even though the weather is turning cooler, there is a lot to do in the garden. Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi of the University of Illinois Extension says winter is not here yet.

[audio:poseschibulbs101012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Christian County Extension at 287-7246 to find out more information.

It's important to wear your seatbelt all year long, and with the harvest going on, and deer becoming more active, it's more important than ever.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says police strongly enforce seatbelt laws because it's their job, and because it saves lives.

[audio:sheriffseatbelts101012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Seatbelt violations are now considered primary offenses, meaning police can now pull you over for it.

One of the biggest holiday events in Central Illinois is coming up, and your help is needed. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says they need volunteers to help with the upcoming Festival of Lights at Forest Park in Shelbyville.

[audio:tadlights101012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce at 774-2221 if you have any questions.

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

One of Taylorville's newest businesses will be holding a martini party for Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce members.

The Taylorville School Board held a meeting last night and many issues were discussed at the monthly meeting.

One topic brought up was the issue of the annual financial report done by Lively, Mathias, Hooper and Noblet. The report was presented to the board by Adam Mathias.

Some important numbers brought up at the meeting was the Revenues which were near $2 million less than last year because of loss in federal and state funding at $20,402,916, and the expenditures which were at $20,412,375.

These numbers accounted for a net loss in the fiscal year of $9,459. The financial profile score of the district though was very high at 3.9. The financial profile score is rated as follows: 1.00 to 2.61 Financial Watch, 2.62 to 3.07 Financial Warning, 3.08 to 3.53 Financial Review and 3.54 to 4.00 Financial Recognition.

School Board President David Cowell says that the district has been closely watching its money.

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

In Fact the Taylorville School District was recognized at the meeting as a 2012 school search bright star award winner. This award is given to districts that shine despite their low funding. Cowell says that Taylorville’s School District does a lot with a little.

[audio:davidcowellaward101012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Also talked about at the meeting was the issue of the possible changes to the grading scales. Although these issues that were brought up previously by the curriculum committee were tabled because Superintendent Fuerstenau was not able to attend the meeting due to a death in the family.

Cowell explained why he thought the board should table these measures.

[audio:davidcowelltablingbecausefuerstenau101012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Other issues brought up at the meeting included the designation of district representatives to receive nominating petitions for the April 9 2013 board election. The two people who are going to be running are Gail Hoffman and Julie LeBeane. This motion passed unanimously.

One other issue brought up at the meeting was the overnight trip requests which included the Taylorville Girls Bowling team for December 7, 2012, January 11 2013 and January 25 2013, The Taylorville Boys Bowling team for December 27, 2012 and January 4 2013 and the Taylorville High School FFA for the National FFA Convention October 24 through October 27 in Indianapolis Indiana this trip will include all three FFA advisers. This motion passed unanimously.

The next Taylorville School Board meeting is scheduled for November 13^th.

Taylorville native Bob Hall recently won his second Verde Chili Championship at the World Championship Chili Cook-off.

Hall says that there are some simple keys to a good chili.

[audio:BobHall101012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hall says that he loves the family atmosphere and friends he has made competing in chili cook-offs.

[audio:BobHall1010122.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hall says that winning in the World Championship Chili Cook-off was very difficult.

[audio:BobHall1010123.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hall says that he plans to defend his title as Verde Chili Champion next year.

[audio:BobHall1010124.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The next World Championship Chili Cook-off will be in Palm Springs, California.  

>>Nats Knock Off Cards In Game One

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Tyler Moore's pinch-hit, two-run single in the eighth pushed the Nationals to a 3-2
win over the Cardinals in Game One of their NLDS.  Jon Jay plated a run during a
two-run second inning for the Cardinals while Adam Wainwright struck out 10 over
five-and-two-thirds innings of one-run ball in a no-decison.  Mitchell Boggs was
charged with the loss.  Game Two of the series is this afternoon as Jaime Garcia
takes the mound against Jordan Zimmerman.

>>Bears Blast Jaguars

(Jacksonville, FL)  --  Brandon Marshall had 12 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown as the Bears blew out the Jaguars, 41-3.  Jay Cuter tossed for 292 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for
Chicago, which moved to 4-and-1.  The Bears' defense scored twice via an
interception.  The Bears dive into their bye week before getting back on the
field Monday, October 22nd against the Lions at Soldier Field.

>>Rams Get Back To Work

(Earth City, MO)  --  The Rams are back to work this week in preparation for Sunday's game at Miami.  St. Louis moved to 3-and-2 last Thursday with a 17-3 win over Arizona.  The Rams are tied with
Seattle in the NFC West while both Arizona and San Francisco are 4-and-1.

>>Illini Fall To Wisconsin

(Madison, WI)  --  Montee Ball ran for
116 yards and two touchdowns to help Wisconsin in a 31-14 win over Illinois on
Saturday.  Nathan Scheelhaase threw for 178 yards and a touchdown while leading
the team in rushing with 84 yards.  The Illini head to The Big House to face
Michigan on Saturday.

>>Northwestern Falters At Penn State

(University Park, PA)  --  Penn State scored 22 unanswered points in the
fourth quarter to send 22nd-ranked Northwestern to its first loss of the season
on Saturday, 39-28.  Trevor Siemian threw for 135 yards and a touchdown in the
loss.  The Wildcats travel to Minnesota to face the Golden Gophers on Saturday.


>>Notre Dame Dominates Miami

(Chicago, IL)  --  Notre Dame dominated Miami at Soldier Field on Saturday, posting a 41-3 victory over the
Hurricanes.  Cierre Wood ran for 118 yards with two touchdowns while George
Atkinson the Third finished with 123 yards and a score.  The Fighting Irish
moved to 5-and-0, their best record since starting with eight straight wins in
2002.  The Irish host Stanford on Saturday.

Video gambling locations are popping up all over the state, and Taylorville is no exception. Mayor Greg Brotherton says gambling won't be limited taverns.

[audio:mayorvidgambling100912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Illinois Legislature legalized the concept years ago.

It's that time of year when we look for colorful fall foliage. Horticulture Educator Andrew Holzinger of the University of Illinois Extension says it's a cycle that is repeated yearly.

It’s 4H Week a celebration of all the 4H’ers across America who participate in the club that encourages turning ideas into action.

Cleeton’s Sanitation has reached its goal in donating for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

As heard on WMKR, the Springfield Foxes fell to the Racine Raiders with a score of 49-44.

Taylorville Schools could be changing their grading scales. The current grading scale for the high school is from 93-100 as an A, 86-92 is a B, 77-85 is a C, 65-76 is a D and 64 and below is an F.

Superintendent of Taylorville Schools Greg Fuerstenau says that administration members and student council members gave a presentation to the curriculum committee.

[audio:FuerstenauGradingScale1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fuerstenau says that the current grading scale might be affecting some student’s scholarship money for college.

[audio:FuerstenauGradingScale2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fuerstenau says that at the next school board meeting the grading scale issue will be brought up.

[audio:FuerstenauGradingScale3.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Many colleges use the proposed new scale including Lincoln Land Community College

>>Rams Knock Cardinals From Unbeaten Ranks

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Sam Bradford passed for 141 yards and two touchdowns as the Rams battered the
previously-undefeated Cardinals, 17-3, on "Thursday Night Football."  Lance
Kendricks and Chris Givens had the TD grabs for the Rams, who improved to
3-and-2.  The St. Louis defense recorded nine sacks, three of which were by
Robert Quinn.  The Rams play at Miami in Week Six.

>>Cards Clash With Braves In NL Wild Card

(Atlanta, GA)  --  The defending World Series champion Cardinals and Atlanta Braves meet in tonight's National League Wild Card game at Turner Field.  It's a one-game playoff as part of Major League
Baseball's new postseason format, with the winner advancing to take on the NL
East champion Washington Nationals in the best-of-five National League Division
Series.  Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] will start for St. Louis, while Atlanta counters
with Kris Medlen.

>>Illini At Wisconsin This Weekend

(Madison, WI)  --  The Illinois Fighting Illini play their second Big Ten tilt this weekend when they square off
against Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon in Madison.  The Illini have dropped
back-to-back games and are coming off a 35-7 setback to Penn State last weekend
in their conference opener.  They sit at 2-and-3 on the season.  Illinois
suffered a 28-17 loss to Wisconsin last season in Champaign.

>>Bears' Jennings Named NFC Defensive Player Of The Month

(New York, NY)  --   Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings has been named the NFC's
Defensive Player of the Month for September.  Jennings led the league with four
interceptions and registered a pick in three of the Bears' four games.  He is
part of a defensive unit that led the NFL with 14 takeaways and 11
interceptions.

>>Bears In Jacksonville

(Jacksonville, FL)  --  The Chicago Bears square off against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at
EverBank Field.  The Bears improved to 3-and-1 on the season with a 34-18 win at
Dallas on "Monday Night Football" during Week Four.  Their lone loss came in
Week Two at Green Bay.  Chicago came away with a 23-10 win over Jacksonville the
last time the two teams played in 2008.

The Taylorville Tornadoes football team will be looking for their third straight victory tonight as they face off against the Jacksonville Crimsons.

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

There's always a new scam popping up. Senior Citizen's Advocate Mac McGwire says the latest is the Jamaica scam.

[audio:macjamaica100812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, Mac advises you to reject any calls with the 876 area code. Contact your local law enforcement agency if you think someone is trying to scam you.

We are only days away from one of Taylorville's biggest yearly events. The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest is this Saturday and Sunday in downtown Taylorville.

President and CEO of the Chamber Patty Hornbuckle says it's 2 days of fun, food and entertainment.

[audio:pattychillifest100812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Listen for live broadcasts from Chillifest all weekend long on this station. Find out more information by clicking the chillifest link at taylorvilledailynews.com.

There is a new bar that has just opened up in Taylorville. Major Leagues just opened last Monday and it is being run by Tom and Penny Perry.

Democrat running for Christian County State’s Attorney Mike Havera recently picked up an endorsement by the Taylorville Police Association.

As heard on WTIM, Taylorville fell to Jacksonville with a score of 21-7.

As heard on WMKR, Central A&M defeated Warrensburg-Latham with a score of 41-6.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defeated Sullivan with a score of 35-28.

>>Rams Host Cardinals Tonight

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Rams face a
key division test tonight as they host the Arizona Cardinals in this week's
Thursday night NFL game.  The Rams are 2-and-2 on the season after beating
Seattle on Sunday, while Arizona is a perfect 4-and-0.  The Cardinals have won
10 of the last 11 meetings.

>>Rams' Jackson Questionable

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Rams running back Steven Jackson is listed as
questionable for tonight's game against the Cardinals.  Jackson has been
battling a groin strain and is on the injury list for the third straight week. 
Despite the injury, Jackson has played every game this season, totaling 195
yards.

>>Cards Edge Reds

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Matt Carpenter's RBI single in the bottom of the eighth gave the Cardinals a 1-0 win over the Reds in the season finale for the playoff-bound teams.  Victor Marte was credited with the
win.  Jason Motte earned his 42nd save.  The Cardinals will clash with the
Braves in the NL Wild Card Game in Atlanta on Friday.

>>Cardinals To Play Braves In NL Wild Card Game Tomorrow

(Atlanta, GA)  --  With the regular season all finished, the Cardinals are now gearing up for the playoffs. 
The Cards will take on the Braves in the National League Wild Card game Friday
in Atlanta.  Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] will oppose Kris Medlen.  The winner moves
on to the NL Division Series.

>>Cubs End Season With Win Over Astros

(Chicago, IL)  --  Bryan LaHair singled in the winning run in the
bottom of the ninth inning as the Cubs closed out the season with a 5-4 victory
over the Astros.  LaHair also homered for Chicago, which finished the season
61-and-101.  The Astros ended the year with a franchise-record 107 losses.

>>Floyd, Longball Lead ChiSox Over Cleveland

(Cleveland, OH)  --  Dan Johnson blasted three home runs and plated five to back seven scoreless
innings from Gavin Floyd to lead the White Sox in a season-ending 9-0 win over
the Indians.  Floyd struck out six and allowed just three hits to improve to
12-and-11 on the season.  Paul Konerko clubbed a two-run shot and Dayan Viciedo
[[ vee-cee-AY-doh ]] added a solo shot for the Southsiders, who took
two-of-three at Progressive Field to finish the season at 85-and-77.

>>NBA To Impose Fines For Flopping

(New York, NY)  --  The NBA is cracking down on flopping this season.  The league is implementing a new
rule aimed at eliminating defenders from falling down after minimal contact. 
Players guilty of flopping will be subject to a warning, followed by a
five-thousand-dollar fine for a second violation.  Fines will increase
incrementally, with a fifth infraction resulting in a 30-thousand-dollar
penalty.  Six or more violations will lead to an increased fine and/or
suspension.  The Chicago Bulls play their preseason opener on Tuesday, October
9th against the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center.

The Christian County Farm Bureau has a newly designed website. Melissa Herwig of the Farm Bureau says they needed to simplify it a little bit.

[audio:herwigwebsite100512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Melissa Herwig is celebrating her first year at the helm of the Farm Bureau this month. Again, the website address is christiancofb.com.

There is some confusion regarding two events involving The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. People are confusing an upcoming open house at Gowin Parc with one of the Chamber's Business After Hours events.

Patty Hornbuckle, Chamber President and CEO, says the open house is next week.

[audio:pattygowin100512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hornbuckle says the Business After Hours event is the following week.

[audio:pattybah100512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Chamber at 824-4919.

For some people, going to the polls on election day presents a lot of challenges. If you are one of those, Christian County Clerk Linda Curtin says you can have a ballot mailed to you.

[audio:curtinabsentee100512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, call the Clerk's office at 824-4969.

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

On Wednesday evening officers were called to Sonny's Place because of an alleged hit and run.

The suspect's vehicle was located by officers and after investigation John A. Westbrook 42 of Taylorville was arrested for leaving the scene of an accident, vehicle damage and failure to report an accident to police.

These are the Pana High School Sept. students of the month: from left to right are George Heinz from Peoples Bank and Trust, Junior Morgan Franklin, Sophomore in middle Taylor Strom and Freshman Kody Daniel. Not pictured was the Senior student of the month Lucrisha Weddle.

IDOT workers found something unexpected when they were working on the new Route 29 recently, a pipeline that could affect the building of Route 29.

Mike Bell the Co-Chairman of Project 29 says that the people with Rocky Mountain Pipeline are already working to fix the issue.

[audio:MikeBellPipeline10512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Bell says that the pipeline was thought to be deeper underground.

[audio:MikeBellpipeline210512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The new Route 29 is slated to be completed by October of 2014.

>>Reds Roll Cards
(St. Louis, MO)  --  Scott Rolen drilled a solo home run as the Reds dropped the Cardinals, 3-1.  Chris Carpenter struck out seven over six innings of three-run ball for the Cards, who clinched the final Wild Card spot in the NL after the Dodgers fell to San Francisco.  Matt Holliday hit a sac-fly in the first for the Cards' lone run.  Adam Wainwright gets the nod opposite Homer Bailey in tonight's regular-season finale.

>>'Stros Shut Out Chicago
(Chicago, IL)  --  Jason Castro clubbed a solo home run to back six scoreless innings from Bud Norris as the Astros shut out the Cubs, 3-0, last night at Wrigley Field.  It marked the first meeting between 100-loss teams since 1962.  Starlin Castro went 2-for-4 while playing in his franchise-record 161st game of the season at shortstop.  The Cubs and Astros close out the 2012 campaign this afternoon.

>>Indians Down White Sox In 12
(Cleveland, OH)  --  Jason Donald's RBI single in the bottom of the 12th gave the Indians a 4-3 win over the White Sox last night at Progressive Field.  Orlando Hudson smacked an RBI single for the White Sox, who were eliminated from playoff contention on Monday.  Matt Thornton was charged with the loss.  The Southsiders wrap up their season this evening.  Gavin Floyd will toe the rubber against David Huff.

>>Rams Take On Cardinals Tomorrow
(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Rams are putting the finishing touches on their game plan for tomorrow night.  They host the 4-and-0 Arizona Cardinals in the NFL's Thursday night game this week.  The Rams are 2-and-2 after Sunday's win over Seattle.  Arizona has won 10 of the last 11 against the Rams.

>>Illini Prepare For Badgers
(Champaign, IL)  --  Illinois will be on the road this Saturday against Big Ten rival Wisconsin.  The Fighting Illini lost 35-7 at home to Penn State in their conference opener this past Saturday.  The Illini are now 2-and-3 overall.  The Badgers lost 30-27 at Nebraska to drop to 3-and-2 and 0-and-1.

>>Mizzou Hosts Vanderbilt Saturday
(Columbia, MO)  --  Missouri welcomes Vanderbilt to Faurot Field for a game this Saturday night.  The Tigers got past UCF 21-16 this past Saturday to improve to 3-and-2 overall.  Mizzou is still seeking its first SEC win, having lost to Georgia and South Carolina.  The Commodores come in at 1-and-3.

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

On Sunday officers were sent to Kroger in Taylorville because of an alleged retail theft. The loss and prevention officer said that the suspect had been detained.

On Tuesday afternoon officers were sent to Taylorville High School to speak with Principal Robert Richardson because a student was allegedly in possession of contraband.

After investigation a 17 year old male juvenile was arrested for possession of cannabis, delivery/manufacturing of cannabis and possession of tobacco by a minor.

The 16^th annual Scarecrow Daze is coming up this weekend in Shelbyville. Katie Harley with the Scarecrow Daze says that the event celebrates fall.

A public transportation system is being considered for Taylorville. Jerry Mahr of the Christian County Senior Citizens Center says they will be a big part of it.

The trend in elder care seems to be toward assisted living. Lisa Schmitz of the Villas of Hollybrook says they offer a number of services at several locations.

There is another candidate running for the office of City Treasurer in Taylorville. Melvin White III will be running for the office.

White says that he wants to run for office because of conversations he had with his grandfather.

[audio:melvinwhite3citytreasurer.mp3]comment here[/audio]

White is currently a professor at Lincoln Land Community College and he says that, that experience would help him as the City Treasurer.

[audio:melvinwhite3citytreasurer2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

White says that he was born and raised in Taylorville, and that will help him if he is elected the City Treasurer.

[audio:melvinwhite3citytreasurer3.mp3]comment here[/audio]

White’s opponents in the race for City Treasurer are Mike Demichael and Jacqueline Nation.

>>Bears Blast Cowboys

(Arlington, TX)  --  Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs returned interceptions for touchdowns as the Bears blasted the Cowboys, 34-18.  Jay Cutler threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns for the
Bears, who improved to 3-and-1.  Brandon Marshall had seven catches for 138
yards and a score in the win.  The Bears visit the Jaguars on Sunday.

Cards Inch Closer To Wild Card Spot

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Jaime [[ HIGH-me ]] Garcia homered and pitched into the seventh inning to lead the
Cardinals to a 4-2 win over the Reds.  Garcia struck out six over
six-and-two-thirds innings to improve to 7-and-7.  Jason Motte earned his 41st
save.  St. Louis' magic number to clinch the second NL Wild Card spot is one. 
Chris Carpenter will oppose Mat Latos [[ LAY-tose ]] in the second game tonight.

>>Astros Blank Cubs

(Chicago, IL)  --  Lucas Harrell and three relievers combined on a two-hitter as the Astros blanked the Cubs, 3-0, in the first of a three-game series. Jason Berken allowed two runs in
four-and-two-thirds innings to fall to 0-and-3.  The Cubs suffered their 100th
loss of the season.  Chris Volstad and Bud Norris are slated to start the middle
game of the series tonight.

>>White Sox Hammer Indians

(Cleveland, OH)  --  Dayan Viciedo hit a grand slam and plated five as the White Sox hammered the Indians, 11-0.  Despite the win, Chicago was eliminated from playoff contention when the Tigers
beat the Royals.  The Tigers captured the AL Central title with the win.  Adam
Dunn knocked in two runs for the White Sox.  Hector Santiago struck out 10 over
seven innings of one-hit ball to improve to 4-and-1.  The series continues at
6:05.

>>Bulls Give Thibodeau Four-Year Extension

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls have given head coach Tom Thibodeau [[ TIBB-oh-doh ]] a four-year contract
extension.  Thibodeau is entering his third season as Bulls head coach.  He has
compiled a 112-and-36 record with two Central Division titles in his first two
seasons with Chicago.

>>Illini At Wisconsin Saturday

(Champaign, IL)  --  Illinois is preparing for Saturday's game at Wisconsin.  The Fighting Illini were drilled
35-7 at home by Penn State in their Big Ten opener this past weekend.  Illinois
is now 2-and-3 overall.  The Badgers lost 30-27 at Nebraska and are now 3-and-2
overall and 0-and-1 in the Big Ten.

>>Rams Host Unbeaten Cardinals Thursday

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Rams are working on a short week as they prepare for Thursday night's home game
against the undefeated Cardinals.  The Rams evened their record at 2-and-2 with
a 19-13 victory over Seattle this past Sunday.  Arizona is 4-and-0 after a 24-21
overtime win against Miami.

Budget cuts are forcing a program for Seniors to eliminate some meals. According to Judy Gates of the Christian County Senior Citizens Center says they are still providing a meal.

October is a busy month for the American Cancer Society. Shane Squires of the ACS says a kick-off event was held recently in Springfield.

[audio:squires100312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Squires says Judy Barr-Topinka is a part of the activities.

[audio:squires2100312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight Illinois women will be diagonsed with breast cancer during her lifetime.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association announced today that it is honoring Miller Media Group local farm broadcaster Jared White, as its "2012 Excellence in Media" award winner. 

The award is given a member of the media each year, who promotes Illinois Corn Growers thru their coverage.

White will be presented the award at the association's annual meeting November 20 in Bloomington.

White serves as the local farm broadcaster for 3 of the Miller Media Group radio stations:  WHOW Clinton, WTIM Taylorville, and WRJM Charleston.  White was promoted to the position in May 2011.

White also serves as program director at WHOW-WEZC in Clinton.  White and his family reside in Clinton.

Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller said that the company is very proud of White's work providing local farm shows to listeners across Central Illinois every day.  Miller added that White's recognition by the Corn Growers, is very deserving.

In the race for the Appellate Judge of District 5 Republican Steve McGlynn just received a big endorsement. McGlynn has been endorsed by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

Taylorville’s Mayor Greg Brotherton has decided that he would like to run for a second term as mayor. Brotherton says that the city has been able to accomplish a lot in the last 4 years.

On Sunday morning officers were sent to 1218 Pauline Street in reference to a 911 hang up call. Officers arrived and saw the victim on the living room floor with Christopher Scallions 24 of Taylorville on the top of her.

Almost every website includes a "FAQ", or frequently asked questions section. Social Security's website is no exception.

Jack Myers of Social Security in Springfield says they have just updated their FAQ page.

[audio:myersfaq100212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Go to SSA.gov and click on FAQ.

Tomorrow night is College Night at Taylorville High School. Scott Stallman of Lincoln Land Community College says they will be there.

[audio:stallmancollegenight100212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Stallman says that although LLCC is still referred to as a Junior College, that the term Community College is more accurate.

[audio:stallmacollegenight2100212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, college night at Taylorville High School is Wednesday evening.

Kincaid South Fork held their homecoming Saturday evening, September 29th.

Attendants were freshmen, Ayryan Siebert and Austin Day, sophomores, Courntee Grafton and Shane Eggiman, juniors, Marissa Lyons and Chris Jack and seniors, Lexy Crowder and Dylan Eggiman, Kelsey Pop and Schylur Zippay with Tristan Payne and Dalton Pop being chosen as Queen and King. The Homecoming theme was "Candyland".

The Taylorville City Council met last evening and one topic of discussion brought up at the meeting was the issue of what money will be used to pay for the repair of sidewalks near the cemetery on Cherokee and Gandy Streets that are owned by the city easement.

Alderman Martin Vota of Ward II says he believes that he believes that the $10,000 fixing of the sidewalks should be paid by the general fund.

[audio:Votacemetarysidewalk10212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

There have been two incidents of injuries on the sidewalks including a person who fell and broke his arm. The motion to fix the sidewalks was tabled unanimously by the council.

Also brought up at the meeting was the issue of a residency requirement for city employees. Alderman Earl Walters of Ward IV says that he thinks Taylorville should look at what the Springfield City Council is doing when it comes to a residency requirement.

[audio:WaltersResidencyRequirement10212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Alderman Rob Heberling of Ward II said after Walter’s statements that although he may have voted for a residency requirement that the decision has come from an arbitrator and that is why the city must pass this through. The motion to direct the City Attorney to amend to the Taylorville City Code as it pertains to residency requirements did pass with a 7-1 vote at the meeting.

Another issue brought up at the meeting was establishing the salary of the Mayor, Aldermen, City Clerk and the City Treasurer.

Alderman Shawn Burtle of Ward IV voted no to the motions for the Mayor and the City Clerk and City Treasurer salaries.

Burtle says that he voted no because he believed the Mayor and City Clerk’s salary increase should be more consistent.

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

Those two separate motions for the Mayor and for the City Clerk and City Treasurer both passed 7-1. The motion for establishing the Aldermen’s salaries passed unanimously.

The mayor's salary under the plan will be $45,450 for the fiscal year starting May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014 and will incrementally increase to $45,904.50 for the next fiscal year, $46,363.55 and then to $46,827.19.

The alderman's pay will be consistent without an increase of $579.63 per month for the next 4 fiscal years. Both the City Clerk and City Treasurer's salary will stay at $54,367 for the next 4 fiscal years.

An Oath of Office was performed at the meeting for the new Fire Captain Ron Smith (pictured above) as well.

All other motions passed unanimously at the meeting and they include:

Motion to direct the City Attorney to amend Section 10-4-3A-6 of the Taylorville City Code to include Residential 1 (R-1)

Motion to direct the City Attorney to amend the Sections in the Taylorville City Code as it pertains to residency requirements

Motion to approve the transfer of $100,000.00 from the General Fund to the Water Fund for the repayment of the Water Fund Loan

Motion to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance regarding an incentive package with Larry’s Service Center

Motion to approve the bid of $11,250.00 from Neikes Floor Covering for carpet for the                            Council Chambers, and the City Clerk and City Treasurer’s offices

Motion to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance renaming the one block area of Roosevelt Road, located from Springfield Road to Northwestern Avenue, to North Lincoln Avenue         

Motion to approve Change Order #1 with TNT Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $6,400.00                   which includes furnishing and installing (1) 54”x54”x48” tee, (1) section of 48” pipe on tee and (1) 48” cap for the Ward II-City Park Addition, Phase 3 Storm Sewer Project

Motion to approve the purchase of a Propeller Pump for the Cleveland and Long Lift Station from Vandevanter Engineering at a cost of $23,064.93, for the pump only with installation to be billed later

Motion to approve the purchase of a Transducer for the Cleveland and Long Lift Station from Vandevanter Engineering at a cost of $2,055.19 which includes labor and mileage

Motion to approve the purchase of a Controller and Transducer for the Industrial Park Lift Station from Vandevanter Engineering at a cost of $4,538.32, which includes labor, installation and testing after the repairs have been completed

Motion to approve Pay Request #1 from TNT Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $98,399.07 for the Ward II-City Park Addition-Phase 3 Storm Sewer Project.  This amount includes 10% retainage

Motion to approve and/or ratify payment of bills ($459,815.04)

The next Taylorville City Council meeting is scheduled for October 15^th.

The race for City Treasurer in Taylorville has a new candidate. Jacque Nation has decided to run. Nation says that she can do the job.

>>Beltran Powers Cards Past Nats

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Carlos Beltran hit a two-run homer from each side of the plate and drove in five to
power the Cardinals to a 10-4 win over the Nationals.  Pete Kozma went 3-for-3
with three RBI for St. Louis, which built an early 7-0 lead and moved closer to
clinching the second Wild Card in the National League.  Lance Lynn struck out
nine over five-and-a-third innings of four-run ball for his 18th win.  The Cards
close the season out hosting a three-game series with the Reds beginning
tonight. 

>>Cubs Down D'Backs

(Phoenix, AZ)  --  Anthony Rizzo was 3-for-5 with a RBI and two runs scored in the Cubs 7-2 win over the Diamondbacks.  With the victory Chicago avoided being swept in the three-game series.  Chris Rusin
improved to 2-and-3 dealing five innings of two-run ball, only one of which was
earned.  The Cubs finish out the season with a three-game seres against the
Astros at Wrigley Field kicking off tonight.

>>Rays Top White Sox

(Chicago, IL)  --  B.J. Upton went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and a solo shot to power the Rays to a 6-2 win over the White Sox.  Alex Rios had an RBI single for Chicago, which fell three games
behind Detroit in the AL Central with three to play.  Starter Jose Quintana took
the loss.  The Sox start a series in Cleveland tonight.

>>Illini Lose At Home

(Champaign, IL)  --  Nathan Scheelhaase tossed for 270 yards and two interceptions as Illinois fell to Penn State, 35-7.  Running back Josh Ferguson was 1-of-1 for a 22-yard touchdown toss in
defeat.  Illinois is at Wisconsin on Saturday.

>>Rams Sink Seahawks

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Johnny Hekker threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Danny Amendola on a fake field goal as the Rams sunk the Seahawks, 19-13.  Sam Bradford threw for 221 yards and an interception for
the Rams, who improved to 2-and-2.  Greg Zuerlein booted four field goals,
including makes from 60 and 58 yards in the win.  Up next, the Rams host the
4-and-0 Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night.

>>Bears Face Cowboys

(Arlington, TX)  --  The Chicago Bears square off against the Dallas Cowboys tonight in Arlington.  The Bears' defense allowed just a 160 total yards of offense with no touchdowns, sacked Sam Bradford six
times and returned an interception 45 yards to the house en route to a 23-6 win
over St. Louis in Week Three.  The "Monsters of the Midway" edged the Cowboys,
27-20, the last time the two teams met in 2010.

>>Europe Rallies To Take Ryder Cup

(Medinah, IL)  --  Europe equaled the largest comeback in Ryder Cup history, beating the U.S.
14-and-a-half points to 13-and-a-half.  Martin Kaymer's [[ KIGH-mer's ]]
six-foot putt on 18 beat Steve Stricker to clinch the win.  Europe overcame a
10-6 deficit to match the Americans' rally in 1999 at Brookline.

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

Jennifer A. Girard 24 of Taylorville was arrested on two bond forfeiture warrants both for unspecified statutes.

Sarah A. Robinett 23 of Springfield was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Jeremy T. Emery 19 of Taylorville was arrested for consumption of liquor, mob action and aggravated battery.

Travis Brandt 19 of Taylorville was arrested for consumption of liquor.

Dale W. Harker 50 of Taylorville was arrested for aggravated assault.

Diamond L. Buttery 24 of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery.

Tina M. Long 45 of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for battery causing bodily harm.

Robert D. Burke 31 of Chesterfield was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for burglary.

Amanda K. Spear 32 of Pana was arrested on an original arrest warrant for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Tyler N. Bright 20 of Moweaqua was arrested for possession of liquor, mob action and aggravated battery.

Bonnie J. Bodovich 58 of Tovey was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for operating a vehicle without insurance.

Christopher D. Scallions 24 of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery.

Brandi E. Mears 22 of Decatur was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tyler J. Brandis 19 of Taylorville was going east on township road 2100 North when Brandis went off the roadway on the north side of the road.

Brandis traveled 430 feet off the pavement and corrected to come back on the pavement. Brandis left 230 feet of skid marks on the roadway and struck the ditch on the south side of the roadway, causing the vehicle to rollover.

Brandis stated that he had been drinking. Brandis was issued a zero tolerance with a result of a .091 blood alcohol level. Brandis was also issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Brandis' 2008 Ford F100 was towed from the scene and there was no medical treatment received by Brandis.

On Friday officers were sent to the Taylorville Junior High School in regards to an alleged battery. Officers located the 13 year old  juvenile and the juvenile was placed under arrest for battery, processed and released to their father.

On Friday evening officers received a report of a battery that occurred at Taylorville High School during the football game.

On Saturday Cathy Kronkow reported to the Taylorville Police Department that unknown subjects entered her vehicle and stole a Garmin Nuvi GPS.