The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the entire Regional Radio listening area until 6 o'clock Tuesday morning.

Meteorologists say a break in the snow will be followed by redevelopment overnight, with light to moderate snow expected. Snowfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches will be common across central and southeast Illinois, with 4 inches possible south and west of Springfield. The snow may mix with or change to light freezing rain south of Interstate 70 overnight with minor icing.

Snow-covered roadways will create hazardous driving conditions during the overnight hours into early Tuesday morning. Motorists are urged to use caution when driving over the New Year's holiday.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln issued a special weather statement early Sunday morning, calling for snow across Central Illinois on Monday into Monday night.

The Weather Service says an upper-level distrurbance interacting with an approaching cold front, will bring a period of light snow to parts of central and southeast Illinois Monday, with snow developing across the area by mid-to-late morning, then continue thru-out the afternoon into the evening.

The Weather service says at this time, they're expecting one to 2 inches of snow along and south of a Rushville to Lincoln to Rantoul line. Slightly higher amounts of 2 to 3 inches will be likely along and south of Interstate 70.

While snowfall totals are expected to remain light, snow-covered roadways could create hazardous driving conditions Monday afternoon and evening. The Weather Service says that if you have New Year's Eve travel plans, exercise caution and plan on extra travel time.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defeated South Central with a score of 30-27.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes defeated Paris 45-43.

>>Illini Face Auburn In Chicago

(Chicago, IL)  -- The Illini battle the Auburn Tigers at the United Center tomorrow afternoon.  Illinois is
coming off its first loss of the season, an 82-73 setback to rival Missouri. 
Illinois is 12-and-1 and the Tigers are 5-and-6 overall. You can hear that game on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM on Saturday.

>>Seahawks Host Rams Aiming For Perfect Home Record

(Seattle, WA)  -- The playoff-bound Seattle Seahawks look to finish off a perfect regular
season at home as they host the St. Louis Rams on Sunday at CenturyLink Field. 
St. Louis is trying to finish above .500 for the first time since 2003.  The
Rams are 7-7-and-1 on the season, including a 19-13 home victory over Seattle in
Week Four.

>>Bears Battle Lions Clinging To Playoff Hopes

(Detroit, IL)  --  The Chicago Bears battle the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Ford Field clinging to
their playoff hopes.  After a second-half collapse, the Bears find themselves on
the outside looking in.  They need a win and a Minnesota loss to Green Bay to
earn a trip to the NFC playoffs.  After starting the season 7-and-1, the Bears
dropped five of their next six games.

>>Hall Of Famer Fisk Pleads Guilty To DUI

(Joliet, IL)  --  Former major league catcher and Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk pleaded guilty to a
misdemeanor DUI charge on Thursday.  He was found in a New Lenox farm field on
October 22nd passed out behind the wheel with an open bottle of vodka in his
truck.  According to the "Chicago Tribune," Fisk was also under the influence of
prescription drugs.  The 65-year-old spent 24 seasons in the big leagues,
amassing a .269 average with 376 home runs and 1,330 RBI with the White Sox and
Red Sox.

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

There is a chance of some winter weather hitting the Central Illinois area on New Year’s. This weather could leave some driver’s stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Mike Crews Christian County Emergency Manager says that if you are stuck there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe.

[audio:mikecrewssnowyconditionsdrivingin2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Many Southern Illinois counties already received snow last week, after a very mild winter last year.

People driving through Taylorville may notice a new sign, for a new restaurant. That restaurant is Los Rancheros. Hector Lopez the owner of Los Rancheros says that he is glad to bring Los Rancheros to Taylorville.

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

Lopez says that they will be hiring a good amount of employees at Los Rancheros.

[audio:hectorlopezlosrancherossignisup2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Lopez says that he likes the location of the new Los Rancheros and also says that the restaurant will be worth the wait for construction.

[audio:hectorlopezlosrancherossignisup3.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Los Rancheros is located in front of the Grand Plaza Shopping Center.

There is an interesting little shop on the square in downtown Taylorville you may have heard of or seen, but don’t know much about. That shop is The Best for Less.

Ed Downs the owner of The Best for Less says that The Best for Less is a one stop shop for all your gift giving needs.

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

Downs says that customer service is very important at The Best for Less.

[audio:eddownsbestforlesswhytheystandout2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Best for Less is located on the South Side of the Taylorville Square and you can contact them at 713-2600.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville fell to Altamont with a final score of 45-48

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Tornadoes lost to the Charleston Trojans with a final score of 73-76

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes defeated Rantoul 71-57.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes fell to Effingham 45-29.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Tornadoes defeated Galesburg 61-57.

The Taylorville Development Association held their annual meeting this past week at the People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville.

The Taylorville Park Board moved to replace 2 exterior motion sensors on the existing security system at the park pool. Wareham Security submitted 2 options for replacement of the faulty sensors. The first to replace with the closest replacement available since the present system is obsolete, would costs $297 plus $160 labor. However, these replacements would not be as effective as the present sensors. The second option was to replace with a new control system that allows for wireless sensors. The costs for the wireless system would be $899 for parts and $300 for labor. After much discussion, it was agreed by all present that the system needed upgrading so the bid for the wireless system was accepted.

The Park and Finance director reported that all the figures for Christmas in the Park were not yet available, however, a total of 4091 vehicles were counted for having viewed the displays and a total of $9844.67 was collected through donations at the park. This figure was down approximately $400 from last year, but it was felt to be a good response considering Christmas in the Park was decreased from 17 nights to 14 this year.

In other business, the Treasurer’s report for November 2012 stated a beginning balance of $478,954.31 with receipts of $71,340.59 and expenditures of $44;999.50, leaving a balance of $513,561.16.

At approximately 7:20 the board approved the motion to go to Executive Session to discuss personal matters.

Project 29 held their last meeting of 2012 on December 19^th. Mike Bell the Co-Chairman of Project 29 says that the group will hold another meeting in January before taking a month off in the winter.

The Taylorville Development Association held their annual meeting on Thursday at noon at the People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville.

>>Five Bears Earn Pro Bowl Selection

(undated)  --  The Chicago Bears had five players named to the NFC squad for the 2013 Pro Bowl. 
Cornerbacks Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman join defensive end Julius Peppers,
defensive tackle Henry Melton and wide receiver Brandon Marshall in the Pro
Bowl.

>>Bears Sign Nolan

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears signed free agent safety Troy Nolan on Wednesday.  Nolan played in a combined seven games with Houston and Miami this season, posting six tackles.  The 26-year-old has 71
tackles and three interceptions in 37 career games.

>>Rams Absent From Pro Bowl

(Undated)  --  The St. Louis Rams will be without a player at this season's Pro Bowl in Hawaii.  They were one of eight teams to not have a single player selected to the NFL's All-Star Game.  If the
Rams win on Sunday, they will finish the season above .500 for the first time
since 2003.

>>Finnegan Out Of Practice

(Undated)  --  Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan sat out of practice on Wednesday with a thigh injury.  He was out all last week due to the injury.  Finnegan did not start last week, snapping his
56-game start streak at corner.

>>Bulls, Pacers Postponed

(Indianapolis, IN)  --  A snowstorm that hit the Indianapolis area forced the postponement of the Bulls-Pacers game Wednesday.  The game will be rescheduled for a later date.  The Bulls return
home to Chicago to face the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

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

Jefferey L. Manuel 48 of Pana was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for an unspecified statute.

Jennifer M. Burkhart 35 of Blue Mound was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for operating a vehicle without insurance and a deceptive practice.

Jonathon J. Burgener 27 of Stonington was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for residential burglary.

Frances M. Weber 23 of Pana was arrested for criminal damage to property, burglary, residential burglary and possession of burglary tools.

Last Thursday officers saw a vehicle going east on East Park Street in Taylorville at a high rate of speed. Officers then turned around and made a traffic stop on the vehicle at the intersection of Oak and Long Streets.

On Christmas night the Taylorville Fire Department responded to a passenger vehicle fire at the residence of 101 West Calloway Street in Taylorville.

You'll be hearing more and more about the Taylorville Development Association's plans to raise money for the city Industrial Park.

Patty Hornbuckle, President and CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, says it's an effort that has to be made.

[audio:pattytda122812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

There is a TDA meeting scheduled for noon today.

With the holidays almost over, thoughts turn to coming activities. Steve Turner of the American Cancer Society says planning is well underway for this summer's Relay for Life.

[audio:turnerrelaymeetings122812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, Relay for Life will be in June.

Miller Media Group radio stations WRAN Solid Gold 98.3 in Shelbyville, WYEC Rewind 93.9 Quad Cities, WEZC 95.9 in Clinton, WRJM 1270 AM/107 FM Charleston, and groovy 93.5 Taylorville, will simulcast the annual All-Night New Year’s Party, from 11pm New Year’s Eve, until 5:00am New Year’s Day.

Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller will emcee the show, which will feature request and dedications of easy and top 40 hits from the 50’s thru the 80’s.  The show will also feature listener contests and give-aways.

The show will also feature messages asking listeners to “Don’t Drink and Drive” over the New Year’s holiday. Miller began doing a New Year’s Show on his stations since the late 1980’s.The phone number to call in requests or to participate in contests during the show will be toll-free 1-866-500-9726.

There is a lot of talk about taxes recently, and it's not done yet. Christian County voters will decide soon about a School Facilities Sales Tax.

Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau, Superintendent of Taylorville Schools, says it's something all the school boards in the county will deal with.

[audio:fursteneautax122812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The elections will take place in April

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Boys defeated Mattoon with a score of 65-51.

As heard on WMKR, the Lady Tornadoes defeated Eisenhower with a score of 46-25.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defeated Effingham St. Anthony with a score of 52-50.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Tornadoes defeated the Rochester Rockets 53-39.

>>Rockets Blast Past Bulls

(Chicago, IL)  --  Nate Robinson scored a game-high 27 points off the bench for Chicago but the Bulls were crushed by the Rockets, 120-97.  Marco Belinelli had 15 points and Luol Deng [[ loo-OLL 
dang ]] netted 14 points for the Bulls, who have dropped two straight.  Joakim
[[ joe-keem ]] Noah scored eight points with nine boards in the setback.  The
Bulls play in Indianapolis against the Pacers tonight.

>>Illinois Faces Auburn Saturday

(Chicago, IL)  --  Illinois will be back on the court this Saturday in Chicago against Auburn.  The Fighting
Illini fell to 15th in the latest "USA Today" poll after suffering their first
loss of the season last week to Missouri.  The Illini are 12-and-1 on the
season.

>>Bears Get Prepared For Lions

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears are back to work today, getting prepared for Sunday's regular season finale in
Detroit against the Lions.  Chicago is searching for a playoff spot, but will
need some help to achieve it.  The Bears will be postseason-bound with a victory
and a loss or tie by the Vikings against the Packers.  Chicago can also get in
with a tie and a Minnesota loss.

>>Rams Gear Up For Finale

(Earth City, MO)  --  The Rams are back to work today preparing for Sunday's season finale against the Seahawks.  St. Louis is 7-7-and-1 after last week's victory over the Buccaneers.  Seattle is
playoff-bound at 10-and-5 and will be playing for a chance at the NFC West
title.

Recent shootings have some Americans calling for stricter gun laws. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says mental illness, which goes hand in hand with drug abuse, is a big part of the problem.

[audio:sheriffmentalillness122112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The shooting incidents are bringing calls for a ban on assault weapons and stricter background checks on gun owners.

A lot of snow has been hitting the Southern Illinois area in the past few days and some people may be wondering how they can be prepared to drive in this snowy weather.

As heard on WTIM, Taylorville defeated Rantoul 76-35.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defeated Vandalia 55-42.

The Christian County Historical Society is coming out with a book. Jodi Heberling President of the Christian County Historical Society says that the book will be released in a few months.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln says a winter storm will continue to take shape across Texas this morning, then lift northeast through the day. By Wednesday morning, it is expected to be centered in south central Tennessee. This type of track would favor the potential for heavy snow across portions of southern Illinois and western Indiana.

No travel impacts are expected during the daylight hours Tuesday, but snow is expected to spread northward across east central and southeast Illinois Tuesday night, and continue through much of Wednesday before diminishing from west to east.

Areas along and south of the I-70 corridor have the best potential for seeing at least 6 inches of snow out of this system. Snowfall amounts taper off to the north of I-70, with little or no snow expected northwest of I-55. North winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 40 mph, will lead to blowing and drifting snow as well.

Given the high travel activity associated with the holidays, people traveling across the Midwest Christmas Day and Wednesday should check the latest forecasts before departing, and be prepared to make adjustments to travel plans as necessary.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln is following a winter storm that will lift northeast from the lower Mississippi Valley, reaching central Tennessee by Wednesday morning, then into West Virginia by Wednesday evening. This type of track would favor the potential for heavy snow across portions of southern Illinois and western Indiana.

Snow is expected to spread northward across southeast Illinois around midnight, and into east central Illinois overnight. This will continue through much of Wednesday before diminishing from west to east. Areas along and south of the I-70 corridor have the best potential for seeing 5 to 10 inches of snow, with the highest totals toward Olney and Lawrenceville.

Snowfall amounts taper off to the north of I-70, with little or no snow expected northwest of I-55. North winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts to 40 mph, will lead to blowing and drifting snow as well.

As a result of this storm, a Blizzard Warning is in effect for Coles, Edgar, Effingham, Cumberland, and Clark Counties, and counties to the south. 3 to 7 inches along with high winds are expected overnight into the day on Wednesday.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Champaign, Douglas, Moultrie, Shelby, and Fayette Counties, where one to 4 inches is expected overnight into the day on Wednesday, along with high winds.

Given the high travel activity associated with the holidays, people traveling across the Midwest through Wednesday should check the latest forecasts before departing, and be prepared to make adjustments to travel plans as necessary.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln says a winter storm taking shape across northern Texas on Christmas morning, will affect Central Illinois late Tuesday and Wednesday. Heavy snow is expected across eastern Illinois and western Indiana.

No travel impacts are expected during the daylight hours on Christmas Day, but snow is expected to spread northward across central and southeast Illinois late Tuesday evening, and continue through much of Wednesday before diminishing from west to east. Areas east of a Danville to Effingham line have the best potential for seeing at least 6 inches of snow out of this system, and some locations south of I-70 may see upwards of 10 or more inches of snow, especially toward Flora and Lawrenceville.

Snowfall amounts taper off to the west, with only a dusting expected northwest of the Illinois River. North winds of 15 to 25 mph will lead to some blowing and drifting snow as well.
Small adjustments in the forecast track would result in the axis of heaviest snow adjusting as well. Given the high travel activity associated with the holidays, people traveling across the Midwest on Christmas Day and Wednesday should check the latest forecasts before departing, and be prepared to make adjustments to travel plans as necessary.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio, and this on-line daily newspaper, for the latest on this developing winter storm.

>>Illinois Faces Off With Missouri

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Illinois is getting set for a meeting with Missouri on the hardwood tomorrow.  The two
will meet at Scottrade Center in St. Louis with tip set for 5 p.m.  The
10th-ranked Illini improved to 12-and-0 by beating Eastern Kentucky on Sunday. 
Mizzou is 9-and-1 following Monday night's win over South Carolina State.  The
Tigers are ranked 12th in the country. You can hear coverage of this game starting at 4:30 on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

>>Bears Clash With Cardinals In Desert

(Glendale, AZ)  --  The Chicago Bears look to stay in the playoff hunt when they head to the desert to
take on the Arizona Cardinals Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.  The
Bears were beaten 21-13 at home by the Packers last weekend.  Chicago has lost
three straight to fall to 8-and-6.

>>Rams, Bucs Battle In Tampa

(Tampa, FL)  --  The St. Louis Rams are on the road this Sunday to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.  The Rams' slim playoff hopes took a hit with a 36-22 home loss to the
Vikings last Sunday.  St. Louis is now 6-7-and-1, including a 2-3-and-1 mark on
the road.  The Bucs were blasted 41-0 at New Orleans in Week 15.

>>Cubs Reportedly Agree To Four-Year Deal With Jackson

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Chicago Cubs are adding Edwin Jackson to their starting rotation. 
According to FoxSports.com, the Cubs have agreed to a four-year,
52-million-dollar contract with the 29-year-old right-hander.  The deal is
pending a physical.  Jackson was 10-and-11 with a 4.03 ERA in 31 starts last
season for the Washington Nationals.  Starting pitcher Carlos Villanueva's
contract has also been finalized, pending a physical.

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

On Thursday evening a 16 year old male was going east on Washington Street in Jeisyville. The 16 year old male allegedly lost control of his 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, hit a mailbox and hit a tree at the corner of Washington and Catherine Street intersection.

The Taylorville Boys Basketball game scheduled for this evening at Rochester High School has been postponed until Saturday February 9th.

The wait is almost over for a book to be published by the Christian County Historical Society. Jodi Heberling says they had hoped to have it out sooner, but work progress continues to be made.

[audio:heberlingbook122612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Christian County Historical Society Museum is located at the intersection fo Routes 29 and 48.

With the New Year comes a cost of living raise for Social Security recipients. Jack Myers of Social Security's Springfield Office says people will start seeing that extra money next month.

Bart Bialas wins the $500 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce "Money Really Does Grow on Trees" Christmas Raffle.

Bialas will receive $500 in cash and gift cards donated by the First National Bank in Taylorville, First National Bank on Spresser, Palmer Bank, First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust, Taylorville Community Credit Union, US Bank and People's Bank and Trust.

The winner of the $100 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce gift certificate was Mike Schroyer of the Christian County YMCA.

It's a happy time of year for most of us, but counselor Karen Vatthauer says it can be a tough time of year for many. 

[audio:karendepression122412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Vatthauer is a licensed psychologist. 

City Clerk Pam Peabody has announced that on January 3rd at 9 am, there will be a lottery to determine the ballot placement of the three candidates running for City Treasurer.

The three candidates running for City Treasurer are Michael K. Demichael, Jacque Nation and Melvin White III. The Taylorville local elections will be held on April 9th. Current City Treasurer Terri France announced earlier this year that she will not be running for re-election.

On Friday afternoon there was a structure fire at 902 West Park Boulevard in Taylorville. The Taylorville Fire Department was called to the scene of this fire and according to them there was smoke coming from the east side of the house.

US Congressman of the 13^th District Rodney Davis made a visit to his South Elementary School in Taylorville on Friday.

Davis says that he wanted to tell children at the school that they can be anything they want, if they set their mind to it.

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

Davis says he has many memories at South School.  

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

Davis was also asked by a student what bill he would like to pass when he goes to Congress. Davis says that he wants to make a change to unemployment for people attending community colleges.

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

Davis will officially be inaugurated as Congressman of the 13^th District on January 3^rd.

The City of Taylorville and seven other governmental entities on Friday had a meeting in which they discussed the issue of the Electric Aggregation plan that was recently passed by voters.

The Taylorville Development Association will be holding a meeting on Thursday to discuss some important issues.

New Year’s is just around the corner. Some people might think that that holiday is when a lot of drunk drivers are arrested.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defeated Stewardson-Strasburg with a score of 64-56.

>>Bulls head for New York to face Knicks

(Undated)  --  The Chicago Bulls head to New York for a key Eastern Conference matchup tomorrow
night.  Both teams are coming off victories and both lead their respective
divisions.  The Bulls are 14-and-10. The Knicks are 19-and-6 and 11-and-1 at
Madison Square Garden.

>>Illinois Gears Up For Saturday's Game

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Illinois is getting set for a meeting with Missouri on the hardwood this
Saturday.  The two will meet at Scottrade Center in St. Louis with tip set for 5
p.m..  The 10th-ranked Illini improved to 12-and-0 by beating Eastern Kentucky
on Sunday.  Mizzou is 9-and-1 following Monday night's win over South Carolina
State.  The Tigers are ranked 12th in the country. You can hear that game on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

>>Bears place Bush on IR

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Chicago Bears placed running back Michael Bush on injured reserve with a rib injury, ending his season.  Bush rushed for 411 yards and five touchdowns this season and
caught nine passes for 83 yards. The team signed Kahlil [Kaw-lil] Bell to fill
the vacated roster spot.  The Bears play at Arizona this Sunday.

>>Cubs Interested In Jackson

(Chicago, IL)  -- The Chicago Cubs are trying to build some depth in their starting rotation and are targeting
veterans Edwin Jackson and Carlos Villanueva [[Vi-ya-nueh-va]], according to a
report in "The Chicago Tribune."  Villanueva was finalizing an agreement
Wednesday night.  Jackson, who has pitched a no-hitter in his career, is still
weighing other offers.

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

On Tuesday Jilan Yakhlif 20 of Taylorville was going south on Route 29. Yakhlif lost control of her 2000 Volkswagen Beetle causing her to leave the roadway.

On Wednesday evening, The Taylorville Fire Department and the Taylorville Police were called to a motor vehicle accident that occurred at the Springfield Road and Cheney Street intersection in Taylorville. Regional Radio News will get more information on this accident as it becomes available.

On Monday morning Kyle G. Sheley 27 of Taylorville was going east on East Bidwell Street in Taylorville. A witness saw Sheley pass the witness' vehicle then after Sheley had turned the witness saw that Sheley had hit a light pole and broke it in half.

Sheley also allegedly ran over a street sign belonging to the city of Taylorville and an evergreen tree that was in the front yard of 606 East Bidwell Street. This tree then caused damage to the front porch of the residence at 606 East Bidwell Street.

There were approximately 63 feet of tire marks that started on the eastbound lane and ended on the curb of 604 East Bidwell Street. The passenger of the vehicle Veronica M. Woodruff 27 of Petersburg received facial and head injuries and was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Sheley had leg and head injuries and was sent to Taylorville Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Sheley was then cited for improper lane usage, driving too fast for conditions, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to wear a seat belt, illegal transportation of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol. Sheley's Ford truck was towed from the scene of the accident.

Last Friday evening Mitchell K. Wood 53 of Ohlman was driving a motorcycle and was involved in a single motorcycle crash at the intersection of West Washington Street and North Franklin Street in Pana.

On Tuesday evening officers were standing behind the Taylorville Police Department and saw James R. Flanagan 46 of Taylorville walking towards the dumpster in the alleyway behind the police station.

A church in Shelbyville is offering a meal for Christmas. Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says you need ot reserve your meal today.

[audio:tadcmasmeal122112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the deadline is today. The number once again is 774-4131.

We're all looking for answers as to why the horrific shootings took place in Connecticut last week. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says mental illness was obviously a factor.

There have been a lot of people wondering what precautions are taken by gun stores when it comes to selling guns and ammunition.

Dan Brookman co-owner of Brookman Guns and Ammo in Oconee explained the process of buying a gun.

[audio:danbrookmangunsandammo1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Brookman says that if there was a ban on assault weapons, as has been talked about in Washington, his business would not be affected too much.

[audio:danbrookmangunsandammo2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Brookman explained that there are federal laws on the books on how people should store their guns.

[audio:3danbrookmangunsandammo2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

There have been many discussions on Capitol Hill in Washington about a possible assault weapons ban after the recent tragedy in Newtown Connecticut.

On Wednesday evening Project 29 held a meeting at Jan’s Restaurant in Edinburg. Mike Bell Co-Chairman of Project 29 says that the pipelines in the way of the project are going to be moved out of the way.

Taylorville mayor Greg Brotherton tells Regional Radio News, that representatives from Taylorville and seven other governmental entities met in the Taylorville Municipal Building’s Council Chambers this morning to discuss the responses received from electric suppliers interested in supplying the electricity for the electric aggregation program. 

SIMEC representatives acting in their roles of consultants reported that they had received proposals from five energy suppliers.  Constellation Energy, Direct energy, Energy-Me, First Energy, and Homefield Energy.  After a thorough discussion, it was unanimously decided to accept the proposal from First Energy and to enter into a contract with the company that will span a period of 36 months and at a rate of 04.194 cents per kilowatt hour.  This represents a savings of 23.2% from the current rate being paid by Ameren residential customers. 

Brotherton added that the contract also provides a price match guarantee that protects ratepayers should Ameren’s rate drop below what they are paying.  Additionally, ratepayers will have the right to terminate the agreement without any type of termination fee.  Customers will continue to receive only one bill that will be from Ameren and Ameren will continue to handle all calls for service.

>>Mizzou, Illinois Gear Up For Saturday's Game

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Missouri and Illinois are getting set for a meeting on the hardwood this
Saturday.  The two will meet at Scottrade Center with tip set for 5:00.  Mizzou
is 9-and-1 following Monday night's win over South Carolina State.  The Tigers
are ranked 12th in the country.  The 10th-ranked Illini improved to 12-and-0
this season by beating Eastern Kentucky on Sunday. Coverage of that game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

>>Noah's Triple-Double Leads Bulls Past Celtics

(Chicago, IL)  --  Joakim Noah had 11 points with 13 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Bulls in a
100-89 win over Boston last night.  Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer each had 21
points for Chicago, which improved to 14-and-10 on the year.  The Bulls head to
New York to battle the Knicks on Friday.

>>Bears Get Back To Work

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears are back on the practice field today preparing for Sunday's road game at Arizona.  Yesterday, Chicago placed running back Michael Bush on injured reserve with a
rib injury and re-signed Kahlil Bell to take his place.  At 8-and-6, the Bears
are currently tied with the Vikings, Cowboys and Giants for the sixth and final
playoff spot.

>>Rams Hit Practice Field

(Earth City, MO)  --  After seeing their three-game winning streak end on Sunday, the Rams hit the practice field today to get set for two more road games.  This week St. Louis travels to Tampa Bay to
battle the Buccaneers.  The Rams are 6-7-and-1 on the year, but have been
officially eliminated from playoff contention.

>>Billikens Host Eastern Illinois Tonight

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Saint Louis will take the floor tonight at Chaifetz Arena against the Eastern
Illinois Panthers.  The Billikens moved to 6-and-3 following a 73-51 win over
Tennessee-Martin on Saturday.  The Panthers are out of the Ohio Valley
Conference and come into tonight's game at 3-and-8 on the season.

As the new year approaches, people being thinking about making resolutions. Nancy Alexander, Fitness Coordinator at Pana Community Hospital, says people should add resistance training to their regimen.

[audio:pchresolutions122012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Pana Community Hospital is at 101 East 9th Street.

Social Security has planned improvements to its website. Jack Myers of Social Security in Springfield says its making the website much easier to use.

The Legislature's lame duck session is just a couple of weeks away. Republican Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville says even though his party is in the minority, he still intends to try to reach across the aisle.

[audio:rosenthalnewyear122012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Pension reform is expected to be a main focus in the coming session.

There have been a lot of people wondering what precautions schools have in case of an emergency after the Newtown tragedy.

On Wednesday afternoon there was an informational meeting held at the Christian County Extension Office in Taylorville, that discussed the Ameren Illinois Rivers Transmission Project.

Laura Harmon with the Illinois Farm Bureau explained what this project would do.

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

Christian County Farm Bureau Manager Melissa Herwig says that this information needed to be given to people impacted by this project.

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

Harmon explained the difference between making a public comment on the issue and intervening.

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

Herwig says that she has been getting a lot of input from local farmers.

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

Both the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Christian County Farm Bureau are neutral on this matter.

>>Bears Gather Following Loss To Packers

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears gathered yesterday following their 21-13 loss to the Packers on
Sunday.  Chicago is 8-and-6 and currently tied with the Vikings, Cowboys and
Giants for the sixth and final playoff spot, however Minnesota owns
tiebreakers.  The Bears play at Arizona and at Detroit to close out the season.

>>Rams Shift Gears From Vikings

(Earth City, MO)  --  The Rams are shifting gears away from Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Vikings.  St. Louis has just two games remaining this season, starting this Sunday in Tampa Bay against the
Buccaneers.  The Rams will play their finale a week later in Seattle against the
Seahawks.

>>Bulls Fall To Grizzlies In Memphis

(Memphis, TN)  --  Despite Carlos Boozer's 16 points and 13 rebounds, the Bulls fell in Memphis to the
Grizzlies last night, 80-71.  Joakim Noah added 11 points and nine boards while
Marco Belinelli scored 13 points.  Chicago dropped to 13-and-10.  The Bulls
return to United Center tonight to host the Boston Celtics.

>>Missouri Officially Promotes Henson, Hill

(Columbia, MO)  --  Missouri's football team has officially promoted co-offensive line coach Josh
Henson to offensive coordinator and receivers coach Andy Hill to quarterbacks
coach yesterday.  Each man will take on a role previously held by David Yost,
who resigned following the Tigers' 5-and-7 season.  Hill was also named the
associate head coach.

>>NHL, NHLPA Remain At Standstill On Labor Talks

(New York, NY)  --  The NHL and its Players' Association have been silent over the last few days
as the work stoppage continues.  NHLPA special counsel Steve Fehr told ESPN the
two sides have not even spoken since Friday, when the league made an attempt to
send the lockout to court.  Fehr added that it would only take a phone call from
the league to get talks to resume.

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

Often scams are based on actual events. Public advocate Mac McGwire says the scammers thrive on playing to people's sympathies.

Christmas in the Park at Manners Park in Taylorville continues to roll on, along with the drive through the park, there are many events taking place in the park dining hall. Tomorrow night family dinner and bingo are scheduled.

Park Recreation Director Bailey Hancock says Friday, the dining hall will be the place for the Kids are Kids Dance and a live nativity.

[audio:kidsrkidsdance121912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hancock also says you can get a valuable discount book when you donate after the drive-thru.

[audio:discountcard121912.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christmas in the Park will continue through Christmas.

The Christian County Board met last evening and one issue that was discussed at the meeting was a new process to fill employee vacancies.

Christian County Board Chairman Paul Schmitz says that this new process will make filling these vacancies happen quicker.

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

Another motion discussed was the new rolling filing system proposed by Christian County State’s Attorney Mike Havera.

Schmitz says that this change will give more room for files in the future and is a newer system.

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

That motion passed unanimously at the meeting.

An issue brought by Marchelle Kassebaum, the Regional Office of Education Christian-Montgomery Counties Superintendent, in her report to the County Board was the issue of truancy in schools. Schmitz says that he likes the idea that Kassebaum had to cut down truancy.

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

The next Christian County Board meeting is scheduled for January 15^th of 2013.

AT&T announced a network enhancement for the Taylorville area yesterday. Erin McGrath, a Spokesperson for AT&T Illinois, says that this network enhancement will increase data speed and improve voice quality.

[audio:erinmcrathattexpandingcoverageintville1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

McGrath says that this is just one of many improvements AT&T has been making over the past few years in Illinois.

[audio:erinmcrathattexpandingcoverageintville2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Since 2007 AT&T has invested more capital into the US economy than any other public company.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes defeated Lanphier with a score of 42-38.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville defeated Neoga with a score of 59-44.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a traffic crash which resulted in the death of 34 year old Thomas C. Wiseman of Palmer

Saturday morning just after 1:00 Christian County 911 received a telephone call reporting a two vehicle head on collision on County Highway 22 at 1900 North Road with one person injured and trapped in the vehicle.

Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Stonington Fire Department, and Dunn’s Ambulance all responded to the scene. 

Evidence at the scene indicated that Mr. Wiseman was traveling south on County Highway 22 in a 2002 Saturn when he crossed the center line into the northbound lane of traffic striking a northbound 2008 Chevrolet truck. Further evidence at the scene indicates that alcohol was a factor in this crash.

Mr. Wiseman was extricated from the vehicle by Stonington Fire Department and was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield by Dunn’s Ambulance. Mr. Wiseman was pronounced dead at 2:45 PM Saturday. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

The other driver did not require treatment at the scene.

>>Packers Beat Bears To Clinch NFC North Title

(Chicago, IL)  --  Jay Cutler finished 12-of-21 for 135 yards with a TD and an interception as the
Bears fell to the Packers, 21-13.  Chicago's third loss in-a-row helped Green
Bay clinch the NFC North Division title.  Matt Forte had 20 carries for 69 yards
and five catches for a team-high 64 yards as the Bears fell to 8-and-6.  The
Bears head to Arizona to play the Cardinals next week.

>>Vikings Rout Rams

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Adrian Peterson rushed for 212 yards and a touchdown to lead the Vikings to a 36-22 rout of the Rams in St. Louis.  Sam Bradford finished 35-of-55 for 377 yards with three TDs and one
interception for the Rams, who had their three-game winning streak snapped and
fell to 6-7-and-1.  Steven Jackson had 13 carries for 73 yards in defeat.  The
Rams head to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers next week.

>>Illinois Cruises By Eastern Kentucky

(Champaign, IL)  -- As heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM, Illinois glided to a 66-53 win over Eastern Kentucky yesterday at Assembly Hall.  Brandon Paul had 17 points and nine rebounds to lead the 10th-ranked
Illini, who moved to 12-and-0.  The Illini face Missouri at Scottrade Center on
Saturday.

>>NHLPA Begins Vote On Disclaimer Of Interest

(New York, NY)  --  The NHL Players' Association began to vote on whether to allow the executive
board to file a disclaimer of interest yesterday.  It would be the first step in
dissolving the union.  All 700-plus members of the NHLPA will have the chance to
vote through Thursday and would need two-thirds majority for the motion to
pass.  On Friday, the league announced a class action complaint in New York and
Federal Court to uphold the lockout.

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

Elizabeth B. Myers 23 of Stonington was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for operating a vehicle without insurance.

Gary S. Durbin 45 of Taylorville was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for aggravated battery.

Chloe L. Windell 18 of Taylorville was arrested for consumption of liquor.

Joshua Greer 25 of Taylorville was arrested for aggravated battery, resisting/obstructing a peace officers and official misconduct.

Sarah J. Vanfossen 30 of Rosamond was arrested for obstructing services.

Brent R. Priest 33 of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery.

Travis D.G. Campbell 21 of Stonington was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of cannabis.

Christopher D. Spoor 21 of Harvel was arrested for solicitation of a sex act.

Chase M.J. Windell 20 was arrested on a bond forfeiture warrant for driving with a suspended license.

Jon T. Mau 50 of Taylorville was arrested for possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William A. Dean 42 of Taylorville was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Robert W. Bailey 48 of Assumption was arrested for fleeing police, reckless driving, home invasion, criminal damage to property and aggravated battery.

The Taylorville wrestling team picked up their first team tournament championship as a program over the weekend at the Clinton Invitational.

Here is wrestling coach Lee Mateer's thoughts on the tournament and the rest of the season.

"Overall, it was a great weekend and I'm very proud of our guys and to make

program history is very memorable.  However, we aren't even close to being

satisfied as a team.  We have some very high goals for ourselves and all

them have to do with winning championships at the end of the season and not

at the beginning.  The awards and winning are nice, but at the end of the

day, this team is interested in championships at the end of season and not

at the beginning.  We are going to keep working hard and getting better.

That is what we do, we work very hard and we are going to continue to be

tough.   That's our blueprint for success and that's what we do in this

community and we are going to do our very best to exemplify and represent

that everywhere we go."

Here are the overall results for the team at the Clinton Invitational.

Team standings:

1. Taylorville (ranked #17 in class AA): 218.5

2.  LeRoy (ranked #3 in class A): 166

3.  Olympia: 161.5

4. Mt. Zion (HM in class AA): 146

5.  Quincy notre Dame: 141.5

6.  Lincoln (HM in class AA): 121

7.  Monticello: 119

8.  Streator: 107

9. El-paso Gridley: 66.5

10. Clinton: 45

11. Midwest Central: 42

12. Warrensburg Latham: 41

13. Decatur MacArthur: 36

14. Midland: 30.5

15. Normal U-high: 30

16. Hillsboro: 8=

While the state wrestles with costly pension problems, the City of Taylorville is in a fairly good position in that regard.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says it hasn't been easy to keep the pension fund in good condition.

[audio:mayorpensions121812.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The city pensions are tied to the state pension system, so there are a number of limitations on what the city of Taylorville can do.

One of the events coming up this weekend at Christmas in the Park is the Kids are Kids Dance. It takes place this Friday night at Manners Park in Taylorville from 7 to 9 pm, with doors opening at 6:30.

The dance is for kids ages 12 and up. Ronnie Pyle will be the DJ. Attendees are asked to bring a bag chips or cookies.

This afternoon the Ball Chatham School District went on lockdown because a shell casing was found at Glenwood Middle School.

The tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut has led one Taylorville resident to help by sending teddy bears to Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Alyssa (Uh-Lisa) White, who started Teddy’s for Newtown, says that she felt something needed to be done to help these children.

[audio:AlyssaWhiteTeddysforNewtown1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

White says that Teddy’s for Newtown has gotten a lot of support.

[audio:AlyssaWhiteTeddysforNewtown2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

White says she thinks that it is important to help out Newtown after this tragedy.

[audio:AlyssaWhiteTeddysforNewtown3.mp3]comment here[/audio]

White says that many teddy bears are still coming through the mail and also explained how people can donate teddy bears for Newtown.

[audio:AlyssaWhiteTeddysforNewtown4.mp3]comment here[/audio]

You can mail those teddy bears to Taylorville Home Source at 919 West Spresser Street in Taylorville.

The Taylorville City Council held their last meeting of 2012 last evening and one of the first issues discussed was the S.A.F.E.R Grant given to the Taylorville Fire Department.

Alderman Shawn Burtle of Ward IV says that this grant is going to help the city.

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

That motion to hire two firefighters through the S.A.F.E.R Grant passed unanimously at the meeting.

A motion that was tabled at the meeting was a motion to proceed with advertising for the Working Foreman position in the Water Collection Department.

Alderman Rob Heberling of Ward II explained why this motion was tabled at the meeting.

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

That motion was tabled unanimously at the meeting.

There were three motions passed that would increase salary of city employees at the meeting: one proposed a 2.04% salary increase to police, another approved a 2% salary increase for non-bargaining personnel that would start on January 1^st of 2013 and the final motion to increase salaries was to increase the Human Resource Manager’s salary to a minimum of $41,526.34 and to make it retroactive to the first pay period in November of 2012.

Heberling says that these pay increases were all budgeted by the council.

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

All of those motions passed unanimously at the meeting.

Other motions that passed at the meeting included making the annual tax levy for corporate purposes for the fiscal year commencing on May 1, 2012 and ending on April 30, 2013 for the City of Taylorville, A motion to approve promoting Mindy Durbin to the Secretary III position in the Water Collection Department and a motion to approve payment of bills in the amount of $133,348.11. All those motions passed unanimously at the meeting.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for January 7^th of 2013.

>>Illinois Battles Eastern Kentucky

(Champaign, IL)  --  Undefeated Illinois hosts Eastern Kentucky on Saturday night at Assembly Hall.  The Fighting Illini, at 11-and-0, are ranked 10th in the country.  Illinois will try to not look past the Colonels to its match up with rival and number-11 Missouri on December 22nd.

>>Packers Battle Bears At Soldier

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Green Bay Packers battle the Chicago Bears for the second time this season when the teams meet Sunday at Soldier Field.  The Packers have a five-game winning streak against Chicago and can clinch the NFC North if they make it six.  The Bears are just a game back at 8-and-5, but have lost two straight and four of their last five.  Chicago lost 23-10 at Green Bay in Week Two.

>>Vikings, Rams Look To Keep Slim Playoff Hopes Alive

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Two teams looking to stay in the playoff hunt square off Sunday as the Minnesota Vikings lock horns with the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome.  The Vikings beat the Bears 21-14 at home this past Sunday to improve to 7-and-6.  They are tied with Washington and Dallas, one game out of the final playoff spot in the NFC.  The Rams are just a half-game further back at 6-6-and-1.  St. Louis notched its third straight win this past Sunday, rallying for a 15-12 victory over the Bills at Buffalo.

>>No Progress After Second Day Of NHL Labor Talks With Mediator

(Iselin, NJ)  --  The NHL and the Players' Association met with federal mediators for a second straight day on Thursday, but there was no progress made once again in the ongoing labor dispute.  The two sides also met with mediators on November 28th and 29th but those talks broke off without any progress.  A total of 526 regular season games, the Winter Classic and the All-Star Game have already been cancelled due to the lockout.

There are a lot of things to see at the Taylorville Public Library, and not all of them are books. Dorothy Siles of the Library says they usually have interesting displays for their patrons to see.

[audio:librarydidplays121712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Taylorville Public Library is at 121 West Vine Street.

You hear so much about the Extension Service and 4H, it's hard to keep them separate. Peggy Hampton of the Extension Service says they are part of the same team.

[audio:hampton4h121712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The University of Illinois Extension Office in Taylorville is at 1120 North Webster Street.

With the Holidays here, Central Illinoisians will see increased police patrols. Cops will be looking for drunk drivers, speeders, distracted drivers and those who don't buckle up.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says they vigorously enforce seat belt laws because they save lives.

[audio:sheriffseatbelts121712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Traffic fatalities are down in recent years, and authorities give some of the credit to increased seatbelt usage.

MATTOON – Consolidated Communications officials expect members of IBEW Local 702 to return to work beginning this evening at 9 p.m. Company officials were approached by the IBEW Local 702 leadership Tuesday evening to inform the company their membership was returning to work without a contract.

Ryan Whitlock, Director of Human Resources, said the company has been working throughout the day Wednesday to prepare for the union workforce to come back and is glad they made this decision. “Our business is complex, and in order to integrate the large number of union employees back into the work force with the least disruption to our customers we needed a day to prepare,” Whitlock said. “We have work orders staged and customer commitments and it’s our responsibility to meet these commitments.”

Whitlock added that it is the IBEW leadership’s responsibility to provide accurate information to the membership, and that he was unsure what employees had been told.

 “Unfortunately, we do not know what has, or has not, been communicated to the membership through their IBEW leadership during this process, but its clear there is misinformation circulating. Our concern is that employees have not had accurate information with which to make personal decisions,” Whitlock said.

On Monday, Consolidated Communications sent a letter to union members’  homes to clarify important information about the work stoppage, and  IBEW members began receiving that letter as early as Tuesday afternoon.           

Union members declared a work stoppage at 10 p.m. Thursday, December 6. Both sides have agreed to resume negotiations on Thursday.

The company’s union-represented employees include technicians, customer service representatives, repair, warehouse and facilities employees.

The Communication Centers in Mattoon, Taylorville and Litchfield, Illinois are expected to reopen Thursday, Dec. 13.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Tornadoes fell to Lanphier 85-40.

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville fell to Monticello 53-37.

The Taylorville School District is nearly out for winter break. Superintendent of Taylorville Schools Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says that this break gives the custodial staff a chance to get some maintenance done.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its yearly raffle. Chamber President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle says they are easy to purchase.

[audio:pattyraffle121412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hornbuckle says they are also offering Chamber Gift Certificates, which some new businesses are now accepting.

[audio:pattygc121412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Chamber is located on the Taylorville Square's south side.

The Christian County United Way has a new Executive Director. Malia Hepburn says that she has been with the United Way previously.

If you have listened or watched the news lately you know one phrase has been thrown around a lot. That phrase is the “fiscal cliff”.

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR the Central A&M girls basketball team moved to 11-2 on the season and 6-0 in Okaw Valley play with their 55-43 victory over Tuscola.

>>Bulls Run Past Sixers

(Philadelphia, PA)  --  Joakim [[Joe-ah-kim]] Noah led four Bulls in double-figures with 21 points as the
Chicago defeated the 76ers 96-89.  Luol Deng [[Lou-all  Dang]] scored 19 points
and added 12 rebounds.  The Bulls moved to 12-and-9 after outscoring the Sixers
55-45 in the second half.  Chicago hosts the Nets on Saturday.

>>Bears' Marshall no fans of Packers

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall doesn't care for the Green Bay
Packers.  He said as much on Wednesday.  Marshall explained he won't shake the
Packers' hands and that he is going to play like it's his last game.  Marshall
took exception to some things a couple of Packers players said after the first
meeting this season between the teams.  The Bears host Green Bay in a key NFC
West game on Sunday.

>>Laurinaitis, Finnegan Miss Practice

(Earth City, MO)  --  Linebacker James Laurinaitis [[Lor-in-eye-tis]] and cornerback Cortland Finnegan
did not practice Wednesday for the St. Louis Rams.  Laurinaitis has a back
injury and Finnegan an ankle problem.  Running back Steven Jackson received a
normal day of rest.  Wide receiver Danny Amendola was limited in practice with a
foot injury.  The Rams host the Minnesota Vikings Sunday.

>>NHL Labor Talks Make No Progress After Mediation Session

(Iselin, NJ)  --  The NHL and the Players' Association met with federal
mediators for a little over six hours on Wednesday without making any progress
in the ongoing labor dispute.  The session was overseen by federal mediator Scot
Beckenbaugh and was held at the office of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation
Services in Iselin, New Jersey.

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

Taylorville (ranked #17 - Class AA by Illinoismatmen) improves to 9-1 on the season with wins over Decatur MacArthur and Shelbyville. Here are the scores of both of those matches.

Taylorville: 49            Shelbyville: 21

 106lbs:  Preston Lindsey (T) winner by decision over Zac Stirret (S) 4-1

113lbs:  Garrett Brachbill (S) winner by fall over Luke Miller (T) 1:20

120lbs:  David Cruikshank (T) winner by fall over Matt Tinsman (S) 4:59

126lbs:  Kidd Morrison (T) winner by forfeit

132lbs:  Jared Finley (S) winner by decision over Nick Flannell (T) 7-5 OT

138lbs:  Wyatt Fox (S) winner by decision over Keane Rogers (T) 6-5

145lbs:  Adam Hudson (S) winner by fall over Jake Hamell (T) 4:28

152lbs:  Lucas Duckett (S) winner decision over Jake Smothers (T) 8-6

160lbs:  Nic Turner (T) winner by forfeit

170lbs:  Brock Letcher (T) winner by major decision over Josh Hicks (S) 15-6

182lbs:  Aaron Herkert (T) winner by forfeit

195lbs:  Dalton Stokes (T) winner by forfeit

220lbs:  Kyle Tex (T) winner by fall over Zac Isaacs (S) 1:17

Hwt:      Blake Hooper (T) winner by forfeit

Taylorville: 81                Decatur MacArthur: 0

106lbs:  Preston Lindsey (T) winner by forfeit

113lbs:  Luke Miller (T) winner by forfeit

120lbs:  David Cruikshank (T) winner by forfeit

132lbs:  Nick Flannell (T) winner by forfeit

138lbs:  Keane Rogers (T) winner by fall Dakwan Scruggs (D) 1:43

145lbs:  Hugh Mahr (T) winner by fall over Dwight Brown (D) 1:48

152lbs:  Jake Smothers (T) winner by fall over Hussan Owens (D) 1:03

160lbs:  Nic Turner (T) winner by fall over over Adam Macke (D) 1:42

170lbs:  Aaron Herkert (T) winner by fall Michael Williams (D) 1:14

182lbs:  Brock Letcher (T) winner by forfeit

195lbs:  Dalton Stokes (T) winner by fall over Gavin Kitson (D) 5:33

220lbs:  Kyle Tex (T) winner by by decision over Deiontte Honorable (D) 6-5

HWT:    Blake Hooper (T) winner by fall over Shag Selvy (D) :59

The Taylorville boys and girls basketball teams now know where they will playing in their regionals.

The Taylorville Boys will be playing in the Mattoon Regional. That regional includes Mattoon, Charleston, Mt. Zion, Decatur Macarthur and Taylorville.

The Taylorville Girls will be playing in Mattoon as well. The Mattoon Regional for the girls team includes, Shelbyville (Coop), Mattoon, Mt. Zion, Charleston and Taylorville.

The Taylorville Girls are 6-4 on the season and 2-4 in CS8 play including two, 2 point losses to Chatham Glenwood and Rochester.

The Taylorville Boys are 5-1 on the season and 0-1 in CS8 play with their only loss coming at home against Lincoln with a score of 66-36.

IHSA Girls 3A regionals are scheduled to start on February 11th and IHSA Boys 3A regionals are scheduled to start on February 25th. The seeding for the girls regionals will be determined on January 24th and the boys seeding will be determined on February 7th.

As heard on GROOVY 93.5, the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes fell to Teutopolis 40-32.

>>Illinois Holds Off Norfolk State

(Champaign, IL)  -- As heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM, Illinois got a scare from Norfolk State last night at Assembly Hall before taking down the Spartans, 64-54.  Brandon Paul led the way for the 10th-ranked
Illini with 14 points and eight rebounds.  Illinois improved to 11-and-0 on the
season  The Illini host Eastern Kentucky on Sunday evening.

>>Cardinals Send Schumaker To Dodgers

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Cardinals have traded utility infielder Skip Schumaker to the Los Angeles
Dodgers in exchange for minor league shortstop Jake Lemmerman.  The "St. Louis
Post-Dispatch" reports the deal is pending the outcome of a physical.  The
32-year-old Schumaker has spent his entire eight-year career in St. Louis and
batted .276 with a homer and 28 RBI in 107 games last season.

>>Clippers Grab Bulls By Horns

(Chicago, IL)  --  Blake Griffin had 22 points with 10 rebounds to lead the Clippers in a 94-89 win over the
Bulls.  Carlos Boozer had 24 points and 13 boards while Joakim [[ joe-keem ]]
Noah added 10 points with 11 boards and six assists in the loss.  Marco
Belinelli finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Chicago,
which had won its previous three.  The Bulls fell to 11-and-9 with the loss and
battle the 76ers tonight in Philadelphia.

>>Bears Place Gould On IR; Sign Mare

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears placed kicker Robbie Gould on injured reserve yesterday and signed veteran
Olindo Mare to a one-year contract.  Gould injured his left calf muscle in
pregame warmups before Sunday's 21-14 loss in Minnesota.  Mare has made just
over 81 percent of his kicks over his 15-year career.

>>Bears Make Several Other Moves

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears made several other
roster moves on Tuesday.  The team placed cornerback Sherrick McManis and safety
Craig Steltz on injured reserve, signed linebacker Jerry Franklin to a two-year
contract and elevated wide receiver Joe Anderson from the practice squad.  The
Bears also signed guard Chris Riley to the practice squad and waived offensive
lineman Andre Gurode.

>>Rams Back To Practice Field

(Earth City, MO)  --  The Rams are back on the practice field today in preparation for Sunday's home game against the Vikings.  St. Louis has won three straight contests to improve to 6-6-and-1
on the season.  This week will mark the final home game of the season for the
Rams before closing the season at Tampa Bay and Seattle.

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

One of Taylorville's newest restaurants is up and running. Fat Moe's opened last month at 923 West Spresser Street in Taylorville.

Owner Mike Naser says he almost ended up opening up Fat Moe's in a different location.

[audio:naserfatmoes121312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Fat Moe's serves Chicago style food, including hot dogs, gyros and other favorites.

The wait is almost over for Christmas in the Park. The annual event, which takes place at Manners Park in Taylorville, features Supper with Santa and magician Richard Landry Friday night in the dining hall. The Little Miss and Mr. Snowflake Pageant takes place Saturday.

Taylorville Park Recreation Director Bailey Hancock says there is a Christmas Bake Off during the day Sunday, followed by a fun family event Sunday night.

[audio:cmaspark121312.mp3]comment here[/audio]

There is no charge to drive through the park, although donations are accepted. The lights are on every night from 5 to 10 pm starting tomorrow night through December 25th.

When driving past a Consolidated Communications building in Taylorville you may notice some workers picketing in front of Consolidated.

The Senior Vice President of Consolidated Communications Steve Shirar (shy-er) says that the main reason for the union workers picketing is a difference on the issue of pensions.

[audio:steveshirarconsolidatedseniorvp1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Shirar says that he does not believe that the loss of union workers will hurt Consolidated customers.

[audio:steveshirarconsolidatedseniorvp2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

We reached Brad Beisner with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 702 for a statement, and after repeated attempts Beisner refused comment.

Taylorville’s Gowin Parc will hold its grand opening this Friday. Theresa Gowin co-owner of Gowin Parc says that the business uses a memory box to help seniors.

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR the Central A&M Raiders broke their school record for most points in a single game of 93, with a 98 point outburst in a win against Argenta Oreana. The final score of that game was 98-22.

This is not the first time that the girls put up over 90 points this season though, as they nearly broke that 93 point record earlier this season when they defeated Neoga with a score of 91-36. The Central A&M girls are currently ranked third in 1A by the Associated Press.

The girls next game will be this Thursday at home against Tuscola and coverage of that game will begin at 5:45 pm on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR.

The Christian County Courthouse is decorated for the holidays. Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi of the Christian County Extension says they did the decorating for the 4th year in a row.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Lincoln Land Community College, will be offering the LEAD program again next month.

Patty Hornbuckle, President and CEO of the Chamber, says it's been a very popular program.

[audio:podeschitree121212.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Chamber at 824-4919.

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

On Monday Larry L. Thomas came into the Christian County Sheriff's Office to report three of the windows in his residence had been damaged. Thomas alleged that an unknown subject used an air gun to damage the windows.

SIU Healthcare has announced it's opening an OBGYN clinic in Taylorville next
month.  SIU's Dr. Erica Nelson says the services offered will be similar to
what's already in Springfield. 

[audio:rddnelson1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Nelson says such services are already available in Taylorville and
surrounding areas, but there aren't enough because many of their patients travel
into Springfield to be treated. 

[audio:rddnelson2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

She says vital care can get expensive and
inconvenient, especially in the later parts of pregnancy when more care is
required.  The clinic will be open once a week to start, but hours could expand
later.

It’s the holiday season and when it comes to crime that’s not a good thing. Crime tends to increase during the holiday season and Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says that he has noticed this increase in all of his years in law enforcement.

[audio:SheriffKholidayscrime1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Kettelkamp says that because of this crime increase the Sheriff’s Office increases their patrol.

[audio:SheriffKholidayscrime2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Kettelkamp has a few tips for citizens during this holiday season so they can protect themselves against crimes.

[audio:SheriffKholidayscrime3.mp3]comment here[/audio]

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation 400,000 burglaries occurred nationwide from November through December in 2011.

South Elementary School still needs your votes to try to get a $50,000 grant from Clorox. Bobbie Harker a Teacher at South School says that the school is doing pretty well right now in this contest.

[audio:bobbieharkergrantagainagain1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Harker says that even if the school does not win the $50,000 grant they still have a chance for a wild card grant.

[audio:bobbieharkergrantagainagain2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

You can vote for South School in this grant contest by going to taylorvilledailynews.com and clicking on the South School Grant Banner. The competition will end on December 19th.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation board of directors held their quarterly meeting this (Tuesday) afternoon in the meeting room at People's Bank and Trust in Taylorville, to review on-going economic development efforts in the county.

The first order of business was paying off the remaining 32-thousand dollars the C-C-E-D-C owed the Taylorville Development Association. The Association had loaned the corporation some 66-thousand dollars just over a year ago, to keep the economic development corporation going thru some lean times. Corporation chairperson Dick Adams presented T-D-A president Ken Hart, with a check to pay off the balance, at the Tuesday meeting. Adams told Regional Radio News that the corporation board has worked diligently over the past year, to improve its financial position.

[audio:AdamsaudioDec1112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

In the quarterly report from the corporation's executive director Mary Renner, the highlight was information she shared with the board, that 2 different retail developments, are looking at Taylorville's northwest corridor to locate. Renner told Regional Radio News after the meeting, that it's an excellent sign that economic development in the county is continuing.

[audio:RenneraudioDec1112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Renner told board members that Tenaska has indicated they will not attempt to do anything with their proposed coal-to-methane project for the county that needs General Assembly approval, during next month's lame duck session. She added it's not known if they'll give up the project altogether.

Mike Bell of the Project 29 Committee, told C-C-E-D-C board members, that officials with the Illinois Department of Transpotation have indicated that Rocky Express will be re-locating their pipeline that's in the current 4-lane Route 29 construction zone near Edinburg, next spring. Construction crews ran into their existing pipeline that apparently wasn't on construction maps, at the start of work this fall. Bell added it should not hold up completion of the 4-lane road.

Pana economic development director Jim Deere reported the Egizzi building is for sale, and that officials are working on securing buyers. Deere added the recent ribbon cutting at the newly expanded National Greenhouse went well, with the company doubling the size of their building. And he said that the City of Pana has several tax increment financing applications that they've received.

>>Illini Jump In Rankings; Host Norfolk State Tonight

(Champaign, IL)  --  Illinois moved up four spots in the latest "USA Today" Top-25 Rankings
released on Monday.  The Illini are now 10th in the country following their
10-and-0 start to the season.  They are back in action tonight as they host
Norfolk State at Assembly Hall you can hear coverage of that game on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

>>Rams Shift Focus To Vikings

(Earth City, MO)  --  The Rams are shifting focus to this week's home game against the Vikings.  St. Louis has won three straight following Sunday's 15-12 win at Buffalo.  The Rams are 6-6-and-1
and in third place in the NFC West.

>>NHL Cancels Games Through December 30th

(New York, NY)  --  The NHL is cancelling more regular season games due to the ongoing labor stalemate
between owners and players.  Games through December 30th have now been called
off.  The league had previously wiped out games through December 14th as well as
the Winter Classic and All-Star Game.

>>White Sox Finalize Three-Year Deal With Keppinger

(Chicago, IL) --  The White Sox have finalized a three-year contract with infielder Jeff
Keppinger.  MLB.com reports the deal is worth 12-million-dollars.  The
32-year-old is expected to take over at third base.  Keppinger hit .325 with
nine homers and 40 RBI in 115 games last season, his best in the majors.

>>Illinois Drowns Out Gonzaga

(Spokane, WA)  --  As heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM, Brandon Paul scored 35 points to lead Illinois in an 85-74 win over Gonzaga on Saturday night. Tracy Abrams added 14 points while D.J. Richardson scored 11 for the Illini, who improved to 10-and-0.  The Illini are back at it tomorrow night at home against Norfolk State.

>>Vikings Hold Off Bears

(Minneapolis, MN)  --  Adrian Peterson rushed for 154 yards and a pair of first quarter touchdowns as the Vikings held on to beat the Bears, 21-14.  Jay Cutler finished 22-of-44 for 260 yards with a TD and two picks, but left late in the fourth quarter after taking a hit to the head.  Brandon Marshall had 10 catches for 160 yards and a TD for Chicago, which has lost four-of-five to slip to 8-and-5.  The Bears host the Packers next Sunday.

>>Rams Rally Past Bills

(Orchard Park, NY)  --  Sam Bradford's lone touchdown pass of the day came with 48 seconds left in the game and led the St. Louis Rams to a 15-12 win over the Buffalo Bills.  Bradford hit Brandon Gibson for a 13-yard score to give the Rams their third straight win for the first time since 2006.  Steven Jackson rushed for 64 yards on 19 carries and added a touchdown.  The 6-6-and-1 Rams return home to host the Vikings next week.

>>Notre Dame's Te'o Finishes Second In Heisman Vote

(New York, NY)  --  Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o [[ MAN-tye  TAY-oh ]] finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.  Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel [[ man-ZELL ]] became the first freshman to ever win the award.  Kansas State QB Collin Klein was third.  The Fighting Irish take on Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game on January 7th.

>>Bulls In Action Tomorrow Night

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls welcome the Los Angeles Clippers to United Center tomorrow night.  On Saturday evening, Chicago beat the Knicks, 93-85.  Friday, the Bulls beat the Pistons in Detroit.  The Bulls are 11-and-8 on the season.

A 16 year old male from Rochester was driving his Ford Ranger, and was exiting the Stevenson Drive ramp to enter Interstate 55 southbound.  The teenage male driving the Ford Ranger lost control of the pickup on the wet pavement and skidded out of control. In the vehicle with him was a 19 year old male also from Rochester. 

A 54 year old male from Morton was driving a tractor trailer and struck the pickup in the right lane of traffic.  The tractor trailer overturned on its side, blocking the interstate.  The Interstate was then partially closed for an extended period due to the cleanup. 

 The 54 year old male of Morton had to be removed from the tractor trailer by the Springfield Fire Department.  He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

A deputy in the Christian County Sheriff's Department was one car back from the intersection of Route 48 and County Highway #1 on the North side of the intersection when the deputy observed an accident.

Martha J. Goolsby 71 of Jacksonville had been going north on County Highway #1 and stopped at the intersection of Route 48. Tammy D. Bess 48 of Morrisonville was going east on Route 48. Goolsby did not see Bess approaching the intersection and Goolsby pulled her 2002 Chevy Cavalier into the path of Bess' 2002 Buick LeSabre.

Bess tried to swerve to avoid Goolsby, but could not avoid the collision Goolsby was hit on the driver's side just in front of the driver's side door by Bess' front left. Both vehicles were towed and Bess were taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for injuries.

On December 3rd officers were sent to the 900 block of East Vine Street in Taylorville, in regards to juveniles allegedly causing damage to a shed.

Officers located three juveniles and transported them to the Taylorville Police Department. The three juveniles were arrested for criminal damage and criminal trespassing. The juveniles were processed and released to their parents.

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

Christmas in the Park starts Friday. The event, which draws thousands of visitors to Taylorville each year, includes a number of events in the dining hall, but it's driving through the park that is the main draw, according to Recreation Director Bailey Hancock.

[audio:baileypark1121112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hancock says volunteers are a big part of Christmas in the Park.

[audio:baileypark2121112.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Christmas in the Park begins its twelve-day run Friday at Manners Park in Taylorville.

The Pana Community Hospital Foundation exists to raise money for the hospital. Kim Rogers of the Foundation says they are concentrating right now on raising money for three different needs.

The Taylorville School Board held their monthly meeting last evening and one issue discussed at the meeting has been on the docket for a long time.

That issue is the changing of the grading scale at the Taylorville High School to 10 point scales like other school districts in the area.

David Driskell the Chairperson of the Curriculum Committee says that this change will make THS students more competitive when it comes to scholarships.

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

This motion passed unanimously at the meeting 5-0. A change to the THS class rank will be discussed at a future school board meeting as well.

Another issue discussed at the meeting was the County School Facility Tax. Taylorville Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says that this tax will provide some revenue to update the buildings in the district.

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

Since the Taylorville School District has more than 50% of the students in the county with the passing of this resolution the tax will automatically be voted upon in the upcoming local election.

Although Fuerstenau does say that he believes the other school districts in Christian County are going to vote on this resolution during their board meetings this month.

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

Again that resolution passed unanimously at the meeting and will be voted upon in the April 2013 local elections.

Another issue discussed at the meeting was the West School Property and School Board and Building Committee member Seth McMillan says that even though the West School Building is not being used that does not mean it is usable.

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

The School Board agreed to discuss the West School Property further during its retreat in January.

Other topics passed at the meeting include: a consideration of the 2012 Tax Levy, the consideration of improvement plans at THS and Memorial Elementary and the consideration of board policies. All those considerations passed unanimously at the meeting.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for January 14^th of 2013.

A nationally known business in Taylorville will be moving into a bigger and better building, in Taylorville.

Pro Shot, a firearm cleaning products company, has been in Taylorville for 30 years now and John Damarin the owner of Pro Shot says that this move into a bigger building will help with production.

[audio:johndamarinproshot1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Damarin says that he was glad to have the business stay in Taylorville.

[audio:johndamarinproshot2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

(Photo Courtesy proshotproducts.com)

Pro Shot is the last family owned; traditional full line of firearms cleaning accessories that is made in America.

As heard on WTIM, tha Taylorville Lady Tornadoes defeated the Bethalto-Civic Memorial Lady Eagles 44-32.

>>Bulls Battle Pistons Tonight In Detroit

(Auburn Hills, MI)  --  The Bulls wrap up their brief two-game road trip tonight in Detroit against the
Pistons.  Chicago has won three of its last four games following Wednesday's
95-85 victory in Cleveland.  The Bulls sit at 9-and-8 on the season.  The
Pistons are 6-and-14.

>>Bears, Vikings Look To Reverse Course

(Minneapolis, MN)  --  NFC North rivals square off for the second time
in three weeks as the Bears battle the Minnesota Vikings Sunday at the
Metrodome.  The Bears have lost three-of-four to fall to 8-and-4 on the season. 
The Vikings are 6-and-6.  The Bears beat the Vikings 28-10 in Week 14 in
Chicago.

>>Rams, Bills Look To Keep Slim Playoff Hopes Alive

(Orchard Park, NY)  --  The St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills look to keep their slim playoff
hopes alive when they meet Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium.  The Rams beat the
49ers 16-13 in overtime last Sunday for their second straight win.  St. Louis is
now 5-6-and-1, but will play three of its final four games on the road.

>>NHL Rejects Players' Offer; Talks Suspended Indefinitely

(New York, NY)  --  The NHL has rejected the latest offer from the Players'
Association and talks between the two sides have now been suspended
indefinitely.  The sides met for an hour after meeting for nearly 20 hours over
the previous two days.  The sides reportedly exchanged proposals on Wednesday. 
The NHLPA then submitted a counter-offer on Thursday, but the owners quickly
shot it down.

>>College Basketball Roundup

(undated)  --  In local college basketball action tomorrow, number-14 Illinois goes up against number-ten
Gonzaga on the road.  Both teams are 8-and-0.  Missouri hosts Tennessee State
looking to improve to 8-and-1.  Saint Louis is off till December 15th.

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

On Tuesday of Deputies from the Christian County Sheriff's Department responded to a single vehicle accident that occurred at 00 East 1800 North Road. Deputies arrived on scene and saw a blue 2004 Chevy Cavalier resting on its roof.

Deputies spoke with other law enforcement personnel on scene and determined that Jeremy R. Davidson 30 of Pawnee was gone and being sent by EMS to Springfield Memorial Hospital. Deputies observed skidmarks on 00 East leading to the right/east of the road.

The vehicle was going north on the road, left the roadway and flipped approximately 3 times traveling approximately 315 feet then came to a rest. Carter Towing towed the Cavalier away from the scene.

This year, Cyber Monday was a day of reckoning for a large number of scamsters. Public advocate Mac McGwire says investigators were lying in wait for them.

[audio:maccyber121012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Then, McGwire says, court orders were obtained and the offending websites, some 150 of them were shut down.

One of Central Illinois' favorite holiday events is coming up. Christmas in the Park opens Friday at Manners Park in Taylorville.

Bailey Hancock, recreation director for the park district, says Supper with Santa is one of the first events for Christmas in the Park.

[audio:suppersanta121012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Magician Richard Landry will entertain attendees Friday night as well. Another crowd pleasing event will take place on Saturday too.

[audio:snowflakecontest121012.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Sunday events taking place in the dining hall will include Christmas Bake-offs, craft night and cookie decorating. Santa will be at the dining hall Sunday from 5:30 to 7:30.

As heard on Solid Gold 98.3 WRAN the Shelbyville Rams defeated the Clinton Maroons with a score of 54-30. With the victory the Rams went to 4-2 on the year.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Tornadoes defeated the Hillsboro Hilltoppers 69-57.

>>Bulls Best Cavs In Cleveland

(Cleveland, OH)  --  Marco Belinelli scored 23 points and Luol Deng had 22 as the Bulls beat the Cavaliers
95-85 last night at The Q.  Joakim Noah racked up 13 points and 15 rebounds for
Chicago, which has won three-of-four to move above the .500 mark at 9-and-8. 
The Bulls battle the Pistons tomorrow in Detroit.

>>Amendola, Jackson, Haggan Limited For Rams

(Earth City, Mo.)  -- Injured wide receiver Danny Amendola and linebacker Mario Haggan practiced
for the St. Louis Rams Wednesday on a limited basis. "The St. Louis Post
Dispatch" also reported that running back Steven Jackson was limited. The Rams
hope to have all three available when they play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

>>Rams' Zuerlein Wins NFC Weekly Honor

(New York, NY) -- St. Louis Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein [[ Zer-line ]] was named the NFC Special
Teams Player of the Week. The rookie made two field goals of more than 50 yards
in the Rams' win over the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday. The second kick was
the overtime game winner. This is the second such award for the rookie.

>>Cardinals Agree To Three-Year Deal With Choate

(Nashville, Tenn.)  --  The St. Louis Cardinals and veteran left-hander Randy Choate agreed to terms on a three-year contract Wednesday at baseball's winter
meetings. Choate appeared in 38 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season
after coming over in a trade with the Miami Marlins. Choate's deal is worth 7.5
million dollars.

>>Kobe Reaches 30,000 Career Points In Lakers Win

(New Orleans, LA)  --  Kobe Bryant scored 29 points to surpass 30,000 for his career in the
Lakers' 103-87 win over the Hornets.  The 34-year-old Bryant becomes the
youngest player to reach the milestone and fifth overall in NBA history, joining
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.


>>Arkansas Introduces Bielema As New Football Coach

(Fayetteville, AR)  --  Wisconsin's Bret Bielema [[ BEE-luh-muh ]] is
the new head football coach at the University of Arkansas.  The Razorbacks
formally introduced the 42-year-old on Wednesday.  Bielema led the Badgers to
their third straight trip to the Rose Bowl following an 8-and-5 season that was
capped off with a win over Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Now that cell phone use is widespread, distracted driving has grown into a major traffic hazard. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says cell phone use is only one form of distracted driving.

[audio:sheriffdidtracted120712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Sheriff says it's hard, but not impossible to enforce laws against distracted driving.

[audio:sheriffdistracted2120712.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Police officers receive special training to learn to enforce distracted driving laws.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce held it's monthly Business After Hours this week. Chamber President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle says the event took place at Ace Hardware.

The Taylorville Tappers, a senior tap dancing group sponsored by the Christian County Senior Center is looking for some new members.

Marilee Wright with the Taylorville Tappers says that she loves being a member of the Tappers.

[audio:marileewrighttvilletappers1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wright says that people who join are not rushed into performing in front of audiences.

[audio:marileewrighttvilletappers2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wright says that there are many ways you can contact them to be a part of the Taylorville Tappers.

[audio:marileewrighttvilletappers3.mp3]comment here[/audio]

You can also call Sue at 824-6664.

There have been a lot of things done during the 2012 Veto Session in Springfield. State Representative Wayne Rosenthal of the 98^th District says that he has not supported any pension plan yet.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes fell to the Southeast Lady Spartans 71-49.

As heard on WMKR, the Central A&M Lady Raiders defeated the Monticello Lady Sages 46-20.

'Tis the season and some shoppers are stressed out enough without having to worry about shipping packages. That's where Wrap Pack and Ship comes in.

Owner Larry Peterson says they can take the load off your hands.

[audio:wrappackship120612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Peterson says a common question has to do with how late a package can be shipped for Christmas. Peterson says if shipping by ground, you should allow between two and five days depending on how far the package is being shipped.

Illinois State Police are seeking the public’s help in locating two dangerous people of interest near the Lake of Egypt area in Southern Illinois. On Monday, a shooting was reported in Johnson County. Based on witness statements, two persons of interest are believed to be involved in the shooting of a male victim, who has since been treated and released from the hospital. The two persons of interest fled the scene and have not been located.

Illinois State Police and local law enforcement are looking for two persons of interest, 41-year-old John L. Cunningham and 43-year-old Janet S. Cunningham, both of Windsor. Both subjects were last seen in the Coles County area.

Police are also looking for a stolen 1988 Gray Dodge Dakota Pick-Up truck with a black topper – IL Registration 38392W. Anyone with any information regarding these persons of interest is urged to immediately contact the Illinois State Police at 618-542-2171 ext. 1202 or 911. These persons of interest are believed to be armed and dangerous.

>>Illini Downs Western Carolina

(Champaign, IL)  -- As heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM Brandon Paul scored 14 points as the 14th-ranked Illini defeated Western Carolina, 72-64.  Illinois improved to 9-and-0.  They take on Gonzaga on the road on Saturday.

>>Cards Offer Molina Job

(Nashville,TN)  --  The Cardinals are set to offer former major league catcher Bengie Molina their assistant hitting coach position.  Bengie is the brother Cards' catcher Yadier Molina.  If the sides
come to terms it will most likely be announced after the Winter Meetings.

>>Bears' Urlacher's Season Could Be Over Due To Hamstring Strain

(Chicago, IL)  --  Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will reportedly miss the next three games and possibly the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.  The "Chicago Tribune" reports Urlacher has a Grade Two hamstring
strain, but he hopes to be fully recovered for the playoffs.  Returning in Week
17 against Detroit is also a possibility, according to the report.  Urlacher
suffered the injury late in Sunday's 23-17 overtime loss to Seattle.

>>Indiana Outpaces Chicago

(Chicago, IL)  --  Paul George scored 34 points with nine rebounds to pace Indiana in an 80-76 win over the Bulls.  Nate Robinson led Chicago with 19 points off the bench.  Carlos Boozer had 14
points and 10 rebounds while Luol Deng [[ loo-OLL  dang ]] added 17 points and
seven boards.  Chicago fell to 8-and-8 with the defeat.

>>Cubs' Sveum Shares Hunting Accident Story

(Nashville, TN)  --  Cubs manager Dale Sveum [[ swame ]] shared a story on Tuesday about an offseason
hunting accident with Hall of Famer Robin Yount.  Sveum spoke at the Winter
Meetings in Nashville and told reporters he was accidentally hit in the ear with
shrapnel by Yount while the two were hunting quail in Arizona.  Sveum says he
was hit in the back of the right ear by the spray pattern from a six-shot and
one of the pellets was lodged in his ear.  The two were teammates with
the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1980s.  Sveum added that there was lots of blood
but he was not hurt.  He also joked that he called Yount former vice president
Dick Cheney, who also famously shot a friend during a hunting trip.

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

On the evening of December 1st John W. Sorrells 30 of Taylorville was heading east on the 500 block of East Park Street. Alice A. Moorehead 18 of Mt. Auburn was heading west in the 500 block of East Park Street.

According to a witness who is an off-duty Illinois State Police officer, Sorrells crossed the center lane in his 1996 Plymouth Breeze just prior to the accident and hit Moorehead's 2002 Ford Mustang head on in the 400 block of East Park Street.

The drivers of both vehicles were transported to the Springfield Memorial Hospital Trauma Unit with serious injuries. After investigation Sorrells was charged with DUI. Moorehead was cited for driving with a suspended license.

The Illinois Assistance Commission or ISAC has announced the 2013-14 Illinois State Scholars. Some High Schools represented include Taylorville High School which has 19 Illinois State Scholars, Pana High School which has five Illinois State Scholars, Shelbyville High School which has 12 Illinois State Scholars and Central A&M High School which has 5 Illinois State Scholars.

The list of these students from area schools are below and the complete list can be found online at isac.org.

Taylorville Sr High School
Jaspreet Amar
Sydney Bollinger
John Cruikshank
Victoria Davis
Chase Finks
Tyler Frump
Matthew Hadden
Ethan Hendricks
Gregory Hill
Justin Huber
Kate Kettelkamp
Patrick King
Sheila Likes
Mikella Marley 
Cassandra Neal
Tiffany Rickman
Timothy Schaeffer
Julia Shoop
Britany Watrous

Pana High School
Jared Beeson
Raven Horsthemke
Alex Metzger
Kendell Scott
Rachel Scroggins

Shelbyville High School
Seth Applegate
Mitchell Barna
Darin Breeden
Hayley Haskett
Samantha Hendrix
Mallory Jefson
Jacob Keown
Garrett Manship
Alexander Matlock
Grace Moll
Meagan Stenger
Neil Yockey

Central A & M High School
Alexander Brase
Andrew Bray
Justin Howse
Brooke Stinson
Jordan Villanueva

Just in time for the holidays, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a raffle. Chamber President and CEO Patty Hornbuckle says this year they are raffling off cash instead of a big screen television.

[audio:pattyraffle1120612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hornbuckle says the tickets are easy to obtain.

[audio:pattyraffle2120612.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Chamber at 824-4919. The Chamber is located on the south side of the Taylorville Square.

Jansen’s Heating and Cooling is going to be sponsoring an event to help out Senior Citizens. The program is called Socks for Seniors.

>>Illini In Action Tonight

(Champaign, IL)  --  Illinois basketball takes the court tonight against Western Carolina.  The 14th-ranked
Illini ripped off their eighth straight win to start the season last week by
beating Georgia Tech.  Later this week, Illinois travels west to face Gonzaga. You can listen live to the game on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM.

>>Notre Dame's Te'o A Finalist For Heisman Trophy

(Undated)  --  Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.  He is
joined by Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein and Texas A&M freshman QB
Johnny Manziel.  Te'o will attempt to become just the second defensive player to
win the award after Michigan's Charles Woodson in 1997.  The Heisman will be
awarded Saturday in New York City.

>>Bears Shift Gears To Vikings

(Lake Forest, IL)  --  The Bears are shifting their focus to this week's game against the Vikings.  Head coach
Lovie Smith addressed the media yesterday and said he was hopeful the defense
could play better than they did in the 23-17 overtime loss to the Seahawks on
Sunday.  The Bears fell to 8-and-4 and out of first place in the NFC North.

>>Bulls Welcome Pacers Tonight

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Bulls welcome the Indiana Pacers to United Center tonight.  Chicago has won two
straight to improve to 8-and-7 on the young season.  The Pacers enter tonight's
game at 8-and-9.

The technology of robotics is becoming a popular pursuit. Christian County 4H Coordinator Jodi Heberling says local 4Hers will have a chance to learn more.

Times are tough, and the Christian County Senior Citizens Center has seen cuts in one of their most important programs. The Golden Circle Nutrition Program has gone from offering meals five days a week to four.

According to Judi Gates and Gerry Mahr of the Senior Center, they can use some help with their monthly potluck meal.

[audio:seniormeals120512.mp3]comment here[/audio]

If you have questions about any of their programs, call 824-4263. The Christian County Senior Citizens Center is at the corner of Adams and Shumway in Taylorville.

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

On Sunday evening officers were sent to 423 South Washington Street because juveniles were allegedly throwing rocks at vehicles. After investigation a 15 year old male was arrested for criminal damage to property.

On Friday Stephen R. Coy 41 of Taylorville was traveling west on Springfield Road in front of Taylorville High School. While Coy was doing this Eric C. Handegan 25 of Taylorville, Kevin C. Gibson 47 of Moweaqua and David A. Clark 50 of Taylorville were stopped for traffic in front of the high school.

Coy did not stop his 2011 Chevy pick-up truck in time and struck Handegan's 2000 GM vehicle which then hit Gibson's 2006 Toyota RAV4 then hit Clark's 2013 Chevy pick-up truck. Gibson's RAV4 had to be towed from the scene. There were no injuries reported at the accident.

The first day to file petitions to run in the local Taylorville elections is coming up soon. Pam Peabody the City Clerk says that there are some prerequisites before you can run though.

There is a new restaurant coming to Taylorville and it will be at a familiar location. Whit’s End is coming to town and will be located at the old, Old Bridge Restaurant location.

Part owner of the restaurant Charles “Chip” Bone says that Whit’s End will have a lot of different items on the menu and a lot of different sporting events on the TV’s in the business.

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

Bone says that he likes the location for this new restaurant.

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

Whit’s End has two other locations in Decatur and in Macon.  

As heard on WRAN, Shelbyville fell to Pana with a score of 53-38.

>>Rams Rally To Stun 49ers In Overtime

(St. Louis, MO)  --  Greg Zuerlein nailed a game-winning 54-yard field goal with 26 seconds left in
overtime, as the Rams stunned the 49ers, 16-13.  Janoris Jenkins' two-yard
fumble return for a touchdown tied the game with 3:04 left in regulation.  After
a David Akers field goal with 1:34 to go, Zuerlein booted a 53-yard field goal
as time ran out to force the extra period.  Sam Bradford finished 26-of-39 for 221 yards for the Rams, who have won two in-a-row to improve to 5-6-and-1.  The teams were 26 seconds shy of tying for the second time this season, a feat that hasn't happened since 1963.  The Rams travel to Buffalo to
face the Bills next week.

>>Seahawks Sink Bears In OT

(Chicago, IL)  --  Russell Wilson found Sidney Rice for a 13-yard score out to lift the Seahawks over the Bears
23-17 in overtime.  Bears kicker Robbie Gould hit a 46-yard field goal as time
expired to send the game to OT.  Jay Cutler tossed for 233 yards and two
touchdowns for Chicago, which dropped to 8-and-4.  Brandon Marshall hauled in 10
balls for 165 yards.  The Bears face the Vikings in Minnesota next week.

>>Former SLU Head Coach Rick Majerus Dies

(Undated)  --  Former Saint Louis basketball coach Rick Majerus [[ muh-JAIR-uss ]] died Saturday.  The
Wisconsin native started his head coaching career at Marquette in 1983 before
heading to the NBA as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks.  Majerus coached at
Saint Louis starting in 2007 and led the Billikens to the NCAA Tournament last
season.  Majerus was forced to take a leave from coaching due to health
issues.  SLU announced in mid-November that Majerus would not return due to his
health problems.  Majerus was 64-years-old.

>>Illini In Action Tomorrow

(Champaign, IL)  --  Illinois basketball takes the court tomorrow against Western Carolina.  The 22nd-ranked Illini ripped off their eighth straight win to start the season last week by
beating Georgia Tech.  Later this week, Illinois travels west to face Gonzaga.

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

Yet another scam is being talked about. Apparently, someone claiming to be from the credit union is calling area residents and asking for their credit card numbers.

Local Senior Citizens Advocate Mac McGwire says there is an easy way to handle such a call.

[audio:macnewscam120412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

You should never give out credit card information or bank account numbers to callers. If you receive a call you find suspicious, contact the police.

Believe it or not, work is already underway for one of the area's most important fundraisers. Steve Turner of the American Cancer Society says they are having regular meetings regarding this summer's Relay for Life.

[audio:turneracsrelay120412.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, Relay for Life will take place in June of 2013.

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening and one issue discussed prior to the meeting in a public hearing was the topic of electric aggregation.

There were some questions raised at the meeting about the electric aggregation plan having some vague statements in it.

Alderman Earl Walters of Ward IV says he did not initially support the plan at the meeting.

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

Another issue discussed at the public hearing about the electric aggregation plan was brought up by Alderman Martin Vota of Ward II. Vota says that he wanted some clarification on the smart meters assistance that was in the plan.

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

The ordinance came up at the meeting to authorize the mayor and city clerk to execute an electric power aggregation plan of operation and governance and that passed unanimously. The ordinance passed with the understanding by alderman and the mayor that some amendments will be made to the plan to fix some of the wording.

Another public hearing that happened before the meeting discussed the issue of a zoning amendment. Mayor Greg Brotherton explained the plan.

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

Brotherton explained why he believes the council decided to vote the amendment down.

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

That amendment was voted down by the council 8-0.

Another motion discussed at the meeting was one to extend the sewer line behind the 400 block of South Cherokee Street 80’ to the north for an estimated cost of $9,000 for materials to be paid with city funds and using city labor.

Alderman Earl Walters says that this extension of the sewer line was needed.

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

That motion also passed unanimously.

Another motion passed at the meeting included the annual abatement which passed unanimously. There were two Street and Sewer committee motions that passed unanimously at the meeting. One was pay request #3 from TNT Contracting Inc. for $83,726.42 for the addition of the Ward II city park Phase 3 Storm Sewer Project. The other Street and Sewer Committee motion that passed was a pay request from McIntire and Company for Kenmore Phase II and Phase III projects which cost $53,347.73.

The last motion passed at the meeting was the payment of bills. The amount of bills paid by the city was $319,744.93. The next city council meeting is scheduled for December 17^th.

Taylorville’s new memory care facility Gowin Parc finished up construction last week. Theresa Gowin Co-owner of Gowin Parc says that each room has a memory box.

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

Gowin says that Gowin Parc has open admissions.

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

Gowin Parc still has to finish up some paperwork, but should be open in a few weeks according to Gowin.

(Part of the Taylorville Gowin Parc Lobby)

A lot of financial analysts have said that the housing market is slowly starting to get better. Joe Curvey owner of Curvey Real Estate says that the housing market has had a decent year.

As heard on WTIM, the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes defeated Mattoon 52-43.