Local News

Mitchell: Quinn?s Plan for Chicago Pension Crisis is Ridiculous

Governor Pat Quinn says he is open to diverting a greater share of state income tax revenue with local municipalities as a possible way to alleviate Chicago's pension crisis. State Representative Bill Mitchell of Forsyth says this is another ridiculous idea from Quinn:

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Quinn said the plan would work through his budget proposal, which called for an extension of an income tax hike as well as a $500 property tax rebate.

Pana Resident Arrested for Residential Burglary

A Pana resident was arrested last Friday for residential burglary. After an incident at 709 Kitchell Street in Pana around 9:13pm, the Pana Police Department arrested 28-year-old Jarad K. Challans for residential burglary and theft. Challans was transported to the Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond

Taylorville Resident Arrested for Burglary

A Taylorville Resident was arrested for residential burglary on Monday. Around 7:47pm, Taylorville Police Department officers were sent to 48 Hillcrest in reference to a trespassing call. Following their arrival, 22-year-old Lester C. Callahan of Taylorville was placed under arrest for residential burglary. Callahan was transported to Christian County Correctional Center.

Pana Resident has Vehicle Robbed

A Pana resident had his vehicle robbed over the weekend. On Sunday, Timothy J. McGrath called the Pana Police Department to report a vehicle burglar that occurred at 609 South Poplar Street. McGrath said that sometime between 5:00pm and 9:00pm on Saturday, unknown person(s) entered his unlocked truck and took his wallet, which contained credit cards, and other documents. Several unauthorized uses of his credit card at three area businesses were later discovered. The case is under investigation.

Safety Officer Edwards: Watch for Motorcycles

With warmer temperatures, more and more Illinoisians will be enjoying motorcycle riding.  But there are a few things to remember.  Trooper Emanuelwel Edwards, Safety Education Officer for the Illinois State Police reminds bikers that a special license is required:

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Officer Edwards says motorcycling can be dangerous:

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Officer Edwards also advises wearing leather clothing and a helmet.

Four Local Authors Plan ?A Literary Affair?

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 top:Andrew G. Nelson and Carol Alexander; bottom: Pam Stone. Not pictured: Courtney Michel

Four local authors will be coming together this weekend for a joint book signing. Author Carol Alexander of Taylorville tells Regional Radio News about the event:

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The authors who will be in attendance are Andrew Nelson of Edinburg, Pam Stone of Mechanicsburg, Courtney Michel (Michelle) of Glenarm and Alexander herself. Alexander said the second edition of her book, The Big Squeal, will debut at the signing and includes additional information on Abraham Lincoln, new pictures of people in Taylorville, and will also celebrate the 175th anniversary of Taylorville.

Taylorville Doctor And Wife Guilty In Fraud Case

A Taylorville doctor and his wife could serve up to 30 years in prison when they're sentenced this fall.  Federal Judge Richard Mills convicted 62-year-old Doctor Vernon Klinefelter and 60-year-old Geraldine Klinefelter on Tuesday of lying to and concealing information from the government. Dr. Klinefelter is a family practitioner who is now retired. Geraldine is a nurse practitioner. The illegal move helped the pair to gain 100-thousand dollars in Social Security Disability payments. The crimes were committed between 2005-2007. The Klinefelters are scheduled to be sentenced on September 4th. 

Holaday's bunt single boosts Tigers over White Sox

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Bryan Holaday's two-out bunt single broke a 
tie  in the  top of the ninth inning  and sent the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 win 
over  the Chicago White Sox in the  opener of a brief two-game set Tuesday at 
U.S. Cellular Field. 

A  Chicago miscue helped  put the go-ahead run 90 feet away, as Austin Jackson 
stroked  a  fly ball to  right-center field with one  away in the frame. Right 
fielder  Dayan Viciedo got  under the ball on the warning track, but it tipped 
off his glove, allowing Jackson to race around to third. 

Ronald  Belisario  (1-3) then struck  out Nick  Castellanos for the second out 
before  Holaday pushed  a perfect  bunt  down the  third-base line.  Belisario 
sprang off the mound and fielded the ball, but his throw to first was high and 
Jackson scored to give the White Sox the lead. 

Joe  Nathan worked a  1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to nail down his fifth save of 
the  season, while Joba Chamberlain (1-1) stranded runners on first and second 
in the eighth to pick up his first win with the Tigers. 

Victor Martinez, Torii Hunter and Jackson each added an RBI for Detroit, which 
has won three of its last four games. 

Adam  Eaton and  Gordon Beckham recorded an  RBI and run scored apiece for the 
WhitSox, who had a two-game win streak halted. 

Neither  starter factored  in the  decision, despite  both hurlers  putting on 
solid  performances. Detroit's Justin Verlander allowed three runs on six hits 
and  three walks  over seven  innings, while  Chicago's Jose  Quintana yielded 
three runs on eight hits while striking out 10 over six frames. 

The White Sox did  all of  their damage  against Verlander  in the third, as 
Marcus Semien smacked a one-out single before scoring when Eaton followed with 
a double into the left-field corner. 

Beckham  then  ripped a  single to right  to score Eaton  and after Jose Abreu 
fanned, Adam Dunn smacked a double to right to plate Beckham for a 3-0 lead. 

Martinez's  RBI single  in the  fourth  got Detroit  on the  board before  the 
visitors used a two-out rally in the sixth to even the score. 

The  Tigers strung  together four straight two-out singles, including back-to- 
back RBI base hits from Hunter and Jackson that tied the game for the Tigers. 

Chicago nearly broke the deadlock in the seventh when Alejandro De Aza stroked 
a  one-out triple and Tyler Flowers followed with a walk, but Verlander struck 
out Semien and Eaton in succession to escape the frame unscathed. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  game was delayed 21 minutes prior to the start of the bottom of the first 
inning  due to  rain  ... Chicago  finished 2-for-8  with  runners in  scoring 
position  and  left six  men on  base ...  Detroit went  4-for-7 with RISP and 
stranded five runners ... Holaday recorded his first career stolen base.

Hamilton hits first career homer as Reds top Cubs

Cincinnati,  OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Billy Hamilton hit his first career home 
run  to  help the Cincinnati  Reds to a  3-2 win over  the Chicago Cubs in the 
opener of an abbreviated two-game series. 

Hamilton  went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in a game that saw the first pitch 
delayed  close  to 20 minutes  and also included two  delays once the game got 
underway. 

Monday's game between the two teams was washed out due to rain. No makeup date 
has been announced. 

Brandon  Phillips and Chris  Heisey both knocked in runs for the Reds, who saw 
starter  Alfredo Simon  (4-1)  pick up  his  fourth win  of  the season  after 
pitching  six  innings and  surrendering  two  runs  on  five hits  with  five 
strikeouts.  Jonathan  Broxton picked up  his fifth save  of the season with a 
perfect ninth inning. 

Starlin  Castro knocked in both runs for Chicago, which has lost five of their 
last six games. 

Jeff  Samardzija (0-3) took the loss after he allowed three runs on eight hits 
over 5 2/3 innings with four walks and four strikeouts. 

Samardzija  issued a leadoff walk to Hamilton, who stole second and moved over 
to third on a wild pitch to quickly get into scoring position. 

Joey  Votto walked to  put runners at the corners and Phillips followed with a 
long sacrifice fly to right that gave the Reds a 1-0 lead. 

The Cubs  took the  lead in the  third with  a two-run single  off the bat of 
Castro. 

Emilio Bonifacio singled with one out and moved over to third on a single from 
Ryan  Kalish. Anthony Rizzo followed with a walk and Castro ripped a single up 
the middle that plated Bonifacio and Kalish. 

After  the first  in-game  rain  delay that  lasted  about  30 minutes,  Simon 
faced  the  minimum in the fifth  and Hamilton led  off the bottom half of the 
inning with a laser out to right that tied the game. 

Zack  Cozart tripled  with  two  outs in  the  sixth  and pinch-hitter  Heisey 
followed with a single to left that broke the tie. 

The  second delay  lasted over an hour. Logan Ondrusek, Sam LeCure and Broxton 
collectively  allowed three  hits to  seal  the win  for the  Reds after  play 
resumed. 

                                   Game Notes 

Time  of game: 3:00 (1:45 delay) ... The Reds collected 11 hits, while Chicago 
had  eight ...  Votto walked three times  in the win ... The Cubs were 1-for-7 
with runners in scoring position ... Cincinnati was 2-for-8 with RISP. 

Wizards finish off cold-shooting Bulls

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - The Chicago Bulls never got over the hump, 
or over the shoulders of Nene and Marcin Gortat in the closing minutes. 

John  Wall  had 24 points, seven  rebounds and four assists and the Washington 
Wizards advanced in the playoffs for just the third time in 35 years following 
a  75-69 win over  the Bulls in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round 
series. 

Chicago  trailed by  nine  going  into the  fourth,  but  clawed within  72-69 
after D.J. Augustin sunk a pair of free throws with 2:18 left. 

The Wizards, though, took the next 1:19 off the clock as a trio of backtaps by 
Gortat  gave  them extra possessions.  Bradley Beal  wound up turning the ball 
over to Chicago with 59.8 ticks to play. 

Carlos  Boozer was  blocked by Gortat at  the other end, but a Washington shot 
clock violation gave the ball back to the Bulls with 22.4 seconds remaining. 

Jimmy  Butler  missed a left-handed layup  for Chicago following a timeout and 
Andre  Miller was off  the mark on two free throws, but a backtap by Nene this 
time helped Washington regain possession. 

Beal then split a pair of bonus shots, but another Nene offensive rebound with 
10.9 seconds to play essentially sealed it as Wall proceeded to knock down two 
from the charity stripe. 

Nene, who returned after serving his one-game suspension for grabbing the head 
of  Butler  in Game  3, tallied  20 points  and seven  rebounds. Beal added 17 
points  for  Washington,  which last  advanced  after defeating Chicago in six 
games of a first-round series in 2005. 

"The  main thing  is to focus in and  know what this team is capable of," Wall 
said. 

The  fifth-seeded  Wizards will face either  Indiana or Atlanta in the Eastern 
Conference semifinals. 

Kirk  Hinrich and Butler  netted 16 points apiece for the Bulls, who shot just 
33.3 percent (25-of-75) from the floor. Joakim Noah snatched 18 rebounds. 

"I  am proud of  the way we competed all year. We dealt with a lot. Whenever a 
season is over it is always tough," Noah said. 

The  game  was tied 41-41  at the  break, but the  Wizards surged ahead in the 
third by capitalizing on Chicago's six turnovers in the frame. 

They  closed  the quarter  on a  16-6 run  with four  of those Bulls giveaways 
coming  during the  swing. Beal poured in eight points during the burst, which 
Wall finished off by splitting a pair from the foul line for a 61-52 cushion. 

Chicago shot just 25 percent (4-of-16) in the third. 

Earlier,  Nene  put in the  final four points of  a mini 6-0 Washington spurt, 
which  staked  it to  a 15-10 advantage  past the midway  point of the opening 
frame.  The Wizards, who led after the first quarter of every game in the set, 
settled for a 23-15 cushion after one. 

Washington  stretched the  margin to 32-21 before Taj Gibson put in six points 
during  a 14-2 Bulls surge during the middle stages of the second. He sunk two 
free throws to cap it and give Chicago a 35-34 edge. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Wizards knocked off the New Jersey Nets 2-0 in a first-round set in 1982 
... Gibson rolled his left ankle in the fourth quarter and did not return ... 
Washington outrebounded Chicago, 49-43. 

Overbay's single lifts Brewers over Cardinals in 11 innings

Coverage of today's Cards and Brewers game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 12:10pm.

St.  Louis,  MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Lyle  Overbay's RBI single in the top of 
the 11th inning was the difference as the surging Milwaukee Brewers took a 5-4 
decision  over the St.  Louis Cardinals in the middle test of a three-game set 
from Busch Stadium. 

Khris  Davis  led off  the top  of the  11th with  a double  to left off Kevin 
Siegrist  (0-1).  Overbay followed with a  single up the middle that deflected 
off  of  Mark Ellis'  glove as  Davis trotted home  without a throw. Francisco 
Rodriguez earned his 13th save with a scoreless bottom of the 11th. 

Tyler  Thornburg (3-0) struck out four in two scoreless innings for Milwaukee, 
which has taken the first two games of this series and improved to 11-1 on the 
road this season. 

"We're  just  looking at it  one game at a  time," said Milwaukee starter Kyle 
Lohse.  "We feel good  about the way we've won the last two games. Our team is 
going to grind it out." 

Overbay  finished  2-for-5 with  two  RBI,  while  Lohse  fanned nine  in  six 
innings and  helped himself  at the  dish with a two-run single. Lohse allowed 
three runs on six hits. 

"They've  got  a lot  of confidence  on their side  right now," said Cardinal
manager  Mike  Matheny. "They've had  a lot of things  go their way. They're a 
scrappy club and they're fighting." 

Yadier  Molina  homered for St.  Louis, which has  lost five of seven. Molina, 
Matt Adams and Jhonny Peralta all had two hits in the setback. 

St.  Louis got to Lohse immediately, putting three across in the bottom of the 
first  inning.  Allen Craig drew a  walk around Matt Carpenter's strikeout and 
Matt  Holliday's lineout, but Adams doubled to put two on for Molina, who made 
Lohse  pay  for leaving a  fastball up in  the zone by  taking it out to left- 
center. 

The  3-0 margin  held until  the  fourth, when  Overbay's RBI  single put  the 
Brewers  on the  board. Lohse plated a  pair inning later, tying the ball game 
with a two-run single. 

Both teams scored a run in the seventh. Carlos Gomez's solo homer to left made 
it  4-3  in favor of  the Brewers, but Craig's  opposite field triple to right 
past a diving Elian Herrera plated Carpenter to tie the score. 

                                   Game Notes 

Milwaukee  had  dropped the  previous seven  series against  St. Louis ... The 
Brewers  have won 5-of-6 games overall and 9-of-11 ... Cardinals starter Lance 
Lynn went five innings, allowing three runs on five hits. 

Taylorville Softball Game Postponed

The Taylorville Tornadoes varsity softball team's game at home today against Jacksonville has been postponed to tomorrow Thursday May 1. Coverage of the game can be heard on Groovy 93.5 beginning around 4:15pm.

PCH Employees Recognized As Heart Saver Heroes

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Left to right: Julie Wafford, Stacy Vail, Cindy Witt, Bill Peitzmann, Judy Peitzmann, Mollie Beyers, Selena Reed, and Bryce Fortner. 

 

A group of employees at Pana Community Hospital’s Rehab/Wellness Center were recognized for their efforts to save a man with CPR and an AED during a special ceremony today. Selena Reed, Cindy Witt, Mollie Beyers, Bryce Fortner, Stacy Vail and Julie Wafford worked together on March 17th when patient Bill Peitzmann collapsed while exercising in the fitness center. Peitzmann tells Regional Radio News about the moment:

[audio:billheartmoment043014.mp3]comment here[/audio]   

Reed says she did not expect the award:

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Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when someone’s heart suddenly stops beating with minimal warning, resulting in collapse.  

Honors Program recognizes Lake Land College students

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From left are: Maria Boerngen, honors program advisor; Adriene Lane, Sullivan; Todd Goeckner, Teutopolis; Daniel Brown, Neoga; and Kolten Postin, Moweaqua. 

Several Lake Land College Honors Program students recently presented their undergraduate research findings at the annual honors luncheon, where they were also recognized for their achievements.  The topics varied from virtual Texas Hold ‘Em to organizational communication and wildlife resource management.

There were six members of the Honors Program this year, including freshmen Chelsey Lorance of Charleston and Adriene Lane of Sullivan. Sophomores include Daniel Brown of Neoga, Todd Goeckner of Teutopolis, Hannah Fogleman of Shelbyville, and Kolten Postin of Moweaqua.

At the luncheon, students were also presented with Scholastic Achievement Awards. This year, the freshman award went to Lane and the sophomore winner was Brown. Lane will receive a scholarship for the award while Brown will receive a scholarship for the award and for graduating with Full Honors Program status. Postin and Goeckner also received scholarships for graduating with Associate Honors Program status. 

Shelbyville Students of the Month

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Left to right is Junior Kayla Lee, Sophomore Elly Oldham, Freshman Tore Koontz, and Jamie from Family Drug.  Senior Chase Jackson was absent.

Pana April Students of the Month

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Left to right is George Heinz from Peoples Bank and Trust, Senior Jacob Baughman, Junior Mackenzie Ginger, Sophomore Adam Cloe, Freshman Nick McMillen, and Linda Miller from Peoples Bank and Trust.

American Lung Association Hosts 21st Annual Springfield Golf Classic

The American Lung Association in Illinois will host their annual summer golf outing on Monday, June 16th at Illini Country Club in Springfield.

 

The Classic will offer golfers two different formats. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Corporate Cup will be played in the morning with a 7am shotgun start.

 

The afternoon Springfield Golf Classicwill be a traditional scramble format with a 12pm shotgun start. 

 

To register or for more information, visit www.lungil.org or call 217-787-5864.

Road across Lake Shelbyville dam will be closed Wednesday

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close the road across the main dam at Lake Shelbyville to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  This closure is necessary to provide safety for workers and members of the general public while non-routine maintenance is performed on the dam.  For additional information, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951.

Hillsboro Resident Sent to Hospital After Being Hit by Car

A Hillsboro resident was sent to the hospital after being hit by a car on Sunday. Around 9:58pm, 21-year-old Alexa Elam of Taylor Springs was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 127.  At that time, 27-year-old Diana Schmidt walked into the path of Elam.  Elam then reportedly struck Schmidt.  Elam was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and Schmidt was taken to Hillsboro Area Hospital for treatment of injuries. Schmidt was charged with being under the influence of alcohol and drugs.      

1 Arrested for Resisting Arrest; Aggravated Battery to Police

The Taylorville Police Department once again had their hands full during an arrest Friday. Around 10:50pm, Taylorville Police Department dispatch received a call from Beth Burton that she needed assistance in removing an intoxicated man from her residence. Upon arrival, the officer noticed that there were signs of a struggle and heard several men arguing. The officer was invited into the residence and told that the intoxicated man was in the other room. After a brief investigation, the man, who was identified as 32-year-old Mark J. Pope of Ozark, Arkansas, allegedly continued to put his hands on the officer before grabbing the officer's left hand. Pope was placed into handcuffs and secured in the back of the squad car. After two separate reported occasions of striking the officer, Pope was transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and aggravated battery to a peace office.

Drunk Driving Crash Sends Two to Hospital

Two Taylorville residents were sent to the hospital following a 1-vehicle crash last week. On Friday, Donald W. Nance, Jr. of Taylorville was traveling southeast on a curve on Illinois Route 104. Nance went off the roadway to the right and struck the ditch. The vehicle flipped one or two times, hit a set of trees, and came to rest on its top. Jacqueline R. Holmes of Taylorville was thrown from the vehicle about 20 or 30 feet onto the roadway. Holmes was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield for treatment of injuries. Stacey A. Nance of Taylorville was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for her injuries. Donald Nance reported no injuries and was taken to the Christian County Sheriff's Office to perform field sobriety tests. Nance was then reportedly arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while his license was revoked.

Taylorville Business Offers ?DVD Memories?

A way to add an extra dimension to any event is now available.  Jacque Huddleston is the owner of “Picture Perfect DVD Memories”.  The idea is to put a series of photos accompanied by music on a DVD to enhance your event.  Huddleston tells Regional Radio it's a great addition to a special birthday party or a variety of other occasions:

Missions for Taylorville Applications Now Available

Applications for the annual Missions for Taylorville are now available. Pastor Bill Kerns from the Davis Memorial Christian Church tells Regional Radio News about the event:

[audio:kernsmissionfortville042914.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Other projects include painting and cleaning gutters. Application forms for either volunteers or homeowners seeking assistance can be picked up at the Davis Memorial Christian Church. The deadline to complete the form is May 21st. If you have any questions, contact Bill Kerns at 824-8181.

The homeowner application is below and can be printed, filled out, and taken to Davis Memorial Christian Church:

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Reds and Cubs rained out in Cincinnati

Cincinnati,  OH  (SportsNetwork.com) - Yesterday's  game between the Chicago Cub
and the Cincinnati Reds has been postponed due to rain. 

A makeup date has not yet been determined. 

The teams will open what was scheduled to be a three-game set today. 

The  scheduled  starters for Monday's game,  the Cubs' Jeff Samardzija and the 
Reds' Alfredo Simon, will face off Tuesday. 

White Sox take down Rays

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) - Alexei  Ramirez tied  the game with an RBI 
triple  in  the fourth and  scored the go-ahead  run on Marcus Semien's double 
later  in the frame, as the Chicago White Sox secured a 7-3 win over the Tampa 
Bay Rays in the finale of a four-game set Monday at U.S. Cellular Field. 

Alejandro  De Aza  drilled a two-run homer  in the second and after Semien put 
the White Sox in  front in the fourth, Adam Eaton added Some insurance with a 
two-run double in the sixth for the White Sox, who took three of four from the 
Rays. 

"Taking  the series is great," Eaton said. "You want to take three out of four 
from everyone, or two out of three, so we'll take it." 

Jose  Abreu collected his  32nd RBI of the season with a single in the eighth, 
extending his Major League rookie record for RBI in the month of April. 

Chicago  starter Andre Rienzo (2-0) recorded the win after yielding three runs 
--  two earned  -- on five hits  and three walks with four strikeouts over six 
innings. 

David  DeJesus smacked an RBI double for the Rays, who have lost five of their 
last six games. 

"They beat us fair and square," Rays manager Joe Maddon said of the Solid White Sox. 
"You just have to give them credit. They played well and they beat us." 

Jake  Odorizzi (1-3)  got the start for  the Rays and surrendered four runs on 
eight hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings. 

DeJesus'  double provided  the visitors  with a  3-2 lead  in the  top of  the 
fourth,  but the White Sox answered swiftly in the home half, as Dayan Viciedo 
worked  a leadoff walk before scoring when Ramirez followed with a triple that 
tipped off the glove of center fielder Desmond Jennings on the warning track. 

Odorizzi  nearly  escaped with the game  still tied after grounding out De Aza 
and  fanning  Tyler Flowers, but  Semien smacked a  two-out double to left and 
Ramirez trotted home for a 4-3 lead. 

Eaton extended the margin with a two-out, two-run double to left in the sixth. 
Flowers  kept the  frame alive  with a  single and  Semien walked  before both 
runners scored on Eaton's two-bagger into the left-field corner. 

Abreu's  two-out  single in the eighth  scored Semien to account for the final 
margin. 

Early  on,  the Rays jumped on  Rienzo in the  first, as Ben Zobrist smacked a 
leadoff  double before  Jennings  put down  a bunt  that  Rienzo bobbled.  The 
Chicago  right-hander then tried  to throw to first from a knee, but his throw 
skipped past second baseman Gordon Beckham covering first. 

Zobrist  scored  easily on the  play, while  Jennings was awarded second after 
running into Beckham on his way to second. 

Matt  Joyce followed with a drive to right-center field that Eaton snared with 
a  leaping  grab at  the wall.  Eaton fell to  the ground  after the catch and 
Jennings,  who  was tagging up on  the play, raced around third before beating 
the relay throw to the plate to give Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead. 

De Aza's two-out, two-run blast in the second tied the game. Adam Dunn started 
the  inning  with a  single and  moved to second  on a  bunt two batters later 
before crossing the plate on De Aza's fourth homer of the season. 

                                   Game Notes 

Tampa  Bay went  0-for-5 with  runners in  scoring position  and finished  the 
series 6-for-35 with RISP ... Chicago finished 4-for-12 with RISP and stranded 
nine runners ... Zobrist and Jennings each had two of Tampa Bay's seven hits. 

Brewers top Cardinals in 12 innings

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Brewers game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 6:40pm.

St. Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Khris Davis' RBI triple in the 12th inning 
proved  to  be the difference as  the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the St. Louis 
Cardinals, 5-3, in the opener of a three-game series Monday. 

Jonathan  Lucroy led off  the 12th with a double to left off Seth Maness (0-2) 
and  Martin Maldonado moved him over to third on a groundout. Davis then poked 
one  down the  left-field line with two strikes but Matt Holliday trotted over 
to the chalk and allowed the ball to drop in foul territory so Lucroy couldn't 
score on a sacrifice fly. 

"That  was  a great  play," Cardinals  manager Mike Matheny  said. "That was a 
heads-up play." 

But two pitches later, Davis pounded one into the right-field  corner for  his 
triple.  He  scored on  a Mark  Reynolds sacrifice  fly in  the next at-bat to 
account for the final margin. 

Zach  Duke (2-0)  allowed one hit and two  walks in two innings to pick up the 
win  and Francisco  Rodriguez fired a scoreless  12th for his 12th save of the 
season. 

Lyle  Overbay, Scooter Gennett and Aramis Ramirez all knocked in a run for the 
Brewers, who have won four of their last five. 

Yovani  Gallardo allowed three  runs on seven hits over six innings in the no- 
decision for Milwaukee. 

"This  win was huge,"  said Brewers manager Ron Roenicke. "It was a great win. 
We'll  do  what we can  tomorrow. We'll  be a little  short in the bullpen but 
we'll be OK. Again, we got some big hits." 

Holliday  went 3-for-6 with  a home run and two RBI and Allen Craig had a solo 
homer in the setback. 

St.  Louis starter  Michael  Wacha took  a no-decision  after  pitching 6  1/3 
innings, allowing three runs on eight hits with nine strikeouts. 

"I  thought (Wacha) looked pretty good," Matheny said. "We like his ability to 
get out of tough spots when you have swing-and-miss stuff like he has." 

Matt  Carpenter doubled to  lead off the home half of the first, moved over to 
third on a Jon Jay flyout and scored on Holliday's single to center. 

Holliday  increased the  cushion with a solo  blast to center in the sixth and 
Craig  added a solo  shot to left two batters later which staked the Cardinal
to a 3-0 advantage. 

Jeff  Bianchi walked with  one out in the seventh and the Brewers chased Wacha 
from  the game  with four straight singles  to cut the deficit to 3-2. Overbay 
knocked  in Bianchi after an Elian Herrera single and Gennett drove in Herrera 
two batters later. 

Pat  Neshek replaced Wacha with the bases loaded and struck out Lucroy for the 
second out of the frame. After getting ahead in the count to Ramirez, Neshek's 
fastball  ran  in on  the Milwaukee  slugger and hit  him, plating Overbay and 
tying the game. Davis flied out to left to end the inning. 

With  two  outs and runners  on first  and second in  the bottom of the ninth, 
Carpenter  rolled  over on a  pitch, but reached  base on a Martin Maldanado's 
missed catch error that loaded the bases. 

Jay grounded out to second on the first pitch of his at-bat to end the threat. 

Holliday doubled to lead off the bottom of the 10th inning but was caught in a 
rundown  in the next at-bat when Peter Bourjos bunted it hard back to Reynolds 
at third base. 

Reynolds  gunned it  to Bianchi, who tossed  it to Gennett to get Holliday and 
the Cardinals couldn't muster anything from there. 

                                   Game Notes 

Milwaukee  was without  Ryan Braun and Jean Segura. Braun has a strained chest 
muscle  and  Segura  is  still  recovering  from  a  right  cheek  bruise  and 
swelling on his face after Braun hit him with a practice swing on Saturday ... 
Gallardo  allowed two runs  or fewer in each of his first five starts prior to 
Monday ... St. Louis was 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left 13 
men on base ... Milwaukee was 4-for-12 with RISP and left 11 runners on base. 

Shelbyville Baseball Cancelled

The Shelbyville HS Baseball game for today, 4/29/14, vs Beecher City has been cancelled.  No makeup date has been set.

CRIME OF THE WEEK FOR APRIL 28, 2014

This week Crimestoppers is seeking information in regards to a burglary that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime between the overnight hours of Sunday April 20, 2014 and the morning hours of Monday 21, 2014, person or persons unknown made entry into National Rent to Own, located at 906 Springfield Road.  While inside, the unknown subject or subjects took 3 Toshiba 50" TVs and an X-Box video game system.  A window was broken in order to gain entry.  The total dollar amount of damage and items taken is estimated at around $4000.

Please contact Crimestoppers if you any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you do not have to give your name.  Crimestoppers will pay double the normal reward for information that leads to an arrest for the crime of the week. 

 You can contact Crimestoppers at 824-9100, at our website Christiancountycrimestoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES  (274632) and then your tip.  As always, you will remain anonymous. 

Ameren Requests Rate Hike

Ameren wants to boost rates to make improvements to its power grid system.  Spokeswoman Stacey Shangraw says the upgrades will help them keep up with customer demands, because they're using more and more energy.  

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The Illinois Commerce Commission still needs to approve the rate hike but if they do, customers will pay anywhere between six and eleven-dollars more each month.  That would go into effect in January.   

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-29-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

Lester C. Callahan, 21, of 17 Hillcrest Trailer Court, Taylorville, was arrested April 28 for burglary.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

On April 28th at 7:47pm, Taylorville Police Department officers were sent to 48 Hillcrest in reference to a trespassing call. Following the arrival of officers, Lester C. Callahan, 22, of Taylorville was placed under arrest for residential burglary. Callahan was transported to Christian County Correctional Center.

Fire Department Calls 4-29-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 28
3 EMS, 1 Public Assist, 1 Weather

April 29
1 EMS, 1 Automatic Alarm

Taylorville Kiwanis Hear About Community Garden, Missions for Taylorville at Tuesday Meeting

 width=The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about 2 community projects from 2 leaders of those projects, at their Tuesday luncheon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Chris Wilson and Bill Kerns, pastor of Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville, spoke first about the Taylorville Community Garden. Wilson told Kiwanis members that planning for the garden began in January 2013, and she said the garden is meant to help people get to know their neighbors, as well as to provide vegetables for the needy in the community.

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The 55-by-85 foot garden is adjacent to the parking lot at Davis Memorial, and grew over 3-thousand pounds of vegetables in their first year. Over 100 volunteers helped in the effort, and it's expected that the garden will grow in size in 2014.

Kerns also echoed Wilson's passion about the Taylorville Community Garden, as well as another project called “Mission for Taylorville” which provides minimal home repair and yard work to homes in need. Last year, Kerns said some 169 volunteers completed some 53 projects. All material and labor are provided at no cost. Kerns is hoping to complete 50 projects on this year's date of June 7th, and then have a 2nd work day in the fall. To apply to have a project completed at your home, contact Kerns at Davis Memorial Christian Church for an application form.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.




Lake Land College, Mattoon Exchange Club rededicate Freedom Shrine

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Pictured here is Alecia Womack, wife of Charles Womack and Dick Heller, former Lake Land instructor and Exchange Club member. 

Lake Land College in coordination with the Mattoon Exchange Club recently rededicated its Freedom Shrine, located in the Northeast Building on campus. The shrine was rededicated in honor of former Lake Land College geography instructor Charles “Chuck” Womack, after the building was renovated last summer as part of the college’s sustainability initiative.

The Mattoon Exchange Club purchases, frames, and installs multiple major documents illustrating the history of basic American freedoms.

The first Exchange Club Freedom Shrine was dedicated in 1949 and the Mattoon Exchange Club has dedicated eight shrines to date.

To learn more about Lake Land College, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu

LLCC accreditation reaffirmed; Trustees unveil LEED plaque

The Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees had reason to celebrate at its April meeting because The Higher Learning Commission has reaffirmed the accreditation of the college, and the Green Building Council has awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Award to the college’s Workforce Careers Center.

The next reaffirmation of accreditation will be in the 2020-21 academic year.

Prior to the board meeting, Board Chair Justin Reichert, accompanied by trustees, unveiled the LEED Silver plaque in the Workforce Careers Center. LEED certification identifies the building as “a showcase example of sustainable design.”

 

The Board honored retiring Student Trustee Garrett Belville of Springfield for his year of service. Belville represented the 17,000 individuals served yearly by LLCC and was active statewide in the Illinois Community College Student Leadership Conference and the Illinois Community College Board Student Advisory Committee.

Sworn in as his successor was Jefferson Gentry of Springfield, who will serve a year’s term as student trustee.

 

The trustees also extended their thanks and good wishes to Rich Vertrees for his work on behalf of the college as the longtime vice president of administrative services. Vertrees will retire April 30.  

Shelby County Health Department to Hold Physical Exam Clinic at Stew-Stras

The Shelby County Health Department will hold a physical examination clinic this Thursday at the Stewardson-Strasburg school. Physical exams are required for children entering kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade. They are also required for all students participating in athletics. Kindergarten students are to bring their shot records for evaluation. There will be a $20 charge for the exam.

Taylorville Resident Arrested for Aggravated Battery

A Taylorville resident was arrested last Thursday for aggravated battery. Around 4:15pm, Taylorville Police Department officers were sent to 520 North Long in reference to an anonymous tip that 47-year-old Maria Gibbs of Taylorville was allegedly purchasing alcohol for minors. During the investigation, Gibbs reportedly struck an officer. Gibbs was charged with aggravated battery and lodged at the Christian County Correctional Center.

Shelby Ringers Perform for Shelbyville Rotary Club

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Shelby Ringers perform at Shelbyville Rotary Club meeting

Teresa Van Duersen and the Shelby Ringers from Community Services performed several numbers for the Shelbyville Rotary Club at their weekly meeting.  Selections included a Patriotic Medley of "America the Beautiful" and "America", "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", "Edelweiss", "Amazing Grace", "She'll be Coming 'Round the Mountain When She Comes" and "God Bless America."  The group is one of two bell choirs that perform in the community but is the only one that travels to do so.  The beginnings of the groups goes back to the early 1980's.  Van Duersen has directed them in the most recent years.  Their performance schedule generally fills up quickly during the holiday season as they have a limited number of appearances that they will make.  

 

Miller: Some LLCC Classes fill up Fast

If you intend to sign up for classes at Lincoln Land Community College, the sooner you do so, the better.  Operations Analyst for Lincoln Land Taylorville Tisha Miller says there are some classes that fill up pretty fast:

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Other classes that tend to fill up quickly include welding, medical terminology, abnormal psychology and a variety of computer classes.

Shelbyville Student Fundraiser Coming up

Shelbyville students will be hosting a fundraiser next month.  Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says it's for a good cause:

Carroll stifles Rays in debut as White Sox cruise

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) - Jose  Abreu went  2-for-4 with a homer and 
four  RBI  and Scott  Carroll threw 7  1/3 strong innings  to lead the Chicago 
White  Sox to a  9-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the third installment of a 
four-game set. 

Carroll  (1-0)  allowed two  runs --  one earned --  on six  hits in his major 
league debut. 

"He knew what he was doing out there. He threw strikes, let his defense make 
plays for him. It's special, everyone is happy for him," White Sox manager 
Robin Ventura said. 

Marcus  Semien collected two hits and an RBI while also scoring a pair of runs 
and  Alexei Ramirez added  two hits and an RBI for the White Sox, who have won 
five of their last eight games to improve to 13-13. 

David Price (3-2) was tagged for eight runs -- six earned -- on nine hits over 
six-plus innings. The southpaw struck out seven and walked one in the setback. 

David   DeJesus  scored   on  Dayan  Viciedo's  fielding  error  to  give  the 
Rays  a 1-0  lead in the fifth  inning. Yunel Escobar lifted a routine flyball 
to  right, but  Viciedo ran  past it  and the  ball rolled  past him  allowing 
DeJesus to score with ease. 

Chicago,  though,  exploded for  five runs in  the sixth and  four runs in the 
seventh to break the game open. 

With  runners on  first and  second in  the sixth,  Semien reached  on a  bunt 
single.  Gordon Beckham and  Adam Eaton both came around on the play thanks to 
errors  from  Price and  Wil Myers.  Price overthrew  first and Myers couldn't 
handle the ball in right. 

Abreu followed with a two-run homer to left field to make it 4-1. Viciedo then 
doubled before scoring on a throwing error by Escobar to cap the inning. 

"We haven't made that many mistakes all year, let alone in one inning. It is 
an unfortunate day, but it happens to the best of them," said Rays manager Joe 
Maddon. 

With  two  on in  the seventh, Semien  doubled to center  to score Beckham and 
knock  Price out of  the game. Abreu greeted reliever Josh Lueke with a single 
to  center  to score Eaton and  Semien. Ramirez added  a base hit later in the 
inning to push Abreu across for a 9-1 lead. 

Evan Longoria's RBI single in the eighth accounted for the final margin. 

                                   Game Notes 

Abreu  is 5-for-13 with  three home runs and 10 RBI over the first three games 
of  this  series ... Carroll  struck out three and  walked two ... Ben Zobrist 
went 2-for-4 with a run scored for the Rays. 

Hammel, Castro carry Cubs over Brewers

Milwaukee,  WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Starlin Castro belted a pair of solo home 
runs to back another strong start by Jason Hammel as the Chicago Cubs salvaged 
their three-game set in Milwaukee with a 4-0 victory over the Brewers. 

Hammel  (4-1)  scattered three  hits and  two walks  through seven innings and 
struck  out seven  for  the Cubs,  who  snapped a  four-game  skid and  handed 
Milwaukee its first weekend loss. 

The  Brewers  were a combined 11-0  on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays entering 
the  series finale  but could not get  anything going with Ryan Braun and Jean 
Segura out of the lineup. 

Braun  suffered an  intercostal strain on Saturday but not before accidentally 
hitting  Segura in  the head with a  warmup swing in the dugout. The shortstop 
did not suffer a concussion but needed stitches to sew up a gash near his eye. 

"It  looks like it's  gonna be a few days, maybe 3-to-5, something like that," 
Brewers  manager  Ron Roenicke said  about how much  time Braun is expected to 
miss. 

Without  the heart  of the order, the  Brewers managed just three hits and saw 
Wily Peralta (3-1) suffer his first loss of the season. 

Peralta lasted seven innings and was charged with eight hits and three runs -- 
the first coming on Castro's leadoff shot to straightaway center in the second 
inning. 

The Cubs  added another run in  the frame on Darwin Barney's fielder's choice 
groundout  to third.  With the bases loaded and no outs, Aramis Ramirez tagged 
third  for  the force out,  but his throw home  got away from Jonathan Lucroy, 
allowing Nate Schierholtz to score. 

Mike  Olt tacked on  a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the sixth and Castro snuck 
his  second home  run over  the left-field  wall off  Brandon Kintzler  in the 
eighth. 

Hammel  came into  the game  with a  minuscule 0.69  WHIP and  continued being 
stingy in Sunday's series finale. 

The  31-year-old  right-hander  only  yielded  two  baserunners  through  five 
innings, the first on an error and the other on a walk. 

Carlos  Gomez recorded Milwaukee's first hit with a double in the sixth inning 
and  Scooter  Gennett worked  a walk before  Hammel wiggled out  of the jam by 
striking out Lucroy and retiring Ramirez on a harmless groundout. 

"What happened in the sixth inning was I pretty much screwed myself going back 
and  forth from  signs.  We  were bouncing  back  and  forth between  innings, 
changing  up signs, and I got caught up in the signs. I basically mixed myself 
up and kind of lost my rhythm," Hammel said. 

Pedro  Strop and  Hector  Rondon each  threw  a hitless  inning  in relief  to 
complete Chicago's first shutout win of the season. 

                                   Game Notes 

Hammel has allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his first five starts 
as  a  Cub. He improved  to 4-0 in five  lifetime starts against Milwaukee ... 
Castro's  only  other multi-home run  game came earlier  this month on April 8 
against the Pirates. 

Wizards top Bulls to take 3-1 series lead

Washington,  DC (SportsNetwork.com) - Trevor Ariza poured in a playoff career- 
high  30 points and  the Washington Wizards claimed a 3-1 series lead over the 
Chicago Bulls with a 98-89 Game 4 win on Sunday at Verizon Center. 

John  Wall  tallied 15 points  with 10 assists,  while Bradley Beal and Marcin 
Gortat  scored  18 and 17 points,  respectively. Ariza hit six of Washington's 
eight 3-pointers in the triumph. 

"I  think we just  did a great job putting pressure on them defensively," said 
Wall.  "Trevor  did a great  job of getting  himself going, making shots early 
on." 

The Wizards led by as many as 23 points and never trailed. 

Taj  Gibson's 32 points on 13-of-16 shooting weren't enough for Chicago, which 
will  need  a home win  in Tuesday's  Game 5 to  extend this series. The Bull
dropped  each of the first two games at home. Joakim Noah scored 10 points and 
grabbed 15 rebounds in the setback. 

The  Wizards  were scorching  hot in  the early going,  making 7-of-8 shots to 
start the game to claim a 14-0 lead. 

Jimmy Butler's one-dribble pull-up jumper from the left wing finally broke the 
seal  for Chicago 7:48.  Butler added another jump shot and Noah made two over 
the  first eight minutes, but the Bulls still trailed 20-8 and didn't score at 
the rim until Gibson's putback layup at 3:34. 

"We thought the mistakes we were making we could correct, but at this point we 
haven't,"  said  Kirk Hinrich. "They've been  a really good first quarter team 
all year. We knew that coming into the series. We just haven't done a good job 
of handling it." 

Gibson  was  a major  spark off the  bench, helping to  lead Chicago back with 
eight  of the Bulls'  18 first quarter points in just 3 minutes and 46 seconds 
on  the floor. The Bulls were back within six after Gibson fueled a 14-7 run, 
however  the  Wizards scored the  last four in the  period and led 28-18 after 
one. 

Martell Webster netted four straight for Washington to open the second. A 10-0 
run  had the Bulls back within four, but Wall re-energized Washington with an 
alley-oop  feed to Webster and a short jumper. After Gibson's layup, Beal's 3- 
ball highlighted a 7-0 Washington surge to make it 45-32. 

Ariza  hit a  pair of 3-pointers in the  final 2 1/2 minutes of the half, with 
his corner triple at the buzzer boosting the Wizards to a 55-40 advantage. 

The  margin hovered between  10 and 20 during the third period and extended to 
85-62 when Beal started the fourth with a 3-pointer. 

Chicago's  offense came  alive for the first  time all game after that. It was 
87-66  when Hinrich started a 10-0 sprint with a mid-range jumper. Butler then 
hit  a 3-pointer  around two Gibson buckets  and Noah split a pair at the foul 
line.  Trevor  Booker, who  started for  the suspended  Nene, countered with a 
putback, but D.J. Augustin found the range from deep to cut it to 10 with 4:49 
to play. 

Gibson's  jumper from  the left wing at  2:03 had the Bulls within eight. Wall 
penetrated at the other end and dumped off a pass for a Gortat dunk to restore 
a  double-digit margin,  and Gortat did the  same for an Ariza jam to seal the 
outcome. 

                                   Game Notes 

Nene  was suspended one game for his role in an altercation with Butler in the 
fourth  quarter of  Game 3 ... Washington  turned the ball over just six times 
and  outscored  Chicago 16-2  in  transition  ...Chicago's reserves  outscored 
Washington's, 42-10 ... Butler scored 16 points. 

Blackhawks batter Blues to advance

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - The  Chicago Blackhawks  have cleared  yet 
another hurdle in their quest for a second straight Stanley Cup. 

For the St. Louis Blues, it was another bad moment of deja vu. 

And once again, Jonathan Toews came through on the game's biggest stage. 

Toews' score 44 seconds into the third period began a four-goal barrage in the 
final frame that carried the Blackhawks to a 5-1 Game 6 victory over the Blues 
that wrapped up a thrilling Western Conference quarterfinal series between the 
longtime rivals. 

Four  of  the first  five meetings  were decided in  overtime, the most recent 
Chicago's  3-2  triumph in Friday's Game  5 on Toews' eighth career postseason 
game-winner. There was no need for sudden death in Sunday's clincher, however, 
after  St. Louis  unraveled over the final 20 minutes following a dominant but 
frustrating second period. 

Corey Crawford kept the Blues scoreless in the second despite St. Louis owning 
a  17-3 advantage  in shots, and Toews,  Patrick Sharp and Andrew Shaw all lit 
the  lamp within  the  first  7 1/2  minutes  of the  third  to  turn a  nail- 
biting contest into a blowout. 

"They  were  dominating the first  40 minutes and we  came back with maybe our 
best period of the year," said Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville. 

Duncan  Keith  tacked on  another goal  late for good  measure and added three 
assists, with defense partner Brent Seabrook tallying a pair of helpers in his 
return  from  a three-game  suspension for  a check  to the  head of St. Louis 
captain David Backes in Game 2. 

Crawford stopped 35-of-36 shots overall to once again outduel counterpart Ryan 
Miller,  who managed just 22 saves in the Blues' fourth consecutive loss after 
taking the first two games in overtime. 

It's  the second straight year St. Louis blew a 2-0 series lead in the opening 
round.  The Blues  dropped four  straight  to a  Los Angeles  Kings team  that 
eventually fell to the Blackhawks in the 2013 West finals. 

They appeared poised to force a Game 7 after peppering Crawford all throughout 
the  middle session,  but the  Chicago netminder  was up  to the  challenge to 
virtually  single-handedly  keep the score  deadlocked at 1-1 heading into the 
third. 

Chicago  then  showed its  championship pedigree,  capitalizing on its scoring 
chances to leave no doubt of the final outcome. 

Keith,  whose  heady  outlet pass  led  to  Toews'  winner  in Game  5,  saved 
the puck in the Blues' zone to set up the go-ahead marker in this one as well. 
He  quickly fed  Toews in the right  circle, where the star center skated into 
the  slot and  fired  a well-placed  attempt  into the  upper  left corner  as 
Miller went low. 

It  was  a 3-1  lead  a  mere  77 seconds  later,  as  Sharp blocked  a  Kevin 
Shattenkirk shot to create a breakaway in which the Blackhawks' sniper slipped 
a shot underneath Miller while being hooked from behind. 

"We  played  a great first two  periods, but I  thought the third goal ... you 
could  see a  big sag  on the  team  after that,"  said Blues  head coach  Ken 
Hitchcock. 

Chicago didn't let up, with Keith rocketing a shot that landed right on Shaw's 
stick as the latter was stationed to the right of Miller at the 7:30 mark. The 
two teamed up again for the final goal, where Miller overplayed Shaw's pass on 
a  2-on-1 rush and  Keith tapped the puck into a wide-open left side with 2:55 
remaining. 

Toews, also credited with the deciding goal in the Blackhawks' pivotal 2-0 win 
in  Game 3, broke  the franchise record he had shared with Jeremy Roenick with 
his ninth career postseason game-winner. 

Chicago  now awaits  the winner  of the  Colorado-Minnesota series,  which the 
Avalanche hold a 3-2 edge heading into Monday's Game 6 in St. Paul. 

Both  clubs  scored once  during an  evenly played  opening period, with Bryan 
Bickell  giving  Chicago a 1-0  lead 4:12 in by  redirecting a long wrist shot 
from Seabrook following an extended stay by the Blackhawks in St. Louis' end. 

The  Blues  drew even with  3:32 left in the  frame. Crawford made the initial 
stop  on  a drive by Jay  Bouwmeester, but Alexander Steen cradled the rebound 
and sent a behind-the-net wraparound pass that T.J. Oshie knocked home from in 
close. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  team that  scored first won all  six matchups in the series ... The Blues 
have  now lost  11 of  their last  12 playoff  series that  were tied  2-2 ... 
Chicago  is now 11-2  since 2009 in playoff games it can clinch the series ... 
St.  Louis finished  0-for-6 on the power  play and was just 2-for-29 with the 
man  advantage for  the series ... Seabrook logged six points (two goals, four 
assists) in the three games he appeared in. 

Peralta, Wainwright lead Cardinals over Pirates

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Brewers game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 6:40pm.

St.  Louis, MO  (SportsNetwork.com) - Looking for something beyond command and 
velocity  and other inside-baseball reasons why Adam Wainwright is pitching so 
well? 

Let the man himself give you another one. 

"I'm having more fun pitching now than I ever have," Wainwright said. 

It hasn't been much fun for opposing hitters. 

Wainwright  stretched his  shutout streak to 25 innings and Jhonny Peralta hit 
two  homers, leading the  St. Louis Cardinals to a 7-0 win over the Pittsburgh 
Pirates on Sunday to complete a three-game series. 

Wainwright  (5-1) had  seven strikeouts in eight innings, giving up just three 
hits  and two walks and becoming the first five-game winner in the majors this 
season. 

The right-hander has won four starts in a row since suffering his only loss of 
the  season  April 6  against Pittsburgh.  He threw  67 of  his 99 pitches for 
strikes  on Sunday  and his earned-run average  dipped from 1.46 to 1.20 in 45 
innings this season. 

It wasn't even his best start of the season. Before blanking the Mets in seven 
innings last Tuesday, Wainwright threw a two-hit shutout against the Nationals 
on April 17 -- and only one of the hits left the infield. 

"He  was the  same guy  we've  seen all  season,  an absolute  joy to  watch," 
Cardinals  manager Mike Matheny said of the two-time Cy Young Award runner-up. 
"And we actually got big hits today and gave him a little room to breathe." 

Peralta  snapped  St. Louis' 10-game homerless  streak with a solo shot in the 
fifth  inning, then added a three-run blast in the sixth to give the Cardinal
a 6-0 lead and chase Pittsburgh starter Edinson Volquez (1-2) from the game. 

Volquez praised Wainwright after the game. 

"He's unbelievable. He's a superstar," Volquez said. 

St.  Louis won two of three in the series, also taking the first game in a 1-0 
shutout. 

The Pirates fell to 2-8 in their last 10. 

Peralta's second homer came during a four-run sixth that almost never was. The 
Pirates  lost a replay challenge after a would-be 5-4-3 double play was waived 
off when Yadier Molina was ruled safe at first base. 

First  base umpire Ted Barrett ruled that Ike Davis' foot came off the base on 
a wide throw by second baseman Neil Walker, and the call stood after a lengthy 
review. 

Allen  Craig  followed with an  RBI single and  Peralta cracked a 3-2 changeup 
into the visitors bullpen behind left field for his sixth homer of the season. 

Volquez gave up six runs on seven hits and a walk in his 5 2/3 innings. 

Matt  Holliday and  Molina both  had sacrifice  flies in  the game  and Carlos 
Martinez  struck out  three in  a  perfect ninth  inning to  keep the  shutout 
intact. 

The  Pirates had  three singles. They put  a runner on third base in the sixth 
after  Wainwright hit  Jose Tabata with one out and Pedro Alvarez singled with 
two down. 

                                   Game Notes 

Wainwright  is 10-5  in 20 career starts against the Pirates ... The Cardinal
will  finish a six-game homestand with three against Milwaukee starting Monday 
...  The Pirates will play two games in Baltimore starting Tuesday to complete 
a five-game road trip. 

Electrical Outlet Burns Up at Betty Rose?s Furniture

The Taylorville Fire Department this morning responded to a call for smoke at Betty Rose’s Furniture on the Taylorville Square. Upon investigation, firefighters found an electric outlet burned up. The power was then shut off to building. Owner Betty Rose said she will leave power off and have electrician come to check the outlet. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-28-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Travis G. Hartline, 22, of 104 South Walnut Street, Pana, was arrested April 25 on a bond forfeiture for criminal damage to property.

Jarad K. Challans, 28, of 708 Kitchell Street, Pana, was arrested April 26 for residential burglary and theft by deception.

Diana L. McKinney, 44, of North 1601 Powers Lake Road, Genoa City, Wisconsin, was arrested April 26 for driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

Mark J. Pope, 32, of 306 Oak Street, Ozark, Arkansas, was arrested April 26 for resisting a peace officer, disorderly conduct, and aggravated battery of a peace officer.

Michael E. Reber, 40, of 102 North Snodgrass Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 27 on a bond forfeiture for driving on a suspended license.

Kyle K. Richards, 18, of 1600 East Stanford Avenue, Springfield, was arrested April 27 on a bond forfeiture for burglary.

CRASHES:

On April 26, Gordon L. Gesell of Taylorville was traveling northwest on Route 29 when a deer entered the roadway from the west. The deer then entered Gesell's path of travel. Gesell then struck the deer with the front end of the vehicle. No injuries were reported.

On April 25, Paige A. Pellinghelli of Kincaid was traveling north on County 5. Just south of 1800 North, Pellinghelli was changing the radio station which caused her to run off the roadway. Pellinghelli hit the ditch causing damage to the vehicle. No injuries were reported.

On April 25, Donald W. Nance, Jr. of Taylorville was traveling southeast on a curve on Illinois Route 104. Nance went off the roadway to the right and struck the ditch. The vehicle flipped one or two times, hit a set of trees, and came to rest on its top. Jacqueline R. Holmes of Taylorville was thrown from the vehicle about 20 or 30 feet onto the roadway. Holmes was transported to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield for treatment of injuries. Stacey A. Nance of Taylorville was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for her injuries. Donald Nance was taken to the Christian County Sheriff's Office to perform field sobriety tests. Nance was then arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while his license was revoked.

On April 26, Ella N. Richard of Taylorville was traveling southeast on Route 29 when a deer entered the roadway from the west. The deer then entered Richard's path of travel. Richard then struck the deer with the front end of the vehicle.

On April 27, Thomas J. Barry of Taylorville was traveling southbound on 1250 East Road. Barry fell asleep causing the vehicle to travel into the northbound lane. Barry turned the wheel when he awoke causing him to go into the west ditch. Barry hit the ditch, then hit a utility pole, and the vehicle came to rest on its side. There was minor damage to the utility pole. There was significant damage to Barry's vehicle and it had to be towed from the scene. Barry reported no injuries.


THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

On April 27 at 5:30pm, Kyle Richards, 18, of Taylorville came to the Taylorville Police Department to turn himself in for a Christian County failure to appear warrant. Dispatch verified the warrant through the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System. Richards was arrested and transported to Christian County Correctional Center.

On April 27 at 2:43pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer located Michael E.Reber, 40, of Taylorville at 1020 North Snodgrass. The officer knew Reber to have a valid Christian County failure to appear warrant. Reber was placed under arrest and transported to Christian County Correctional Center.

On April 27th, Taylorville Police Department officers arrested Cale R. Sexson, 31, of Taylorville on a failure to appear in court warrant out of Macon County.

On April 25th at 10:50pm, Taylorville Police Department dispatch received a call from Beth Burton that she needed assistance in removing an intoxicated male from her residence. Upon arrival, the officer saw that there were signs of a struggle and heard several male subjects arguing. The officer was invited into the residence and told that the male was in the other room. After a brief investigation, the man, who was identified as Mark J, Pope, 32, of Ozark, Arkansas, continued to put his hands on the officer before grabbing the officer's left hand. Pope was placed into handcuffs and secured in the back of the squad car. After two separate occasions of striking the officer, Pope was transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and aggravate battery to a peace office.

Fire Department Calls 4-28-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 25
2 EMS, 2 Fire, 2 Public Assist

April 26
5 EMS, 1 Automatic Alarm

April 27
5 EMS

April 28
1 Fire, 1 EMS

Taylorville Park Board Approves Repairs of Dining Hall Gutters

The Taylorville Park Board met Monday night and was presented with a motion to repair the damaged Dining Hall gutters. Secretary/Bookkeeper MaryAnn Becker told the Board about the damage:

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The Board approved the motion unanimously. The work will be done by Young’s Roofing Inc.

 

Secretary/Bookkeeper MaryAnn Becker informed the Taylorville Park Board at their Monday meeting that she, along with Recreation Director Bailey Hancock and Maintanance Superintendent Gary Brown, applied for a youth recreation grant. Becker told the Baord what the grant would allow them to do if their application is approved:

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Hancock said the swim lesson instructor that the grant will cover will be whoever she chooses to be in charge.

 

The Taylorville Park Board approved the lowest bid from MidWest for the construction of the new irrigation system at Lakeshore Golf Course. The Board also approved the Budget for fiscal year 2014-15.

Taylorville Girls Shut Out Edinburg (4/25/14)

The Taylorville Lady Tornadoes Softball Team defeated the Edinburg Wildcats with a shutout Friday afternoon. The final score was 21-0...as heard on Groovy 93.5.

Bill Engvall Coming to Effingham Performance Center

 

Bill Engvall is coming to the Effingham Performance Center on Saturday, May 3rd, at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for two performances of “Here’s your sign”.   Seating is very limited for the 6:30 p.m. show and good seats still available for the 9:30 p.m. show. 

Engvall has appeared in numerous television shows written several books, and starred in sitcoms, movies and late-night TV. He most recently appeared on Dancing with the Stars on ABC and on CMT’s animated series Bounty Hunters. It’s the quality of sharing the humor in everyday situations that has made Bill Engvall one of the top comedians today.

Effingham Performance Center is located at the cross-section of Interstates 57 and 70. More information about the Center and Arts Connection of Central Illinois may be found at www.theEPC.org or by phone at (217) 540-2788.

House Committee to Re-Vote on Fund for Obama library

An Illinois House Executive Committee endorsed a plan last week to contribute $100 million in state funds toward the construction of a Barack Obama presidential library in Chicago but now that plan is being called for a re-vote. State Representative Bill Mitchell of Forsyth said the vote in the executive committee was unbelievable:

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The proposal is being called back for a re-vote after Republican lawmakers pointed out the fact that they were not present for the original vote.

 

ADDITIONAL AUDIO

State Representative Adam Brown of Champaign says that given the current fiscal condition of the state of Illinois, it would be slap in the face to the hard working taxpayers in his district and around the state.

[audio:041714BrownObamaLibrary.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Eleven LLCC nursing students inducted into new honor society chapter

Eleven second-year nursing students at Lincoln Land Community College were inducted April 17 into the first class of the new LLCC Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu, national nursing honor society.

 

The honorees were Christina M. Hornback, Jessica Marie Russell, Courtney L. Conn, Julia L. DeWeese, Anna Jo King, Megan Elaine Strohm and Ashley M. Taylor, all of Springfield; Kassandra L. Barry and Melanie J. Yancey of Chatham; Sarah Elizabeth Bradley of Williamsville; and Jessica N. Otter of Hillsboro.

 

The ceremony featured a demonstration of nursing symbols including the nurse’s cap, pin and lamp. 

2 LLCC Students selected for Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team

Clark Johnson of Farmersville and Mary Flesch of Springfield were selected as Lincoln Land Community College’s representatives on this year’s Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team. Community colleges in Illinois select two students yearly for the prestigious honor.

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Johnson(pictured above), a political science major, serves as treasurer of the LLCC Honors Program and the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. He is lieutenant captain of the Quiz Bowl Team and a representative on Student Government Association.

 

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Flesch (pictured above) serves as president of the Alpha Epsilon Kappa chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, vice president of the LLCC Honors Program Student Organization, and is the former public relations officer of the English Studies Club.

 

Phi Theta Kappa is the leading academic honor society for students at two-year colleges. Students are eligible for membership with grade point averages of 3.5 or above.

1 Arrested for Criminal Trespassing

A Taylorville resident was arrested Tuesday for criminal trespassing. On Tuesday, Taylorville Police Department officers were dispatched to GSI in reference to a fight. Following an investigation, 25-year-old Carl Holloway of Taylorville was arrested for criminal trespass and battery. Holloway was processed and released on a notice to appear.

Two Sent to Hospital After Crash in Pana

Two people were sent to the hospital following a 2-vehicle crash in Pana last week. On Thursday, 54-year-old Linda L. Sims of Pana was southbound in the alley just west of Chestnut Street and reportedly failed to yield from the alley. Sims continued southbound and struck 20-year-old Ashley N. Gordon of Pana who was traveling westbound. The collision caused minor damage to both vehicles. Gordon and her passenger, 34-year-old Martha M. Shallembarger of Pana, were transported to Pana Community Hospital for treatment of injuries that were not physically evident. Sims was issued a citation for failure to yield and Gordon was issued a citation for operating a vehicle uninsured.

Abreu's walk-off slam sends White Sox past Rays

Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Jose Abreu crushed a game-winning grand slam 
in  the ninth inning, his second homer of the night, to send the Chicago Whit
Sox to a 9-6 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a four-game set. 

Evan  Longoria cracked a two-run shot off Matt Lindstrom (2-1) in the top half 
of  the  inning to break a  4-4 tie, but Chicago  rallied for five runs in the 
home half to take the win. 

With one out, Alejandro De Aza doubled before Grant Balfour (0-1) walked Tyler 
Flowers  and Paul Konerko. Adam Eaton grounded into a force out at second, but 
it  was enough  to score  De  Aza. Balfour  then walked  Marcus Semien  before 
serving up Abreu's grand slam. 

Balfour  left a fastball  up for the Cuban rookie, who hammered the pitch over 
the wall in right field. 

Abreu  finished the  game 3-for-5 with six  homers while De Aza added two hits 
and two RBI for the White Sox, winners in four of their last six games. 

"It's  impressive," said Eaton about his teammates Abreu. "The proof is in the 
pudding.  He works his  butt off everyday. He knows what he needs to do to get 
ready." 

Erik  Johnson  started for White Sox and  lasted just  1 2/3 innings. He 
allowed four runs on four hits and four walks before exiting. 

Rays  starter Chris  Archer was tagged for  four runs on nine hits over seven- 
plus innings in the setback. 

"We  played a really  good game (aside from the ninth inning)," said Tampa Bay 
manager Joe Maddon. "We just didn't get the hits that we needed to." 

Abreu's  RBI  single in the first  gave the White Sox a 1-0 lead. Adam Easton 
singled, stole second then scored when Abreu ripped a single up the middle. 

The Rays countered with a four-run second inning to capture the lead. Longoria 
singled  and moved to second on Johnson's wild pitch. Johnson retired the next 
two  hitters before issuing a two-out walk to David DeJesus, which would prove 
to  be costly.  Escobar followed with a  base hit to left that scored Longoria 
and Hanigan followed with a single to bring DeJesus around. 

Following  a  mound visit, Zobrist laced  a fastball to right to score Escobar 
and  Johnson walked  the next two hitters,  the last he would face, to force a 
run home. 

Chicago scored a run in the third and two in the fourth to tie the game. 

In the third, Abreu clobbered a solo homer to center to make it 4-2. 

In the fourth, Dayan Viciedo, Alexei Ramirez and De Aza opened the inning with 
three  straight  singles to load  the bases.  Following a mound visit, Flowers 
ripped a single up the middle to score Viciedo and Ramirez. 

Archer  would get out of the jam from there, though, getting Gordon Beckham to 
fly out before Eaton hit into an inning-ending double play. 

                                   Game Notes 

Abreu's  nine homers  are tied  for the  most by  a rookie  thru April  in MLB 
history  ...  The White Sox  were 4-for-11 with RISP  ... Eaton has two stolen 
bases  this season ... The Rays were 3-for-13 with RISP and left 11 runners on 
base ... Game time: 4:04. 

Overbay, Garza boost Brewers over Cubs

Milwaukee,  WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Lyle Overbay homered to back Matt Garza's 
strong  outing,  and the Milwaukee Brewers  defeated the Chicago Cubs, 5-2, in 
the opener of a three-game set from Miller Park. 

Garza  earned his  first win as a  Brewer, allowing two runs on four hits with 
seven strikeouts over seven innings against his former team. 

Garza  (1-2) signed  a  four-year, $50  million deal  in  the offseason  after 
spending the previous two-plus seasons with the Cubs. 

"He  really  went after  guys," Brewers  manager Ron  Roenicke said of Garza's 
performance.  "His  fastball was excellent and  he just went after guys. We're 
playing good baseball." 

Francisco Rodriguez earned his 10th save of the season. 

Carlos  Gomez  went 3-for-5  with  two  runs  scored,  while Ryan  Braun  also 
collected three hits with an RBI and a run scored for Milwaukee, which has won 
six of its last seven games. 

Scooter  Gennett, Jonathon  Lucroy and Aramis Ramirez all knocked in a run for 
the Brewers. 

Chicago  starter  Carlos Villanueva (1-5) took  the loss after he allowed five 
runs on 11 hits over five frames. 

Emilio  Bonifacio  and Ryan Sweeney each  had an RBI in the setback, Chicago's 
third in a row. 

"The first inning obviously didn't start off well," said Cubs manager Rick 
Renteria. "Obviously not a very clean first inning. (Garza) goes right after 
hitters and he knows what he's doing. You have to tip your hat off to him a 
little bit." 

Milwaukee  scored  two runs  in the first  on three straight  hits to open the 
frame.  Gomez singled  to left,  then  stole second  and scored  on a  Gennett 
double. 

Braun  knocked in  Gennett in  the  next at-bat  with  a single  to left  that 
staked the Brewers to a 2-0 lead. 

Chicago  got  one back  in the  top of the  third on  an Bonifacio single that 
plated Sweeney, who led off the inning with a walk. 

Lucroy increased the cushion in the home half of the third with an RBI single. 

Overbay  homered to lead off the fourth inning and Ramirez knocked in Braun in 
the fifth with a sacrifice fly to left that gave the Brewers a 5-1 advantage. 

Sweeney's RBI groundout in the seventh accounted for the final margin. 

Zach  Duke struck  out the side in  the eighth and Rodriguez pitched a perfect 
ninth to close it out. 

                                   Game Notes 

Rodriguez tied Robb Nen for 18th on the all-time saves list with 314 ... Braun 
extended  his hitting streak against Chicago to 11 games. He has hit safely in 
15  of his  last 17  games ...  Chicago was  1-for-5 with  runners in  scoring 
position. 

Toews' OT winner gives Blackhawks 3-2 series edge

St.  Louis,  MO (SportsNetwork.com) -  For the fourth  time in five games, the 
Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues went to overtime. 

And  for  the first  time in their  opening-round series, the  road team won a 
game. 

Jonathan  Toews  scored on a  breakaway at 7:36 of  the extra session, and the 
Blackhawks  beat  the Blues  3-2 on  Friday night at  Scottrade Center to take 
a 3-2 lead in this best-of-seven set. 

The Blackhawks captain skated down the middle alone in on St. Louis goaltender 
Ryan  Miller, pulled the  puck to the backhand and slipped it inside the right 
post  and  past Miller's left pad,  giving the defending Stanley Cup champions 
their third straight win. 

Corey  Crawford  made 27 saves  for Chicago, which will  look to close out the 
series Sunday at home. 

"We know it's not over. We're excited to have the opportunity at home to close 
it  out, but we're gonna need our best  game  of  the year,"  said Blackhawk
defenseman Duncan Keith. 

Miller also stopped 27 shots for a St. Louis that welcomed back its captain to 
the lineup. 

David  Backes returned after missing the previous two games with an upper-body 
injury. The forward was injured late in Game 2 after absorbing a vicious check 
from  Brent  Seabrook, a hit  that earned  the Chicago defenseman a three-game 
suspension he finished serving Friday night. 

"It seems against a team that's got this type of finish, you make a big error, 
you  pay  for it," said Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock. 

The Blackhawks quickly  got into penalty trouble, as they were called for two 
holding infractions before the game was seven minutes old. 

St.  Louis,  however,  generated  only  one  shot  on  the  two  power  plays, 
squandering an opportunity to put Chicago in an early hole. 

The  Blues  wound up  falling behind  later in the  first period  on a goal by 
Marian  Hossa,  who poked in  his own  rebound from the  slot into an open net 
with 3:49 remaining. 

Chicago  then  drew  a  holding-the-stick  penalty  on  Alexander  Steen  with 
sustained  pressure  in the St. Louis  zone, but it  was the Blues who had the 
best chance late in the frame. Crawford made a save on an Alex Pietrangelo tip 
on a shorthanded rush with a minute left to preserve the Blackhawks' 1-0 lead. 

The Blues tied things up on T.J. Oshie's highlight-reel goal at the 11:04 mark 
of  the second period.  Oshie handled a pass from Steen, cut to the middle and 
beat Crawford with a backhander while on his knees. 

St.  Louis came close to moving ahead later in the middle stanza, but Vladimir 
Sobotka misfired at a yawning cage. 

Chicago  managed  to reclaim  the lead  with 2:50 left  in the second. Sheldon 
Brookbank's  one-timed  blast from  the point  was knocked  down and Ben Smith 
backhanded the loose puck past Miller from the slot. 

The Blues drew even early in the third period, when Pietrangelo finished off a 
2-on-1  rush with Jaden Schwartz by firing a wrister past Crawford at the 1:42 
mark. 

                                   Game Notes 

St. Louis tied a franchise record for most overtime games in a series ... Both 
teams were 0-for-2 on the power play. 

Cardinals clip Bucs by slimmest of margins

Coverage of today's Cards and Pirates game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 2:30pm.

St.  Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Matt Holliday finished 3-for-3 and plated 
the game's only run with a double in the first, while Shelby Miller spun 5 2/3 
strong  frames,  as  the St.  Louis Cardinals  claimed  a  1-0 win  over  the 
Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a three-game set Friday at Busch Stadium. 

Miller (2-2) struck out four and scattered three hits with four walks over his 
scoreless outing. 

Four  St. Louis  relievers combined  to keep  the Pirates  off the  board from 
there,  culminating  in Trevor Rosenthal's  perfect ninth inning that gave the 
right-hander his seventh save of the season. 

Jhonny  Peralta added  a pair  of hits  for the Cardinals, who  had lost  two 
straight and four of their last five games. 

Gerrit  Cole (2-2) took the hard-luck loss, giving up just one run on six hits 
and three walks over seven innings. 

Jose  Tabata collected two of the four hits for the Pirates, who dropped their 
fourth straight game after going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. 

The Cardinals manufactured the lone run of the game in the first inning, which 
Matt Carpenter opened with a bunt single down the third-base line. 

After  Carpenter  moved to second on  a groundout, Holliday ripped a double to 
center, scoring the St. Louis second baseman easily for a 1-0 lead. 

Pittsburgh  loaded the bases  with one out in the third, but Miller got Andrew 
McCutchen  to  ground into  an inning-ending  6-4-3 double  play to escape the 
frame unscathed. 

St.  Louis mounted  a threat of its own  in the home half, as Jon Jay worked a 
one-out  walk  before moving to third  when Holliday followed with a single to 
right. Jay slid into third head-first and was originally ruled safe. 

However,  the  Pirates challenged  the call, which  was overturned after video 
review showed third baseman Pedro Alvarez tag Jay's hand before it reached the 
bag.  Matt  Adams then singled  to keep the inning  alive, but Cole got Yadier 
Molina to ground out weakly to third to end the inning. 

Pittsburgh  put  together its only  other threat  in the eighth against Carlos 
Martinez. Martinez hit pinch-hitter Starling Marte to begin the frame and then 
served up a single to Tabata before Neil Walker slapped one back to the mound. 

Martinez alertly fired behind Marte to third, and after a short rundown, Marte 
was retired for the first out. 

Martinez then uncorked a wild pitch and intentionally walked McCutchen to load 
the  bases, but the St. Louis right-hander fanned Alvarez and Chris Stewart in 
succession to keep the Pirates off the board. 

Rosenthal struck out the side in the ninth to close out the victory. 

                                   Game Notes 

Pittsburgh  took two of  three at home from the Cardinals earlier in April ... 
Miller  entered  the game 0-5  over five  career starts against Pittsburgh ... 
Molina  singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 15 games ... St. 
Louis went 1-for-11 with RISP and left 10 men on base. 

Local March of Dimes Team Wins Top Family Award

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A local March of Dimes fund raising team, won the “Top Family Award” for raising the most money in the charity's “March for Babies” drive this winter and spring, during the annual walk held Saturday at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Team Princess Alexis, headed by Sheri Miller of the Miller Media Group in Taylorville, raised some 62-hundred dollars for the March of Dimes, in their efforts to help prevent birth defects and infant mortality.  Sheri's daughter Alexis died of a birth defect, 40 minutes after being born on April 2nd, 2011.

Sheri's fund raising events this year included an on-air Radiothon which raised some 22-hundred dollars, the first-ever 5K Color Run at Manners Park that raised over 2-thousand dollars, and a drive-thru donation day which raised over 200-dollars.  Over 17-hundred dollars also came in thru on-line donations.

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This is the 2nd consecutive year that Team Princess Alexis has won the “Top Family Award” during the March of Dimes' “March for Babies” campaign.  

Sheri's efforts also earned the Miller Media Group a special “Champion for Babies” award for its on-air fund raising efforts on behalf of the March of Dimes.

Sheri and her team thank all those who contributed to this year's March of Dimes campaign.




Christian County Begins Week-Long National Day of Prayer Activities

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Pictured above from left, at the Bible Reading Marathon on the north steps of the Christian County Courthouse in Taylorville Saturday night:  The Christian County National Day of Prayer Committee chairwoman Melissa Jones; volunteer Bible reader Cathy Miller; and committee member Rebekah Berger.

 

The National Day of Prayer is being celebrated again this year in Christian County.

The national observance is always the first Thursday in May, and this year it's May First.

The local committee has put together a week's worth of events before and during the observance this year.

Committee member and Bible Reading Marathon Coordinator Joan Blood told Regional Radio News, that some 100 volunteers have stepped up to help read the Bible aloud from cover to cover. The effort began on the north steps of the Christian County Courthouse Saturday morning at 9, and will continue for some 90 hours thru Tuesday. Blood says it's the 7th consecutive year this event has been held.

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She says she puts it together each year as a way to get believers together.

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Blood says some 100 volunteers from a number of churches participate in the Bible Reading Marathon each year.

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This year's National Day of Prayer service for Christian County, takes place Thursday night.

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Blood adds that Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton will host a Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning at 7 at the Manners Park Dining Hall. County board members and officers have been invited, and the public is welcome to attend. To make a reservation, contact Melissa Jones, who is the chairwoman of the Christian County National Day of Prayer.




LLCC Art Professor exhibiting works in Chicago?s Thompson Center

Thom Whalen, professor of art at Lincoln Land Community College, has been selected to exhibit paintings, prints and sculpture at “Focus 4: Four Solo Exhibitions” at the Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery. The exhibition is open through August 15.

The gallery is located in the James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

Bank Robbed in Auburn, Suspect At-Large

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Photo of suspect released by FBI

Auburn Police officials are looking for a gunman who held up a local bank.  The crime happened Thursday afternoon at the Illini Bank.  The alleged offender left the scene on foot with an undetermined amount of cash.  Police Chief Bruce Centko told the "Springfield Journal Register" that the offender is described as white, about six-feet tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He was wearing a dark hoodie, a baseball cap, blue jeans and tennis shoes.  Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call Auburn police at 438-3351. 

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Another angle of the suspect

1 Arrested on Drug Charges

A Pana resident was arrested on a warrant and drug charges Tuesday. At 4:49pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer made contact with Gayle L. Miller, 36, of Pana, who had an active warrant, at Car Wash City on 204 North Main Street. Miller was placed under arrest and upon further investigation, Miller was also charged with possession of methamphetamine. Miller was transported to the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

Arbor Day Today

Today (Friday) is Arbor Day.  If you plan to plant some trees, Gary Letterly of the University of Illinois Extension says successfully planting trees requires some planning, and suggests a website that might help:

[audio:letterlyarborday042414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Arbor Day in Illinois is observed on the last Friday in April. The Illinois State Tree is the White Oak.

Health Fair Coming up in Pana

One of two annual Health Fairs will take place Saturday in Pana.  Melissa Rybolt, Marketing Coordinator for Pana Community Hospital says a number of free services will be offered:

[audio:ryboltadultfair042214.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the Health Fair is this Saturday at Pana High School.

Taylorville Fire Chief Speaks at TRIAD Meeting

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Tigers top White Sox to split series

Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Miguel Cabrera drove in three runs and Rajai 
Davis  had three hits, including a solo homer, to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 
7-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. 

Max  Scherzer (2-1) had 10 strikeouts in six innings and the Tigers banged out 
13 hits to earn a split of the four-game series. 

Scherzer  gave up  two runs on seven  hits and a walk and raised his strikeout 
total to 44 in 33 innings this season. 

"I  did  a good  job of pitching  with runners on  base and  I was able to get 
strikeouts when I needed to," said Scherzer. 

Adam  Dunn homered for  the White Sox and Jose Quintana (1-2) took the loss in 
six innings after yielding three runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. 

The  Tigers went 5-4  on a homestand and the White Sox finished off a 3-4 road 
trip. 

"We  had opportunities,"  said White Sox  manager Robin  Ventura. "They  took 
advantage  of theirs  with  (Quintana).  He pitched  a  good  ballgame and  he 
deserved  better. But  what can you say?  Max (Scherzer) got us when he needed 
to." 

Dunn,  who hit  a two-run homer in  his previous at-bat in the ninth inning of 
Chicago's  8-6  loss on Tuesday,  cracked a 91  mph Scherzer fastball over the 
right-center field wall in the second inning. 

But  Detroit tied  the game in the bottom  of the second and took the lead for 
good in the third. 

Austin  Jackson tripled  with two outs in the second after right-fielder Dayan 
Viciedo over ran the ball and Nick Castellanos followed with an RBI single. 

Ian Kinsler hit a two-out single in the third inning, went to second base on a 
wild pitch and scored on Cabrera's single to give the Tigers the lead. 

Davis'  two-out homer to  left field in the fifth gave Detroit a 3-1 advantage 
and  came after  Danny Worth  was  caught trying  to steal  second base  after 
hitting a single. 

Tigers  right  fielder Torii  Hunter lost  Viciedo's fly  ball leading off the 
sixth  inning and Viciedo  raced around the bases for a triple, then scored on 
Alexei Ramirez's sacrifice fly to get the White Sox within a run. 

Bryan  Holaday hit a one-out single off Maikel Cleto in the seventh inning and 
later  scored on Cabrera's two-run single up the middle off Daniel Webb, which 
gave the Tigers a 5-2 lead. 

Ramirez  hit an  RBI single off Joba Chamberlain to highlight a two-run eighth 
inning  for the White Sox. Viciedo scored the second run from third base after 
Holaday made a bad throw to second trying to catch Alejandro De Aza stealing. 

But  the Tigers  added two  insurance  runs in  the  bottom of  the inning  on 
Holaday's single and Davis' double. 

Joe Nathan pitched the ninth inning for his fourth save of the season, walking 
Marcus  Semien with one out. The game ended with a double play when Jose Abreu 
struck  out  swinging and  was called for  batter interference for obstructing 
Holaday on a throw to second as Semien attempted a steal. 

                                   Game Notes 

The White Sox  will start a six-game homestand Friday against Tampa Bay. That 
four-game  series will  be followed  by a  two-game set  with Detroit  ... The 
Tigers start an eight-game road trip Friday against Minnesota. 

Bolsinger, D-Backs earn split with Cubs

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Mike Bolsinger threw 6 2/3 innings for his 
first  major league win and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Chicago Cubs 5-2 
on Thursday to earn a split of their four-game series. 

Bolsinger (1-1) struck out seven, walked two and gave up one unearned run when 
his left fielder couldn't come up with a tough catch. 

The  26-year-old righty  lost his first major league start last Saturday after 
giving  up seven  runs -- six earned --  in four innings of an 8-6 loss to the 
Dodgers in Los Angeles. 

"It's  his third  appearance, so  I  think that  he's a  lot more  confident," 
Arizona  manager Kirk Gibson  said of Bolsinger. "He did what he had to do. He 
came  out and executed  like he has down in the minor leagues and that was big 
for us." 

Bolsinger got his first career RBI against the Cubs on a single. 

"We  didn't do  a whole lot against him  but it's not like we didn't see him," 
said Cubs manager Rick Renteria. "We just didn't hit him." 

Miguel Montero had two hits and two RBI for the Diamondbacks, who won the last 
two  games of the  series to go 3-4 on a seven-game road trip. Arizona spoiled 
Wrigley  Field's  100th anniversary  celebration on  Wednesday by scoring five 
runs in the ninth inning for a 7-5 win. 

Anthony  Rizzo  hit a solo homer  in this one for  the Cubs, who went 3-4 on a 
seven-game  homestand. Edwin  Jackson (1-2)  took the  loss in  seven innings, 
giving up three runs on five hits and two walks. 

Gerardo  Parra led off  the game with a single and scored on Montero's two-out 
double for an early Diamondbacks lead. 

Emilio  Bonifacio  stretched a single into  a double leading off the bottom of 
the  first for  Chicago -- he slid around  a tag, and the safe call was upheld 
after  a  Diamondbacks challenge. Bonifacio  then scored when Roger Kieschnick 
missed Rizzo's bloop hit to left field for an error. 

But  the Diamondbacks scored two runs with no outs in the second inning to re- 
take the lead for good. 

Cliff  Pennington  drew a leadoff walk  and scored on Tony Campana's double to 
the  left-field  corner and Bolsinger followed  with an RBI single through the 
left side to make it 3-1. 

Jose  Veras replaced Jackson  to start the eighth inning and gave up a leadoff 
walk  to Parra,  who went to second  on Martin Prado's groundout and scored on 
Paul  Goldschmidt's double. Montero followed with an RBI single to make it 5-1 
Arizona. 

Rizzo's  third homer of  the season came against Oliver Perez in the bottom of 
the  eighth, but Addison Reed threw a perfect ninth for Arizona to pick up his 
fifth save. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Cubs start  a six-game road trip Friday in Milwaukee ... The Diamondbacks 
begin a six-game homestand Friday against Philadelphia. 

Colon, Mets top Cardinals

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Pirates game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 6:40pm.

Flushing,  NY (SportsNetwork.com)  - Bartolo Colon tossed seven strong innings 
and  Daniel Murphy drove  in a pair of runs to lead the New York Mets over the 
St. Louis Cardinals, 4-1, in the finale of a four-game set at Citi Field. 

Colon  (2-3)  allowed just one run  on four hits  and struck out eight, as the 
Mets took three of four from the defending National League champions. 

Murphy ended 2-for-3 and Chris Young hit his first homer of the season for New 
York,  which has  won seven of 10 to  move two games above .500 for the season 
(12-10).  Eric Young Jr. scored two runs and Curtis Granderson showed signs of 
breaking out of a season-long slump with a key RBI for his new club. 

St. Louis starter Lance Lynn (4-1) was hit with the setback, marking his first 
career loss in March or April. The right-hander was charged with three runs -- 
two  earned --  on four hits in 6  1/3 innings of work. He struck out nine and 
walked  two,  falling to 12-1  in the  first two months  of the season for his 
career. 

With  the game tied  1-1, the Mets went ahead in the sixth when Murphy doubled 
home  Eric  Young, who led off  the inning by  reaching on a throwing error by 
Lynn that allowed him to advance to second base. 

"One  thing  that sticks  out to me  and sticks  out to our  guys is we're not 
playing  the  kind of baseball  that we  can play with  the things that we can 
control,  solid defense  and doing the little things right," Cardinals manager 
Mike Matheny said. 

New York added two more runs in the seventh. Anthony Recker started the inning 
with  a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ruben Tejada. Lynn was 
then  lifted  in favor  of reliever  Kevin Siegrest  to face the pinch-hitting 
Granderson,  who  lined a one-hopper  past Mark Ellis  at second base to score 
Recker. 

Granderson was thrown out trying to go to second on the play, but New York got 
another  run  when Eric  Young followed  with a triple  and scored on Murphy's 
bloop single to left for a 4-1 edge. 

The  ever-changing Mets  bullpen continued  to evolve  with Carlos  Torres and 
Scott  Rice combining  to get  out  of trouble  in the  eighth, while  Daisuke 
Matsuzaka worked the ninth for his first career major league save. 

Matsuzaka,  who entered  training camp battling for the fifth starter role and 
was sent to Triple-A to begin the season before being called up as a reliever, 
had  three  saves while in Japan.  He got Allen Craig  to line out to right to 
start the ninth, struck out Daniel Descalso and then got Peter Bourjos to foul 
out  to become  the fourth different reliever  to get a save for the Mets this 
season. 

"I  wanted to  have Dice  close  today," said  Mets manager  Terry Collins  of 
Matsuzaka.  "I wanted  to him to get used  to it. I don't know what's going to 
happen.  Kyle (Farnsworth) done  a great job, but I wanted to see how Dice was 
going to handle it." 

The  slumping Granderson started the game on the bench. He entered the contest 
with  just one  hit in his last 25  at-bats, ending an 0-for-22 skid with a 1- 
for-3 effort on Wednesday night. 

"That was a big hit for Curtis," said Collins referencing Granderson's RBI hit 
in this game. "Hopefully this is the stage he breaks out of it." 

The  newest Met Bobby Abreu started in right field in place of Granderson, who 
then  entered for  Abreu as  a defensive  replacement after  his pinch-hitting 
duty.  Abreu finished 1-for-3  in his first start in the majors since July 25, 
2012. 

The  teams exchanged fifth-inning runs when Tony Cruz came through with an RBI 
double for the Cards and Chris Young answered with a solo homer in the half of 
the inning. 

Kolten  Wong, who  scored on  Cruz's hit,  had two  of the  four hits  for the 
Cardinals, who have dropped three of four overall. 

                                   Game Notes 

Eric  Young  has reached base  safely in 18 straight  games ... Recker got the 
start  at catcher in place of Travis d'Arnaud, who was given the day off after 
a  night game.  The Mets improved to  5-0 this season and 21-14 dating back to 
last season when Recker starts. 

Taylorville Softball takes on Edinburg

The Taylorville Lady Tornadoes softball team is at home today to take on the Edinburg Wildcats beginning around 4:15pm.

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-25-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Maria D. Gibbs, 47, of 520 North Long, Taylorville, was arrested April 24 for aggravated battery.

Donald W. Nance, 37, of 1118 Grant Court, Taylorville, was arrested April 25 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Donald G. Foster, 35, of 310 North Foggit Street, Edinburg, was arrested April 24 on a bond forfeiture for failure to appear.


THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

On April 22, Taylorville Police Department officers were dispatched to GSI in reference to a fight. Following an investigation, Carl Hollaway, 25, of Taylorville was arrested for criminal trespass and battery. Hollaway was processed and released on a notice to appear.

On April 24 at 4:15pm, Taylorville Police Department officers were sent to 520 North Long in reference to an anonymous tip that Maria Gibbs, 47, of Taylorville was purchasing alcohol for minors. During the investigation, Gibbs struck an officer. Gibbs was charged with aggravated battery and lodged at the Christian County Correctional Center.

Fire Department Calls 4-25-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 23
2 EMS, 1 Fire, 1 Public Assist

April 24
4 EMS, 1 Public Assist, 1 Fire, 1 Motor Vehicle Accident

Stew-Stras Softball Invitational Moved to Windsor

The Stewardson-Strasburg softball invitational scheduled for tomorrow(Saturday) has been moved to Windsor due to wet diamond conditions at Stewardson-Strasburg. The game schedule remains the same. Stew-Stras/Windsor vs Neoga @ 9am; Stew-Stras/Windsor vs. Dieterich @11:00am and Dieterich vs. Neoga @1:00pm. If you have any questions, call the Stewardson-Strasburg High School at 682-3355.

Lake Land College Hosts Automotive Job Fair

The Lake Land College Perkins Program in coordination with the Automotive Technology Department recently held an Automotive Job Fair in order to connect students with area job opportunities.

Eight local business attended the event including:  Effingham Auto & Tire; Pilson Auto Center of Mattoon; Johnson Automotive Services Inc. of Charleston; the Y-yard of Effingham; Neal Tire of Mattoon; BEI Automotive Repair of Casey; CIT Group Inc. of Champaign; and KC Summers of Mattoon.

Lake Land College offers an associate degree in Automotive Technology and an automotive mechanic certificate. To learn more about automotive programs at Lake Land, contact Kevin Miller, program coordinator and instructor, by email at kmiller@lakeland.cc.il.us or by calling 217-234-5286

LLCC Offers Free Training Program In Transportation

Lincoln Land Community College, in conjunction with the Illinois workNet Center in Springfield, will again offer a free training program in transportation, distribution and logistics, beginning May 12.

To be eligible for the training, individuals must be removed from a previous job and have nearly used up unemployment insurance benefits. The program includes classroom instruction in warehousing, logistics, forklift and truck driver training.

More information is available from Bob Howard, director, LLCC Truck Driver Training, at 786.2565 or bob.howard@llcc.edu.

Edinburg Resident Sent to Hospital After Being Ejected from Vehicle

An Edinburg resident was sent to the hospital after being ejected from his vehicle. On Tuesday, Michael W. Steinkuehler of Edinburg was eastbound on 2450 North Road approaching 1400 East Road. Steinkuehler was reportedly going too fast to negotiate the curve on 2450 North Road. The curve is marked with warning arrows indicating the direction of the curve. Steinkuehler ran off the road approximately 250 feet west of 1400 East Road. Steinkuehler traveled about 90 feet after running off the road. Steinkuehler went down on the left side and was ejected from the vehicle. Steinkuehler was transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

Taylorville Resident Sent to Hospital After Motorcycle Crash

A Taylorville resident was sent to the hospital following a motorcycle crash last Friday. Richard W. Lee of Taylorville was traveling north on 1600 East Road. Lee proceeded through the intersection of 1600 East and 1800 North and went past "Road Closed" signs at the intersection. Lee then attempted to go around the barricade that was blocking the roadway and continue north. When Lee attempted to go around the barricade, he hit a wash out in the road that the barricades were blocking. After hitting the wash out, Lee lost control of his motorcycle. The motorcycle then fell on its side and slid down the roadway. The distance the motorcycle traveled after Lee had fallen off is unknown. Lee was transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

McMillan Opens Garden Center

McMillan Landscaping in Taylorville has added a Garden Center.  Owner Seth McMillan says the landscaping business has been here since 2006, but a recent move to a larger facility has allowed him to open the Garden Center:

[audio:mcmillannewfacility042314.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call 820-5114 to learn more.

2nd Annual Taylorville Health Fair Next Week

The 2nd Annual Taylorville Health Fair is coming up next week. Dan Raab, President and CEO of the Taylorville Memorial Hospital, tells Regional Radio News about the fair:

[audio:raabhealthfair042414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, the Health Fair will be next Wednesday from 10am-2pm in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection to Take Place May 17th

The Christian County Solid Waste Management Department and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are co-sponsoring a household hazardous waste collection day on May 17th. The event will take place at the Christian County Fairgrounds in Taylorville from 8:00am-3:00pm. Items that will be accepted include: oil based paints, paint thinners, old gasoline, mercury, and cleaning products. This collection is for residential waste only and the event is free of charge. For more information, contact the Waste Management Department at 287-2334.

 

Acceptable Wastes:

Oil based paints, paint thinners, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, old gasoline, pool chemicals, mercury, cleaning products, double bagged and wetted asbestos, household batteries, used motor oil, drain cleaners, lawn chemicals, solvents, antifreeze, hobby chemicals, aerosol paints and pesticides, fluorescent lamp bulbs, and old and outdated medicines and pharmaceuticals.

 

Unacceptable Wastes:

Latex paint, agricultural chemicals, business/commercial sector wastes, explosives, fireworks, lead acid batteries, medical wastes, controlled substances, propane tanks, smoke detectors, farm machinery oil, fire extinguishers, institutional wastes, sharps, needles, and potentiallly infectious medical wastes

Drug Take Back Day Saturday

The nationwide drug take back day is this Saturday.  Taylorville Assistant Chief of Police Brian Hile says the event is organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration:

[audio:hiledrugtakeback042314.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Proper disposal of unused medications prevents abuse of the drugs, and keeps them from  winding up in the water system.  Again, they will be accepting both over-the-counter and prescription meds.

Semien's grand slam powers White Sox past Tigers

Detroit,  MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Marcus Semien belted his first career grand 
slam in the seventh inning to lift the Chicago White Sox to a 6-4 win over the 
Detroit Tigers. 

WhitSox rookie Jose Abreu hit his seventh homer, a two-run shot in the first 
inning,  and made a game-ending catch on a line drive down the first base line 
with Detroit runners at second and third base in the ninth inning. 

The White Sox  have won two of  the first three games in the four-game series 
and three of their last four overall. 

Austin  Jackson hit  a two-run homer to punctuate a four-run fourth inning for 
the Tigers. 

White  Sox  right-hander Andre Rienzo  (1-0) threw 6  1/3 innings for the win, 
giving up four runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. 

Tigers lefty Drew Smyly didn't factor in the decision after striking out seven 
in  six  innings. The former reliever,  making his second start of the season, 
gave up just six hits and a walk. 

One  of the hits  happened to be Abreu's homer in the first inning, which gave 
the White Sox a 2-0 lead just three batters into the game. 

"It's  tough when they  get to you in the first," said Smyly. "But you have to 
hang with them. You can't give in." 

Semien's  two-out  grand slam in  the seventh came off  Ian Krol. Three of the 
runs  were charged to  Evan Reed (0-1), who relieved Smyly and gave up singles 
to Paul Konerko and Alejandro De Aza and a walk to Tyler Flowers. 

After  Krol got Jordan  Danks on a pop out, Semien knocked a 3-1 fastball over 
the left-field wall for a 6-4 Chicago lead. 

Matt  Lindstrom pitched the  ninth and go his third save but not without a few 
loud outs with runners on base. Nick Castellanos flied out to deep right field 
and Abreu snared Alex Avila's liner to end the game. 

Earlier,  Leury  Garcia hit a one-out  single in the first inning before Abreu 
knocked a 2-2 fastball over the wall in center field for a 2-0 White Sox lead. 

Rienzo  faced  just one Detroit batter  over the minimum through three innings 
but  put  the first  two on  in the fourth  after Don  Kelly walked and Miguel 
Cabrera singled. 

The  runners  moved up  on a  ground out  and Kelly  scored on J.D. Martinez's 
single  before Jackson cracked  a two-run homer to left field for a 4-2 Tigers 
lead. 

                                   Game Notes 

Rienzo started in place of the injured Felipe Paulino ... Abreu has 21 RBI ... 
Semien hit his third homer of the season and Jackson his second. 

Five-run ninth inning lifts Arizona over Cubs

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Aaron Hill capped a five-run, ninth-inning 
rally  with  a two-run  triple, to help  Arizona claim a  7-5 victory over the 
Chicago Cubs in the third edition of a four-game series. 

Martin  Prado contributed a two-run single and Miguel Montero added an RBI hit 
during  the deciding  frame for the Diamondbacks, who halted a four-game slide 
that included the first two games in this series. 

Trevor  Cahill  (1-4) turned in  two innings of  scoreless relief for the win, 
while  Addison  Reed followed suit  in the ninth to  close out the contest and 
earn his fourth save. 

"Finally,  we got something  to go our way. We finally got something that gave 
us  a little bit  of a sign and hope and we took advantage," Montero said. "It 
was  a great  comeback and we battled.  The ninth inning, we battled every at- 
bat, everybody put good at-bats together and we capitalized." 

Justin  Ruggiano's two-run  shot in the sixth provided a seemingly-safe three- 
run  cushion  for the Cubs, who  failed to  thrill the  home crowd on Wrigley 
Field's  100th  birthday celebration. Emilio  Bonifacio and Darwin Barney also 
drove in a run each. 

Pedro  Strop (0-2)  was on  the  hook for  four  runs, but  one earned,  while 
recording only two outs in defeat. 

Down  by three, the  visitors loaded the bases against Strop in the ninth on a 
walk  to Chris Owings, an error on a fielder's choice grounder by Tony Campana 
and  a base on balls issued to pinch-hitter Eric Chavez. Gerardo Parra fanned, 
but  Prado  bounced  a  ball  off  the second-base  bag  to  score  two.  Paul 
Goldschmidt  went  down swinging, and  James Russell came  on to allow a game- 
tying single to Montero. 

"That was a weird inning," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. "I've never seen a 
ball hit the corner of the bag on the ground ball. That's a first for me." 

Justin  Grimm entered  the game, and Ruggiano then misplayed a looper down the 
right-field  line into a triple by Hill, which scored two and gave the D-Backs 
a 7-5 edge. 

Reed followed by retiring the Cubs in order. 

Arizona  scratched out a run in the second, as Montero walked, Hill singled, a 
Cody  Ross  fielder's choice grounder left  runners on the corners and Montero 
scored on an Owings grounder. 

Chicago  moved ahead in  the fifth. Mike Olt singled, moved up on a wild pitch 
and  went to  third on a Welington Castillo base hit. Goldschmidt's wild throw 
on  a Barney  sacrifice attempt  scored Olt,  then Jeff  Samardzija's sac  fly 
plated  the go-ahead run and Barney made it 3-1 when he came in on Bonifacio's 
grounder to second. 

The  D-Backs got one in the sixth as Goldschmidt singled with one out, went to 
second  on a  two-out hit from Hill  and scored when Ross followed with a base 
hit. 

Anthony  Rizzo reached  with a  leadoff walk  in the  home sixth  and Ruggiano 
deposited a pitch into the basket in right-center for a 5-2 Chicago edge. 

Samardzija  turned in  a  spotless seventh  and departed  in  the eighth  with 
Goldschmidt  at  second on  a double  and Montero  at first  on a walk. Hector 
Rondon induced a fielder's choice grounder by Hill which left runners on first 
and second, then got Ross on a fly to center. 

                                   Game Notes 

Both  clubs donned  replica uniforms  from the  Federal League  of 1914,  with 
Arizona  taking the  Kansas City Packers and Chicago wearing the Packers' duds 
...  Diamondbacks starter  Wade Miley allowed four hits and five runs -- three 
earned  --  with seven  strikeouts and  three walks  over five-plus frames ... 
Samardzija  lasted 7  1/3 innings  and  gave up  two  runs on  seven hits  ... 
Ruggiano  left the  game immediately  after  the play  in the  ninth, with  an 
apparent lower-body injury, escorted by a pair of trainers. 

Kane's OT goal draws Blackhawks even with Blues

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  -  Patrick  Kane's goal  with  8:43 left  in 
overtime  sent  the Chicago Blackhawks  all square in their Western Conference 
quarterfinal series with the St. Louis Blues, giving the defending Stanley Cup 
champs a thrilling and critical 4-3 Game 4 victory at United Center. 

Kane  also scored earlier  in the contest and contributed an assist as well to 
help  the Blackhawks  record  their  second straight  win  after  a  pair  of 
heartbreaking  overtime defeats  in St. Louis, where the series will now shift 
for Friday's pivotal Game 5. 

"We kind of have the momentum now," Kane said. "We know it's going to be a 
tough game in Game 5 in their building. They're going to be fired up and 
that's always a tough place to play, pre-season, regular season or playoffs. 
So, we'll expect them to get better and we'll get better too." 

Bryan  Bickell came up with a big goal as well for Chicago, as his marker with 
3:52  remaining  in regulation tied  the score at 3-3  and ended a sequence of 
three straight scores from the Blues that erased a 2-0 deficit. 

Andrew  Shaw also lit  the lamp in the win, while Corey Crawford backed up his 
34-save shutout in Monday's Game 3 by turning aside 30 shots on Wednesday. 

Vladimir  Tarasenko  scored twice for the  Blues in a losing cause, with Maxim 
Lapierre  accounting  for the other  St. Louis  goal and Ryan Miller finishing 
with 30 saves. 

"Oh, they've got the momentum now," St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock said. "We've 
got to take it back. We've got two of three at home, but we've got to take the 
momentum back. These have been two really hard-fought games here. This is a 
momentum-builder for them, and we've got to find a way to regroup and take it 
back from them. That's a big challenge for us." 

Miller  was able  to thwart a couple  of good scoring chances during the extra 
period, in which Chicago produced a 6-2 shot advantage, but couldn't prevent a 
hard-charging  Kane from  finishing off a strong Blackhawks rush that resulted 
in the game-winner. 

The  standout  wing skated  into the  St. Louis  zone and  faked a pass before 
rocketing  a wrister  over Miller's  right shoulder  that evened  this tightly 
played series. 

St. Louis had taken its first lead of the night courtesy of Tarasenko's fourth 
goal  of the  series and second of the  game, which came with 7:33 left in the 
third  period. Taking in  an outlet pass from Alex Pietrangelo that began a 2- 
on-1,  the  talented youngster beat  Crawford glove-side after racing down the 
right wing for a 3-2 Blues advantage. 

Bickell,  a key contributor during last year's Stanley Cup run, forced another 
overtime   less  than  four  minutes  later  with  a  successful  redirect  of 
Michal Rozsival's long drive from near the blueline. 

After  neither  side found the  back of the net  during an opening period that 
featured  a 13-save  effort from  Miller, the  teams combined  for four  goals 
during a more wide-open second stanza. 

The Blackhawks  capitalized on a  tripping penalty  to Lapierre 8:29 into the 
frame  to strike  first. Kane fed the  puck to Jonathan Toews for a close one- 
timer  that was  blocked in front of Miller, but Shaw was perfectly positioned 
to backhand in the carom just 11 seconds after the infraction occurred. 

Kane  made it a 2-0 lead with just under four minutes remaining in the period, 
placing a cross-ice pass from Johnny Oduya over Miller's glove to finish off a 
Chicago rush. 

St. Louis quickly got right back in it, however, with a pair of goals over the 
final 69 seconds of the session. 

The  Blues needed  a mere seven seconds to convert Kane's penalty for shooting 
the  puck over the  glass, with Tarasenko putting his team on the board with a 
wicked left-circle drive while T.J. Oshie screened Crawford. 

St.  Louis kept the pressure on with time winding down in the second, and were 
rewarded  when  Steve Ott's diving  play to keep the  puck in the Chicago zone 
turned  into Lapierre's  blast that clanked off the right crossbar and in just 
3.1 seconds prior to the intermission. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Blues  played a second straight  game without captain David Backes, still 
recovering  from  an upper-body injury caused  by a hard check from Blackhawk
defenseman Brent Seabrook in Saturday's Game 2. Seabrook received a three-game 
suspension  for the hit which will end following Game 5 ... Toews recorded two 
assists  ... The Blues lost for only the second time in eight all-time playoff 
meetings in Chicago that went to OT ... The team that has scored first has won 
all four matchups of the series. 

Wild Wacha helps Mets edge Cardinals

Coverage of today's Cards and Mets can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 11:35am.

Flushing,  NY (SportsNetwork.com) - St. Louis pitcher Michael Wacha recorded a 
career-high  10 strikeouts over four innings, but he also issued five walks -- 
two  of  them with the bases  loaded -- in the Cardinals' 3-2 loss to the New 
York Mets. 

It  was a wacky  Wednesday night for Wacha (2-2), whose first nine outs of the 
game  came  via strikeout.  The  right-hander  walked  home  two runs  in  the 
fourth,  however,  to put the Cardinals  behind. Wacha exited after 93 pitches 
and set a career low for innings pitched in a start. 

Lucas Duda hit a solo homer for the Mets, who saw starter Jon Niese (1-2) give 
up one run on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. 

"You  know, we've been  playing well," said Niese. "I think we can always play 
better.  I think there's  a lot of games that got away from us, and our record 
could be better. I look forward to good things to come." 

Trailing  3-1, the Cardinals  almost made a comeback in the ninth. Jon Jay and 
Matt  Carpenter hit  consecutive one-out  singles off  Kyle Farnsworth  before 
pinch-  hitter Daniel  Descalso followed  with a  double to  left-center field 
which  easily scored Jay.  Carpenter also tried to score but was tagged out at 
the plate. The call was confirmed via video replay. 

"Perfect  throw, perfect throw," said Carpenter. "The only chance they have is 
to make two perfect throws, and they were able to do it." 

Matt  Holliday  then flied out  to end the  game, giving Farnsworth his second 
save of the season. 

Earlier,  Yadier Molina's RBI  double in the first inning gave St. Louis a 1-0 
lead. 

The  Mets figured out  Wacha in the fourth. Chris Young reached on a fielder's 
choice,  Duda  walked and Travis  d'Arnaud singled to  load the bases with one 
out.  Ruben Tejada  then drew a walk to  force in a run and after Niese struck 
out looking, Wacha walked Kirk Nieuwenhuis to plate another run. 

Duda led off the sixth with a homer off Seth Maness, making it 3-1 New York. 

St.  Louis put men  on second and third with one out in the eighth, but Jhonny 
Peralta popped out and pinch-hitter Matt Adams flied out to end the threat. 

                                   Game Notes 

Niese improved to 4-1 lifetime against the Cardinals ... St. Louis fell to 5-5 
on  an 11-game  road trip ... New  York improved to 3-3 on a 10-game homestand 
... Molina, who went 3-for-3, extended his hitting streak to 14 games. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-24-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Tyler R. Bright, 22, of 502 South Plum Street, Moweaqua, was arrested April 23 on a bond forfeiture for consumption of liquor by a minor.

Carl A. Holloway, 25, of 505 South Cherokee Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 23 for intimidation, unlawful restraint, criminal trespassing, possession of cannabis, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shelbyville Resident has Car Stolen; Later Found Crashed

A Shelbyville resident ran into some bad luck last week when his vehicle was stolen in Pana. On Thursday, John Blanco of Shelbyville called the Pana Police Department to report the theft of his 1999 Volkswagen Passat. Blanco said the vehicle was taken sometime between 11:00pm on Wednesday and 7:30am Thursday. The vehicle was parked in the driveway at 800 West Washington Street in Pana when it was stolen. The keys were reportedly left in the unlocked vehicle. The Volkswagen was later recovered by Christian County Sheriff’s deputies who found it crashed in rural Christian County. 

Illinois State Police Investigate Shooting Of Armed Offender

On Tuesday, Illinois State Police Zone 4  responded to a shooting of an armed subject by the Lincoln Police Department.

Preliminary investigative details revealed that at approximately 11:24 p.m., officers from the Lincoln Police Department responded to a 911 call in the 700 block of Pulaski Street in Lincoln.  The officers encountered a male subject who was armed with a firearm.  The male subject was engaged in a physical altercation with a female subject inside of the establishment.  During the altercation, police engaged the male subject.   The female subject was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and the male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

An on-going investigation is being conducted by Zone 4 .  No further information is available at this time.

Fuerstenau: School Administrators Should use Common Sense

Every month or two there is a new story about a student expelled from school on a “zero tolerance” policy.  Sometimes it doesn't seem to make sense, and the Superintendent of Taylorville Schools, Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau, says sometimes administrators should consider the context of the infraction before acting:

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The “zero tolerance” rules usually concern drugs and/or weapons.

Recycling Event Saturday in Taylorville

If old appliances and electronic devices are cluttering up your garage or basement, here's your chance to tidy things up.  The Christian County United Way is among the sponsors of this Saturday's “1st Annual Recycling Event”.  Malia Hepburn of the United Way says it takes place at the Christian County Fairgrounds:

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Along with large appliances and electronic devices, they will accept more traditional recyclables like aluminum cans and newspapers.  Although there is no charge, they ask that you bring donations of cash and/or canned food items for distribution by the United Way.

Taylorville Gowin Parc Expansion Nearing Completion

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The expansion project at Gowin Parc in Taylorville is nearing completion. Owner Theresa Gowin tells Regional Radio News where they are at on the project:

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Gowin Parc also has locations in Pana, Mattoon, and Paris. For more information on the Taylorville location, call 287-7000.

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Bulls Fall Again To Wizards

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - The Washington Wizards' young backcourt of 
Bradley Beal and John Wall have arrived. 

Beal had 26 points and seven rebounds, Wall added 16 points, seven assists and 
five  boards and the Washington Wizards rallied for a 101-99 overtime win over 
the Chicago Bulls to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal. 

Washington overcame a 13-point deficit in Game 1 and a 10-point fourth-quarter 
bulge to force an extra session Tuesday. 

With  the Bulls down two, Kirk Hinrich drove in for a layup and drew a foul on 
Nene with 2.4 seconds left in overtime. Hinrich, though, missed the first free 
throw.  He intentionally  clanked the second freebie off the front of the rim, 
but Trevor Ariza came down with the rebound to seal the outcome. 

Nene  tallied  17 points and seven  rebounds for the fifth-seeded Wizards, who 
took  their first 2-0  advantage in an NBA playoff series since 1982 when they 
swept the New Jersey Nets in the then best-of-three first round. 

They had never gone on the road to win their first two games of a series. 

D.J.  Augustin  netted 25 points off  the bench, Taj Gibson provided 22 points 
and 10 rebounds and Joakim Noah supplied 20 points and 12 boards for Chicago. 

Game 3 is Friday night in Washington. 

"I  think we did a great job of staying calm and composed," Wall said. "We are 
excited  to  head back to DC  and play our first  playoff game in front of our 
fans, who deserve this." 

After  Jimmy Butler sunk  two free throws to stake Chicago to an 87-77 cushion 
with 6:59 to play in regulation, the Wizards closed the frame on a 14-4 run. 

A  Hinrich  jumper gave the Bulls a 91-85 advantage  with 3:53 left, but they 
did not score a point for the next 7:38 of game action. 

Beal  netted the  final  six points  of regulation  for  Washington. After  he 
knocked down a triple, he forced a steal and then got his high-arching floater 
to fall with 1:24 remaining to cut the gap to a point. 

Hinrich  was off the mark on a 3-pointer at the other end and Beal knotted the 
game when he split a pair of foul shots with 52.9 ticks on the clock. 

Gibson  came down with two offensive rebounds on Chicago's final possession of 
regulation,  but  Hinrich and  Augustin both misfired  on their attempts. Nene 
then  won a  jump ball  against Gibson  and Washington  called timeout.  Beal, 
though, came up short on a right baseline fadeaway at the horn. 

"In  the  playoffs, you've  got  to  play for  48  minutes," Bulls coach  Tom 
Thibodeau said. 

Nene scored the first six points of overtime and Washington never looked back. 

Hinrich sunk two free throws to finally end the point drought and pull Chicago 
within 97-93 with 1:15 left. Noah converted a layup with 39 ticks remaining to 
trim  the deficit to 101-97, and Chicago got the ball right back when Wall was 
called for an offensive foul on the ensuing inbound. 

Noah drew a foul and sunk two foul shots to make it 101-99. 

Earlier,  Beal  put in  10 quick  points as the  Wizards raced  out to a 29-12 
advantage  before settling  for  a 31-20  lead following  a  quarter of  play. 
They led 56-49 at the break. 

The Bulls used a 12-3 third-quarter run to take their first lead of the game. 
Augustin's  bank  shot with 4:27  left in the frame  gave Chicago a 67-65 edge 
before Mike Dunleavy capped the burst with a layup for a 69-65 lead. 

Chicago took a 75-70 spread into the fourth. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Wizards shot  47.5 percent (38-of-80) from the field and 39.1 percent (9- 
of-23)  from beyond the  arc ... Beal was 9-of-20 from the floor ... The Bull
held a 44-22 points in the paint edge. 

Sox Fall To Tigers

Detroit,  MI  (SportsNetwork.com) - Miguel Cabrera's two-run homer highlighted 
Detroit's five-run third inning as the Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox, 8-6, 
in the second test of a four-game set. 

Cabrera also added an RBI double among his three hits for the Tigers, who have 
won four of their last six games. 

Justin Verlander (3-1) fanned seven and surrendered two runs on eight hits and 
two  walks over seven  frames to pick up the win. Ian Kinsler posted a pair of 
hits, RBI and runs scored in the triumph. 

"We  jumped out to an early lead there in the third. Just tried to execute and 
conserve my pitch count," Verlander said. 

Joba Chamberlain picked up the final out to earn his first save of the season. 

Charlie  Leesman (0-1)  allowed six runs on  nine hits and one walk over 2 2/3 
innings  for Chicago,  which had  its brief  two-game winning  streak snapped. 
Jose Abreu smacked a solo homer in defeat. 

Leesman got the start in place of an injured Chris Sale. 

"No  offense to Charlie, but I'm sure those guys were pretty excited when they 
heard Chris was scratched," White Sox DH Adam Dunn said. 

Both teams plated a run in the first before Detroit surged ahead following its 
five-run third. 

Austin  Romine and  Rajai Davis singled to begin the frame and Kinsler doubled 
down  the left  field line  to  bring them  both  home. Cabrera  then sent  an 
opposite-field  shot  that  just  cleared the  wall  in  right-center.  Victor 
Martinez  doubled next  and later scored on Nick Castellanos' sacrifice fly to 
right and make it 6-1 in favor of Detroit. 

RBI doubles by Alex Avila and Rajai Davis in the fifth increased the advantage 
to  8-1 before the White Sox got a run back in the sixth on a run-scoring base 
hit by Alexei Ramirez. 

Alejandro  De Aza lifted a sacrifice fly in the eighth, while Paul Konerko hit 
an  RBI single  and Dunn  added a  two-run homer  in the  ninth to  finish the 
scoring for the White Sox. 

Earlier,  Abreu's two-out blast in the first opened the scoring, but Cabrera's 
RBI double in the home half tied it. 

                                   Game Notes 

Cabrera's  homer  was his  second of the  season ... Avila  had three hits ... 
Dayan Viciedo went 4-for-4 for the White Sox ... The Tigers went 5-for-18 with 
runners in scoring position. 

Olt powers Cubs past Diamondbacks

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Mike Olt had a three-run home run and Jason 
Hammel held Arizona to just one run on four hits in the Chicago Cubs' 9-2 rout 
of the Diamondbacks in the second test of a four-game set from Wrigley Field. 

Hammel  (3-1)  went seven innings for  the third straight start and added four 
strikeouts to help Chicago to its first two-game winning streak of the season. 
The Cubs have won three of four overall. 

"It's  simple math, if  you don't let any body on base you don't have to worry 
about  giving up runs," Hammel said of keep Arizona off the basepaths for much 
of his outing. 

Justin  Ruggiano  and Nate Schierholtz had  two RBI apiece while Luis Valbuena 
recorded two hits, an RBI and three runs scored in the triumph. 

Brandon  McCarthy (0-4)  remained winless on the season after striking out six 
in five frames. Four of the five runs charged to McCarthy were unearned. 

Tuffy  Gosewisch's first hit of the season left the ballpark to supply Arizona 
with  its  first run  in the sixth  inning, and Paul  Goldschmidt added an RBI 
single in the ninth. 

The Diamondbacks own the worst record in the majors at 5-18. 

"This  is just  a different  animal right  now," McCarthy  said of  his team's 
struggles.  "Everybody  has their answers and  I don't know what the right one 
is. Everybody's looking and searching and doing everything they can do, but it 
just keeps happening and happening." 

Schierholtz made it 1-0 with his RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the 
third inning. Valbuena doubled earlier in the frame and scored the first run. 

Chicago  opened it up  with four runs in the fifth. Valbuena started the rally 
with  a single,  Anthony Rizzo reached on Martin Prado's error and Schierholtz 
plated  the  game's second  run with  a sacrifice fly  to right. After Starlin 
Castro's  single put two  on, Olt took a 3-1 pitch out to right-center for his 
fourth homer of the season. 

Gosewisch  opened  the sixth with his  first career longball to put Arizona on 
the  board, but  Chicago pushed four more  across in the eighth. Castro was on 
second  with  two outs  when Jeff Baker  walked and Ryan  Kalish reached on an 
infield  single to load the bases. J.J. Putz walked Valbuena to force in a run 
and  Ruggiano plated two  with his single to right. Rizzo's RBI single made it 
9-1. 

                                   Game Notes 

Prado's  error was  his fifth  of the  season ...  Chicago went  5-for-14 with 
runners in scoring position ... The Cubs will look to win their third straight 
on Wednesday when they send Opening Day starter Jeff Samardzija to the hill to 
oppose Wade Miley. 

Wainwright hurt as Cards blank Mets

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Mets can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 5:35pm.

Flushing,  NY  (SportsNetwork.com) - St.  Louis pitcher Adam Wainwright tossed 
seven  scoreless  innings before leaving  Tuesday's 3-0  win over the New York 
Mets with a hyperextended right knee. 

Wainwright  (4-1) was at 79 pitches when he stumbled awkwardly while trying to 
field  a chopper on a play that ended the seventh inning. He gave up just four 
hits and struck out three. 

The  right-hander was coming off a two-hit shutout last Thursday in an 8-0 win 
at Washington. 

"Well  I  expect to  get off  to a strong  start and  finish strong too," said 
Wainwright.  "I've made  some good adjustments. I'm more of a complete pitcher 
than I've ever been in my career so I'm just having fun doing that." 

Jon Jay went 2-for-4 with two RBI for the Cardinals, who improved to 5-4 on an 
11-game road trip. Matt Holliday went 3-for-4 with an RBI and run scored. 

Dillon  Gee (1-1) allowed  two runs on six hits over six innings for the Mets, 
who fell to 2-3 on a 10-game homestand. He had four strikeouts and two walks. 

The Cardinals  got on  the board  in the fourth.  Holliday walked, Matt Adams 
singled and Yadier Molina singled to load the bases with no outs. Jay followed 
with  a two-run single  to center. St. Louis couldn't get anything else in the 
inning. 

Holliday robbed Chris Young of a tying homer in the fifth. After Daniel Murphy 
reached  base on  a bunt single, Holliday reached over the left-field fence to 
take a homer away from Young. 

Holliday added an RBI single in the ninth to make it 3-0. 

"It  seemed  early  on  in  that  (fourth)  inning  I  got  myself  into  that 
predicament,"  said Gee. "It  was one of those things were you get a couple of 
ground  balls  and they find holes  and then all of  a sudden you're in a mess 
there." 

After  Wainwright  exited, Kevin Siegrist  pitched a perfect eighth and Trevor 
Rosenthal tossed a scoreless ninth to record his sixth save of the season. 

                                   Game Notes 

Wainwright  improved to  3-4 lifetime against the Mets ... Molina extended his 
hitting  streak to 13  games ... New York third baseman David Wright had a 12- 
game hitting streak snapped after going 0-for-4. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-23-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CRASHES:

On April 19, a Christian County Sheriff's Deputy was informed of a one care accident at 1625 North 2525 East Road in Moweaqua. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the Moweaqua Fire Department who advised that the driver was not on scene but a fireman did observe a Mustang drive away from the area. Following investigation, the deputy learned that Parker R. Webster of Moweaqua was traveling south on 2525 East Road from 1800 North Road. About 1 mile north of 1600 East Road, the road makes a jog. Webster's first skid marks started in this area. Webster's vehicle then slid sideways into a utility pole snapping the pole in two, flipped once, and landed back on its wheels. Webster received damage to the driver's side, roof, bed side, and passenger side. Webster was taken to Decatur Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries that were not physically evident

On April 21, Donald R. Beyers of Pana was traveling north on 2300 East Road. Just north of 100 North Road, a deer ran into the roadway. Beyers hit the deer causing damage to the front and passenger side of the vehicle.

On April 22, Michael W. Steinkuehler of Edinburg was eastbound on 2450 North Road approaching 1400 East Road. Steinkuehler was going to fast to negotiate the curve on 2450 North Road. The curve is marked with warning arrows indicating the direction of the curve. Steinkuehler ran off the road approximately 250 feet west of 1400 East Road. Steinkuehler traveled approximately 90 feet after running off the road. Steinkuehler went down on the left side and was ejected from the vehicle. Steinkuehler was transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

On April 18, Richard W. Lee of Taylorville was traveling north on 1600 East Road. Lee proceeded through the intersection of 1600 East and 1800 North and went past "Road Closed" signs at the intersection. Lee then attempted to go around the barricade that was blocking the roadway and continue north. When Lee attempted to go around the barricade, he hit a wash out in the road that the barricades were blocking. After hitting the wash out, Lee lost control of his motorcycle. The motorcycle then fell on its side and slid down the roadway. The distance the motorcycle traveled after Lee had fallen off is unknown. Lee was transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

ARRESTS:

Dalvon M. Jackson, 36, of 905 West Franklin Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 23 for domestic battery.

Gayle L. Miller, 36, of 206 South State Street, Pana, was arrested April 22 for possession of methamphetamine and on a bond forfeiture for driving under the influence of drugs.


THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

On April 22 at 4:49pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer made contact with Gayle L. Miller, 36, of Pana, who had an active warrant, at Car Wash City on 204 North Main Street. Miller was place under arrest and upon further investigation, Miller was also charge with possession of methamphetamine. Miller was lodged at the Christian County Sheriff's Office.

On April 22 at 10:22pm, Taylorville Police Department officers were out at 905 West Franklin in reference to a domestic disturbance. After an investigation, Dalvon M. Jackson, 36, of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery. Jackson was transported to Taylorville Police Department, processed, and lodged at the Christian County Correctional Center.

CRASH:

On April 21, Michael S. Booker of Vandalia stated his van was parked in front of 6088 South Clay Street. At some point in the early morning hours of April 19th and 20th, his van was struck on the driver's side.

LLCC's College for Kids on Springfield Campus This Summer

Lincoln Land Community College’s summer program “College for Kids” offers learning experiences for students in Springfield and surrounding areas. The class sessions will be July 7-10, 14-17 and 21-24 on the LLCC Springfield campus. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and are designed for students who have completed kindergarten through eighth grades as of spring 2014.

Class sizes are limited and early registration is recommended.

A session of College for Kids will also be held in Jacksonville, on the campus of the Illinois School for the Deaf, June 10-13 for students who have finished grades 3-8.

More information on College for Kids is available at www.llcc.edu/commed or by calling 217-786-4905.

Lake Land College Offers Chance to Earn Quick Credits

During the three-week break between spring and summer terms, Lake Land College will again offer select Intersession courses as a way for students to earn quick credits. Intersession runs from May 20 to June 5 and students should register for classes by May 19.

Students who enroll in Intersession will be immersed in the course topic and can expect to spend a good amount of time studying and doing homework during the three-week course. Students who enroll in Intersession courses must pay for the class as financial aid will not be available during Intersession.

For Intersession and other courses that are three to seven weeks in length, students must register prior to the first course meeting.

For additional information about the registration process, go to www.lakelandcollege.edu or contact Counseling Services at (217) 234-5232. To view a full list of scheduled courses for Intersession, visit: http://lakeland.cc.il.us/as/as/schedules/index.cfm and select the “View Intersession Classes” link. 

Queen B's Catering has New Location

A local catering service has a new location.  Kathy Sevener of Queen B's Catering says they do most of their work there:

Details Released of Motorcycle Hitting Van in Taylorville

The Taylorville Police Department has released details on a motorcycle and van colliding last week. On Wednesday, Taylorville Police Department officers were dispatched to Morton and Rich for a traffic crash involving a van and motorcycle. Upon arrival, 77-year-old Jack E. Powel of Decatur told police he was traveling east on Rich Street when 23-year-old Chase M. Windell of Taylorville struck the back of his vehicle. Windell said he was traveling north on Morton Street and lost control of his motorcycle. Officers reported that there was a very long skid mark on the pavement and there were grooves in the pavement from where the bike hit. Windell reported injuries that were not physically evident but denied medical attention.

The Autism and Movement Project Sets Goal For 2014

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Shown is a group class for AAMP. Group classes take place during the week and also Saturday mornings.

 

The Autism and Movement Project Learning Center in Pana is a non-profit organization focused on serving the Autism community as well as being an outreach for any child needing a place to flourish. Erica Matthews with AAMP tells Regional Radio News about the Learning Center:

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Matthews says they are currently raising money for several projects:

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The second annual 5K walk/run has been set for Saturday, June 14 at Kitchell Park in Pana. For more information, call Matthews at 825-4605 or visit their website: aamplearningcenter.com.

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Another group class at AAMP.

3 Arrested for Manufacturing of Meth

Three Taylorville residents were arrested Friday on methamphetamine manufacturing charges. At 9:28pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer was out at 120 Hunter Avenue in reference to a suspicious odor and an active methamphetamine lab was located. Following the investigation, 22-year-old Cody Wyatt of Taylorville, 22-year-old Jake Tucker of Taylorville, and a 16-year-old juvenile male were arrested for unlawful participation of methamphetamine manufacturing, possession of methamphetamine materials, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

 

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Jake Tucker

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Cody Wyatt

Noah named NBA Defensive Player of Year

New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) -  Chicago Bulls center  Joakim Noah has been 
selected as the 2013-14 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced 
Monday. 

Noah,  the  anchor of a Chicago  defense that yielded a league-low 91.8 points 
per  game, received 100  out of a possible 125 first-place votes and 555 total 
points to easily outdistance Indiana center Roy Hibbert for the award. 

The  two-time All-Star  also helped the Bulls  rank second in the NBA in field 
goal  percentage defense  (.430) and finished sixth individually in rebounding 
(11.3  rpg). Noah added  1.51 blocks  and 1.24  steals over 80 regular-season 
games,  joining Detroit's Andre Drummond and New Orleans' Anthony Davis as the 
only players in 2013-14 to average 10 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals. 

"He  sets  the tone for our  defense and I cannot  think of anyone who is more 
deserving  of such a prestigious individual honor," said Bulls general manager 
Gar  Forman. "We are all very proud of Joakim and want to congratulate him for 
being named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year." 

Noah joins the legendary Michael Jordan (1987-88) as the only players in Bulls 
history to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors. 

"I  never thought I would be in this position," said Noah, who finished fourth 
in last year's balloting. "All I did was keep working." 

Hibbert  garnered eight first-place votes and 166 points to place second, with 
Los  Angeles  Clippers center DeAndre Jordan  third with 121 points while also 
being named atop eight ballots. 

Oklahoma  City forward Serge Ibaka, the runner-up for the award in 2011-12 and 
the third-place finisher last year, was fourth with 79 points. 

Memphis  Grizzlies center  Marc Gasol,  the 2012-13  recipient, got  just four 
points while missing considerable time this season due to a knee injury. 

Toews, Crawford lead Hawks over Blues in Game 3

Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Jonathan Toews scored, Corey Crawford had 34 
saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the St. Louis Blues 2-0 Monday in Game 3 
of the Western Conference quarterfinals. 

After  a pair of  overtime losses in St. Louis, the Blackhawks got their first 
win in the best-of-seven series with Game 4 on tap for Wednesday in Chicago. 

"That  was  a big  win for us  but we  have to keep  the same mentality," said 
Crawford.  "Just  because we came  here and got the  first one at home doesn't 
mean  it's  going to be easy.  We have to be  prepared to work even harder and 
keep the same good feelings we had in this game." 

Crawford  had 15  saves in the first  period, eight in the second and made his 
11th save of the third period on an Alex Pietrangelo shot that was re-directed 
in the final minute. 

It  was Crawford's third career postseason shutout. Toews scored 4:10 into the 
game and Marcus Kruger added an empty-netter to seal the win. 

Both teams were missing top players. 

Blackhawks  defenseman  Brent Seabrook began serving his three-game suspension 
for  the check that  knocked David Backes out of Game 2 on Saturday and led to 
Vladimir Tarasenko's tying goal for the Blues with 6.4 seconds remaining. 

Backes was also out after Seabrook drove his shoulder into the Blues captain's 
face, sending him head-first into the corner boards. 

After  Tarasenko tied Game 2, Barret Jackman scored 5:50 into overtime to give 
St. Louis a 2-0 series lead. 

The  Blues won  Game 1 in a similar hear-stopping fashion after Jaden Schwartz 
scored with 1:45 left in regulation and Alexander Steen won it 26 seconds into 
the third overtime, the longest game in franchise history. 

Both  games  ended 4-3. Now,  the Blues  are hoping to  avoid a repeat of last 
year, when they posted a pair of 2-1 wins over Los Angeles in the first round, 
then lost the next four games. 

"We  knew this was going to be a long series," said Blues coach Ken Hitchcock. 
"We really played hard and played well and did a lot of things we needed to do 
to win the game, but you have to give their goalie credit. He was good." 

Ryan  Miller  stopped 23 of  the 24  shots he faced  in this one, only letting 
Toews' drive from the top of the right circle get past him. 

Toews  took the  shot with Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk in front of him, 
and it squeaked through Miller's legs. 

"After  that I feel like I competed an battled," said Miller. "There are going 
to  be moments where things aren't going to go your way, you just have to keep 
moving forward." 

Later,  with St. Louis  making a late push, Crawford was able to get his glove 
on Pietrangelo's re-directed shot from the right side, knocking it down. 

"He saw everything," said Toews. 

It  was the Blues'  last good chance before Kruger sealed the Chicago win with 
his empty-net goal with 20 seconds left. 

                                   Game Notes 

Duncan  Keith, Sheldon  Brookbank, Brandon Saad and Michal Handzus each had an 
assist  for Chicago. It was Saad's second assist of the series ... Chicago was 
0-for-4 on the power play and St. Louis went 0-for-3. 

White Sox top Tigers in opener

Detroit,  MI (SportsNetwork.com) - RBI doubles by Jose Abreu and Dayan Viciedo 
highlighted  a three-run  sixth and the Chicago White Sox defeated the Detroit 
Tigers, 3-1, in the opener of a four-game set. 

John  Danks (2-0) allowed a run on six hits and three walks over 6 1/3 innings 
for  the White Sox,  who have won  two in a  row on  the heels of a four-game 
losing streak. Matt Lindstrom fired a scoreless ninth to notch his second save 
of the year. 

After  the game,  the team announced that ace left-hander Chris Sale was going 
on the 15-day disabled list with a strained muscle in his throwing arm. 

"You  just  don't want to  take any chances," White Sox manager Robin Ventura 
said. "Give him some rest and get him healthy." 

Torii Hunter had two hits and scored a run for Detroit, which had won three of 
its  last four  coming in. Anibal Sanchez (0-2) surrendered three runs on five 
hits and a walk over 6 1/3 frames to get the loss. 

"I felt great, and then everything happened in a hurry," Sanchez said. 

The Tigers led 1-0 through six innings, but a three-run seventh put Chicago in 
front. 

Back-to-back doubles by Connor Gillaspie and Abreu to begin the frame tied it. 
After  Adam Dunn  struck out, Abreu crossed with the go-ahead run on Viciedo's 
two-bagger off the top of the center field wall. 

Alexei  Ramirez  then singled through  the hole on  the left side. Viciedo had 
originally  held  up at third,  but the left  fielder Rajai Davis overshot the 
cutoff  man and the ball darted past catcher Alex Avila, which allowed Viciedo 
to score. 

Sanchez,  who backed  up on  the play,  threw Viciedo  out at  the plate,  but 
Viciedo was ruled safe following a review. 

Avila  hit a one-out, ground-rule double and pinch-hitter J.D. Martinez worked 
a  walk  in the ninth,  but Davis  flied out to  left and Ian Kinsler grounded 
into a force out to end the game. 

Detroit's lone run came in the second on Avila's RBI groundout. 

                                   Game Notes 

Abreu  has 18 RBI  this season ... The White Sox were 3-for-11 with runners in 
scoring position, while Detroit finished 0-for-10 and left 10 men on base. 

Cubs' Wood single-handedly beats Diamondbacks

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) - Cubs  starter  Travis Wood  tossed  seven 
stellar  innings and went  2-for-3 at the dish with a home run and four RBI to 
lead  Chicago to  a 5-1 win over  the Arizona Diamondbacks to kick off a four- 
game series from Wrigley Field. 

Wood  (1-2), who  allowed one run on  six hits while striking out nine, is not 
your  average  pitcher. He  has now  homered in  all five  of his major league 
seasons  and is the only active pitcher with more than one game with four-plus 
RBI. He has seven career home runs. 

Welington  Castillo  and Ryan Kalish each  had two hits for Chicago, which has 
won two of its last three games. 

Bronson  Arroyo (1-2) surrendered all five runs on eight hits for Arizona in 5 
1/3 innings to absorb the loss. Mark Trumbo went yard in the defeat. 

Starlin  Castro singled  with one away in  the bottom of the second inning and 
scored  two batters later on Castillo's bloop single to right. Kalish followed 
with  a single to  put two on for Wood, who crushed a no-doubter over the wall 
in left for a 4-0 Chicago lead. 

Wood made it 5-0 with an RBI double to the warning track in his next at-bat in 
the fourth. 

Wood  struck out at  least one batter in every inning besides the third and he 
didn't  allow  an Arizona  baserunner to  reach third  base until the seventh. 
After Cody Ross struck out to start the seventh, Trumbo took Wood deep for his 
seventh  homer of  the season. Miguel Montero followed with a double and moved 
to third on Tony Campana's groundout, but pinch-hitter Cliff Pennington popped 
up to Anthony Rizzo in foul territory to end the threat. 

Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop each pitched scoreless innings of relief for the 
Cubs. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  game was delayed  for an hour and one minute due to rain ... Arizona went 
0-for-5  with runners  in scoring position, leaving seven men on base ... Paul 
Goldschmidt went 3-for-4 for the D'Backs. 

Mejia strong as Mets shut out Cards

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Mets can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 5:35pm.

Flushing,  NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Jenrry Mejia fired 6 2/3 scoreless innings 
and the New York Mets blanked the St. Louis Cardinals, 2-0, in the opener of a 
four-game set. 

Mejia (3-0) struck out seven and surrendered four hits and three walks for the 
Mets, who have won five of their last seven games. 

"He  gave us more than we expected, for sure," Mets manager Terry Collins said 
of Mejia. 

Travis  d'Arnaud tallied  an RBI  and  two of  New  York's seven  hits in  the 
triumph. Newly-named closer Kyle Farnsworth, who replaced Jose Valverde, fired 
a scoreless ninth for his first save of the year. 

Matt Carpenter, Allen Craig and Yadier Molina each had two hits to account for 
St.  Louis' total. Tyler Lyons (0-1) fanned seven, but allowed two runs on six 
hits and four walks over six frames to notch the loss. 

The Cardinals have dropped four of their last six games. 

"Being  frustrated, I don't think there's anything wrong with that," Cardinal
manager Mike Matheny said. "I think the bigger story is that our offense will 
get going on a consistent basis." 

The  Mets jumped out  to a 2-0 lead after plating a run in the third and sixth 
innings. 

New York used a two-out rally to get on the board in the third. Eric Young Jr. 
singled  and Curtis Granderson was hit by a pitch before Young scored on David 
Wright's broken-bat single through the hole on the left side of the infield. 

Daniel  Murphy  and Josh Satin  worked walks against  Lyons in the sixth while 
Chris  Young, who  reached on a throwing  error to begin the frame, was thrown 
out  trying to steal  third. Murphy, though, was able to swipe third and later 
crossed the plate on d'Arnaud's base hit to center. 

The Cardinals  had runners  on the  corners with one  away in  the top of the 
sixth,  but Matt Holliday  popped out and Matt Adams grounded out to second to 
end the threat. 

St. Louis' Shane Robinson rolled out to third with runners on first and second 
with  two outs  in the seventh, and  Alex Torres struck out Holliday and Adams 
with a man in scoring position in the eighth. 

                                   Game Notes 

Murphy  has three steals this season ... The Mets were 3-for-7 with runners in 
scoring  position,  while St. Louis finished  0-for-5 with RISP and left seven 
men on base.

Taylorville Softball takes on Mt. Zion

The Taylorville Tornadoes softball team is at home today to take on Mt. Zion. Coverage of the game can be heard on Groovy 93.5 beginning at 4:15.

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-22-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Amanda K. Spear, 34, of 200 NA Pine Lot 1, Pana, was arrested April 21 on a warrant for methamphetamine precursor.

Kody E. Campbell, 22, of 510 West Maple Street Apt. 4, Taylorville, was arrested April 21 on a bond forfeiture for driving on a suspended license.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

On April 21, a Taylorville Police Department officer made contact with Kody E. Campbell, 22, of Taylorville at 510 West Maple Street. Campbell had a valid warrant out of Sangamon County. Campbell was taken into custody and transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond.

CRASH:

On April 20, Todd M. England, 40, of Taylorville was backing out of the driveway at 1031 West Franklin. England did not see the vehicle that was legally parked on the side of the road and struck it. No injuries reported.

Fire Department Calls 4-22-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 21
5 EMS, 2 Public Assists, 1 Smoke Scare

April 22
4 EMS, 2 Public Assists

Judge Brad Paisley Speaks to Kiwanis Club on Drug Court

Christian County Judge Brad Paisley was Tuesday's guest speaker at the weekly luncheon of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Paisley gave the club details on the Drug Court, which was organized by he and several others in the Christian County court system. Drug Court allows convicted felons who are willing to be held accountable in trying to turn their life around, to get their charges dropped at the end of a 30-month period.

Paisley told the Kiwanis Club that nationally, 77-percent of Drug Court graduates never get arrested again, and that benefits society as well as government in eliminating the 38-thousand-per-year cost to house an inmate in jail.

Paisley gave the stats on the Christian County Drug Court since its inception in 2011.

Drug Court in Christian County has now been expanded to Mental Health Court, and a Veterans Treatment Court. In all cases, those who participate are required to be accountable in order to help them straighten out their lives.

In other Kiwanis news, Kiwanis Park chairman Jerry Woodard announced that a spring clean-up day will be held April 29th at 2pm, with volunteers appreciated.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

LLCC Veterans Club sponsors 7th annual Memorial Run/Walk

Lincoln Land Community College’s Veterans Club invites runners and walkers to participate in the 7th annual Brian McMillen Memorial Run/Walk Saturday, May 24 beginning at 8 a.m. on the LLCC Springfield campus. The event offers a 5K run/1-mile walk and a 10K run.

The Run/Walk raises funds in support of the LLCC Brian McMillen Veterans Scholarship and other charities. Run/Walk participants can also support their local high school athletic programs through the Brian’s Challenge Grant. The $500 grant is presented to the high school athletics department that has the highest number of runners/walkers participating in the Run/Walk. Participants do not need to be high school athletes.

Brian McMillen, an LLCC alum and Illinois State Trooper, served as a Technical Sergeant in the Air National Guard and spent two years of active duty with the Air Force in Saudi Arabia and Romania. He was pursuing a master’s degree when he lost his life at age 24 in the line of duty with the Illinois State Police. 

More information about the Run/Walk is available by e-mailing veterans.affairs@llcc.edu or visiting www.facebook.com/bmcmrun. 

Quinn Announces $52.7 Million for Local Transportation Improvement Projects

Governor Pat Quinn has announced a $52.7 million investment in community transportation projects throughout Illinois. The investment will support more than 400 jobs through 71 projects, including bike paths, walking trails, historic preservation and streetscape beautification projects in communities across Illinois. A list of projects includes:

Effingham County:

Dieterich receives $800,000 for the  Village of Dieterich Pedestrian Accessibility Project

 

Shelby County:

Shelbyville receives $842,630 for the City of Shelbyville Phase 8 Bike Path

 

The funding is through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program which is designed to promote alternative transportation options, including bike and pedestrian travel, along with streetscape beautification.

Davis Selected as Member of Congressional Human Trafficking Task Force

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville has announced that he has been selected to serve on the Congressional Human Trafficking Task Force.

Davis says Human trafficking is a $9 billion a year industry that affects more than 20 million victims, primarily young women and girls, around the world.

The Congressional Human Trafficking Task Force was formed by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to bring Members together to produce legislation with the goal of combating international and domestic trafficking, while protecting and helping victims.

Last month, Davis co-sponsored the SAVE Act which is legislation to combat human trafficking and help protect Americans by closing Internet marketplaces that host advertisements for the commercial exploitation of women and minors.

Specifically, this bill will make it unlawful to sell or commercially promote an advertisement that facilitates kidnapping; trafficking or exploitation of children; sexual abuse or illegal sex; pimping, prostitution, child sex abuse and trafficking.

Brann: Don't Take Your Hearing for Granted

You may be losing your hearing and not know it.  Dale Brann, Hearing Instrument Specialist at Hometown Hearing and Audiology in Taylorville says they offer a huge assortment of products for those who need them:

[audio:brannhometownhearing041714.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Hometown Hearing and Audiology is located on the S. side of the Taylorville Square at 114 W. Market.

Wilson: Dog Diet Important

What you feed your dog makes a big difference, not only to your dog but to you as well.  Ian Wilson of Tail Command in Taylorville, says there are a lot of good reasons to read the labels:

[audio:tailcommandfood042114.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wilson says feeding your dog right can save on vet bills.  Tail Command grooms, boards and day-sits dogs, as well as selling the quality dog foods.  Call 824-TAIL, that's 824-8245.

Hornbuckle: Pipeline Jobs Coming

Jobs associated with the Enbridge Pipeline are coming to the area.  Patty Hornbuckle, CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce says it's pretty much a done deal:

[audio:pattypipeline041714.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Chamber to find out more, at 824-4919.

Recycling Event to Take Place in Taylorville

If you are looking to recycle some old appliances or electronics, there will be a recycling event coming up Saturday, April 26th. The event will take place at the Christian County Fairgrounds in Taylorville from 8am until Noon. Appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washers, and dryers will be taken. You can also discard electronics such as computers, laptops, phones, and cameras. Basic recycling items like aluminum cans, newspapers, and so on will be accepted as well. There will also be on-site document shredding.

Veterans Memorial Committee to Dedicate Memorial for Assumption Veterans

If you are a veteran or have a family member who is a veteran from Assumption, there is a day next month that you may want to mark on your calendar. Jim Bugg with the Veterans Memorial Committee tells Regional Radio News they will be dedicating an Assumption Veterans Memorial on May 25th:

[audio:buggmemorial042114.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Bugg says the dedication will follow the annual VFW Auxiliary dinner which is from 11 AM to 1 PM at St. Mary's Parish Hall. More information can be found on their website, assumptionveteransmemorial.com.

Wizards take Game 1 in Chicago

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - The Washington Wizards rallied back from a 
13-point deficit, took the lead with a late run and won going away. 

So which was the team with playoff experience? 

Nene  scored  24 points  and the  Wizards had big  contributions from all five 
starters  in  their first  playoff game  in six  years, a  102-93 win over the 
Chicago Bulls on Sunday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. 

The Bulls remained  in the lead following  a 14-4 run in second quarter until 
Trevor Ariza's free throws with 4:17 remaining put the Wizards in front. 

The  shots were  part of a 14-3  run that gave the Wizards an eight-point lead 
with 25 seconds left. 

Nene rattled in a shot during the spurt but the biggest points might have been 
Marcin  Gortat's baseline  jumper after he rebounded a John Wall miss, pushing 
Washington's lead to six with 34.2 seconds remaining. 

Indeed,  pluck any Wizards  player from the five on the floor at tipoff and he 
made a significant contribution. 

Gortat  collected 15  points and 13 rebounds, Ariza had 18 points, Wall scored 
16  with six rebounds and six assists and Bradley Beal had 13 points and seven 
assists for fifth-seeded Washington. 

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Tuesday in Chicago. 

The  fourth-seeded Bulls, in the playoffs for the second straight year without 
injured  star Derrick Rose, were led by 16 points apiece from Kirk Hinrich and 
D.J.  Augustin.  Joakim Noah added 10  points and 10 rebounds and Jimmy Butler 
scored 15. 

The Wizards have won five in a row going back to the regular season. 

The  franchise's last playoff  win came in Game 5 against LeBron James and the 
Cleveland  Cavaliers in 2008, when Caron Butler scored the game-winning bucket 
with 3.9 seconds left. The Wizards lost that first-round series in six games. 

Augustin  led  the Bulls in  the first  half with 12  points off the bench and 
Hinrich  scored  10. They  each had five  points in the  14-4 run that Hinrich 
capped  by  stealing an inbounds pass  and making a  layup to give the Bulls a 
51-44 lead. 

Nene had 14 points in the first half and Wall scored 12 but the Wizards let an 
early six-point lead slip away and trailed by six at halftime. 

Chicago's 13-point lead in the third quarter was followed by a 19-7 Washington 
burst capped by Ariza's 3-pointer to get the Wizards within one. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Wizards posted  their best regular-season record since they went 45-37 in 
2004-05.  It was the  first time they won at least 30 games in six seasons ... 
The Bulls lost Rose  to another knee injury just 11 games into the season. He 
missed  all of last season with an injury to his other knee and the Bulls beat 
the  Nets in  seven games in the  first round of the playoffs before losing to 
Miami in five. 

White Sox rip Texas

Arlington,  TX (SportsNetwork.com)  - Marcus Semien went 4-for-6 with four RBI 
to  help the Chicago White Sox secure a 16-2 win over the Texas Rangers in the 
finale of a three-game set Sunday at Globe Life Park. 

Jordan  Danks and  Jose Abreu each belted a two-run homer, while Dayan Viciedo 
added  a solo shot, scored three times and plated a pair of runs for the Whit
Sox, who snapped a four-game losing streak. 

"We put together some good at bats. We swung at strikes and got pitches up and 
hit the ball the other way," Semien said. "If you hit the ball to right here 
you can get it in that jet stream and get it out of the ballpark. It was a 
good team win." 

Erik  Johnson (1-1) picked  up the win after limiting Texas to two runs -- one 
earned -- on one hit with five walks over five frames. 

Texas  starter Robbie Ross Jr. (1-1) was knocked around for seven runs -- four 
earned  -- on seven hits while striking out eight over 5 1/3 innings to absorb 
the loss. 

Luis  Sardinas made his major league debut in the setback and collected one of 
the two hits for the Rangers, who had won five straight and finished 7-3 on a 
10-game homestand. 

"Definitely satisfied with the way things turned out (on the homestand). We 
won each series, we just have to keep winning series and we'll be fine," said 
Rangers manager Ron Washington. 'It will get to the point when things fall in 
place and we sweep a series. Just have to keep taking it a day at a time and 
playing the best game we can." 

Texas  shortstop Elvis Andrus scored from third on a Johnson wild pitch in the 
bottom  of the  fourth to tie the game  at 2-2, but the White Sox scored three 
runs in each of the next two frames to take control of the contest. 

In  the  fifth, Tyler  Flowers led off  with a single  and after Danks fanned, 
Semien  reached first  when third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff misfired on a throw 
to second. 

Conor Gillaspie then plated Flowers with a sacrifice fly to right field before 
Abreu scorched a 1-1 fastball over the wall in right for a 5-2 lead. 

After  Texas went down in order in the home half of the fifth, Viciedo started 
the  sixth with  a double  before Alexei  Ramirez swung  and missed  at strike 
three.  However,  the ball rolled  to the  backstop, allowing Ramirez to reach 
first safely. 

Ross then fanned Alejandro De Aza before Shawn Tolleson took over on the mound 
and struck out Flowers for the second out. 

Tolleson  then  intentionally walked Danks to  get to Semien, who scorched his 
first  career triple off the top of the wall in left-center field to clear the 
bases and give Chicago an 8-2 lead. 

Viciedo  drilled his first homer of the season over the wall in right with two 
away  in the  seventh before adding an RBI single to spark Chicago's seven-run 
ninth inning. 

Two  batters later, De Aza smacked a two-out single to center and Semien added 
a run-scoring single shortly after for a 13-2 lead. 

Gillaspie  followed  Semien's base hit  with a  two-run double to right before 
scoring on Abreu's double to left to account for the final margin. 

Early  on, Danks crushed  a two-run homer to right to get the White Sox on the 
board in the third, but Shin-Soo Choo answered with a sac fly in the bottom of 
the  frame before Johnson's  wild pitch plated Andrus in the fourth to tie the 
game. 

                                   Game Notes 

Sardinas,  20, was  recalled from Double-A Frisco on Saturday after outfielder 
Jim  Adduci was placed  on the 15-day disabled list ... Chicago pounded out 18 
hits  ... Texas went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position ... Andrus stole 
his  ninth  base of the  season ...  Danks' homer was  the first of his career 
against a left-handed pitcher. 

Cubs Drop Rubber Game With Reds

Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Zack Cozart went 3-for-5 with a home run and 
three  RBI as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs, 8-2, on Sunday to 
take the rubber match of a three-game set. 

Jay  Bruce hit a  solo homer and scored twice, while Todd Frazier went 2-for-5 
with an RBI and two runs scored in the win. 

Reds  starter Homer  Bailey (1-1) pitched six scoreless innings and struck out 
eight to earn his first win of the season. 

"It's about the fourth game in a row that the offense really picked me up," 
said Bailey. "Every time I take the mound (the offense) shows up. I'm just 
glad I could contribute." 

Cincinnati has won 17-of-19 against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. 

Nate  Schierholtz and Ryan Sweeney each knocked in a run for the Cubs, who saw 
starter Carlos Villanueva (1-4) take the loss after allowing five runs on nine 
hits with seven strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings. 

"It's been strange going so far," said Villanueva. "I know for me and the 
team. It doesn't do us any good hanging our heads or being negative." 

Devin  Mesoraco kept  up his torrid start  to the season with an RBI double in 
the top of the fourth to open the scoring and give the Reds a 1-0 lead. 

Mesoraco  is now 17-for-33  on the season and has hit safely in all nine games 
he has played. 

Cozart  followed with  a double that plated Mesoraco and Bailey helped his own 
cause with an RBI single that scored Cozart. 

The  Reds  added on  in the  fifth when Frazier  knocked in  Bruce to push the 
spread to 4-0. Ryan Ludwick then singled home Frazier. 

Bruce  led off  the seventh  inning with  a solo  blast to  center and  Cozart 
followed a Mesoraco walk with a two-run shot that made it an 8-0 game. 

Schierholtz  and  Sweeney collected RBI singles  in the seventh to account for 
the final margin. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Reds  were 4-for-10 with  runners in scoring position  and left 10 men on 
base ... Chicago went 3-for-15 with RISP and left 14 runners on base ... Billy 
Hamilton  stole his seventh base of the season in the win ... Emilio Bonifacio 
swiped his ninth bag of the season in the setback. 

Nationals earn split with Cardinals with walk-off win

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Mets can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 5:35pm.

Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - Denard Span's sacrifice fly in the bottom 
of the ninth inning gave the Washington Nationals a 3-2 win over the St. Louis 
Cardinals on Sunday in the finale of a four-game set from Nationals Park. 

Danny Espinosa and Jose Lobaton had three hits apiece for Washington and poked 
back-to-back  singles with one  away in the home half of the ninth off of Seth 
Maness  (0-1). Nate McLouth  then stepped in as a pinch-hitter and drew a walk 
to load the bags for Span, who fouled off four pitches before plating Espinosa 
with his lineout to left. 

Rafael  Soriano (1-0) pitched a perfect top of the ninth to each his first win 
of the season. 

The  Nationals were  winners despite  hitting  just 2-for-12  with runners  in 
scoring position and leaving 17 men on base. 

The Cardinals went  up 1-0 in the second inning when Jhonny Peralta's double- 
play  grounder allowed Matt Adams, who doubled to lead off the frame, to score 
without a throw. 

The  score  stayed  that  way  until the  fifth.  Washington  starter  Stephen 
Strasburg  struck  out Peralta and  Mark Ellis to  start the inning but walked 
Peter Bourjos and allowed his counterpart Shelby Miller to drive in a run with 
a double to deep left. 

Strasburg  fanned  nine in six  innings, allowing two  runs on five hits while 
Miller  struck  out seven  and kept  Washington scoreless  over 5 1/3 innings. 
Miller had trouble with his command, however, walking five batters. 

Miller walked the bases loaded in the third inning but struck out Adam LaRoche 
to end the threat. He had a no-hitter until the fourth, when Espinosa broke it 
up with two outs with a single to right. 

Carlos  Martinez took the  hill in the bottom of the seventh for St. Louis and 
lost  the lead after surrendering four consecutive singles. LaRoche got things 
started  with a one-out single to center, Anthony Rendon followed with another 
single  to  center and Ian  Desmond put the  Nats on the  board with a slap to 
right. Espinosa's RBI single made it 2-2. 

                                   Game Notes 

Both  teams won  two  games in  the  series ...  Adams had  two  hits for  the 
Cardinals,  who close out  an 11-game road trip when they travel to Citi Field 
Monday  for a four-game set with the Mets ... The Nationals host the LA Angels 
in an interleague series starting Monday. 

CRIME OF THE WEEK FOR APRIL 21, 2014

This week Crimestoppers is seeking information in regards to a burglary that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime between Wednesday April 9, 2014 and Friday April 11, 2014, unknown subject or subjects made entry into a residence located at 715 South Wyandotte Street.  While inside, the unknown subject or subjects took a Beretta 9mm handgun.  The handgun had a pink frame with a black slide.  The handgun had been inside a black case prior to the theft.  The total dollar amount of the item is unknown at this time.

Please contact Crimestoppers if you any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you do not have to give your name.  Crimestoppers will pay double the normal reward for information that leads to an arrest for the crime of the week. 

 You can contact Crimestoppers at 824-9100, at our website Christiancountycrimestoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES  (274632) and then your tip.  As always, you will remain anonymous. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-21-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING:

ARRESTS:

Jake E. Tucker, 22, of 408 South Cherokee Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 18 for methamphetamine manufacturing, methamphetamine precursor, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thomas E. Lawrence, 63, of RR1 Box 35, Herrick, was arrested April 18 on a bond forfeiture for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Cody L. Wyatt, 22, of 1106 East Poplar, Taylorville, was arrested April 19 for methamphetamine manufacturing, possession of methamphetamine manufacturing materials, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Victoria A. Shirey, 57, of 411 Borah Avenue, Tovey, was arrested April 19 for violating an order of protection.

Ashley N. Akins, 26, of 104 McCarthur, Pana, was arrested April 19 on a bond forfeiture for methamphetamine precursor.

Victoria L. Vega, 19, of 821 North State, Litchfield, was arrested April 20 for calculated criminal drug conspiracy.

Antonio Hayes, 32, of 1125 North 7th Street, Springfield, was arrested April 20 for calculated criminal drug conspiracy.

Nicole R. Schneider, 25, of 1007 East 500 North Road, Morrisonville, was arrested April 20 for calculated criminal drug conspiracy.

CRASH:
On April 19, Jacob N. Mayes of Jennings, Oklahoma, was northbound on Highway Route 48. At approximately 1 mile north of 1100 East, a deer entered the roadway. Mayes struck the deer and received front-end damage. No injuries were reported


THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

On April 18 at 9:28pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer was out at 120 Hunter in reference to a suspicious odor. An active methamphetamine lab was located at the address. Following the investigation, 22-year-old Cody Wyatt of Taylorville, 22-year-old Jake Tucker of Taylorville, and a 16-year-old juvenile male were arrested for unlawful participation of methamphetamine manufacturing, possession of methamphetamine materials, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On April 20th, Taylorville Police Department officers conducted a stop on a vehicle heading westbound on South Spresser Street. Following the stop, a 17-year-old male juvenile from St. Louis, Missouri was placed under arrest for possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. Tanner H. Jackson,18, of Haines City, Florida was also arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Both male subjects were processed and later released on a notice to appear in court.

CRASHES:

On April 19, Brian L. Wood, 57, of Thayer was traveling east on Park Street and was on the outside turn lane. Steven E. Dilley, 64, of Pana was also traveling east on Park Street. Wood attempted to change lanes to go straight. Wood struck Dilley, who was traveling next to Wood, causing damage. Both vehicles were able to leave the scene. No injuries were reported.

On April 16, Taylorville Police Department officers were dispatched to Morton and Rich for a traffic crash involving a van and motorcycle. Upon arrival, Jack E. Powel, 77, of Decatur advised he was traveling east on Rich Street and Chase M. Windell, 23, of Taylorville struck the back of his vehicle. Windell advised he was traveling north on Morton Street and lost control of his motorcycle. He then struck the back of Powel. Officers noted that there was a very long skid mark on the pavement and there were grooves in the pavement from where the bike hit the pavement. The marks are on Morton Street south of Rich. Windell reported injuries that were not physically evident but denied medical attention.

On April 17, Taylorville Police Department officers were dispatched to a two vehicle accident at West Main Cross and Madison. Patricia L. McDonald, 63, of Litchfield stated she stopped at the stop sign and proceeded into the intersection and did not see Carrington M, Walker, 23, of Taylorville. McDonald then struck Walker. Walker stated that McDonald pulled out in front of him and he could not avoid the collision. Walker stated that McDonald struck his vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Fire Department Calls 4-21-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 17
1 EMS, 1 Odor

April 18
2 EMS, 1 Public Assist

April 19
9 EMS, 1 Brush Fire

April 20
4 EMS, 3 Public Assists

April 21
2 EMS

Taylorville City Council Hears About Solution to Ahlstrom Noise

The Taylorville City Council met Monday night and received some good news in regards to the noise problem at Ahlstrom. Alderman Larry Budd told the Council about Ahlstrom’s plan to fix the noise:

[audio:buddahlstromsolution042214.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Alderman Rob Heberling again suggested the City do a sound study so they are ready if another problem arises.

 

 The 175th anniversary of Taylorville and Christian County will be celebrated this year. Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton told the City Council at their Monday meeting that they have a special cleanup project planned:

[audio:mayorcleanup042214.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The 175th anniversary celebration will take place in conjunction with the annual Chillifest in October.

 

The City of Taylorville recently tore down a damaged building on East Franklin Street. Mayor Greg Brotherton told the City Council at their meeting that while getting rid of these eye sore buildings is a positive, there is one factor to remember:

[audio:mayorhouse042214.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Alderman Ray Koonce suggested that the City begin plans to take control of a property on East Vine Street where a burnt house that is falling apart sits.

 

The Taylorville City Council approved a motion to implement Steps 1-4 of the Water Rate Increases in the process to build a new Water Treatment Plant. The first step increase will begin May 1st and then will increase May 1st of each year for the next 3 years.    

1st Step Increase May 1, 2014

 

 

Declining Block Rate

Inside

Outside

First 400 Cubic Feet

$20

$40

Next 1600 Cubic Feet

$3.94

$7.88

Over 2000 Cubic Feet

$3.25

$6.50

Flat Industrial Rate

$1.91

$1.99

Langleyville

$4.34

 

Owaneco

$5.02

 

Kincaid

$3.60

 

The Council also approved motions to contribute $5,000.00 to the Senior Citizens of Christian County and $3,000.00 to the Optimist Club for the 4th of July Fireworks.

 The meeting adjourned at 7:42pm.

American Idol Live! Tour Coming To State Fair

Fans of American Idol can see the top contestants from the current season of the hit TV series at this year’s Illinois State Fair.  The fair has announced the American Idol Live! Tour will perform a concert at the Grandstand Friday, Aug. 8. 

 

The tour will feature the top ten finalists from Season 13:  C.J. Harris, Jena Irene, Caleb Johnson, Jessica Meuse, MK Nobilette, Alex Preston, Dexter Roberts, Majesty Rose, Malaya Watson and Sam Woolf. 

 

The 2014 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 7 – 17. For more information about the Grandstand entertainment line-up, visit the fair’s website at www.illiniosstatefair.info or call (217) 782-1979.  

Oak Ridge Boys Coming To Effingham Performance Center

The Oak Ridge Boys will be bringing their music to the stage at the Effingham Performance Center on Friday, April 25th at 8pm.  A limited number of seats are available.

 

The four-part harmonies and songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits and a Number One Pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades.

 

The group has 12 gold, three platinum, and one double platinum album—plus one double platinum single—and had more than a dozen national Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits.

More information is available online at www.theEPC.org or by phone at (217) 540-2788.

LLCC invites public to annual ?Battle of the Bands?

The Student Life Office of Lincoln Land Community College invites the public to the annual “Battle of the Bands” competition Friday, April 25. Door open at 5:30 p.m. and bands will perform from 6-10 p.m. in the Trutter Center on the Springfield campus.

Bands include The Blind Social, Built in a Day, Dog of Panic, Full Chroma, Geoff Leathers, Negative 17, Open D and Trepidus.

The event is co-sponsored by the LLCC Student United Way. There is no admission charge; however, donations will be accepted for United Way of Central Illinois. 

Sangamon River Clean-Up Day Next Saturday

The Macon County Conservation District, Community Environmental Council, and Decatur Park District are sponsoring a Sangamon River Clean-Up on Saturday, April 26 as part of Earth Day.  Groups and individuals should meet at the Information Shelter at Rock Springs Conservation Area for registration from 8:30-9am, and clean-up from 9am to Noon.  Groups should call ahead at 217-423-7708.

 

Each participant receives a free lunch coupon to use at the Festival of Spring immediately following clean-up.  Groups will be divided up into teams and transported to assigned locations.  Age and physical restrictions will be considered when making location assignments.

 

For more information, visit www.maconcountyconservation.org.

Registration Being Taken for Pana Yard Sales

The Pana city wide yard sales will be held on Saturday May 3, 2014, with most sales beginning at 8:00 AM. This is the 19th year for this community event.

Cut off for registering your address is noon on Tuesday April 29 2014, this will insure your address being printed on both the map and in the Pana News Palladium’s Thursday edition.  You may register your address by calling the Chamber of Commerce Office at 217-562-4240 or emailing panachamber@consolidated.net. Addresses may be left on the answering service if the phone lines or operators are busy or after hours.  

Maps will be made available the day of the sale at:  Casey's, Karla's Kollectibles, Shasteen’s & Qik N Ez.                      

Those registering sales are encouraged to use signs to direct shoppers to their location but are requested to remove them at the close of the weekend.   Also sellers should consider the use of the media to promote the details of their sale.    

Scherer Cracks Down on Meth Production Near Schools

State Rep. Sue Scherer of Decatur recently passed legislation strengthening penalties for manufacturing methamphetamine near schools. Scherer says it’s important to keep school zones safe:      

[audio:040814SchererHB4093.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The bill makes the production of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school a Class X felony, punishable by up to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $400,000 or the estimated street value of the drugs. Under current law, manufacturing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a church or other house of worship is also a Class X felony.

 

The legislation, which is backed by the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance, received unanimous support in the House and now awaits consideration in the Senate.  

Davis: Student Councils Play Bigger Role Today

U.S. Representative Rodney Davis of Taylorville recently spoke to the Taylorville High School Student Council. Davis tells Regional Radio News that the student council has changed for the better over the years:

Rangers clobber White Sox

Arlington,  TX  (SportsNetwork.com) - The  Texas Rangers  scored 12 runs on 18 
hits to back Martin Perez's first career shutout. 

Perez  (3-0) allowed just  three hits in the Rangers' 12-0 rout of the Chicago 
WhitSox on Friday. 

The  left-hander struck out eight and walked one for Texas, which has won four 
in a row. 

"He's  just consistent,  he's  keeping  the ball  down,"  Rangers manager  Ron 
Washington said. 

Leonys  Martin went  3-for-5 with four RBI  and finished a double short of the 
cycle  for  the Rangers, who  went 6-for-13  with runners in scoring position. 
Robinson Chirinos added a two-run homer. 

Felipe  Paulino (0-2)  gave up 10 runs on  13 hits with three walks over 3 2/3 
innings for the White Sox, who have dropped three straight. 

"Pretty bad game for me tonight," Paulino said. "I've been bad the last couple 
of starts." 

The  Rangers' offense  got going  in the  first inning.  Elvis Andrus  started 
things  with a one-out walk and went to third on a single by Alex Rios. Prince 
Fielder was intentionally walked to load the bases for Kevin Kouzmanoff, whose 
infield single plated a run. Jim Adduci's RBI groundout made it 2-0. 

Texas  tacked  on seven  more runs  in the third  to blow  the game open. With 
runners  on  second and  third and two  outs, Martin cleared  the bases with a 
triple to right. Chirinos followed with a two-run homer. 

The  Rangers  kept it  going. After  Shin-Soo Choo  doubled and Andrus walked, 
Texas plated three more runs on Rios' single and Fielder's double. 

Martin added a solo homer in the fourth and hit an RBI single in the sixth. 

Kouzmanoff's  run-scoring  single in the  seventh made it 12-0. Kouzmanoff has 
now hit safely in his first nine games in a Texas uniform. 

                                   Game Notes 

The White Sox went  4-2 against  the Rangers in  2013 ...  It was the second 
complete  game of  Perez's career  ... Chicago's  Alexei Ramirez  extended his 
franchise-record  hitting  streak to 17 to  start the season ... The White So
started  a seven-game  road trip  on Friday  ... Texas  placed pitcher  Tanner 
Scheppers on the 15-day disabled list, purchased the contract of pitcher Aaron 
Poreda  from Triple-A  Round Rock  and designated  infielder Andy  Parrino for 
assignment ... Chirinos and Adduci set career highs with three hits apiece. 

Reds deal Cubs fifth straight loss

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  -  Alfredo Simon  yielded  one unearned  run 
through  six-plus innings  as the Cincinnati Reds dealt the sputtering Chicago 
Cubs a 4-1 loss at Wrigley Field. 

Two  days after being  shut out in both ends of a doubleheader against the New 
York  Yankees, the Cubs mustered just six hits off Simon and three Cincinnati 
relievers en route to a fifth consecutive defeat. 

The  lack of  offense saddled Jeff Samardzija (0-2) with yet another hard-luck 
loss  despite the  Chicago ace  permitting  three runs  -- one  earned --  and 
fanning seven over seven solid innings. 

Samardzija  has received just four runs of support in four starts this season, 
during which he's produced a 1.29 ERA. 

Simon  (2-1),  who permitted  four hits  and walked  two, was  aided by an RBI 
double  by Billy Hamilton and an error by Cubs second baseman Emilio Bonifacio 
that allowed two runs to score in the sixth. 

"Today  I  think we were  a little sloppy in  general," said Cubs manager Rick 
Renteria. "Jeff really kept us in the ball game throughout." 

Jonathan  Broxton finished off Cincinnati's 16th victory in its last 17 visits 
to Wrigley with a hitless ninth to record his second save of the year. 

Both  starting pitchers were extremely stingy as the opener of this three-game 
series  remained scoreless  through four innings of play, with Simon giving up 
just  two singles over that span and the Reds managing just three hits against 
Samardzija. 

Cincinnati was able to scratch home a run in the fifth. Devin Mesoraco led off 
with  a single,  stole second  and crossed  the plate  when Cubs  left fielder 
Junior  Lake  couldn't make a diving  stab on Hamilton's two-out sinking liner 
that resulted in a double. 

Things  fell apart for  Samardzija and the Cubs an inning later, as the right- 
hander served up a leadoff double to Jay Bruce and walked Mesoraco to load the 
bases  after Ryan Ludwick was granted first on catcher's interference. He then 
got  Zack  Cosart to  ground into  a potential  inning-ending double play, but 
Bonifacio  threw wildly to first to enable both Bruce and Ludwick to cross the 
plate. 

Simon  continued to  cruise until the seventh, when Starlin Castro singled and 
Todd Frazier mishandled Ryan Sweeney's grounder to third to put two aboard and 
end  the  Cincinnati starter's  afternoon. Luis Valbuena's  RBI single off Sam 
LeCure  finally  halted the Cubs' 24-inning  scoreless streak, though Chicago 
failed to do any further damage to keep it a 3-1 game. 

"I  was on  the fence as to whether  I wanted [Simon] to go back out there for 
the  seventh  because he  wasn't real  sharp in the  sixth," said Reds manager 
Bryan Price. "But he managed the inning well, and I felt like I wanted to give 
him  a  shot there and  start the inning  and see if he  could get a couple of 
quick outs for us. But it ended up playing out really well." 

The  Reds tacked  on an insurance run  in the eighth when Frazier walked, beat 
the  throw to  second on a pickoff  attempt and eventually came home on a wild 
pitch from Justin Grimm. 

                                   Game Notes 

Reds  second baseman Brandon Phillips left after 2 1/2 innings after appearing 
to injure his lower back while swinging in his first at-bat ... Samardzija has 
now  gone  0-4 with six  no-decisions in 10 outings  since last winning at San 
Diego on Aug. 24 of last season ... Mesoraco has hit safely in all seven games 
since  coming off the disabled list on Apr. 7, batting .480 (12-for-25) during 
that stretch ... The Reds stole a season-high five bases. 

Sloppy 7th helps Nats top Cards

Coverage of today's Cards and Nats can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 11:30am.

Washington,  DC (SportsNetwork.com) - The Washington Nationals scored two runs 
after  a wild pitch  in the seventh inning to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 
on Friday night. 

The  Nationals were the beneficiaries of sloppy play one day after making four 
errors  and being two-hit  by Adam Wainwright in an 8-0 loss to open the four- 
game series. 

Anthony  Rendon hit  a solo homer for Washington and Gio Gonzalez (3-1) struck 
out  seven batters in  seven innings, but it was the poor play by St. Louis in 
the seventh that got the Nationals the win. 

They  loaded the  bases with  no outs  after Cardinals  starter Michael  Wacha 
fielded  Danny Espinosa's bunt  and tried to get the lead runner at third, but 
his  hard  throw went  off Matt  Carpenter's glove  for an  error on the third 
baseman. 

The  two  runs scored with  two outs when  Yadier Molina scrambled for Wacha's 
wild  pitch and hurried a throw to his pitcher that skipped into the Cardinal
dugout. 

The Cardinals made  three errors and had an eight-game winning streak against 
the Nationals snapped. 

"Whenever  you're going against  Gio you have to go out there and match zeroes 
with  him  and he was  pitching very  well tonight and  he got me," said Wacha 
(2-1),  who  gave up five hits  and struck out  seven in seven innings with no 
walks. 

Gonzalez yielded four hits and a walk. The Cardinals put runners at second and 
third  base against Tyler Clippard in the eighth before Drew Storen came in to 
get  two quick outs.  Rafael Soriano worked around a walk in the ninth for his 
fourth save, getting a double play to end the game. 

"Unbelievable job by our pitchers," said Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond. "Gio 
pitched his butt off." 

Wacha picked up his third and fourth strikeouts to start the third inning, but 
Rendon  lined the  next pitch, a 74  mph curve ball, into the visitors bullpen 
behind left field for his third homer of the season and a 1-0 Nationals lead. 

Gonzalez  retired eight  in a row before  Allen Craig hit a one-out double off 
the  wall in  right field that Jayson Werth had trouble tracking. Later, Werth 
slid  but couldn't catch Mark Ellis' single in shallow right, scoring Craig to 
tie the game for St. Louis. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  game lasted 2 hours and 32 minutes ... The Nationals got just their third 
win in their last eight games since starting the season 7-2. 

Conservation District Gears Up for Festival of Spring

 

The Macon County Conservation District and Decatur Audubon Society will hold the 33rd annual Festival of Spring on Saturday, April 26 from 10am – 4pm at Rock Springs Conservation Area.

 

This year’s festival includes activities such as canoe rodeo, bird feeder building, live animals at Homestead Prairie Farm, wagon rides, a vintage baseball game, hikes, and wild bird shows by the Illinois Raptor Center.  Also at the festival, you’ll find Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and members of the Decatur Audubon Society, Decatur is Growing Gardeners and more, ready to answer your spring-time questions.

 

For a complete event schedule, visit www.maconcountyconservation.org.

    

Emerald Underground to Perform in LLCC Recital Series

The final performance in the 2014 Lincoln Land Community College Recital Series will feature the Emerald Underground on Sunday, April 27. The 4 p.m. concert will be held in the Trutter Center on the LLCC Springfield campus, and is free and open to the public.

 

The Emerald Underground has been playing Celtic music around the Midwest for the past 12 years. They bring Celtic music into the 21st century in a fusion of jigs, reels, ballads and rock-based tunes. 

 

1 Arrested for Obstructing Justice

A Taylorville resident was arrested for obstructing justice on Wednesday. At 5:46pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Wantland Drive. Following the stop, Rebecca Bayless, 36, of Taylorville was arrested for a Christian County failure to appear warrant and Mitchell R. Neece, 31, of Taylorville was arrested for obstructing justice.

Lake Land College Honored for Technology Use in Classroom

Lake Land College has recently been honored and recognized for its innovative uses of technology to achieve first-rate student learning environments by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Education. This year, the college ranks number seven among mid-sized colleges nationally in the annual Digital Community Colleges Survey conducted by the Center for Digital Education, based in Sacramento, Calif.

According to the survey, 53 percent of colleges surveyed have developed and published social media policies – a nine percent increase since last year and a 25 percent increase in the last two years. Seventy-six percent of colleges are addressing issues regarding learning on mobile devices such as effective delivery of content to multiple platforms among students and faculty, as well as addressing issues around access off-campus. Finally, the survey indicates that 21 percent of responding colleges have developed mobile apps for course content.

 

To learn more about the technological advances at Lake Land College, visit: www.lakelandcollege.edu.  

Honor Flight Prepares for Second Flight of 2014

On Tuesday, April 29th, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) will take to the air again to honor 86 of our senior Veterans, by taking them on a no expense, day long journey to Washington, DC, so they may visit and reflect at their national memorials. Local veterans on the flight include:

Blue Mound:

William Dalluge, Jr, US Army, Korean War era

 

Hillsboro:

Melvin Stolte, US Army, Korean War era

 

Irving:

Everett Stolte of Irving, US Navy, Korean War era

 

Kincaid:

Rae Davis, Sr, US Marine, Korean War era

 

Rochester:

Robert Fryhoff, US Army, World War II

 

Taylorville:

Granvel "Spud" Nation, US Army, Korean War era

Earl Spurrier, US Army, Korean War era

 

The public is invited to welcome home the Veterans when they return to the Springfield Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport on April 29th, arriving at approximately 9:30 PM. 

Details Released of Crash that Sent One to Hospital

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has released details on a crash that sent a Taylorville resident to the hospital. On April 4, Lenora I. Siegrist of Taylorville was traveling northbound on County Highway 23 approaching 2550 North Road. Siegrist said that she was reaching down to turn the radio station and drove into the ditch. Siegrist drove 60 feet through the ditch before striking the embankment for 2550 North Road. When Siegrist struck the embankment, she then traveled into the air landing in the middle of 2550 North Road. Siegrist continued north spinning out of control and struck the ditch on the north side of 2550 North Road. When Siegrist struck the ditch, she traveled 25 feet and then overturned. Siegrist was transported to St. John's Hospital for treatment of injuries.

Sarah Bush to Offer Healthy Kids Summer Program

If you're looking for a way to keep your kids busy during the summer months, the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center may have just the thing.  Sara Betts, Healthy Kids Education Specialist for the hospital, says one offering is all about cooking:

[audio:bettssbl041614.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Find out more at their website, sarahbush.org.

New Master Gardeners Certified

A new class of Master Gardeners was certified this past Friday after 12 weeks of training.The group received their training in Taylorville, and most of the attendees are from Christian County.  Long-time Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi says it was an unusually large class:

[audio:podeschiwelcomesnewmgs041415.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Podeschi also told Regional Radio listeners that there will plant sale May 3rd, and a couple of telenets coming up.  Call the Extension office at 287-7246.

Lakeshore Extends Last Call on Special 3-year Membership

If you have been debating about whether or not to purchase the limited time three year membership pass at Lakeshore Golf Course, you only have a few days left to decide. Lakeshore has extended the cut off day to this Sunday at the end of the business day. General Manager Jason Boldig reminds Regional Radio listeners about the deal:

[audio:boldigspecialpass041814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The pass also covers Meadowview Golf Course in Mattoon and Timberlake Golf Course in Sullivan. Again, the cutoff day is this Sunday. For more information or to purchase a pass, call Lakeshore at 824-5521.

Walmart hit 3 Times with Retail Thefts Last Weekend

The Walmart in Taylorville was targeted 3 times this past weekend for retail thefts including 2 on Sunday. On Friday, a Taylorville Police Department officer was advised of a retail theft that occurred at Walmart. The officer located and arrested 24-year-old Michael L. Droke of Taylorville for retail theft. On Sunday, Taylorville Police Department officers were again out at Walmart in reference to a retail theft that had occurred. Following the investigation, 29-year-old Zachary D. Liberty of Stonington was arrested for retail theft. That same day, TPD officers were sent back to Walmart on another retail theft call. The suspect reportedly fled the scene and was  later located walking on Route 104 near NewWave Communications. She was identified as 43-year-old Wonda Y. Davis of Decatur. Davis was then placed under arrest for retail theft.

Taylorville Resident Arrested for Residential Burglary/Resisting Arrest

The Taylorville Police Department had their hands full during an arrest on Monday. Around 11:16pm, 911 radioed the Taylorville Police Department in reference to a male subject who came home and found a woman in his house and now was following her outside the residence on foot. While in route, the male told dispatch that the female was wearing tan or light gray pants and a black hooded sweatshirt and was walking towards Samuel Street through the yards. An officer located the female hiding behind a white truck at 917 Kenton Street and identified her as Dotty M. Eppenger, 27, of Taylorville. Eppenger resisted arrest and struck 2 officers. After placing her under arrest, Michael Redwine walked up and wanted to talk to officers. Eppenger was transported to Taylorville Police Department and later transported to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for an injury she sustained while resisting. Both were interviewed and Redwine was transported to Gas Light Motel and Eppenger was transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond for charges of residential burglary, resisting arrest, and aggravated battery.

Lake Land College offers early-bird dual enrollment courses

If you are or have a high school student looking to get a jump on college classes, Lake Land College is offering early-bird dual enrollment courses.

 

Early-bird courses meet before the regular school day opens, often at 7 a.m., which allows high school students to participate in all high school course work and after-school extracurricular activities.

 

This fall, Introduction to Speech Communication will be offered at Windsor High School in the early-bird, dual-enrollment format. Other dual enrollment courses may be offered at Stewardson-Strasburg and Neoga as well.

 

Early-bird, dual-enrollment classes are also being offered at Mattoon High School.

 

To learn more about dual enrollment course offerings or to expand these options in local high schools, contact Brent Todd at (217) 234-5044 or btodd@lakeland.cc.il.us

TPD and TRIAD To Host Severe Weather Preparedness Seminar

Now is the time of year we see many severe storms and tornadoes which can often be devastating. Having the knowledge to identify certain types of weather conditions and being prepared can sometimes be the difference between surviving a severe storm or tornado and not.

That is why the Taylorville Police Department and TRIAD are hosting a severe weather preparedness seminar next Thursday, April 24th at 9:30am. This is open to anyone who would like to attend and learn more about the weather and how to prepare for it.

The featured guest speaker will be Taylorville Fire Chief and ESDA Coordinator Mike Crews. Two Midland Weather Radios, which have been donated by Jennifer Albers from CVS Pharmacy, will be given to two lucky winners.

The seminar will be held in the lower level of the City of Taylorville Municipal Building located at 115 N. Main St.

If you have a weather radio that you are having trouble with or unable to program it, bring it with you and they will try to help you with it.

Refreshments will be provided and as always, the seminar is free of charge.

Taylorville Schools: 8 Snow Days this Year

You probably already knew that area schools used a lot of snow days this year.  Taylorville School Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fursteneau says that extends the end of the year into June:

[audio:fursteneausnowdays041714.mp3]comment here[/audio]

In a typical year, school districts may use 3 or 4 snow days.

Logan?s Tropical Sno Opens in Taylorville

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Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cutting for Logan's Tropical Sno

With temperatures on the rise, you may be looking for a place to enjoy a cool treat and now there is a new spot to do so in Taylorville. Nicole Logan tells Regional Radio News about Logan’s Tropical Sno:

[audio:logantropicalsno041714.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Logan explains why they decided to open the business:

[audio:loganreason041714.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Logan says they will be open daily and the hours will be 2-9pm during Spring Break, on weekends, and during the summer. During the school week, they will open from 4:30-9pm. Logan’s Tropical Sno is located at 500 West Market right next to the Taylorville Food Center.

Bobcats top Bulls in OT

Charlotte, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Kemba Walker filled the stat sheet with 22 
points,  eight  assists and seven rebounds  to lead the Charlotte Bobcats to a 
91-86 overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls in the regular season finale for 
both teams. 

Walker  poured  in eight points in  the extra frame, surpassing the six points 
that Chicago scored, while the Bulls shot 2-for-10 from the field in overtime. 

Chris  Douglas-Roberts  netted 13  -- 12  of which  came in  the fourth -- and 
Gerald  Henderson had  11 points and six rebounds for the Bobcats (43-39), who 
earned  the  seventh seed  and will  face the  two-time defending NBA champion 
Miami Heat in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Al Jefferson 
had 10 points and 18 rebounds. 

"I   think  this  is   the  type  of  game  that  we  needed  going  into  the 
playoffs,"  said  Jefferson. "That's a playoff  team and that's a playoff game 
that we played tonight. That's the way the playoffs are going to be, no matter 
who we play." 

Charlotte  won 11 of  13 to close out the regular season, however, the Bobcats 
have  lost 16 straight regular season matchups against Miami, who they'll face 
for the first time ever in the playoffs. 

D.J.  Augustin  netted 17, and  Carlos Boozer and  Joakim Noah added 14 points 
apiece,  with  11 and  13 rebounds,  respectively, for  the Bulls (48-34), who 
took the No. 4 seed and will face the Washington Wizards in the first round of 
the playoffs, starting Sunday night. 

"We  gave it everything  we had and there's no regrets in that and now like my 
boy Mike Dunleavy said, 'This is the fruit of our labor, now we'll have fun in 
the playoffs,'" said Noah. 

Jimmy Butler and Mike Dunleavy added 12 points apiece in defeat. The Bulls won 
8-of-10 to end their regular season. 

Walker  opened  the scoring in  overtime with a  pair from the charity stripe. 
Following three misses from the Bulls, Henderson nailed a 13-footer to put the 
Bobcats ahead, 84-80, with 2 1/2 minutes left to play. 

After  another  Chicago miss, Dunleavy  split a pair  from the line and Walker 
answered with six straight points before the Bulls made their first field goal 
of the extra frame with 31 seconds remaining. Douglas-Roberts went 1-of-2 from 
the line before Augustin knocked down a trey to round out the scoring. 

With  the game  tied at  80, the  Bobcats  had a  chance to  take the  victory 
following  a Taj  Gibson miss with 21.9  seconds on the clock. Walker held for 
the  last shot,  however, he  couldn't connect  on a  step-back jumper  at the 
buzzer. 

The Bulls  led, 60-59, to start  the final 12 minutes of regulation. Augustin 
hit  3-pointer with  5:42 left  to  give the Bulls a,  75-70, lead.  Douglas- 
Roberts,  however, scored  the next five to  knot the score with 3 1/2 left in 
the fourth. 

Kirk  Hinrich then nailed a triple from the corner to put Chicago ahead three, 
however,  a  Henderson slam brought  Charlotte within one. Augustin staked the 
Bulls a 3-point lead after knocking down a jumper with 2 1/2 on the clock. 

Chicago  missed three shots through the final two minutes and the Bobcats went 
3-for-4 from the foul line to send the game into overtime. 

The  third  quarter saw neither team  lead by more than five points, featuring 
four  ties and three lead changes. Chicago made 36.8 percent (7-for-19) of its 
shots  in the  period, compared to the Bobcats making 25 percent (5-for-20) of 
their field goals. 

Earlier,  in  the second frame  the teams  traded scores until halfway through 
when  Charlotte  went on  a 22-8 tear  to close out  the half. Walker provided 
eight  points on the run to help the Bobcats take a 43-39 lead into the locker 
room. 

The  first quarter  went back-and-forth, with three ties and two lead changes. 
Chicago held the largest margin of eight points and took a 21-16 edge into the 
second. 

                                   Game Notes 

Charlotte  has now won 14 of 15 at home ... The Bobcats outscored the Bulls by 
a  margin of 42-28 inside the paint ... Charlotte grabbed 53 rebounds compared 
to 44 by Chicago. 

Bradley plays hero in 14th as Red Sox outlast White Sox

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Jackie Bradley Jr.'s two-run double in the 
top  of  the 14th inning  gave the Boston  Red Sox a  6-4 win over the Chicago 
WhitSox to even the three-game set from U.S. Cellular Field. 

Leury  Garcia  (0-1) retired  the first two  batters he faced  in the 14th but 
walked  Daniel  Nava and Jonathan  Herrera, setting  up Bradley's drive to the 
wall in right field. 

Chris  Capuano (1-0) got  the first two outs in the home half of the 14th, and 
Burke  Badenhop  took the hill to  finish it and  record his first save of the 
season for Boston, which had lost three straight. 

Dustin  Pedroia  had two hits and  three runs scored  for the Red Sox, who hit 
just  6-for-44  as a team and  3-for-17 with runners in scoring position. Clay 
Buchholz  started  and allowed three  runs -- two earned  -- on six hits while 
striking out six over six innings. 

Alexei  Ramirez homered  for Chicago  and extended  his hitting  streak to  15 
games,  tying him  with Frank  Thomas  (1996) for  the longest  season-opening 
streak in franchise history. 

Conor Gillaspie, Adrian Nieto and Tyler Flowers all had two hits in defeat. 

The Solid navy;background-color:yellow"> White Sox  took a 3-1 lead  on Ramirez's two-run homer in the sixth. Adam 
Dunn walked and later scored on Ramirez's blast to left. 

The  Red Sox  scored once  in the  eighth and  ninth to  force extras.  In the 
eighth,  Scott  Downs walked David Ortiz  before handing the ball over to Jake 
Petricka,  who walked  Jonny Gomes. Donnie Veal came in and got Grady Sizemore 
to ground into a fielder's choice, but A.J. Pierzynski's sacrifice fly cut the 
gap to one. Boston left the bases loaded. 

Pedroia  and Xander Bogaerts worked consecutive walks to begin the ninth. Matt 
Lindstrom  came  in from the  bullpen and gave up  an infield single to Gomes. 
Sizemore's sacrifice fly tied the game. 

The  Red Sox took the  lead in  the 11th. Daniel  Webb walked Pedroia and hit 
Bogaerts  with  a pitch. After  Ortiz grounded  into a fielder's choice, Gomes 
plated Pedroia with a sacrifice fly. 

Chicago  got the  run back in the  bottom half to extend the game. With Edward 
Mujica  pitching, Jordan  Danks walked,  stole  second, advanced  to third  on 
Ramirez's groundout and raced home on Flowers' single to center. 

Earlier,  both teams put a run across in the first inning. Bogaerts hit an RBI 
single  to  start it, and the Solid navy;background-color:yellow"> White Sox responded  in the home half when Adam 
Eaton scored on Ryan Roberts' throwing error. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Red Sox were without first baseman Mike Napoli, who left Tuesday's contest 
in  the ninth  inning with  a dislocated  finger ...  Pedroia returned  to the 
starting  lineup after missing the previous two games with inflammation in his 
left  wrist  ...  Boston left  16  men  on  base  while Chicago  left  10  ... 
Chicago  starter John Danks gave up one run on three hits with four walks over 
six innings. 

Cubs Swept By Yankees

Bronx,  NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Masahiro Tanaka allowed only two bunt singles 
over  eight strong  innings as the New York Yankees defeated the Chicago Cubs, 
3-0, in the opener of a day-night doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. 

Tanaka  (2-0) struck out  10 and walked just one to win for the second time in 
three  starts this  season. The rookie right-hander from Japan lowered his ERA 
from  3.21  to 2.05  after posting  a 24-0 record  and 1.27  ERA in his native 
country last season. 

He  had  set down 15 in  a row before  Anthony Rizzo's bunt single against the 
infield  shift to begin the seventh inning ended that streak. Tanaka responded 
by  retiring the  final six batters he  faced -- striking out three of them -- 
before being lifted for reliever Shawn Kelley to start the ninth. 

Carlos  Beltran  homered and Jacoby Ellsbury  went 1-for-3 with an RBI for the 
Yankees,  who have  won three straight. Dean Anna, starting at shortstop for a 
resting  Derek Jeter, drove  in the other run for New York, which has won four 
of  five  overall and improved to  5-3 on its current nine-game homestand that 
ends with tonight's nightcap. 

Rizzo finished with two hits and Junior Lake had the other bunt single for the 
Cubs, who have lost three in a row. 

Jason  Hammel  (2-1) suffered the  tough-luck loss, surrendering three runs on 
five  hits in  seven innings. He struck  out five and walked three in dropping 
his first decision of the season. 

Beltran's  solo homer in the first started the scoring. New York added another 
run  in the  fourth  when Brian  McCann  scored on  Anna's  sacrifice fly  and 
scored  again in the  fifth, when Brett Gardner doubled and later came home on 
Ellsbury's groundout to the pitcher. 

Ellsbury's  swing  was interfered with by  catcher John Baker during the play, 
but the Yankees had the option of taking the play as it played out or awarding 
Ellsbury  first  base with  Gardner remaining  at third.  New York manager Joe 
Girardi opted for the run. 

Kelley worked a one-hit ninth for his fourth save of the season. 

                                   Game Notes 

This  is the  first doubleheader of the  season for both teams ... Beltran has 
four HRs and nine RBI this season ... Tanaka has 28 strikeouts in three starts 
this  season ... This  doubleheader was forced due to a rainout on Tuesday ... 
The  second game of the doubleheader will see both teams wear the number 42 in 
honor of Jackie Robinson. 

 

Bronx,  NY (SportsNetwork.com)  - This  time,  there was  no controversy  over 
Michael Pineda's latest impressive start. 

The  New  York Yankees  hurler fired  six scoreless innings  to help the Bronx 
Bombers  complete a doubleheader sweep of the visiting Chicago Cubs with a 2-0 
victory in Wednesday's nightcap. 

Five  days  after drawing plenty of  attention -- for both his performance and 
for  an apparent  foreign  substance on  his  right hand  that  was caught  by 
television  cameras --  when tossing six innings of one-run ball to defeat the 
Boston Red Sox, Pineda (2-1) held a punchless Chicago offense to four hits and 
a  walk. It was his third straight strong outing since returning to the majors 
following a two-year absence caused by shoulder problems. 

"Really, really good command of his pitches," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi 
of  Pineda.  "Wasn't the best conditions  to pitch in,  but I thought he did a 
really good job." 

The  shutout was  the second of the  day for the Yankees' staff, with Masahiro 
Tanaka  yielding just  two singles  and fanning  10 over  eight frames  in New 
York's 3-0 triumph in the opener. 

The  Yankees last blanked  an opponent in both games of a doubleheader on Apr. 
9, 1987, doing so against Kansas City. 

Scott Sizemore paced the offense in New York's fourth straight win by going 2- 
for-3  with an  RBI single that scored Alfonso Soriano, who also finished with 
two hits. 

The Cubs, losers of four in a row and shut out in a doubleheader for the first 
time  in  52 years, received  a pair of hits  from Starlin Castro. Travis Wood 
(0-2)  limited  New York  to two  runs despite  permitting 11  hits over 5 2/3 
innings. 

"They  found  some holes tonight  to put up their  two runs," Wood said. "Felt 
like  I made some good pitches, just too many pitches too early. I wasn't able 
to go deep enough in the ball game." 

Pineda  began the  contest by retiring 11  of the first 13 Chicago hitters and 
didn't  encounter  any real  trouble until  the fifth  inning, when singles by 
Castro  and Luis Valbuena  and a sac bunt put two in scoring position with one 
out and New York clinging to a 1-0 lead. 

The  right-hander  got of  the jam,  however, by striking  out Ryan Kalish and 
getting Darwin Barney to fly out harmlessly to center. 

Anthony  Rizzo tripled  with two  out in  the top  of the  sixth but  was left 
stranded  with Chicago  now trailing by two, as Sizemore plated Soriano with a 
two-out single to left during the Yankees' half of the fifth. 

With  David Phelps having taken over for Pineda, the Cubs threatened once more 
in the seventh but again couldn't come up with the big hit. Castro led off the 
inning  with a single  and Valbuena drew a walk before the Yankee reliever set 
down the next three batters. 

Chicago  did put  the tying  run in  scoring position  in the  ninth, as  Nate 
Schierholtz  came  through with  a leadoff  single off  Matt Thornton and Adam 
Warren walked Valbuena with one out. Warren then threw a wild pitch to advance 
both  after  inducing a  pop up out  of Welington Castillo,  but got Kalish to 
ground out to close out the victory. 

Wood  worked  out of trouble  on several occasions  early on, with the Yankees 
stranding five men through three innings of play, but was touched for a run in 
the  fourth. Sizemore singled, took second on a two-out hit by J.R. Murphy and 
scored the game's initial run on Brett Gardner's sharp single to right. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Yankees  left 12  on base for  the game  ... The last  time the Cubs were 
blanked in both ends of a doubleheader was Apr. 29, 1962 against the Giants in 
San  Francisco ... After going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position in the 
opener,  Chicago was hitless  in nine at-bats in such situations in Game 2 ... 
Yankees  shortstop Derek Jeter returned to action after missing three straight 
games  with quadriceps tightness, finishing 1-for-5 ... Zac Rosscup, called up 
by  the Cubs to  serve as the 26th man for the twinbill, threw 1 2/3 scoreless 
innings. 

Lucroy, Brewers top Cardinals

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Brewers can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 5:30pm.

Milwaukee,  WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Jonathan Lucroy drove in two runs to push 
the  Milwaukee Brewers past the St. Louis Cardinals, 5-1, to avoid being swept 
in the three-game set. 

Aramis  Ramirez had three hits and drove in a run, while Carlos Gomez and Lyle 
Overbay  each  had an RBI  for the Brewers, who  snapped a two-game skid. Wily 
Peralta  (2-0) surrendered  only one  run on  six hits  with three  strikeouts 
across 6 1/3 innings. 

Allen  Craig's  solo home  run accounted  for the St.  Louis' lone run. Yadier 
Molina and Jon Jay had two hits apiece for the Cardinals, who entered the game 
with four straight wins. 

Cardinals  starter Joe Kelly  (1-1) exited the game in the fifth inning with a 
leg injury. He laid down a bunt and grabbed his hamstring after getting thrown 
out  at first base  to end the frame. He immediately called the team's trainer 
and limped off the field. 

The  right-hander  allowed one run  on three hits  with two strikeouts in four 
innings  before exiting the  game. Seth Maness took the mound in relief of the 
injured starter. 

"I definitely tweaked it. I called the trainer over to let him know and I came 
out  of the game," said Kelly, who will not travel with the team but head back 
to St. Louis for an MRI on Thursday. 

The  Brewers opened  the scoring  in  the third.  Logan Schafer  reached on  a 
fielding  error and  moved to second on Wily Peralta's sacrifice bunt. Gomez's 
line  drive to  center scored Schafer to  give the Brewers their first lead of 
the series. 

With  two-outs in  the fifth, Wily Peralta  reached first on a line drive that 
deflected  off shortstop  Jhonny Peralta's glove. Maness then walked Gomez and 
allowed  a groundball  single to Jean Segura to load the bases. Lucroy brought 
two runners home on a hard grounder to right field. 

Ramirez  then hit the first pitch he saw for a single to left, bringing Segura 
home and making it a 4-0 game. 

St.  Louis  got on the  board after  Craig smacked a  solo shot over the right 
field wall to make it a 4-1 game in the sixth. 

The  Brewers  loaded the bases in  the eighth with no outs. Cardinals reliever 
Pat  Neshak entered the  game and walked Overbay to make it a 5-1 game. Neshak 
got  Schafer  to ground into  a force  out that got  Davis out at home. Rickie 
Weeks and Gomez struck out to end the inning. 

Francisco  Rodriguez entered the game in the ninth for the Brewers and allowed 
two  hits before working out of a one-out jam with runners on second and third 
to end the game. 

                                   Game Notes 

Ryan  Braun  was not in the  lineup for the  Brewers ... The Cardinals went 1- 
for-7 and left eight runners on base ... The Brewers will travel to Pittsburgh 
on  Thursday to  start a four-game set  against the Pirates ... St. Louis will 
open a four-game series opposing the Nationals in Washington on Thursday. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-17-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Nicole L. Erwin-Gaynor, 22, of 407 West Broadway Street, Centralia, was arrested April 16 on a bond forfeiture for driving on a suspended/revoked license.

Gary E. Turvey, 55, of 2041 North 1300 East Road, Taylorville, was arrested April 16 for methamphetamine precursor. 

Rebecca E. Bayless, 36, of 59 Miller Lane, Taylorville, was arrested April 16 on a bond forfeiture for no seat belts.

Mitchell R. Neece, 31, of 1924 South Houston Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 16 for obstructing justice.

CRASHES:

On April 4, Lenora I. Siegrist of Taylorville was traveling northbound on County Highway 23 approaching 2550 North Road. Siegrist said that she was reaching down to turn the radio station and drove into the ditch. Siegrist drove 60 feet through the ditch before striking the embankment for 2550 North Road. When Siegrist struck the embankment, she then travled into the air landing in the middle of 2550 North Road. Siegrist continued north spinning out of control and struck the ditch on the north side of 2550 North Road. When Siegrist struck the ditch, she traveled 25 feet and then overturned. Siegrist was transported to St. John's Hospital for treatment of injuries.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

On April 16 at 5:46pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Wantland Drive. Following the stop, Rebecca Bayless, 36, of Taylorville was arrested for a Christian County failure to appear warrant and Mitchell R. Neece, 31, of Taylorville was arrested for obstructing justice.

Fire Department Calls 4-17-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 16
2 EMS, 1 Automatic Alarm

Steve Durbin is Winner of $20.25 million Lottery

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69-year-old Steve Durbin of Taylorville is the big winner of the $20,250,000 Lotto jackpot. Durbin and his newlywed wife Wilma were at the Taylorville Kroger, where he had purchased the ticket, for a check presentation Thursday afternoon. Wilma tells Regional Radio News about the moment when Steve told her they won the lotto:

[audio:wilmalottery041714.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Steve says he doesn’t play the lottery often and had this to say when asked why he decided to play this time around:

[audio:stevereason041714.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Wilma says future plans include buying a house, setting some things up for their grandchildren, and traveling. Steve and Wilma were married on March 29th. Durbin chose to take the cash option of $11,631,255.75 which is subject to state and federal withholding. Kroger received a selling bonus check worth $202,500. 

Shelbyville April Students of the Month

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Left to right: Krista from Family Drug, Senior Brook Cieplik, Junior Peighton Donnel, Sophomore Kelly Laskowski, Freshman Dakota Forsyth.

Davis votes for Coal Jobs Legislation

Representative Rodney Davis of Taylorville recently voted in favor of bi-partisan legislation designed to protect coal mining jobs.  The Congressman says the jobs are vital to the Central Illinois economy:

[audio:daviscoaljobs041614.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The bill, “Preventing Government Waste and Protecting Coal Mining Jobs in America Act”, passed in the House on a vote of 229 to 192.

Christian County Board Approves U of I Job Shadowing Program for Second Year

The Christian County Board met Tuesday night and was presented with a motion to approve the University of Illinois Extension’s Job Shadowing program for a second year. Board member Fred Curtin reminded the Board what the event was about and some new things proposed for this year:

White Sox top Red Sox on Bogaerts' error in ninth

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com)  -  Alexei Ramirez  scored  from  second  on 
shortstop  Xander Bogaerts' throwing error in the bottom of the ninth, lifting 
the  Chicago White Sox over the Boston Red Sox, 2-1, in the opener of a three- 
game series. 

"It's cold weather, but that's no excuse for that play," Bogaerts said. 

Burke  Badenhop (0-2), who  recorded the final out in the eighth, stayed on to 
start the ninth for Boston. After Alejandro De Aza was caught stealing second, 
Ramirez  singled to left. Badenhop got Tyler Flowers to go down looking before 
handing  the ball  over to Chris Capuano, who walked Adam Eaton. Marcus Semien 
then hit a grounder to Bogaerts, whose errant throw to first allowed the game- 
winning run to score. 

"There  were two outs so I was going all the way with two outs, so my idea was 
to go ahead and get to home plate regardless of what happened," Ramirez said. 

Daniel  Webb (1-0) picked  up his first win in the big leagues after stranding 
men  on first  and second in the top  of the ninth. Erik Johnson got the start 
for  Chicago and allowed  one run on three hits while striking out nine over 6 
2/3 innings. 

Adam Dunn hit a Solo homer for the White Sox, who have won two in a row. 

Boston  starter Jake Peavy gave up one run on three hits with eight strikeouts 
and  four walks  over six full frames.  Tuesday marked his first start at U.S. 
Cellular Field since being traded by the White Sox last summer. 

Daniel  Nava  hit a Solo  homer for  the Red Sox,  who lost first baseman Mike 
Napoli  to a dislocated  finger in the ninth inning. After reaching on a walk, 
Napoli tried taking second on a steal. He slid into the base and his left hand 
jammed into the bag. His left ring finger appeared to be out of place. 

Dustin  Pedroia, who  has inflammation in his left wrist, came on to pinch-run 
for Napoli and moved to second base. Mike Carp entered at first base. 

Dunn homered to right in the second to make it 1-0 Chicago. 

The  Red Sox put men on second and third in the third, but Bogaerts struck out 
swinging to end the inning. 

Nava hit a no-doubter to right in the fourth to make it 1-1. 

The White Sox had a chance to take the lead back in the sixth. With runners on 
second and third, De Aza flied out to end the threat. 

                                   Game Notes 

Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic Boston Marathon bombings 
and  the 67th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier 
...  Pedroia was  given  a cortisone  injection  and is  aiming  to return  on 
Wednesday.  He missed Sunday's series finale at the New York Yankees ... Whit
Sox   right  fielder  Avisail  Garcia  underwent  successful  surgery  Tuesday 
morning to repair a torn labrum and avulsion fracture in his left shoulder ... 
Ramirez went 1-for-3 to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. 

Cardinals hand Brewers another loss

Coverage of today's Cards and Brewers can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 11:35am.

Milwaukee,  WI  (SportsNetwork.com) - Shelby  Miller pitched six solid innings 
and  the St. Louis Cardinals took a 6-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in 
the second of a three-game set. 

Miller  (1-2) gave up  a run on three hits with seven strikeouts, while Jhonny 
Peralta  hit a  two-run  home run  and  Mark Ellis  drove in  a  pair for  the 
Cardinals, who have won four straight. 

"This  is a good  team and we don't take anything for granted," said St. Louis 
manager Mike Matheny. "We just have to keep our focus that we have." 

Marco  Estrada  (1-1) gave  up three  runs on  five hits  over six innings and 
Aramis Ramirez hit a solo home run for the Brewers, who have dropped the first 
two of this set after winning nine straight. 

"I  think as well  as we were swinging the bats it's too early to panic," said 
Milwaukee  manager  Ron Roenicke. "It's still  young in the season and there's 
going to be times where you run up against good pitching." 

Yadier  Molina  was hit by  a pitch with  one out in  the St. Louis second and 
Peralta  followed with  a double. Ellis' grounder to short plated Molina for a 
1-0 lead. 

In  the  third, Matt Carpenter  walked with one out  and Allen Craig smacked a 
double to center that brought home Carpenter for a 2-0 advantage. 

The  Cards  produced another  run in  the fourth on  Ellis' sacrifice fly that 
plated  Molina for a 3-0 advantage, but Ramirez hit a two-out solo home run in 
the home half to get Milwaukee on the board. 

Pat Neshek pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning, while Kevin Siegrist kept Milwaukee 
off the board in the eighth. 

A  solo home run  from Matt Holliday, and two-run shot by Peralta in the ninth 
made  it a five-run  game and Seth Maness set the Brewers down in order in the 
ninth. 

                                   Game Notes 

Milwaukee  didn't  have an at-bat  with a runner  in scoring position and left 
four  men on  base ... Miller is  4-0 in six career starts against the Brewers 
...  Estrada fell to 0-5 over 13 meetings (eight starts) against the Cardinal
...  Ellis  was activated  off the  disabled list  on Tuesday  as he began the 
season on the DL with left knee patella tendinitis. 

Taylorville Newlywed Wins $20.25 million Illinois Lottery Prize

Less than two weeks after his wedding, a Taylorville resident became the Illinois Lottery’s newest multimillionaire.   The lucky lottery player won the $20,250,000 Lotto jackpot when the numbers on his Quick Pick ticket matched all six numbers -01 – 07 – 09 – 21 – 22 – 32 – in the Thursday April 10 drawing. The winner’s names will be announced at a check presentation tomorrow at 12:30pm at Kroger’s.

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-16-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Caleb W. Alsbury, 31, of 1505 South Houston Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for methamphetamine precursor.

Nina A. Armstrong, 57, of 620 East Adams, Taylorville, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for delivery of a controlled substance.

Joseph W. Carey, 52, of 707 West Vine Street, Edinburg, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for manufacturing/delivery of cannabis.

Roger D. Moss, 63, of 414 East Franklin, Edinburg, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for manufacturing/delivery of cannabis.

Wesley A. Hobbs, 49, of 2235 North East Road, Rochester, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for manufacturing/delivery of cannabis.

Lorenzo C. Harper, 24, of 304 North Shumway, Taylorville, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance.

Dalton C. Daniels, 20, of 202 West South Fourth Street, Oconee, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for the manufacturing/delivery of cannabis.

Shane A. Rhodes, 32, of 811 East 1st Street, Pana, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for the production of cannabis.

Kathy L. Cooper, 47, of 508 North State Apt. B, Pana, was arrested April 15 on a warrant for the possession of a controlled substance.

Dotty M. Eppenger, 27, of 1523 West Elm Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 15 for residential burglary, resisting/obstructing a police officer, and aggravated battery to a police officer.

Alexander B. Shanks, 21, of 610 South Webster Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 15 on a bond forfeiture for failure to appear.

Nathan W. Moore, 31, of RR 1 Box 79, Oconee, was arrested April 15 on a bond forfeiture for the manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance.

Briar D. Samson, 19, of 901 East Stephenson Street, was arrested April 15 on a bond forfeiture for contempt of court.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

On April 14 at 11:16pm, 911 radioed the Taylorville Police Department in reference to a male subject who came home and found a woman in his house and now was following her outside the residence on foot. While in route, the male subject told dispatch that the female was wearing tan or light gray pants and a black hooded sweatshirt and was walking towards Samuel Street through the yards. An officer located the female hiding behind a white truck at 917 Kenton Street and identified her as Dotty M. Eppenger, 27, of Taylorville. During the arrest Eppenger resisted and struck 2 officers. After placing her under arrest, Michael Redwine walked up and wanted to talk to officers. Eppenger was transported to Taylorville Police Department and later transported to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for an injury she sustained while resisting. Both were interviewed and Redwine was transported to Gas Light Motel and Eppenger was transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond for charges of residential burglary, resisting arrest, and aggravated battery.

On April 15 at 3:51pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer was on patrol and observed Briar D. Samson, 19, of Taylorville operating a motor vehicle. The officer knew Samson to have a valid Christian County warrant. The officer made contact with Samson and had dispatch run him through the Law Enforcement Data Agencies Data System which verified the warrant. Samson was placed under arrest and transported to Christian County Correctional Center.

On April 10 at 9:53pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer was on patrol and observed Steven S. Durbin, 22, of Taylorville walking near Market and Walnut. The officer knew Durbin to have a valid Christian County warrant. Durbin was placed under arrest and transported to Christian County Correctional Center.

10 Arrested on Drug Charges

10 people were arrested Tuesday on various drug charges. At 10:30 a.m., agents from the Illinois State Police Central Illinois Enforcement Group, Illinois State Police Zone 4, Illinois State Police Meth Response Team, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Taylorville Police Department, and the Edinburg Police Department conducted an arrest warrant detail for numerous arrest warrants issued by the Christian County States Attorney’s Office.  63-year-old Roger D. Moss of Edinburg, 49-year-old Wesley A. Hobbs of Rochester, 52-year-old Joseph W. Carey of Edinburg, 32-year-old Shane A. Rhodes of Pana and 20-year-old Dalton C. Daniels of Oconee were all arrested for the manufacturing and delivery of cannabis.

24-year-old Lorenzo C. Harper of Taylorville was arrested for the manufacturing and delivery of cocaine. 57-year-old Nina Armstrong of Taylorville and 31-year-old Nathan W. Moore of Pana were arrested for the delivery of a controlled substance. 31-year-old Caleb W. Alsbury of Taylorville was arrested for possession and delivery of methamphetamine precursor and 47-year-old Kathy L. Cooper of Pana was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Additional arrests are anticipated.

 

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Subject Arrested 1:                 Name: Nina A. Armstrong

                                                Address: 620 East Adams Taylorville, IL

                                                Gender: F        Age: 57

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                                (1) Delivery of a controlled substance (Class 1)

                                                Bond was set at: $50,000.00

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Subject Arrested 2:                 Name: Roger D. Moss

                                                Address: 414 E. Franklin St. Edinburg, IL

                                                Gender:  M      Age: 63

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                                (1) Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis (Class 1)

                                                Bond was set at: $40,000.00

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Subject Arrested 3:                 Name: Wesley A. Hobbs

                                                Address: 2235 N 400 E Rd, Rochester, IL

                                                Gender: M       Age: 49

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                                (1)   Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis (Class 1)

                                                Bond was set at: $40,000.00

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Subject Arrested 4:                 Name: Joseph W. Carey

                                                Address: # 707 W. Vine St., Edinburg, IL

                                                Gender: M       Age: 52

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                                (1)   Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis  (Class 1)

                                                Bond was set at: $40,000.00

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Subject Arrested 5:                 Name: Caleb W. Alsbury

                                                Address: 1505 S. Houston St., Taylorville, IL

                                                Gender: M       Age: 31

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                                (1)   Possession/Delivery of Meth Precursor (Class 2)

                                                Bond was set at: $25,000.00

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Subject Arrested 6:                 Name: Kathy L. Cooper

                                                Address: 508 N. State St. Apt B, Pana, IL

                                                Gender: F        Age: 47

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                                (1)   Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 3)

                                                Bond was set at: $10,000.00

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Subject Arrested 7:                 Name: Shane A. Rhodes

                                                Address: 811 E. 1st St., Pana, IL

                                                Gender: M       Age: 32

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                               (1)   Manufacture Delivery of Cannabis (Class 4)

                                                Bond was set at: $5,000.00

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Subject Arrested 8:                 Name: Lorenzo C. Harper

                                                Address: 304 N. Shumway, Taylorville, IL

                                                Gender: M       Age: 24

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                               (1)   Manufacture Delivery of a Cocaine (Class 1)

                                                Bond was set at: $75,000.00

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Subject Arrested 9:                 Name: Dalton C. Daniels

                                                Address: 202 West South 4th St., Oconee, IL

                                                Gender: M       Age: 20

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                               (1)   Manufacture Delivery of a Cannabis (Class 3)

                                                Bond was set at: $10,000.00

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Subject Arrested 10:                  Name: Nathan W. Moore

                                                Address: 2120 E. 200 North Rd. Pana, IL.

                                                Gender: M       Age: 31

                                                Subject Arrested For:

                                                (2)    Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Class 3)

                                                Bond was set at: $10,000.00

Rosenthal: Bobcats Becoming a Problem

While The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says a recent sighting in Taylorville was just a large cat, everyone knows bobcats are making a comeback.  In fact, they are becoming a problem for many downstate residents. 

Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville says there are efforts to allow the cats to be hunted:

[audio:rosenthalbobcats041514.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Rosenthal represents Illinois' 98th District.

Rep. Davis Announces Traveling Office Hours in Nokomis

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville has announced that he will be holding traveling office hours in Nokomis on Monday, April 21, at 9:30am. 

Holding traveling office hours enables Davis to continue his dialogue with residents of the 13th District and allows area residents a chance to speak to Davis one-on-one or in small groups to share any concerns or issues.

The traveling office hours will be held at the Nokomis City Hall, 22 South Cedar St. in Nokomis, from 9:30am – 11:00am.

Appointments for a one-on-one or small group meeting with Rep. Davis are encouraged but not required. To make an appointment, please call 217.791.6224..

Bulls keep pace with win over Magic

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Mike  Dunleavy poured  in 22  points while 
shooting  8-for-11 from  the  field to  lead  the Chicago Bulls  to a  108-95 
victory over the Orlando Magic. 

Joakim  Noah tallied  18  points, 10  rebounds and  eight  assists and  Jimmer 
Fredette  added 17 points  for the Bulls, who have won 10 of 12. Carlos Boozer 
and  Tony  Snell had 13  points apiece, with Boozer  adding 12 boards and five 
assists. 

"We  just want to  be playing our best basketball, which I think we're playing 
pretty  well. We want  to go (into the playoffs) with a good momentum," Boozer 
said. 

Jimmy Butler contributed 12 points for Chicago, which is tied with the Toronto 
Raptors  for  the No. 3  seed in the Eastern  Conference playoff race with one 
game left for each team. 

Kyle  O'Quinn totaled 20 points and seven rebounds and Andrew Nicholson scored 
19  points for the Magic, who have lost three straight and six of eight. Arron 
Afflalo and Victor Oladipo scored 13 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss. 

The  Magic  trailed 57-44 to  start the third but  pulled back to within three 
following  a 10-3  burst midway through the period. Chicago, however, answered 
by  closing out the  period with a 14-6 run to carry an 11-point lead into the 
fourth. 

The Bulls  stretched their lead  to 17,  94-77, with 7  1/2 left to play, and 
Orlando never got within 12 the rest of the way. 

The Bulls led 26-21 after the first and a 13-4 run early in the second pushed 
the spread to 41-30. 

                                   Game Notes 

Orlando  is 1-19  when its opponent shoots  50 percent or better ... The Magic 
fell  to  0-38 when being  outrebounded by their  opponent this season ... The 
Bulls  have won  the series against Orlando for the fourth straight season ... 
Chicago is 41-4 when leading entering the fourth quarter. 

Cards halt Brewers' roll behind Lynn

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Brewers can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 6:35pm.

Milwaukee, WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Lance Lynn pitched seven scoreless innings 
to  help the St.  Louis Cardinals to a 4-0 shutout of the Milwaukee Brewers in 
the opener of a three-game set. 

Lynn  (3-0) gave up  just three hits with three walks while striking out 11 to 
win  his third  straight start to begin  the season. Jhonny Peralta hit a solo 
home  run and Jon Jay clubbed a three-run shot for the Cardinals, who have won 
three straight. 

"He  did a great job of controlling his counts and mixing his fastballs," said 
St.  Louis manager Mike Matheny about Lynn. "He didn't get in much trouble and 
did a great job of controlling the plate." 

Matt  Garza (0-2)  was touched for four runs  on nine hits with a walk and six 
strikeouts in seven innings of work for the Brewers, who had won nine straight 
coming in. Jean Segura had two of the three hits for Milwaukee. 

Peralta  got St. Louis  the only run it needed when he led off the second with 
his third home run of the year, a shot to center. 

In  the sixth,  the Cardinals  padded their  lead with  three more  runs. Matt 
Holliday  led off with a single and Matt Adams followed with a double that saw 
Holliday  nailed  at home. A  grounder back to first  by Allen Craig saw Adams 
tagged out at third, but Peralta kept the inning alive with a single. 

Jay  then roped a pitch over the wall in right for his first of the season and 
a 4-0 lead. 

"That was a big momentum shift right there," said Garza. "That was a big back- 
breaker in the game, but it happens and we'll be back out here tomorrow." 

Lynn  faced  his first  trouble of the  game in the  fifth, as Scooter Gennett 
walked  with two  outs and Logan Schafer followed with a double. Lynn, though, 
got Matt Garza to look at strike three to end the frame. 

Lynn left two more on base in the sixth, then stranded a runner in the seventh 
before Carlos Martinez pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and did the same in the ninth to 
finish off the shutout. 

                                   Game Notes 

St.  Louis won 14 of its 19 games against Milwaukee last season ... Both teams 
left  six men on base ... Garza fell to 3-2 lifetime against the Cardinals ... 
Lynn was 1-1 in four starts against the Brewers last season. 

Taylorville Softball takes on Lincoln

The Taylorville High School softball team is in action at home today against their conference opponent the Lincoln Railsplitters. The Tornadoes are 6-1 overall and 6-0 in conference play. Coverage of the game can be heard on Groovy 93.5 at 4:15pm.

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-15-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Brian K. Sisk, 39, of 604 Edwards Street, Nokomis, was arrested April 14 on bond forfeiture for 3 counts of failure to appear/answer.

Kristopher M. Swineburne, 25, of 805 West Franklin Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 14 on a bond forfeiture for failure to appear.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

On April 9 at 4:02pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer was on patrol and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the parking lot of Amity Food Mart. Following the stop, Rodney A. Aten, 36, of Taylorville was arrested for driving while license suspended and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On April 10 at 5:55pm, Taylorville Police Department were out at 508 North West Street in reference to Deanna R. Durbin, 31, of Taylorville having a valid Christian County warrant. Officers made contact with Durbin and confirmed the warrant through the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System. Durbin was arrested and transported to Christian County Sheriff's Office.

On April 9 at 4:35pm, Taylorville Police Department officer were out at the Marsango Plaza with Chloe L. Windell, 19, of Taylorville. Officer knew Windell to have a valid Christian County warrant. Windell was arrested and transported to Christian County Sheriff's Office.

On April 10, a Taylorville Police Department officer was dispatched to Ridge Avenue in regards to a disturbance. Following the investigation, Steven M. Frazier, 40, of Saint Charles, Iowa was arrested for public intoxication. Frazier was transported to Taylorville Police Department, processed, and released on a notice to appear.

On April 11 at 1:45am, a Taylorville Police Department officer made contact with Brittany N. Benedict, 24, of Taylorville in the parking lot of McDonalds. Benedict had an active warrant out of Sangamon County. Benedict was place under arrest and transported to Christian County Sheriff's Office in lieu of bond.

On April 11, a Taylorville Police Department officer was advised of a retail theft that occurred at Walmart. The officer located the vehicle and stopped it on Cherokee just north of Poplar. Following the investigation, the officer recovered the stolen item. Michael L. Droke, 24, of Taylorville was placed under arrest for retail theft. Droke was processed and released on a notice to appear.

On April 12 at 3:14pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer observed a vehicle with a female driver traveling westbound on East Park Street. The officer knew the driver to be Tiffany M. Spracklen, 24, of Taylorville and knew she had a suspended driver's license. The officer radioed other Taylorville officers and another officer located the vehicle in the 800 Block of East Oak Street. Spracklen was issued a citation for driving while license suspended and was released on scene.

On April 12 at 8:22pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in Angelos parking lot. Cody R. Kee, 23, of Taylorville was arrested for driving while license suspended. Kee was transported to Taylorville Police Department for processing and released on a notice to appear.

On April 13 at 5:00pm, Taylorville Police Department officers were out at Walmart in reference to a retail theft that had occurred. Following the investigation, Zachary D. Liberty, 29, of Stonington was arrested for retail theft. Liberty was transported to Taylorville Police Department, processed, and released with a notice to appear.

On April 13, Taylorville Police Department officers were dispatched to Walmart in reference to a retail theft. The suspect fled the scene and was described as a black female wearing a black jacket and black pants. The female was located walking on Route 104 near NewWave Communications. She was identified as Wonda Y. Davis, 43, of Decatur. Davis was placed under arrest for retail theft and battery. Davis was processed and transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond.

Fire Department Calls 4-15-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 14
3 EMS, 1 Public Assist

April 15
2 EMS

Taylorville Kiwanis Hear About Taylorville Park District At Weekly Meeting

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Pictured left to right: Marlane Miller, Kiwanis program chair Bill Kerns, Bailey Hancock, and Kiwanis president Chris Weittenhiller.

 

The president of the Taylorville Park District board, and the district’s recreation director, were guest speakers at Tuesday’s weekly luncheon of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Park Board president Marlane Miller gave a brief overview of the operations of the Park District, which includes Manners Park and the Lake Shore Golf Course. Miller said the Park District operates on a yearly budget of some 600-thousand dollars, and has 8 employees. She added the Park District is in the midst of selling bonds to install an irrigation system at Lake Shore Golf Course.

[audio:MilleraudioApr1514.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Recreation director Bailey Hancock told the Kiwanis Club that it’s her job to coordinate, in her words, “Anything that’s fun” at the Park District.

[audio:HancockaudioApr1514.mp3]comment here[/audio]

A complete schedule of events the Park District holds thru-out the year, is on their web site, Taylorvilleparkdistrict-dot-com.

2 Kiwanis members—Pastor Bill Kern and Blaine Cornwell—reported during Tuesday’s meeting, on their recent visit to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, which is supported by Kiwanis dollars. Kern told the Kiwanis Club that the hospital is also a research center and has many doctors that work there. He shared information on one of the doctors:

[audio:KernaudioApr1514.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Kincaid Chief of Police Suspended Without Pay

The Kincaid Village board voted unanimously to end the pay of already suspended Chief of Police, Richard Adams. It was determined that Adams could not be released as of this time, but the village would have no responsibility to continue to pay him while he is on administrative leave.

After a 20 minute executive session period, the board approved the hiring of new city clerk, Marla Hodson. It was the recommendation of the Mayor and village secretary that the board hire Hodson as she was the most qualified for the position. Before the board could act on the recommendation, one board member made a motion to hire another candidate. The motion was quickly seconded. This prompted the mayor to request a motion to go to executive session. Upon return, Marla Hodson was chosen unanimously. It was agreed upon that Hodson would begin at an hourly wage of $12.70 per hour. She will be eligible for an increase to $15.70 per hour at the end of a probationary period and upon review of the board. It was determined that the new clerk would work 9 to 3 with a half hour lunch. This would also be reviewed at a later date.

In other business, 2 sealed bids were opened for the sale of a truck, however it was decided not to accept either bid. The truck will be advertised in a national magazine or placed on e-bay. The board also agreed to once again sponsor the spring cleanup this year with the dates to be determined at the next meeting.

Taylorville School Board Hears About Budget Future

The Taylorville School Board met Monday night at North Elementary School. Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau told the Board that when it comes to the budget, the State funding is the major factor:

[audio:fuerstenaubudget041514.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Dr. Fuerstenau said if the proration drops to 35%, many extra-curricular activities would be cut and the schools may just be able to teach basic education courses.

 

The Taylorville School Board was presented with changes to the 2014-15 Discipline Code at their meeting Monday night. Taylorville High School Assistant Principal Matt Hutchison pointed out some of the changes:

[audio:hutchisonchanges041514.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Board approved the changes unanimously.

 

The Board approved changes to the Taylorville High School 2014-15 Handbook. The Board was informed that the District has been awarded a FY2014 School District Library Program Grant in the amount of $1,937.25. The Board also approved to use the services of Lively, Mathias, Hooper and Noblet for the school district’s audit for the fiscal year ending June 20, 2015.

The meeting adjourned at 8:50pm

Cross: Illinois Needs an Aggressive Treasurer

Former Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross won the Republican nomination in last month's primary elections.  Representative Cross says he will be an aggressive Treasurer if elected:

[audio:crossproactive041414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Cross, who represents Illinois' 97th district, says Dan Rutherford has been a good treasurer:

[audio:crossrutherford041414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Cross faces off against Democratic nominee Mike Frerichs in the November elections.

68-Year-Old Volunteer Honored as Illinois Salute to Senior Service Winner

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For the second year in a row, a Carlinville woman has been honored as the Illinois winner of the Home Instead Senior Care network's Salute to Senior Service award. Judy Minster is being recognized for her dedicated community service, including her work at Carlinville Area Hospital. Minster has volunteered at the hospital for more than 13 years, first volunteering as the blood drive coordinator in 2001 before later becoming membership chair and treasurer for the Hospital Auxiliary.

As one of 50 state winners, Minster earned $500 for her charity of choice, donated by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network and contest sponsor. Minster also will have a spot on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame on SalutetoSeniorService.com.

The results of a Marist poll sponsored by Home Instead, Inc. indicate that 62 percent of seniors age 68 and over volunteered their time in the last year, with 13 percent of those reporting that they volunteer in order to stay active.

For more information about the Home Instead Senior Care network's Salute to Senior Service program, visit SalutetoSeniorService.com.

Local Author to Speak at Library

Local Author Kevin Corley will speak this week at the Taylorville Public Library.  The author of “Sixteen Tons” will be at the Library Thursday to discuss the historical novel, which largely takes place in Christian County in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.  The novel concerns coal miners and efforts to unionize, and depicts a number of real events. Corley tells Regional Radio that it was actually a fairly easy novel to write:

[audio:corleylibrary041414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Refreshments will be provided for the author's appearance, which takes place at the library Thursday at 7pm.  There is no charge to attend.  The Taylorville Public Library is at 121 W. Vine Street in Taylorville.

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Blues drop 6th straight, give Avs Central crown

St.  Louis,  MO (SportsNetwork.com)  - Justin Abdelkader's  two goals and Petr 
Mrazek's  23-save  shutout sent the  spiraling St.  Louis Blues to their sixth 
straight  regulation loss, a 3-0 setback that concluded the regular season for 
both clubs. 

The  defeat allowed Colorado to clinch the Central Division and the No. 2 seed 
for  the  upcoming Western Conference  playoffs, where  the Blues will take on 
defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago in the opening round. 

Prior  to its skid, the longest by the Blues since a seven-gamer from Dec. 26, 
2009-Jan.  7,  2010, St. Louis owned  a seven-point advantage on the Avalanche 
for  first place. The  team has mustered an anemic five goals while being shut 
out three times during the stretch. 

"You  look  at the big picture,"  an optimistic Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock 
said  afterward.  "The big  picture is  we set a  record for  [wins]. We had a 
brutal  stretch  here at the end.  Everyone went through a brutal stretch. The 
teams  that  had the  Olympians, at  some period  of time,  they hit the wall. 
Chicago's stretch was right after the break, ours happened now." 

Detroit  (39-28-15),  already locked  into  a  quarterfinal matchup  with  the 
Presidents'  Trophy-winning  Boston Bruins  in the East,  also received a goal 
from  Riley  Sheahan and two  assists by Pavel  Datsyuk in support of Mrazek's 
second career shutout. 

"It's  always good to end the season on a good note heading into the playoffs, 
and  I think  we're doing a lot of  good things of late and looking forward to 
the  Boston series  in the first round,"  said Abdelkader. "It's going to be a 
lot of fun." 

Ryan  Miller finished  with  just  18 saves  for  St.  Louis (52-23-7),  which 
nonetheless set a new franchise high for wins in one season. 

Playing  without three  of their top five  point producers and a few other key 
regulars,  the Blues generated few scoring chances and were outplayed by their 
former division rival for much of the game. 

"It's  a mixture of things, but we've got to get more [chances] inside," Blue
forward  Alexander  Steen said of the  team's scoring struggles. "A lot of the 
stuff's  being  generated on  the outside.  The power  play hasn't really been 
clicking the last few games here." 

The  Red Wings had  a power-play tally by Tomas Tatar midway through the first 
period  waved off when Joakim Andersson was called for interfering Miller, but 
had a goal count moments later to gain the upper hand. 

Datsyuk  forced a turnover  in the neutral zone before sending a pass to Brian 
Lashoff,  whose  long shot  bounced off  Abdelkader's body and  went in as the 
Detroit forward screened Miller with 6:31 left in the opening frame. 

Mrazek  made the lead  stand up with a diving right pad save on Maxim Lapierre 
with  around eight  minutes to go in  the second period, and Sheahan made it a 
2-0  game when his  wrist shot from the left circle went through Miller's pads 
3:41 prior to the final intermission. 

The Blues  put up 10  shots in  the third period,  but Mrazek turned them all 
aside  to complete  the whitewash. Abdelkader put the finishing touches on the 
victory  with a pretty redirection of a Datsyuk feed while skating towards the 
St. Louis net with 7:17 left to play. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Blues played without forwards David Backes (lower body), T.J. Oshie (upper 
body),  Patrik  Berglund (shoulder)  and Vladimir Sobotka (undisclosed), while 
defensemen  Alex Pietrangelo  and Barret Jackman were rested ... Forward Johan 
Franzen  and  defensemen  Niklas  Kronwall and  Danny  DeKeyser  were  healthy 
scratches  for Detroit, with blueliner Ryan Sproul making his NHL debut in the 
game  ...  Sheahan has  now scored in  three straight games  ... The Red Wings 
ended  the regualar season 21-15-5 on the road, while St. Louis went 28-9-4 on 
home ice. 

Blackhawks, Blues to Meet in First Round of Playoffs

The  defending champion Chicago Blackhawks are aiming to become the first team 
since  the  1997-98 Red Wings to  claim back-to-back Stanley Cup titles, while 
the  path  back to the Finals  for the defending Eastern Conference champions, 
the  Boston Bruins,  was made easier after  winding up with the best record in 
the NHL for the first time since 1990. 

The  Blackhawks are  expected to have captain Jonathan Toews and reigning Conn 
Smythe Trophy winner Patrick Kane back from injury when they open their series 
against the reeling St. Louis Blues on Thursday. 

St.  Louis is trending the wrong way into the playoffs, as a late-season swoon 
cost  them the Central Division title. The Blues lost six straight to conclude 
the regular season, totaling only five goals and being shut out three times.

The 'Hawks will face the Blues starting Thursday in St. Louis.  Game Two is Saturday, with Game Three set for next Monday.  

Ramirez walk off HR sends White Sox past Indians

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Alexei Ramirez's two-run homer in the ninth 
inning lifted the Chicago Solid navy;background-color:yellow"> White Sox to a 4-3 win over the Cleveland Indians in 
the finale of a four-game set at U.S. Cellular Field. 

The  Indians rallied for a pair of runs off Matt Lindstrom (1-1) in the top of 
the  ninth to  tie the game. Michael  Brantley reached on a fielding error and 
moved  to  second on  Yan Gomes' base  hit to left.  David Murphy then singled 
home Brantley to tie the game. 

Mike  Aviles followed  with a sacrifice bunt  to push Gomes to third and after 
Asdrubal  Cabrera struck  out, Lindstrom  bounced  a slider  to the  backstop, 
allowing Gomes to score. 

Jordan  Danks worked  a  leadoff walk  off John  Axford  (0-1) before  Ramirez 
clobbered the first pitch he saw to left for the walk-off win. 

Marcus  Semien hit a solo homer and Dayan Viciedo went 2-for-3 with an RBI for 
the Solid navy;background-color:yellow"> White Sox, who took three of four in the series. 

Chicago starter Jose Quintana allowed just one run -- a solo homer to Brantley 
-- among five hits over six innings. 

Corey  Kluber started  for the Tribe and  allowed two runs on eight hits while 
striking out six over 7 1/3 innings. 

The game featured two hours of rain delays and the first pitch was pushed back 
over an hour. 

Brantley  stroked  a two-out  homer in  the fourth to  give Cleveland an early 
lead. 

Chicago countered in the home half on Viciedo's infield single with runners on 
the corners. 

With  one out in  the eighth, Semien hammered a 3-2 sinker into the left-field 
stands. 

                                   Game Notes 

Total  game  time: 5:18  ... Ramirez  extended his hitting  streak to 13 games 
while  Conor Gillaspie extended to 11 games ... Brantley's homer was his first 
of the season. 

Hardaway and Knicks down Bulls

New  York, NY  (SportsNetwork.com) - Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 20 points to lead 
the New York Knicks to a 100-89 win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. 

New  York was  officially  eliminated from  playoff  contention Saturday  when 
Atlanta  clinched  the No. 8  seed in the Eastern  Conference with a 98-85 win 
over Miami. 

"We  didn't  get it  done and  being the coach,  I just  apologize to the fans 
because  they paid  their hard-earned money to  come see us play and we didn't 
come into this season expecting this," Knicks head coach Mike Woodson said. 

Carmelo  Anthony and J.R. Smith each netted 17 points for the Knicks, who have 
won five of their last seven. 

It's a case of too little, too late for New York, while Chicago remains in the 
hunt  for the  East's third spot. With  the loss, Chicago falls into a tie for 
the No. 3 seed with Toronto. 

Chicago  hosts Orlando on Monday and travels to Charlotte on Wednesday to wrap 
up  its  season. Toronto, meanwhile, hosts  Milwaukee on Monday and will visit 
New York on Wednesday. 

The Raptors own the tiebreaker because they are a division champion. 

Jimmy Butler paced Chicago with 17 points, while Joakim Noah nearly registered 
another  triple-double. Noah  finished with  13 points,  17 rebounds  and nine 
assists in the setback, which snapped a seven-game winning streak. 

"We  let  a big  game slip  tonight. It was  probably the  biggest game of the 
season," Noah said. 

Chicago  led 22-19  after the first quarter,  with the Bulls holding a lead as 
many as four. 

Chicago was in front by three, 39-36, with 3:11 remaining in the second and it 
didn't score the rest of the half. 

Iman  Shumpert slammed one home to jumpstart a 9-0 quarter-ending run and help 
the Knicks to a 45-39 lead at the break. 

Smith  hit three straight  3-pointers as part of a 12-2 run early in the third 
to  give  the Knicks a 60-46  advantage. New York led  by as many as 17 in the 
period and brought a 77-64 advantage into the fourth. 

The Bulls trailed by 17 again in the fourth when D.J. Augustin hit three free 
throws  and followed with a 3-pointer to cap an 8-0 run and cut the deficit to 
single digits. 

Taj Gibson's three-point play made it a six-point game, 93-87, with just under 
four  minutes left  in the game. That's  as close as the visitors would get as 
Hardaway  Jr.  drained two pairs  of free throws around  a Butler foul shot to 
push the spread back to nine with 49.6 seconds left. 

                                   Game Notes 

Noah  has  four triple-doubles  this season,  one shy for  most in the league. 
Lance  Stephenson of  Indiana had  his fifth  triple-double of  the season  on 
Sunday  ...  New  York  shot  37-for-81 (45.7  percent)  from  the  field  and 
held  the defensive-minded Bulls to 29-of-74 (39.2 percent) attempts from the 
floor  ... There were  11 lead changes and eight ties ... The Knicks scored 21 
points off of 16 Chicago turnovers. 

Cardinals take game and series from Cubs

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Brewers can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 6:35pm.

St. Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Matt Carpenter drove in three runs to lead 
the St. Louis Cardinals in a 6-4 win over the Chicago Cubs to wrap up a three- 
game set. 

Kolten  Wong,  Jhonny Peralta  and Peter  Bourjos all  drove in  a run for the 
Cardinals,  who  took the  final  two  games of  the  set  after dropping  the 
opener in 11 innings. 

"We had the opportunity to win this series today and we were able to take care 
of business," said Carpenter. "Now we're on the road for a while so we'll try 
to keep it going." 

Michael  Wacha  (2-0) gave up  three runs  on five hits  with a walk and eight 
strikeouts over  6 1/3 innings to win his second straight start. 

Anthony  Rizzo hit a two-run home run and Welington Castillo and Mike Olt each 
drove  in  a run for the Cubs, who have lost  three of their last four. Edwin 
Jackson  (0-1) gave up  four runs on eight hits over six innings for his first 
loss in three starts this season. 

"I  was just trying to be aggressive out there," said Jackson. "They're a good 
hitting  team and if  you don't put guys away when you have the chance they're 
going to make you pay." 

Rizzo  clubbed  his second  home run  of the  season in  the first inning with 
Justin Ruggiano on base to give the Cubs a quick 2-0 lead. 

The  Cardinals  went on  top in the  second inning as  Carpenter hit a two-run 
single,  stole  second, then came home  on Wong's base  hit to right for a 3-2 
lead. 

Following  a  46-minute rain delay that  interrupted play in the third inning, 
the Cubs tied the game in the fourth on Castillo's RBI single. 

St.  Louis, though, went on top for good in the fourth as Bourjos led off with 
a triple and later scored on Carpenter's sac fly for a 4-3 advantage. 

The  score stayed that way until the eighth inning when Peralta doubled home a 
run  and Bourjos reached base on a fielder's choice, plating Allen Craig for a 
6-3 lead. 

Junior  Lake tripled  with one out off  Trevor Rosenthal in the ninth, and Olt 
followed  with a  base hit to bring  the tying run to the plate. After hitting 
Castillo  with a  pitch Rosenthal retired the  next two batters to pick up his 
fourth save of the season. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Cards travel to Milwaukee where they will start a three-game set on Monday 
...  The Cubs play  a two-game set in New York against the Yankees starting on 
Tuesday  ... Jackson fell to 2-7 in 13 games (12 starts) against the Cardinals 
... Wacha earned his first decision against the Cubs in three appearances. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-14-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING:

ARRESTS:

Steven S. Pickler, 27, of 700 Monroe Street, Pana, was arrested April 12 on bond forfeitures for the manufacturing/delivery of cannabis and for failure to appear/answer.

Bridgett A. Conklin, 18, of 941 North 2500 East Road, Assumption, was arrested April 13 for battery.

Wonda Y. Davis, 43, of 752 East Johns Avenue, Decatur, was arrested April 13 for retail theft.

On April 13, Lisa M. Engeling of Morrisonville was southbound on County Highway 1. At approximately 1150 North, a deer entered the roadway. Engeling struck the deer and received front-end damage. No injuries reported.

On April 11, Spencer P. White of Stonington was southbound on Illinois Route 29 and stopped in traffic to make a left turn onto Franklin Street in Edinburg. While waiting for a break in the northbound traffic, White was hit from behind. Brooke A. DeClerk of Taylorville was also southbound and failed to see that White was stopped and struck him. Both vehicles were drivable after the crash. No injuries were reported.

 

THE PANA POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING:

After a sex abuse investigation on 21-year-old Kyle N. Pruett that was conducted by Taylorville Police Department, Christian County Sheriff's Office and Pana Police Department, information will be sent to the State's Attorney office for possible charges against Pruett for incidents that occurred in the month of March at his residence with a 16-year-old female.

On April 10, Patricia K. Macrae of Pana called the Pana Police Department and advised that after an altercation with Travis Miller, 29, of Pana, Miller intentionally drove his truck into the back of her car. This case is under further investigation.

Following a traffic stop on April 12 at 10 Block Congress Alley in Pana, William D. Thomas, 27, of Pana was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and issued a citation for driving in the wrong lane. Thomas was issued a notice to appear in court and released. Steven S. Pickler, 27, of Pana was arrested on a Christian County warrant for failure to appear . Pickler was transported to Christian County Sheriff's Office in lieu of bond. Rebecca S. Amling, 29, of Pana and Debra K. Garland, 37, of Pana were both issued citations for illegal transportation of alcohol by a passenger.

Following a traffic stop on April 12, Lukas B. Schneider, 25, of Nokomis was issued a citation for operating uninsured motor vehicle and a citation for improper turn. Schneider posted his driver license as bond and given a court date.

On April 13, Danny J. Jones reported that sometime after 1pm on April 12, someone kicked in the front door of his property located at 500 North Elizabeth Street in Pana. The interior door jamb was damaged. The case is under investigation.

On April 13, Lanaya K. Lawrence, 19, of Pana was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear. Lawrence posted cash bond and was released.

Fire Department Calls 4-14-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 11
3 EMS, 1 Public Assist, 1 Gas Leak

April 12
4 EMS

April 13
2 EMS, 1 Public Assist

April 14
1 EMSfir

Kincaid Mayor?s Hearing Pushed Back to May

Kincaid Mayor Doug Thomas will have another month before he has to appear back in court. Thomas was scheduled to appear in court today but it has been rescheduled for May 16 at 10am. Thomas is facing 2 counts of violating an order of protection and 1 count of possession of a controlled substance. Thomas was arrested February 20th by Christian County Sheriff’s deputies for violating an order of protection and drug possession after deputies found prescription drugs in an unlabeled bottle on him. He was arrested again on March 13th by the Illinois State Police for the second violation of an order of protection.

LLCC Capital City Training Center offers computer security seminars

Lincoln Land Community College’s Capital City Training Center, in partnership with Everlast Software, will offer several computer security seminars this spring. 

 

The seminars will be held Saturdays, April 12, May 3 and June 28, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Tuesday, May 20 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. 

 

Presenter Darrell Fortae, who founded Everlast Software in 2005, will discuss potential computer security issues and how to protect computers and mobile devices.  Other topics include malware, email, passwords, internet browsing, encryption, digital certificates, identity theft, Facebook, deleting files, firewalls, backups and wireless security. This seminar is useful for computer novices through experts.

Registration is available by calling 524-6749.

Rep. Wayne Rosenthal's Conservation bills approved in House

Two pieces of legislation sponsored by State Representative Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville, and passed out of the House this week, address conservation issues related to trapping and waterfowl outfitting in Illinois.  Rep. Rosenthal explains the reason for one of the bills:

[audio:041014RosesnthalHB5080b.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The other bill requires individuals who have not held a trapping license within the past three immediate years to take a trapping safety course before receiving their license.  Both bills now head to Senate for consideration.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Announces 2014 Scholarship Winners

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Pictured left to right are:  Breanna Cluck; William Morrell; Linda Smith, representing Tricia Cordulack, Director of Scholarships and Alumni Relations at Richland Community College; Hailey Samson; and Ashley Edge, Academic Counselor for the University of Illinois at Springfield.  

           

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Education Committee is pleased to announce the selection of three Christian County high school seniors who will receive college scholarships beginning with the 2014 fall semester.

Recognized at the April 9 GTCC Board meeting were Morrisonville School senior, Hailey Samson; South Fork High School senior, Breanna Cluck; and Central A & M High School senior, William Morrell.

Hailey Samson, daughter of Charles and Jodi Samson of Morrisonville, will receive two full semesters of tuition from the University of Illinois at Springfield and plans to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work.

Breanna Cluck, daughter of Rick and April Cluck of Kincaid, will receive the Lincoln Land Community College scholarship, consisting of two full semesters of tuition and fees, and plans to major in Criminal Justice to achieve her goal of becoming a probation officer.

William Morrell, son of Mike and Michele Morrell, who is planning on pursuing a degree in meteorology, will receive two semesters of tuition from Richland Community College in Decatur.

Scholarship awardees and their parents will also be recognized at the GTCC Annual Banquet on Friday, May 2, 2014.

            

Augustin helps Bulls rally past Pistons

Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - D.J. Augustin had 12 of his 24 points in the 
fourth quarter and the Chicago Bulls rallied past the Detroit Pistons, 106-98, 
on Friday night. 

Joakim  Noah  tallied six  points, 12  rebounds and  10 assists, Carlos Boozer 
supplied  18 points and seven boards and Taj Gibson netted 11 of his 17 points 
in  the final frame for Chicago, which locked up home-court advantage in their 
first round playoff series. 

"With  Augustin and  Taj Gibson,  it's  like playing  against seven  starters. 
Augustin  finishes every game for them and Gibson is as active and athletic as 
any power forward in the league," Pistons head coach John Loyer said. 

The Bulls,  who have won  seven in a  row, are one  game ahead of Toronto for 
third  place in  the Eastern  Conference following  the Raptors'  loss to  the 
New York Knicks earlier on Friday. 

"You  have to  win games  differently.  Obviously the  rebounding and  defense 
wasn't  there, but  I thought the offense was," Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau 
said. 

Andre  Drummond registered 26 points and 26 rebounds for the Pistons, who have 
dropped  four of  their last  six  tilts. Rodney  Stuckey added  22 points  in 
defeat. 

Chicago  trailed by  18 at  the break  and 83-75  early in  the fourth  before 
ripping  off 15 straight  to go in front. Augustin had eight points during the 
surge,  including  six consecutive  at  one  point  before Butler  finished  a 
backdoor layup to give the Bulls their first lead, 85-83, with 7:28 left since 
it was 2-0. 

Augustin  capped the  burst with  a  pair of  free  throws for  a 90-83 Bull
advantage midway through the frame. They held Detroit without a point for 4:30 
during the swing. 

Chicago,  which outscored Detroit 36-18 in the final frame, pushed the lead up 
to as many as 10 down the stretch. 

Earlier,  the Pistons raced  out to a 14-5 start and led 28-17 after a quarter 
of play before heading into the break with a 56-38 spread. 

Stuckey's runner at the third-quarter buzzer gave Detroit an 80-70 lead. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Bulls shot  49.4 percent (40-of-81) from the floor and sunk 21-of-23 foul 
shots ... Drummond had 13 points in the fourth ... Detroit held a 56-44 points 
in the paint advantage. 

White Sox top Indians

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Conor Gillaspie went 2-for-3 with four RBI 
to  lead the Chicago White Sox to a 9-6 win over the Cleveland Indians in the 
second installment of a four-game set. 

Adam  Eaton was 2-for-3  with an RBI and three runs scored and Adam Dunn added 
two hits, an RBI and two runs scored for the White Sox, who improved to 4-1 at 
home this season. 

Chris  Sale (3-0)  earned the win after  allowing three runs on six hits while 
fanning five over five innings. 

Asdrubal Cabrera drove in two runs while Nick Swisher, Ryan Raburn and Michael 
Brantley drove in one run apiece for the Indians, losers in three straight. 

Carlos  Carrasco  (0-2) allowed  five runs  on six hits  and three walks while 
striking out five over 4 2/3 innings. 

Cleveland  plated  three runs  in the fifth  to tie the  game. With runners on 
second and third and no outs, Cabrera laced a line drive to left to score Mike 
Aviles and Elliot Johnson. 

Swisher followed with a single to score Cabrera to knot things up at 3-3. 

The White Sox scored  a pair in the home half to take a 5-3 lead. After Eaton 
and  Marcus  Semien worked  back-to-back walks,  Gillaspie singled home Eaton. 
Later in the inning, Dunn walked to load the bases before Dayan Viciedo drew a 
walk to force home Semien. 

Brantley scored on a Gillaspie fielding error in the sixth, but Gillaspie made 
up  for  the gaffe in  the home half  with a two-run double  to left for a 7-4 
edge. 

Cleveland  scored one  more in the seventh when Brantley blooped an RBI single 
to  left to  bring home  Santana, pulling  the Tribe  within two  runs. Alexei 
Ramirez,  however,  scored Dunn  with a  single to shallow  right field in the 
bottom of the frame. 

In the eighth, Dunn drew a bases loaded walk to plate Eaton. 

Raburn's  base hit  with two  outs  in the  ninth  scored Santana  to cap  the 
scoring. 

Chicago  scored  two in the third  and one in the  fourth to take an early 3-0 
lead.  With two  on and  no outs,  Eaton smacked  a double  to right  to score 
Ramirez.  After Semien  struck out, Gillaspie lifted a sacrifice fly to center 
to bring Tyler Flowers home. 

Alejandro  De Aza's  RBI single in the  fourth scored Dunn to give the hosts a 
three-run advantage. 

                                   Game Notes 

Ramirez  had three  stolen bases  this season  ... Chicago  was 5-for-17  with 
runners  in scoring position ... The Indians were 4-for-11 with RISP ... Blake 
Wood threw 18 of his 28 pitches for balls. 

Castillo's homer in 11th gives Cubs win over Cards

Coverage of Game 2 between Cards and Cubs can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 12:40pm.

St.  Louis,  MO (SportsNetwork.com)  - Welington  Castillo crushed a three-run 
homer  in the  11th inning to lift the Chicago Cubs to a 6-3 win over the St. 
Louis Cardinals in the opener of a three-game series at Busch Stadium. 

Nate  Schierholtz opened  the 11th with a  double, his fourth hit of the game. 
After a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk by Trevor Rosenthal (0-1), Ryan 
Kalish popped up a safety squeeze that was caught by catcher Yadier Molina. 

Castillo  followed  by launching  his second  home run of  the season to left- 
center field. 

"I  think  he [Wellington] just wanted  to get in  there and do his job," said 
Cubs manager Rick Renteria. "He got a good pitch to handle and drove it out of 
the ballpark." 

The  Cardinals, who  erased a  3-1 deficit  in the  ninth against  Jose Veras, 
couldn't  rally  a second time. Hector  Rondon worked around a two-out walk to 
record  his  first career save.  Justin Grimm (1-0) rebounded from consecutive 
four-pitch walks to preserve the 3-3 tie in the 10th. 

"They  showed  a lot of  fight to get  us back into the  game. It's a shame we 
couldn't finish it," said Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. 

Veras  gave up a leadoff single to Molina and grazed Allen Craig with a pitch. 
The play was upheld by a video review. 

After  a  sac bunt advanced  the runners, Molina raced  home on a passed ball. 
Veras then hit another batter and issued a walk to loaded the bases before the 
Cardinals tied the game on Matt Carpenter's sac fly to right field. 

Matt  Adams  doubled to lead  off the second and  scored on Molina's single to 
right field. Schierholtz nearly made a diving catch on the play. 

The   Cubs  finally   scored  a  run  for Chicago  starter  Jeff  Samardzija, 
capitalizing  on  an error. Chicago had  been shut out in each of Samardzija's 
first two outings this season. 

Anthony  Rizzo reached  on second  baseman Kolten  Wong's fielding  blunder to 
open  the seventh, and St. Louis starter Joe Kelly gave up consecutive singles 
to Schierholtz and Ryan Sweeney that produced the tying run. 

The  Cubs then tried  to pull off a double steal with reliever Carlos Martinez 
on  the  mound,  but  Schierholtz  was thrown  out  at  third  base.  Martinez 
intentionally  walked  Kalish after  Starlin Castro popped  out and induced an 
inning-ending groundout by Castillo. 

Chicago  did  move  ahead in  the  eighth,  as  Rizzo  lofted a  sac  fly  and 
Schierholtz followed with an RBI single. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Cardinals  have lost  back-to-back games  for the  first time this season 
...Samardzija  allowed  six hits  and struck  out four  over seven innings ... 
Kelly also gave up six hits in his six-inning outing. 

March of Dimes Holds Drive-Thru Donation Day at Miller Media Group

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The Miller Media Group's March of Dimes Team Princess Alexis, held its third and final fund-raiser of the year for the charity, on Saturday in front of the stations' studios at 918 East Park in Taylorville.

It was the annual drive-thru donation day, where team captain Sheri Miller did a live broadcast on all 5 Miller Media Group radio stations from 9am to 2pm asking motorists to drive thru the parking lot with their donations for the March of Dimes.

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Several hundred dollars were raised from Saturday's event. With all 3 events and on-line giving totaled up, Sheri's Team Princess Alexis has raised over 6-thousand dollars for the March of Dimes in their efforts to help prevent birth defects and premature birth, as well as infant mortality.  Sheri organized the team 3 years ago after the loss of her daughter Alexis 40 minutes after she was born.  Alexis had a birth defect with her lungs not fully developed.

Sheri and her team thank all those who donated to the March of Dimes in the March 20 Radiothon, the April 5 5-K Color Run, and Saturday's drive-thru donation day.

Sheri and her team will walk in the annual March of Dimes March for Babies at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on April 26th, when all the donations will be turned in. You can still give toward Sheri's team on-line by going to teamprincessalexis-dot-com.

 

Art Show in Shelbyville

Plenty of local talent will be on display this weekend in Shelbyville.  According to Tad Mayhall of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce, there will be an Art Show Saturday and Sunday:

[audio:tadartshow041114.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Shelbyville Chamber at 774-2221 for more info.

Brodziak, Curry help Wild end skid vs. Blues

St.  Paul, MN (SportsNetwork.com) - Kyle Brodziak scored two goals to help the 
Minnesota  Wild end a nine-game losing streak against the St. Louis Blues with 
a 4-2 win at Xcel Energy Center. 

Nino  Niederreiter added a goal and one assist for the Wild, who are streaking 
into  the  playoffs. Minnesota,  which  had  previously clinched  the  Western 
Conference's  first  wild card  spot, has  won four straight  and picked up at 
least a point in its last seven games (6-0-1). 

John Curry, the fifth goalie to start a game for the Wild this season, made 43 
saves in his debut with the club. 

"He's  a gamer  and a battler. He showed that tonight. Obviously, very pleased 
for  him. It was a long road back for him," Minnesota head coach Mike Yeo said 
about Curry. 

While  Minnesota is rolling, St. Louis saw its losing streak grow to a season- 
worst  four  straight. The Blues were  leapfrogged by Colorado for first place 
in  the  Central Division. Both teams  have 111 points, but the Avalanche have 
more non-shootout wins. 

Ryan  Miller was pulled  in the third period after allowing four goals on just 
13 shots. 

The tone of the game changed in the second period, when Minnesota forward Mike 
Rupp caught St. Louis forward T.J. Oshie with a shoulder to the head. 

The  hit, which occurred on a delayed high-sticking penalty to Wild defenseman 
Marco  Scandella, drew  a match penalty and gave the Blues a two-minute 5-on-3 
power play at 10:30. 

"Obviously, (Oshie) is out. He's like everything else at this time of year, 
he's day-to-day, but certainly a tough hit to take right now," said Blues head 
coach Ken Hitchcock. 

St.   Louis  defenseman  Kevin  Shattenkirk  scored  on  the  ensuing  two-man 
advantage, tying the game at 1-1 at 11:05. 

Not much went right for the Blues during the rest of the power play. 

The  Wild  quickly reclaimed the  lead with  a shorthanded goal. Brodziak, who 
hadn't scored since March 8, buried the rebound of a Matt Cooke shot at 12:24. 

St. Louis, however, tied it with a shorthanded tally of its own. 

Minnesota  defenseman Ryan  Suter mishandled  the puck  at the  offensive blue 
line,  resulting in a rush for the Blues. Jaden Schwartz converted a feed from 
Alexander Steen at 16:01 of the second. 

The  Wild moved back ahead seconds after the power play ended, as Matt Moulson 
put home a saucer pass from Dany Heatley with 2:30 left in the second. 

Brodziak  scored  his second goal  58 seconds into the  third period for a 4-2 
advantage. 

The Blues  had a healthy  17-5 shot advantage in  the first period, but found 
themselves trailing 1-0 on Niederreiter's deflection goal at 14:02. 

                                   Game Notes 

Minnesota  captain  Mikko Koivu played in  his 600th career NHL game ... Curry 
played  in his fifth career NHL game and first since Jan. 16, 2010 as a member 
of  the  Pittsburgh Penguins ... St.  Louis' last four-game losing streak came 
during  a  five-game slide from Feb.  1-11 last season ... Blues captain David 
Backes  missed the game with a lower-body injury ... Wild defenseman Christian 
Folin made his NHL debut. 

Abreu homers twice as White Sox snap 14-game slide against Tribe

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Jose Abreu knocked in three runs on a pair 
of homers, helping the Chicago White Sox post a 7-3 victory over the Cleveland 
Indians to end a string of 14 consecutive losses to their AL Central rivals. 

Alexei  Ramirez also had  a pair of hits, including a solo homer, and his two- 
run  double in  the fourth inning snapped  a 3-3 tie before John Danks and two 
relievers finished off the opener of this four-game series. 

Danks  (1-0)  rebounded from a  rocky start to hold  the Indians to three runs 
over  six  innings,  with  Daniel  Webb and  Matt  Lindstrom  not  allowing  a 
baserunner over the final three frames. 

Adam  Eaton  went 2-for-4 with an  RBI single for Chicago, which hadn't bested 
the Tribe since Apr. 24 of last season and found out prior to the contest that 
starting  right fielder Avisail Garcia would require season-ending surgery for 
a shoulder injury he sustained in Wednesday's loss at Colorado. 

Cleveland's Danny Salazar (0-1) racked up 10 strikeouts in just 3 2/3 innings, 
but  served up two of the White Sox' three homers and was tagged for five runs 
overall. 

"When  (Salazar)  made a mistake, because  they had seen so many pitches, they 
did some damage with them," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said of Salazar's 
struggles. 

Asdrubal  Cabrera  finished 2-for-4 with a  solo homer and two runs scored for 
the Indians, with Ryan Raburn also collecting two hits and an RBI in the loss, 
Cleveland's fourth in six outings after a 3-1 start. 

Salazar  fanned six of the first seven Chicago hitters and was staked to a 3-1 
lead  after  2 1/2  innings, but  quickly coughed it  up in  the bottom of the 
third.  Ramirez  drilled a homer to  left to begin  the White Sox' half of the 
frame  and Adrian Nieto  reached on a single before advancing on a wild pitch, 
which was followed by Eaton's base hit to right that knotted the score. 

The  young righty ran into more trouble an inning later, surrendering a single 
to  Dayan  Viciedo and walking Alejandro  De Aza prior to Ramirez sending both 
runners home with a long double into the gap in right center. 

Abreu  made it a  6-3 game by slugging his second homer of the game and fourth 
in three days, a line-drive shot off reliever Josh Outman in the fifth. 

Danks, meanwhile, didn't have his night start off well, as Cabrera smacked his 
second pitch of the game for a double and Nick Swisher drew a walk in front of 
Jason  Kipnis' RBI single. Swisher later crossed the plate on a Raburn sac fly 
to quickly give Cleveland a 2-0 edge. 

Abreu,  the only  batter to  make contact  off Salazar  through the  first two 
innings,  cut  the deficit  in half  with a  mammoth homer  in the second, but 
Cabrera  countered  with a long  ball of his  own to open  the third for a 3-1 
Indians' advantage. 

Danks  kept Cleveland off the board over the remainder of his stint, finishing 
it off by getting Yan Gomes to fly out with two aboard in the top of the sixth 
and the tying run at the plate. 

"I  feel  like from the third  inning on I was  able to throw the ball where I 
wanted  to," Danks said. "It was kind of a tale of two games, but like I said, 
I've never had a bad win." 

Chicago tacked on an insurance run in the seventh, with Eaton leading off with 
a double and eventually coming home on Abreu's fielder's choice grounder. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Indians went 17-2 overall against Chicago last season ... Cleveland placed 
infielder  Lonnie Chisenhall  on  the  paternity list  before  the game,  with 
infielder  Justin  Sellers recalled from  Triple-A Columbus to fill the roster 
spot ... Danks had been 0-6 with a 7.17 ERA in his previous starts against the 
Indians  at  U.S. Cellular  Field ...  Kipnis, a  Chicago-area native, has hit 
safely in 19 of his 20 career games at U.S. Cellular Field. 

HRs by Alvarez, Snider lift Pirates over Cubs

Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Pedro Alvarez and Travis Snider homered in a 
five-run  seventh inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates held on for a 5-4 win over 
the Chicago Cubs on Thursday afternoon. 

The Cubs loaded the bases against Jason Grilli in the ninth inning but didn't 
score,  giving  the Pirates three straight  series wins to open the season for 
the first time in 22 years. 

Alvarez's  three-run  homer off  James Russell (0-1)  gave Pittsburgh the lead 
after  Snider's  pinch-hit two-run blast got  them on the board earlier in the 
inning. 

Right-hander  Gerrit Cole (2-0) picked up his sixth straight win going back to 
last  season  after striking out  10 in  six innings. He  gave up four runs -- 
three earned -- on five hits and two walks. 

"I  pitched OK. Fortunately  we played a great game as a team," said Cole. "In 
those  kind of  games you have to keep  grinding and try to give your teams as 
many innings as you can and try to outlast the other guy." 

The  Pirates improved to 6-3 this season -- all against NL Central teams. They 
have  taken two series  against the Cubs and one against St. Louis -- only the 
fourth time in the last 49 seasons they have won their first three (1966, 1976 
and 1992 were the others). 

Starlin  Castro had three hits, including an RBI single, and scored a run on a 
controversial  play at  the plate that gave  the Cubs a 4-0 lead in the fourth 
inning. 

Castro's last hit, a single in the ninth, came after Ryan Sweeney led off with 
a  walk. Grilli  struck out pinch-hitter Luis Valbuena and Welington Castillo, 
then walked Darwin Barney to load the bases, but Emilio Bonifacio grounded out 
to end the game and give Grilli his third save of the season. 

"We  kept  battling," said Cubs manager  Rick Renteria. "We fell short. ... At 
the end of the day we want better results." 

Cubs  left-hander  Travis Wood was pulled  after giving up a leadoff single to 
Neil Walker in the seventh. 

Wood struck out nine, gave up three walks and four hits and was charged with a 
run  when  Snider belted Brian  Schlitter's eighth pitch over the center-field 
wall to get Pittsburgh on the board. 

Schlitter  gave  up a  single to  Starling Marte  and walked Andrew McCutchen, 
who  both  scored on  Alvarez's fifth  homer of  the season  with two outs off 
Russell. 

"We've  played some  tough games against them so far this year," said Alvarez. 
"Any time we come back, especially down so many runs, it's a huge plus for the 
morale and for the team." 

Earlier, Bonifacio scored all the way from first base in the third inning when 
he  stole second and kept running after Pirates catcher Tony Sanchez threw the 
ball into the outfield. 

A  three-run fourth inning ignited by consecutive singles by Anthony Rizzo and 
Nate  Schierholtz extended  the Cubs' lead to 4-0. Castro knocked in the first 
run  with a  single, Schierholtz scored on  a wild pitch and Castillo drove in 
Castro with a hit to left field. 

Marte's two-hop throw arrived in time and Sanchez appeared to apply the tag in 
time to the Castro's left foot. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle came out to argue 
the call, which wasn't reviewed. 

                                   Game Notes 

The pitching staffs combined to strike out 28 batters ... The Pirates continue 
a  nine-game road trip Friday in Milwaukee ... The Cubs start a five-game road 
trip Friday in St. Louis. 

Cardinals Host Cubs

The Cardinals clash with the Cubs tonight in the first of three games at Busch Stadium.  The Cards send Joe Kelly to the hill while the Cubs give the nod to Jeff Samardjiza.  St. Louis took two of three last series against the Reds.  The Cubs lost their three-game set with Pittsburgh yesterday. Coverage of the game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 6:40pm.

$20 Million Lottery Ticket Sold at Taylorville Kroger

A recent shopper at the Taylorville Kroger has a big pay day coming their way. Pam Bullard, front-end backup manager at Kroger, tells Regional Radio News about the ticket:

[audio:bullardlottery041114.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The official amount is $20,250,000. Bullard says the winning ticket can be brought to Kroger or the person can go straight to the Illinois Lottery’s Springfield office. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-11-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Thomas J. Vavrik, 30, of 882 North 1700 East Road, Owaneco, was arrested April 10 for driving on a suspended revoked license.

Ashley L. Rockford, 29, of 719 West Vandeveer Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 10 on a bond forfeiture for contempt of court.

Deanna R. Durbin, 31, of 508 Northwest Avenue, Taylorville, was arrested April 10 on a bond forfeiture for reckless driving.

Steven S. Durbin, 22, of 404 South Clay Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 10 on a bond forfeiture for the issuance of warrant.

Shelbyville Rotary Hears about Pioneer Seed Plant

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Left to Right: Pat Boone and Don Behl

The Shelbyville Rotary Club held their weekly meeting at the Shelbyville Memorial Hospital. Club secretary, Jim Bolinger, informed the Club that they have raised $512.26 for the Rotary Scholarship award, as of March 31.  The Club now has sufficient funds to make their award presentation at the Senior Awards Night. 

Member, Phil Miller, announced that he has raffle tickets for sale, as a fundraiser for the Relay For Life. The winner will receive a pair of tickets to the Cubs vs. Cards game in St. Louis.

The program chairman was Don Behl.  His keynote speaker was Pat Boone.  Boone is the operations leader at the Pioneer Seed Plant, located next to the John Deere dealership east of town on Route 16.  They raise 150 varieties of soybeans locally.  These seeds are designed in Johnson, Iowa, in automated greenhouses.  The program chairman for next meeting will be Mike Kiley.

Big Brothers Big Sisters will soon Shift to Summertime Mode

With school ending in about a month, Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region will shift to summertime mode soon.  Lisa Rakey, Director of Community Relations, says some of their activities are seasonal while some are not:

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Big Brothers Big Sisters has a golf outing in Springfield coming up next month.  Find out more at bbbscapitalregion.org.

New Computer Danger: Clickjacking

Fraudsters have found a new way to trick computer users into clicking on phony links.  Public Advocate Mac McGuire explains what “clickjacking” is:

DNR says Possible Bobcat Sighting in Taylorville was just be a Big Cat

A possible bobcat sighting in Taylorville ended up being just a large cat according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. DNR Spokesman Chris Young says based off the video, their biologists determined it was not a bobcat. Young tells Regional Radio News the chances of someone coming across a bobcat are slim:

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Taylorville Animal Control Officer George Calvert, who was at the scene, says it looked like a cat to him as well:

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Shawn White, who shot the video, says the cat walked by her prior to the video and it appeared to be a bobcat to her. Young says bobcat sightings are a positive thing as bobcats were once on the threatened species list and the sightings show the regrowth of the population.

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Miscue sends Blackhawks past Canadiens in OT

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) -  Peter Budaj  misplayed a harmless Patrick 
Sharp  shot and turned it into the game  winner at  43 seconds of  overtime, giving the Chicago 
Blackhawks  a  come-from-behind 3-2 victory  against the Montreal Canadiens at 
United Center. 

Marian  Hossa  tied the game inside  the final minute with the extra attacker, 
then  Sharp  won it when his  contested, rolling shot from between the circles 
rolled  up Budaj's stick. Instead of trapping it, the Habs' netminder tried to 
shake it away, and the puck was propelled backwards and over the line. 

"I  think we were  due. It was the first time all season we managed to get one 
in  overtime," said Blackhawks head  coach Joel  Quenneville, about  his club 
failing to score in 22 overtime periods prior to Wednesday. "To take this long 
to get it is certainly a relief and a huge two points." 

Jeremy  Morin  also tallied and  Corey Crawford came up  with 28 saves for the 
Blackhawks, who moved two points back of idle Colorado for second place in the 
Central Division. 

Dale Weise and Francis Bouillon scored for the Canadiens, while Budaj took the 
loss  despite 25  stops. Montreal moved three  points up on idle Tampa Bay for 
second in the Atlantic, but the two clubs are assured a first-round matchup. 

"We  were  in a  position to  get two  points, but  I really  liked the way we 
played,"  Montreal head coach Michel Therrien said. "On the last two goals, it 
was  some  bad coverage in  front of the  net. I'm sure  on the last goal, the 
winning  goal, [Budaj]  certainly would like to see that shot again, but those 
things  happen.  This is not an  easy place to  play, but our effort was there 
again." 

The  first  40 minutes  passed without  a goal. Crawford  stopped 23 shots and 
Budaj was equal to 17. 

Montreal snapped the scoreless deadlock as Weise was open on the right side to 
tap  in  a bouncing  puck off  a shot  from Josh  Gorges at  7:31 of the third 
period. 

Chicago  fought back to tie with 9:26 left in regulation on Morin's quick shot 
from the right circle. 

Bouillon's  point  drive, from a  left-circle faceoff win by David Desharnais, 
eluded Crawford only 22 seconds later and the Habs led 2-1. 

Chicago  went with an  extra skater as the clock ticked down to a minute left, 
and  Hossa was inside  the crease when he redirected a centering feed by Sharp 
with 47.7 seconds to play. 

"I  like  that responsibility he's shown,"  Quenneville said of Sharp, who has 
been  leaned  on in the  absence of captain  Jonathan Toews and fellow forward 
Patrick  Kane.  "I thought in a  game like this, he  took charge at the end. I 
think he's stepped up to the plate here and responded in the right fashion." 

Crawford  then made  a  diving stop  to  his right  on a  hard  shot from  Max 
Pacioretty ticketed for the near post to keep the tie intact. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Blackhawks improved to 3-0-2 in the last five meetings with the Canadiens 
since October of 2009 ... Chicago begins a season-ending two-game road trip at 
Washington  on Friday, while Montreal hosts the Islanders on Thursday ... Habs 
forward Alex Galchenyuk did not return after the first intermission, diagnosed 
with  a lower-body  injury ... Canadiens defenseman Ryan White suffered a hand 
injury and did not return following the second intermission. 

Bulls stay hot with win over Timberwolves

Minneapolis,  MN (SportsNetwork.com)  -  Joakim Noah's  triple-double led  the 
Chicago Bulls  to a 102-87  victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday 
at Target Center. 

Noah  tallied 15 points,  13 rebounds and 10 assists and D.J. Augustin added a 
game-high  21 points  off the bench for  the Bulls, who have won six straight. 
Kirk Hinrich scored 16 points, Mike Dunleavy notched 15 and Jimmy Butler added 
14 points and seven assists. 

The  triple-double was  Noah's fourth of the season, tied with Indiana's Lance 
Stephenson for the most in the league. 

Kevin  Love totaled  17  points and  10  rebounds and  Ricky  Rubio scored  15 
points  with  six assists  for the  Timberwolves, who have  lost two of three. 
Ronny Turiaf contributed 11 points and five boards off the bench. 

Chicago  started the  second half trailing 53-48,  but a 9-2 burst gave them a 
two-point lead with 8:48 on the third-quarter clock. The teams traded the lead 
over  the next  three minutes before seven straight points from the Bulls gave 
them an 70-62 cushion. 

Minnesota  netted the next six points but trailed 75-70 heading into the final 
12 minutes. 

The Bulls  used a 12-6 run  to stretch their lead  to 87-76 with 7:43 left to 
play.  Just under  a minute later, Chicago scored eight straight points to put 
the  game away.  They led 95-79 with  under five minutes left on the clock and 
the teams combined for six baskets down the stretch. 

"I  thought  we did a pretty  good job the  first half. The second half, third 
quarter  they just started making shots and we couldn't get one to go down and 
we  looked  like we ran  out of  gas in the  second half," said Minnesota head 
coach Rick Adelman. 

Earlier,  after  exchanging scores through  three-plus minutes into the second 
quarter  Minnesota used  a 10-2  run  to take  a  41-32 lead  with just  under 
five  minutes left  in the half. Chicago responded with consecutive 3-pointers 
from  Augustin and  Hinrich to pull within three. However, the T'Wolves led by 
five at the break. 

In  the first quarter there was one tie and 13 lead changes, with neither team 
up  by  more than  five points. Chicago  carried a 26-25  edge into the second 
frame. 

                                   Game Notes 

Chicago  has won  eight of  nine against  Minnesota and  five straight  at the 
Target Center ... The Bulls are 31-2 when scoring at least 96 points in a game 
... Chicago moved to 18-1 on the road when leading entering the fourth quarter 
...  The T'Wolves fell to 3-20 when scoring less than 100 points in a game ... 
Minnesota is now 3-27 when trailing its opponent after three quarters. 

LeMahieu lifts Rockies past White Sox

Denver,  CO (SportsNetwork.com) - DJ LeMahieu tied the game with an RBI double 
in  the sixth inning  and hit a go-ahead two-run single in the eighth, leading 
the Colorado Rockies to a 10-4 win over the Chicago White Sox in the finale of 
a three-game series on Wednesday. 

LeMahieu's  hit in  the eighth keyed a  six-run rally that broke the game wide 
open.  He had three  hits and scored twice for the Rockies, who took the first 
and third games to win their second straight series. 

Charlie Blackmon also had three hits, an RBI and two runs scored for Colorado. 

Conor  Gillaspie hit a two-run single for the White Sox, who finished 2-4 on a 
six-game road trip. 

Justin  Morneau  singled to lead off  the eighth against Scott Downs (0-2) and 
Nolan  Arenado  followed with a  hit off Ronald Belisario.  Both moved up on a 
bunt and LeMahieu laced a 94 mph pitch to center field to bring them home. 

"With  the infield  in I was just trying to elevate something," said LeMahieu. 
"He  threw the sinker but I think he left it up a little bit. I was just lucky 
to hit it hard." 

Josh  Rutledge and  Michael Cuddyer added RBI singles in the inning and Carlos 
Gonzalez knocked in two with a double. 

Earlier, LeMahieu knocked  White Sox right-hander Erik Johnson out of his first 
interleague start with his line-drive double to tie the game. 

White  Sox  right fielder Avisail  Garcia was hurt diving  for the hit when he 
rolled over on his left shoulder. 

Garcia  left the  game, but the White Sox said initial X-Rays on his shoulder 
were negative for fracture, separation or dislocation. 

Johnson gave up nine hits and a walk and struck out four in 5 2/3 innings. 

"The  Rockies put  together Some great at-bats," said White Sox second baseman 
Marcus Semien. "They didn't get out of their zone. They got their pitch to hit 
and  they didn't  chase too many. We tried  as a defense but they hit the ball 
hard." 

Rockies righty Juan Nicasio went five frames, also allowing four runs on eight 
hits and two walks with six strikeouts. Rex Brothers (1-0) got two outs in the 
eighth and picked up the win. 

Blackmon  stroked Johnson's  second pitch for a triple in the first inning and 
scored on Cuddyer's ground out to give the Rockies a 1-0 lead. 

Tyler  Flowers and Adam  Eaton each hit an RBI single in the second inning for 
the White Sox,  but Blackmon and Arenado  did the same for Colorado -- in the 
second and third innings -- to give the home team a 3-2 lead. 

Gillaspie's  two-run single for Chicago in  the fifth scored Eaton and Semien, 
who had led off with back-to-back base hits. 

                                   Game Notes 

The White Sox return to start a four-game homestand with Cleveland on Thursday 
... The Rockies start a seven-game road trip Friday in San Francisco. 

Back-to-back home runs lift Cubs over Pirates

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) - Junior  Lake and Mike Olt smacked back-to- 
back  home runs in the fifth inning to help the Chicago Cubs to a 7-5 win over 
the  Pittsburgh  Pirates in the  middle test of  a three-game set from Wrigley 
Field. 

Jason  Hammel  (2-0) went  seven strong  innings for  the Cubs, allowing three 
runs  on  three hits while  striking out six.  Anthony Rizzo went 4-for-5 with 
two  doubles  and two runs scored  while Emilio Bonifacio continued his torrid 
start  to the  campaign, recording  two more  hits in  the triumph.  Bonifacio 
now has 19 hits in eight games. 

Pittsburgh  got its five  runs on five solo homers, including a pair from both 
Pedro  Alvarez and  Russell  Martin.  Travis Snider  also  went  yard for  the 
Pirates. 

"I  got my first taste of Wrigley," joked Hammel, who signed with Chicago over 
the  winter. "When  the wind's howling out,  you have to keep the ball down. I 
only made three mistakes today, and they all left the yard." 

Jose  Tabata's  pinch-hit single in the  eighth inning was the only Pittsburgh 
hit that did not leave the ballpark. 

Wandy  Rodriguez (0-2) was tagged for four runs on nine hits over five innings 
of work. 

Olt's  two-run  homer with two outs  in the fifth broke  a 1-1 tie and put the 
Cubs  in front.  Lake followed  with his  first of  the year  and after  five, 
Chicago held a 4-1 advantage. 

The  visitors  tacked on three more  runs in the sixth. Rizzo plated Bonifacio 
with  a double  to center, Olt singled  home Justin Ruggiano and Lake made it, 
7-1, when Rizzo scored on his fielder's choice. 

From  there, Chicago survived a pair of two-run innings. Snider opened the top 
of  the  seventh with a solo  shot to center and  with two outs in the inning, 
Martin belted one just over the ivory for a 7-3 margin. 

Pedro  Strop took  the hill  for  the ninth  and induced  an Andrew  McCutchen 
groundout  before  Alvarez and Martin  hit consecutive jacks. Strop struck out 
the next two batters he faced to end the game. 

"No  matter  what the  store is,  we're going  to give  our best effort," said 
Martin.  "Today they  were better than us. They scored more runs. We're trying 
to win the series tomorrow." 

Earlier,  Ruggiano's RBI double  in the first inning gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead, 
and Alvarez tied it when he led off the top of the fifth with a home run. 

Travis  Wood  and Gerrit  Cole are set  to take the  hill in Thursday's rubber 
match.  The  Pirates took  2-of-3 from  Chicago in Pittsburgh  to kick off the 
campaign. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Cubs  went 2-for-10 with  runners in scoring  position, leaving 10 men on 
base.  Pittsburgh did not have an at-bat with a runner in scoring position ... 
Chicago catcher Welington Castillo had his first multi-hit game of the season, 
finishing 2-for-3 with a double. 

Reds Blank Cards To Avoid Sweep

St.  Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Mike Leake tossed eight scoreless innings 
and  the Cincinnati Reds  beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-0, to avoid a three- 
game sweep. 

Leake  (1-1) allowed just four hits while striking out three for the Reds, who 
improved to 3-6 on the young season. 

Devin  Mesoraco  hit a two-run  homer for Cincinnati,  which got an RBI apiece 
from Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips. Billy Hamilton went 3-for-4 with two runs 
scored and two steals. 

"I didn't  have a good start  (to the season) at  all, but I feel like now I'm 
settling  things down," Hamilton said of adjusting to his first full season in 
the big leagues. 

St.  Louis starter Shelby  Miller (0-2) gave up three runs on seven hits while 
striking out five over six full frames. 

Mesoraco's  homer in  the fourth gave the  Reds a 2-0 lead. Chris Heisey hit a 
two-out single and scored on Mesoraco's blast to left-center field. 

Cincinnati  tacked on another run in the fifth when Hamilton scored on Bruce's 
sacrifice fly. Hamilton led off with a single, stole second, advanced to third 
on a flyout and tagged up on Bruce's pop fly to shallow right. 

St.  Louis finally  had a runner advance  past first base in the seventh. Matt 
Adams  hit a two-out  double to left, but Yadier Molina struck out swinging to 
end the inning. 

"He kept the ball down, had his sinker working, his cutter working," St. Louis 
third baseman Matt Carpenter said of Leake. "He was as good as I've seen him." 

Phillips' RBI single in the ninth made it a 4-0 contest. 

                                   Game Notes 

St.  Louis  is 4-2 against  Cincinnati this season  ... The Reds went 1-for-11 
with runners in scoring position and stranded nine. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-10-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Allison M. Kramer, 19, of 700 North 965 East Road, Palmer, was arrested April 9 for theft.

Chloe L. Windell, 19, of 516 Taylorville Boulevard, Taylorville, was arrested April 9 on a bond forfeiture for consumption of liquor by a minor.

Jeffery D. Dunkirk, 34, of South 11 Street, Springfield, was arrested April 10 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Governor Quinn Announces $100 Million for Local Transportation Improvements Across Illinois

Governor Pat Quinn has announced $100 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! construction program to repair municipal and township infrastructure throughout the state.

The announcement includes approximately $5.5 million for local governments in Christian, Macoupin, Montgomery, Sangamon, and Shelby Counties. The funding is the last of a series of annual transportation investments that municipalities have received through the Illinois Jobs Now! Program.

The projects will be selected and managed locally, with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) providing oversight.

In addition to the Illinois Jobs Now! funds, local governments in the counties listed above will receive more than $31.7 million in Motor Fuel Tax funds this year. 

For a list of the local governments receiving funding, go to dot.il.gov.

Henry: Tax Time is Coming

April 15th is just days away now, and the pressure to get your taxes filed is increasing.  Laurie Henry of H and R Block says many people want to know: do you need to include foreign work earnings on your tax forms?

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H and R block will take a free “second look” at your taxes before you mail them in, and Henry says many people find that they have more money coming than they think.  H and R Block has locations in Taylorville, Pana, Shelbyville and Nokomis.

Local Author Produces Sequel

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If you enjoyed reading Andrew Nelson's book “Perfect Pawn”, you'll be happy to know that there is a sequel now available.  The former NYPD Detective says his wife helped motivate him to become an author:

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Nelson says he'll be signing copies of his new book next month:

[audio:nelsonbooksigning040714.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The new book is entitled “Queen's Gambit” and is available at Dana's or online at amazon.com.

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New School Funding Proposal Moves Out Of Sub-Committee

A plan to change the funding formula for schools is gaining momentum in Springfield. Pana School Superintendent Dr. David Lett supports the plan, which would likely provide more money in poorer districts.  He says the current formula doesn't address the growing rate of poverty in downstate school districts. 

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Senator Andy Manar is proposing a single funding formula that will even-out the playing field when it comes to dishing out state money to schools.  It calls for more than 90-percent of the state's education dollars to go to schools based on their needs.  Funding would be determined using a weighted system that will take into account the characteristics of each local school district, such as the percentage of students living in poverty.  The bill was voted out of subcommittee and is expected to go before a full senate panel soon.  

Ovechkin scores 50th, Capitals top Blues

St.  Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Alex Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the 
season and added two assists, leading the Washington Capitals to a 4-1 victory 
over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. 

Nicklas  Backstrom  had two  goals and  Mikhail Grabovski  also scored for the 
Capitals,  who have won  two games in a row on the heels of a five-game losing 
streak. 

Washington  remains alive --  if only just -- in the hunt for a wild-card spot 
in the playoffs, trailing Columbus by four points with three games remaining. 

"All we can do is control our own situation," said Caps coach Adam Oates. 

Braden  Holtby had  28 saves in the  win as the Caps swept the two-game season 
series with St. Louis. 

Maxim  Lapierre  scored for the Blues,  who have lost  three games in a row as 
they  cling  to a one-point  lead over Anaheim for  first place in the Western 
Conference, and a small lead over Colorado in the Central Division. 

St.  Louis  hasn't scored more than  two goals in  its last six games, but not 
everyone is worried by the recent paltry output. 

"The  last few  we haven't been scoring  but we've had guys scoring all year," 
said Blues forward Alexander Steen. 

Ryan Miller gave up four goals on 22 shots. 

Ovechkin  reached the 50-goal  plateau for the fifth time in his career -- and 
first  time since 2009-10  -- with a one-timer from the left circle on a power 
play with 2:06 left in the opening period. 

"I'm  pretty sure  my family's happy and  my teammates are happy for me," said 
Ovechkin.  "I  appreciate everyone who  gives me the  opportunity to be in the 
right spot." 

Lapierre tied it 2:39 into the second period, scoring on a rebound after Steve 
Ott's shot from the high left side. 

But the Caps scored three in a row to end the game, beginning with Grabovski's 
slap shot from the left circle 8:52 into the second period. 

Backstrom's  first goal from the slot on Ovechkin's assist came with 1:10 left 
in the second and he added a power-play goal 16 seconds into the third period, 
again  off an assist from Ovechkin, who found his teammate on a cross-ice pass 
to the right side. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Capitals play Carolina on the road Thursday ... The Blues also have three 
games left. They start a two-game road trip Thursday against Minnesota. 

White Sox clobber Rockies

Denver, CO (SportsNetwork.com)  - Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia both clubbed a 
pair  of homers  to lead  the Chicago White Sox in  a 15-3  pounding of  the 
Colorado Rockies in the middle tilt of a three-game interleague set. 

Abreu finished with five RBI and Garcia recorded four hits and drove in three. 

Alexei  Ramirez and  Tyler  Flowers also  clubbed homers  for  the  White Sox, 
winners in two of their last three games. 

Jose  Quintana (1-0) allowed  two runs on five hits over seven innings to earn 
the win. 

Michael  Cuddyer  went 2-for-4 with  a solo homer  and Troy Tulowitzki added a 
pair of RBI for the Rockies, who were out-hit 19-7. 

Franklin  Morales (0-1)  allowed six runs on  eight hits and four walks over 6 
1/3 innings to absorb the loss. 

The White Sox scored three runs in the second inning. Garcia crushed a two-out 
homer  to  left and after Ramirez  singled, Flowers hammered a two-run shot to 
left field. 

With runners on the corners in the third, Dayan Viciedo lifted a sacrifice fly 
to left to score Adam Eaton. 

Cuddyer got the Rockies on the board in the fourth with his third homer of the 
season and Tulowitzki added an RBI double in the sixth to make it 4-2. 

Chicago  broke  the game open  with three  runs in the  seventh and six in the 
eighth. 

With  two on and one out in the seventh, Abreu just barely cleared the wall in 
left  for  a 7-2 lead.  The ball  sailed just over  Brett Barnes' glove as the 
left-fielder attempted to rob the rookie of the homer, but came up empty. 

"That at-bat was very, very important to me," Abreu said 

In the eighth, Garcia and Ramirez hit back-to-back homers against Wilton Lopez 
to  make  it 9-2. With two  outs later in  the frame, Marcus Semien doubled to 
left  to  score Flowers. Abreu  followed with  a homer to right-center. Garcia 
capped the frame with an RBI base hit to right field for an 11-run lead. 

"I  don't like  to leave a guy out there  as long as I did, or take him out in 
the  middle  of the inning  and have him walk  off the field," Rockies manager 
Walt  Weiss  said. "He's always  a guy  that's up for  the challenge and be in 
there in good times or tough times." 

Tulowitzki  added a sacrifice fly in the eighth and Semien and Viciedo had RBI 
singles in the ninth to account for the final difference. 

                                   Game Notes 

The White Sox were 6-for-12 with RISP ... Wilton Lopez allowed three homers in 
just  2/3 of an innings in the loss ... Eaton and Semien each stole a base ... 
Cuddyer  has a nine-game hitting streak ... Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez did not 
play Tuesday (rest). 

Martin's sac fly lifts Pirates past Cubs

Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Russell Martin had two hits, two runs scored 
and the game-winning sacrifice fly in the eighth inning to help the Pittsburgh 
Pirates  top the  Chicago Cubs,  7-6, in  the opener  of a  three-game set  at 
Wrigley Field. 

Pittsburgh's  led 6-4  through five, but the Cubs tacked on a run in both the 
sixth  and  seventh innings  to tie  it. Pedro  Strop (0-1)  took the hill for 
Chicago  in the top of the eighth and walked a pair before giving way to James 
Russell,  who surrendered a walk to Pedro Alvarez to load the bags for Martin. 
His sacrifice fly to right plated Starling Marte for the final margin. 

"It  was  a fist  fight off the  mound for  us most of  the night. We executed 
extremely  well  in the  first inning  on offense  and kept building innings," 
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. 

Tony  Watson  (2-0) took  the win  after yielding  a run  in the seventh, Mark 
Melancon  worked a  perfect bottom  of the  eighth and  Jason Grilli  shut the 
door in the ninth for his second save of the season. 

Alvarez  and  Travis Ishikawa drove  in two  runs apiece for Pittsburgh, which 
took  2-of-3  from Chicago to  start the season.  Marte scored three times and 
stole two bags in the triumph. 

Emilio  Bonifacio and  Starlin Castro had three hits apiece for the Cubs, with 
the  latter posting his first career multi-homer game. Castro drove in four of 
Chicago's six runs. 

Alvarez  put  Pittsburgh on the board  in the top  of the first with a two-run 
double  to the  gap in  right-center. It  was the  slugger's first  two-bagger 
of the season. 

Alvarez  came around  to score on a  Neil Walker single two batters later, and 
Ishikawa  plated a run with his sacrifice fly. The Bucs led 4-0 before starter 
Charlie Morton took the hill. 

Morton,  who gave up  five runs on eight hits. quickly lost the lead. The Cub
got  a  run back  in the second  on Bonifacio's RBI  single to center. Anthony 
Rizzo  and Luis  Valbuena then singled in  the third to put two on for Castro, 
who belted a 1-2 offering over the wall in left to tie it. 

"Had  we laid  down after the first  inning, giving up four runs, I would have 
been extremely disappointed," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. 

Pittsburgh  went  back in front a  half inning later on Andrew McCutchen's RBI 
single  to  center and  padded the  cushion on  an Ishikawa  RBI triple in the 
fifth. 

Edwin Jackson was torched for six runs on nine hits over 4 2/3 frames. 

Chicago  fought back to  briefly tie it. Castro made it 6-5 with his solo shot 
in the sixth off Morton, and Rizzo singled home Bonifacio to knot it at 6-6 in 
the seventh. 

                                   Game Notes 

Pittsburgh  hit just  4-of-13 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men 
on  base ...  Chicago pitchers walked seven batters ... Bonifacio has at least 
two  hits  in 5-of-7  games this  season and is  hitting 14-for-21 against the 
Pirates in four meetings. 

Lynn, Cardinals beat Reds again

Coverage of today's Cards and Reds game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 12:10pm.

St. Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Matt Holliday smacked a go-ahead double in 
the  sixth inning and  Yadier Molina had three hits, including a solo homer to 
lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 7-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds. 

The Cardinals climbed  out of a 4-0  hole after 1 1/2 innings, tying the game 
with a four-run rally in the second inning sparked by Molina's leadoff homer. 

Holliday's  hit to the  right-field wall in the sixth was dropped by Jay Bruce 
on  a tough play, helping Lance Lynn pick up his second win over the Reds this 
season. 

Lynn  (2-0) allowed five  runs on eight hits in six innings, striking out four 
and walking none. He also got the victory in a 7-6 decision over Cincinnati on 
April 3. 

"It's hard to explain with Lance. I think some guys just have a knack of being 
in  the right  place when  we've got  a lot  of offensive  support," Cardinal
manager Mike Matheny said of Lynn. 

The Cardinals have  won the first two  games of the three-game series and are 
4-1 against the Reds this season. 

Logan Ondrusek (0-1) replaced starter Homer Bailey to begin the sixth and took 
the  loss. Bailey, who  lost to Lynn and the Cardinals on April 3, was knocked 
around  for nine hits and four runs in five innings. He fanned five and walked 
two. 

Jay Bruce had two hits, including a two-run triple in a three-run first inning 
for the Reds, who fell to 2-6 on the season. 

"Across the board, we just need to get better," Bailey said. 

Peter Bourjos doubled to lead off the sixth against Ondrusek and went to third 
on Daniel Descalso's pinch-hit sacrifice bunt. After Matt Carpenter was hit by 
a  pitch and Kolten Wong struck out, Holliday delivered his double to give the 
Cardinals a 6-5 lead. 

Bourjos  added an RBI  single in the seventh to score Molina, who had doubled, 
and  Randy Choate, Carlos Martinez and Trevor Rosenthal pitched the last three 
innings  for St.  Louis to  seal the  win. Rosenthal  worked around  a leadoff 
pinch-hit  single by Brayan  Pena in the ninth to record his third save of the 
season. 

Earlier,  the  Reds scored three  runs with one out  in the first inning after 
Brandon Phillips doubled, Joey Votto was hit by a pitch, Bruce hit a triple to 
the right-center field wall and Ryan Ludwick followed with a sacrifice fly. 

Billy  Hamilton's RBI single in the second made it 4-0, but the Cardinals tied 
the game with their four-run rally in the bottom of the inning. 

After  Molina  hit his  third homer  of the season  into the left-field seats, 
Carpenter  added an  RBI single up the  middle with two outs and Wong followed 
with a two-run triple into the right-field corner. 

The  Reds re-took  the lead in the  fifth when Ludwick grounded out to score a 
run after Votto and Bruce hit back-to-back singles. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Cardinals received their 2013 NL Championship rings in a pre-game ceremony 
...  St.  Louis had  13 hits but  left 10  runners on base  ... Lynn threw 112 
pitches, 73 for strikes. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-9-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Davante D. Reed, 21, of 536 West Center Street, Decatur, was arrested April 8 on a bond forfeiture for driving while license suspended.

Charles E. Johnson, 38, of 500 Central Street, Kincaid, was arrested April 9 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Joseph D. Baietto, 23, 1737 South Country Club Road, Decatur, was arrested April 8 for driving with a suspended license.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

On March 20 at 3:54pm, Taylorville Police Department officers were dispatched o the 300 block of East Park in reference to three vehicle accident. One vehicle left the scene prior to officer's arrival. On April 4, officers located the third party involved. Following the investigation, Natasha S. Coultas, 25, of Tower Hill was arrested for driving while license revoked and leaving the scene of an accident.

Senior Center has Several Events Coming

There are a number of things coming up for the Christian County Senior Citizen's Center.  Program Director Gerry Mahr says the date has been changed for the annual spelling bee:

[audio:mahrspellingbee040814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Mahr says one of the Senior Center's biggest yearly fundraisers is coming up in June:

[audio:mahrsrvariety040814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Call the Christian County Senior Center at 824-4263 to find out more, or stop by at the corner of Adams and Shumway streets in Taylorville.

Parks in Pana, Herrick, Moweaqua Receive OSLAD Grants

Governor Pat Quinn has announced $16.5 million in investments for 46 local park projects across Illinois.

The projects are funded through the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program (OSLAD) and administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

This year’s OSLAD grant recipients includes:
 

Christian County

  • City of Pana, $190,000 for Kitchell Park redevelopment.

 

Shelby County

  • Village of Herrick, $57,100 for Carroll Park development.
  • Moweaqua Park District, $12,500 for North Park development.

 

The OSLAD program began in 1986 and, not including these announced projects, has provided approximately $377.8 million for 1,641 local park projects in Illinois.

Lyles pitches, hits Rockies over White Sox

Denver,  CO  (SportsNetwork.com) - Jordan Lyles  spun 6 2/3 strong innings and 
also  went 3-for-3  with a pair of RBI  to lead the Colorado Rockies to an 8-1 
win  over the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game interleague set 
at Coors Field. 

Lyles  (2-0) allowed just one run on five hits while striking out four to pick 
up the win. 

Troy  Tulowitzki went 3-for-3 with a solo homer and two runs scored and Carlos 
Gonzalez  added  two hits and a  homer for the  Rockies, who took two of three 
from the Diamondbacks over the weekend. 

Alexei  Ramirez drove in the lone run for the White Sox, who have dropped four 
of their last five games. 

Felipe  Paulino (0-1)  allowed six runs on  nine hits and four walks in just 4 
1/3 innings to saddle the loss. 

The Rockies pushed a run across in each of the first three innings. 

Gonzalez  fell behind 1-2 in the first inning, but crushed a hanging slider to 
right field for a 1-0 lead. 

"I've been on deck for a lot of his home runs, obviously, and that one got out 
quicker than any one that I've ever seen," Tulowitzki said of Gonzalez's 
homer. 

Lyles  helped  his cause in the  second after stroking a double to left-center 
field. D.J. LeMahieu worked a two-out walk before Lyle laced a double into the 
gap to give the hosts a 2-0 lead. 

With  the bases  loaded and one out  in the third, Wilin Rosario ripped one up 
the  middle  that was deflected  by Paulino and  beat Marcus Semien's throw to 
first to score Michael Cuddyer. 

The  Rockies broke the game open with a three-run fifth inning. With the bases 
loaded and one out, LeMahieu smoked a base hit to right to score Tulowitzki. 

Daniel  Webb replaced  Paulino on the mound and immediately surrendered an RBI 
single  to  Lyles. Charlie Blackmon  followed with a  sacrifice fly to left to 
plate Nolan Arenado. 

Tulowitzki led off the sixth with a homer for a 7-0 lead. 

Chicago  finally  got on  the board  in the seventh  when Ramirez doubled home 
Avisail Garcia. 

Cuddyer  scored  on Semien's fielding  error in the  eighth to account for the 
final difference. 

"At one point their pitcher is outhitting us," Chicago manager Robin Ventura 
said. "That's never a good sign. We need to be a lot better than that." 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Rockies  were 6-for-14 with runners  in scoring position ... Gonzalez has 
three  homers  this season ... Tulowitzki's  homer was his first of the season 
...  All three White Sox pitchers allowed  at least one run ... The White So
were 1-for-5 with RISP. 

Wacha Deals As Cards Win Home Opener

Coverage of tonight's Cards and Reds game can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 6:40pm.

St. Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Michael Wacha worked six solid innings and 
Yadier  Molina  hit an early  three-run double, as  St. Louis survived a close 
call  in  the ninth  to best  Cincinnati, 5-3,  in the  opener of a three-game 
set from Busch Stadium. 

Allen  Craig  and Matt  Holliday drove  in a  run each  for the Cardinals, who 
raised their NL champion banner and won a home opener for the first time since 
2010. 

Wacha  (1-0) allowed  a run on seven  hits with three strikeouts and one walk, 
then  Carlos Martinez  and  Kevin  Siegrist combined  for  two more  scoreless 
innings. 

"There  was a huge crowd out there. Lots of energy," Wacha said. "I don't know 
who wouldn't thrive off of those kind of situations." 

Trevor  Rosenthal  got into trouble  in the ninth,  walking Jay Bruce and Ryan 
Ludwick  and allowing a  base hit to Todd Frazier which loaded the bases. Zack 
Cozart  singled  in Bruce with one  away and pinch-hitter Neftali Soto added a 
sacrifice fly before Billy Hamilton's fly out ended the game. 

"Collectively,  we've  struggled  to  do  anything  with  runners  in  scoring 
position,"  noted Reds manager Bryan Price. "That will change. It's just tough 
to sit through it." 

Roger Bernadina added a pinch-hit RBI double and Brayan Pena went 3-for-4 with 
two doubles for the Reds, who have dropped four of their last five. 

Tony  Cingrani  (0-1) lasted only four  frames and was charged with three hits 
and as many runs with five strikeouts and four walks. 

After  Hamilton doubled to start the game, he was sacrificed to third and then 
erased in a rundown between third and home and Cincinnati went scoreless. 

St.  Louis countered in  the home half as Matt Carpenter and Peter Bourjos led 
off  with hits, Holliday walked and Molina plated them all on a one-out bases- 
clearing double. 

Wacha  held the Reds in check until the fifth, when Pena and Bernadina stroked 
consecutive one-out doubles. 

The  Cards boosted their  edge to four in the home seventh with three straight 
one-out  hits:  doubles from  Bourjos and  Holliday followed  by a single from 
Craig. 

                                   Game Notes 

St.  Louis improved to  3-6 in home openers at the new Busch Stadium ... Wacha 
hadn't  allowed  a run in  21 total innings  against the Reds until Cincinnati 
measured him in the fifth ... Prior to the contest, the Reds activated catcher 
Devin  Mesoraco from  the 15-day  disabled  list and  optioned catcher  Tucker 
Barnhart to Triple-A Louisville ... Attendance was a record 47,492. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-8-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

Jacob W. Garrett, 26, of 1524 South Houston Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 7 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

On April 6, a Taylorville Police Department officer was dispatched to Houston and Lawn in regards to a disturbance. The officer arrived and made contact with a male and female subject who were arguing. Following the investigation, Jacob A. Samson, 29, of Taylorville was placed under arrest for public intoxication. Samson was transported to Taylorville Police Department and later released on a notice to appear.

Fire Department Calls 4-8-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWIN CALLS:

April 7
1 Automatic Alarm, 1 EMS

Taylorville Kiwanis Hear from Conservation Police Officer at Weekly Luncheon

 width=Joe Morelock of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the weekly luncheon of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Morelock outlined his career which led him to his current position of Chief of Field Operations. He started out in the military, and after a 5-year career there, began working in law enforcement in Thayer and Pawnee before landing a job with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in DeWitt County.

Morelock told the Kiwanis Club that fish and game laws are among the most regulated in the state, and he added Conservation Police do a lot of education as well as enforcement.

To qualify to become a Conservation Policeman, candidates must have a 4 year college degree and at least 3 years of experience with the same law enforcement agency. They then go thru 14 weeks of Illinois State Police training, as well as 14 weeks of Conservation Police training then field training after that.

Morelock said that his enforcement duties include wildlife and fish, recreational boating, and even criminal code violations such as drugs and alcohol, among a list of a dozen different things his agency oversees.

[audio:MorelockaudioApr814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

3 members of the Taylorville Kiwanis Key Club from Taylorville High School, attended Tuesday’s Kiwanis Club meeting.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Taylorville Boys Make Quick Work of Springfield Southeast Tuesday

 width=200 height=258 />The Taylorville Baseball Team made quick work of Springfield Southeast on Tuesday in the Capital City.  Taylorville defeated Southeast in 5 innings by a final score of 10 to nothing.  Taylorville is now 4 and 5 on the season.</p>						</div>

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Rooney Appeared in Taylorville

A Hollywood legend who passed away this weekend had a Taylorville connection.  Mickey Rooney, who died Sunday at the age of 93, came to Central Illinois for his performance of “Let's put on a Show”, a one man stage show the entertainer toured the country with.  Rooney, who was one of the country's biggest stars for decades, appeared at the old Nashville North venue.  He stayed at the Market Street Inn while in Taylorville.  The appearance was sponsored by the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. Rooney, who was born Joseph Yule, Jr., died Sunday at the age of 93.

Many Low-Fat Dairy products Available

While many people think about spring cleaning this time of year, Nutrition Educator for the St. Louis Dairy Council Joyce Fikri says maybe its time to spring clean your diet.  Fikri says there are a variety of ways to cut your fat intake while still receiving the nutrition of dairy products:

[audio:fikrilofat04014.mp3]comment here[/audio] 

Check the Dairy Council's website at stldairycouncil.org.

Lakeshore Golf Course Offers Banquet Facility

If you are looking to rent a banquet facility, there may be a place that hasn’t crossed your mind. Jason Boldig, General Manager at Lakeshore Golf Course, tells Regional Radio News about their banquet facility:

[audio:boldigbanquet040814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

For more information, call Lakeshore at 824-5521

Business of the Week: Pioneer Homes

The WTIM Business of the Week last week was Pioneer Homes.  Proprietor Curtis Ryen tells Regional Radio listeners how the business came about:

[audio:ryanbusofweek040414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Pioneer Homes offers insulation, installs air conditioning and heating systems, and have special materials for pole barn structures for farms, business and residential.  Pioneer Homes is at 430 S. Spresser St. in Taylorville.  Call 820-0481.

Blackhawks Double Up Blues

 Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) - Patrick  Sharp scored the go-ahead goal in 
the  final minute of  the second period and Marcus Kruger found the net in the 
first minute of the third to lift the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-2 victory over 
the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. 

Jeremy  Morin also scored and added an assist for the Blackhawks, who have won 
three  straight after  a  three-game  skid and  pulled  within  two points  of 
Colorado  for  second place  in the  Central Division.  The Avalanche earned a 
point with a shootout loss to Pittsburgh later Sunday. 

"Very  workmanlike three games  in a row and we got rewarded each night," said 
Chicago  head coach  Joel Quenneville. "It was  a good week for us and I liked 
our response to a real tough week prior." 

Corey  Crawford stopped  21 shots in the  victory and Ben Smith scored into an 
empty net in the final seconds. 

Brian  Elliott made 31 saves for St. Louis, which was coming off a 4-0 loss to 
Colorado  on  Saturday but  still sits  on top in  the Western Conference. The 
Blues,  however, remained  two points  behind idle  Boston in  the Presidents' 
Trophy race. 

Jaden  Schwartz and  Vladimir Sobotka scored for the Blues, who will close the 
season with four games in six days, starting Tuesday against Washington. 

"We're a  little bit tired,"  said Blues coach  Ken Hitchcock.  "We still have 
four more games to play.  We have a lot of hockey to play yet and have to find 
a way to re-energize ourselves and get back to work." 

The  game  appeared to  be headed  toward the third  period in  a 1-1 tie, but 
Andrew  Shaw slipped the puck to Morin for a 2-on-1 in the final minute. Morin 
sent  a pass to  Sharp in the left circle and he blistered a shot past Elliott 
for his 33rd goal with 26.2 seconds left to put Chicago in front. 

"Those  are  obviously momentum  swings that  can take a  game in the opposite 
direction,"  said Elliott  about  the  late second-period  goal.  "We had  the 
opportunity to come back, but weren't able to do it." 

The Blackhawks  added to  their lead  just 56 seconds  into the third. Joakim 
Nordstrom  fired a shot from the right circle that caromed off the right post, 
hit  the back  of Elliott and tapped the  left post. Kruger was on the spot in 
the crease to quickly swipe the puck into the net for his eighth goal. 

Sobotka  beat Crawford with  a shot from the left circle for his ninth goal of 
the  season  with 2:02 remaining  to pull St. Louis  within one, but the Blues 
were unable to net the equalizer with an extra attacker. 

Alex  Pietrangelo's  stick broke  as he  was attempting a  shot from the right 
point  in the closing  seconds and the flub led to an empty-net goal for Smith 
with 3.3 seconds left to seal it. 

Schwartz  gave the Blues  the early lead just 1:57 into the contest on a power 
play  when his  second shot from the  left circle made its way through traffic 
for his 24th goal. 

Morin  tied  it for  Chicago at  8:34 of the  second when  he flipped home the 
rebound of a Bryan Bickell shot from the left circle. 

                                   Game Notes 

Smith notched his 13th goal of the season and has now scored in three straight 
games  ...  The Blues were  1-for-4 on  the power play  and killed off each of 
Chicago's four chances with the extra skater ... Chicago finished 2-1-2 in the 
season series.  

Sale stifles Royals as White Sox avoid sweep

Kansas  City,  MO (SportsNetwork.com)  -  Chris  Sale tossed  eight  scoreless 
innings  as the Chicago White Sox downed the Kansas City Royals, 5-1, to avoid 
a three-game sweep at Kauffman Stadium. 

Sale  (2-0) scattered  four hits and a  walk while striking out six to pick up 
the win. 

"He  knows we've lost  three in a row and he's going up against Shields and he 
wanted to go out and shut them down," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. 

Alexei  Ramirez and Tyler Flowers had two RBI apiece and Conor Gillaspie added 
two doubles and a run scored for the White Sox, who visit the Colorado Rockies 
on Monday to kick off a three-game set at Coors Field. 

James  Shields  (0-1) was the  hard-luck loser, allowing  just one run on five 
hits while striking out six over seven innings. 

"He  had  everything working, his  fastball at 94-95,  a great cutter, a great 
change, a great curveball," Royals manager Ned Yost said of Shields. 

Alex Gordon had an RBI single and Lorenzo Cain went 2-for-3 in the setback for 
the Kansas City. 

After  six scoreless frames, the White Sox pushed a run across in the seventh 
inning.  Gillaspie doubled to right, moved to third on Avisail Garcia's ground 
out  then scored on Ramirez's single. Ramirez ripped a grounder up the middle, 
but  Alcides Escobar was able to get a glove on in at the last second. Escobar 
couldn't come up with the scorcher and Gillaspie score with ease. 

Chicago  added some insurance in the ninth inning. Adam Dunn singled and Dayan 
Viciedo  walked to  put two on. Leury  Garcia, who replaced Dunn on the bases, 
stole  third. Salvador  Perez's throw on the play skipped into right and Leury 
Garcia scored. 

Garcia  then worked a  walk and Ramirez clubbed an RBI double to left. Flowers 
followed with a two-run single to give Chicago a 5-0 lead. 

Gordon's RBI single in the home half accounted for the final margin. 

                                   Game Notes 

Leury  Garcia has two  stolen bases this season ... The White Sox were 3-for-8 
with  RISP ... Kansas City opens a three-game set at home against Tampa Bay on 
Monday. 

Cubs blast Phillies to avert sweep

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) - Ryan Kalish  led the way with three RBI as 
the  Chicago Cubs  cruised  to  an 8-3  win  over  the Philadelphia  Phillies, 
avoiding a sweep of the three-game set. 

Kalish  went 2-for-3 with  a triple and a double and Anthony Rizzo was 2-for-3 
with  one RBI for  the Cubs, who host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday in the 
opener of a three-game series. 

"Today,  we happened  to have some balls  find holes, and we took advantage of 
it." Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. 

Carlos Villanueva (1-2) surrendered one run on six hits through five frames of 
work, fanning three and not allowing a walk. 

Jimmy  Rollins went 2-for-5 with an RBI and Chase Utley had the Phillies' lone 
extra-base  hit while  picking up an RBI.  Ben Revere scored a pair of runs in 
the loss. 

A.J.  Burnett (0-1) was knocked around for eight runs -- four earned -- over 5 
2/3 innings, issuing six walks and striking out three. 

"I  was  pitching behind. I  missed first pitches.  The key today was throwing 
strikes. That was embarrassing," Burnett said. 

After  scoring three runs  or less in each of their first five games, the Cub
bested  that total in the first inning with four. Kalish tripled off the right 
field  wall  to plate  Emilio Bonifacio, who  led off with  a walk. Rizzo then 
walked before Nate Schierholtz hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Kalish and move 
Rizzo to second. 

Luis  Valbuena followed with a four-pitch walk before Starlin Castro clubbed a 
double to left center, which scored Rizzo. Then, Ryan Sweeney picked up an RBI 
with a sacrifice fly to center, bringing in Valbuena. 

Philadelphia  got on  the board  in the  fifth with  the help  of back-to-back 
singles  by  Revere and Rollins. Revere  stole second with Rollins at the dish 
and  moved to third on Rollins' single. Rollins then stole second before Utley 
plated Revere on a fielder's choice up the middle. 

Phillies  manager Ryne  Sandberg used his first challenge of the season on the 
play  at first.  Sandberg disputed that Utley  beat the throw but the call was 
upheld and Utley remained out. 

Sweeney  kept  the Cubs rolling  in the  sixth when he  ripped a line drive to 
center.  Revere couldn't reel it in and allowed Sweeney to advance to third on 
the  error. John  Baker was then hit  by a pitch before Bonifacio singled home 
Sweeney.  Kalish then  drove home Baker and Bonifacio before Rizzo knocked him 
in to round out the scoring for Chicago. 

In  the  ninth, Cody  Asche, Tony  Gwynn Jr. and  Revere picked up consecutive 
walks,  which Rollins followed with a dribbler back to the mound. Asche scored 
on the play and Revere scored the Phillies' final run on a wild pitch by Pedro 
Strop. 

                                   Game Notes 

Cubs  reliever  Hector Rondon  has  a  13-inning  scoreless streak  dating  to 
Sept.  3 last season (12 appearances). He threw two scoreless frames, striking 
out  two ...  The Phillies home opener on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers 
has been postponed to Tuesday, which was a built in off day in case of weather 
...  Chicago  went 4-for-7  with  runners  in  scoring position,  compared  to 
Philadelphia going 1-for-15 with RISP. 

Cardinals Drop Rubber Match To Bucs

Coverage of today's Cards and Reds game can be heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR beginning at 2:00pm.

Pittsburgh,  PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Tony Sanchez's RBI double in the seventh 
inning  proved  to be the  difference as the  Pittsburgh Pirates edged the St. 
Louis Cardinals, 2-1, in the rubber match of a three-game set at PNC Park. 

With  the score  knotted at  1-1, Pedro  Alvarez worked  a leadoff  walk. Adam 
Wainwright  fanned the  next two  batters, but  Sanchez hammered  a double  to 
right-center to score Alvarez all the way from first. 

"I had to almost trick myself into thinking I was ready for this, when really 
I'm not," said Sanchez. "My heads spinning a million miles a minute and an ace 
like Adam Wainwright on the mound and I'm supposed to drive in Pedro (Alvarez) 
from first with two outs in the (seventh)? Yeah, you trick yourself, fake it 
until you make it." 

Mark  Melancon worked a perfect eighth and Jason Grilli spun a scoreless ninth 
to earn his first save of the season. 

Neil Walker also had an RBI double for the Pirates, who start a nine-game road 
trip on Tuesday against the Cubs. 

Edinson  Volquez allowed just one run on three hits and one walk while fanning 
four  over  5 2/3 innings.  Tony Watson (1-0) worked  1 1/3 perfect innings in 
relief to earn the win. 

Jon  Jay stroked  an RBI  triple for  the Cardinals,  who fell  to 3-3  on the 
season. 

Wainwright  (1-1) allowed both runs on five hits while striking out seven over 
seven innings to absorb the loss. 

"When you're playing tough teams, rivalry teams like we did today, especially 
here in Pittsburgh, they're going to be really tough. It comes down to a 
couple of plays that turn the game," Wainwright said. 

Pittsburgh  broke  through in  the fourth  when Walker laced  an RBI double to 
right  field.  Andrew McCutchen reached on  a one-out double to right and came 
around to score easily when Walker smacked a double that bounced off the wall. 

The Cardinals  were unable to  get a baserunner  past first through the first 
five innings, but finally got on the board in the sixth on Jay's run-producing 
triple. 

                                   Game Notes 

Starling  Marte, who  reached on a bunt  single in the sixth, has reached base 
safely  in all 18  of his games against the Cardinals, hitting safely in 17 of 
the  18 tilts ...  Volquez hasn't lost to the Cardinals since May 22, 2012 ... 
The  Pirates are  3-0 when  leading after  seven innings  this season  ... The 
Cardinals recorded just 17 hits in the three-game set. 

CRIME OF THE WEEK FOR APRIL 7, 2014

This week Crimestoppers is seeking information in regards to a theft that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime during the afternoon hours of Tuesday,  April 1, 2014, an unknown subject stolen an I-PHONE 5 from the Big R Store, located on Route 104 in Taylorville.  The phone had been left inside a restroom in the store by the victim.  When the victim returned to retrieve  the phone, it was gone.   The phone was not turned into the store.  The phone is described as blue with a yellow case.    The total value of the phone is unknown at this time.

Please contact Crimestoppers if you any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you do not have to give your name.  Crimestoppers will pay double the normal reward for information that leads to an arrest for the crime of the week. 

 You can contact Crimestoppers at 824-9100, at our website Christiancountycrimestoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES  (274632) and then your tip.  As always, you will remain anonymous. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-7-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Bryan C. Bock, 49, of 421 West Dunbar Apt 5, Blue Mound, was arrested April 5 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

William C. Duff, 54, of 319 Kennedy Street, Pana, was arrested April 4 for domestic battery and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Candice L. Smith, 22, of 200 Carol Street #14, Pawnee, was arrested April 5 on a bond forfeiture for traffic control device violation 

John R. Castiaux, 44, of 131 1/2 South Livingston, Springfield, was arrested April 6 on a warrant for failure to appear/answer.

Deric D. Brown, 27, of 48 Fairview Court, Taylorville, was arrested April 6 on a bond forfeiture for the issuance of a warrant.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

On April 4 at 12:39pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer observed an employee from Walgreens following a male in a limited mobility scooter. The officer knew the male to be Roger C. Hammond, 52, of Taylorville. The officer spoke to the manager who told the officer that Hammond had failed to pay for items and left the store. Hammond was arrested, processed and released.

On April 4, a Taylorville Police Department officer was advised of a dog attacking another dog at 903 West Vine Street. Following the investigation, a dog running at large city ordinance citation was issued to Annette Fank, 55, of Taylorville.

On April 5 at 12:26pm, while on patrol Taylorville Police Department officers noticed Jessica N. Tyson-Ragan, 23, of Taylorville driving a gold Toyota. Officers knew Tyson-Ragan to have a suspended driver's license. Officers made contact with Tyson-Ragan at 1212 West Pauline Street as she exited the vehicle. Officers arrested Tyson-Ragan for driving while license suspended. Tyson-Ragan was transported to Taylorville Police Department, processed, and released with a notice to appear.

On April 6, a Taylorville Police Department officer was on patrol in the area of Houston Street and Vandeveer Street. The officer observed Tasha Tirpak and Deric Brown, 27, of Taylorville get into a vehicle. The officer had dispatch run both subjects through the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System. It was found that Brown had a valid warrant out of Sangamon County. The officer stopped the vehicle at Market and Shumway. Following the investigation, Brown was arrested for possession of cannabis and a warrant. Brown was transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond.

CRASHES:

On April 2nd, Tamara M. Crist, 55, of Taylorville was traveling north on Route 29, about 1 mile north of Lake Drive. A group of deer ran across the roadway. Crist was not able to avoid a collision and struck one of the deer causing damage. Crist was able to leave the scene. The deer took off from the area and was not located. No injuries were reported.

Fire Department Calls 4-7-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPROTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 4
1 EMS, 1 Power Lines, 1 Public Assist

April 5
5 EMS, 1 Public Assist, 1 Automatic Alarm

April 6
1 Gas Odor, 1 EMS

Taylorville City Council Discusses Water Rate Increase; Ahlstrom Problem

The Taylorville City Council met Monday night and discussed the water rate increase that will happen in the near future. Mayor Greg Brotherton says it is something they have to do:

[audio:mayorwaterincrease040814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again the water rate increase will go towards funding the new water plant.

 

The Taylorville City Council addressed the noise problem at Ahlstrom’s during their Monday night meeting. Mayor Greg Brotherton told the Council about the latest he had heard from Ahlstrom:

[audio:mayorahlstrom040814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Alderman Larry Budd then elaborated on the topic:

[audio:buddahlstrom040814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Alderman Rob Heberling suggested that they do a sound study on the noise issue and possibly start a discussion about annexation.

 

The Taylorville City Council was presented with a motion to take control of the property located at 803 East Franklin and go forward with the demolishing of the building. Alderman Earl Walters further explains the situation:

[audio:waltersdemolish040814.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Council approved the motion unanimously.

 

The Taylorville City Council approved a resolution to utilize Motor Fuel Transport funds for Cherokee Street/Pawnee Street project. Alderman Earl Walters says they will begin the project as soon as possible so it will be finished by the start of the next school year. The Council approved the motion to annex the Shanks Property located at 1430 West Sunset Drive. The Council also approved the motion to have all four Memorial Cannon Bases replaced. The Council was informed that Rick Champley and his wife, Lisa, have volunteered to donate the supplies and his labor to sandblast and paint the Memorial Block Cannons.

The meeting adjourned at 7:57pm.

Dill: Better Representative Especially for Private Sector

While most of the focus is on Republican Rodney Davis and Democrat Ann Callis in the race for the 13th Congressional Seat in Illinois, there is still a third party out there that could appear on the November ballot. Josh Dill is running under his own Lincoln Liberty Party and explains why he would make the better representative:

[audio:dillbetterrep040514.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Dill says he has worked in the private sector since he was 15. Dill needs to get 16,000 signature by June in order to make it onto the November ballot. For more information, visit his website lincolnliberty.org.  

Lake Land College to Host Nationally Acclaimed Summer Enrichment Program

Camp Invention, a national educational program recognized for fostering innovative thinking, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention, is coming to Lake Land College the week of July 28 - 31.

The weeklong day camp experience for students entering grades 1-6 encourages inventive young minds through hands-on problem solving using science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a fun and creative atmosphere.

Camp Invention’s new curriculum for 2014 called “Morphed!” immerses students in hands-on activities, such as building original prototypes, creating a personalized motor-powered vehicle and disassembling electronics to build an insect-themed pinball machine.

Camp Invention was founded by Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Programming is developed through partnerships with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and inspired by Inductees of the Hall of Fame and finalists of the Collegiate Inventors Competition.

For additional information or to register, visit www.campinvention.org, or call camp director Leslie Partlow at 217-234-5467. 

Blackhawks stun Blue Jackets with late strike

Columbus,  OH  (SportsNetwork.com) - The  Blue Jackets, battling for a playoff 
spot,  came  within seconds  of  securing  a  valuable  point and  possibly  a 
second. 

Ben  Smith scored  with 3.9 seconds remaining in the third period, lifting the 
Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-3 win over Columbus at Nationwide Arena. 

A point shot by Duncan Keith went off Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky's glove 
and  triggered a  goal-mouth scramble, with Smith pushing the rebound into the 
open net. 

"Somehow that puck found its way in," Smith said. 

Keith had three assists and Antti Raanta made 24 saves for the Blackhawks, who 
moved to within a point of second-place Colorado in the Central Division. 

Bobrovsky  had  34 saves for Columbus,  which still holds the second wild-card 
spot in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets, who have lost 13 in a row to 
the Blackhawks, are one point ahead of ninth-place Toronto and three points up 
on 10th-place New Jersey. 

"It  doesn't matter it  was a Western Conference team. I don't look at it that 
way.  I just  look at it as  a chance to get  points and we weren't able to do 
that," said Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards. 

Derek MacKenzie gave Columbus a 1-0 lead when he skated hard down the slot and 
scored on a rebound 1:32 into the contest. 

The Blackhawks tied the game on Jeremy Morin's goal with 2:50 remaining in the 
first  period,  but Ryan  Johansen put  the Blue Jackets  back on top, beating 
Raanta high glove at the 36-second mark of the second period. 

Chicago  went up 3-2  later in the middle stanza on goals by Patrick Sharp and 
Marian  Hossa. Sharp ripped  a slap shot from the top of the right circle past 
Bobrovsky for a power-play goal at 4:14. Hossa scored on a rush, handling Kris 
Versteeg's pass and moving to the middle before beating Bobrovsky blocker side 
at 10:42. 

The  Blue Jackets  countered 2:05 later on  a power play as Artem Anisimov put 
the puck in off Chicago defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson at 12:47. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Blackhawks  last lost  to the Blue  Jackets on Feb.  18, 2011 ... Chicago 
has also won nine straight at Columbus since an 8-3 setback March 25, 2010. 

Bulls send Bucks to franchise record-tying loss

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Kirk  Hinrich and  Jimmy Butler  scored 17 
points apiece to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 102-90 victory over the Milwaukee 
Bucks on Friday. 

Carlos  Boozer and  D.J. Augustin tallied 14 points apiece, with Boozer adding 
11 rebounds for the Bulls, who have won four straight. Joakim Noah contributed 
11  points and  13 boards, while Taj  Gibson and Mike Dunleavy added 13 and 12 
points, respectively. 

Brandon  Knight  had a  game-high 22  points and Jeff  Adrien posted a career- 
high  21  points  and had  nine  rebounds  for  the  Bucks, who  have  tied  a 
franchise  record with  62  losses  on the  season.  Ramon  Sessions and  Zaza 
Pachulia  scored 14  and 13  points, respectively,  with Pachulia  adding nine 
rebounds in defeat. 

The Bulls led  27-15 at  the end  of  the first  quarter on  the strength  of 
shooting  50 percent  (12-for-24)  from the  floor, while  the  Bucks made  40 
percent (6-for-15) of their field goals in the period. 

Chicago expanded its lead to 37-21 with a 10-2 run two minutes into the second 
frame.  The Bucks  had no answer and  trailed by 19, 48-29, with 3 1/2 minutes 
left in the first half. 

Milwaukee  trailed 51-35  to  start  the third  period.  After trading  scores 
through  the first 4  1/2 minutes of the second half, the Bucks used a 9-4 run 
to  pull  within 10  points. Chicago,  however, stretched  the margin to 82-62 
heading into the fourth. 

"We  started to move the basketball. We started looking for the cutters," said 
Bucks head coach Larry Drew. 

The  Bucks, though, did not go away. With 9:19 left they scored 11 straight to 
pull  within eight,  the closest they had  been since a minute into the second 
quarter. The teams went back-and-forth over the next three-plus minutes before 
a 7-2 surge put Chicago back up by 13 with just over two minutes to play. 

"They played harder than us for a stretch. But when we needed to score, we got 
it done," said Gibson. 

Milwaukee scored the next four to pull within single-digits with 1 1/2 minutes 
left,  but Butler and  Noah each knocked down a pair from the line to help the 
Bulls seal the deal. 

                                   Game Notes 

The  Bucks now trail the all-time series 106-122 against Chicago ... Milwaukee 
has  lost 12 straight on  the road and is now 1-22 on the road in 2014 ... The 
Bucks  tied the 1993-94  club with a franchise worst 62 losses in a season ... 
Chicago  had 12 turnovers,  compared to 20 by the Bucks ... The Bulls went 33- 
for-42 from the foul line, while Milwaukee shot 26-for-35 from the stripe. 

Royals edge White Sox

Kansas  City,  MO (SportsNetwork.com)  - Alex  Gordon drove  in three runs and 
Lorenzo  Cain had two  hits and a pair of RBI as the Kansas City Royals downed 
the Chicago White Sox, 7-5, in the first tilt of a three-game set. 

Omar  Infante went  3-for-5 with an RBI  and Norichika Aoki had three hits and 
scored a run for the Royals. 

Jeremy Guthrie (1-0) allowed four runs on seven hits and four walks over 5 2/3 
innings  to earn the  win and Greg Holland worked a perfect ninth to notch his 
first save of the season. 

"It was a good offensive day for us. It was a tough day for pitchers today 
with the cold and the wind blowing. It was very difficult to grip the ball and 
get a good feel on the ball," said Royals manager Ned Yost. 

Adam  Eaton  had two  hits and two  RBI while Conor  Gillaspie, Jose Abreu and 
Avisail  Garcia finished  with one  RBI  apiece for  the White Sox, who  have 
dropped two straight after winning their first two games of the season. 

Erik Johnson (0-1) was tagged for all seven runs on 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings 
to absorb the loss. 

"I just have to compete better for my team. They put five runs on the board 
after I got them in a hole. You have to give credit to the offense for never 
giving up and fighting back," said Johnson. 

Abreu's  sacrifice fly  scored  Eaton in  the first  inning,  but Kansas  City 
countered  with three  runs in the home  half to take the lead. With the bases 
loaded and one out, Gordon laced a double to right-center to plate three. 

The  Royals added another  run in the second. Cain singled, moved to second on 
an Alcides Escobar groundout, then scored on Infante's single to center. 

Chicago  made it  4-2 in the fifth  inning. With the bases loaded and one out, 
Gillaspie  lifted  a sacrifice fly  to right  field that scored Tyler Flowers. 
Abreu flew out in the next at bat to end the threat. 

Kansas  City  broke the game open  with three runs  in the home half. With the 
bases  loaded and  one out, Johnson threw  a wild pitch that allowed Butler to 
score. Cain followed with a two-run single to center to make it 7-2. 

The White Sox made  a late  push, scoring  two in  the sixth  and one in the 
seventh, but were unable to get any closer as Wade Davis and Holland shut them 
down in the eighth and ninth. 

In  the sixth,  Eaton smacked a two-run  single to left to score Adam Dunn and 
Alexei  Ramirez. Gillaspie  scored on  Garcia's  groundout in  the seventh  to 
account for the final margin. 

                                   Game Notes 

Game time: 3:37 ... KC finished 4-for-16 with RISP and the White Sox were just 
2-for-11  with RISP ... Cain, Salvador Perez and Jarrod Dyson each stole a bag 
for  the Royals  ... Chicago will send  John Danks to the mound on Saturday to 
battle Kansas City's Bruce Chen. 

Phillies, under Sandberg, beat Cubs at Wrigley

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Ryne Sandberg fittingly managed his team to 
a win on the 100th anniversary of famed Wrigley Field Friday afternoon. 

Unfortunately  for  Chicago Cubs fans,  Sandberg was managing the Phillies and 
not the team that made him a household name as a Hall-of-Fame second baseman. 

Chase Utley homered and drove in three runs and Philadelphia spoiled the Cubs' 
home opener with a 7-2 win on a crisp, overcast day in the Windy City. 

John  Mayberry clubbed a pinch-hit, two-run homer in the eighth inning to give 
the Phillies some breathing room, something they sorely needed having suffered 
consecutive walk-off losses to the Rangers in their opening series. 

Offseason  acquisition Roberto  Hernandez (1-0) yielded two runs on three hits 
and a walk over 5 1/3 effective innings to pick up his first NL victory. 

Travis Wood (0-1), Chicago's lone All-Star last year, was tagged for four runs 
--  three earned  -- on six hits over  6 1/3 innings as the Cubs dropped their 
fourth straight home opener. 

Wrigley Field was without its signature green ivy along the outfield wall, but 
the nostalgia was nonetheless present for a park that opened in 1914 and began 
serving as the Cubs' home two years later. 

Chicago  started the  season on the road in Pittsburgh and salvaged the three- 
game series with a 3-2 win on Thursday. 

Welington  Castillo staked the  club to an early lead Friday when he crushed a 
solo  homer  into the left-field bleachers  in the second, and Darwin Barney's 
heads-up baserunning led to another run in the third. 

After  singling and getting sacrificed to second, Barney never stopped running 
when  Starlin Castro bounced one into the hole on the right side. Utley ranged 
to  his  left and made a  diving stop, but  the ball squirted away and Utley's 
throw home was not in time to get a hustling Barney. 

The  Phillies countered  with seven unanswered runs, first taking advantage of 
shoddy  fielding in the fourth as Marlon Byrd reached on Luis Valbuena's error 
and  scored when  Domonic Brown's  two-hopper bounced  over Castro's  glove at 
short. 

"We  were just  trying to put some  good at-bats together. We got some guys on 
base,"  Utley said.  "I felt like we got  a lot of guys on base throughout the 
course of the game. We were able to capitalize on a few of those." 

Utley  hit what  turned into the deciding  homer in the fifth, as his towering 
shot  carried into  the  seats in  right-center  for his  first  home run  and 
scored Carlos Ruiz -- who singled in the previous at-bat -- ahead of him. 

In  the seventh, Ben  Revere scored from second when Utley singled in front of 
Ryan  Sweeney in right, and Mayberry took Wesley Wright deep to left an inning 
later with a line drive into the left-field bleachers. 

Brown's double over Junior Lake's head in left field plated a slow-moving Ryan 
Howard all the way from first in the ninth to account for the final margin. 

Jake  Diekman, Justin  De Fratus,  Antonio Bastardo,  Mario Hollands  and Jeff 
Manship kept the Cubs hitless over the final 3 2/3 innings. 

"We've  been  having good  at-bats. I  think guys  are seeing pitches," Barney 
said.  "We're getting to the starter a little bit, getting his pitch count up, 
but we're not keying in on certain situations." 

                                   Game Notes 

Revere  and  Brown each recorded  three of the Phillies'  11 hits ... The Cub
only  had one  runner in scoring position past the third ... Emilio Bonifacio, 
who went 11-for-16 against the Pirates, went 0-for-3 with a walk ... Sandberg, 
along  with  fellow Cubs Hall-of-Famers  Fergie Jenkins, Ernie Banks and Billy 
Williams, joined together in throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. 

Alvarez hits two homers as Pirates pound Cards

Game 2 between Cards and Pirates can be heard today on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR beginning at 5:30pm.

Pittsburgh,  PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pedro Alvarez stroked two solo home runs 
and  finished with three  RBI to help the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 12-2 rout of 
the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday to open a three-game series. 

It  was the first time the teams played since Adam Wainwright outdueled Gerrit 
Cole, 6-1, in Game 5 of the 2013 NLDS. 

Cole (1-0), who toed the rubber for Pittsburgh on Friday, worked seven innings 
and allowed two runs on six hits with three strikeouts to earn the win. 

The start was Cole's first in the regular season against the reigning National 
League champions. He defeated the Cards in Game 2 of the NLDS with six innings 
of one-run ball before dropping the pivotal fifth game. 

Travis Ishikawa also hit a solo shot for the Pirates, who opened the season by 
taking 2-of-3 from the Chicago Cubs. 

Andrew  McCutchen and  Russell Martin each collected two hits and knocked in a 
pair  of  runs, while Starling Marte  had three hits  with a run scored in the 
win. 

Matt  Carpenter accounted for the only runs in the setback, crushing a two-run 
homer to right field in the fifth inning. 

Shelby  Miller (0-1) was  on the bump for St. Louis, surrendering five runs on 
six hits with three walks and two strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. St. Louis has 
lost two of its last three games. 

Alvarez  led  off the bottom  of the second  with an opposite-field blast that 
opened the scoring. 

Cole  worked his way  out of a bases-loaded jam in the top half of the fourth. 
After  retiring nine straight batters, Kolten Wong singled to left before Matt 
Holliday laced a single to center. 

Allen  Craig and  Yadier Molina were then  set down in order after each hitter 
flew  out, then  Matt Adams walked to load the bases. Jhonny Peralta proceeded 
to fly out to right and Cole escaped the inning unscathed. 

Alvarez  started  the home  half of  the fourth  much like  he did the second, 
hitting a towering drive to right-center that pushed the hosts' lead to 2-0. 

Two batters later, Ishikawa blasted one over the right-field fence to give the 
Pirates a three-run edge. 

Following  a  single from  Miller, Carpenter  belted a homer  over the wall in 
right to cut the deficit to 3-2. 

Pittsburgh  broke the  game open in the late innings as Martin singled Alvarez 
home and then scored on a throwing error by Molina. 

Pinch-hitter  Gaby  Sanchez then  drove Neil  Walker in with  a single and the 
Pirates took a 6-2 lead into the seventh. 

Martin  added on in  the bottom of the seventh with a bases-loaded single that 
plated Travis Snider. 

McCutchen  highlighted  a five-run eighth  with a  two-run triple to right and 
Justin Wilson finished the Cardinals with a scoreless ninth. 

                                   Game Notes 

Entering  the  game, Miller  was 0-4 with  a 5.32 ERA  against the Pirates ... 
Marte  tripled with  two outs in the  third but was stranded after a McCutchen 
lineout  ... Pittsburgh  was 6-for-11 with runners in scoring position ... The 
Bucs  pounded out 16 hits to just six for St. Louis ... The Cardinals send Joe 
Kelly to the mound on Saturday and he will oppose Francisco Liriano, who makes 
his second start of the season. 

Nearly 200 Participate in March of Dimes 5K Color Run at Manners Park

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Nearly 200 runners turned out Saturday for the first-ever March of Dimes March for Babies Team Princess Alexis 5-K Color Run at Manners Park in Taylorville.

The event was one of 3 fund raisers held by Team Princess Alexis, headed by Sheri Miller of the Miller Media Group.

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Runners and walkers in the 5-K Color Run were treated to corn starch colors being thrown at them at various locations thru-out the course.

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And the event culminated with a color festival, where packets of various colors of corn starch were thown into the air for a spectacular view of practically every color of the rainbow.

The final fund raising event for Team Princess Alexis will be next Saturday, April 12th, when Sheri and her family will hold their annual drive-thru donation day at the Miller Media Group studios at 918 East Park in Taylorville, from 9am to 2pm. Listeners can stop by during the event, and for a donation of any amount, be given a March of Dimes t-shirt or bag.

All donations raised by Sheri’s team, will be given to the March of Dimes, at their annual March for Babies event April 26th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

This is the 3rd consecutive year that Sheri and her team have raised money for the March of Dimes, in memory of her daughter Alexis who died 40 minutes after being born on April 2nd, 2011, from a birth defect.

Donations for the March of Dimes are also being accepted on-line at teamprincessalexis.com.

Summer Jobs in Shelbyville

Summer will be here soon, and many students will be looking for jobs.  Tad Mayhall with the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce says the Army Corps of Engineers will be hiring:

[audio:tadsummerjobs040414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, call the Army Corps of Engineers at 774-3951 if you're interested.

Fire Chief Crews at next Lunch and Learn

The speaker for the next Lunch and Learn event will be Taylorville Fire Chief Mike Crews, who is also the Emergency Management Director.  Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hornbuckle says the Chief will discuss storm preparedness:

[audio:pattylunchnlearn040414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Again, this month's Lunch and Learn will take place April 17th.  Contact the Chamber for more information at 824-4919.

Henry: Tax Deadline Looms

April 15th is less than 2 weeks away now, so getting your taxes done is becoming a little more urgent.  Laurie Henry of H and R Block says it's important when dealing with the IRS that you dot all your I's and cross all your T's.  Henry says she sees a lot of commonly made mistakes on people's tax forms:

[audio:henryhandr040414.mp3]comment here[/audio]

H and R block will take a "second look" at your tax forms to make sure you have them properly filled out.  There is no charge for the service unless your form is amended.  H and R Block has locations in Taylorville, Pana, Shelbyville and Nokomis.

Miller rests as Blues edge Sabres

St.  Louis,  MO (SportsNetwork.com)  -  Brian  Elliott  came through  with  an 
outstanding  fill-in job for Ryan Miller, a 24-save effort that lifted the St. 
Louis Blues to a 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. 

Maxim Lapierre and Brenden Morrow each tallied goals, with the latter's coming 
with 1:52 left to play to help the Western Conference-leading Blues improve to 
13-3-1 since they acquired Miller, Buffalo's all-time leader in wins and games 
played by a goaltender, on Feb. 28. 

The  longtime  Sabre was  rested in  his first encounter  with his former club 
since the trade, with Elliott taking a shutout bid that was finally spoiled by 
Cody Hodgson with under a minute remaining. 

"I've  been around Brian (Elliott) for three years, this is the best I've ever 
seen  him play,"  St.  Louis  head coach  Ken  Hitchcock  said. "He's  playing 
terrific." 

With the result, St. Louis set a new franchise record with its 52nd win of the 
season. 

Nathan Lieuwen recorded 26 saves for Buffalo in a losing cause. 

"We  can  definitely look  at the mistakes  and see where  we can get better," 
Lieuwen  said.  "I definitely think we  could have taken this game in overtime 
and given them a run for their money." 

Lieuwen,  fresh  off earning his first  NHL win in Tuesday's shootout decision 
over  New Jersey, matched Elliott for much of the way, with the lone goal over 
the  first 58  minutes of  action  supplied by  Lapierre early  in the  second 
period. 

Camped  out  in the slot,  the Blues' center  fired a behind-the-net feed from 
Ryan Reaves 1:59 into the middle session for a 1-0 edge. 

The score remained that way until the game's final stages, when Morrow came up 
with  a  crucial late goal  by crashing  the net to  poke in the rebound after 
Lieuwen stopped Vladimir Sobotka in close. 

Buffalo responded swiftly, with Hodgson one-timing a cross-ice pass from Tyler 
Ennis past Elliott while stationed in the left circle with 55.1 seconds to go. 
The  Sabres got  off one more shot  in the final seconds, which Elliott turned 
aside. 

                                   Game Notes 

The Blues had  51 wins  in  1999-2000, the  only  season they  took home  the 
President's  Trophy ... Buffalo defenseman Jake McCabe made his NHL debut just 
one day after the 20-year-old Wisconsin product signed an entry-level contract 
with  the team. He became the 44th player to suit up for the club this season, 
a franchise record ... The Blues also played without leading scorer Alex Steen 
(upper body) and defenseman Barret Jackman (lower body), with blueliner Jordan 
Leopold  getting into  the lineup for the  first time since Feb. 8 ... Elliott 
improved  to 9-0-2  all-time  against  the Sabres  ...  Sabres forward  Marcus 
Foligno was injured on his first shift and did not return. 

Hossa's goal in shootout helps Blackhawks edge Wild

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Marian Hossa scored the lone shootout goal 
in  the  second round, as  the Chicago Blackhawks clipped the Minnesota Wild, 
3-2, on Thursday at United Center. 

After  the first  two shooters  came up  empty, Hossa  skated in  deliberately 
before  firing  a heavy slapper from  the slot that overpowered Ilya Bryzgalov 
and slipped across the goal line to put the Blackhawks on top. 

Corey Crawford then turned aside the final two shooters with relative ease, as 
Chicago  snapped its three-game slide. The Blackhawks sit three points back of 
Colorado for second place in the Central Division. 

Ben  Smith and Bryan Bickell each scored once, while Crawford finished with 25 
saves for the Blackhawks. 

"I  thought  we played the way  we had to  be: plain and simple," Chicago head 
coach Joel Quenneville said. "We didn't give up much all game." 

Charlie  Coyle and  Erik Haula had a  goal apiece for the Wild, who salvaged a 
point to move five clear of Dallas for the first wild card spot in the Western 
Conference. 

"I  just  felt like mentally we  were tired," Minnesota's Zach Parise said. "I 
don't  know if physically we were, but mentally -- we just looked like a tired 
team." 

Bryzgalov stopped 24 shots in the setback. 

Bickell  broke a  1-1 tie  2:45 into  the final  frame, as  he buried  his own 
rebound  attempt  from the low  right side following  a nice initial save from 
Bryzgalov. 

Haula  brought the  Wild even  with 1:54  to play  when he  threw a  seemingly 
harmless  shot  on net  from the  right circle that  fooled Crawford and snuck 
under the Chicago netminder's glove to make it 2-2. 

An entertaining extra session failed to produce a winner. 

Early  on, Coyle's tip-in  from the low right side with 5:41 left in the first 
gave  Minnesota  a 1-0  lead, but Smith  stuffed home a  rebound 2:29 into the 
second to tie the game at 1-1. 

                                   Game Notes 

Minnesota  wrapped  up a four-game  roadtrip at 2-1-1  ... The Wild dropped to 
18-1-4  this season  when leading after one period ... Both teams went 0-for-1 
on the power play ... Chicago improved to 18-12-8 on the road this season. 

White Sox Fall To Twins

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - Oswaldo Arcia's RBI triple capped a ninth- 
inning  rally that lifted  the Minnesota Twins to a wild 10-9 victory over the 
Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. 

Arcia's  first  hit of the  young season  followed Trevor Plouffe's single off 
Matt  Lindstrom  (0-1) that  tied the  score at 9-9,  and enabled Minnesota to 
avoid being swept in the season-opening three-game series. 

Chris  Colabello  drove in a career-high  six runs on  a pair of doubles and a 
groundout earlier in the contest, while Plouffe finished 2-for-4 with two RBI. 
Josmil  Pinto belted a  solo homer in the top of the eighth that forged an 8-8 
tie,  right  before Marcus  Semien put  Chicago back ahead  by homering in the 
bottom of the inning. 

The White Sox  had battled back from  a 5-1 deficit after 4 1/2 innings, with 
Jose  Abreu going  2-for-4 with  four  RBI to  help fuel  the comeback.  Tyler 
Flowers  collected  a career-best  four hits  and Adam  Dunn slugged a two-run 
homer that aided Chicago's cause. 

Chicago  starter Jose  Quintana pitched well in a no-decision, permitting five 
runs  --  just two of which  were earned --  while striking out eight over six 
innings. 

Lindstrom  came on in  the ninth to protect a 9-8 lead given to him by Semien, 
who snapped an 0-for-13 skid to begin the season by launching an offering from 
eventual  winning pitcher  Caleb Thielbar  (1-0) over  the wall  in left.  The 
Chicago  closer  retired two  of the  first three hitters,  but Plouffe took a 
full-count  pitch the  other way for a base hit that plated pinch-runner Jason 
Bartlett with the tying run. 

Arcia,  also mired in an 0-for-13 rut, then stepped to the plate and crushed a 
Lindstrom slider to the wall in center as Plouffe circled the bases. 

The White Sox  brought the tying run to  third in the bottom of the ninth, as 
Dayan  Viciedo delivered  a one-out,  pinch-hit double  off Twins  closer Glen 
Perkins  and  advanced a  pass when  Arcia's relay throw  from right field got 
away. 

Perkins,  who  blew  a  save  chance by  allowing  two  ninth-inning  runs  in 
Wednesday's  7-6 loss,  did manage to escape trouble by getting Alexei Ramirez 
to  line right to shortstop Pedro Florimon and inducing a game-ending grounder 
to Paul Konerko. 

"To  be up four runs and then be down three runs and battle back and then they 
take  the lead,  that's a character win for sure right there," said Colabello. 
"A lot of great at-bats by a lot of guys today." 

Twins  starter Phil  Hughes held the White Sox to one run over the first four 
innings,  but was  hit hard in the fifth  as Chicago began to climb out of its 
5-1 hole. 

Adam Eaton began the rally with a leadoff triple and Abreu doubled him home in 
front  of  Dunn's mammoth homer  to right  that suddenly pulled Chicago within 
5-4. 

The White Sox  then scored four times against reliever Anthony Swarzak in the 
sixth to pull ahead. One-out singles by Flowers and Leury Garcia and a walk to 
Eaton  loaded the bases, and Semien worked a game-tying free pass before Abreu 
drilled  Swarzak's  curveball off  the center-field  wall for a bases-clearing 
triple that put Chicago up by an 8-5 count. 

"We did a good job rallying back," said Flowers. "The enthusiasm in the dugout 
has  been  great this  first series.  If you look  at the  series, it's a good 
series, a good way to start the season." 

Chicago's  Nate  Jones began the seventh  by walking Brian Dozier and Mauer in 
succession,  with both  coming around  to score  on a  Colabello grounder  and 
Plouffe single, respectively. 

Pinto  then led off the eighth by connecting off Ronald Belisario to create an 
8-8 deadlock that Semien erased in the bottom of the frame. 

Quintana  was let down  by his defense during a 36-pitch third inning in which 
the Twins scored three times to erase a 1-0 deficit. 

Minnesota's Eduardo Escobar avoided an out on two occasions  during the frame, 
reaching  first after  striking out on a  ball that skipped past Flowers for a 
wild  pitch  and  taking  second  when first  baseman  Abreu  was  called  for 
obstruction on Quintana's successful pickoff play. 

Quintana  then issued  a pair of walks  to fill the sacks for Colabello, whose 
sinking  liner  to right got  by a diving  Avasail Garcia for a bases-clearing 
double. 

Colabello  struck again in his next at-bat, following consecutive fifth-inning 
singles  from  Mauer and Josh  Willingham with  an opposite-field smash to the 
base  of  the right-field wall  that sent home  both runners and increased the 
lead to 5-1. 

Chicago  had taken  an early 1-0 edge  on Alejandro De Aza's third homer in as 
many games, a leadoff blast in the bottom of the second. 

                                   Game Notes 

Colabello's  six RBI  were one  more  than his  previous career  best, set  at 
Houston  on  Sept. 2 of  last season  ... Quintana led  the majors with 17 no- 
decisions  last  season ...  Prior to  the game,  the Twins activated reliever 
Brian  Duensing from the paternity list and optioned pitcher Michael Tonkin to 
Triple-A  Rochester  ... Dunn has homered  in back-to-back games for the first 
time  since June  10-11  of last  season  ... White Sox  third baseman  Conor 
Gillaspie sat out a second straight day with the flu. 

Cubs hold on to salvage finale in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh,  PA  (SportsNetwork.com) -  Emilio Bonifacio continued his blazing 
hot start with a pair of hits and two runs scored to back a strong effort from 
Jason Hammel in his Cubs debut, as Chicago salvaged the finale of a three-game 
set in Pittsburgh with a 3-2 victory over the Pirates on Thursday. 

Mike  Olt clubbed his first big league homer for the Cubs, who will open their 
home  schedule on Friday afternoon against Philadelphia. Bonifacio was 2-for-4 
with a double and finished 11-for-16 in the series. 

"I  only walked in (Wrigley Field) a couple times and last time I was in it it 
was snowing," Olt said when asked about Friday's home opener. "It will be nice 
to get over there. I'm excited for the opening day." 

Hammel  (1-0) yielded  just two hits and  one run with five strikeouts and one 
walk  in 6  2/3 innings.  He signed  a one-year  deal in  the offseason  after 
spending the past two seasons in Baltimore. 

Wandy  Rodriguez  (0-1) went the first  six innings for Pittsburgh and allowed 
three  runs  on five  hits with a  walk and five  strikeouts. The lefty hadn't 
pitched in the majors since last June 5 because of forearm pain. 

The Pirates won the first two games in walkoff fashion -- 1-0 on a 10th-inning 
homer  by Neil  Walker  on Monday  and  4-3 in  a  nearly six-hour,  16-inning 
marathon  on Wednesday.  Thursday's game started less than 12 hours after Tony 
Sanchez's game-winning hit on Wednesday. 

"The three games have been tough," said Cubs manager Rick Renteria, who earned 
his first MLB win. "Taking this one home at the end feels very gratifying." 

Sanchez  drove  in both Pittsburgh runs  in the seventh inning and the Pirates 
had chances to pull it out against the Chicago bullpen. 

The  Pirates managed only  a pair of singles through the first six innings and 
trailed  3-0,  then chased Hammel  in the  seventh. After Andrew McCutchen and 
Pedro  Alvarez were retired,  Walker drew a walk to end Hammel's day and pinch 
hitter Gaby Sanchez doubled down the left field line off James Russell. 

Justin  Grimm was  next on the hill  and Tony Sanchez grounded a single up the 
middle  to  score both  runners. Sanchez  raced to second  when the throw from 
center  field went to the backstop, but Jordy Mercer flied harmlessly to right 
field to keep it a one-run game. 

Pittsburgh  threatened again  in the eighth. Jose Tabata led off with a single 
and Grimm set down the next two batters on strikes, the first coming on a foul 
bunt  attempt  by Starling  Marte. McCutchen  drew a two-out  walk to push the 
tying  run to  second, but Brian Schlitter  retired Alvarez on a tapper up the 
first base line. 

"We didn't have a bunt on with two strikes," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said 
about Marte's bunt attempt. "He was confident he could pull it off, but I told 
him I was confident he could hit it in the gap with two strikes." 

The  Pirates then got  a leadoff single from Walker to start the ninth against 
Pedro  Strop,  but Gaby Sanchez popped  up a bunt  and Tony Sanchez hit a soft 
liner  back  to the mound  that turned into  an game-ending double play. Strop 
notched his first save. 

"All in all, we won a series and we'll move on," added Hurdle. 

Bonifacio's incredible start continued when he led off the game with a single, 
stole second with two outs and scored on a base hit by Anthony Rizzo. 

Olt  made  it 2-0 with a  leadoff homer in the  second and Bonifacio was at it 
again  in  the third.  He doubled  to right field,  took third  on a single by 
Starlin Castro and scored on a double-play grounder by Justin Ruggiano. 

                                   Game Notes 

Bonifacio  also stole four bases during the series ... The Cubs haven't opened 
with  three straight  losses since an 0-14  start in 1997 ... The Pirates last 
started  3-0 in  2007 ... Pittsburgh will  host St. Louis for three games this 
weekend,  then will visit Wrigley Field for a three-game series, starting next 
Tuesday ... Rodriguez fell to 9-8 in 25 career starts against Chicago. 

Cardinals drop Reds after lengthy delay

Coverage of today's Cards and Pirates Game 1 can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 5:30pm

Cincinnati,  OH  (SportsNetwork.com) - Jhonny  Peralta smacked a two-run homer 
and  Matt Adams  went 3-for-5 with two  runs scored as the St. Louis Cardinal
waited  out  another  long rain  delay  before  posting  a  7-6 win  over  the 
Cincinnati Reds. 

Matt  Holliday  added two hits, including  an RBI double, and Trevor Rosenthal 
shut  the Reds  down over  the final  1 1/3  innings to  enable the  defending 
National League champions to take the season-opening three-game series between 
the division rivals. 

Rosenthal's  efforts  preserved a victory  for Lance  Lynn (1-0) after the St. 
Louis starter allowed three runs while striking out seven over five innings. 

Cincinnati's  Homer Bailey  (0-1) wasn't  as  effective in  his season  debut, 
permitting  four  runs on seven hits  and walking three before exiting after 4 
1/3 innings. 

All  of the  Reds' scoring came via  the home run, with Jeff Frazier belting a 
three-run  shot as well as a solo blast and Jay Bruce cracking a two-run homer 
as  part  of a 2-for-4 day.  Joey Votto finished  with three hits and two runs 
scored in the loss. 

"I'll  [rather] take 0-for-4  and get a 'W' any day of the week," said Frazier 
afterward. 

The  start of  the game  was pushed  back three  hours and  42 minutes  by the 
weather.  Wednesday's matchup, a 1-0 Reds' walk-off win, was delayed two hours 
and 40 minutes by rain. 

"It's  tough  to stay mentally into  it, but that's what  we had to do to make 
sure we go out there and perform," Adams said. 

Bailey  was  able to  escape out of  a bases-loaded, one-out  jam in the third 
inning  to  keep an  early 3-2 lead  intact, but St.  Louis reached the right- 
hander for single runs in each of the next two frames to move in front. 

Adams  led off  the fourth  with a  double and  Jon Jay  singled him  home two 
batters later to tie the score, and Bailey issued a costly walk to Kolten Wong 
in  the fifth that turned into the go-ahead run after Holliday followed with a 
double down the left-field line. 

Back-to-back  bases-loaded singles by Allen Craig and Yadier Molina in the top 
of  the seventh  extended the Cardinals' lead to 6-3, with Holliday tacking on 
an  important insurance run later in the inning by crossing the plate on Logan 
Ondrusek's wild pitch. 

The  final run proved to be pivotal, as Frazier greeted reliever Pat Neshek in 
the  bottom of  the seventh with a  three-run homer that brought the Reds back 
within  one.  Votto and Bruce reached  on a walk and single, respectively, off 
Kevin Siegrist in front of the blast. 

Rosenthal  shut the door,  however, upon entering with a man on and two out in 
the  eighth. He fanned  Brandon Phillips to close out the inning, then set the 
Reds down in order in the ninth. 

A series that had the first two games each decided by 1-0 scores saw plenty of 
early  offense in  the rubber  match.  Votto doubled  before Bruce's  towering 
homer  well into  the right-field  seats, with  Frazier following  with a  no- 
doubter  into  the upper deck  in left  that quickly staked  the Reds to a 3-0 
lead. 

"After  the first  inning, I was able  to make some pitches when I needed to," 
Lynn said. 

The Cardinals  closed the gap  in the second courtesy  of the long ball, with 
Peralta's  screaming liner wrapping around the left-field foul pole with Adams 
on base. 

                                   Game Notes 

Siegrist  had a streak of 26 consecutive scoreless innings, the longest active 
stretch  in  the majors,  halted after being  charged with a  pair of runs ... 
Frazier's first homer was estimated to have traveled 474 feet ... Reds catcher 
Tucker  Barnhart,  who hails from the  same hometown as Lynn (Brownsburg, IN), 
went  0-for-4 in his  major league debut ... Bruce, who turned 27 on Thursday, 
is  7-for-16  with two  homers lifetime  against Lynn  ... Reds leadoff hitter 
Billy  Hamilton  went 0-for-4  and is now  hitless in 12  at-bats to begin the 
season. 

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-4-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Del L. Burkey, 19, of 820 East Oak Street, Taylorville, was arrested April 3 on a bond forfeiture for resisting a peace officer.

Joseph G. Beishir, 43, of 700 West Park Boulevard, Taylorville, was arrested April 3 for domestic battery.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

On April 3 at 10:38pm, Taylorville Police Department officers were dispatched to Casey's West on a report of a domestic battery. Following the investigation, Joseph G. Beishir, 43, of Taylorville was arrested for domestic battery.

On April 3 at 6:51pm, a Taylorville Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Long and Vine. Following the stop, Del L. Burkey, 19, of Taylorville was arrested for a Christian County failure to appear warrant.

CRASHES:

On April 2, Alecia M. Grafton, 34, of Taylorville said she saw a green arrow and thought it was a green light and went through the intersection. Rosalie Morgan, 75, of Taylorville said she saw Grafton coming and tried to stop but could not stop in time to avoid hitting Grafton. No injuries reported.

On April 2, Shawn M. Mills, 35, of Taylorville was traveling west on Spresser Street and was stopped in traffic to turn south onto Houston. A 16-year-old female from Taylorville was also traveling west and was behind Mills. The female could not stop in time and struck Mills. Mills' vehicle had to be towed from the scene. Mills was transported to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. A 6-year-old boy and a 3-year-old boy were also taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries that were not physically evident. No other injuries were reported.

Fire Department Calls 4-4-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 2
3 EMS, 1 Motor Vehicle Accident

April 3
3 EMS

April 4
1 EMS

Bulls topple struggling Hawks

Atlanta,  GA (SportsNetwork.com)  - D.J.  Augustin  scored 23  points and  the 
Chicago Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 105-92, on Wednesday night. 

Jimmy  Butler and  Kirk Hinrich  netted 17  points apiece,  while Joakim  Noah 
added 10 points,  10 rebounds and six assists for the Bulls, who have won five 
of their last six games. 

"I  thought the ball  movement overall for the team was very good," Bulls head 
coach Tom Thibodeau said. 

Paul  Millsap had 22 points and 11 boards for Atlanta, which has dropped seven 
of  its last eight  games and is in a virtual tie with the New York Knicks for 
the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. 

"We  still feel like we have a chance. Still got a lot more games left, try to 
tough it out and see what happens," Millsap said. 

After  Mike  Muscala's jumper  pulled Atlanta  within 73-70  late in the third 
quarter,  Chicago  used a 14-3  run that bridged into  the final frame to pull 
away for good. 

Augustin had a three-point play to begin the burst and added a 3-pointer early 
in  the  fourth before Noah  capped it with  back-to-back buckets for an 87-73 
margin with 8:26 left. 

The Hawks never got within less than six the rest of the way. 

Earlier,  the  game was tied  31-31 after the  first quarter and Mike Dunleavy 
nailed  a triple to finish off a 10-0 Bulls flurry during the middle stages of 
the second to stake them to a 48-42 advantage. 

Augustin's  trey  right before the half  gave the Bulls a 57-49 spread heading 
into the break. 

                                   Game Notes 

Chicago  tallied  21 points  off 16  Atlanta turnovers ...  Jeff Teague had 21 
points  for the  Hawks ... Chicago shot 51.3 percent (40-of-78) from the floor 
and 48 percent (12-of-25) from beyond the arc. 

Dudley Smith Farm Working on Soil Health Project

The Dudley Smith Research Farm continues to work on ways to improve the world of agriculture. Gary Letterly, University of Illinois Extension Educator, says one project they are working on is soil health:

[audio:letterlysoilhealth040214.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The Dudley Smith Farm is located off of Route 29 between Taylorville and Pana.

School Foundation to hold Fundraiser

An important fundraiser is coming up for the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation.  The President of the organization Alta Himstedt says the event will once again feature Dueling Pianos:

LLCC Registration Time is Here

Those interested in signing up for classes at Lincoln Land Community College should take note: registration time is here.  Executive Director of the Taylorville campus, Scott Stallman says the sooner you get registered, the better:

[audio:stallmanregistration040314.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Stallman says taking a few summer classes each year can really help you reach your goals sooner.  Call the Taylorville campus for information at 287-7081 or go online to llcc.edu.

White Sox rally in ninth, beat Twins on wild pitch in 11th

Chicago,  IL (SportsNetwork.com)  - The Chicago White Sox tied the game with a 
two-run  ninth inning and pulled out a 7-6 win over the Minnesota Twins thanks 
to a wild pitch in the 11th inning on Wednesday. 

Leury  Garcia led off  the bottom of the 11th inning with a bunt single before 
advancing  to  second on a balk  by Samuel Deduno.  Garcia moved to third on a 
wild pitch in the dirt, and Deduno sailed a 3-2 pitch to Adam Dunn outside and 
past catcher Kurt Suzuki, and Garcia scored without a play at the plate. 

Alexei  Ramirez went 2-for-3 with a two-run double and Garcia was 2-for-4 with 
an  RBI single  in the  ninth  inning. Adam  Eaton  drove in  two despite  not 
recording a hit and Dunn hit a solo home run. 

Paul  Konerko started  the bottom of the  ninth with a pinch-hit single in his 
first at-bat of the season. Pinch-runner Adrian Nieto  went to second on Dayan 
Viciedo's  singled  and scored on  Garcia's hit. After  a wild pitch from Glen 
Perkins,  Eaton reached  base on  a  fielder's choice,  which brought  Viciedo 
across to send the game to extras. 

"You  want to be  a good team, day in and day out. The struggle with the small 
things,  you really  have to pay attention  to those things. It's not fun, you 
have  to have discipline, you have to show up everyday focused and that's what 
it  takes  to be a  big leaguer and  that's what it takes  to be a good team," 
said Konerko. 

Perkins'  blown save  robbed Twins starter Kevin Correia of a win. Correia was 
touched  for three runs  -- two earned -- over six innings, allowing five hits 
and  picking  up five  strikeouts. Perkins gave  up two runs  in the ninth and 
Deduno (0-1) was tagged with the loss. 

"A  lot of  things happened  in that  game, throughout  the game.  Some missed 
opportunities  by  us, some fundamental  things we didn't get done. Ultimately 
you  have the  lead and you get the  ball to your closer, you feel pretty good 
about  it. It just  didn't work out, couldn't finish the game off," said Twins 
manager Ron Gardenhire. 

Trevor  Plouffe  drove in three  runs, going 3-for-5,  and Jason Kubel went 2- 
for-6 with two doubles and an RBI. Suzuki added three hits in six at-bats with 
a double and an RBI. 

In  his  first major-league start  since June  6, 2012, Felipe Paulino allowed 
two  runs --  one earned  -- on  seven hits  while fanning  six through  5 1/3 
innings.  Ronald Belisario  (1-0) retired all four hitters he faced to pick up 
the win. 

Plouffe  worked a one-out  walk in the top of the ninth before reaching second 
on  a fielder's  choice. Suzuki ripped a  line drive the opposite way to bring 
Plouffe  around to  score, giving Minnesota a 6-4 lead heading into the bottom 
of the frame. 

Dunn's  two-out solo home  run in the eighth was No. 441 for his career, which 
moved  him  one behind Dave  Kingman for 38th on  the all-time list. The blast 
brought the White Sox within 5-4. 

Earlier,  Joe Mauer and Josh Willingham recorded consecutive walks to lead off 
the seventh, which Kubel followed up with a ground-rule double to score Mauer. 
Plouffe  then drove in Willingham and Kubel with a single to right, giving the 
Twins a 5-3 lead. 

The  teams were  scoreless from the fourth through the sixth inning, combining 
for just three hits, while stranding four men on base. 

The  Twins' Oswaldo  Arcia scored the first run  of the game in the top of the 
second after Paulino issued back-to-back walks following a Suzuki single. 

The Solid White Sox fired back in the bottom half of the second with three runs. 

Avisail  Garcia  and Alejandro De  Aza hit back-to-back singles before Ramirez 
doubled  down  the left  field  line  to bring  them  around  to score.  Tyler 
Flowers  then  ripped a  single, sending  Ramirez to  third, one batter before 
Eaton hit a sacrifice fly to center to bring Ramirez home. 

In  the top  of the third Plouffe  picked up an RBI single following a one-out 
double down the right field line from Kubel. 

                                   Game Notes 

Robin  Ventura picked  up win No. 150 as  the manager of the Sox ... The White 
Sox  have won  seven of  eight against  Minnesota ...  Chicago, which  won the 
opener  of the  three-game series on Monday,  is 2-0 for the third time in the 
last  four seasons ... Jared Burton made his 300th career appearance, allowing 
Dunn's  home  run in his one  inning of work  ... The Twins were 5-for-16 with 
runners in scoring position, compared to the Sox going 3-for-12 with RISP. 

Sanchez sends Pirates past Cubs in 16th inning

Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Tony Sanchez ended a marathon at PNC Park 
that  lasted nearly six  hours with a pinch-hit RBI single in the 16th inning, 
as  the  Pirates outlasted the Chicago Cubs, 4-3, in another extra-inning win 
for Pittsburgh. 

Two  nights after  they edged Chicago, 1-0, on Opening Day, the Pirates plated 
the  winning  run again against  Carlos Villanueva (0-2), who surrendered Neil 
Walker's walk-off homer in the 10th on Monday. 

Jordy  Mercer singled to open the deciding frame, hustled to third on Starling 
Marte's one-out base hit and trotted home when Sanchez, in his first at-bat of 
the  season, dribbled one through a drawn-in infield to send the few remaining 
Pirates fans into a frenzy. 

This  three-game series  concludes Thursday with the first pitch set for 12:35 
p.m. (et), less than 12 hours after Sanchez's game-winner. 

It was the longest game ever played in Pittsburgh in terms of time (5:55). 

Both  teams had  plenty of  opportunities to  end the  replay-filled stalemate 
sooner.  Pittsburgh stranded  15 runners and Chicago left 19 on after going 1- 
for-16 with runners in scoring position. 

The  Pirates  were in  a pickle in  the eighth. That's  when Cubs manager Rick 
Renteria  challenged an  out call that would have resulted in an inning-ending 
double play. 

Emilio  Bonifacio  and Luis  Valbuena singled,  and the  runners advanced on a 
Starlin  Castro groundout. After  Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch to load the 
bases, Mark Melancon got Nate Schierholtz to hit a potential double-play ball. 
The  throw from Walker  at second base was high to Mercer covering second, but 
umpires  originally ruled  the double play when Mercer's return throw to first 
was easily in time. 

Replay,  though, showed Mercer came off the bag before he made the catch. That 
made  it a  2-1 game and put  runners at second and third, though Ryan Sweeney 
grounded softly to second to end the frame. 

Junior  Lake and  Bonifacio singled in the away ninth. With two outs, Valbuena 
singled  to tie  the game.  The Cubs  had been  0-for-19 with  men in  scoring 
position  in this  series until Valbuena's solid single to right field brought 
home Lake from second base. 

The Cubs went  ahead in the 12th. Rizzo,  who was hit by pitches twice on the 
right  thigh earlier in the contest, led off the frame by crushing a ball over 
the right field wall on the ninth pitch of the at-bat against Jeanmar Gomez. 

The  game was tied again in the bottom half thanks to Marte's line base hit to 
left  on  a 3-2  pitch  that  brought  in  pinch-runner Clint  Barmes.  Andrew 
McCutchen, last season's NL MVP, fanned with the bases full to end the inning. 

The  Pirates had  a golden opportunity to  win in the bottom of the 13th after 
loading  the bases  with nobody  out. Barmes,  though, grounded  into a  7-2-3 
double  play  after the Cubs brought  in a fifth  infielder. Jose Tabata then 
grounded into a force play to send the game to the 14th. 

Lake fanned to leave runners at the corners in the top of the 14th. 

Charlie  Morton  pitched six  shutout innings for  Pittsburgh. He allowed four 
hits,  a  walk and  had six  strikeouts, and was  cruising until being removed 
after  the top of the sixth when a line drive from Schierholtz caromed off his 
glove and resulted in a double play. 

Edwin  Jackson threw the  first 5 1/3 frames for the Cubs and gave up just two 
hits, but walked four while fanning five. 

Pittsburgh's  first two  runs came on a  Mercer single in the second and on an 
error  in the  sixth. The ball went  by the glove of Castro, allowing Marte to 
come home. 

                                   Game Notes 

Bonifacio  went  5-for-7 with a run  scored. The Cubs infielder is 9-for-12 in 
the  first  two games ... The Cubs used eight relievers while Pittsburgh used 
six ... The Cubs recorded 15 hits to Pittsburgh's eight. 

Heisey lifts Reds past Cardinals

Coverage of today's game between Cards and Reds can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 11am.

Cincinnati,  OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Five hours and 25 minutes after the game 
was scheduled to start, Chris Heisey gave the Cincinnati Reds a walk-off win. 

Heisey's  pinch-hit single in the ninth inning scored Ryan Ludwick to lift the 
Reds to a 1-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in a rain-delayed game that was 
dominated until the end by good pitching. 

Ludwick  and Frazier led off the ninth with back-to-back singles off Cardinal
right-hander  Carlos  Martinez and both moved  up on Zack Cozart's bunt. After 
Martinez  (0-1) intentionally walked Brayan Pena, Heisey laced an 0-1 fastball 
into left field and was mobbed by his teammates in the infield. 

It was new Reds manager Bryan Price's first win as a major league skipper. 

"From  a  selfish  standpoint  it  feels great,"  said  Price.  "From  a  team 
standpoint it feels even better because it's good to get the ball rolling." 

There  were only  six total hits in the game before Cincinnati's three singles 
in the ninth. 

That's  mostly because  Reds left-hander  Tony Cingrani  and Cardinals  righty 
Michael Wacha combined to strike out 16 batters and allow only five hits in 13 
2/3  combined innings  after the start of  the game was delayed 2 hours and 40 
minutes because of rain. 

The Cardinals won the season-opener 1-0 on Monday on Yadier Molina's home run 
in the seventh. 

The  finale of the  three-game series is scheduled to start 12 hours after the 
finish of Wednesday night's game at 12:35 a.m. 

Joey  Votto  was 2-for-3  with a double  and reached base  three times for the 
Reds. Ludwick was the only other player with two hits. 

The  starters basically came out at the same time in the bottom of the seventh 
-- Cingrani for pinch-hitter Roger Bernadina and Wacha for Kevin Siegrist, who 
got Bernadina on a fly out to end the inning. 

Cozart,  the Reds  shortstop, made  an inning-ending  diving catch  in shallow 
center  field  to potentially save  a run in the  eighth after Manny Parra had 
given up a double to Kolten Wong. 

J.J.  Hoover (1-0) struck out Matt Adams with runners at first and second base 
to escape the top of the ninth inning and ended up getting the win. 

"We had a tough stacking any kind of offense on top of anything we got going," 
said Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. 

Cingrani,  who was  2-0 against St. Louis last season, fanned nine and allowed 
two  hits  and two walks  in his  seven frames. Wacha,  who won his first four 
postseason  starts  last season for the  NL champion Cardinals, walked one and 
struck out seven. 

Votto  sliced a  two-out double  to left  field in  the first  inning for  his 
1,000th  career hit. It was Cincinnati's only baserunner until Votto's one-out 
single  in  the fourth.  The Reds loaded  the bases in  the inning, but Cozart 
grounded into a force out to end the threat. 

Cingrani  worked his  way through  the Cardinals  lineup without  a baserunner 
before  Matt Carpenter led off the fourth with a single. He escaped trouble in 
the  seventh with  runners at first and  second base when he got Molina to fly 
out to left field, then struck out Adams to end the inning. 

                                   Game Notes 

Ludwick  was hit on outside of his left hand by a 93 mph Wacha fastball in the 
fourth  inning.  The ball also  caught home plate  umpire Kerwin Danley in the 
mask.  Both were looked at by trainers and remained in the game ... Two right- 
handers will start the series finale on Thursday: Lance Lynn for the Cardinal
and Homer Bailey for the Reds. 

Area Arrests/Accidents/Incidents 4-3-14

THE PANA POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING:

On April 1, Pana Police are investigating a theft that occurred at 215 East 1st Street on March 30. An unknown person reportedly used a stolen debit card and completed three separate transactions.

On April 1, Eric S. Resor, 31, of Fairfield, was issued a citation for speeding 62 MPH in a 45 MPH zone.

On April 2, Ethan S. Law, 20, of Pana was arrested on a Montgomery County Warrant for a failure to appear for operating a motor vehicle with registration suspended. Law was transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond.

State Drops Attempted Murder Charge on Britton

The attempted murder charge against 24-year-old Reginald Britton of Springfield has been dismissed by the State. After presenting their case, Appellate Prosecutor Michael Vujovich made a motion to dismiss the one count of attempted murder and the one count of aggravated battery against Britton. Britton was facing the charge of attempted murder for allegedly beating 37-year-old Roxanna Fanshier of Jacksonville severely and leaving her for dead in a dog kennel in Edinburg in November of 2011. Public Defender Greg Grigsby said the State lacked the necessary evidence to put Britton at the scene of the crime. The lone piece of evidence that put Britton on the scene was a hat. While the DNA results showed the hat was worn mostly by Britton, there were several other small traces of DNA on it that could not be identified. The State will continue on with one charge of aggravated domestic battery.

Shelbyville Rams Baseball Game Cancelled

The Shelbyville Rams Baseball game scheduled for today vs. Tri-County has been cancelled due to weather. No make-up day has been announced

Cardinals Game Moved to WMKR

Due to the rain delay and coverage of the NIT Championship at 5:45pm tonight on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM, today's Cardinals and Reds game has been moved to Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR.

Jury Rules Britton Not Guilty of Aggravated Domestic Battery

The jury in the trial for 24-year-old Reginald Britton of Springfield ruled him to be not guilty on charges of aggravated domestic battery Thursday. This came after Appellate Prosecutor Michael Vujovich dismissed the one count of attempted murder and the one count of aggravated battery against Britton. Britton was facing the charge of attempted murder for allegedly beating 37-year-old Roxanna Fanshier of Jacksonville severely and leaving her for dead in a dog kennel in Edinburg in November of 2011. During the trial Thursday, Public Defender Greg Grigsby said the State lacked the necessary evidence to put Britton at the scene of the crime. The lone piece of evidence that put Britton on the scene was a hat. While the DNA results showed the hat was worn mostly by Britton, there were several other small traces of DNA on it that could not be identified. Britton was instead found guilty on just a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery. 

Local Novelist has Book Published

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A local author's book is now available for purchase.  Kevin Corley's book “Sixteen Tons” has to do with the coal mine wars of the last century.  The novel is largely set in Christian County, and Corley says there is a good reason for that:

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The book is available locally at Dana's Book Store on the Taylorville Square.  It's also on sale at a bookstore in Virden, and at Barnes and Noble in Springfield.  You can also order the book online from Amazon.

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Blues tie franchise mark with SO win over Flyers

St. Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk scored in 
the shootout as St. Louis tied a franchise-high for wins in a season thanks to 
a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia at Scot trade Center. 

Oshie  opened the game's final segment with a backhander under the crossbar at 
the  left post, and  Shattenkirk ended it to start the third round with a low, 
hard slapper from the slot. In between, Ryan Miller stopped Vincent Lecavalier 
and Claude Giroux. 

Miller  came up with 31 saves in regulation for the Blues, whose 51st win tied 
them with the 1999-2000 Central Division champions for most in team history. 

"We  had  'a' good  player tonight,"  said St. Louis  head coach Ken Hitchcock 
about  Miller.  "He was terrific, he  was focused and competitive and whatever 
else we needed from him." 

St.  Louis also  trails idle  Boston by  a single  point in  the race  for the 
Presidents' Trophy. 

Ray Emery stopped 28 shots for the Flyers, who have lost four of five but only 
two of those in regulation (1-2-2). 

"We  played a  good hockey game and  got a point out of it," said Philadelphia 
head  coach Craig Berube. "Of course we want two points, but you can't do that 
if you don't put it into the net." 

Philadelphia  is  now three points  behind the  Rangers, who beat Vancouver on 
Tuesday, for the second spot in the Metropolitan Division. 

Miller came up huge early, stopping Michael Raffl from the left side to thwart 
a  2-on-0  break in  the first  2 1/2 minutes.  Giroux had  a better angle and 
clearer shot but elected to pass. 

Several  close calls  on either  side did  not result  in a  goal, with  Emery 
halting 11 pucks and Miller making 10 stops in the game's opening 20 minutes. 

The Blues rang two  shots off the post in the middle frame and had the better 
of the chances, but 16 more shots (eight apiece) failed to find the net. 

St.  Louis  effectively killed  off a high-sticking  minor to Vladimir Sobotka 
with  4:57 on  the clock, then got a  prime chance to win the game when Giroux 
was sent off for the same infraction with 1:24 remaining. 

Miller  slid from left  to right to stop a one-timer by Nicklas Grossmann from 
the  circle with  2:19 to go in  overtime. He then dove forward to smother two 
in-close tries by Jake Voracek with 90 seconds on the clock. 

                                   Game Notes 

Miller  earned his  first shutout  since March  21, 2012  when he  backstopped 
Buffalo  over  Montreal ... St. Louis  has won three  in a row at home against 
Philadelphia  after  dropping  the  previous  five  from  2001-05  ...  Flyers 
defenseman  Kimmo  Timonen  was  scratched  with a  facial  injury,  and  Erik 
Gustafsson returned to action after a 14-game absence. 

Cardinals At Reds Tonight

After a day off on Tuesday, the Cardinals resume their season-opening series against the Reds tonight in Cincinnati.  Michael Wacha will start for St. Louis, while Cincinnati counters with Tony Cingrani.  The Cardinals shut out the Reds 1-0 on Monday. Coverage can be heard on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM beginning at 5:35pm.

Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-2-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

Ethan Law, 20, of 506 East 2nd Street, Pana, was arrested April 2 on a bond forfeiture for failure to appear.

 

THE TAYLORVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARREST:

On March 30, Taylorville Police Department officers made contact with Joshua A. Page, 32, of Taylorville. The officer knew Page to have a valid warrant. Page was placed under arrest and transported to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond.

Fire Department Calls 4-2-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

April 1
4 EMS, 1 Public Assist

April 2
1 EMS, 1 Automatic Alarm

Shelbyville Rams Baseball Broadcast Schedule for April

All games can be heard on Solid Gold 98.3 WRAN. Games subject to change due to weather

Thurs, Apr 3 vs. Tri-County 4:15pm

Wed, Apr 9 vs. Mt. Zion 4:15pm

Thurs, Apr 17 vs. Vandalia 4:15pm

Fri, Apr 18 vs. Tuscola 4:15pm

Tues, Apr 29 vs. Beecher City 4:15pm

Taylorville Tornadoes Baseball/Softball Broadcast Schedule for April

Note: All games this season will be heard on Groovy 93.5. 

Games subject to change due to weather

Taylorville Baseball

Wed, Apr 9 vs. Southeast 4:15pm

Sat, Apr 12 vs. Maroa-Forsyth 9:45 am

Thurs, Apr 17 vs. Argenta-Oreana 4:15pm

 

Taylorville Softball

Tues, Apr 15 vs. Lincoln 4:15pm

Fri, Apr 18 vs. Pawnee 4:15pm

Tues, Apr 22 vs. Mt. Zion 4:15pm

Fri, Apr 25 vs. Edinburg 4:15pm

Wed, Apr 30 vs. Jacksonville 4:15pm

Today's Taylorville Baseball Games Postponed

The Taylorville Tornadoes baseball game scheduled for today @Lanphier have been postponed to Thursday April 10 due to weather. The games will be played at the same time as scheduled for today.

Christian County Extension Offering Ag Scholarship

Christian County Extension is offering an Ag scholarship to current 4-H members who will be attending college or trade school and majoring in an Ag-related field in the fall of 2014.  The scholarship is due to the generosity of an anonymous donor. The $500 per semester scholarship is renewable for up to seven semesters if all guidelines are met.  For more information and a scholarship application, contact the Christian County Extension office at 217- 287-7246.  All applications must be completed and returned by May 1, 2014. 

Victim in Britton's Attempted Murder Trial Testifies in Court

The attempted murder trial for 24-year-old Reginald Britton of Springfield continued Wednesday. One of the witnesses to testify was Roxanna Fanshier, the victim in the case. In November of 2011, Britton was arrested after allegedly beating Fanshier severely and leaving her in a dog kennel in Edinburg. Fanshier stated she had no memory of the beating but only of the moments leading up to it including Britton allegedly hitting her in the head at a bar. Fanshier said the next thing she remembered was waking up in the hospital days later. Several other former girlfriends testified as well and all gave examples of domestic abuse by Britton. Forensic scientists from the Illinois State Police presented the DNA results on a hat that was found at the scene. They said that the results showed the hat was worn mostly by Britton but had several other small traces of DNA on it that could not be identified. The trial is predicted to last for another couple of days. 

Pana Community Hospital Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Pana Community Hospital Celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.  Melissa Rybolt, Marketing Coordinator for PCH says they have some special events coming up:

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Pana Community Hospital opened its doors in 1914.

Special Passes Still Available at Lakeshore

Springtime is here and you may be thinking about a few rounds of golf. Jason Boldig, General Manager of Lakeshore Golf Course, says they are still offering one of the most money-saving deals of the year:

[audio:boldigspecialdeal040114.mp3]comment here[/audio]

Boldig says the special passes are available on a limited first-come-first-serve basis and the projected cut-off date for the passes is April 15th. For more information, call Lakeshore at 824-5521.

Noah guides Bulls past Celtics

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) - Joakim Noah  scored 10 of his 19 points in 
the  fourth quarter as  the Chicago Bulls pulled away late for a 94-80 victory 
over the Boston Celtics at United Center. 

Up by one entering the final frame, the Bulls outscored the Celtics by a 23-10 
margin  the  rest of the  way to complete a  home-and-home sweep of the clubs. 
Chicago posted a 107-102 win in Boston on Sunday. 

The Bulls also received a game-high 22 points from Mike Dunleavy and 18 out of 
Jimmy  Butler in the  triumph, which moved Chicago into a tie with Toronto for 
third  place in  the Eastern Conference. Noah added 11 rebounds and Taj Gibson 
notched a double-double as well, finishing with 14 points and 11 boards. 

"I  think we're  playing  pretty good  basketball,  but I  think  we can  play 
better," Noah said. 

Jerryd  Bayless,  starting in place  of Rajon Rondo,  tallied 18 points in the 
Celtics'  10th  consecutive road loss.  Brandon Bass also  had 18 points to go 
along with nine rebounds. 

"We  looked heavy-legged  the  whole  second half,"  Celtics  head coach  Brad 
Stevens said. "That's no excuse because they played last night, too." 

Rondo was held out to rest his surgically repaired knee with Boston playing on 
back-to-back nights. 

Despite  the absence of their star point guard, the Celtics owned a 63-60 lead 
with  4  1/2 minutes left in  the third quarter. However, a Dunleavy 3-pointer 
ignited a 9-0 Chicago run and the Bulls never trailed thereafter. 

The  game  was still  tight entering  the fourth  quarter, however, after Phil 
Pressey's  three to  end the third brought Boston within 71-70. The Bulls then 
proceeded  to embark on  a 17-2 spurt over the next 5 1/2 minutes that all but 
sealed the outcome. 

Noah put up six points during the pivotal sequence, which Butler capped with a 
long 2-pointer that put Chicago up by a comfortable 88-72 count. 

Boston  whittled an early  eight-point deficit down to 25-24 at the end of one 
quarter,  then scored the first eight points of the second to forge ahead. The 
Celtics  owned  a 46-37 lead after  Bass' dunk off  a Pressey steal with 4 1/2 
minutes left in the half. 

Chicago  then  reversed the momentum behind  an 11-2 run in which Dunleavy had 
five  points,  but went into  the break down 50-48  after Bayless hit two foul 
shots with 1.3 second left in the second quarter. 

                                   Game Notes 

Boston guard Avery Bradley did not play in the second half after aggravating a 
previous  ankle injury ... The Bulls completed their first season sweep of the 
Celtics  since the 2006-07 campaign ... D.J. Augustin, who deposited a career- 
best  33 points in  Sunday's victory, had just four for Chicago but dished out 
11  assists ...  The Bulls went just  3-of-16 from 3-point range but scored 48 
points in the paint compared to Boston's 30. 

De Aza homers twice as White Sox down Twins

Chicago,  IL  (SportsNetwork.com) - Alejandro De  Aza stroked two home runs as 
the  Chicago White Sox defeated the  Minnesota Twins, 5-3, on Opening Day for 
both teams. 

De  Aza's two-run  blast in the second  inning and solo shot in the sixth made 
him  the first White Sox player to homer twice on Opening Day since Jim Thome 
in 2008 at Cleveland. 

Jose  Abreu and Adam  Dunn each drove in a run for the White Sox, who featured 
its  first Opening  Day lineup in 16  years that did not include first baseman 
Paul Konerko. Abreu, who signed a six-year, $68 million deal in the offseason, 
also doubled in his major league debut. 

Chris  Sale (1-0) recorded eight strikeouts and surrendered three runs on five 
hits  in  7 1/3 innings of  work. The left-hander  finished fifth in the AL Cy 
Young  Award voting  last  season. Matt  Lindstrom picked  up  the save  after 
allowing one hit and fanning a batter in a scoreless ninth. 

"It's  a  big deal  because of  what last  year was," White Sox manager Robin 
Ventura said of the win. 

Chicago  lost 99 games last season after finishing second in the AL Central in 
2012. 

Kurt Suzuki went 2-for-4 with three RBI for Minnesota, which dropped its sixth 
straight  road opener.  Chris Colabello and Aaron Hicks also supplied two hits 
apiece. 

Ricky  Nolasco (0-1)  was reached for five  runs on 10 hits with two walks and 
four strikeouts. He made his third Opening Day start after signing a four-year 
contract with the Twins in December. 

Abreu  stroked a  sharp  line drive  to  right  for a  double  to leadoff  the 
second.  After  Nolasco issued a  walk to Dunn,  Garcia grounded into a double 
play.  Abreu moved  over to  third on  the  play and  the next  batter De  Aza 
launched  the ball  into  the right-field  seats  to give the White Sox  the 
early lead. 

The  Twins  responded with two  runs of their own  in the next inning. Oswaldo 
Arcia  walked and  Aaron Hicks  singled to  left before  Pedro Florimon's  sac 
bunt  moved  them each  over a  base. Suzuki  then hit  a line-drive single to 
left that brought them home to knot the game at two. 

Adam  Eaton singled  and  Conor Gillaspie  doubled to  put  runners on  second 
and  third  in the  bottom half of  the third. Abreu's  single to left brought 
Eaton  home  and Dunn's sac fly  in foul territory brought Gillaspie around to 
beat the throw at home as the White Sox regained the lead. 

De  Aza added to  the lead after he drove a line drive over the fence in right 
for  his  second blast of the  day, making it a  5-2 game in the bottom of the 
sixth. 

Sale  retired the  next  10 batters  until  Hicks smacked  a  line drive  over 
the  glove of Gillaspie at third into the left-field corner for a double. Sale 
stayed  in to strike out pinch-hitter Eduardo Escobar before being lifted with 
one out in the eighth. 

Ronald  Belisario  entered in  relief  of  Sale.  After striking  out  Dozier, 
Suzuki's single brought in Hicks from second. Donnie Veal came in and promptly 
got Joe Mauer to ground out to end the inning. 

Matt  Lindstrom started the ninth for the White Sox. He got Josh Willingham to 
fly  out  to right before  Colabello's flyball dropped  in right for a double. 
Lindstrom  did not let that rattle him. He fanned Trevor Plouffe and got Arcia 
to ground out to end the game. 

                                   Game Notes 

The White Sox are  now 63-51  on Opening Day  while the  Twins are 24-30 ... 
Minnesota  has not won  on Opening Day since when they defeated the LA Angels, 
3-2, in 2008 ... The Twins went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position. 

Walker HR In 10th Gives Bucs Walk-Off Win Over Cubs

Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Neil Walker belted a leadoff homer in the 
bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 1-0 victory over 
the Chicago Cubs. 

Walker,  a  Pittsburgh native, drove a  3-2 pitch from Carlos Villanueva (0-1) 
into  the right field seats to send the largest crowd in PNC Park history home 
happy. 

"This  one feels pretty special," Walker said. "This is a special day for this 
team, this organization. We've come a long way." 

The  blast  made a winner  of Bryan Morris (1-0),  who worked around a one-out 
single  in  the  top of  the  10th  with  a  pickoff that  was  overturned  in 
Pittsburgh's favor on a replay challenge. 

Pirates  manager  Clint Hurdle asked  for a  review after Emilio Bonifacio was 
called  safe on  a pickoff attempt. The umpires conferred with headquarters in 
New York and reversed the call. 

It was the second challenge of the game. 

The  first use  of expanded replay in  the majors occurred in the fifth inning 
when the Cubs put together the first threat of the game after Nate Schierholtz 
led  off with a single and Darwin Barney drew a walk. Jeff Samardzija tried to 
bunt the runners over, but Francisco Liriano quickly fielded the ball in front 
of the mound, threw to third for the first out and Pedro Alvarez fired back to 
first for the double play. 

Cubs  manager Rick  Renteria calmly and slowly walked toward first base umpire 
Bob Davidson to question the close call and decided he wanted to challenge it. 
The review, which took about two minutes, upheld Davidson's decision. 

"It  was a  combination of Samardzjia's reaction and what we were looking at," 
Renteria said of the challenge. 

The  Pirates are  trying to  build off  a banner  2013 season.  They earned  a 
National  League wild  card berth last year for their first playoff appearance 
since  1992 and the fans packed the house on Monday with a PNC Park attendance 
record  of 39,833.  Andrew McCutchen,  last year's  NL MVP,  went 1-for-3  and 
Travis Ishikawa added two hits. 

Liriano,  last year's  NL Comeback  Player  of the  Year, went  the first  six 
innings  for Pittsburgh  and surrendered  four hits  with three  walks and  10 
strikeouts. 

Samardzija,  who threw  eight innings of two-hit shutout ball in Chicago's 3-1 
win  at Pittsburgh  last  year on  Opening  Day, yielded  five  hits in  seven 
scoreless innings on Monday. He walked two and struck out three. 

Bonifacio had four hits for the Cubs, who are coming off their fourth straight 
losing  season at  66-96. Chicago had plenty of chances Monday, but finished a 
dismal 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position. 

The Cubs threatened in  the sixth when Junior Lake led off with a base hit to 
left and Starlin Castro walked. Liriano then fanned Anthony Rizzo and got Mike 
Olt on a pop up before striking out Welington Castillo to end the inning. 

Pittsburgh  had a  great chance  to score  in the  bottom of  the sixth  after 
Starling  Marte led  off with  a  double and  McCutchen drew  a one-out  walk. 
Alvarez  then ripped  a pitch up the  middle, but the Cubs had him played that 
way to start an easy double play. 

Bonifacio  began  the top  of the  eighth with  a double  and became the first 
runner  to reach third  on a bunt, but he was caught in a rundown after Castro 
grounded to second and Rizzo popped up to keep the game scoreless. 

                                   Game Notes 

Liriano  tied a Pirate record for strikeouts on Opening Day. Bob Veale set the 
mark  in 1965 against San Francisco and John Candelaria matched it against St. 
Louis in 1983 before A.J. Burnett also accomplished the feat last year against 
the Cubs ... The Pirates last played extra innings in a home season opener in 
1979,  a loss to  Montreal, and last won an extra-inning season opener at home 
in  1965 against San Francisco ... Before the game, McCutchen received his MVP 
award  from former Pirate MVP Barry Bonds, who was given a warm ovation by the 
PNC  Park  fans ...  Liriano was  given his second  Opening Day assignment and 
first  since 2009  with the Twins. He was the ninth straight different Opening 
Day  starter  for the  Pirates, the  longest such streak  since 1900. The last 
Pirate  to start  consecutive  openers was  Oliver Perez  in  2005-06 ...  The 
Pirates  improved to  69-59 in season openers, including 16-15 at home ... The 
Cubs  are now 75-62-2 on Opening Day ... This was the 22nd meeting between the 
Cubs  and Pirates  on Opening Day. Pittsburgh improved to 13-9 ... The Pirates 
are  wearing a  No. 4 patch on  their uniform sleeves this season to honor the 
late  Ralph Kiner, who is second on the club's all-time home run list with 301 
and  died  this past  February ...  The teams  will take  Tuesday off and will 
resume the three-game series on Wednesday with Charlie Morton set to start for 
Pittsburgh and Edwin Jackson scheduled to take the ball for Chicago. 

Wainwright dazzles as Cards blank Reds

Cincinnati, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Yadier Molina homered for the game's only 
run  and  Adam Wainwright fired  seven splendid innings  to help the St. Louis 
Cardinals begin defense of their National League pennant with a 1-0 victory at 
Great American Ball Park. 

Wainwright  (1-0) held the Reds to three singles and racked up nine strikeouts 
while  working around four walks to barely outperform counterpart Johnny Cueto 
in  a  terrific Opening  Day pitchers'  duel and  spoil the  debut of new Reds 
manager Bryan Price. 

"It  was me wanting to  go out and set the tone better than I did in the World 
Series," said Wainwright in reference to his Game 1 loss to the Boston Red Sox 
in last October's Fall Classic. 

The  two  aces were engaged  in a scoreless deadlock  that Molina broke with a 
one-out homer in the top of the seventh. 

Cueto  (0-1)  was otherwise outstanding as  well, yielding just three hits and 
the game's only run while fanning eight over his seven-inning stint. 

"Johnny  was  terrific," said  Price. "We're pretty  accustomed to seeing that 
kind of pitching from Johnny." 

Molina  and  Matt Adams each  collected two hits  for St. Louis, which managed 
just five as a team. 

Cueto  had set  down 15 of the  last 16 Cardinal hitters until Molina belted a 
first-pitch  cutter  about  five  rows  deep in  the  left-field  stands,  and 
Wainwright  followed with a  1-2-3 bottom of the seventh to cap off his strong 
outing. 

"[Cueto]  threw me something in the middle and I put a good swing on it," said 
Molina. 

The Reds nearly tied it in the eighth, however, loading the bases with the aid 
of a pair of Cardinal errors but failing to come up with the clutch hit. 

Brandon  Phillips began the threat with a leadoff walk off Pat Neshek and Joey 
Votto  reached on  a mishandled ground ball by St. Louis second baseman Kolten 
Wong  to  put two  on with none  out. Two batters  later, Adams dropped Jhonny 
Peralta's  relay  throw  to  first on  a  would-be  inning-ending  double-play 
grounder to keep the Reds at the plate. 

Todd  Frazier was caught looking at a third-strike curve from Carlos Martinez, 
however, to keep it a 1-0 game. 

The  Reds then mustered little against Trevor Rosenthal in the ninth, with the 
Cardinals  closer  fanning the  first two  hitters before getting pinch-hitter 
Roger Bernadina to fly to right for the final out. 

Cincinnati  also came up  empty on a scoring chance in the fifth, created when 
Cards  center fielder Peter Bourjos dropped Brayan Pena's soft fly ball to put 
the  leadoff man  on  second. Cueto  then  bunted the  ball  straight back  to 
Wainwright, who fired a throw to third to easily gun down Pena. 

                                   Game Notes 

Wainwright  earned his  100th career  victory  in his  third-ever Opening  Day 
assignment  ...  Reds leadoff hitter Billy  Hamilton struck out in all four of 
his plate appearances ... Frazier collected two of Cincinnati's three hits ... 
Peralta  became the eight different Opening Day shortstop for the Cardinals in 
as  many years,  following Pete  Kozma, Rafael  Furcal, Ryan  Theriot, Brendan 
Ryan,  Khalil Greene, Cesar Izturis and David Eckstein ... Wainwright went 1-3 
with a 7.77 ERA in four starts against Cincinnati last season. 

Pana March Students of the Month

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Area Arrests/Crashes/Incidents 4-1-14

THE CHRISTIAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS:

Derek W. Kelmel, 28, of 309 East Cherokee Street, Morrisonville, was arrested March 31 on a bond forfeiture for failure to appear.

Daniel T. Crosby, 19, of 358 North Illinois Route 29, Pana, was arrested March 31 on a bond forfeiture for possession of liquor by a minor.

Joshua C. Wells, 23, of 1202 Rosevelt Road Taylorville, was arrested March 31 on a bond forfeiture for delivery of cannabis to a person under 18 years-old.

Fire Department Calls 4-1-14

THE TAYLORVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING CALLS:

March 31
1 EMS, 1 Fire

Taylorville Kiwanis Hold Monthly Business Meeting at Weekly Luncheon

 width=(Taylorville)—The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly business meeting at their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Kiwanis membership chair Dean Ray announced that a membership drive, to be called “Spring Fling”, will take place in May. Ray said there will be 4 teams all working to attract new members to the club. The membership effort will be culminated with a cookout at the end of May at Kiwanis Park.

Park chairman Jerry Woodard reported to the Kiwanis Club that specifications have been drawn up for a 2nd pavilion, 12-foot by 24-foot in size. The 2nd pavilion will enable more families to use the park, according to Woodard. He added that Pro Stitch owner Russell Stare will be manufacturing and installing new 4-inch vinyl covers around the Kiwanis Park playground equipment. Woodard also said the existing fence around Kiwanis Park will be replaced this year.

Kiwanis Club spiritual aims chairman Reverend Dick Wamsley announced that this year’s annual Kiwanis Prayer Luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th, with guest speaker being former Taylorville minister and Kiwanis Club president Doctor Randy Perry.

Club publicity co-chair Randy Miller announced that the Kiwanis Club will have its own Facebook page created this week, with club information posted on a regular basis. Miller encouraged members to “like” the page on Facebook.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Mateer Resigning as Taylorville Wrestling Coach

Lee Mateer has announced that he is resigning as the Head Coach of the Taylorville High School Wrestling team. Mateer tells Regional Radio News why he is stepping down:

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