The Illinois State Board of Elections recent bout with a hacker got some national exposure Tuesday evening. CBS Late Show host Stephen Colbert introduced the Chairman of the Board, but he didn't exactly look like he was ready for an Illinois summer. In fact, it wasn't Charles Scholz, but instead someone with a Russian accent a much different name.

Chairman "Johnny Cowboy" had some less than helpful advice to avoid hacking in general.

The FBI is investigating the hack of the personal records of roughly 200,000 Illinois voters. 

Farmers and back yard gardeners can always tell you if the weather has been wetter than normal. But this year everyone should be able to identify that the state has seen more rain than average. State Climatologist Jim Angel says that we’ve just passed through the wettest July through August ever. 

A dryer start to September would be welcome to farmers who are ready to start harvest. 

It’s been a record wet month in the state and that comes with some costs, including limiting some parking and access to the states most popular park. Starved Rock State Park is dealing with high water and with that comes restrictions says Natural Resources Spokesman Chris Young.



If you have reservations at the lodge or are expected there for an event 
access won’t be limited.

The skies above you could be increasingly filled with drones. The Federal Aviation Administration's rules governing drone use went into effect this week, which will require users to obtain a remote pilot certificate. Chad Colby with Colby Ag Tech has weaved through the F-A-A's Unmanned Aerial Systems process;


 

Colby says how the cost of drones is an easy return on investment for Illinois farmers.
 

The F-A-A predicts as many as 600-thousand drones could be put to use over the next year. If you're interested in learning more, go to know-before-you-fly-dot-org.

The Pana Tri-County Fair is set to take place from Wednesday through Monday in Pana. The Fair has a variety of events lined up. Mark Craig, President of the Pana Tri County Fair spoke with Regional Radio News about some of the upcoming events at the fair.

Craig also said how the fair is a way for the area to showcase to the surrounding counties what it has to offer, and also said how there is a return of something that has been gone for quite some time.

Craig also said everyone is welcome to come on out, enjoy the fair, and have a good time.

Two individuals have been arrested for entering the Pana Walmart on August 29^th and removing numerous items through an emergency exit door and into a waiting van without paying. Pana Chief of Police Daniel Bland spoke with Regional Radio News about the issue, and said how a request for the public’s help lead to information that helped bring two brothers who recently moved from Texas to Taylorville into custody.

Those two suspects were 31 year old Lonnie R. Wilkerson and 24 year old Gary R. Hayes Jr., both of Taylorville. Chief Bland said how the department utilizing the media to get the information to the public lead to a quick turnaround on the case.

The Pana PD wanted to thank the Taylorville Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation, along with the media and support of the general public who expressed tremendous interest in assisting Law Enforcement with the case.

Edinburg schools restarted about 3 weeks ago, and the only major issue they have had is the lack of air conditioning in the schools. While this poses as more of an issue in the warmer months, they will cool down as the year continues. Fred Lamkey, Superintendent of Edinburg Schools said that in his second year at this position he hopes to fix this issue, starting with new windows, and has a couple more things in mind to fix up.

Lamkey said, this year, he's updated and improved the school's crisis plan to make things more streamline when a crisis does occur.

For more information visit ecusd4.com or call their office at 217-623-5773. Lamkey appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Since the embargo has been lifted on Cuba, Americans can now visit the country as a tourist destination. A Christian County couple visited the country recently for educational purposes and they are excited to share what they experienced. Duane and Cindy Stock said one of the first things they noticed was that the country was behind the United States by about 50 years, but that made things interesting when seeing the 1950s cars driving around.

The Stock's mentioned the Cuban agriculture and how different it is compared to agriculture in Illinois and the United States, because for 50 years, they didn't have access to all of the resources the US had to make crops uniform or keep them safe from pests.

Overall, the Stock's said they would take another trip to Cuba in a heartbeat and they loved the experience. Duane and Cindy Stock appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

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

During the early morning hours of Friday, August 20, 2016, an unknown subject made entry into the Moose Lodge, located at 720 McAdam Drive.  While inside, the unknown subject took a safe containing an undisclosed amount of money.  The unknown subject damaged 2 doors while making entry.  A vehicle that had been at the scene at the time of the incident is described as a purple, 4-door, Hyundai passenger car. 

Please contact Crimestoppers if you have any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1,000.00 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.  

The 2016 growing season has been pretty good, weather-wise, here in Illinois. After early season fears of a hot, dry summer the La Nina failed to develop and we ended up with near record wet weather in July and August



That’s Eric Schmidt of EJS weather, based in Newton, Illinois. Schmidt says the coming Labor Day weekend looks dry and mild, then a little more rain the first week or so of September followed by a pretty good chance of dryer, nearly ideal harvest weather from mid September through October.



Eric Schmidt of EJS weather

Harvest has begun for some farmers in the state. Reports have combines rolling from southern Illinois to the central part of the state around Decatur and over to Rantoul. So it’s easy to figure that the crop is maturing ahead of normal. USDA Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says that overall crops in the field continue to look good.



As harvest slowly starts around the state it’s always a good time to remember that means slow moving equipment will be on the roadways. 

Governor Bruce Rauner is celebrating the National Park Sevice's 100th anniversary. While Illinois may not have the sprawling national parks seen out west, he says the Land of Lincoln has plenty to be proud of.

Rauner has been a long time National Park enthusiast since his first hiking trip to Yellowstone at the age of 14. 

One of the great frustrations for people who do business in the Capital City or simply go there as a tourist, is being stopped by Downtown trains. Efforts to move rail traffic seven blocks further south are moving ahead with the dedication of a $20.8 million rail underpass. Senator Dick Durbin says it's a classic example of the Illinois Congressional Delegation working together, regardless of party, for the state's transportation needs.

Federal, state and local officials continue efforts to create more rail underpasses and bring high speed rail to the edge of Springfield's Downtown area.

On Monday the Taylorville Fire Department responded to a call of a duct fire at the Ahlstrom facility in Taylorville. After some investigation, it turned out that the fire wasn’t as big an issue as initially thought. Regional Radio News spoke with Taylorville Assistant Fire Chief Andy Goodall who shared that some insulation in the building had caught fire.

The insulation was contained within an outer shell, which is why the fire didn’t spread. Goodall said though that the fire department still needed to extinguish the blaze.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

The American Cancer Society has a variety of programs intended to help those diagnosed with cancer, as well as friends and family better cope with the disease. One of those programs is the Special Friends program, which provides friendship and fun to pediatric cancer patients as well as their siblings. Katie Champion, Senior Manager of Community Engagement with the American Cancer Society’s local office spoke with Regional Radio News and shared some details of the program.

Champions shared that another goal of the program is to show the kids involved in the program that doctors are people too, and are nothing to be afraid of.

The students and patients participate in a series of parties that are held throughout the year where the kids and students get to have fun and bond. For more information on the program, you can contact the American Cancer Society’s Springfield Office at 523-4503, or email Champion herself at katie.champion@cancer.org.

As Summer comes to a close, Fall is moving in, and that poses as good news for blood centers and blood banks because people will get back into their routine of donating blood every 6 weeks. Although people will donate blood more often once Fall hits, blood banks, such as the Central Illinois Community Blood Center will still need to recover from their lack of donations from the past few months. Libby Bair, Donor Relations Consultant with the Central Illinois Community Blood Center, said that CICBC is hoping to recover as fast as possible and they know the blood drive in Taylorville on Wednesday will help.

Bair also mentioned the CICBC's IMPACT Program where people can earn points to trade in for perks such as t-shirts, hoodies, and even earbuds.

CICBC will be at Taylorville Memorial Hospital from 11:00-6:00 on Wednesday, and for more information, call 217-753-1530 or visit their website at bloodcenterimpact.com. Bair appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

This weekend is Labor Day Weekend and people are ready to celebrate and enjoy their day off of work. During the weekend, people tend to celebrate, and sometimes can have a bit too much fun. State Trooper Sean Ramsey said Labor Day Weekend is one of the most celebrated weekends, and there tends to be a lot of DUI's. He asked the public, if they drink, to make sure they don't get behind the wheel.

Ramsey said over the past few months there have been a string of fatal accidents, where almost all of them involved the Fatal Four, which are distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt. Ramsey said state troopers can't stop this from happening alone, they need help from the public.

For more information go to isp.il.state.us. Ramsey appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

As November nears, so does the presidential election and Donald Trump is closing in on former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton looks to be losing momentum because of the continuation of her email scandal, and Trump is sticking to his script during his campaigns to make sure he doesn't say anything out of line. Jim Bohannon, Host of the Jim Bohannon Show, said that while the polls are close now, he thinks the upcoming debates will be what determines who the next President of the United States will be.

Bohannon said he expects for Hillary to keep the lead and sit on it, but he said if she happens to fall behind in the polls, he can't see her make her way back to the front. He said for Trump to have a fighting chance in the upcoming debates, he needs to focus on the issues and learn how to answer them in the correct manner.

For more information visit jimbotalk.net or listen to the Jim Bohannon Show Weeknights from 9:00 to midnight on NEWSTALK WTIM. Bohannon appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the Christian County Clerk about the upcoming election, at their weekly luncheon on Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.
Laurie Mense told Kiwanis members about all the work she's doing in leading up to the November 8th general election.  Mense said early voting begins September 29th, and voters can also register to vote on-line using their driver's license as long as the license information is correct.
Mense talked about the importance of voting and voter turnout, adding that voting is how to make elected officials accountable.
She added new laws now allow registration even on election day in her office in the Christian County Courthouse, but you have to qualify 30 days before.

And, she said she is desparately in need of additional election judges for the upcoming election.
Kiwanis members are reminded to attend the club cookout at Kiwanis Park at 6pm September 6th, and the community is reminded of the annual Kiwanis Peanut Days fund-raiser on the streets of Taylorville September 23rd and 24th with proceeds benefitting local Kiwanis projects for children and youth.
The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving 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. 

The stopgap budget deal has slowed a lot of the budget talk in the state, but it remains on Governor Bruce Rauner's mind, especially when it comes to locking in more money for schools.

Rauner knows the calendar could have a lot to do say on when progress will be made.

The fall veto session gets underway in November.

The Regional Office of Education #3 is offering an informational meeting for anyone interested in becoming a substitute teacher. Annette Hartlieb, Division Administrator for the Regional Office of Education #3 said the meeting will help people know how they can become a substitute teacher.

Currently there is a shortage of substitute teachers in the region, and Hartlieb said these meetings are for anybody who is considering becoming a substitute.

The meeting is September 8^th at the Professional Development Center at 1500 West Jefferson Street in Vandalia. The session is free of charge, however it is asked that you pre-register for the session by contacting Hartlieb by calling 618-283-9311.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner called the state Supreme Court decision to keep a legislative map reform amendment off the November ballot "tragic." The state's top constitutional officer says Illinois voters deserve a chance to vote on the issue;



Speaking from the Du Quoin State Fair on Friday, the governor said the General Assembly can easily put the maps question, as well one on term limits, on a future statewide ballot;



More than a half million Illinois voters signed petitions to put the redistricting reform question before voters. In a four-to-three split decision, the state's high court upheld a Cook County Circuit Court decision that declared the latest redistricting reform effort unconstitutional.

Cowden Pioneer Days was a three day festival that took place over the weekend. Regional Radio News was on site and spoke with Morgan Powers, and Aleah Wallis, Miss and Jr. Miss Cowden Pioneer Days. Powers shared how she had heard about other pageants, and decided to get involved.

Wallis said a family history of pageantry has helped her with her pageants.

Cowden Pioneer Days lasted from Friday, August 26^th until Sunday, August 28^th, and featured a variety of events such as the Miss Pioneer Days Pageant, a car show and rodeo, live music, as well as lots of food throughout the weekend.

The village of Edinburg is holding their Labor Day Picnic starting this Friday evening, September 2nd. They will have a lot going on including softball and volleyball tournaments, their Miss Edinburg pageant, and a live band each night. Katie White and Morgan Stephen, both part of the Labor Day Picnic Committee said on Friday night they will have Lit Creek performing as a street band, and they hope the street will be packed with people having the time of their lives.

White and Stephen said on Monday, the village will celebrate labor day with a parade with attractions for everyone to enjoy, but some that are especially for the kids.

For more information, a full schedule of events, and giveaways, check out their Facebook Page at Edinburg Labor Day 2016. White and Stephen appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Surrounding area McDonald's are going through a small change for the better, regarding their All Day Breakfast menu. Brad Davis, Co-Owner of McDonald's in Taylorville, Shelbyville, Pana, and Vandalia, said his McDonald's restaurants will be upgrading and adding new equipment, so they can serve more breakfast items including biscuits and McGriddles. He said this will be set to start in these locations on September 21st.

Davis also mentioned that those area McDonald's will have promotions beginning Tuesday where they will have a triple cheeseburger value meal for $5 and they're also bringing in pumpkin flavored things for the upcoming Fall months .

The All Day Breakfast and promotional specials will be at all four McDonald's locations in the area. Davis appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois State Police District 18 is investigating a two vehicle crash that resulted in a fatality on Saturday afternoon. 18 year old Payge Donaldson of Ramsey was leaving the Indian Springs Golf Course in Fillmore, and pulling out into Illinois Route 185. 40 year old Eric Wehrle of Vandalia was headed westbound on Illinois Route 185 in a 2005 Sterling Truck that was pulling a trailer. Donaldson failed to yield to Wehrle, and pulled out in front of him, and Wehrle was unable to avoid striking Donaldson’s vehicle. Donaldson was transported to Hillsboro Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Wehrle was transported to Vandalia Hospital for minor injuries. Illinois Route 185 was shut down for several hours while the crash was investigated on scene. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is still investigating the accident.

Photo – back row – left to right:  Matthew O’Brien, Kyle Woods, Brendan Watson, Rhett Molen, Dalton Lingl

Front row – left to right:  Samantha Hafliger, Alexus Gibson, Zebert Dunaway

Christian County CEO Board of Directors are pleased to announce the 16-17 Christian County CEO Class.  Brendan Watson, Samantha Hafliger and Alexus Gibson all from Edinburg; Matthew O’Brien, Zebert Dunaway, Kyle Woods, Rhett Molen and Dalton Lingl all from Taylorville will be embarking on the CEO journey.

The Christian County CEO program is made possible by the generous donations from Christian County businesses, community groups, and individuals.  There is no cost to the students or school districts.   Students will tour area businesses and learn about business from guest speakers.  The program teaches leadership, encouragement, and creativity. 

“Entrepreneurship education seeks to prepare people, especially youth, to be responsible, enterprising individuals who become entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial thinkers and contribute to economic development and sustainable communities. The CEO program is much more than a textbook course. Rather, students are immersed in real life learning experiences with the opportunity to take risks, manage the results, and learn from the outcomes,” says Cheryl Mitchell, Midland Institute Interim Executive Director.

More information about the program is available at www.christiancountyceo.com
 

The Illinois Supreme Court dealt the final blow for the effort to let voters decide if state legislative maps should be drawn by an independent commission. In a 4 – 3 decisions the court ruled that the Fair Maps question would not be allowed on the November ballot. The majority opinion stated that the measure didn’t fit the narrowly constructed requirements set forth by the constitution. A blistering dissent was written by Justice Robert Thomas saying at the outset, “The Illinois constitution is meant to prevent tyranny, not to enshrine it.” 

Governor Bruce Rauner a long time supporter of the effort said in an emailed statement that “Fair maps create fair districts. The system is broken and controlled by career politicians. People leave when they cannot hold their politicians accountable."

This is the second time in two years that the effort to get this question on the ballot has failed.

District candidate David Gill can remain on the Nov. 8 ballot. The independent from Bloomington will face Republican incumbent Rodney Davis and Democrat Mark Wicklund of Decatur. Gill maintained the number of signatures required to get on the ballot is unconstitutional because it's too high in his view. The state board of elections booted him from the ballot after nearly 2700 petition signatures were tossed out. The Illinois Attorney General's office has not decided whether to appeal.

On Friday, August 26^th at about a quarter until three in the morning, the Taylorville Police Department responded to a burglary alarm at the Loading Zone at 2100 West Spresser in Taylorville. Once on scene it was discovered that whoever had triggered the alarm had made entry into the business through the front door. Taylorville Chief of Police Dave Herpstreith spoke with Regional Radio News and said the department is investigating, and considering a possible connection to the burglary at the Moose Lodge last weekend.

Herpstreith said that currently nothing has been reported missing or stolen from the Loading Zone.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or any crimes are encouraged to call the Taylorville Police Department at 217-824-2211, or the Christian County Crimestoppers at 217-824-9100.

Lake Land College’s Adult Education will be offering free computer classes at a variety of locations starting on September 19^th. Dirk Muffler, Director of Adult and Alternative Education at Lake Land College said the classes are intended to teach basic computer skills to those who sign up for the class.

Muffler said the course’s instructors will be able to help it’s students with a variety of tasks that they’d like to learn.

The four week class will include topics such as Windows 7, Word, Excel, as well as other Microsoft Office programs. For more information on the class or to sign up you can contact Adult Education at Lake Land College at 217-238-8292.

The schedule is as follows:

Eastern Region Center, Marshall – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, Paris – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11 a.m.

Kluthe Center for Higher Technology, Effingham – Mondays and Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.

Lake Land College, Workforce Development Center, Mattoon – Mondays and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.

Western Region Center, Pana - Tuesdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

A hazmat spill occurred in Assumption on Friday. Taylorville Assistant Fire Chief Andy Goodall spoke with Regional Radio News and said that tank carrying diesel fuel fell off of the back of a truck that was towing it, struck a utility pole and began leaking.

The fuel didn’t catch fire, however it did find its way into the sewer system for the city of Assumption.

Goodall said there was no risk to the drinking water for Assumption residents, since the fuel leaked into the sewer system, and how it was just the sewer system that was affected.

While Rotary Club is an international organization and does it's best to help tackle worldwide issues, such as eradicating the existence of polio, the Shelbyville Chapter does just as much locally. Reverend Kevin Ray, President of Shelbyville's Rotary Club said the club is well know for their Halloween Parade, funding the cub scouts, and more.

Ray said, the Shelbyville Rotary Club offers a scholarship every year to a Shelbyville High School student, and also helps buy books and other supplies for the schools.

Meeting to the Shelbyville Rotary Club take place every Monday at noon, and to join contact any Shelbyville Rotarian. Ray appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our Shelbyville Studios. 

Gameday Custom T's in Shelbyville has been around for six years now and offers many services to Shelbyville and surrounding areas. Kyle Hudson, co-owner of Gameday Custom T's said that they not only create and print designs on shirts for people but have a lot more to offer such as embroidery and vinyl printing.

Hudson and his wife Laura Hudson, the other co-owner of Gameday Custom T's said that people and businesses who come to their store don't need to have a design already set for them to print. They said they will work with the customer and help them craft and design exactly what they're looking for.

For more information call Gameday Custom T's at 217-927-2087 or find them on Facebook at Gameday Custom T's and Apparel. Kyle and Laura Hudson appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our Shelbyville Studios. 

Grammy's West Side Floral in Shelbyville is a local flower shop that does a little bit of everything to fit the needs of anyone who walks in for their business. Kathy Swarms, Owner of Grammy's West Side Floral, said that for the upcoming Fall months, she expects to be doing a lot of cemetery work along with wreaths, flower arrangements and more.

Swarms said usually things don't need to be pre-ordered from her shop unless it's an unusually large amount of flowers, but she does like for people to give her plenty of notice. She also said she has a website where people can create all of their arrangements and order it online.

For more information or to contact Swarms go to grammysfloral.com or call the shop at 217-774-4644. Swarms appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our Shelbyville Studios.

An updated study of the economic benefit up upgrading the lock and dam system on the Illinois River was released this month by the Economic Development Research Group. The group, which conducts infrastructure cost/benefit studies for business and government, including the federal government, found maintaining and upgrading the lock system on the Illinois river would provide a boost for not only the Illinois economy but also for a number of other states. 

Paul Bingham is vice president of the Boston based Ec0nomic Development Research group.

The Illinois river helps support 1.7 million jobs and 110,000 Illinois businesses. The biggest benefit would be lower transportation costs for ag exports, but grain makes up less than half of the bulk shipping on the river. Petroleum, Coal, Chemicals and other items make up the bulk of the tonnage, impacting businesses from Chicago to New Orleans.

To see the economic impact to your county from upgrading the locks and dams on the Illinois River, the report is available on line.

The study was commissioned by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Farm Bureau, major commodity groups and other impacted businesses.

Central Illinois residents battling hunger will get a heaping helping of Mac and Cheese. Land O'Lakes, primarily known for their famous butter related products, is donating 40-thousand pounds of their Macaroni and Cheese to the Central Illinois Foodbank. It's part of Land O'Lakes First Run Program. Foodbank Executive Director Pam Molitoris says it's great to have a massive shipment of mac and cheese because of its mass appeal.

Central Illinois Foodbank serves 21 Illinois counties and distributes more than 9 million pounds of food a year. 

Health insurance rates might bring the New Year's blues in 2017 The new year will bring higher prices and fewer choices on the Illinois marketplace for families who buy their own health coverage. The Illinois Department of Insurance reports the average rate increase for a typical benchmark plan is 43 percent. Congressman Rodney Davis is concerned. The Taylorville Republican continues to express concerns about Obamacare otherwise known as the Affordable Care Act.

Davis, the husband of a cancer survivor, says he can relate to Illinois consumers.

Selection is a big issue, with only one company offering plans in an eight county area

Sangamon County Coroner Cinda Edwards is conducting a death investigation of the recent death of a child in Springfield. 8 year old Jolinda Thompson of Springfield was pronounced deceased at St. John’s Hospital at 2:45 Tuesday Morning. She had been in the hospital since a near drowning which occurred at Colony West Pool on August 19^th. No foul play is suspected at this time, and so far the investigation indicates an accidental drowning event. The Springfield Police Department is investigating the incident as well.

A Resolution was recently written and filed with the Illinois House of Representatives designating Taylorville the “Chilli Capital of Illinois.”  The legislation is on record and is slated for reading into the record and adoption at the next scheduled session.
 
House Resolution Number 1357, gives the Christian County seat the designation because of its 5 International Chilli Society sanctioned chilli cookoffs each year, and the 12 World Chilli Cook Champions those contests have brought to Taylorville. 
 
The resolution added that Taylorville residents Bob Hall and Tom Calvert are among the World Chilli Cook Champions, and added that the chilli events held in Taylorville each year attract over 10,000 people.
 
95th District State Representative Avery Bourne, will formally present the resolution, in a news conference on Thursday, September First at 9 in the morning, on the northwest corner of the Christian County Courthouse grounds on the Taylorville square.  Invited guests include Bourne, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton, and Christian County Board Chairman Paul Schmitz, U-S Congressman Rodney Davis, and the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee. 
 
The public is invited to attend the formal announcement.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation has announced the recipients of the Dr. George Ferry Memorial Scholarship. Raedena Ryan, Executive Director of Taylorville Memorial Hospital spoke with Regional Radio News and said the Scholarship is awarded each year, and shared who were this year’s scholarship recipients.

Both Olivia Graham and Mallory Westrick are graduates of the Taylorville High School Class of 2016. Ryan said that both Graham and Westrick have educational interests and career aspirations that align with the hospital’s mission to improve the health of the people and communities they serve. Ryan also shared some information on how students apply for the scholarship.

Both Graham and Westrick were presented with the scholarships during the Taylorville High School awards night this past spring, and recently had the pleasure of being introduced to Elizabeth Ferry, widow of the late Dr. George Ferry. For more information on the scholarship or the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation, call them at 217-824-1651, or visit TaylorvilleMemorial.org.

The Moose Lodge at 720 McAdam Drive in Taylorville experienced a burglary sometime during the overnight hours between Friday, August 19^th, and Saturday, August 20^th. Taylorville Chief of Police Dave Herpstreith spoke with Regional Radio News and shared details of the burglary.

The suspect or suspects then fled the area. The burglary was captured on surveillance video, and is currently being reviewed by authorities. A small, blue, four door vehicle of unknown make or model was used in the commission of the burglary, and an investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Taylorville Police Department at 217-824-2211 or Christian County Crimestoppers at 217-824-9100.

The Taylorville Ministerial Association has a groundbreaking ceremony for a new building they are planing on putting up in September. This ceremony will take place on September 19th, at the corner of East Main and Water Street. Patty Hornbuckle, CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, said the building will be a new food pantry in Taylorville to serve the people of the city, and will include a certified kitchen.

Hornbuckle said the 2,400 square feet of this building will be used to stock food on shelves and in refrigerators, as well as to make sure the children in the area don't have to go without food during summer months.

For more information, contact the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at 217-824-4919 or email them at taylorvillechamber@gmail.com. Hornbuckle appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The U of I Extension in Taylorville had such a large amount of people who took the class on learning how to make jams and jellies, the extension is holding another class on it this weekend, so those who were left out can still take it, along with anyone else interested. Lisa Peterson Nutrition and Wellness Educator at the extension, said during the class, people will learn how to make jams and jellies and how to properly can them to keep them preserved.

Peterson also mentioned a new program she and the extension is starting, called “Hot Topic Tuesday” where they will be talking about the hot topic items such as GMO use, organic vs non-organic, natural foods, and more.

To sign up for the classes or find more information, go to the extension website at web.extension.illinois.edu/cjmm. Peterson appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

With the growing interest in controlling nutrient loss, and improving water quality, cover crops have been getting a lot of attention by farmers recently. Cover crops, usually planted after harvest, left as a winter cover, then taken off before spring planting hold erodible soils in place, help lock in nutrients and actually help organic matter in the soil.

John Pike with Council on Best Management Practices says improving productivity and holding nutrients in the soil is driving the interest in cover crops.

Pike, a former U of I research agronomist at the Dixon Springs Research center, says cover crops can improve the soil and improve the bottom line. What’s the easiest way to find out more about the latest research results on the use of cover crops?

Agronomist John Pike

As gun violence continues to plague the city of Chicago the Governor signs new legislation that will be tougher on the trafficking of weapons into Illinois. The new law will allow for prosecutors to seek up to 20 years of prison for a first time offense and 30 for a second offense. The law is squarely aimed at efforts to cut the number of illegal guns in Chicago and their impact on the cities’ murder count. House Minority Leader Republican Jim Durkin says that it’s clear what’s being done with many of the guns brought to Illinois.



Authorities say that a large percentage of the guns used in crimes in Chicago are brought in from Indiana where there are very few hurdles to purchasing them.

The “Grab-N-Go” Lunch program, a program at a variety of locations including churches and schools helped to serve nearly 8,000 meals in the summer of 2016. Amy Hagen, one of the Coordinators for the summer Grab-n-Go lunch program said the program provides meals to children who no longer get guaranteed meals through school during the summer.

The number of meals served were actually down this year. Hagen said how a shorter summer vacation this year may have been the reason for the decrease.

The program relies on volunteers to help plan, prepare, coordinate, and deliver the meals. If you would like to volunteer with the program, you can contact Cindy Diss at Taylorville First United Methodist Church at 824-2782.

This week Crimestoppers is seeking information in regards to criminal damage that occurred in Taylorville.

During several nights between Tuesday, August 2, 2016 and Tuesday, August 9, 2016, person or persons unknown have been damaging property located at 1012 West Franklin Street.  The unknown subject or subjects have vandalizing the residence and have also caused damage to a vehicle parked at the residence.  The vehicle’s brakes were damaged during one of the incidents.  The total dollar amount of damage is unknown at this time.

Please contact Crimestoppers if you have any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1,000.00 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.  

The Illinois Department of Transportation is discontinuing its Yellow Dot program. The Yellow Dot Program aimed to help emergency medical responders by having citizens who signed up for the program provide important medical information that could help in the case of an accident. Participants would fill out a card that would be placed in the glovebox as well as place a yellow dot sticker on their back windshield. No reason was given for the cancellation.

IDOT does encourage all motorists to sign up for the Illinois Secretary of State’s Emergency Contact Database. The service allows citizens to enter emergency contact information as well as any disability or special needs information into a voluntary and secure database for no charge. This information can be accessed by law enforcement in cases where people involved in accidents cannot communicate so law enforcement can contact your emergency contacts and be provided with any helpful medical information on scene.

Visit cyberdriveillinois.com to sign up for the database, or for more information.

There was a water main break on Route 104 near Bulpitt on Wednesday that lead to Bulpitt residents as well as residents to the west of Bulpitt on Route 104 to be without water. Regional Radio News has learned that water service has been restored; however a boil order remains in effect for homes affected until further noticed. Regional Radio News will have details on this story as they become available.

 Miller Media Group welcomes a new voice to its stations. Jake Linder, on-air talent and salesperson for Miller Media will begin hosting a brand new show every Saturday on NEWSTALK WTIM. Linder is hosting the Saturday Morning Coaches Show, where he will interview five local high school coaches every week and get the inside scoop of what is going on in the minds of each team.

Linder said this show provides extra information to WTIM listeners who only pull for one high school team because they can get the insight from their school's coach, and hear about more than Taylorville High School.

The Saturday Morning Coaches Show begins this Saturday morning at 10:00. Linder appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Historical Society has recently formed a new committee. Their Float Committee has a total of seven members so far, and have built a float that the society can use during all parades where they can show the public what they're capable of, and what they bring to the community. Jodi Heberling from the Christian County Historical Society said that because of this new committee, they can be more active to let the county know they're around.

Heberling said the float will be updated and reused during different parades at different times of the year, and will be sporting different decorations depending on what the parade theme is.

For more information on the Historical Society visit their Facebook page at Christian County Illinois Historical Society and Museum or call them at 217-824-6922. Heberling appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

It's back to school time, and for the Social Security Administration, their main focus is on the kids and their social security benefits. Jack Myers, Public Affairs Specialist from the Social Security Administration, said children can qualify for Social Security benefits depending on two things. The first is that the children must be unmarried, and Myers said, the other has three possible options.

Myers said if the children receiving benefits, are in high school and will be turning 19, they can do something to make sure they continue receiving those benefits.

For more information go to socialsecurity.gov. Myers appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the coordinator of Christian County Crimestoppers, at their weekly luncheon on Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.
Sargent Alan Mills of the Taylorville Police Department told Kiwanis Club members about the history of Crimestoppers in the United States and in Christian County.  Nationally, Crimestoppers began in New Mexico in 1976, and in Christian County, the local chapter was formed in 1987 by former Taylorville police chief Dave Childers and local attorney Dan Austin.

Tips can now be called in, submitted on the Christian County Crimestoppers web site, or texted. 
Kiwanis members are reminded to attend the club cookout at Kiwanis Park at 6pm September 6th, and the community is reminded of the annual Kiwanis Peanut Days fund-raiser on the streets of Taylorville September 23rd and 24th with proceeds benefitting local Kiwanis projects for children and youth.
The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving 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. 

The state’s corn crop is racing to completion and recent wet weather is helping top out possible yields. The United State’s Department of Agriculture reports that above average rainfall across the state fell last week and its timed well to help fill out the pods on soybeans. State crop statistician Mark Schleusener says the bean crop is in good shape.



The state’s corn crop is just starting to mature, and what’s in the field is in very good condition, 84 percent is reported looking good to excellent. 

The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation will begin accepting applications for the 2015 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, as well as the Percentage of Income Payment Plan on September 1^st. Energy Program Director Kathy Walk spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the plans help people in need.

Walk explained that both programs have the same basic income requirements for applicants.

September and October are priority months reserved for those households that have a member aged 60 and above or are disabled. On October third, households that have children under age 6 may begin applying, and assistance will become available to all other income-eligible households on November 1^st. For more information to apply, call C.E.F.S. at (217) 342-2193.

Senator Mark Kirk is making waves with his comment that President Barack Obama was "acting like the drug dealer in chief" when his administration delivered $400 million in cash to Iran contingent on the release of American prisoners. Governor Bruce Rauner wasn't ready to sign on to that comment, but he does believe in much of the reasoning behind it.

A spokesman for Kirk opponent, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth says Kirk was "disgracefully insulting" the president.

July and August have been on the wet side this year, capped off the first weekend of this years State Fair when State Climatologist Jim Angel says the same system that caused the massive flooding in Louisiana inundated the fairgrounds and brought up to ten inches of rain to parts of Southern Illinois.



And the rest of August also looks warm and wet.



September looks to be on the warm side, but it’s too early to predict September precipitation. The National Weather service is calling for above normal temperatures to last at least into November. 

Changes are coming to the criminal justice system in Illinois. Governor Bruce Rauner put pen to paper on a set of bills that will perhaps alter the future for kids who run afoul of the law and changes circumstances for older offenders too. One new bill will let teenagers who were arrested but not charged with a crime immediate apply for expungement of the record. In the past they needed to wait until they turned 18. Rauner says the justice system need to take all items into account when punishing 
and reforming. 



Another bill will require a more detailed review of any pre-sentencing reports to include an explanation if jail time is requested.

State Senator Chapin Rose, a Republican from Mahomet sponsored Senate Bill 3335 which was recently signed into law by Governor Rauner. The bill seeks to help local Emergency Medical Teams combat the skyrocketing costs of Epi-Pens, an auto-dispensing device for the allergy fighting medication Epinephrine. Senator Rose said that a local rural fire department informed him that they were spending over $2,000 a year on the Epi-Pens, where if there were to be allowed to simply buy Epinephrine and inject it with a syringe, there would be a huge cost savings.

Senator Rose said that when you add up the savings throughout all of the departments in the state that can now switch to a cheaper way of dispensing Epinephrine, you get a very large figure.

Senator Rose also said the skyrocketing costs of Epi-Pens is largely due to the fact that the company that makes them now has a monopoly on the technology. Many rely on the drug to potentially save their lives should they suffer from anaphylaxic shock, which means they don’t have a choice but to buy the medication, no matter what the cost is.

Churches in the community are looking for volunteers for the second installment of Missions for Taylorville in 2016. This one will take place September 10th throughout the City of Taylorville and the churches are hoping volunteers will sign up early. Pastor Bill Kerns, Lead Pastor at Davis Memorial Christian Church, said this way, he, and the others in charge, can plan more, make more arrangements, and even take on more projects because they know how many people they have ready to work.

Kerns said there are major positives for the local churches to put together Missions for Taylorville and for people to volunteer including raising local real estate value.

To volunteer with Missions for Taylorville, contact a local church in the city or visit Kerns at Davis Memorial Christian Church. Kerns appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Video Gaming in local bars has taken off and their use has helped the state's economy by bringing in more funds through gambling. Mayor Greg Brotherton thinks the idea is a good one, because it allows people to have fun and use their money as they choose. But Brotherton disagrees with the fact that video games are tied only to bars where people's judgment can become skewed.

Brotherton said, in Taylorville, they allow restaurants to have the video gaming machines, but because the definition of the word “restaurant” is so loose in the city, people are taking advantage of the law.

Brotherton said it could take a while to have the definition of restaurant changed in the city and be more precise. Mayor Brotherton appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Regional Radio News has learned that the boil order for Tower Hill has been lifted. The order had gone into effect last week due to annual maintenance that was being done to the town’s water tower. Customers no longer need to boil water to be used for human consumption.

The Taylorville Park Board met in regular session on Monday Night at the Manners Park Administration Building. The board was welcoming in a guest this week, Roy Williamson with Red Bland Little League who wanted to give the board an update regarding upgrades to the various baseball fields at Manners Park. Williamson mentioned how the league had met with contractors to talk about maintaining and renovating the fields. Williamson said how the cost of renovating the fields at Manors Park was eye opening.

Williamson said how the costs of labor alone make the project a daunting one.

Williamson also laid out what exactly would be done to the field should the board move forward with the project.

One option that the Park Board would potentially have to help reduce the costs of labor is to use local contractors. Park Board member Don Bragg who had attended the meeting had some suggestions to do use local labor.

Williamson said how the issue needs to be investigated more, and one option may be to simply put the project off for at least a year, due to the time of the year that the work would be done.

He was a media darling of the early hours of the Rio Olympics, but Springfield's Ryan Held could prove to be much more than a national gold medal winning feelgood story. Swimming World Magazine Publisher Brent Rutemiller believes Ryan Lochte's days as an Olympic swimmer are likely over but he doesn't expect punishment for four swimmers tied to Lochte's false armed robbery report to have much impact on Held's future Olympic opportunities.

Rutemiller says Held's surge from a dark horse Olympic candidate to gold medalist was no fluke.

With 19-year-old Katie Ledecky dominating on the women's side and the likes of Michael Phelps leaving Olympic swimming behind, Rutemiller believes youth, like the 21-year-old Held, will be served at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

The Illinois State Fair ended its 10 day run on Sunday. The state’s big party that doubles as a celebration of agriculture was besieged with bad weather this year. Historic rains hit the fairgrounds on the first Friday of the fair and then continued rains throughout the week hampered efforts to pack the grounds with people. Veteran fair vendors said this was the worst fair they had for selling items, some said their revenues were off 50 percent from last year. The Department of Agriculture is waiting to announce attendance, this year they are going to weigh all the tickets to determine how many people attended the fair.

Last week at the City Council Meeting, Mayor Greg Brotherton, brought up that he thought it would be wise for Taylorville to hire a City Manager to take on the important mayoral responsibilities that a professional should handle. Many of the Aldermen were not thrilled with the idea and still remain resistant. Brotherton offered some reasons to hire one such as continuity in the political system, the City Manager's decisions can be overruled by higher powers such as the mayor or city council.

Brotherton said the hiring decision will be made within the next month.

Other major news from last week was that Dave Herpstreith is stepping down from his position as Chief of Police. Brotherton said the city has two options it can take in appointing a new Chief. 

Herpstreith will officially step down as Police Chief in the first week of September. Mayor Brotherton appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.
 

As the school year begins for college students, many are living in an apartment for the first time, and many apartments don't include utilities with rent. This means those young adults will need to register for electricity for the first time, and most have no idea how to do that. Marcelyn Love, spokesperson from Ameren Illinois, gave some tips on what they should do to register for power, including signing up ahead of time, what materials they need, and answering the question, of what roommate should be listed on the electric account.

Love said it's wise for parents to show their children good power efficiency habits before they move into their first apartment, that way the young adults know how to save money and not spend a fortune on electricity.

More information can be found at amerenillinois.com or call their customer service line at 800-755-5000. Love appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

There was a moment of tension on Monday in the Christian County Courthouse. 21 year old Michael W. Beaty of Pana appeared in court on a first appearance for aggravated assault, aggravated battery of a police officer, and resisting a peace officer. Beaty didn’t respond to questions at first when asked if he understood what the state was accusing him of, and was warned about using inappropriate language once he did. Beaty later ignored the warning, and continued to use inappropriate language to which Judge Brad Paisley sentenced Beaty to criminal contempt of court and ordered him to serve 7 days in jail. The State began reading probable cause for bond when Beaty continued to speak out of order. Judge Paisley warned Beaty that should he continue to speak out of order he would be removed from the courthouse. Probable Cause for bond was found, and bond was set at $50,000. The court appointed Beaty a public a defender, and set a first appearance with counsel for August 23rd.

It’s back to school time, and that means that students need to be supplied with the necessary school supplies to be successful throughout the school year. CNB Bank and Trust is helping to do just that with their annual School Supply Drive. Shelley Singleton, Director of Marketing at CNB Bank and Trust said how the bank was eager to hold the drive once again this year.

CNB Bank and Trust has also added a new, easier way to donate.

The drive started August 1^st and runs through August 31^st. Needed items include pens, pencils, notebooks, backpacks, calculators, and more. The website to donate is cnbil.com, under their back to school section.

Shelbyville Monument Works is undergoing a renovation to their store, both inside and out. Dalton Nichols, store manager at Shelbyville Monument Works spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the store just needed the update, and talked about some of the things that are getting re-done.

Nichols mentioned how it will be nice to have a fresh face on a building that’s been there for nearly a century.

Nichols said how the response from the community has been positive, with several people even stopping in the store to find out more about the remodel. You can find Shelbyville Monument Works at 159 North Morgan Street in Shelbyville.

The Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center board and staff hosted a "thank you" event for their volunteers, on Saturday afternoon at the Kiwanis Park pavilion on Lake Taylorville.

Over 30 board members, staff, volunteers and spouses attended the event, as a way to thank those who volunteered several thousand hours to the ministry in the past year.

3 people received special awards.  Center executive director Cathy Coker(left) received a plaque for 10 years of service, while volunteers Sue Boyd (center) and Cathy Miller (right) each received plaques for 5 years of volunteering at the Center.

The Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center at 500 North Walnut in Taylorville offers prenatal, parenting and life skills classes through their "Earn While You Learn Program".

Public Schools in the area opened Thursday after a long awaited budget was put in place. Although, the stopgap budget was passed, it still doesn't let the schools know what to expect for the upcoming year. Denise Bence, Superintendent of Shelbyville Schools said, the Shelbyville school board had a meeting Thursday, and began talking about their budget for the next school year, but it proves to be a challenge when they don't know what their budget will be.

Shelbyville schools have a deficit of $39,000 this year, compared to the $500,000 they had last year. Bence said the board is very optimistic they will be able to balance the budget like they did in the 2015-2016 school year.

For more information on Shelbyville Schools go to their website at shelbyville.k12.il.us. Bence appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our Shelbyville Studios. 

Scams continue to be a problem in the area as a new scam has been verified. Shelby County Sheriff Don Koonce said this new scam involves getting a credit card in the mail  that looks like it's from Amazon. He said the card claims if you activate it, the recipient will get a free Amazon gift card, but instead they get massive amounts of debt.

Koonce also mentioned how telemarketing scams have become more common and said to make sure to never give personal information, until their's has been given if you're remotely suspicious. He said that when they offer something that's too good to be true, that's when the red flags go up, it's time to be suspicious, and start asking them questions.

For more information or to report a crime call Shelby County Crime Stoppers at 800-528-8477 or go to shelbycountycrimestoppers.com. Sheriff Koonce appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our Shelbyville Studios.

As kids head back to school, some are already thinking about what their future may hold for them after graduation. The Agriculture Industry wants to make sure they are teaching younger kids what goes into their job and what the importance of agriculture is. Kathleen Agney, Agriculture Literacy Coordinator for Shelby County, travels throughout Shelby County to teach children about agriculture. She said the younger she can get to the kids, the earlier they will be aware of the industry, and the higher chance the industry will continue to succeed in the future.

Agney said she tries to teach kids that agriculture is more than just farming but marketing, banking, selling, and much more.

For more information, email Agney at shelbyaged@consolidated.net or go to agintheclassroom.org. Agney appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our Shelbyville Studios. 

Governor Bruce Rauner has signed “Gabby’s Law”. The law requires Illinois Hospitals to be better prepared to recognize and treat patients with Sepsis infections. State Senator Chapin Rose sponsored the bill, and said that he hopes the bill helps save lives.

Sepsis is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Symptoms include fever, shivering, skin discoloration, extreme pain, feeling sleepy as well as confusion.

An Owaneco company is helping to bring solar power to Springfield and Sangamon County. WindSolarUSA launched their “Go Solar Springfield” program, which will give customers who would like to install solar panels onto their home or business group buy deals. Company founder Michelle Knox spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the program works.

Knox shared some of the benefits to installing solar panels.

WindSolarUSA also operates throughout Central Illinois. Knox said that they targeted Springfield with this most recent program due to the local utility company in the city offering a rebate for solar power. Knox said how she also wants to expand the program into other areas of Central Illinois, hopefully being able to offer similar deal to other counties.

The Taylorville Police Department and the Christian County TRIAD will be teaming up once again for the seventh annual Senior Police Academy beginning on Thursday, September 8^th. Richard Peters, Director of the Christian County TRIAD said that the goal of the program is to help keep seniors informed. Peters said how the program has been steadily growing over the years.

There is jam packed schedule for the program this year including several field trips, as well as a special presentation by the FBI.

The Senior Police Academy will be held at the Taylorville Municipal Building in the lower level conference room. The program is open and free of charge to all individuals who are interested in the program. The program does ask however that you contact the Christian County Senior Citizens Center by calling 824-4263 for more information, and to register as seating is limited.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation held their Executive Committee meeting Thursday at the CCEDC Office in Taylorville. Marry Renner, Executive Director of the CCEDC spoke with Regional Radio News and said how most of the meeting went towards talking about the CCEDC’s ongoing Taylorville Industrial Park Development project.

Renner said how the CCEDC hopes to have some of the next steps with the project done soon.

Renner said that the plan for the project is to bring light manufacturing as well as warehouse distribution and office space of some kind to a 33 acre of Taylorville just north of Walmart, that Taylorville Development Association would own and operate.

As the Christian County Fair ended at the end of July, there are many kids who are participating in the Illinois State Fair this week. The general livestock shows occurred last week, but on August 20th, there will be 36 kids participating in the General Shows and being judged on their various projects. Alicia Gullidge 4-H Youth and Development Coordinator said she's looking forward to seeing who will walk out of the fair with more awards and superiors. 

Gullidge also mentioned that Christian County will have two inductees to the 4-H Hall of Fame. Brian and Michelle Myers of Edinburgh are the inductees and will be recognized for their accomplishments, on Saturday.

For more information call the extension office at 217-827-7246. Gullidge appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Teens using and abusing drugs and alcohol is becoming more prevalent in the country and that includes Christian County. The average age for teens to start drinking is 12, and part of that reason comes down to the parents. Sheriff Bruce Kettlekamp said that it's important for parents to talk to kids about drinking earlier and have an open discussion, and also for parents to become educated themselves about this issue.

Kettlekamp said that parents shouldn't allow their underage kids to drink in the house even if there's adult supervision, and if it happens, major repercussions can occur for the family.

For more information visit christiancountysheriffsoffice.com or call the sheriff's office at 217-824-4961. Sheriff Kettlekamp appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Chilifest is just six weeks away and the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is hard at work with preparations for the celebration. Patty Hornuckle CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce said that invitations have been sent out to those who have entered before or who are part of the International Chili Society, but that doesn't mean they are the only one's who can participate. She said no matter who thinks they have a good chili or salsa, they should enter the contest and have a good time.

Hornbuckle also said the chamber is still looking for judges because they need a total of 90 for the two days.

For information on how to be a judge or to enter the contests call the camber office at 217-824-4919 or visit the office on the second floor of US Bank on the South side of the Taylorville Square. Hornbuckle appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Illinois State Police are investigating a bad accident that occurred in Montgomery County on Wednesday.  20 year old Max Heintz of Witt was traveling westbound on IL Route 16 just west of 22^nd Avenue. 61 year old Janece Neunaber of Mattoon was traveling eastbound at the same location. For reasons currently unknown, Heintz crossed the center line and struck Neunaber’s vehicle head on. Both drivers were the sole occupants in their vehicles, and both had to be extricated from their vehicles. Heintz and Neunaber were both taken to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield in critical condition. IL Route 16 was closed in both directions for approximately five hours while an on scene investigation was completed. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating, and charges against Heintz are pending at this time.

Another accident in Christian County resulted in 82 year old Evelyn B. Sisco of Taylorville being transported to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield to be treated for injuries. On Wednesday at about 2:21 PM Sisco was northbound on Illinois Route 48, just north of 1150 North Road. For unknown reasons Sisco left the roadway, and overturned in the west ditch. The accident is currently under investigation.

Regional Radio News has learned of a Boil Order for the Village of Tower Hill. The order is due to annual maintenance being done to the town's water tower. The order is in effect until further notice.

The Shelbyville Rotary Club met at the Shelbyville Memorial Hospital in their weekly meeting on Monday. Jill Bleskey of Lakewood was introduced to the club. Bleskey is a 2016 graduate of Shelbyville High School and was crowed 2016 Miss Shelby County Fair Queen last month.

Bleskey explained her upcoming events and activities for her year as Shelby County Fair Queen, which includes competing for State Fair Queen in January. As a student at Shelbyville High School, Bleskey participated in 4 years in varsity tennis, student council, Spanish club, 4-H, as well as the Equestrian team.

She’s now enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin, majoring in Agricultural Communication, and minoring in Political Science. She plans to become an agricultural lawyer, and will be competing on the University of Tennessee-Martin’s Equestrian Team.

Last week Regional Radio News ran a story stating how Edward Jones Investments in Taylorville was moving from their offices on the south side of the Taylorville Square to a new location at the old Long John Silvers building on Webster Street. We have since learned that only Financial Advisor Blake Davis is moving to this location. Jerry Quick, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones will remain at the Edward Jones location on the Taylorville Square.

The Country Kitchen in Taylorville will be re-opening on Thursday. The restaurant had been closed due to the owner passing away. The staff of the Country Kitchen wanted the community to know that they will once again be open for business starting Thursday.

The Seeding Change program, which is a traveling program hosted by Illinois Humanities that gathers people to talk about the future of agriculture and rural Illinois communities, will be coming to Shelbyville on August 20^th. Simon King, Director of the Carnegie Mellon University Design Center and one of the guest speakers with the program said how it’s a good way to hear a variety of perspectives on the future of agriculture.

King said how a youth spent in agriculture spurred a love of the industry, and how as an employee at a design firm in Chicago, he often saw the agriculture industry at the front of many technology trends to come out of Silicon Valley.

The program will be taking place on August 20^th at the Chautauqua Auditorium in Shelbyville. The event is free although space is limited, so it is asked that you RSVP. That can be done online at ilhumanities.org or by contacting Program Coordinator Matt Meacham at 312-422-5589.

Since last Friday, most areas of Illinois have seen a lot rain. The exception being a few areas in west-central Illinois that missed the heaviest rain. Eric Schmidt of Newton, Il based EJS weather says we are well above average for August rainfall.



Last weekends rains were the remnants of a tropical system, the same system responsible for the record flooding in parts of Louisiana. Schmidt says this time of year is peak hurricane season, and these systems occasionally bring heavy rains this far North. Aside from tropical storms, Schmidt expects to see a couple more rain events this month that should take the corn and soybean crop right up to harvest.

Eric Schmidt of EJS weather.

After years of waiting for lawmakers to approve an Illinois State Fair Foundation, private citizens have stepped up and created one. Governor Bruce Rauner announced on Tuesday that a group called the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation has come together to start raising money to provide for needed infrastructure improvements on the fair grounds. Rauner notes that this is a private group and they will make 
their own decisions on how to raise fund and spend them. 



Rauner and Ag Director Raymond Poe both say they support naming rights for buildings on the grounds. Tuesday was another example of failing infrastructure on the State Fairgrounds. A number of buildings were without power for most of the day.

Sometimes it seems if it weren't for bad luck, the 2016 Illinois State Fair would have no luck at all. A power outage has hit the south end of the Illinois State Fairgrounds, where cleanup continues in areas hard hit by record rain Friday and more downpours Monday. The outage first appeared at 9:30 Tuesday morning. Troubleshooters continue to check transformers in hopes of finding the cause of the outage. Without finding the source, state fair officials say they're not ready to offer a timetable for restoration of power. Some vendors, already dealing with a smaller than usual preview night crowd, record rain Friday and more rain Monday, are fighting to save their products. Public health officials are assisting in that effort and refrigerators at the Department of Agriculture tent are being used in a bid to do just that. 

The Chautauqua Auditorium in Shelbyville is holding a program on August 20th where people can find out what is going on in the agriculture industry and what they should expect to happen in the near future. The program is called “Seeding Change? The Future of Our Farm and Communities,” and hits on the fact, that what is going on with farms will affect how our communities are. Diana Roberts, President of the Shelbyville Farmers Market Association, explained why she'll be a speaker and said this program allows people to get in touch with their local farmers, so they can ask questions, become informed with how things are grown, and become educated on what technologies are being used in today's farming.

Matt Meachem, Program Coordinator for Access for Illinois Humanities, said his humanities organization is interested in being a part of this program because Illinois Humanities is a culturally focused organization, and agriculture in Illinois is a culture of it's own.

There will be free food that is locally made at the program this weekend as well as free entertainment. “Seeding Change? The Future of Our Farms and Communities” is on August 20th and starts that afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Roberts and Meachem appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Tuesday was Ag Day at the Illinois State Fair where people had many opportunities to learn about the agriculture industry, what things are new and upcoming, how they can support their local farmers, and much more. Regional Radio News was live at Ag Day and caught up with Grant Noland of Farm Families to ask him about what the organization was doing at Ag Day. Noland said that Farm Families is an operation that tries to educate the public about what's in the food and how it's grown, because the consumers have the right to know.

Noland said some of the top questions they get, are the big questions everyone wants to know, and especially for him, GMOs and Sustainability.

Noland said Farm Families has a goal to produce crops safely, sustainably, and in a manner that the consumer is confident in, and that's what they're doing.

Ground has been broken on a new truck stop near Edinburg just off of Illinois Route 29. The project to build the truck stop got its official start in a ground breaking ceremony that was attended by several people involved in the project, as well as members of local area governments. Carl Adams, Vice President of the Illinois Ayers Ayerco Convenience Centers said that the contractors have been hired, and the first step of the project is getting the concrete on the lot poured.

Adams said that he’s thrilled to see the work start on the project.

The estimated completion date for the project is a 90 day timeframe. The project did have to downsize some due to the lack of a food partner, however plans do allow for expansion should a food partner sign on with the location.

22 year old Alyssa D. Waddington of Pana was traveling northeast on IL Route 48 on August 14th. Approximately 530 feet southwest of 1130 IL Route 48, Waddington left the roadway off the right shoulder. Waddington traveled over 300 feet along the north side of the ditch before sliding sideways. Once sideways and facing south, Waddington continued sliding before coming into contact with the south side of the ditch. Once hitting the ditch Waddington’s vehicle began to overturn. The vehicle traveled about 36 feet through the air until landing on the driver's side. The vehicle then became airborne again and made contact with the ground about 9 feet later. Waddington’s vehicle continued to roll on the ground until back on its tires where it came to rest. Waddington stated that she didn’t know exactly what had happened, and that she believed she may have fallen asleep. A witness to the accident said that Waddington was driving the speed limit in front of him when she veered off the roadway. Waddington was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for observation.

The Christian County Board met in their regular monthly session on Tuesday night at the Christian County Courthouse. The main items of the night revolved around dissolving the current Christian County 911 board, and approving the members that will represent Christian County on the new consolidated 911 board with Shelby County.

There was some concern from County Board Member Matt Wells as to the members representing Christian County on the new board. Wells was concerned about how there is not representation of all four of the Christian County districts on the new board. County Board member Jack Pearce informed Wells that the reason was that those members on the previous Christian County 911 board who are from the districts that wouldn’t be represented on the new consolidated 911 board with Shelby County, had decided to step down from their positions when the Personnel Committee was nominating potential board members for the new consolidated 911 board.

There was also some discussion on whether or not Taylorville Police Chief Dave Herpstreith should remain as one of the nominated members of the new 911 board due to his decision to step down as Taylorville Chief of Police. The decision was made to keep Herpstreith on as a nominated member for now. Ultimately every member who was nominated to represent Christian County on the new Consolidated 911 Board with Shelby County was approved.

Another item that was voted on at Tuesdays Christian County Board meeting was a motion on how accrued and unused sick and vacation time for exempt and non-exempt county employees would be converted under the new standards that will go into effect in December under the Fair Labor Standards Act. There was also a motion to change all management and mid-management work weeks to a 40 hour week from the current 35 hour week, and it was noted that the change would not affect union employees. Board Member Matt Wells was concerned as to how the current sick and vacation time accrued for those employees would be converted under the new standards.

County Clerk Laurie Mense explained how the change will work, and why it’s being made.

Both the motion to change the work week for certain county employees from a 35 hour week to a 40 hour week, and the motion to change accrued and unused sick time was converted to the new standards carried. The Christian County Board meeting adjourned at 7:15.

Traffic fatalities are on the rise in Illinois. Safety and insurance industry experts believe say Illinois traffic fatalities will pass the one thousand mark this year for the first time since 2008. The combination of higher speeds, more miles driven and an influx of young drivers are seen as aggrivating factors in boosting the roadway mortality rate. At last report, highway fatalities stood at 629 for the year. That's an increase of 50 from last year's total. The National Safety Council blames the move to the 70 mile per hour sped limit on rural interstates for the increase.

There's a new defection from Illinois' Affordable Care Act health insurance exchange. Aetna has announced it's leaving next year, increasing concerns about reduced competition. Six companies will remain that sell plans for next year to individuals and families on the Illinois "Obamacare" marketplace. UnitedHealthcare previously announced it was leaving the exchange. Land of Lincoln Health is shutting down entirely. Aetna reports higher than expected costs, especially costly specialty drugs, spurred their decision to leave.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs wants to ensure life insurance policyholders get what's coming to them. He is hosting a series of public hearings around the state to discuss how life insurance companies avoid paying death benefits.

The first hearing is set for Wednesday in Normal. The state treasurer's office has dentified more than $550 million in unpaid death benefits owed to Illinois families.

Congressman Rodney Davis was a part of the Ag Policy Forum at the Illinois State Fair Tuesday Morning where anyone involved in the agriculture industry was welcome to talk with Davis and other members of the Illinois Government about new laws and policies and what they may want to see in the future. Davis said this forum is all about helping the farmers and having them help craft language for new laws and policies.

Davis said this forum is to be there for the local farmers so the government can keep the local agricultural economy growing.

The Ag Policy Forum featured Congressmen Adam Kinzinger, John Shimkus,  Mike Bost, and Darin LaHood as well as Senator Mark Kirk and Governor Bruce Rauner. Davis appeared on the NEWTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Pana Community Hospital is in the process of upgrading one major piece of their equipment. Last December, the Pana Community Hospital Foundation pledged $200,000 to the hospital to help them purchase 3D Mammography. Kim Rodgers, Executive Director of the Pana Community Hospital Foundation, said since they have started, they have raised $170,000.

Rodgers said 3D Mammography is much more accurate than what the hospital has now which is Digital Mammography, which can, at times, have false positives.

Rodgers said the Foundation is holding two fundraisers in October, one called “Bowl for Breast Cancer” and the other “Volley for the Cause.” Rodgers said donations can be made at give.panahospital.com or call her at 217-562-6340. Rodgers appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Now that August has rolled in, some people aren't sure if they can continue to plant things in their gardens. John Heck, Garden Center Manager at McMillan Landscaping and Garden Center, said August is the perfect time to plant things such as fall vegetables and perennials.

Heck said that because of the rain this past weekend, crab grass and other weeds are sprouting up and ruining the lawns. Heck said McMillan has a product that will get rid of all of the unwanted growths, that way people can bring their lawns back to pristine condition. 

For lawn repair or questions call McMillan Landscaping and Garden Center at 217-820-5114. Heck appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Central Illinois has seen quite a bit of rain the past 24 hours, and the National Weather Service has released figures totaling the rainfall amounts for the various areas across the State. Taylorville saw 24 hour rainfall totals of .81 inches. The Pana Sewage Plant reported .89 inches of rainfall, and the Effingham Water Plant reporting .84 inches of rainfall.

Other areas such as Springfield saw up to .76 inches of rain, with Decatur Airport reporting .44 inches. The heaviest of the rainfall was concentrated further south, with the southeastern part of the state receiving over 4 inches of total rainfall over the 24 hour period.

On August 12th at approximately 7:31 PM, 23 year old Gale A. Mulvaney of Harvel was traveling west on Market Street when he failed to stop and struck 16 year old Kamila M. Allen of Taylorville’s vehicle. Allen was traveling south on Cheney St. when Mulvaney failed to stop at the stop sign and struck her vehicle. Mulvaney’s vehicle received major front end damage and Allen’s vehicle received major driver side damage. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene due to the damage, and Allen was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for injuries.

Regional Radio News has learned that Taylorville Chief of Police Dave Herpstreith will be stepping down from his duties as Chief next month. Chief Herpstreith said how it was a tough decision to make, and how he will return to his previous rank within the department, and will be working back on the road again.

Chief Herpstreith said how the decision was made due to a desire to spend more time with his family, and how although he has enjoyed his time as Chief of Police, the added responsibilities of the position has led to a significant reduction in family time. Chief Herpstreith also said that he’s actually looking forward to working patrol, which is where he started with the Taylorville Police Department.

Chief Herpstreith also wanted to thank the employees at the Taylorville Police Department, stating how they’ve been a pleasure to work with in the capacity of Chief, and how he hopes to continue those relationships as he steps into his new role with the department.

Taylorville Community Credit Union’s Second Annual Freedom Tree Food Drive has wrapped up. TCCU President Will Perkins spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the food drive did well this year.

Perkins said how the food drive exceeded last year’s donated numbers, and how TCCU plans on continuing the food drive in the future due to the good it brings to the local community.

All of the donations that TCCU received went to local food pantries, which traditionally see slower food donations during the summer months.

Groups and lawmakers supporting automatic voter registration sound off after Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the legislation. Rauner says he's in support of simplifying the registration process but he says the bill needs work and could lead to voter fraud and violate federal law with its current language. Rep. Carol Ammons believes there are other possible motivators for the veto.

The legislation would automatically register Illinoisans to vote when they get a drivers license. Rauner has also expressed concerns about cost. Representative Ammons hopes an override push is considered during the fall veto session. 

The Taylorville City Council met in regular session on Monday night at the Taylorville Municipal Building. One item on the agenda was an ordinance to approve the annexing of property north and adjacent to 110 E. Heights. The property was the subject of much discussion at the City Council meeting on August 1^st, and since that date the design for the parking lot that will be built on the property has been changed to better manage the flow of traffic out of the lot.

Another motion that generated some discussion was a motion to distribute the IEPA funds in accordance with the Agreement signed by the other parties involved to settle the agreement. Alderman Vota commented on the issue, thanking City Attorney Rocci Romano for sorting the issue.

City Attorney Romano went in depth as to what the agreement allows the city to do.

Two other items that were brought up at Monday night’s City Council meeting came from Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton during his Mayor Updates. The first thing that the Mayor brought up was how he wanted to commend Alderman Walters for helping prepare the upcoming Chillifest.

Mayor Brotherton also wanted the Council to consider the hiring of a City Manager at the next meeting of the finance committee.

After voting and passing the motions that came from the various committee meetings, the Taylorville City Council Meeting Adjourned at approximately 7:31 PM.

In some corners, many believe all is well with state government after the stopgap budget agreement. State Treasurer Mike Frerichs says the math doesn't add up.

Frerichs says the state has also missed out on millions of dollars from lost investment opportunities that have vanished because of the lack of a full budget. 

The Illinois State Fair has wrapped up the first weekend of events. And the fair turned out to be a soggy rain soaked mess on Friday night. More than 6 inches of rain fell on the grounds in about 3 hours causing rain water rush into a portion of Happy Hollow and flood campers and trucks parked there. But quick responses from the Department of Ag and first responders were a big reason that no one was hurt. Governor Bruce Rauner says he’s spoken to many of the families that lost their belongings and says he will help with any problems with insurance claims.



The grounds dried out some over the weekend but another big rainfall event is predicted today in Springfield. That could further hamper efforts to dry out wet spots around the grounds.

There is a telemarketing scam going around where a telemarketing firm will claim that they’re with the Illinois Sheriff’s association and ask the person they’re calling for a monetary donation. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the ISA never solicits by phone.

Sheriff Kettelkamp said that you should ask for the name and phone number of the telemarketing firm who calls you when you encounter someone making this claim, and reminded the public that you shouldn’t give out any personal information to these telemarketing scams.

You should take any information on the telemarketing firm that you got to your local law enforcement. Also should you have any doubts about a telemarketing call, you should just hang up.

The Illinois State Fair has a special event going on this year, that hasn't happened in a decade. On August 20th, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs will be hosting a live unclaimed property auction where many rare items will be auctioned off including an 1856 flying eagle cent, never been worn 1997 Air Jordan's, and more than 21,000 other items. Frerichs said that there was a preview of the items on August 5th, but people are still able to see the items ahead of time at the auction before noon or at illinoistreasurer.gov.

Frerichs said the items being offered are from unclaimed safety deposit boxes, and they are doing this to create space in the vault. He also said that if anyone claims an item that was theirs all of the money the state acquired from the item will be given to the original item owner.

The auction will take place August 20th on Ethnic Village stage at noon at the Illinois State Fair. Frerichs appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

According to the National Weather Service, this summer has been an abnormally wet one for Central Illinois with a lot of rainfall and some flooding. Although, this summer has been normal in regards to temperatures and heat. But as September nears, so does the Fall season, and Chris Miller, Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the National Weather Service, said for the Fall months temperatures will be a bit warm, but precipitation should be normal.

Miller did say that this winter should be back to normal and shouldn't look be at all like last year where there was more rain than snow.

Miller said no matter what the weather poses to be, expected the unexpected and make sure you are fully prepared for anything. Miller appeared on the NEWTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Illinois State Police District 9 Commander Scott Compton has announced the activity and enforcement figures for July. Troopers in District 9 answered 331 calls for service and initiated 1536 incidents in the field during the month in the district’s seven county area.

Enforcement figures totaled nearly 800 citations and over 600 written warnings, including 431 speeding citations, 25 DUIs, 50 seatbelt citations, 9 child restraint citations, over 170 written warnings for speeding and 22 criminal arrests.

Troopers also assisted over 300 motorists, conducted over 305 motor carrier inspections, and investigated 89 traffic crashes, 3 of which were fatal crashes resulting in 4 fatalities during the month. During the month, 459 citations were issued for “Fatal Four” violations.  These violations are most associated with fatal traffic crashes and include Speeding, DUI, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, and Distracted Driving.

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

Sometime between 8:00 pm on Monday, August 8, 2016 and 5:00 am on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, person or persons unknown made entry into a vehicle parked at 707 Haner Avenue.  While inside, the unknown subject or subjects took a tan purse.  The purse contained cash and credit cards.  The driver’s side window of the vehicle had been broken to make entry.  The vehicle, a 2004 blue Pacifica, had been parked in front of the residence.  The total dollar amount of damage and items taken is unknown at this time.

Please contact Crimestoppers if you have any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1,000.00 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.  

On August 12th 2016 Sgt. McWard with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a single vehicle accident at 1300 North Road at approximately 2450 East. EMS Personnel already on scene advised that the driver, 17 year old Aaron R. Pavolkla of Taylorville was already in the ambulance and being transferred to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. Sgt. McWard observed skid marks going from east to west which left the south side of 1300 North and entered the cornfield on the side of the road. U1’s vehicle was overturned after rolling an unknown number of times a short distance from the road.

As the Illinois State Fair opened today the Governor again took time to champion the need for a private fair foundation to help fund raise for building improvements and other needed updates. Again this year bills have been introduced to create a foundation but they have stagnated in the legislature. Rauner said he can’t understand why.



Rauner its clear that more needs to be done to improve the grounds so visitors from all over can enjoy the fair. 

She’s back at the Illinois State Fair. The Butter Cow has returned for another year at the fair. The Showcase cooler that the cow spins around in says a tradition since 1922 but there are changes for this year. The sculptress is new, Sarah Pratt takes over for Sharon BuMann. Pratt’s first creation in Illinois is a 700 pound Jersey Cow.



You may not know that the butter used to make the cow is reused for years. But this new butter was donated. Pratt says that makes it a little more difficult to work with. In all she spent about 65 hours in the cooler creating the cow. 

Governor Bruce Rauner officially kicked off the Illinois State Fair on Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. There are many different attractions at the fair such as concerts on the Grandstand, an assortment of food vendors, livestock shows, and more. Governor Rauner encouraged Illinoisans to attend the fair, and mentioned how the Fair is one of the best State Fairs in the country.

WKN          A                          Ribbon                           :25

The Fair runs through Sunday, August 21^st in Springfield. For more information on the State Fair, visit online at Illinois.gov/state fair.

As the vacation season comes to a close, community events in Shelby County continue on. One event on the way is the Windsor Harvest Picnic and begins on Thursday, August 18th. Freddie Fry, Director of the Shelby County Office of Tourism said the 120th anniversary of the celebration, this year, should be a good one with many chances for food as well as two music venues.

Fry also mentioned the Cowden Pioneer Days which begins August 26th with the two main sellers being their rodeo and concerts.

More information can be found at lakeshelbyville.com or on their Facebook page at Shelby County Office of Tourism. Fry appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

As the Chautauqua Preservation Committee does what it can to keep the The Chautauqua Auditorium in Shelbyville up and running, the building continues to have upcoming events throughout the year. Brenda Elder, member of the Chautauqua Preservation Committee gave some insight on what events are coming in the near future. One event, taking place on the 20th of August is “Seeding Change, The Future of Farms and Communities.”

Elder said one of the speakers at the event will be Steve John, Executive Director of the Agricultural Watershed Institute, who will talk about the near future of agricultural communities and how they may change.

This event will take place at the Chautauqua Auditorium at Forest Park in Shelbyville and runs from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Elder appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is holding the Great Strides Walk in Shelby County on September 24th to help those who are suffering from this disorder. This event allows people to walk as much as they want and donate to the cause. Glenda Plunkett, Market Coordinator at Shelby Memorial Hospital said that the walk be on General Dacey Trail and drinks will be on the house.

Abbie Pancoast Vollmar has suffered from Cystic Fibrosis since childhood and thanks the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the community for the help and support they give. Vollmar notes that the majority of the work for her to keep going comes from her own will to get the nutrition and vitamins her body needs to continue on.

Registration for the walk begins at 8:30, and walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday September 24th. Plunkett and Vollmar appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Jim Micenheimer with the Christian County Fair Board has won the County Fair Board Member of the Year award, and was presented the award on Friday’s start of the Illinois State Fair. Mike Drea with the Christian County Fair Board spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the board had nominated Micenheimer for the award.

Drea shared some of the reasons the Fair Board listed on the nomination form why they nominated Micenheimer.

Two other members of the Christian County Fair Board also received recognition for their 30 years of service on the fair board, those members being Mike Drea and Bob DeClerck.

The Shelbyville Rotary Club held their weekly meeting at the Shelbyville Hospital meeting room last night.

Presenting as a guest at the meeting was Steve Melega, director of the Shelby County Public Health Department who gave an update on the department’s business and duties.

Melega stated that the SCPHD is currently operating with 13 full-time employees which is less than the typical 15 but the department has included 1 person that serves each year during the school year only.

The SCPHD was approved by the Shelby County voters through a resolution 68 years ago and began operations in 1948.

The department services several different functions for the county. Melega explained that he is operating the Property Tax Extension Law Limit tax caps and consequently receiving the same annual budget for the county.

For more information, call the Shelbyville County Public Health Department at 217-774-9555.

Edward Jones Investments in Taylorville currently located on the south side of the Taylorville Square will be moving locations soon, to the former Long John Silvers location at 712 North Webster Street. There currently is no definitive time as to when the move will take place, with the plan being to pick a date once renovations to the building have been completed.

The Christian County Prevention Coalition (CCPC) held a town hall meeting at the Taylorville Junior High gym on Thursday night.

Guest speakers included State’s Attorney Michael Havera, Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp, Executive Committee of the CCPC board and recovering addict Dennis Metsker, as well as recovering addict Kelly Dressen.

The evening was full of great insight, information and stories from all the speakers. Havera began the night with a revealing presentation about synthetic drugs and its effects on the user. He said how many of the synthetic drugs on the market today can be more addictive than their illegal counterparts.

Havera also spoke on the problems that legislators and the court system has had in trying to make these synthetic drugs illegal.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp also spoke at the event and highlighted the dangers of underage drinking. He said how people who begin drinking at a young age are much more likely to develop an addiction.

The event finished off with an array of different information tables set up in the school’s cafeteria from multiple organizations like the law enforcement table, Christian County Probation Office, Families Anonymous, Gateway Foundation, and the host organization of the CCPC.

For more information about the CCPC or any of these other organizations, visit the coalition online at cc-pc.org.

The Illinois State Fair is underway, beginning its ten day run Friday. After you get your fill of elephant ears and deep fried snicker bars, head over to the commodities pavilion, across from the grandstand, for some real food brought to you by the Illinois Pork Producers, Beef Producers and Lamb and Wool Producers.
Mike Borgic of the IPPA says, as usual they have a great menu at the Pork Pavilion.


In addition to the food, the pork producers will have their birthing center on the fairgrounds where fairgoers can see baby pigs being born and see how pork producers take care of their animals.



Mike Borgic of the Illinois Pork Producers. Also in the commodities building Rita Fr4aser and DeLoss Janke will be broadcasting live Friday, Monday and Tuesday on the stage.

This month's NEWSTALK WTIM Central Illinois Smiles Family Dentistry "Big Smile for the Community" honoree, is Tracy Seaton, who volunteers for the Taylorville High School Sports Boosters, and says that helping out in any way that she can is what makes her happy.

Besides the sports boosters, Seaton says she just wants to help the community schools in any way that she can.

To nominate someone for the NEWSTALK WTIM Central Illinois Family Dentistry "Big Smile for the Community" award, send your nomination to bigsmile@randyradio.com.

Next week there are two events that people should be on the look out for. August's Business After Hours is taking place on the 17th where people are able to eat, drink, and meet chamber members to get to know exactly who runs the many businesses in town. Patty Hornbuckle, CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce said this month's Business After Hours is a little different than usual because two businesses are hosting, Central Illinois Smiles and the First National Bank of Taylorville.

On Saturday August 19th, Central Illinois Community Blood Center is coming out to the Taylorville square for blood donations. During the summer is when blood is especially needed, and Hornbuckle said the Blood Center has a special program that offers incentives to donors.

More information can be found by calling the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at 217-824-4919 or visiting their offices on the second floor of US Bank on the Taylorville Square. Hornbuckle appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Knowing where your food came from before you eat it is always a plus and the University of Illinois Extension is trying hard to help push that. On August 22nd, the U of I Extension begins holding meetings for their local food initiative where they are trying to get farmers and consumers together to find out what everyone wants and what works. Terri Miller, Publicist at the U of I said the goal of holding these meetings is to get a group of individuals who and provide good feedback to help grow the local food industry.

Miller also gave her three pillars of benefits for eating locally, which are growing the local economy, shrinking the carbon footprint, and eating healthier meals.

The first local food initiative meeting will be Monday August 22nd from 10 to noon at the extension office. Miller appeared on the NEWTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville begins classes August 22nd, but is still offering registration for classes in the Fall semester throughout next week. Classes taken at the Taylorville location of LLCC are accepted the same way as any other community college or university and will push students one step closer towards their degree or learning a new skill or trade. Dee Krueger, Director of Taylorville's LLCC explained some of the classes and programs offered this semester.

Krueger said that registration is not too late and people can still register by simply going to the campus sometime Monday through Friday next week and speaking with an adviser.

For more information, call LLCC at 786-2754 or email Krueger at dee.krueger@llcc.edu. Krueger appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Prevention Coalition (CCPC) will be holding a town hall meeting tonight at the Taylorville Junior High Gym from 6-8PM.

The CCPC has included State’s Attorney Mike Havera, Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp and Kelly Dressen as guest speakers.

Many interactive tables will be set up including a law enforcement representation available for questions, a close-up look at drug paraphernalia and how to spot a crime, the Christian County Probation Office, Families Anonymous, Gateway Foundation, and finally the CCPC.

For more information on the meeting or anything involving the CCPC visit them online at cc-pc.org 

A personal injury crash occurred this morning at approximately 8AM on the southbound lane of route 29 at Edinburg.

The drivers included a15-year-old female from Taylorville, driving a Ford Explorer and 44-year-old Scott Baxter of Pontiac who was in a Ford Van.

According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, the Explorer was traveling northbound on Rt. 29 just north of East Masonic St. near Edinburg while the van was traveling southbound.

The juvenile crossed over the double yellow center line and struck Baxter head on. Driver of the vehicle as well as 48-year-old, Lori Thomas and an 11-year-old passenger of the Ford Explorer, travelling northbound, were transported by ambulance to Springfield area hospitals. 

Baxter was airlifted by helicopter to St. John’s hospital. The passengers of Baxter’s vehicle, 23-year-old, Amanda Vanostran and 39-year-old and Winona Demain both of Pontiac, were transported by ambulance to Springfield area hospitals.

Charges are still pending.

Taylorville Police responded to a call regarding a fight on the Taylorville Lake’s beach area this morning at approximately 1:15AM.

Upon arrival, officers located the victim who had suffered multiple injuries. EMS was dispatched to the scene. The victim was transported to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for initial treatment and subsequently transferred to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield for further medical treatment.

Upon investigation, 30 year old, Cody M. Pugsley of Taylorville was located and arrested for Aggravated Battery. Pugsley was lodged at the Christian County Correctional Center awaiting a bond trial set for this morning at 10AM.

State testimony showed that Pugsley had a pending Possession of a Controlled Substance charge in Christian County against him as well as a former warrant. Representation for Pugsley stated that the warrant was issued but then later withdrawn.

A no contact order to the victim was issued to Pugsley and bond was set at $50,000.

Anyone with info regarding this incident or any other crimes is encouraged to call the Taylorville PD at 824-2211 or Christian County crime stoppers at 824-9100.

A 33 year old Taylorville man, Jamal Shehadeh has been ordered to serve 54 months (4 years, 6 months) in federal prison for manufacturing methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Richard Mills sentenced Shehadeh on Aug. 9, 2016.

On March 28, 2016, Shehadeh pled guilty to manufacturing methamphetamine in Christian county in February of 2014.

Shehadeh was arrested in November 2014 and was released on bond. He was then arrested in June of 2016, on a petition to revoke his pre-trial release. Shehadeh was being detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  

T

he case was investigated by the Illinois State Police, the Taylorville Police Department, and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris.

Congressman Rodney Davis is once again beating the drum for those who want to shift dollars devoted to the past Ebola crisis to the newest infectious disease threat, Zika. The Taylorville Republican says the move of millions would be a no brainer.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that there were 46 cases in Illinois last week.

It's the little bat company that could. Dinger Bats is based in the small Southeastern Illinois town of Ridgway, in Gallatin County. The town no longer has the popcorn plant that led to it being called the Popcorn Capital of the World, but Dinger is producing bats with pop and that has led stars like Kyle Schwarber of the Cubs to begin using their bats. Now, former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow is trying to shift his focus from football to pro baseball, and Dinger is his bat of choice. Dinger managing partner Kyle Drone explains how the former University of Florida quarterback wound up with a Dinger bat in his hands.

Drone says Dinger sales have grown since Schwarber blasted a baseball to the top of the Wrigley Field video board in last year's playoffs.

Drone has made a name for himself on the diamond, taking part in the world's longest baseball game last year. Guiness Book of World Records officials confirmed that game last 70 hours, 9 minutes and 23 seconds. Drone plans to extend that record next year in Sauget, Illinois.

Lincoln Land Community College and Illinois College have signed an Educational Transfer Agreement. Lynn Whalen, Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing at LLCC spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the agreement will let Elementary Education Majors at LLCC transfer and complete their bachelor’s degree seamlessly at Illinois College.

One of the perks of the agreement is that LLCC students in this program will be able to take two courses at Illinois College, while paying LLCC tuition rates. Whalen said the goal at Lincoln Land Community College is to have their students graduate and go on to further their education, and that this agreement between the two schools is one way they’re doing that.

If you’re interested in the program, you can visit the college including the outreach center in Taylorville, or by calling the outreach center at 786-2754, or by visiting the main campus in Springfield, or by calling the Springfield Campus at 786-2292.

The start of the school year for public schools in the area is just over a week away. The school summer maintenance is wrapping up and teachers are preparing their lesson plans for the upcoming weeks. Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau, Superintendent of Taylorville Schools said, to him, it's always a good feeling to have kids and teachers back so the system can continue to do its job and educate the kids.

Fuerstenau asked the public to realize when school starts so the transition from summer to the school year can be a safe one as the buses begin to run and kids will be out and about in the mornings and afternoons.

The first day of Public Schools is Thursday August 18th. Fuerstenau appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Richland Community College in Decatur has a new President. Dr. Chris Valdez has begun his second week on the job and has been using his time to meet with all of the teachers and get acquainted to his staff and job duties. One thing that Valdez said he want to concentrate on is building enrollment because he feels the majority of the programs at the school are already very strong.

Valdez said that Richland's economic vilality and possible growth was what made him want to pursue its presidency.

Richland Community College begins classes August 22nd, and teachers begin working this upcoming Monday. Valdez appeared on the NEWTALK WTIM Morning Show.

As the summer ends and the school year begins people sometimes begin to feel the end of summer blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder. This happens because people can feel like they have less freedom will little to no vacation days left, or because they have to change their daily rhythm to fit new schedules. Karen Vatthauer, Owner and Clinical Counselor at Beacon Professional Counseling, said that one way to overcome this is to remember that nights and weekends are still free and relaxation can always happen then.

Vatthauer said children can also feel a lot of stress going back to school, and with the added mental stress, allowing them to have a small break after school isn't a bad idea.

For more information and questions, call Vatthauer at Beacon Professional Counseling at 217-824-3435. Vatthauer appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

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

Sometime between Monday, August 1, 2016 and Tuesday August 2, 2016, person or persons unknown made entry into a vehicle parked at 1120 South Houston Street in Taylorville.  While inside, the unknown subject or subjects took numerous tools from the vehicle, including: a impact driver, a sawzall, a flashlight with charger, and other items.  The vehicle was not damaged when entry was made.  The total dollar amount of items taken is estimated at over $2000.

Please contact Crimestoppers if you have any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1,000.00 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.  

Taylorville Community Gardens are hoping to have a “Taste of the Harvest” program soon. Geri Niemann, Coordinator of the Taylorville Community Garden spoke with Regional Radio News and said that although a date hasn’t been picked yet for the event, the planning stages for the event are underway.

Niemann said that the garden has an abundance of produce, and has been able to donate some of that produce to local organizations that need it.

The Taylorville Community Garden is located behind the Davis Memorial Church at 1500 West Franklin Street in Taylorville. If you’d like to volunteer with the gardens or for help starting your own garden, you can contact Rev. Bill Kerns at 824-8181 or Geri Neimann at 287-1726, or stop by during their harvest times on Monday and Thursday at 5 pm.

Christian and Shelby Counties have consolidated 911 services. Mickie Ehrhardt, 911 Administrator spoke with Regional Radio News and said why the two counties will be combining their 911 services.

With the consolidated 911 between the two counties, this means a consolidated 911 board as well. Ehrhardt shared how at the last meeting of the Christian County 911 Board on Wednesday night, the board worked to establish the new consolidated board with Shelby County.

Members of the Christian County 911 board who will serve on the new consolidated board with Shelby County include Jack Pearce Jr, Korey Bailey, Andy Goodall, Dave Herpstreith, and Sheriff Bruce Kettlecamp.

*Shown in the picture are Front: Mickie Ehrhardt, Dan Swinson, Dave Herpstreith Back: Jack Pearce Jr., Sheriff Bruce Kettlekamp, Korey Bailey, Rod Bland, Leeland Allison, Bill O'Connel, Andy Goodall.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the president of local Internet provider Computer Techniques, at their weekly luncheon on Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.
Billy Williams talked mostly about their 3-year project to install fiber optic cable thru-out the greater Taylorville area.
Williams said they are just finishing the last phase of the project, and that several leaders from other communities have come to Taylorville to gather information on what Computer Techniques, also known as C-T-I, has done.  The company has buried some 77 miles of cable over the past 3 years. 
Williams told the Kiwanis Club that with that buried fiber optic cable, they can provide Internet service with speeds up to one gigabit, along with cable TV and phone service.  He added the community's response has been overwhelming, with the take rate, meaning the percentage of households that subscribe to their service, being some 31-percent, versus the normal fiber take rate in other communities in the low single digits.

Williams added they have the highest take rate for fiber optic, of any community in the United States.
Kiwanis members are reminded that the re-scheduled Kiwanis Club cookout at Kiwanis Park is set for 6pm September 6th.
The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving 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. 

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has announced that a host of forms for its 31st annual Chillifest to be held on the square October First and 2nd, are now available.

Forms available include entering either or both days of International Chilli Society cookoffs, signing up as vendors and food vendors for the 2 days, and entry forms for the 3 pageants—Little Miss or Mister, Junior Miss Chilli Pepper, and the new Miss Chilli Pepper contests.

All of these forms are available on the web at chillifest-dot-info, the Chillifest web site, or by stopping at the Chamber office on the 2nd floor of the U-S Bank building on the south side of the Taylorville square.

Please note that there are deadlines for all entry forms, so check each form for the specific deadline date.

US Congressman Rodney Davis, US Congressman Darin LaHood along with State Representative Dan Brady will be hosting a special senior services seminar this week in Normal.

Congressman Davis explains the three lawmakers will at the Normal Township Activity and Recreation Area Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am with local, state and federal resources will be on hand providing information to seniors about local resources.



Vendors include AARP, Bloomington and Normal Police Departments, the Comptroller, VA, Secretary of State and State Treasurers offices along with Medicare, Connect Transit adn Advocate Bromenn. Davis says this is something that has been popular in the past.



The Illinois Attorney General's office, Medicare and Social Security will make presentations as a part of the event.

It is free and open to the public. Again it is Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Normal Normal Township Activity and Recreation Center at 600 East Willow Street in Normal. 

Questions about the event can be directed to Congressman Davis' office by calling 309-252-8834.

One Olympic swimmer has won more than gold in Rio. Springfield’s Ryan Held brought home that medal on Saturday night but also won over the hearts of millions of Americans when he broke down on the podium during the National Anthem. Held’s been on NBC’s Today, NBC’s evening news and ABC’s Good Morning America. Held says that he had so much to think about and be grateful for that he couldn’t keep his emotions in check.


 

Held – speaking to NBC’s Lester Holt, says afterwards Michael Phelps who’s won 23 Olympic Medals was making sure Held was enjoying the moment.

Held says he was 16th or so in the nation about a year ago. Since then he’s claimed a spot on the USA Swim Team and won a gold medal. Held is currently a sophomore at North Carolina State. 

Probable cause has been found in the cases of Chad and Stephen Reiss to send the pair to trial. State’s Attorney Michael Havera called an officer with the Pana Police Department and the Central Illinois Enforcement Group to the stand. The officer stated that he had received information that had showed that there was an active meth lab at the house in question in the case.

It was said how there was a search warrant obtained with the information gathered, and how multiple items associated with meth manufacturing were found at the house. It was also stated there was information that meth had been purchased from Chad Reiss in the past. It was testified how one of the defendants had stated “you got me” to officers when they arrived on scene. Substances obtained at the residence also field tested positive for meth, and it was testified how there was an odor and fog in the house consistent with meth manufacturing.

The State asked the court to find probable cause due to the testimony from the officer. The Defense stated that there must be some evidence showing that a crime has been committed, and that the evidence presented so far doesn’t do that. The defense stated how just because there was something going on in their home, that doesn’t mean the defendants participated in it. It was also stated in further testimony that Chad Reiss shook a bottle on video, believed to be in connection to the manufacture of meth.

The court found probable cause for both Chad and Stephen Reiss to bring the matter to jury trial. Jury trial was set for October 11^th, with a September 20^th date for further pre-trial.

Davis Memorial Christian Church recently partnered with Central Christian Church in Decatur for a mission trip to Detroit on July 24^th through the 28^th. Pastor Bill Kerns with the Davis Memorial Christian Church spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the church worked with a ministry in Detroit that works to improve the local communities in Detroit.

Kerns shared some of the things the group did on the trip, and also said that volunteers are welcome for next year’s trip.

The church usually begins the planning process for the trip in December. For more information, you can contact Bill Kerns at 217-824-8181 for more information.

The new Jimmy Johns location in Taylorville is getting ready to open their doors, hopefully as early as next week. Patrick Wampler with the Jimmy Johns Taylorville location spoke with Regional Radio News and said how the store is shooting for an August 16^th open date.

Even though the open date is close, the store is still looking to hire new staff. Wampler said how they’re still accepting applications and conducting interviews.

For more information or to fill out an application, visit the Jimmy Johns store attached to the Family Video at 433 West Spresser Street in Taylorville.

PS Printing may have suffered a debilitating fire that displaced both the business, and the family that ran it, however spirits are high for Hames family who made the location on the northeast corner of the Taylorville Square their home for both their business and family. Kirby Hames, owner of PS Printing spoke with Regional Radio News and said that the business has found a temporary location to operate from for the time being.

Hames said how the outpouring of support from the local community has been overwhelming.

Another item that Hames had mentioned is that everyone involved was okay, including the family pets. The family was missing their three year old cat Louie, however the family have since found him.

Taylorville schools are set to start in less than 10 days, and that doesn't mean that only students, parents, and teachers need be ready, but the Taylorville Police Department needs to be prepared for school safety measures especially around high traffic areas. Once schools start back, times in the morning and afternoon will be much more congested because of school pickups and drop offs. Sargent Alan Mills from the Taylorville Police Department is asking parents to be more prepared and aware during these times because of the congestion especially during pickup times.

Mills also mentioned high school drivers and for parents to reinforce the driving rules for their children to be cautious when leaving school because accidents can happen when you least expect it.

For more information, call the Taylorville police department at 217-824-2211. Mills appeared on the NEWTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Wrap Pack and Ship Center in Taylorville is a local business that helps people get things delivered and at a reasonable rate. They offer things like dry ice to deliver frozen items, price comparisons, free package tracking and more. Larry Peterson, Owner of Wrap Pack and Ship Center said that his business helps the local community by making it so people don't have to use their time and energy to go out of town to use a service that may be even more expensive.

Peterson also said that Wrap Pack and Ship Center has a new service offered to the public, where they destroy documents, called Document Destruction, also known as shredding.

For more information call Wrap Pack and Ship Center at 217-824-6279, or click their panel at taylorvilledailynews.com. Peterson appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.
 

Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans has released the death investigation results of a Tower Hill toddler who passed away in July. Two year old Gavin Steed of Tower Hill died on July 4 at 8:05 A.M. at Pana Community Hospital E.R.  His cause of death was determined to be positional asphyxia due to his neck being wedged between a bed rail and bed mattress. The manner of death was determined to be accidental.

Congressman Rodney Davis remains in Donald Trump's corner when it comes to Trump's bid for the White House. The Taylorville Republican says Trump needs to focus on issues and develop skin like an alligator.

Despite expressing concerns about Trump's recent performance and controversies, Davis continues to support Trump as the party's nominee.

Missions for Taylorville held their planning meeting last Thursday at the Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville. Bill Kerns with Missions for Taylorville spoke with Regional Radio News and said how Missions for Taylorville worked out some of the logistics of their September work date at the meeting.

Kerns said how as the group gets more volunteer applications they will begin sorting those applications and assigning them to the different areas and projects that need work. Kerns said how the biggest need that the group has is more volunteers.

To volunteer with Missions For Taylorville, you can fill out a volunteer application form at most of the local churches in the area. You do not need to have a high skill level, just a desire to help your local community.

The Taylorville School Board met in their regular scheduled meeting on Monday night at the Taylorville School District Administration building. The primary item on the night’s agenda was the presentation of the tentative budget for FY17, and the establishment of a final hearing date. When presenting the budget, Taylorville Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau explained how one area of the budget was a problem due to issues such as proration.

Dr. Fuerstenau said how the district would have to either direct money from the education fund or PPRT money to help solve the funding issues for the transportation portion of the FY17 budget.

Overall the Taylorville School Board is operating under a budget deficit. Dr. Fuerstenau said how although the current budget situation isn’t ideal, the situation could have been much worse had the state government handled the general state aid for Taylorville Schools in a different manor.

After the presentation of Taylorville School District’s Tentative FY17 budget, the School board set a final hearing date of September 12^th for the budget.

Dr. Fuerstenau also wanted to extend thanks to the custodial staff during his report during the Taylorville School Board meeting on Monday night, stating that the custodial staff has done a great job over the summer.

The School Board also voted and passed a consideration of a Superintendent Contract Extension Resolution to extend Dr. Fuerstenau’s contract with the Taylorville School System for the next five years, with the resolution receiving a single “no” vote.

After the report of the Superintendent completed, the August meeting of the Taylorville School Board adjourned at approximately 8:13 pm.

It was hard to find a tv set in Springfield not tuned to the Olympics Sunday night. Those viewing habits paid off in a big way as former Illinois State Champion swimmer Ryan Held joined Michael Phelps atop the medal stand after Team USA took first in the 4 x 100 freeystyle relay in Rio de Janeiro. He drew the nation's attention with his emotional moment after collecting the medal. He talks about what was going through his mind as the national anthem played.

When not taking part in international competition, Held swims for North Carolina State.

The Taylorville High School Band held their preview show on Friday at Taylorville High School. Chris Gunn, Band Director at Taylorville High School shared how the Taylorville High School band held their band camp recently, and some of the things that the band worked on during the camp.

Gunn also said how the band is working on the new music selections that the band will be playing throughout football season.

Pictures of the Taylorville High School Band’s preview show are available online at Taylorvilledailynews.com.

As Fall approaches, the Gardening Department at the U of I Extension is still working hard to help people with their gardens and planting. They have two webinars during the month of August that people can sign up for and take virtual classes and have the option to either take the class and ask questions, or they can watch the YouTube videos later on. Gwen Podeschi, Master Gardener at the U of I Extension said the first webinar, “Keep it Going, Keep it Growing,” begins tomorrow.

Podeschi also said there's one later on in the month called “Illinois Native Pollinators.”

Find out more about these webinars at web.extension.illinois.edu/cjmm, or call 217-287-7246. Podeschi appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The Blue Mound Fall Festival is coming to town this weekend, and the village is ready to celebrate. The first celebration took place back in 1910, and the village wants to do everything it can to make sure it will continue for years to come. Roberta Gorden, Secretary of the Blue Mound Fall Festival, said there are many things going on this weekend for people of all ages including Miss Blue Mound Pageants, Golf Outings, and even Youth Games for the kids.

Gorden said the festival also has a one mile and 5K run taking place Saturday where the proceeds 

Registration will continue to be open for the run through Saturday Morning. The Blue Mound Fall Festival Runs from 6:00pm Thursday through noon Sunday. Gorden appeared on the NEWTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The jury trial date for Robert A. Stivers, a Pana man who is on trial for the death of his 4 month old child, has been moved to November. Christian County Public Defender Gregory Grigsby indicated to the court that the defense was still waiting on several documents pertinent to the case, and indicated that the defense would not be ready for trial on the previous September date. The defense requested a jury trial date in November to allow the defense enough time gather the required documents needed. With no objection to the date from the State’s Attorney, the court set a date for Jury Trial on November 7^th. There will be another pre-trial date to check the status of the case on September 8^th.

21 year old John Wright of Pana was traveling westbound on 600 N. Rd on August 7th. Approximately 5/10 of a mile west of 2500 East Rd. Wright stated that he lost control of the vehicle due to the loose gravel and holes in the roadway. Wright’s vehicle began to slide sideways, and Wright overcorrected and struck the ditch on the North side of the roadway. Wright’s vehicle then overturned and struck the ditch again. Wright’s vehicle continued to roll, stopping back on the vehicle’s tires. Both Wright and a passenger of Wright’s vehicle were transported to Pana Community Hospital by a personal vehicle.

NEWSTALK WTIM Radio in Taylorville will be adding local programming to its Saturday morning broadcast schedule starting August 27.

The new show, "The Saturday Morning Coaches Show" hosted by Jacob Linder, will air from 10:06 til eleven every Saturday morning during the school year.  It will feature interviews with local high school coaches talking about their team, games completed and opponents coming up.

As a result of adding this new show, the popular "Swap Shop Saturday" program will move from the 10 o'clock hour to the eleven o'clock hour, also starting August 27.

NEWSTALK WTIM is heard on the BIG 870 AM across Central Illinois, 96.1 FM in Christian County, 107.5 FM in Shelby County, and streamed live at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Cowden-Herrick Schools will be holding its final registration for the upcoming school year on August 10^th at Cowden-Herrick Elementary in Herrick, and on August 11^th at Cowden-Herrick Junior/Senior High School in Cowden. Book Rental Fees are due at registration, and several medical exams are required for some students for the upcoming school year. For more information on registration and other information regarding Cowden-Herrick Schools, visit them online at cowden-herrick.k12.il.us.

Illinois State Police officials announced on Friday the apprehension of an escaped prisoner. 18 year old Lasion March of Peoria had escaped while being transported by two officers from the Illinois Departent of Juvenile Justice to LaSalle, IL.

March had begun kicking the driver’s side rear window while being transported in a caged squad car. The transporting driver called 911 to request police assistance, and pulled over on Illinois Route 29 just south of Chillicothe, IL. March then succeeded in kicking the glass out of the driver’s side rear window and escaped, running eastbound towards the Illinois River.

March was later seen tipping over a garbage can in a residential area of Chillicothe. March ran towards a moving northbound train, and Illinois State Police began to pursue him on foot. March reached for the train, but missed grabbing hold of it as it went by. March then surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. March was still handcuffed and in leg shackles, but had managed to remove a leather restraining belt from around his waist.

The Shelby Electric Cooperative has donated a batch of “Kill-A-Watt” meters to local libraries for library users to rent. Monica Cameron, Library Director for the Shelbyville Public Library which was one of the libraries to receive the meters, spoke with Regional Radio News and explained what the meters do.

MON          1                           KillAWatt1                    :28

Cameron explained how monitoring when you’re using the most energy can help you save with the power company.

MON          2                           KillAWatt2                    :19

The meters are available for rent at the library just like a book or a DVD, with the only difference being extended checkout times.

Meters were donated to the following libraries.

Assumption Public Library                        Assumption, IL              217-226-3915

Beecher City Branch Library                    Beecher City, IL             618-487-9400

Marrowbone Public Library                      Bethany, IL                    217-665-3014

Blue Mound Public Library                       Blue Mound, IL              217-692-2774

Dry Point Township Library                      Cowden, IL                    217-783-2616

South Macon Public Library                     Macon, IL                      217-764-3356

Kitchell Memorial Library                          Morrisonville, IL            217-526-4553

Moweaqua Public Library                         Mowequa, IL                217-768-4700

Neoga District Library                               Neoga, IL                     217-895-3944

Carnegie-Schuyler Library                        Pana, IL                       217-562-2326

Ramsey Public Library                              Ramsey, IL                   618-423-2019

Rochester Public Library                           Rochester, IL                217-498-8454

Shelbyville Public Library                          Shelbyville, IL               217-774-4432

Stonington Township Library                    Stonington, IL               217-325-3512

Storm Memorial Library                            Windsor, IL                   217-459-2498

Witt Memorial Library                               Witt, IL                           217-594-7333

Friday’s job report surprised the experts as 255,000 new jobs were created in July, well above expectations. Per hour income rose as well. With the stock markets sitting at or near record highs analysts hope overall economic growth may rise in coming months. But domestic economic growth doesn’t mean as much for agriculture. Farm Bureau Economist Mike Doherty says agriculture rises and falls due to worldwide economic and population growth. 



Over the years, farmers have been able to increase production fast enough to keep up with growing demand, but with rising productivity, both in the U.S. and in other ag exporting countries, like Brazil and Argentina, we may be doing too good of a job. 



Mike Doherty says we need to maintain improve our transportation infrastructure, especially river transportation, if U.S. farmers are to remain competitive with South America and other low cost production areas around the world. 

A Charleston man has been appointed to the Illinois Workforce Investment Board. Governor Bruce Rauner appointed Kirk Gadberry to the board on Friday. Gadberry brings over 23 years of experience in the manufacturing sector to the board.

Gadberry is currently President and COO of North American Lighting, a company he’s been with since 1992. In this position he’s helped guide the leading manufacturer of automotive lighting products through their day-to-day activities while expanding the company’s global presence.

Gadberry is also an active leader within the local community, and has been a long-time supporter of building successful partnerships with public universities and community colleges to produce the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

Randy and Cheryl Held of Springfield have once in a lifetime travel plans. They are heading to Rio de Janeiro to watch their son Ryan compete for a medal Sunday in Olympic swimming competition. Ryan will compete in the 100 meter freestyle relay. Their son's Olympic berth is still sinking in....
 

Held recorded multiple state titles at a school better known for football, Springfield's Sacred Heart Griffin. The Helds are both medical professionals, working at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield. With talk of Zika concerns as well as crime and polluted waterways, they believe the Rio experience will be a positive one.

The Tom Short 5K race is taking place tomorrow (this) morning at the General Dacey Trail in Shelbyville. This is one of the most popular 5k races in the southern third of Illinois and more than 350 racers are expected to attend. Jerry Yockey with the 5k said that when the annual race began, they had just over 50 participants, and it has just been growing every year since.

After the race, the participants have the option to join the post race party where Yockey said they will have food, sports drinks and will be holding splash competitions at the pool where anyone can try to win a pair of Tom Shorts shorts.

Yockey said all proceeds from the race go back to fund the maintenance of the trail to keep it in good condition for years to come. More information can be found at daceytrail.org. Yockey appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

A major bicycle race is on the way in Shelby County as Clash at the Camp is taking place Sunday August 14th. This mountain bike race is the seventh race in the 2016 Illinois State Championship race series. Ashley Florey, Natural Resources Specialist at Lake Shelbyville said the race has multiple versions for different age groups and skill levels.

Registration price varies on the skill level participants want to take part in, and they can save money by pre-registering for the event online. Florey said that spectators are allowed and there are places where good views of the race can be seen.

For more information, go to Lake Shelbyville's Facebook page at Lake Shelbyville US Army Corps of Engineers. Florey appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Shelby Electric Cooperative was created back in 1938 to give rural areas electricity. Today, they serving more than 10,000 members. Shelby Electric doesn't only offer electricity, but also LP gas, generators, and internet service. Now, Shelby Electric offers the public something new. Kevin Bernson, Vice President of Media and Public Relations for Shelby Electric Cooperative said, they have an outage map that updates on their website every five minutes to let people know if there are any outages and how expansive they are.

Bernson said that Shelby Electric also has a new program called Kilowatt, that allows people to know how much energy each appliance uses in the home.

For more information on Shelby Electric Cooperative, visit shelbyelectric.coop. Bernson appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Preliminary Autopsy results are pending toxicology and additional studies in the case of 41 year old Agim Lekniku of Taylorville. Lekniku was pronounced dead at 11:04 am on Monday. The death investigation is being conducted by the Taylorville Police Department as well as the Christian County Coroner’s Office.

How long did it take you to figure out your license plate sticker had expired over the past few months? Maybe you haven’t even looked, now you can start checking the mail for that reminder. The Secretary Of States Office stopped mailing reminders during the budget stalemate, but renewals are starting to be mailed out again. The SOS was saving more than $400,000 a month in postage by abandoning the project but Dave Druker says with new funds flowing to the agency the reminders will once again be going out.



The Secretary of State is seeking to sell advertising the mailings in an effort to help defray the cost.

Illinois is facing many potholes in regards to transportation. 

The latest covered farm vehicles legislation signed by Governor Bruce Rauner allows a commercial driver license (CDL) exempt for farm semi-truck operators. Not a significant change for Illinois farmers as they have had an exemption in place for the CDL under “farm vehicle driver” for the past 23 years. The only difference being the 150 mile limitation that is lifted within Illinois state lines under the covered farm vehicles regulations. 

Another issue is that taxpayers and other stakeholders are questioning road repairs and allocation of transportation funds. The primary solution would be more money towards the projects, but Illinois Farm Bureau Senior Director of Government Kevin Rund says it is not that easy. 



Digging into transportation funds doesn’t help either. $6.4 billion has been diverted for other purposes throughout the state. Illinois has also been unable to match up funds for road repairs making them risk losing federal resources. To combat this issue, Rund says voters will have the opportunity to put a stop to it.



Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau Senior Director of Government 

Three Monsters of the Midway will blaze a trail to the carnival midway at the Illinois State Fair. Three members of the vaunted defense from the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Bears will not only perform on the Grandstand stage with their band the Chicago Six, they'll be honored at the annual parade. Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson and Steve "Mongo" McMichael have been named State Fair Twilight Parade Grand Marshalls. State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon says it will be a great experience for fans of the '85 champs.

This year's Twilight Fair Parade will step off 5:30 on Thursday, August 11th.

Missions for Taylorville are beginning the process of planning their next event. Their next work day will be September 10^th, and the organization held a planning meeting on Thursday at Davis Memorial Christian Church at 7PM. The September work date will be the second of the two work dates that Missions for Taylorville planned for this year. Pastor Bill Kerns with Missions for Taylorville explained how their next planning meeting is to help determine what will be done on that second build date.

Kerns also explained what usually is discussed at the planning meetings.

For any questions about missions for Taylorville, or to volunteer, you can contact Kerns at 515-570-1762.

The Mt. Auburn Picnic is running from Thursday August 4th through Saturday the 6th. This year the Village of Mt. Auburn is celebrating the 130th anniversary of the picnic and is ready to give the public a weekend to remember. Leann Allison, President of the Mt. Auburn Picnic said that this picnic will have some new features to it along with some old ones to make it fun for everyone and help the celebration continue to thrive. One of the new features this year is the Talent Show.

Allison said one of the staple events that the Mt. Auburn Picnic continues to have is their Soapbox Derby, which will take place Saturday afternoon this year. She also said that she knows there are cars for sale in the area, and they also have four or five pre-made cars for kids who want to race but don't have one.

Allison said that one of the reasons why the celebration has been around for so long and why it could be around for much longer is because of the volunteers who work hard to get it going and the visitors because without attendees, the picnic wouldn't have a reason to continue. More information on the Mt. Auburn Picnic can be found on Facebook at Mt. Auburn Farmers Picnic. Allison appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

A Pana man has pleaded guilty to burglary charges on Thursday at the Christian County Courthouse. 20 year old Tristan L. Dilley was arrested in May for a string of residential burglaries that occurred in the rural Pana area. Dilley had allegedly entered a mix of residences and garages, as well as several vehicles and had taken over $2500 in property. Dilley was sentenced to 6 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, as well as two years of mandatory supervised release following that.

Judge Brad Paisley asked Dilley what the reason was for his criminal history, to which Dilley replied a history of drug abuse. Judge Paisley marked in the judgement that the crimes had been committed due to a drug addiction, which will allow Dilley access to treatment while in the Department of Corrections.

The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 is holding a Field Day covering Nutrient Loss and Soil Health Challenges and Solution on August 19th at Dudley Smith Farm. The field days are a way to educate the local farmers and others who are interested in recent farming issues and what people can do to help farms succeed. Gary Letterly, Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator at the U of I Extension said that nutrient loss and soil health are both major problems in the agriculture industry.

There is walk up registration available on the 19th, but Letterly asks that people try to register early so they can have a good estimate of how much food they need to have for lunch following the program.

To register, visit the extension website at web.extension.illinois.edu/cjmm, or call the office at 287-7246. Letterly appeared on the NEWTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The City of Taylorville has more opportunities coming in the next month for its citizens to be able to give back to the community. On August 19th the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is hosting the community blood drive help people of the surrounding areas who are in need. Patty Hornbuckle, CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce said that this is a critical time to give blood because many people don't donate during the summer.

In September, people can help the community by taking part in the United Way Community Garage Sale, and Hornbuckle said it's important to register so everyone's sales can be advertised and placed on the map.

Hornbuckle said this a good way for participants to not only help themselves by cleaning out their homes, but also a good way to help the community by bringing people to the area. For more information call the chamber office at 824-4919, email them at taylorvillechamber@gmail.com, or visit their office on the second floor of US Bank on the south side of the Taylorville Square. Hornbuckle appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

St. Marys School in Taylorville has won an award from R.K. Dixon for an “office technology makeover”. The school will receive an award in an amount of $15,000 to go towards any services or equipment for their office from R.K. Dixon. Cathy Robertson, Principle at St. Mary’s spoke with Regional Radio News and said how once the school found out they had been placed in the top five, voting for the school exploded.

Robertson said how winning the office makeover couldn’t have come at a better time for the school with the renovations the school is making. She shared what the award will let the school do.

Robertson also wanted to thank the community for supporting the school throughout the voting process.

Katie Kohl (right), an administrative assistant at the Miller Media Group in Taylorville, was voted by management and staff as the 2nd quarter "Employee of the Quarter" this week.  She was presented a check for $100 by Miller Media Group general manager Kami Payne (left).

_______________

Katie Kohl of Taylorville, an administrative assistant at the Miller Media Group radio stations in Taylorvile, was named this week as "Employee of the Quarter" for the 2nd quarter of 2016.

Management and staff voted to give this honor to Katie, who has been part of the Miller Media Group team since late January.

Katie takes care of the front office, answering the phone, greeting guests and listeners, and schedules guests for the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show, among her many duties.

Katie was presented $100 by Miller Media Group general manager Kami Payne, and is also in a drawing for a Florida trip to be awarded one of the 4 employees that will be named "Employee of the Quarter" between now and next April.

The Christian County Prevention Coalition is always looking for a way to help families who are afflicted by drug abuse and protect the youth from future drug abuse. One way the CCPC is helping fight this is by educating the public about the drug use in the area through a town hall forum, being held on August 11th at Taylorville Jr. High from 6:00-8:00. Dennis Metsker said that this forum will be used to allow the parents and students to have ammunition to fight the constant war against drugs and alcohol.

METSKER1   THURS KEY: Q    LENGTH: 26

Metsker also mentioned the next Families Anonymous Meeting taking place in at Pana Memorial Hospital tomorrow night.

METSKER2   THURS KEY: W    LENGTH: 30

For more information on the Christian County Prevention Coalition visit their website at cc-pc.org or call Metsker at 217-254-5027. Metsker appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Cooking at home can be very beneficial for families who are trying to save money or who just want to eat healthier. Not only that, but it can also be a great way to have extra family time, and get kids to try new foods. Joyce Fikri, Nutrition Educator from St. Louis Council said one of the other benefits to cooking at home is that parents can teach kids how to make better choices and make them feel like they are contributing to the family.

Fikri gave some suggestions on what kids could do to help in the kitchen and prepare meals, but said to make sure the tasks given are age appropriate.

For more information on the benefits of cooking at home, cooking with dairy foods, and for some fun recipes visit stldairycouncil.org, or call the St. Louis Dairy Council at 314-835-9668. Fikri appeared on the NEWTALK WTIM Morning Show

A new business opened up in Taylorville a few months ago, The Iron Star 2. Sherry Clark, owner of the store spoke with Regional Radio News and shared some information about her unique stores in Taylorville and Blue Mound.

Clark said how there is always something on sale at her stores.

The Iron Star in Taylorville can be found at 110 East Market Street in Taylorville just off the Taylorville Square. They’re open Monday through Friday from 9am until noon and then again from 12:30 until 5, as well as on Saturday from 9am until 1pm.

Democratic candidate for the Illinois 95^th district Mike Mathis has been endorsed by the United Mine Workers of America. The UMWA and Mathis announced the endorsement on Wednesday in front of a coal miners monument at the Christian County Courthouse in Taylorville. Mathis said that the decision to run was fueled by a belief that the Illinois 95^th district isn’t receiving proper representation in Springfield by current incumbent Avery Bourne.

Mathis, a former coal miner himself, said how the endorsement by the UMWA was a mutual decision by both parties that just makes sense, especially considering Mathis’ support of the coal industry.

Mathis said how he was humbled by the endorsement of the UMWA and all the kind words he has received from fellow miners that are placing their trust in him to help build the area’s economy.

The Taylorville City Council met in their regular session on Monday Night at the Taylorville Municipal Building. One item on the agenda was a motion to approve the request for and to grant a special events permit for the 31^st Annual Chillifest to be held on October 1^st and 2^nd at the Christian County Square. Alderman Earl Walters made a comment on the motion where he shared that this year’s Chillifest is slate to be the biggest ever.

There is one event however that the city simply couldn’t get put together, that event being the 5-k. That said, there is still plenty scheduled for Chillifest.

Ultimately the Taylorville City Council voted unanimously to approve the request. Barricades will be placed on the south side of the Taylorville square beginning at noon on Friday, September 30^th, and the whole square will close at 6PM on Sunday the 2^nd until the cleanup is done.

The Pana Police Department has released information for a traffic accident involving a Pana Police vehicle during a call to request the Nokomis Police Department with a fleeing vehicle.

Nokomis officers were attempting to stop a vehicle for a possible DUI with expired registration plates. The vehicle was seen traveling east in the westbound lanes on IL Route 16 and had refused to stop to emergency vehciles from Nokomis towards Pana.

Two Pana officers responded to a call for assistance from the Nokomis Police Department, and were positioned to assist with the chase and activated their emergency overhead lights as the vehicle was seen approaching with a Nokomis Squad car behind the vehicle. As the vehicle approached, no apparent attempts were made to stop, yield, or merge to avoid a crash, and the fleeing vehicle struck the Pana Squad car.

The fleeing vehicle burst into flames after striking the Pana Squad car as it came to a stop on the edge of the roadway. The driver of the fleeing vehicle, Brylan A. Speer and a juvenile passenger were removed from the vehicle by officers on scene, secured, and transported to Pana Community Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The Pana officer whos vehicle was struck was also transported to Pana community hospital for non-life threatening injuries. All parties were later released.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held its annual Radiothon on Miller Media Group radio station WRAN groovy 97-point-3 on Tuesday.  Kiwanis Club members sell sponsorships to local businesses for the day of broadcasting, then WRAN gives half of the gross revenue to the Club for projects benefitting children and youth in the Taylorville community.
A check for 14-hundred 50-dollars was presented to the club by Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller, during the club's business meeting on Tuesday.  Kiwanis members Sharon LeGrand and Patty Hornbuckle co-chaired the Radiothon committee this year.
Incoming Kiwanis president Will Perkins told WRAN listeners why he is a member of the local club.

Kiwanis members were guest D-J's for the day during the annual WRAN Taylorville Kiwanis Radiothon.  Those participating included Perkins along with Carmeline Skinner, Dick Wamsley, LeGrand, Hornbuckle, Barbara Stonaker, Ruth Weiser, Cathy Coker, Carol Alexander, Dean Ray, Jerry Woodard, Martin Vota, and Joe Hauser.

Pastor Bill Kerns (left), president of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, accepts a check from Miller Media Group president and Kiwanis member Randal J. Miller (right) for $1450, which was half the dollars Kiwanis members sold on this year's Kiwanis Radiothon heard Tuesday on WRAN groovy 97.3.  

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The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly business meeting at their weekly luncheon on Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Committee chairs reported on various projects to benefit children and youth in the Taylorville community.

Kiwanis Park committee chair Jerry Woodard reported that the pavilion floor cracks are being sealed, the new slabs and picnic tables for the new small pavilions will be installed soon, and that the park is being extensively used by families again this year.

Randal J. Miller, president of the Miller Media Group, presented Kiwanis Club president Pastor Bill Kerns, a check for $1450, which is half the gross dollars sold in advertising by Kiwanis members for the annual Kiwanis Radiothon that was heard Tuesday on WRAN groovy 97.3.  The Radiothon is an annual Kiwanis fund-raiser held in cooperation with WRAN.

And, it was announced that the re-scheduled Kiwanis Club cookout at Kiwanis Park is set for 6pm September 6th.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving 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. 

The average price of a gallon of gasoline in Illinois has dropped again. GasBuddy.com reports Illinois' average gas prices have fallen 1.4 cents per gallon in the lastweek. The price is nearly 50 cents lower than one year ago and more than a quarter lower than a month ago.

Secretary of State Jesse White has good news for the Postal Service. His office is once again sending out reminders for license plate renewals. White is hoping to cut the $450,000 (450 thousand) dollar monthly cost of sending out reminders. His office is drafting legislation that would allow the Secretary of State's Office to sell advertising space on the mailings. He also hopes more people opt out of the snail mail reminders. Motorists can switch to email notification at cyberdriveillinois.com.

Heading into August, the crop looks good but the prices not so much due to the weather. AgriVisor Senior Market Analyst Dale Durchholz says the forecast predicts warmer temperatures and above normal moisture through August. However, he says farmers need to reflect on the growing season as a whole looking into harvest. 

Durchholz says he is conducting a preliminary report on yields ahead of the USDA report. 

Durchholz estimates that soybeans will average around 47. 

Both the Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention have concluded and the nation has heard both sides of the presidential election and has come closer to knowing will be the best choice for the next presidential. Congressman Rodney Davis traveled to Cleveland two weeks ago to the RNC to show his continued support for Donald Trump, network with his fellow republicans, and learn about how Trump will help the country locally. Davis said that Trump will have a heavy focus on national security and that affects every community in the country, no matter what size.

Davis also wants to make sure that people know they can go to him at all times for any questions, and he will be honest and open with them.

To contact Davis visit him at his office on East Market Street in Taylorville, or email him through his website at rodneydavis.house.gov. Congressman Davis appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

During the Christian County Ag Luncheon at the Christian County Fair, Regional Radio News was able to talk with keynote speaker Rich Guebert. Guebert is president of the Illinois Farm Bureau and had a point that he wanted to make sure he covered during his speech at the fair. Guebert told Regional Radio News that he wants the community to be engaged and active in farm bureau activity and to let legislatures know if the community supports the GMO bill or not.

Guebert said that recently they have had two bills that were passed and signed by the legislature and governor that they are very proud of.

Guebert said that he is blessed by the fact his family is able to step in and help him with his work so he is able to do all he can to help serve the people involved in agriculture in the state.

The Shelbyville Rotary Club met on Monday at the Shelbyville Memorial Hospital. New District Governor of the 51 clubs in East Central Illinois district 6490 Kevin Yonce spoke at the meeting. Yonce is CEO of Twin City Tent and Awning Company and is a past president of the Champaign West Rotary Club. Yonce has also been on 5 rotary mission trips to Honduras.

Yonce gave a presentation on the new Rotary International President John Germ, and how his plan is to promote Rotary Serving Humanity, stating how since 1917, Rotary Endowment has provided more than $3 Billion in grants, scholarships, and funds for Polio Plus.

The next Shelbyville Rotary Club meeting will take place on August 8^th at noon at the Shelbyville Memorial Hospital.

Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans has released details regarding a death investigation being conducted by the Taylorville Police Department and the Christian County Coroner’s Office. On August 1^st at approximately 10:52 AM, 911 received a call to respond to Rt. 29 Motel for a male that was unresponsive in his room. The Taylorville Fire Department arrived on scene and requested the coroner. Coroner Winans identified the male as 41 year old Agim Lekniku of Taylorville. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday in Bloomington.

Dr. David Gill, Independent U.S. House candidate filed a federal lawsuit yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Illinois seeking to restore his place on the ballot for this November’s general election. Dr. Gill and six co-plaintiffs are asking the court to rule that the Illinois Demand of nearly 11,000 signatures to place Gill on the ballot is unconstitutional.

Dr. Gill filed his nomination papers, including over 11,000 signatures of presumed Illinois registered voters on June 27^th. Objections to Gill’s petition were subsequently filed by both Democratic candidate Mark Wicklund, and a representative of U.S. Representative Rodney Davis. On July 18^th the Illinois State board of Elections issued a report declaring that roughly 8,500 of the signatures collected by Gill were valid, meaning that he didn’t reach the required amount and recommended the removal of his name from the ballot in November.

Dr. Gill ran previously for Congress as a Democrat three times during the first decade of the century. He ran as a Democrat in 2012 and lost to Representative Rodney Davis 46.5 percent to 46.2 percent in the second closest U.S. House race in the country that year.

There were many events going on throughout the Christian County Fair last week, one of which was the Illinois State Chili Cook-Off. WTIM was on site to catch the action. One of the participants in the cook-off and former Chili Cook-Off World Champion, Wes Carlson of West Park, IL spoke with WTIM and shared what makes Chili made for competition unique.

Carlson also explained the difference is the two different types of chili that the competition was looking at.

You can find more information on the Illinois State Chili Cookoff including the winners in the various categories online under the County Fair tab of Taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Taylorville City Council met in regular session Monday Night at the Taylorville Municipal Building. The issue of an Ordinance that would annex a half acre parcel of land north and adjacent to 110 E. Heights dominated the discussion of the meeting, with discussion on the issue lasting nearly an hour. The issue that arose came from a resident who lives next to the property who has concerns about a project that is currently planned to turn the parcel of land into a parking lot that would exit next to his home should the land be annexed by the council. He stated how that project should it be built as planned would not only lower his property value, but also create a dangerous traffic situation in an area that is already a problem for him due to a fence that sits next to his driveway. Alderman Larry Budd commented on the issue agreeing with the Taylorville resident, and raising his own concerns as to why the project hadn’t been discussed with the council.

Because the parcel of land is less than an acre in size, the city engineer can simply approve or deny certain projects without taking it to the council. More questions were raised however by Alderman Jones as to whether or not City Engineer Joe Greene was aware when he initially approved the project to the concerns that were being brought up in the city council meeting.

The project engineer who was in attendance was asked whether or not they could change the plans of the project so that the parking lot traffic would exit the parking lot at the same entrance it came in at, eliminating the need of a driveway next to the residence’s home. The engineer stated plans could be drawn up, however they had to be submitted within the next two weeks for approval. Alderman Vota suggested a solution.

Ultimately the decision was made to table the discussion on the annexation of the land until the project engineer could speak again with City Engineer Joe Greene about the concerns of the Taylorville resident and the potential redesigning of the planned parking lot. 

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is set to restore a tradition, selling unclaimed property at the Illinois State Fair. On August 20th, coins, currency, jewelry, sports memorabilia and more will go on the auction block. Frerichs says the State Fair sales were a proven success.

The bidding will take place at noon at the Ethnic Village Stage. There will be a preview from 8 until noon that day. There will also be a preview Tuesday at the Illinois State Capitol rotunda from 10 to 3. Another preview will take place Friday at the Thompson Center in Chicago from 11 to 2. Among the items for sale are a 1954 Cubs Ernie Banks rookie card and an 1856 Flying Eagle penny.

A Carbondale Police Officer is shot and seriously wounded in a Sunday night incident. A press release from the Illinois State Police indicates a suspect was speeding away from a shooting scene and opened fire on arriving officers. Police are seeking the driver of a tan,, four door vehicle. The officer is in serous condition at a St. Louis hospital. Police did not return fire.

Illinois State Police District 18 is investigating a two vehicle crash in Litchfield on Saturday that resulted in the death of a Carlinville man. On July 30^th at approximately 7:45PM, 87 year old Charlie Logsdon of Litchfield was headed eastbound on IL Route 16 just east of Corvette Drive in Litchfield. 49 year old Robert Reiher as well as 18 year old Madeline Reiher, both of Carlinville were headed westbound on IL Route 16 while riding a motorcycle. Logsdon struck the motorcycle head on. Robert Reiher was ejected from the motorcycle and was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Montgomery County Coroner. Madeline Reiher who was a passenger on the bike was also ejected from the bike, and flown to Saint John’s Hospital in Springfield by ARCH Air Medical Service. Logsdon was transported to Saint Francis Hospital in Litchfield with non-life threatening injuries. The westbound lanes of IL Route 16 were closed for approximately 4 hours following the incident. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating the crash.

A group of individuals is holding a prayer rally this weekend where anyone in the community can join and pray for the difficulties their children may face in the upcoming school year. The group has mailed letters to churches, the school board, and private schools to try to get the word out to all interested family members and even the students themselves. Delbra Pratt, one of the organizers of the prayer rally said, students these days have a lot to take on and need as much support as possible to keep their spirits lifted as they head into the school year.

Pratt said the response she's heard back from the community has been positive and it seems the turnout is looking good for that morning.

The Prayer Rally will be held  August 6th at Taylorville Junior High from 10:00 until noon. For more information, check out their Facebook Page at Christian County Prayer Rally For Our Children and Schools, or call Pratt at 217-273-2156. Pratt appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County Senior Citizens Center give local seniors the opportunity to go on many trips throughout each month. During these trips the occupants will go to these areas and shop around some, build more camaraderie, have a nice dinner out, and on their way back, stop for ice cream. This month they do have a couple of special trips they are trying to get together, where one is to the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Judy Gates, in charge of the CEFS Golden Circle Nutrition Program, at the Christian County Senior Citizens Center, said that this trip will allow people the opportunity to tour World War Two Planes and even take a ride on one if they wish.

Gates also mentioned that the Senior Center is taking two vans of people to Springfield for Senior Day at the state fair and anyone who wants to go should RSVP immediately.

It is free for seniors to go to the fair and they also get free admission into the fair that day. To RSVP for a trip or for more information, call 217-824-4263. Gates appeared on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

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

Sometime around midnight on Friday, July 29, 2016, an unknown subject made entry into Los Rancheros Restaurant, located at 201 Bidwell Street.  While inside, the unknown subject took cash and a computer.  The unknown subject also did damage while making entry into the business.  The unknown subject was dressed in dark colored sweatshirt and dark colored pants.   The total dollar amount of items taken and damage done in unknown at this time.

Please contact Crimestoppers if you have any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1,000.00 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 their website Christiancountycrimestoppers.org, or by texting CRIMES (274632) and then your tip.  As always, you will remain anonymous.  

There were two accidents last week that resulted in the participants being transported to local hospitals to be treated for injuries.

On July 31st, 17 year old Jessica R. Stewart of Assumption was eastbound on County Highway 4. At approximately 2650 east, Stewart’s vehicle left the roadway entering the south ditch. The vehicle then struck a culvert and overturned. Stewart’s vehicle came to rest on its wheels in the middle of the roadway facing south. Stewart was taken to St. Mary's Hospital via Moweaqua Ambulance to be treated for injuries.

68 year old Kathy D. McLaughlin of Owaneco was traveling westbound on 900 north road with a passenger in the vehicle. McLaughlin stated that she thought she hit loose gravel and lost control of the vehicle. Marks at the scene indicated that McLaughlin’s vehicle left the roadway on the south side and traveled through the ditch for approx. 140 feet. The vehicle then went into the bean field and traveled approximately 96 feet until it struck a high spot in the field. McLaughlin’s vehicle then spun around 180 degrees and impacted the bottom of the ditch. After striking the ditch, McLaughlin’s vehicle became airborne and overturned before impacting the roadway with the roof, and then rolled back upright onto all 4 wheels. The passenger was taken by ambulance to TMH due to injuries.

Pana Community Hospital now has the ability to perform breast MRI Exams for a more detailed evaluation of potential breast cancer. Cindy Miles, Diagnostic Imagine Manager at Pana Community Hospital spoke with Regional Radio News and said that although the hospital has this new capability, it isn’t for everyone, and patients should consult with their doctor about the procedure.

Miles also said how the breast MRI can also be more difficult for the patient to get insurance to cover the costs of.

To learn more about Breast MRIs at Pana Community Hospital, you can contact the imaging department at 562-6366. A physician’s referral is required for the exam.

Christian County FS presented several scholarships at the Christian County Fair Ag Day last week. Christian County FS General Manager Mark Bauman spoke with Regional Radio News and shared what organizations those scholarships went to.

Bauman said that he hopes this money helps more kids pursue a degree in the agriculture industry.

For more information in the Christian County FS, you can call their main office at 824-2205, or visit them online at christiancountyfs.com