The Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway and Park District Board held their monthly meeting on Tuesday evening at the Manners Park Office.

On the agenda for the board was the 2017-18 audit, and a look at the financial of the district. The district currently has nearly 725,000 dollars in their general fund, and a representative from Pulley, Martynowski & Blakeman explained to the board why holding onto the money could be valuable when more costs arise from repairs and maintenance needed at the Manners Park Pool

The Park District finances look safe and secure heading into the 2018-19 fiscal year. The next Park District board meeting will be on June 25^th at 7 p.m. and the public is invited to attend. 

Central Illinois Television and Broadcasting legend Doug Quick is coming home to Taylorville.

Quick, who currently can be seen as a news and weather specialist, seen across Central Illinois on multiple channels including Channel 15 in Champaign, will be returning to WTIM and the Miller Media Group of stations on June 6^th to promote his new book, “Pictures on the Prairie: The First 10 Years of Mid-Illinois Television.”

Quick, who began his broadcast career at WTIM in the 70s, says he is excited about returning home to Talyorville, not only to return to the airwaves at WTIM, but see old friends and family as well.

Quick explains that the book is for anyone who grew up in Central Illinois during the 70s and 80s and wants a nostalgic look at the television history from back then.

Doug Quick will be live on the air across multiple Miller Media Group Stations on June 6^th from 8-10 am. For more information on “Pictures on the Prairie” visit his website DougQuick.com

This Saturday Taylorville residents have the opportunity to take part in the only fundraising event for the Taylorville Wrestling Foundation. It is the third annual mouse races for the Taylorville Wrestling Foundation.

Jane Griffith is the President of the Taylorville Wrestling Foundation. She says the event has something for everyone including placing some friendly wagers on some mice.

Treasurer of the Taylorville Wrestling Foundation Gerry Mahr says residents can use mouse money to bet on the mice.

Griffith and Mahr appeared as guests on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville residents looking for something to do Friday night need look no further than Taylorville Christian Church as they will be hosting their second annual Summer Starts Here.

Zach Crowley is the Student Pastor with Taylorville Christian Church. He says the event is free and they are expecting another big turn out.

Crowley says the event is going to be a fun, laid back setting and they are hoping that setting will help residents lower their guard towards people and get to know one another.

Crowley appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Village of Strasburg was lifted their boil order. The order had been in place since Tuesday morning after a construction accident caused a leak in a water line. The leak has since been repaired and sealed.

The Boil Order for all residents of Strasburg and Shelby County residents who rely on the Village’s water supply has been lifted. For more information call Strasburg Village Hall at 217-644-3007 or visit our website TaylorvilleDailyNews.com. 

Tuesday night the Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway and Park District Board held their monthly meeting and discussed several topics including the annual audit report, the state of the baseball fields in Manner Park and summer recreation plans.

One topic board members heard from constituents on was the condition of the baseball fields in Manner Park, specifically relating to the condition of the mound. The board seeked input from the Park Maintenance Superintendent, who detailed the challenges of building the mound for different age groups, which pitch from different distances. The board invited any concerned parties to come to their next meeting.

Another topic of discussion was the opening of the Manners Park Pool. The pool which had its opening day on Saturday and is seeing records crowd, leaving the board to speculate this could be a record breaking year for the pool if the weather stays hot.

The Park District Board meets once a month, on the fourth Monday of each month at the Manners Park Office Board Room. The next meeting is on June 25^th and the public is welcome.

In the coming weeks the University of Illinois Extension Program will be offering a class on canning food. This class is for grades 4-12.

Lisa Peterson is a Nutrition and Wellness Educator with the Extension and will be instructing the class. She says water bath canning is the method they will be using. For residents trying at home Peterson says if they are not careful they can get unwanted bacteria in the can.

Peterson says this bacteria can survive without oxygen and it does not take much to get a lot of people sick.

Peterson appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Pana is receiving an economic boost thanks to the federal government.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rautner announced that 327 land tracts have been approved for the Opportunity Zone Census tract, including an area that includes areas in the North and West sides of Pana.

Opportunity Zones is a program through the federal government that present an opportunity for private, tax-free investment in low-income areas with economic need, benefiting both residents living in the area and private investors. The program is in its first year, having been established by the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

US Repersenative Rodney Davis of Taylorville said, “During the recession, many of our rural communities were hit the hardest and have been the slowest to recover. The tax-free, private investments that will be a result of these Opportunity Zones will help create jobs and grow these communities.”

Other towns and cities of Central Illinois to have been selected as opportunity zones include Clinton, Dectaur Shelbyville and Sullivan. 

Ameren wants residents to know that newer sometimes does mean better when it comes to their thermostat.

Agnes Mrozowski is an Energy Efficiency Advisor with Ameren Illinois. She says smart thermostats are on the rise across the country.

Mrozowski says the system uses WIFI and residents smart phones to to sync into their habits.

Mrozowski appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Village of Strasburg is under a boil order for at least the next 24 hours.

The Village announced the boil order Tuesday morning following a construction accident. According to Strasburg Village Clerk Linda Oakley, the village is currently in the process of replacing a water line in the south side of town. Oakley says the construction crew accidentally struck an adjacent water line causing a leak.

Oakley believes the leak from the water line will be fixed by the early afternoon on Tuesday, and after that point water will be taken to Matoon for testing to determine if the water is safe for consumption and when the boil order can be lifted.

Oakley hopes the boil order, which is in affect for all Strasburg village residents, as well as any country residents reliant on the Village’s water supply, could be lifted within the next 36 hours.

All residents of the village of Strasburg are urged to boil their water used for drinking and cooking purposes for five minutes before using. For more information you can call Strasburg Village Hall at 217-644-3007. 

The Taylorville Police Department is looking to begin the process of retiring a cherished police officer.

Taylorville PD Chief of Police Brian Hile says that the force is beginning to think about a replacement for K9 unit Echo. Echo is getting older, and while the police department plan on keeping her on in a PR role, the time has come for a new k9 unit to be added to the department and trained so that when Echo does retire, there will not be a lapse in coverage.

Hile says the K9 unit is essential to the success of the Taylorvile PD and the unit makes a huge impact in a variety of areas and in many different ways.

A new officer will also join the new dog on the K9 unit so training can begin shortly after a dog is picked. Taylorville PD plans to continue to use Echo for demonstrations and ceremonial work after her retirement.

The Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway and Park District Board of Trustees meeting will be held tonight, Tuesday May 29^th at 7 p.m.

The meetings, which usually take place on the fourth Monday of each month, was pushed back one day in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Tuesday’s meeting will feature an update on the annual audit report for the 2017-18 fiscal year, and reports from the Park Maintenance Superintendent, the Office Administrator and the Recreation Director.

Tuesday’s meeting will take place at the Manners Park Office Board Room at 7.pm. In Taylorville. The next meeting for the Park district board will be on Monday June 25^th.

This Memorial Day whether out on the lake or grilling out in the backyard the Social Security Administration want residents to remember those who have served.

Jack Myers is a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration. Myers says he hopes that residents remember what today is really about.

Myers says the Social Security Administration ready to help those who have served. One way they do this is by the Wounded Warrior Initiative.

Myers appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville High School got a possible glimpse into the future when they visited Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield.

Director of Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville was in Springfield when the high school students visited. She says in just two hours they tried to get the students to see as much as possible.

Krueger says the group seemed to be really attentive and it might have served as a wake up call for how quickly they could be stepping on a college campus as students.

Krueger appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Stonington Fire Department faced a difficult structure fire Thursday night, but thanks to the help of Taylorville, Blue Mound and an assist from the Christian County Sheriff’s, the fire was put out and the building may be salvagable.

The fire happened at Christian County FS location in Stonington. The fire was in the attic of the structure, causing a need for aerial support. Stonington Fire Protection district Captain Korey Bailey says the fire was diffucult to extinguish but everyone made it home safely.

The fire’s cause and the viability of the building are both still under investigation by the State of Illinois’ Fire Marshall office. Captain Bailey believes though that the FS building may be salvagable after major repairs.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital has been hard at work on their construction project to improve the building.

Glenda Plunkett is a media consultant with HSHS Good Shepherd, she says they are looking forward to the process being complete and giving tours as soon as they finish.

Plunkett says one thing HSHS really wanted to improve on was patients privacy.

Plunkett says through this process they try to pick a not a busy time in the ER to get the work done, but that is not an easy task.

Plunkett appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

Taylorville High School will join the growing list of schools to have a police presence when school returns to session in the fall.

At Monday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Bruce Barry announced that the Taylorville School district had agreed to pay for a school resource officer to be placed in the junior and senior high schools next year.

Taylorville Police Chief Brian Hile explains how the school resource officer will be implemented in the fall, and the preparation the city, the police department and the school district will be doing in preparation for his first day.

Hile believes the school resource officer can make an impact in children’s lives starting in fifth grade, helping to try and prevent small issues from growing larger.

One Taylorville PD officer will be assigned to cover both Taylorville Junior High and Taylorville High School. The officer is expected to be trained and ready for the first day of classes for the 2018-19 school year.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has nearly 300 members in the Chamber and are always looking to add more.

Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle says she is excited about a new business becoming a member.

Hornbuckle says they are always excited to get one but this time they have two new members that joined.

Hornbuckle appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville TRIAD partnership hosted its monthly meeting on Thursday at Angelo’s Restaurant in Taylorville.

The TRIAD is a partnership between local senior citizens and law enforcement. The TRIAD helps hosts events such as the senior police academy, and often brings in speakers to discuss topics such as internet safety.

The TRIAD relies on the cooperation and involvement of the local police, and Taylorville Police Brian Hile is a fixture at meetings and TRIAD events. Hile explains why he believes the partnership is beneficial for both sides.

To find out more information about the TRIAD, go to IllinoisTRIAD.com.

Food preservation season is upon us and the University of Illinois Extension Program wants residents to think about preserving some food.

Lisa Peterson is a Nutrition and Wellness Educator with the Extension. She says one of the easiest ways to preserve food is to dry it out.

Peterson says for those with a little more experience they might be ready to try canning, which perseveres food the longest.

Peterson appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The City of Taylorville is looking to add a new a firetruck to its arsenal. In Monday’s city council meeting the alderman and Mayor Bruce Barry discussed the ways to set into motion the plan for a new firetruck.

Barry says that as part of the new firetruck deal, a new 10 year contract must be struck between the City and Fire Protection district. The current deal is set to expire in 2019, and for the city to take on the financing of a new truck, a new 10 year contract agreement must be reached.

Barry believes that deal will be agreed to shortly and allow the work to begin on acquiring a new fire truck.

The next city council meeting for the city of Taylorville is on Monday June 4^th at the Municipal Building inTaylorville.

Residents have their identities tied to a social security card. Many residents have probably wondered if they were to lose it what would happen.

Jack Myers with the Social Security Administration says one of the most common issues the SSA deals with is helping residents get new social security cards.

Myers says if residents need to stop by the office they need to bring some ID and need to keep in mind it might be a week or two before the new card arrives.

Myers says some residents have paid for a new social security card, it turns out there is no need for this as it is always done for free.

Myers appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Two local communities are looking to make an impact for those in need by hosting a blood drive.

Taylorville will host a blood drive on Tuesday, June 5^th from 4 to 7 pm at Fellowship Hall at 1500 West Franklin in Taylorville.

Morrisonville will host a blood drive of its own from 3:00 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 12^th in Fellowship Hall at the United Methodist Church at 109 SE 5^th Street in Morrisonville.

Donating blood takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and those with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as donors. You must be of 17 years of age or older to donate. For more information, you can call the CICBC at 1-800-747-5401.

Physicians Choice Wellness opened their doors last fall in Taylorville and are hoping to help residents live a healthy life style.

Mayor Bruce Barry has been going through one of the programs offered by PCW. He says it has been going well so far.

Barry says with the nicer weather he would like to get out and about more to help live a more active lifestyle to help his progress even more.

Barry appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

It may be the easiest road to trying out your singing talents at the next level, The Illinois State Fair is sparing aspiring singers long drives and waits for auditions for shows like American Idol or the Voice. The State Fair Karaoke Contest challenges young singers around the state to show off their singing chops. Karaoke competitors will face off at a number of county fairs. Then the finalists will face off at the Illinois State Fair August 12th with the winner opening up for country star and Illinois native Brett Eldredge. State Fair Manager Luke Sailer.

Sailer says it's only fitting to have the winner paired with Eldredge with Illinois' 200th birthday.

Registration is underway at the state fair website www.IllinoisStateFair.info. 

The American Red Cross is asking you to donate blood as we head into the summer months. The organization says only about 3% of the U.S. population gives blood, meaning repeat donors are carrying the bulk of the load. During this time of year, people do not donate blood as often, according to Red Cross spokesman, Joe Zydlo. Vacations and other summer activities often take precedence over donating blood, and Zydlo says the drop-off really ramps up around Memorial Day and heading into June.

 

If you want to donate blood, you can find information on where and how to do so at this story at www.RedCross.org, or you can download a free Red Cross app from you mobile app store. The app uses your location to allow you to find the nearest donation center near you.

Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry says the city is continuing to work towards a deal with prospective owners of a Steak N’ Shake in Taylorville.

Currently both parties are seeking more information, with Steak N’ Shake hoping the city would create a business district in the area they want to set up their business.

Barry says there is still more due diligence to be done, but he feels confident the two sides will come to a deal.

Barry discussed the potential Steak N’ Shake restaurant at Monday’s city council meeting.

The Taylorville Community Credit Union announced two Taylorville high school seniors as the winners of two 1,000 dollar scholarships to help continue their education.

TCCU President Will Perkins explains how the scholarship program benefits the community and the recipients.

The Taylorville seniors, Albina Letnika and Emily Morrison, were presented the award earlier this month by Perkins, and Perkins was struck by the high quality of each winner.

Perkins said the Credit Union was looking to find a way to help the local community, and by allowing the public to buy votes from local stores, Perkins feels proud to make a difference in the Taylorville community.

For parents or students interested in signing up for next year’s scholarship contest, please visit TaylorvilleCommunityCreditUnion.com.

The Pana Chamber of Commerce has announced a venue change for their upcoming Pana Days event.

Pana Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Blue explains the advantages of moving the 3 day event to Kitchell Park.

Blue says the three day event now being held at Kitchell Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Pana Days run from Thursday to Saturday at Kitchell Park in Pana.

Whether it is Stormy Daniels or FBI investigation President Donald Trump cannot seem to stay out of the news.

Jim Bohannon of the Jim Bohannon Show, which airs weeknights for 9 to midnight on NEWSTALK WTIM, says news is coming out that there may have in fact been FBI spies within the Trump campaign.

Bohannon says even if the collusion with Russia is true it is not illegal and does not warrant any significant justifications.

Bohannon appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Equifax recently published information about security breaches and the numbers are nothing short of shocking.

Richard Peters is with the Christian County TRIAD, he was astonished that the numbers reached almost as high as 150 million.

Peters says if residents end up falling victim they need to call as soon as possible to make sure everything is okay.

Peters appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the many summer programs offered by the Taylorville Park District, during their weekly meeting Tuesday.

Long-time Recreation Director Bailey Hancock shared information on the Manners Park Pool which openes this Saturday, along with Chautauqua Nights, Kids Day Camp, the Kids are Kids Dances, the monthly senior lunch program, and baseball and softball leagues going on at the many diamonds.

Hancock told Kiwanis members that the Manners Park Pool is busy from 7 in the morning til 10 at night, between the local swim team, swimming and junior lifeguard lessons, water aerobics, water Zumba, and pool hours open to the public.

Free admission is being offered during Pepsi Nights June 13th, July Eleventh, and August First, from 7 to 9 in the evening.

Hancock said the first of 2 Chautauqua Nights will be held under the Chautauqua Auditorium in Manners Park June 23rd from 5 til 8 in the evening.  The free event includes music from the band “Home by Eleven”, along with 3 bounce houses, food and drinks.

Kids Day Camp always fills to the 50 student capacity each summer, says Hancock, and the Kids are Kids Special Needs Dances each month in the Manners Park dining hall are always popular.

3 guests attended Tuesday's Taylorville Kiwanis Club meeting.

Kiwanis members are reminded that next Tuesday's meeting will be held at Kiwanis Park, with a social hour at 5, and dinner at 6.  Kiwanis members, spouses, and guests are welcome.

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.

Farmers in Illinois are nearly done planting corn. USDA reports that 96 percent of the crop is planted and more than half of those plants are up and growing. Mark Schleusener says that farmers have also done a good job of getting soybeans into the ground. 
 

Where wheat is grown – the crop is in good condition. With another warm and dry week for farmers planting season will be just about wrapped up.

House Speaker Mike Madigan is recusing himself from the discussion on potentially bringing sports wagering to Illinois. His spokesman Steve Brown isn't discussing the reasons for that but he believes the stalled discussion about gambling expansion in Illinois has likely prevented the state from being on the fast track to bring a sports book to Illinois wagering facilities.

The Supreme Court recently threw out the nation's ban of sports wagering in most states.

Cities, villages and towns are calling for the General Assembly to avoid taking money from them to balance the budget next fiscal year. This fiscal year's budget features reduced tax payments to municipalities through the local government distributive fund (LGDF). In addition, a fee was tacked on to sales tax collections. A number of Mayors urged lawmakers to keep last year's reduction as a one-year move as planned. Jerome Mayor, Mike Lopez, whose village borders the Capital City of Springfield, says since last year his community's budget has been cut to the bone, if not deeper.

At one point Jerome was unable to pay village bills for six weeks.

Sawdust is still present and the finishing touches aren’t quite done but the Governor’s Mansion has two residents again. Monday marked move in day for Bruce and Diana Rauner. The home has undergone years of renovations, paid for by private donations, but it’s ready to be lived in again. Diana says that she won’t soon forget her first night in the mansion.
 

The roof was fixed before more extensive renovations were undertaken. The home should be open for tours by the public in the middle of July.

Mayor Bruce Barry was thankful at Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Barry named individual members of the water department and thanked them for their work in identifying and fixing a water main break in the overnight hours Thursday night and into Friday morning.

Barry says that his home was one of the areas affected by a boil warning for much of the weekend, but that if not for the hard work of the water department, many more residents would have been affected.

Barry says he also believes the boil order, which remains in affect for those on the south side of Lake Berenetti, will be lifted on Tuesday, following tests of water quality from the water department.

The City of Taylorville and the Taylorville school district have struck a deal to put a Taylorville police officer in the building next year.

The deal involves a Taylorville PD officer serving as a school resource officer, a trend that has spread across the United States in the wake of a number of high profile mass shootings, including a shooting Sante Fe, Texas just last week.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry said he ran on the principle of protecting Taylorville’s youth and was proud the two boards found a way to make a deal to help Taylorville’s students.

Barry hailed the deal as a win-win, with the school district picking up the over 36,000 dollar tab, and the City being able to readjust current officer’s schedules so no new hire was needed, all while protecting students.

The vote passed by a 6-2 margin at Monday’s city council meeting, and followed lengthy discussions in committee prior to Monday’s vote.

Shelbyville is receiving an economic boost thanks to the federal government.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rautner announced that 327 land tracts have been approved for the Opportunity Zone Census tract, including an area in Shelby County that includes Shelbyville.

Opportunity Zones is a program through the federal government that present an opportunity for private, tax-free investment in low-income areas with economic need, benefiting both residents living in the area and private investors. The program is in its first year, having been established by the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

State Repersenative Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville hailed the news as a huge economic opportunity for the area, saying, These areas are in desperate need of jobs, benefiting individuals and communities. This is a great opportunity to bring jobs and investments into east Central Illinois.”

The Opportunity zone includes most of the city and areas near Lake Shelbyville.

Scammers are always looking for ways to pull the wool over the eyes of their next victim. With the weather turning nicer residents are advised to pay close attention to who comes knocking at their door.

Mara Clingingsmith is with the Better Business Bureau, she says some residents let scammers into their homes who pretend to be checking on the residents thermostat.

Clingingsmith says a simple phone call can save residents from the scammer even making their way into the home.

Clingingsmith appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

It is officially crunch time for Illinois Legislatures as time is winding down for the two parties to agree on a budget.

State Treasurer Mike Frerichs says even though time is dwindling he is still confident the two sides can decide on common ground on a budget.

Frerichs says the struggles over the last few years have been a lesson to the parties and serves as their main motivation to get the budget done.

Frerichs appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee held their second monthly meeting of the year Monday evening at the Chamber board room, to begin work on what will be the 33rd annual Taylorville Chamber Chillifest taking place on the Square October 6th and 7th.

Chillifest chairperson Greg Hornbuckle told Regional Radio News it was a good meeting with lots of topics covered.

And, Hornbuckle said the International Chilli Society is bringing a 2nd category of chilli judging to this year's Taylorville Chamber Chillifest.

Get more information on the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest as the dates get closer, at chillifest-dot-info, that's Chillifest with 2-L's.

A water boil order remains in effect for Taylorville residents on the south side of Lake Bernetti. All other areas that were affected by a boil order are herby released from the order.  The City of Taylorville will be resampling the South side of Bertenetti Monday 5/21 and Tuesday 5/22 for further result.

Summer might be right around the corner but Shelbyville’s HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is preparing athletes for their fall sports seasons.

The hospital’s rehabilitation department is offering their annual sports enhancement program, which aims to help improve the overall athletic performance of local high school and junior high athletes in the area.

Sarah Thoele a physical therapist for Good Shepherd Rehab explains how athletes are tested so that she and other professionals can tailor the program to the individual athlete.

Thoele believes that the program is designed to help athletes of all sports gain an advantage this summer.

The program begins on June 4^th and runs twice a week through July 27^th, at Good Shepherd Hospital’s rehab department in Shelbyville. The deadline to register is June 1^st, for more info call 217-774-6434.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center Bloodmobile will be making its way to Stonington Tuesday for a community blood drive.

The blood drive will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at 308 S. Pine Street in Stonington.

Donating blood takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and those with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as donors. For more information, you can call the CICBC at 1-800-747-5401.

This month’s NEWSTALK WTIM Central Illinois Smiles Family Dentistry “Big Smile for the Community” honoree is Aaron Allen. Allen is a former county board member, referee, coach, and United Way Board member and he’s shown through dedication and effort the importance of stepping up and serving the community.

Allen says being involved is what he was taught as a kid.

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

The City of Taylorville continues tearing down blighted properties in the community. Mayor Bruce Barry ran on a platform of beautifying the city, and in the past year he has gotten to work on fulfilling that goal.

At last week’s Christian County Mayors meeting, Barry discussed how the city has torn down 15 homes in the past year with more demolition projects on the horizon.

The City of Taylorville fronts most of the costs for the demolitions. Barry says that leaves just dumpster fees to the property owner, and is a benefit for the city, residents and the property owner.

Barry says the city has at least four more demolitions ready for the fall, and residents interested in having the city demolish a building on a property they own can contact city hall for more information on how to begin the process.

On the third Wednesday of every month the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce puts on an event called Business After Hours. For this event a local Chamber business will be chosen to host residents after the store has closed in order to help promote.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Chamber she says this year the Business After Hours at McMillian went much better thanks to the weather.

Hornbuckle says next month Business After Hours will be taking place at the newest Chamber business.

Hornbuckle appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Shelbyville residents looking for something to do need not look too much further as the Roxy Theater is open and ready for business.

Camice Barker is with the Roxy Theater, she explains how the theater got to where it is now.

Barker says the theater has a great lineup coming this summer and encourages residents to come on out.

Barker appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

Summer means more people will be on the roads, and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with IDOT to remind motors to wear their seat belts. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign starting this weekend and running through May 29.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says his office has received a grant to help step up patrols through the campaign.

Kettelkamp says the extra enforcement is just one way he hopes his office can prevent any tragedies during the upcoming holiday weekend.

Of the 1,093 traffic deaths in the state in 2017, where seat belt use was known, more than half of those killed were not wearing seat belts.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville is hosting its sixth annual Sports Enhancement summer program for High school and junior high athletes.

Glenda Plunkett the Marketing Coordinator at Good Shepherd explains how the program measures and improves athlete’s performance.

Plunkett believes that all athletes, regardless of skill level, age, or sport will see improvement by working on their skills over the summer in the program.

The program begins on June 4^th and runs twice a week through July 27^th, at Good Shepherd Hospital’s rehab department in Shelbyville. The deadline to register is June 1^st, and for more information, visit our website, Taylorville Daily News dot com.

Shelbyville residents may be seeing some new places to live in the near future.

Martha Firnhaber is with Shelbyville City Council. She says the city has a new subdivision in the works.

Firnhaber says communication among all parties involved is crucial and they need to stay on the same page.

Firnharber appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

The Christian County C-E-O Class of 2018, that just held their year-end trade show on May Eleventh, gave the C-E-O board a parting gift as they ended their participation in the program.

As a result of the monies they made during their Powder Puff football game and their Annual Banquet, the class gave the C-E-O board a check for 3-thousand dollars, during the C-E-O monthly board meeting this morning.

C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams, gave the check to Investor Relations Committee chair Ken Hart (right), who then presented it to C-E-O board president Brenda Spurling (left).

The Christian County C-E-O program teaches entrepreneurial skills to Christian County high school seniors enrolled in the program.  It's entirely supported by private investors.  15 students from thru-out the county participated in the 2017-18 program; 16 students are enrolled in the 2018-19 program.

A boil order has been issued for Taylorville residents on the south side of Lake Bertinetti. The order is because of a water main break in the area.

Residents on south side of Lake Bertinetti, Route 29 from South Side Bertinetti to the prison, E. Lakeshore Drive, Sunset Drive, Eastwood Drive, Pinetree Drive, Davis Lakeshore, Oakwood Circle, Camp Grounds, Westwood Drive, and White Oaks Drive are urged to boil their water used for drinking and cooking purposes for five minutes before using. The boil order is in effect until further notice.

The Windsor School Board has voted to continue looking into bringing a School Resource Officer into the district. The plan currently is to look to split the costs of a full-time Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy between the Windsor, Stew-Stras, Cowden-Herrick, and Okaw Valley school districts.

Windsor Superintendent Erik Van Hoveln says the cost to the district could change if any district does not want to be a part of the School Resource Officer sharing agreement.

Currently, each district is gauging interest with their respective school boards. Van Hoveln says the next step in the process would be for all participating districts to sit down and hash out the agreement.

Van Hoveln says his district wants to have a police presence in their district for everyone’s safety.

The village of Edinburg will be renovating their village hall. The village board approved renovations to the 40-year-old building earlier this week.

Edinburg mayor David Luttrell says the changes will mainly be for the exterior of the building.

Luttrell says the upgrades go along with the message the village is sending to residents to keep Edinburg looking as nice as they can.

The project will include work to the building’s siding and roof.

For the first time ever the largest historical and political memorabilia show is coming to the Midwest.

Steve Henry with CSH Investment Management is the man in charge of running this event. Henry says it is about time that the event made a stop in the Land of Lincoln.

Henry shares the process of bringing the event to the Illinois Capital.

Henry appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Pana as a community is trying to be more energy efficient, they have an incentive to as they are competing in the Elevated Energy competition with two other towns.

Pana Mayor Don Kroski says there is 15,000 dollars on the line when it comes to this contest and is pleased to see his town in first.

Kroski says the contest is far from over and he urges residents to get involved saying it is both beneficial for them and the town.

Kroski appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville City Council Finance Committee had an agenda full of items to consider at their Tuesday night meeting.

The committee, made up of chairperson Larry Budd, and members Lee Lanzotti, Earl Walters, and Bruce Jones, acted on a number of issues.

The committee recommended to the full City Council, that the City hire a Carlyle, Illinois, web developer, to create a new web design for the city, at a cost of just over 27-hundred dollars. 

The committee heard from Dan McNeely of Diamond Brothers Insurance, the city's health insurance agent, that Blue Cross Blue Shield will be increasing the city's health insurance rates in the coming fiscal year, just under 4-percent.

The Taylorville City Council Finance Committee recommended to the full City Council, a donation from the hotel-motel tax fund, of some 8-thousand dollars to the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest. 

And, they budgeted 45-hundred dollars to the local Optimist Club for the annual fireworks display on Lake Taylorville. 

The Finance Committee also began work during their over 2-and-a-half hour meeting Tuesday night, on the 2018-2019 city budget.

Vision Source Taylorville held a grand opening and Chamber ribbon cutting at their new location at 904 West Springfield Road across from Taylorville High School, Thursday afternoon from 4 til 7.

Miller Media Group radio stations NEWSTALK WTIM and WRAN broadcast live, and spoke with one of the owners Doctor Bob Jones, who said Vision Source has been accepted well in the 3 years they've been in Taylorville.

Owner Doctor Brian Sehy (say-HE) said the 2 optometrists that run the Taylorville office have become a part of the Taylorville community.

Owner Doctor Matthew Jones told the Miller Media Group in our live broadcast Thursday, the business had outgrown their downtown Taylorville space.

To make an appointment in Vision Source Taylorville, call 287-20-20.
 

The University of Illinois Extension wants to help residents save money and reduce their electricity usage. The Extension will be holding a “Save Energy, Save Money” workshop on Tuesday for residents to learn the basics of managing household energy usage.

Dr. Ashley Belle is the Environmental and Energy Stewardship Educator at the Extension. She says the workshop is interactive and will give residents common sense tips for conserving energy.

Belle says they will also be giving more information on technology many newer area homes have.

Those who register before the end of the day Friday will receive a free home energy conservation kit at the workshop. It is not required to RSVP by Friday to attend, but if you do and would like a kit, you can contact the Christian County Extension Office.

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

Sometime between May 5, 2018 and May 11, 2018, person or persons unknown made entry into a residence located at 525 ½ South Walnut Street. While inside, the unknown subject or subjects took a Dell Laptop and several DVDs.  Entry appeared to have been made through an unlocked window.  The total amount of the theft is estimated at over $600.

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 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 (274637) and then your tip.  As always, you will remain anonymous.  

Illinois State Police officials have identified the individual involved with Wednesday’s shooting at Dixon High School. Police say 19-year-old Matthew A. Milby of Dixon has been charged for his involvement with the shooting just after 8 a.m. at the high school Wednesday morning.

The Lee County State’s Attorney’s Office has approved three charges of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, all of Class X felonies. Bond has been set at 2-million dollars against Milby. The investigation is still open and ongoing, and more charges may be filed.

The Nokomis Community Health Fair is coming up next Thursday, and the public is invited to attend this free event. It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nokomis Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Nokomis.

Amanda Spade is the Community Relations Coordinator at Nokomis Rehab and Health Care. She says there will be plenty of activities, screenings, and information relevant for all residents’ health needs.

Spade encourages everyone to attend and learn more to better their health.

For more information, you can contact Patsy at 217-563-7725.

It’s only May, but Central Illinois has already seen some 90 degree days, and the brunt of summer is still on the way. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp is reminding residents that with summer approaching, they need to always make sure they don’t leave their pets or children in their vehicle unattended.

Kettelkamp says in the heat, cars warm up very quickly, and it can become fatal for a child in a matter of minutes.

Kettelkamp says something as simple as leaving something you need in the back seat of your car can prevent a deadly accident.

Kettelkamp says his office has been receiving some calls already about children and pets being left in cars with passers-by concerned for their safety.

Solar energy continues to grow across the country, and one local community is looking at its solar future.

Michelle Knox with Wind Solar USA presented more information on solar energy to the mayors present at Monday’s Christian County Mayor’s informal meeting. Pana mayor Don Kroski says the city has plenty of land and is near a utility substation, both of which are big benefits towards building a solar farm in the community.

Kroski says the sooner Pana can get involved with solar power, the better it will be for the community.

Kroski says the city already owns some sites that could be used for solar farms, and he does not want his community left behind in upgrading its energy sources.

Taylorville High School is teaming up with GSI to be part of the Prime Program in hope to give THS students an opportunity to continue their growth.

Taylorville School District Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says this partnership has been in the works since the beginning of the year and THS is excited to be part of the program.

Fuerstenau says students that are enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to learn skills to get them in the workforce.

Fuerstenau appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville City Council Finance Committee had a full agenda Tuesday night, and continued their discussions towards making a new Steak and Shake restaurant happen on the city's northwest side.

The city is working to find the dollars to improve sanitary sewer and roads in that area, to enable the new restaurant to happen.  Consultant Steve Kline brought to the Finance Committee, the idea of enacting a Business Development District in that area, which would have a higher sales tax than the rest of the city, with the money going towards improving infrastructure in that area.

The developers of the proposed Steak and Shake want to know what infrastructure costs they'll have to pay for, or what kind of incentives the City of Taylorville will offer, to get the needed improvements done.

After an extensive discussion, committee members voted to recommend to the full City Council, that Kline's company be hired to determine if a Business Development District will work for the Steak and Shake developers, as well as other potential parcels in the Tax Increment District that's on Taylorville's northwest side.

A man confronted a Dixon police officer at Dixon High School just after 8 o'clock (this) Wednesday morning.  The suspect fired shots at the officer, who then returned fire.  Dixon Police say the man was injured and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  The police officer was not injured, and no students or staff were injured. 

Dixon High School and all Dixon Public Schools were on lockdown as a result of the incident.    Dixon is located in northern Illinois, about 2 hours west of Chicago.

Dixon Police believe the suspect acted alone.

The suspect's name has not been released.

Some pop-up thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon packed a punch for some area residents. Sullivan saw the brunt of the damage from Tuesday’s storms.

Sullivan Police Chief Jim Waggoner says plenty of tree limbs and branches were knocked down in his community, and some residents lost power for a time.

Waggoner says the city and local businesses are already back to work.

Shower and thunderstorm chances have diminished from earlier this week, but we could see more wet weather this weekend.

The Taylorville High School freshman class got a peek into their futures last Wednesday when they toured Lincoln Land Community College and the Capital Area Career Center.

Taylorville High School Assistant Principal Eric Bruder says the school’s administration felt the trip was important to help show freshman the importance of thinking about their life after high school sooner rather than later.

Bruder attended the trip alongside the freshman class. He says the students overwhelming viewed the experience as positive, and feels the school might even expand the trip in the future to allow students to have more time to explore both campuses.

The school continues to expand its course offerings through classes at Lincoln Land and the Capital Area Career Center.

Pana Community Hospital is over a third of the way to their fundraising goal for their hospital construction project.

Melissa Rybolt is the Marketing Manager with PCH. She says there is a charity event coming up that she thinks all Christian and Shelby County residents should be able to participate in.

Rybolt says the money raised at this 5k run 3k walk will be going to two different causes, one of them being a scholarship fun in a fallen officers memory.

Rybolt appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Congressman Rodney Davis represents the 13^th district of Illinois. He has been hard at work trying to improve the Farm Bill that was passed four years ago.

Davis says the bill passed but unfortunately it was a Republican only vote as the Democrats chose to sit this one out. This surprised Davis seeing as some of the Democrats represent rural Illinois communities.

Davis says he believes two Democrats told Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee to abstain from the vote.

Davis appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

In a long and at-times contentious meeting, the Taylorville City Council Finance Committee Tuesday night recommended to the full City Council, the agreement for the Taylorville School District to re-imburse the city for 176 days at an agreed-to hourly rate, for use of a Taylorville police officer during the school year as a school resource officer.

Finance Committee chair Larry Budd, along with committee members Earl Walters and Bruce Jones, voted to recommend the agreement to the full City Council.  Alderman Lee Lanzotti voted against the measure, citing concerns that the city would be footing more of the bill than it should.

The bone of contention thru-out the meeting, was the fact the School District was not re-imbursing the City for health insurance and other benefits, during the hours they were paying for the city-employed police officer.  Committee chair Budd expressed financial concerns at the start of the discussion.

Mayor Bruce Barry explained to the Council, that the proposal was not costing the City any money, and was re-imbursing the City for a portion of the hourly wages of the city-employed police officer.

Alderman Martin Vota presented minutes from the Council's Emergency Service Committee meeting October 5th of last year, which stated that the last police car being purchased would be for school functions.  Vota questionned whether the car would be used by the proposed school resource officer, and this brought a testy exchange between Vota, Mayor Barry, and Alderman Budd.

The Taylorville Council voted in their last meeting, to table the school resource officer issue, pending the outcome of Tuesday night's Finance Committee meeting.  The proposal now heads for the full Council again, at their May 21st meeting.

Here is the full audio of the school resource officer discussion Tuesday night:

Christian County has joined the growing list of counties to declare themselves as a “Sanctuary County” for gun owners in Illinois. The resolution passed unanimously at Tuesday night’s county board meeting.

Vicki McMahon is a second district county board member and the chair of the Christian County NRA. She says the state of Illinois is infringing on citizens’ constitutional rights.

McMahon says she hopes the growing list of counties passing this type of resolution is sending a loud and clear message lawmakers to Springfield.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Christian County resident Vince Harris was hired as the county’s Animal Control and Zoning Director, and a company was selected to help the county build a new, updated website. The board will reconvene on Tuesday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Christian County Courthouse.

The Miller Media Group, based in Taylorville, has announced that the Federal Communications Commission has approved its application to build a new FM signal at 107-point-7 in Sullivan, for its Central Illinois newstalk station WTIM.

Company president Randal J. Miller is hopeful that the new signal will go on the air this summer.

The new Sullivan FM signal for WTIM will cover all of Moultrie County, so that listeners there can hear WTIM's local news and sports coverage, Swap Shop, Cardinal baseball, NFL football and NCAA football and basketball.

WTIM at 107-point-7 FM in Sullivan will operate 24 hours a day, and join other FM signals WTIM has at 96-point-one in Taylorville and 107-point-5 in Shelbyville.

The Miller Media Group of radio stations in Taylorville, has won the 2018 "Outstanding Media Organization of the Year" award from the Illinois State Crimestoppers Association.

The award was presented today to company president Randal J. Miller (left), by Christian County Crimestoppers coordinator Alan Mills (right).

The local Crimestoppers organization nominated the company for its exemplary activity which exhibits motivations and professionalism in the promotion of the Crimestoppers concept in the state, according to state president Loren Hamilton.

It's the 2nd time in 4 years that the Miller Media Group has won this statewide award.
 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club visited Visionway Christian School, and toured the new addition at Taylorville Christian Church, during their weekly meeting Tuesday.

Kiwanis member and retired Taylorville Christian Church pastor Dick Wamsley, arranged for the club to have lunch at Visionway Christian School.  School director Glenna Tolliver told Kiwanis members the school now has some 198 students in pre-school thru 8th grade, with 33 full-and-part-time staff members.  Tolliver added the school has placed more emphasis on technology the past 2 years.

Lindsay Davis (above), who was hired as the technology director at Visionway 2 years ago, then gave Kiwanis members an overview of how the school has integrated technology into learning.  Davis said the school has some 180 electronic devices being used by students and teachers, with Chromebooks on a one-on-one basis from 3rd grade thru junior high.

Davis talked about an animal notebook that some grade school students did electronically.

Senior pastor James Jones gave Kiwanis members a tour of the nearly completed 8-thousand square foot building that will be a combination fellowship hall, junior high ministry center, and bus garage.  The new building is scheduled for completion in mid-summer.

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 Windsor School District is considering adding a School Resource Officer in their district for the coming school year. The officer would be a Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy that would be split between multiple participating school districts across the county.

Windsor Schools Superintendent Erik Van Hoveln says the conversation started at a recent meeting of Shelby County school leaders and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. He says the topic came up because of recent school shootings across the country.

Van Hoveln says having a police officer in the building would be a positive for the kids because it would give them someone to talk to. He says the officer can educate the kids on safety and the officer’s presence can provide a sense of security for everyone in the building.

The discussions are in their preliminary phases, and Van Hoveln says there may not be any decision made at Wednesday night’s school board meeting. But, he says the topic will be brought up to see if board members would be willing to make the kind of financial commitment needed for a School Resource Officer.

Six mayors of Christian County villages and cities gathered this morning in Taylorville to discuss common issues, brainstorm ideas and hear from presenting speakers.

The mayors, representing Tovey, Morrisonville, Palmer, Mt. Auburn, Pana and Taylorville took time to hear from Michelle Knox of Wind Solar USA, who led a discussion on the benefits of residential and commercial solar energy use in Christian County. Lisa Badger representing the Illinois State Treasurer's office, also spoke to the group discussing ways to help the local communities of Christian County become more involved with the Treasurer's office.

After presentations, the six mayors discussed the process of demolishing homes, with Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry noting the city has demolished 16 buildings in the past year. In addition the group talked about the intricacies of water billing, with Barry noting that the City is hoping to move to monthly billing by the end of the summer.

The next meeting of the Christian County Mayors will be in Taylorville on August 13^th.

Illinois residents are going to be having some extra cash in their pockets soon as the tax reform is going through

John Shimkus is Illinois’ 15^th District US House Representative. He says Illinois natives should be able to see the money right now in their paychecks.

Shimkus says he hopes the money is being put to good use.

Shimkus appeared as a guest ion the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Master Gardeners of Christian County are in between events. After completing the plant sale they are now focusing all their attention on the Garden Walk.

Gwen Podeschi is the President of the Master Gardeners for Christian County. She says the plant sale event was smashing success.

Podeschi says while they are still excited about how well the plant sale went they have no time to rest as the Garden Walk is coming up in the middle of June.

Podeschi appeared as a guest ion the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Governor Rauner wants the death penalty back in Illinois. It’s part of a plan of action he has along with some gun control measures to increase public safety. His Democrat challenger for Governor, J.B. Pritzker says the death penalty debate shouldn’t be tied to gun control and it shouldn’t become part of Illinois’s justice system again.

 

Rauner’s move to reinstate the death penalty comes as part of an amendatory veto that will be debated and voted on by lawmakers.

The Governor today says he wants to reinstate the death penalty. The proposal is part of an amendatory veto focused around a gun bill. Rauner wants mass murderers and anyone who kills a law enforcement officer to be able to face capital punishment. 

 

Rauner also wants to place a 72 hour waiting period for purchases of any type of gun, ban bump stocks and have a plan to authorize restraining orders to disarm violent individuals. Rauner calls it a thoughtful proposal. And it now heads to the house for consideration. 

The Taylorville School Board took the first step to creating a special education cooperative with the Nokomis and Pana School Districts. The board voted to pass a resolution for withdrawal from the Mid-State Special Education Joint Agreement at Monday night’s meeting.

Taylorville Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau told the board that leaving the cooperative will make attracting and retaining special education teachers easier for the district.

Fuerstenau says at the end of the day, he believes there’s no question leaving the Mid-State cooperative is the best decision for Taylorville kids.

After the Pana and Nokomis boards pass the same resolution, the next step would be to take the proposal to the Regional Office of Education board, who would grant or deny permission to take the proposal to the state board of education.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the board voted to move Stonington third graders to Memorial for the coming school year, along with approving a project to replace a boiler at Taylorville High School.

Central Illinois was hit by severe weather Monday afternoon into Monday evening, that caused the National Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm watch for the Regional Radio listening area into the evening.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued Montgomery, Fayette, and counties to the southwest, as heavy thunderstorms moved out of the St. Louis area during the 6 o’clock hour.

The line came thru Christian County during the 7 o’clock hour Monday night.  Christian County Emergency Services Agency director Mike Crews spoke with Regional Radio News during our live severe weather coverage Monday night, and said the leading edge of the storms caused some high wind gusts and pea size hail but apparently no damage or injuries.

Thunderstorm chances continue thru Tuesday night.

The Taylorville branch of the AFSCME union is starting the process of gathering testimonials after the NAACP accused a city official of racial and homophobic slurs in the workplace at last Monday’s city council meeting.

Taylorville AFSCME Employee Representative Ingbert Schmidt says before Monday, he had no knowledge of any incidents involving Taylorville Street and Sewer Superintendent Dick Wiseman. But union members have came to him with incident reports since the accusations from NAACP Springfield chapter president Teresa Haley came out.

Schmidt says there had not been any formal complaints or grievances filed by the union before, but that the issue had been directly taken to a past Taylorville mayor. Also, a representative of the Illinois Department of Human Rights told Regional Radio News in an email that no grievances had been filed against Wiseman with their department. Schmidt says the union is happy the NAACP has brought these issues to light so they can prevent these kinds of issues from happening in the future.

Haley says she hopes that positive change can be brought out of these reports.

Schmidt is asking any union member with knowledge of any incidents to come to the union so they can effectively pursue further action.

The Cowden-Herrick School District has a new superintendent in place for next school year. Junior and Senior High Principal Seth Schuler has been hired to replace Darrell Gordon, who turned in his resignation letter earlier this month.

Schuler says he has roots in the Cowden-Herrick School District, and this is the only place he can imagine himself living and working.

Schuler says his biggest goal is to continue providing the best education to kids in the district with the resources available.

Schuler will officially assume the superintendent’s position on July 1.

The Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation has announced the winners of the 2018 Dr. George Ferry Memorial scholarships. THS seniors Emma Curtin and Jessica Oyler will each be receiving $2,500 towards their college educations through the scholarship.

TMH Foundation Executive Director Raedena Ryan says these two young ladies plan on being in the medical field after college.

Ryan says they hope to see the two recipients one day back in Taylorville helping better their neighbors’ lives.

Curtin and Oyler were presented with their scholarships during the THS Senior awards night last week, and they will be honorary guests at the TMH Foundation’s signature event in December.

The Central Illinois Community Blood Center will be hosting two blood drives in Christian County later this week.

The first drive will be on Thursday, May 17 in Assumption. The bloodmobile will be located at 225 N. Chestnut from 3:30 to 6 Thursday afternoon into the evening. Then on Friday, the bloodmobile will be parked on the Taylorville square from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Potential donors must be 17-years-old, but 16-year-olds can donate with a parental consent form. You must have a valid form of photo I.D. to donate. If you have any other questions, you can call the CICBC at 800-747-5401.

Beauty pageant season is about to kick off, and the Shelby County pageant will be having an informational meeting for interested young women on Wednesday.

Sara Long is the Shelby County Pageant Director. She says she can’t believe it’s already pageant season again.

Long says there’s an unnecessary stigma of what girls should participate in pageants.

Long encourages all girls interested in participating to come to the meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the basement room of Monical’s Pizza in Shelbyville.

Residents are reminded to be aware of all motorists while on the roads. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and Abate is trying to bring raise awareness of motorcyclists.

Kim Wiley is with Abate she says their motto is to let those who ride decide.

Wiley says residents may be surprised by how many are involved with Abate and how they are spread all over the state of Illinois.

Wiley appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

A Christian County Chamber of Commerce wants the residents of Christian County to know about an event for the ladies coming up.

Women and Investing is an event that will take place at the Pillars Event Center Wednesday May 16^th. Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle says they haven’t done an event like this before and are looking forward to the turnout.

Hornbuckle knows this event could be a hit, seeing as women have money too and need to look at their futures.

Hornbuckle appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Doing a spring check-in of your Social Security position continues to be a good idea. 

 

Social Security’s Jack Myers says catching problems early is important and having documentation remains key to resolving any issues.

 

One final area to take a look at would be estimating benefits.
Myers encourages doing this each year. More information is available at socialsecurity.gov where you can also create a My Social Security account. 

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is sponsoring a community blood drive for the American Red Cross on Thursday, May 17. The blood drive will be from noon to 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Shelbyville.

Erica Johnson is the Communications Manager for the HSHS Central Illinois Division. She says donors will have free food provided to them after donating thanks to a Shelbyville restaurant.

Johnson says summertime is a busier time for residents, but the need for blood also increases with summer activities.

Johnson says residents can stop in and donate, but if you would like to register beforehand, you can visit the Red Cross’ website here.

The city of Hillsboro has been celebrating their civic pride week. Many residents and community groups have been helping to beautify the town this week.

Don Downs with the community group Imagine Hillsboro says he’s happy to see people taking pride in their hometown.

Downs says a variety of members of the community have done their part in helping to clean up Hillsboro.

Downs says civic pride week is just one of the many events Imagine Hillsboro helps with to spruce up the community.

According to geologists the Midwest is due for a big earthquake every 200 or so years.

Jared Rowcliffe is the Director of Shelby County Emergency Management Agency. He says the good news is the state is very away of the earthquake possibility and has been training should such a day occur.

Should an earthquake of that magnitude happen Christian County residents could expect some damage but it would be minimal. Rowcliffe says the county is in a perfect spot to be a first station for help for the injured.

Rowcliffe appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

There are Amber Alerts to find missing children and Silver Alerts for seniors and earlier this year, Wisconsin became the first state to issue an alert for vulnerable veterans….now Illinois wants to follow suit with a bill sponsored by State Representative Dan Swanson of Alpha. 

The measure was approved in the House Veterans Affairs Committee and now heads to the full House for consideration. The legislation amends the Missing Persons Identification Act to add veterans suffering a physical or mental health condition that is related to their service to the definition of a “high-risk missing person” for the purposes of an immediate search.

Over 225 people attended Friday night's Christian County C-E-O Trade Show at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

This was the climax of the school year for the students, who have attended C-E-O class from 7:30 til 9 in the morning facilitated by C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams.  The students, seniors from all over Christian County, learned entrepreneurial skills that they can use in life.

Each student showcased their own business that they started either during the C-E-O year, or that they premiered during the Trade Show Friday night.

Students who had booths at Friday night's Trade Show included Reese Bergschneider,  J-T Boehme, Ryan Brown, Carrie Denning, Luc Johnson, Karlee Kuntzman, Riley Matheny, Jordan Moats, Jessica Parsons, Hayden Walton, Kyle Woods and Kayden Wright, all from Taylorville; Grace Blakley from Faith Bible Christian Academy, and James Harris from South Fork.

C-E-O board president Brenda Spurling told W-R-A-N Radio during its live broadcast from the event, that the turnout was great.

Facilitator Dick Adams told W-R-A-N during its live broadcast Friday night, that this year's C-E-O class was remarkable.

17 Christian County high school seniors have been accepted for next year's Christian County C-E-O program, which is entirely supported by local businesses and individuals.   To contribute to the program, contact Ken Hart at People's Bank and Trust in Taylorville.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club awarded 3 Taylorville High School graduating seniors, scholarships of $500 each, during the recent T-H-S Awards Night Ceremony.

Scholarship winners are Noah Nelson, Jessica Oyler, and Kamilla Allen.  Presenting the checks on behalf of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, was Kiwanis president Martin Vota.

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.

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CAPTION TO PICTURE:  The Taylorville Kiwanis Club presented $500 scholarships to 3 Taylorville High School graduating seniors, at the recent T-H-S Awards Night Ceremony.  From left to right:  Noah Nelson, Jessica Oyler, Kamilla Allen,  and Kiwanis president Martin Vota who presented the $500 scholarship checks on behalf of the Club.

It appears it is no longer a question of if Steak N’ Shake will build a new restaurant in Taylorville. The questions are now where will it be located and when will construction begin.

Some Taylorville city officials recently had a meeting with the investors looking at bringing a Steak N’ Shake to the community, and the final details are being worked out.

Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry says the recently implemented TIF district is what could bring Steak N’ Shake to town.

Barry says the developers want to start construction as soon as possible.

Barry says other investors are also looking into the TIF district on the northwest side of the city, but Steak N’ Shake is the closest project to starting construction.

Jenner Ag will again be giving Illinois and Indiana high school and college students pursuing an ag-related degree with the opportunity for a scholarship. The company will be giving out two scholarships this year.

Autumn Pitman with Jenner Ag says the company wants to give back to the up-and-coming generation of ag leaders.

Pitman says agriculture education will continue to be crucial for our society in the future.

The deadline to apply is June 30. Applications are available online at Jenner Ag’s website. We have a link to their website here.

Summertime is coming, and with summer comes sunburns for many residents. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital will be providing free skin cancer screenings to the public on Wednesday, May 16.

Lora Polley is the Director of Ancillary Services at TMH. She says skin damage is cumulative, and residents should be wearing sunscreen any day they are outside.

Polley says if there are any concerning spots on a patient’s skin during these screenings, pictures will be sent to a dermatologist to determine if more exams need to be done.

Appointments are available from 9 to noon and 1 to 3 on May 16, but they will go fast. To set up an appointment, you can call 824-1696.

With the weather heating up there is a greater chance to see wild life out and about.

When residents see a young animal in their backyard they may feel the need to help. Ed Cross is the Director of Communications with the Department of Natural Resources. He simply says, don’t!

Cross explains what can happen to residents and the animal if residents decide to help.

Cross appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The CEO Trade Show will take place in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium tonight from 5:30 to 7:30.

This is a great opportunity for to see the growth of 14 high school seniors. JT Boehme says the course is unique and is beneficial as a hands on opportunity.

Boehme says the course teaches how to behave as a single CEO compared to a group CEO situation.

Boehme appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Norfolk Southern will be increasing the maximum train speeds through the city of Taylorville. The company announced that starting Monday, the maximum speed will be raised from 50 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour on a three mile stretch of track in and near Taylorville.

Jon Glass is the Public Relations Manager for Norfolk Southern. He says should make the tracks through Taylorville more efficient for their trains and for motorists traveling in the community.

Glass says safety is Norfolk Southern’s number one priority, and that the speed increase would not lead to any safety issues for trains or motorists.

Glass says all train warning devices in Taylorville have been updated for the increased speeds. He reminds residents to follow warning devices at railroad crossings for their safety.

Pana Community Hospital recently held their annual Board of Directors and Foundation Board meeting. The biggest topic of the 2018 meeting is the ongoing construction work at the hospital.

Melissa Rybolt is the Marketing Manager at Pana Community Hospital. She says work is about to begin on connecting the expansion to the current building.

Also at the meeting, appointments and re-appointments to each board were made. Rybolt says Carol Schramm, the presiding chair of the board of directors, has retired after eight years of service on the board and the last two years as the board’s chair.

Rybolt says the hospital foundation has raised about $590-thousand towards their $1.5 million fundraising goal for the hospital’s expansion project. She says with the fundraising effort starting in December and the deadline being the end of 2019, they are off to a great start towards that fundraising goal.

A Taylorville pastor was recently honored as the city’s Volunteer of the Month. Davis Memorial Christian Church pastor Bill Kerns was recognized for his work in the community, including as the coordinator of Missions for Taylorville.

Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry says Kerns’ work with the organization continues to improve the quality of life in the city.

The next Missions for Taylorville work day is scheduled for Saturday, June 2nd. For more information, you can call Davis Memorial Christian Church.

Another class of Christian County CEO students is wrapping up their coursework, and the program’s annual trade show is coming up Friday. Some members of this year’s Christian County CEO class came on the morning shows on NewsTalk WTIM, Groovy 97.3 WRAN, and Genuine County 94.3 WMKR Wednesday morning to talk about the upcoming trade show.

Karlee Kuntzman is a senior at Taylorville High School. She says the trade show is where each of the 15 CEO students get to show off their business to the community.

Carrie Denning is also a senior in the CEO program from Taylorville High. She says it has been a year-long, more than just fundraising process for each student’s business to come to life.

The 3rd Annual Christian County CEO Trade Show is Friday, May 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. It is free to attend and everyone is welcome to come check out the work this year’s CEO students have done.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital is offering a special service for those who do not need around the clock care but are not quite ready to leave and take care of themselves at home.

Becky Erlenbush is a Registered Nurse and the Manager of Care Management for TMH. She says Turn the Corner Swing Bed Program is the right service for those in hospital limbo.

Erlenbush says physicians are always on site and will check in around three times a week, but are always there if needed.

Erlenbush appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Staples Family Travel wants to help Christian County residents plan their next dream vacation.

Keith Staples is a travel agent at Staples Family Travel. He says planning a vacation can be difficult at times, he recommends using his services to make the process easy.

Staples encourages residents to give him every detail so he can make their vacation exactly what they were looking for.

Staples appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Desiree Becker with GSI/AGCO in Taylorville, was guest speaker at last Friday night's Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.  Becker spoke about a new nationwide program GSI/AGCO is participating in, to help establish what are called "PRIME" programs in local high schools to teach basic manufacturing skills.

Becker challenged those in attendance, to support the establishment of such a program at local high schools.

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

Sometime between Tuesday, May 2, 2018 and Wednesday May 3, 2018, person or persons unknown took a cooler from inside the Christian County Seniors Center.  The cooler contained 3 bottles of oil and a Ruger 380 handgun with a loaded magazine.   The cooler was sitting on a countertop during the time of the incident.  The total amount of the theft is estimated at $450.

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 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 (274637) and then your tip.  As always, you will remain anonymous.  

The annual William Walter Catch a Fish Day is coming up Saturday morning, and kids 12 and under are invited to attend and compete. It is free to attend, and bait will be supplied for all kids that fish.

Mike Walter organizes the event each year with his wife Lori. He says even if kids do not have a pole, they hope to have enough poles to make sure every child in attendance can fish.

Walter says he and his wife put the event on each year in memory of their son.

The event will be at Kiwanis Park at Lake Taylorville and the fishing will start at 8 a.m. Saturday. Walter asks that participants arrive before 8 to register.

The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight program will be taking another group of veterans to Washington DC to reflect with their comrades and honor their service. The next flight is set to depart from Springfield on Tuesday, May 15. Veterans from Assumption, Carlinville, Chatham, Effingham, Hillsboro, Mattoon, Moweaqua, Mt. Zion, Pana, Pawnee, Rochester, Shelbyville, Springfield, Strasburg, Taylorville, Tower Hill, Vandalia, and Witt will all be included on the upcoming flight.

Joan Bortolon is the President of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Program. She says it is a busy day for everyone on the flight.

Bortolon says the program is an important way to give back to those for have served in Central and Southern Illinois.

This is the 49th flight put on by the program, but Bortolon says it is the first flight for each of the veterans booked for this trip. She says that makes those involved with the program as excited for this flight as they were for flight number one.

The CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program still has funds available for those in need for the 2018 season, but the deadline is approaching. Applications for the program, also known as LIHEAP, will be accepted until May 31.

Sandy Wilson with CEFS says the program assists those who need the most help in the community.

Wilson says the program helps people to not have to choose between utilities and other necessities like food or medications.

For more information on the LIHEAP program in Christian County, you can call the Christian County CEFS office at 824-4712.

Manners Park was the place to be on Tuesday as 14 different classes came to the park to hear from 14 different guest speakers on Conservation Day.

Charlotte Schuricht is the Agriculture Literacy Program Coordinator with the U of I Extension as well as the Conservation Day Coordinator. She says this is a great day for the kids to get out in nature and learn.

Schuricht says this day is great for the kids because it really puts them in the environment and gives them more of a hands on aspect to learn.

Schuricht says the Extension is always looking for ways to improve conservation day. She says they have seen continued growth based on the feedback they get from the classes.

Schuricht appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show live from Manners Park for Conservation Day.

Illinois farmers are watching the news very closely to see the final result in these tariff talks with China.

Congressman for the 15^th district John Shimkus says when it comes to the tariff situation we shouldn’t lump them all into one, but rather go after the guilty parties.

Shimkus says if retaliation does end up happening it will spell trouble for farmers.

Shimkus appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Over 100 people attended last Friday night's Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Pillars Event Center.

The final award of the night, was the 2018 "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" award, which went to Taylorville C-P-A Bob Steiner.

Steiner spoke to the Miller Media Group's Randal J. Miller, during live coverage on Easy Hits 96-point-5.

Sue Passo, who is manager at the Christian County Mental Health Clinic, was honored as the 2018 "Boss of the Year", and long-time Taylorville alderman Earl Walters was named "Volunteer of the Year" during the Taylorville Chamber Annual Banquet Friday night.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their 28th Annual Prayer Luncheon, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Cindy Stock was honored as this year's recipient of the Kiwanis Outstanding Spiritual Leader award.  Stock has long been involved in Trinity Lutheran Church, including Sunday School, church and chime choirs.  She was a long-time employee of the Taylorville School District, and was nominated by her Pastor Rod Blomquist.

Stock credited her faith for her service.

Guest speaker for the annual Kiwanis Prayer Luncheon was Doctor David Roadcup, a professor at T-C-M International Institute, a seminary in Vienna, Austria.  Roadcup appeared via Skype, telling Kiwanis members of how the seminary is creating ministers to spread the gospel thru-out Europe.

Terry Cunefare, governor of the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District of Kiwanis, along with his wife Ruby, were also guests at Tuesday's Kiwanis Prayer Luncheon.

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 Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their 28th Annual Prayer Luncheon during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.  From left to right:  Local Kiwanis president Martin Vota; Dick Wamsley, chair of the annual Kiwanis Prayer Luncheon; Cathy Coker, who chaired the Kiwanis Outstanding Spiritual Leader selection committee; Cindy Stock, who won the Outstanding Spiritual Leader award; First Lady of the Kiwanis Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Ruby Cunefare; and Governor of the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District of Kiwanis Terry Cunefare.

The NAACP accused one Taylorville city official of creating a hostile work environment through homophobic and racial slurs at Monday night’s city council meeting. NAACP Springfield Chapter President Teresa Haley told the city council that their organization has received reports of a Taylorville department head using the derogatory remarks in the workplace.

Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry responded to her report by saying he has never heard the person use any of those terms, nor has he had any union representative or employee report any issues to him.

Tuesday morning, Taylorville Human Relations Manager Cindy Brown told Regional Radio News that she had also never received any complaints or grievances about the employee’s conduct.

Haley told the council that the NAACP is not just to promote racial equality, but the equality of all people. She said their appearance at Monday’s meeting was to make sure everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Ground was broken Sunday on what will be a new artificial turf surface on the football field at Taylorville High School. Taylorville Assistant Football Coach Lee Mateer says once completed, the new surface will be an asset for the entire community.

Mateer says the project is expected to be finished by August.

The project has been mostly funded through the support of Taylorville residents.

Mateer says the new turf field will have benefits beyond just high school athletics.

While the majority of the money needed has been raised, the Taylorville Quarterback’s Club is just short of its fundraising goal for the project. They will be holding a mostaccioli dinner on Sunday, June 10. For more information, you can call the high school at 824-2268.

The University of Illinois Extension will be offering the state mandated Certified Food Protection Managers class and exam in Effingham next month. Those who need the certification or need to renew have a registration deadline for the class coming up.

Lisa Peterson is a Nutrition and Wellness Educator with the Extension. She says participants will be taken through the course content they need and take the exam over a two-day period.

Peterson says you can no longer just renew your certification, you must take the class every five years to be able to renew.

To register, you can call the Effingham County Extension office. The pre-registration deadline is June 1^st.

May is osteoporosis awareness month. This disease causes bones to become fragile and break easily.

Jill Williams is a registered dietitian with the St. Louis Dairy Council. She says there are more than 54 Americans with low bone density.

Williams says there are ways to try and fight osteoporosis by changing your diet.

Williams appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is wanting residents to know about a couple of events in the coming weeks.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Chamber. She says as the summer months are nearing they are preparing for another blood drive.

Hornbuckle wants to remind residents that business after hours is coming up in the middle of May.

Hornbuckle appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Sue Paso, who is manager at the Christian County Mental Health Clinic, was nominated by her co-workers, and Friday night named the 2018 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce "Boss of the Year."

Paso spoke with Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller after the evening's festivities, during our live coverage on Easy Hit 96-point-5, about her award.

Long-time Taylorville alderman Earl Walters was honored as the 2018 "Volunteer of the Year" by the Chamber, and local C-P-A Bob Steiner was named the 2018 "Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Taylorville Chamber Friday night.

The Taylorville City Council has voted to table the decision on assigning a police officer to be a full-time school resource officer. The council voted 4-2 Monday to put off the decision with Shawn Burtle and Martin Vota absent.

Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry says it has been hard to get all parties involved together in one place so everyone could be up to speed on the decision.

Barry says he’s ready to move forward with providing a school resource officer in the schools.

A special city council meeting may be scheduled for a vote on the school resource officer issue before the next regular meeting scheduled for May 21.

Also at Monday’s meeting, a decision on demolition and concrete work at the Taylorville Municipal Building was tabled, and the council approved an ordinance to reduce the water service connection fee for non-residents.

What has been a hot topic between the Taylorville City Council and Taylorville School Board could get the city’s approval Monday night. The council is set to vote on filling the position of School Resource Officer that would mostly spend time between Taylorville High School and Taylorville Junior High.

If the agreement passes, the school district would reimburse the city for 176 days of base salary for the position. Taylorville Police Chief Brian Hile says the department already has enough officers on staff to fill the position without having to hire another officer.

Hile says having one officer full-time in the schools will help continue to build the relationship between the police and the students.

Some alderman have shared concerns for the financial impact having an SRO would have on the city. The issue will be voted on at tonight’s city council meeting at 7 p.m. at the Taylorville Municipal Building.

People’s Bank and Trust is welcoming Dave Kromphardt as the new Community Bank President of the Chatham location. Kromphardt comes to People’s Bank and Trust from Columbus, Indiana but he has plenty of family in Illinois.

Kromphardt says he has many years of experience in the banking industry.

Kromphardt says one reason he joined People’s Bank and Trust is because of the bank’s commitment to being a community bank.

Kromphardt says he looks forward to being able to help residents and businesses grow and prosper in Central Illinois.

A local sign that summer is coming is the weekly farmer’s market on the Taylorville Square each Saturday. The farmer’s market kicked off a new season Saturday morning.

Marcia Neal with the Downtown Taylorville organization says there will be new vendors that will join the market throughout the summer.

Neal says the market will run from now through the end of growing season.

The market runs each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and will include vegetables, baked goods, arts and crafts, and other miscellaneous items.

The replacement for the Flat Branch Bridge on the Lincoln Prairie Trail between Taylorville and Pana has one more hurdle to clear before bids will be sent out for its construction. Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy Vice-Chair Bud Altman says the funding is in place, and all that needs to be done is the state needs to finish the required environmental studies.

Altman says in the meantime, the conservancy is working to get the trail into the best shape they can before the bridge is completed.

Altman says the bridge replacement could be a part of a longer connected trail through Christian County, but no one has stepped forward to build part of the stretch of trail.

Altman says the Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy will once again start repaving and patching work on the trail between Taylorville and Pana in a few weeks.

The annual Dudley Smith Farm Field Day is coming to Taylorville on June 20^th.

Ashley Belle is the Environmental and Energy Stewardship Educator with the Extension. She says this event will not only be fun but educational as well.

Belle says thanks to focus groups the Extension knows exactly what people are wanting to get out of this event.

Belle appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County Historical Society is calling all current and potential new volunteers for Volunteer Round Up Day.

Maureen Bruns is the Museum Director for the Christian County Historical Society. She says with so many volunteers expected they are offering two opportunities to come out on Volunteer Round Up Day this year.

Bruns says the day will be packed with something for everyone.

Bruns appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Long-time Taylorville alderman Earl Walters was named the 2018 "Volunteer of the Year" by the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, during their 111th annual banquet Friday night at the Pillars Event Center.

Miller Media Group radio station Easy Hits 96-point-5 broadcast the awards presentation live, and spoke with Walters following the ceremony, about his honor.

Sue Passo, who is manager at the Christian County Mental Health Clinic, was named the 2018 "Boss of the Year", and local C-P-A Bob Steiner was named the "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" by the Taylorville Chamber Friday night.

The House has a bill from the Senate to consider that backs giving home health care workers a raise. The bill would boost wages in the state’s community care program from $11 an hour to nearly $20. Supporters say it’s needed to support those who care for the state’s oldest citizens. But there is a cost connected to it, $800 million would be spent on the wage increases. Republican Rep. Jim Oberweis says the price tag comes at a time the state can ill afford it.



The House has the bill now. If enacted wages would increase a dollar an hour every year till 2021, topping out at $25 an hour.

A bill in the Senate right now would give those in jail but yet to be convicted of a crime a better ability to vote. The House passed legislation that makes county election officials work with corrections and jails to get inmates voting material and access to the polls. State Rep. Peter Breen, a Republican, disagreed with the bill and says lawmakers are focusing on the wrong group of people to help.



Democrats who passed the measure say that it’s a right to be able to vote while waiting out pretrial motions in jail. The Senate has the bill in committee.

Two Christian County high school seniors have earned college scholarships thanks to the IAA Foundation. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, and is awarding almost $125-thousand in scholarships to 69 students across the state.

The Christian County winners are Ryan Held, the son of Jerry and Marcy Held of Taylorville, and Dean Adcock, the son of Jim and Jan Adcock of Assumption.

Mellisa McMillan is the manager of the Christian County Farm Bureau. She says both young men will be future leaders in agriculture.

McMillan says the scholarships the IAA Foundation give to students is a way for current farmers to pay it forward to the next generation.

The IAA Foundation scholarships are given to students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields based on their academic ability, leadership involvement, professional career goals and financial need.

When families are going through a tough time it can be nice to have someone to lean on, Shelby County Community Services wants residents to be able to lean on them.

Tom Coclasure with Shelby County Community Services says they have a multitude of services to offer.

Coclasure says in this business there are tough moments when trying to assist families that have fallen on hard times.

Coclasure appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

A good crowd was on hand Friday afternoon for the annual Weber Grill Demo Day at Taylorville Home Source.

Matt, the Weber Grill Man, served samples of pizza and brats from a Weber Gas Grill.

Mayor Bruce Barry (left), even came by for a sample of the food prepared on Weber gas and charcoal grills.  Store owner Rick White is at the right.

The Taylorville Home Source Weber Grill Demo Day was broadcast live on NEW Country 104.1.

The awards presentation was the climax of Friday night's 111th Annual Banquet for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at the Pillars Event Center.

Named as the 2018 "Boss of the Year" was Sue Passo, who is manager at the Christian County Mental Health Clinic.

The 2018 "Volunteer of the Year" was long time Taylorville alderman Earl Walters.

And, the winner of the 2018 "Citizen of the Year" was Taylorville C-P-A Bob Steiner, for his decades of work on many local non-profit boards as well as being a former Taylorville alderman.

Guest speaker was Desiree Becker with GSI/AGCO, who challenged those in attendance to support a program called "PRIME" which establishes vocational programs in high schools around the country.  Becker said GSI/AGCO is sponsoring the program locally, in hopes of getting skilled workers right out of high school for their Taylorville facility.

Over 100 people attended Friday's night's Greater Taylorville Chamber Annual Banquet.
 

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville kicked off the month of May by starting construction on the next phase of their multi-million dollar building project. The construction will affect the mammography and nuclear medicine departments of the hospital for the next few weeks.

The hospital’s CEO Aaron Puchbauer says the upgrades will provide more privacy for patients using those services.

Puchbauer says the upgrades are all a part of the HSHS system’s efforts to provide the highest quality services in Shelby County at Good Shepherd Hospital.

Puchbauer cautions visitors to the hospital that there will be some demolition taking place, and earplugs will be available. He says the demolition phase should not last much longer.

The village of Mt. Auburn may be able to provide in-community recycling if a proposition is passed by the village board.

Mt. Auburn mayor Brent Milburn says an offer from the county could bring a recycling dumpster to the village.

Milburn says bringing recycling to the community is a much-needed priority.

Milburn says the logistics are being worked out, and he hopes the issue will get a vote at the next board meeting.

Cowden-Herrick School District Superintendent Darrell Gordon is resigning from his position at the end of the school year. Gordon is a Cowden-Herrick alum and has been superintendent in the district for six years.

Gordon says he has two big accomplishments that stick out in his mind when asked what he is most proud of during his tenure.

Gordon says the Cowden and Herrick communities have been very supportive of their schools and their kids.

Gordon says his grandfather always told him that you are never “retired”, and he says if an opportunity arises that he can’t pass up, he would consider all options.

The city of Taylorville is planning on working on another main thoroughfare through the community this weekend.

Weather permitting, the Taylorville Street Department will be milling the section of Webster St. between W. Main Cross and Spresser streets on Saturday. The road will still be open through the construction.

As the calendar flips to May the Senior Citizens Center in Taylorville is getting things ready for a busy month ahead.

Judy Gates is a supervisor for the meals on wheels. She says May is a special month for senior citizens and the Senior Citizens Center is prepared to show residents just how appreciated they are.

Gates says the Older Americans Celebration isn’t the only thing coming to the Senior Citizens Center on May 15^th.

Gates appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Central Illinois Foodbank is doing all it can to try to fight hunger in Christian County. They are getting ready for their annual Harvest Celebration.

Ashley Earnest is the Public Relations Manager for Central Illinois Foodbank. She says with the Harvest Celebration getting closer they are itching with excitement.

Earnest says while this is going to be her first Harvest Celebration she has heard nothing but good things about it, and is hoping to continue the success.

Earnest appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Miller Media Group will again provide live coverage of the program portion of tonight's Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet from the Pillars Event Center.

Company president Randal J. Miller will anchor the coverage, which will include the announcement of the Citizen of the Year, and Boss of the Year.

The program portion of the evening will be heard live on Easy Hits 96-point-5, starting at approximately 8 o'clock.

What started out as a highly-illegal coast-to-coast auto race in the early 1970's has evolved into a much tamer version of its former self. The One Lap of America is coming to Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison on Sunday, and it's free to attend and see the various creations touring the country.
 

The event could include anything from exotic sports cars to mild versions of various makes, but Gateway Motorsports Park spokesman John Bisci (BEE-she) says they all must drive from one destination to another.

The 2018 edition of the Tire Rack One Lap of America is a controlled tour with stops at racetracks across the country. The One Lap of America will cover 12 states and will visit Gateway Motorsports Park’s road course and drag strip on Sunday, May 6, with the first event on the road course to begin at 8:30 am.

In 200 years there are many stories to tell. That’s where the “Story of Illinois” comes in—a joint project between the Illinois State Museum and the Illinois Association of Museums.

Illinois State Museum interim director Robert Sill says the digital “Story of Illinois” can be accessed at “story.illinoisstatemuseum.org”. There will also be a special exhibit honoring the state’s bicentennial celebration on-site at 502 South Spring Street in Springfield. The “Bicentennial and Beyond: The Illinois Legacy Collection” will open June 30th. 

Warmer weather means many Illinoisans switch from four wheels to two. Governor Bruce Rauner, who often swaps his suit and tie for a motorcycle jacket on weekends, joined Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn at an Old State Capitol press conference in Springfield to urge drivers to "start seeing motorcycles". Blankenhorn says motorcycle riders take up much more than their fair share of highway deaths.

Governor Rauner says start seeing motorcycles isn't just a slogan, it's a process.

Rauner noted the safety issues hit close to home after a friend was injured in a motorcycle wreck last week. 

Eight members of the law enforcement community lost in the line of duty have been honored at the annual Police Memorial Ceremony in Springfield. Secretary of State Jesse White addressed the crowd of police from around the state.
 

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs wishes the ceremony would be somewhat obsolete.
 

Six officers lost in the line of duty in the past year were honored as well as two railroad detectives from the early 20th Century. 

(((For those who want to add names of local police

Officer Raymond Murrell
Bloomingdale Police Department
E.O.W. 01-19-2017

Trooper Ryan Albin
Illinois State Police
E.O.W. 06-28-2017

Officer Bernard Domagala
Chicago Police Department
E.O.W. 09-05-2017

Correctional Officer Kevin Brewer
Will County Sheriff’s Office
E.O.W. 10-14-2017

Officer Andre Van Vegten
Chicago Police Department
E.O.W. 11-02-2017

Officer Jaimie Cox
Rockford Police Department
E.O.W. 11-05-2017

HISTORIC NAMES

Chief Cyrus Van Sickle
Illinois Central RR
E.O.W. 02-11-1916

Officer William Burke
New York Central RR- Chicago
E.O.W. 08-29-1929))))

The Family Drug and WSVZ Shelbyville Students of the Month for May are:

Left to right:  Family Drug Representative Kim Guiot, Senior Jake Martin, Junior Malcolm Miller, Sophomore Sophie Reimer, and Freshman Kade Kull.

Pana Community Hospital is inviting the public to be a part of the first LiveWell 5K Run and 3K Walk to be held Memorial Day weekend. The run/walk will be held on Saturday, May 26th starting at 8 a.m., and funds raised at the event will go towards the PCH expansion project and towards the Brian McMillen Scholarship given each year at Pana High School.

PCH Marketing Manager Melissa Rybolt says after the annual run/walk for McMillen ended in Springfield last year, the hospital wanted to continue McMillen’s legacy.

Rybolt says if you register by May 16, you will receive a t-shirt for participating.

You can register for the race online here or by calling Pana Community Hospital.

It’s prom season across Central Illinois and high school graduations are also right around the corner. Illinois State Police 9^th District Safety Education Officer Sean Ramsey says prom and graduation season is the time of year that the most teenagers are killed in car accidents.

Ramsey says the motto for prom this year is a simple acronym.

Ramsey says teens should not compound a bad decision with a worse decision.

Ramsey says the biggest key to having a memorable weekend and avoiding a tragedy this time of year is for teens to be smart and use common sense.

The Senior Life Solutions program at Taylorville Memorial Hospital is celebrating five years helping area seniors live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Amy Graham is the Director of the Senior Life Solutions program. She says the impact the program is having on participants is life-changing.

Graham says there are still many people in the community who don’t know what the Senior Life Solutions program is, or how it could help them or their loved ones.

In celebration of the program’s fifth anniversary and for residents to learn more about the program, there will be an open house on Friday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Senior Life Solutions group room on the 4th floor of Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

New Executive Director for United Way Samantha Aderman is settling into her role with her first month under her belt.

Aderman says wanted to be involved with United Way because of how involved they are in the Taylorville community.

Aderman says the Randy France golf outing is coming up and United Way is still willing to add teams and sponsors.

Aderman appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

May is Safe Digging Month, and this May in particular is the 10 year anniversary for Safe Digging Month.

Marianne Manko is the Public Affairs Director for Illinois Commerce Commission. She reminds residents that it is not a suggestion to call 811 before you dig, it is the law.

Bill Riley is the Assistant Director of Safety and Reliability Division with ICC. He says if residents do hit a utility line while digging they need to get their wallets ready as a heavy fine is coming their way.

Manko and Riley appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

With Builders Club week being celebrated March 19th through March 23rd the Taylorville Kiwanis Club moved to recognize the club and express its appreciation on how the Taylorville Builders Club works with the community and Kiwanis.  To show Builders Club members that the clubs efforts do not go unnoticed the Taylorville Kiwanis Club provided pizza and drinks and thanked the Builders Club members. 
The Taylorville Builders Club was chartered in April of 2007.  Club director Jacqueline Foil says that currently the club has 15 active members who regularly attend meetings.  Mrs. Foil also noted that IN 2007 the club decided to focus on one organization to work with consistently during each school year.  Over the years the Taylorville Builders Club has had focus projects that include being active with fundraising for the Animal Control Animal Shelter, collecting needs for the Taylorville Senior Citizens Center, assisting with the Mobil Food Pantry held at the Taylorville Junior High School and collecting items for Big Brother, Big Sister.
The Taylorville Builders Club has also been involved in events sponsored by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club including assisting with the annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. 
Calling Taylorville Junior High School home, this Builders Club stays active supporting the community in many ways.  Members participate in Trick or Treat for UNICEF, maintain the TJHS courtyard, clean computers and desks once each year at the school as well as work concessions for contests and festivals.
The Taylorville Kiwanis Club honored officers of the Builders Club with presentation of certificates in recognition of their commitment to the club.  Representatives of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club extended their appreciation for all that the Builders Club does for the community.
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.

Pictured left to right:  Kiwanis members Sarah VanHuss, Adam Jeffrey,  Emma Murphy – Builders Club Secretary / Treasurer,  Macy Richards – Builders Club Vice President, Tabitha McArdle – Builders Club President, Will Perkins – Taylorville Kiwanis Builders Club Sponsor,  Martin Vota – Taylorville Kiwanis Club President

A Taylorville High School senior has been named as a winner of one of the Illinois Sheriff’s Assocation Academic Scholarships. Zane Neville is one of 112 scholarship winners across the state of Illinois.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says Neville is highly deserving of the award.

Part of the scholarship application process this year included writing an essay on how police can improve relations with the community. Kettelkamp says Neville’s essay, along with the many other essays his office received, bring great ideas on how to handle the issue.

Kettelkamp says seeing everything these kids are doing remind him how much promise the upcoming generation has.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital is recognizing its volunteers that have put countless hours into the hospital over the past year. The volunteer coordinator at the hospital Debbie Johnson says volunteers play a vital role in the hospital’s day-to-day operations.

Johnson says the hospital’s volunteered to work over 17,000 hours at TMH the past year.

Johnson says most patients have some kind of interaction with volunteers during their care at TMH.

The hospital recognized their volunteers with a luncheon in April. 16 people were recognized for giving more than 100 hours of their time the past year Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

The weather is finally warming up and it’s time to start thinking about annual summertime events like county pageants. The Shelby County Pageant is looking for its contestants for their 2018 contest.

Sara Long is the Director of the Shelby County Pageant. She says there shouldn’t be a stigma about what girls should compete in a pageant.

Long says there will be a meeting for any girl interested in competing in the pageant in a couple of weeks, and there will be free food for those who attend.

Potential Junior Miss contestants should be between the ages of 11 and 14 and completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in a Shelby County school or reside in Shelby County. Potential Miss contestants should be between the ages of 16 and 21 and should have attended a Shelby County high school or live in the county.

Physicians Choice Wellness is looking for Taylorville residents who want to lose some weight. They are ready and willing to help.

Mayor Bruce Barry has been going through a PCW program since December of last year. Barry says everyone at PCW is very supportive and wants you to work at your own pace.

Barry says this has been a rewarding process and he is already making his way towards his goal for weight loss.

Barry appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Nokomis School District is getting $164-thousand in new state aid under the school funding reform law.

Superintendent for Nokomis School District Scott Doerr says they are seeing kids dealing with social and emotional issues even as early as elementary school. Doerr says for this reason the district has decided to bring in a new guidance counselor for the elementary schools.

Doerr says it is boils down to what is best for the kids. Doerr wants to find a way to give kids a safe place to express themselves and get the necessary help before heading back to class.

Doerr appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club reviewed club activities for children and youth, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Committee chairs reviewed their efforts to help children and youth in the Taylorville community. 

Builders and Key Club chair Will Perkins reported that certificates were recently presented to the officers of the Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club, and Taylorville Junior High School Builder's Club. 

Kiwanis Park chair Jerry Woodard told the club that one clean-up day has been held at the park, with a dock repair day set for this Saturday at the Lake Taylorville Maintenance Building.

And, the Taylorville Kiwanis Club officially elected officers for the coming Kiwanis year which begins October First.  President of the club will be Reverend Michael Evanchak; president-elect is Sarah Van Huss; secretary is Diane Beatty and treasurer is Cliff Beatty.  The Beatty's were both re-elected to their positions.

Kiwanis members are reminded that next Tuesday, May 8th, is the annual Prayer Luncheon; the club's May 15th meeting will be held at Visionway Christian School; and the May 29th meeting will be an evening cookout at Kiwanis Park.

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.

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

Sometime between 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, person or persons unknown made entry into a residence located at 21 Wilson Street. While inside, the unknown subject or subjects took cash from a safe in the residence. The safe was damaged during entry. There did not appear to be any damage to the residence from entry being made. The total dollar amount of the theft and damage is unknown at this time.

Please contact Crimestoppers is you have any information on this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons.  Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1,000 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 (274637) and then your tip. As always, you will remain anonymous.  

New state dollars from school funding reform are starting to trickle down to local school districts. Now, those districts are deciding how that money can be best used for their students.

The Hillsboro School District is receiving almost $176-thousand in new state aid under the school funding reform law. Hillsboro Schools Superintendent David Powell says his district has been hit hard by state cuts, and he hopes that lawmakers continue to follow through with their reform plan.

The Pana School District is receiving more new state aid than any other school district in Christian, Shelby or Montgomery County. Pana Schools are receiving over $427-thousand in new funding this school year. Pana Superintendent Jason Bauer says the first purchase his district will be making is a new elementary level reading series.

Bauer says the budgeting process going forward becomes much easier knowing how much the district will receive in state aid.

The Hillsboro School District came into the school year at 64 percent adequacy in terms of state funding, while Pana was at 60 percent funding adequacy.

Work has been completed on the War Memorial at Kitchell Park in Pana. Pana Third Ward Alderman Jerry Jordan says it was a community effort to remake the city’s tribute to those who serve.

Jordan says many groups came together to get the work done on the memorial.

Jordan describes the work that was done at the War Memorial at Kitchell Park.

Jordan says the effort shows that many people are willing to come together to support a needed project in the city of Pana.

There are multiple services held at the War Memorial each year. Jordan says the memorial is great to have in the community to honor those who are serving or have served.

Lincoln Land Community College has great opportunities for students looking to get the best education for their money.

Dee Krueger is the Director at LLCC in Taylorville. She says the college is trying to prepare students for the workforce by offering classes with bright futures.

LLCC in Taylorville is looking forward to some new courses that will be offered in the fall. Krueger says they know that these courses will pay off for the students.

Krueger appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

With the calendar turning to May, Central Counties Health Centers wants residents to know that May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

Heather Burton is the CEO of Central Counties Health Centers. She says with spring finally upon us, there are plenty of Allergies triggers to watch out for.

A way that residents can try to keep the allergies at bay is by checking the pollen count before heading out in the morning and adjusting accordingly. Burton says as a family they like having windows open when the whether is nice, but they make sure that the pollen count is low enough to allow.

Burton appeared as a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Governor Bruce Rauner was in Germany and Poland for two weeks and returned saying his trade mission will bring thousands of jobs to the state. According to Rauner even with the state’s financial problems the state is a good position for economic growth. But for now he has little in concrete announcements about jobs being created from the trip. He says new jobs and opportunity for Illinois will be revealed this summer.



Poland has very little presence for its businesses in the United States and Rauner says that Chicago and Illinois should be the place where those companies come to establish headquarters.

Signs of a strong economic outlook are spreading around the state. Ten of 14 metro areas in Illinois gained jobs and one of the state’s blue collar hubs, Rockford, saw unemployment drop three percent. The State’s Department of Employment Security’s Bob Gough says it’s an indication of a growing economy.



Springfield, Carbondale, Danville, and East St. Louis all lost jobs last month.

A bill that would use medical marijuana to help fight opioid addiction has coasted to passage in the Illinois Senate. Under the bill, patients with a prescription for opioids would qualify for the state’s medical marijuana program on a temporary basis. Chris McLeod with HCI Alternatives, which operates dispensaries in Springfield and Collinsville, acknowledges critics claims the legislation would help the slow growing industry, but he says the goal is take a bite out of the opioid crisis.

McLeod notes you can't just add up the damage to society through coroners records.

Under the bill, patients would receive a 12-month temporary card to buy medical marijuana.