On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community.  Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed. Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed. Just a few days removed from the tornado that absolutely devastated the City of Taylorville, former Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR Morning Show Host Danny Russell talked with the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, Patty Hornbuckle. They started out by saying that despite the devastation, Taylorville is open for business.  
 

Russell and Hornbuckle went on to discuss the Multi Agency Resource Center better known as MARC. 

Finally, Russell and Hornbuckle talked about how some individuals will try to take advantage of every difficult situation and scam people.  

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later. And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary.  There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment. WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community.  Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed. Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed. Three days removed from the devastating Taylorville tornado, host Jon Bowen gets listeners ready for the upcoming press conference by talking about how the City of Taylorville has come together.  

Retired Fire Chief Mike Crews talked about how tornado sirens are designed for people who are outside and they shouldn’t be your first line of defense during bad weather.   
 

Finally, Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry thanked volunteers for helping passing out flyers and for helping clean up Taylorville.   

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later. And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary.  There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment. WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community.  Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed. Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed. Just two days removed from the devastating Taylorville tornado, host Jon Bowen gets listeners ready for the upcoming press conference.  

Retired Fire Chief Mike Crews updated the media on the number of homes that received damage and on donations and volunteer management.  

Finally, Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp talked about a large anonymous donation that was used for an emergency relief fund.  
 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later. And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary.  There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment. WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community. Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed.

Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed.

The day after the tornado came through Taylorville there were many questions as the damage and injuries were being assessed. More important than the dollar amount was the well being of those in the community. During the morning of December 2, Danny Russell gave an update that there were no new patients admitted to Taylorville Memorial Hospital, but some with serious injuries. We know today that, thankfully, no fatalities occurred.
 

Congressman Rodney Davis was on hand during the aftermath on December 2. Even though this event hit home for the Taylorville native, Davis was sure to commend the excellent work done by the emergency responders.
 

The responders were doing such a good job that Congressman Davis was adamant that the community let them do their job, and not go around gawking at the damage done.
 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later.

And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary. There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment. WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital Rehabilitation Services will be hosting an annual open house open to the public on Thursday, December 12th from 2-4 PM. The open house will show clients in the community what services are offered, tours, visits with therapists, and treats will be provided along with hot cocoa. 

Tonya Bowrey, manager of rehabilitation services says that she thinks the world of her clients. “We want to show our clients how much we appreciate them and enjoy serving the Shelbyville community.”

For more information on the open house you can visit the HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital’s Facebook page. 

Laurrie Minor is the Executive Director at the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development and she discussed the upcoming Sullivan Old Fashioned Christmas event that will take place in downtown Sullivan on December 13th from 4 until 7.

The Sullivan Chamber also has a Christmas Tree donation program in partnership with Secret Santa. If you want to donate a fully decorated Christmas Tree, you could help provide a tree for a family who is unable to afford one.

Finally, Minor discussed a recent fundraiser that they held to help raise money to build a Splash Pad in Sullivan. They raised $15,000 for the Splash Pad, but have a long way to go. If you want to donate to help build a Splash Pad in Sullivan, you can do so by visiting sullivan chamber dot com.

Minor was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Citizen Center.

On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community. Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed.

Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed.

When disaster strikes there is no such thing as unwanted help. Taylorville did not fall short in that department, even from outside the community. On December 2, the day after the tornado hit, one of the entities offering aid was the Salvation Army. Marty Reuter Director of the Emergency Disasters Program with the Salvation Army explains what they were doing to help on that day.

Following the plans of the city is only one aspect of what the Salvation Army was doing. Outside of that, they were able to focus on helping the individual.
 

One thought that Reuter wanted to leave the community with is that there is no blueprint on disasters. That means there is no blueprint on how to deal with them.
 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later.

And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary. There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment. WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

The Illinois Council of Community College Administrators has recognized Richland Community College for its industrial job skills training with essential skills. The program was recognized for its approach to training delivery methods and teaches skills in welding, CNC, occupational safety, precision measuring tools, hand tools, technical math, blueprint reading, and heavy equipment operation.

In just over a year, the program has seen some outstanding results with 95% of IJST graduates receiving employment with various manufacturing companies and 100% of employed essential skills training students retaining employment. 

The award was accepted by Dr. Cristobal Valdez, President and John Oliver, Director of Workforce Development at the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators conference in East Peoria.

On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community. Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed.

Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed.

In times of peril, community leaders are the ones that are looked to for strength and guidance. In the case of the December First Tornado, Taylorville had Mayor Bruce Barry. Miller Media spoke with Mayor Barry the morning after to get an update on the situation. At the time there was a lot of assessment that needed to be done.

The safety of those in the community was a big concern, and Mayor Barry talked about the measurements they took for Taylorville residents to remain safe. He also mentions that many who were safe just wanted to help.
 

Mayor Barry advised residents to stay off the streets, but understood that faith was one way that would help this community get through the tragedy.
 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later.

And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary. There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment. WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

Lake Land College will be offering free GED classes through their Adult Education program to those who may need it in January. The classes which are 100% federally funded will be offered throughout central Illinois at different locations. The classes will be offered at the following places:

Arthur on January 7th at the Arthur Public Library at 4 PM

Charleston on January 7th at the Coles County Health Department at 4 PM 

Effingham on Jan 7th at the Lake Land College Kluthe Center at 9 AM and 4 PM

Marshall on January 6th at the Lake Land College Eastern Region Center at 4 PM 

Mattoon on January 8th at the Lake Land College Workforce Development Center at 9 AM and 4 PM

Pana on January 9th at the Lake Land College Western Region Center at 9AM and 4 PM

Shelbyville on Jan 6th at the Shelbyville High School Pathways Classroom at 4 PM.

For these GED classes, all tuition will be waived and class materials will be provided. To register for the class or to get more information on the program please call Lake Land College at 238-8292 or email them at adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu or visit their Facebook page.

On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community.  Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed.

Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed.

During the press conference on December 1st, Former EMA Director and Taylorville Fire Chief Mike Crews did not downplay how much of a role spotters had in saving lives. 

Former Miller Media News Director Harrison Silcox said they were trying to get as many crews out to the area as possible.

The help came pouring in from everywhere, almost to the point where it was too much. Silcox had an update saying that they were going to continue search and rescue operations throughout the evening.

Operations would continue well into the night as crews worked nonstop to try to clear debris and help those who were trapped.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later.

And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary.  There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment.  WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community.  Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed.

Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed.

After assessing damage from the tornado and realizing that there were no fatalities, the operation shifted from a life-safety incident to an instant stabilization incident.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry had stressed for people to stay home and let the crews continue to work.

Andy Goodall, Assistant Fire Chief appreciated all the help from the different agencies across Illinois.

All officials at the Command Center were grateful for the support they received from the community.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later.

And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary.  There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment.  WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

On December First, 2018, the City of Taylorville changed forever, when an EF-3 tornado hit the community.  Over 700 structures were damaged and 33 were totally destroyed.

Regional Radio News is remembering that fateful day in a series of features where we'll review that day, and that days that followed.

After a catastrophic tornado went through parts of Taylorville the main command center was set up in the Taylorville Fire Station. Former News Director, Harrison Silcox said while it was chaotic, there was a lot of help and people coming together.

Because of the catastrophic level of the storm, former EMA Director and Taylorville Fire Chief, Mike Crews activated the sirens twice in the hopes of warning people about the impending storm.

For Taylorville residents, some people came out of it unscathed, others like Morrisonville resident Rachel Beard who was visiting her mother, were not as fortunate.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more special features as we remember the Taylorville Tornado, one year later.

And, don't forget the event taking place this Sunday from 2 til 4 at the Taylorville V-F-W to commemorate the first anniversary.  There'll be free snacks, soda, and water, and free entertainment.  WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 will broadcast the event live.

The Taylorville Park Board met on Monday, November 25th. All were present except Trustee Kay Champley, who was absent. Tim Mathis from Ameren was at the meeting. With him, were Don Richardson, and Bret Carney. Richardson, an Environmental Specialist with Ameren, assured the board that Ameren is checking the area for contamination and that wells that were on the ground did not have any contamination, so they would be removed and a new well would be put in. Testing on the old wells and new wells will continue.  The board announced that they would draw up a proposed access agreement for the new well. 

The Board of Trustees announced Christmas information including the date for their employee party and approval of the 2020 meeting dates. A final decision was made on the North Pond Excavation Bids. After President Miller announced that Aldrich had pulled his bid, the board awarded the bid to Michael Mizeur in the amount of $135,125. All voted yes with Robert Steiner voting no. 

Superintendent Gary Brown announced that brush and trees were being removed from the pond area, but due to weather had to stop their efforts. Recreational Director Bailey Hancock, reported that Kids-R-Kids held their dance on November 8th and it was a success and that she will be on Newstalk WTIM’s morning show on December 2nd to share Christmas in the Park events. 

The next Park Meeting will take place on Monday, December 23rd at 3 PM.

Jack Myers is a Public Affairs Specialist at the Social Security Administration and he discussed some of the updates that they’ve made recently to their website which is www.socialsecurity.gov.

Myers went on to discuss some of the brand new features of the website including the ability to use the mySocialSecurity Retirement Calculator to take a look at your individualized retirement benefit estimates.

Finally, Myers addressed a few misconceptions that some people might have about Social Security including the fact that Members of Congress actually do pay into Social Security.
 

Myers was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Jennifer Mathis is the President of the Pana Chamber of Commerce and a Consumer Banking Officer at Peoples Bank and Trust in Pana. She discussed some of the biggest misconceptions that people have about the Pana Chamber including that they’re a part of the City of Pana.
 

Mathis went on to discuss what it takes to become a member of the Pana Chamber of Commerce.
 

Finally, Mathis discussed Pana’s big kickoff to the Holiday Season with the Pana Downtown Christmas Event this coming Saturday, November 30th. The festivities will kickoff with a digital scavenger hunt.
 

Mathis was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Nationally Syndicated Radio Host Jim Bohannon thinks that the Democrats have no intention of impeaching President Donald Trump and that they just want to do what they can to weaken him politically before the 2020 election.
 

Bohannon went on to talk about how it would probably be in the best interest of the Democrat’s in the House and the Senate to show that they can govern instead of wasting time on impeachment, but that the democrat leadership has been running scared ever since Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeated Congressman Joe Crowley.
 

Bohannon went on to say that our job as voters and taxpayers is to judge presidential candidates, but that’s not what the Democrats are currently doing. Bohannon thinks that they’re just trying to get Trump.
 

Jim Bohannon can be heard week nights from 9pm until midnight on the Newstalk WTIM Network. Bohannon was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Twilight Christmas Parade will be back again this year, and better than ever. Gary Merker, who helps get everyone coordinated for where they need to be situated during the parade says that this is an event that has been going on for quite a while, and is looking for people to “light up the night.”

Merker says there are three contests from the parade.

The parade is set on December 7th and will come up Main Cross from Madison than around the Square. The participants will line up at 4:30 and kickoff at 5. Of course, Gary says that the parade wouldn’t have happened without a little help.

If you have any questions, Marcia Neal is the Program Director, and you can reach her at 820-8366 or at downtowntaylorville.org.

Central Illinois is under multiple warnings and watches this evening and leading into tomorrow.  A tornado watch is in effect for the entire listening area including Christian, Montgomery, Macoupin, Sangamon, and Shelby County until 3 AM. There is also a high wind warning that will be in effect until 6 PM on Wednesday. Wind gusts could be as strong as 55 miles per hour with highs around 44 degrees. This weather warning is for the counties of Christian, Sangamon, Moultrie, Shelby, and Macon. People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive especially on North/South Roads. Turn on your weather radio and stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the Christian County Head Start program, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the club’s new meeting place, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Guest speaker was Nicole Gardewine from the Effingham office of C-E-F-S Community Action Partnership, that serves a 7-county area including Christian, to share with Kiwanis members about the Christian County Head Start program.

The local Kiwanis Club provides coats, hats, and gloves to the local Head Start children every year.

Gardewine said the Taylorville Head Start program has 2 classes with 36 children that attend each day, getting experiences many of them don’t get at home such as reading, computer stations, writing tables, and hands-on learning.  She added the goal is to get pre-school children in the program ready for kindergarten.

Gardewine added Head Start children’s progress is monitored the entire time they’re in the program so what they’re learning.  She also said that C-E-F-S also provides an in-home program to about 30 early Head Start families in the Taylorville area, to improve their home environment.

Gardewine told the Kiwanis Club that the local Head Start program also provides bus transportation to the children each day.  

The Head Start program is one of several federally-funded programs provided to low-income residents of the 7 counties that C-E-F-S Community Action Partnership serves.

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 their new meeting location, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Senator Andy Manar is a strong advocate in ending Daylight Saving Time. Senator Manar was reached by High School Students at Carlinville High School. Senator Manar was surprised at how much attention this bill has gotten. He says that the only way this bill would become law would be if all of the United States passes the law, or Congress gives Illinois an exemption.

Senator Manar says that while there is a chance of this happening Illinois would not become an island and be the only State doing it.

The Illinois Senator says he was really moved by the presentation from the Students.

The bill would keep time the same after the time change in March.
 

The University of Illinois Master Gardeners in Christian County Honored their own at the Venezia Italian Restaurant on November 7th. Gwen Podeschi was recognized for her 23 years of service. Karen Cherry was recognized for 21 years of service. Linda Smith was recognized for 8 years of service. Gwen Podeschi says that she is thankful for the many friends she has made while working with the Master Gardeners.

Podeschi says she has seen changes since she first started with the Master Gardeners and using fewer chemicals is one big change.

Janet Chiavaro, Sharon Hill, and Sandra Klein were also recognized for 5 years of service, while Janet and Mike McClure were recognized for two years of service.  If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener visit the U of I Master Gardeners website.

The city of Nokomis will be getting into the Holiday Spirit on December 7th. The St. Louis Church and School will be hosting their 17th annual Winter Wonderland at the St. Louis Parish Center on 523 East Union Street in Nokomis from 8 AM until 2 PM. Craft leader Linda Dooley says there will be something for everyone there.

Dooley says that there will also be raffle prizes as well.

Dooley also says there will be an instant winner basket as well.

For more information call 563-7446 or visit the school’s website.

Senator Andy Manar has worked tirelessly at pushing through legislation to help cap insulin prices and the end is in sight. Senator Manar saw quick approval at both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Senator Manar says that he is amazed at how much the cost of Insulin has risen and is tired of the profiteering.

Senator Manar says that the bill will wait for signature from Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Senate Bill 667 would cap insulin costs at $100 a month. Only Colorado has caps on insulin costs.

Carol Pearson is the Manager of Quality at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital and she discussed the 2019 open enrollment period that is until December 15th and how they have certified counselors available to help individuals and families enroll in the marketplace. Those counselors will be available on December 7th from 9-2.
 

If you’re interested in talking with a certified counselor about open enrollment, you’ll need to call Kathy Dudley at 774-3961 extension 2460.

You also can also call the Get Covered Illinois number which is 866-311-1119 and speak to a certified application counselor or you can also do it online by visiting getcoveredillinois.gov.

Pearson was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

The Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway and Park District will have their regular board of trustees meeting at the Manners Park Office board room on Monday, November 25th at 7 PM. 

Tim Mathis, of Ameren will be there to discuss possible contamination from former gas plants that were in the area. A final decision will be made on the North Pond excavation bids. Bids had ranged from the lowest being Aldridge at $48,397 to $197,500 from Phil Tullis and quite a few bids in between. 

The date for the 2019 Employee Christmas Party will be discussed along with approving the 2020 board of trustee meeting dates. The maintenance superintendent, office administrator, and recreation director will all have reports. 

Sheila Kerby is with Christmas on Main in Moweaqua and she said that the village is hosting their annual Christmas on Main event this coming Saturday, November 30th from 10-2.

Breakfast will be served by the Boy Scouts, there’s a 5k run/walk, there will be live carolers, a live nativity, and over 25 vendors set up around town.

Kerby was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

The US Department of Agriculture rural development has awarded the Village of Mount Auburn a rural water and wastewater infrastructure loan. U.S. Representative Rodney Davis announced late last week that the village of Mount Auburn would receive $681,000 with $430,000 in a low-interest loan and a grant of $251,000.

Representative Davis says that this is great news for Mt Auburn. "This grant is a great example of the kind of investments we have to make at the federal level to support our rural communities and those they serve.  This project will ensure safety and maintain water quality within the area." 

Over 24,800 lineal feet of old cast iron 2 and 4 inch water mains will be replaced. The money will also replace fire hydrants, valve boxes, service meters, service lines, and other additions that are needed. The project will also allow the restructure of the current debt service and alleviate possible health hazards from the age of the current system. 

Betty Watkins is with Shelby Christian Church in Shelbyville and she discussed how they'll be hosting a Christmas Vendor and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 14th from 9-2 at the church located at 200 N. Hickory in Shelbyville.
 

There will be over 25 vendors, a bake sale, Rork’s Pork Barbecue will serve lunch, and over 30 silent auction items will be available at the Fair.
 

The proceeds from the Christmas Vendor and Craft Fair will help fund the churches upcoming mission trip.

Watkins was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

There will be an open house for the community from 4-6 on Wednesday, December 11th at the new Taylorville Primary Clinic over on 303 East Bidwell Street. The clinic which opened last month is also used by Memorial Behavioral Health and the SIU Center for Family Medicine-Taylorville. Christine Salzeider, the Chief Operating Officer for SIU Family medicine, says that this is a way for you to learn about their new facility.

SIU has also integrated with Memorial Medical Health offering behavioral health as well.

For more information on the Taylorville primary clinic open house call 824-1134.

ISP District 18 Troopers responded to a fatal crash on Illinois Route 4 just north of Mine Road in Sawyerville in Macoupin County on Friday afternoon. Preliminary investigations show a pedestrian was in the northbound lane of Illinois Route 4 attempting to catch a goose. A Ford pickup driven by 58 year old Ricky D. Gaston Sr. of Staunton struck the pedestrian, 44 year old Brian N. Cox of Sawyerville in the roadway. Cox was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Macoupin County Coroner. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. No further information is available for release.

The Pana Community Hospital Foundation has announced that they are making significant progress on the fundraising efforts for the pledge of 1.5 million dollars towards the $20.3 million dollar project. The fundraising total has now surpassed $1,385,000 through various fundraisers, activities, and pledges. 

Kim Pollman, Executive Director of the Foundation, stated that “Our goal of $1.5 million is now in sight. We look forward to the final push to reach our goal by year’s end. 

Phase II of the building project is almost complete. Crews hope to have everything ready to go with an Open House celebration on Thursday, December 12th from 4:30-6 PM with a short program and a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 PM. Guests can view the front addition or request a tour of Phase 1 of the project. Refreshments will be served at the open house with the ribbon-cutting.  The new addition also has a handicap accessible entrance and a reception area.

For anyone wishing to donate to the PCH Building Project contact Kim Pollman at 562-6340 or send donations to the PCH Foundation office or conveniently donate online at give.panahospital.com.

Fundraising for the PCH Building Project now exceeds $1,300,000. Pictures are some of the members of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee, From L-R Deb Stalets, Dick Lees, Carol Schramm, Chad Sutton, Cheryl Swenny, Ron McMillen, Vicky Guillion, and Carol Chandler

November is National Diabetes Month which makes it a good time to learn about the disease. 

There are two types of diabetes, but they are very different. Dr. Rick DelValle with HSHS Medical Clinic in Taylorville explains more about type 1 diabetes.

The second form is called type 2 diabetes. Dr. Delvalle explains what that is and how to potentially avoid developing it.

Dieting is one way to ward off a potential type 2 diabetes diagnosis. 

Senator Andy Manar was honored with the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award by the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education or ILCAE. Senator Manar has worked towards promoting agricultural education in Illinois Schools and feels that it is very important for everyone to understand just how important agricultural education is.

Manar says he can see all the funding being put to good use, by how great the projects are from students in areas like Taylorville and Pana.

The ILCAE is an advocacy group focused on legislation, funding, and promotion of agricultural education and serves as an advisory council for the initiatives of the Agricultural Education line item.

The Illinois State Police are warning against speeding, DUI’s, seatbelt infractions, and distracted driving this holiday season. The Thanksgiving Holiday is considered one of the busiest travel holiday periods of the year as people flock to the roads. ISP Captain Mark Gillock wants everyone to drive safely.

The ISP will increase patrols and work on enforcement and education to reduce serious crashes and criminal activities. ISP will also do their part by removing intoxicated drivers from the roadways. Captain Gillock also says that drunk driving is buzzed driving, and to slow down or move over for emergency vehicles and to not text and drive.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 15 motor vehicle crash fatalities occurred in Illinois over the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Five of those 15 deaths occurred in crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking.

There’s another Business After Hours coming up on December 4th. Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she discussed why this is an event you do not want to miss.

Gift Cards are one of the most popular gifts to give during the upcoming Holiday’s and there’s now a way you can get gifts for your friends and family and also encourage them to shop local by purchasing them a Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate.

Finally, Hornbuckle discussed the upcoming event commemorating the one year anniversary of the December 1st tornado at the V-F-W on Sunday, December 1st from 2-4.

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

Christian County Coroner Amy Winans has released the manner and cause of death for 52-year-old Pamela McPherson of Blue Mound. McPherson died on October 17th at the Taylorville Memorial E.R. after her vehicle was hit by a train. Mrs. McPherson died of blunt force injuries of the trunk of the body due to the train striking the vehicle she was driving. Alcohol was a factor in this crash. The manner of death was determined to be accidental. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation. For the original story click here.

Taylorville Police responded to a shooting at Hershey Towers late Tuesday evening. Police believe that a fight started in Springfield and say that there were juveniles that were involved. Chief Dwayne Wheeler told Regional Radio News that three shots were fired including one round that hit the bumper of a vehicle. Police are still investigating the incident and don’t believe that this is any threat to the public but was more of a targeted incident. If you have any information you are encouraged to contact the Taylorville Police Department. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates.

Larry the Cable Guy will be at the Effingham Performance Center on December 5th and 6th, but if you want tickets you’ll have to act soon. The first show is already sold out, but their still might be some room for the show on December 6th.

Since Larry The Cable Guy is taping his special the next day, he says this performance will stray from what he normally does.

The comedian, of course kidding, explains what you can actually expect from the upcoming performance.

Tickets to the December 6th show can be purchased at the Effingham Performance Center box office, or by calling 540-2788. Larry the Cable Guy appeared as a guest on the Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR morning show.

The Taylorville Development Association met on Wednesday afternoon and discussed updates to the new industrial park. Phil Martin of Martin Engineering, who is the project engineer says that permits are done and they are working on getting Shelby Electric taken care of, which will be the company to supply electricity to the new park. Martin says that while they are a little behind, things are progressing to the next phase.

Martin doesn’t know how long the next part of this process will take but they are hoping to be moving dirt in April.

Mary Renner, Executive Director of the Taylorville Development Association, says one of the next steps is marketing.

The industrial park is being constructed on the city’s northwest side.

The Sullivan Public School District might not take Veteran’s Day off of school, but they certainly take time to recognize the courage and sacrifice of our countries veterans. Ted Walk is the Superintendent of the Sullivan Public School District and he talked about the Veteran’s Day program that they put on each year and all the hard work that the kids put into it.

School report cards were recently released and Superintendent Walk discussed just how well the Sullivan Public School District graded out.

Superintendent Walk went on to discuss that yes test scores are important, but that it’s also important to serve the community which is exactly what students at the Sullivan Middle School recently did.
 

Superintendent Walk was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Citizen Center.

Children’s cancer can be a very scary thought for parents. According to the national pediatric cancer foundation, 43 children per day are expected to be diagnosed with cancer and cancer is the number one death by disease among children. Congressman Rodney Davis is worried that not enough money is being put towards fighting these issues.

Congressman Davis says he has a common-sense solution to fixing this problem and that’s by pushing through legislation to help bring more money into fighting childhood cancer by using the Presidential Campaign fund that’s not being used and use it towards research for childhood cancer treatments.

Only 4% of the billions of dollars that are spent on cancer research and treatments are directed towards treating childhood cancer.

The city of Sullivan received a huge donation from the Titus family according to Sullivan Mayor Richard Glazebrook. The Winifred Titus Sentel Estate donated 923 acres of farm land to the city of Sullivan that was auctioned off recently for over $11 million dollars. The Estate wants the city of Sullivan to use the money for civic improvements.

Mayor Glazebrook went on to say that people should never forget what the Titus family did for the city of Sullivan.
 

Mayor Glazebrook was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Citizen Center.

The Taylorville Police Department is recognizing one of their own this week. Officer Christian Nelson has won on the district level for the Enrique Camarena Award presented by the Elks. Chief Dwayne Wheeler nominated Officer Nelson for the award in September. Chief Wheeler says that Officer Nelson has proven to be an asset to fight the war on drugs and he is proud to see Taylorville’s Police Department name on the award. 

The East Central District Elks announced that Officer Nelson would continue on at the state level. The award is given to a member of law enforcement who best exemplifies the qualities and principles that were set forth by Agent Camarena. Camarena was a DEA agent who lost his life in 1985 when he was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in Mexico. 

Nominees were selected who were involved in their communities in efforts to make them drug-free and have the support of their agency and respect of their community. State selection is held in December with the National Selection held in January. The National winner is invited to attend a National Ceremony along with the sponsoring agent who will also receive an award.

At 3:30 PM on Wednesday the Village of Edinburg Public Water Supply issued a Precautionary Boil Order affecting customers located on Cook Street from Douglas to Vine and on Logan Street from Cook to Oakley and on Water Street from Cook to WIlcat Way. 

Water supply personnel will return the system to normal operation as soon as possible after bacteriological samples demonstrate that the water is safe for domestic use. At present, the water in the distribution system may be subject to bacteriological contamination, which may cause a number of waterborne diseases and/or general gastrointestinal distress.

Customers in the affected area are encouraged to treat all water for drinking or culinary purposes by bringing it to a rolling boil for at least five minutes.

For additional information, please contact Superintendent Mike Lebshier at 623-5542.

The Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation is hosting their signature event on Saturday, December 7th starting at 6 o’clock at The pillars Event Center located at 303 E. Market Street in Taylorville. Raedena Ryan is the Executive Director of the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation and she talked about how last years event had to be canceled because of the Tornado.

Ryan went on to discuss how they were able to take the food from the event and use it to feed the tornado first responders.

Ryan went on to say that it will be a wonderful event celebrating great local healthcare.

For more information about the event or for tickets you can call 824-1601 or email TMHFoundation@mhsil.com. Ryan appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Shadow Home is a residential, faith based program for women and their children. Carol Spracklen is the President of Shadow Home and she talked about the mission of Shadow Home.

Shadow Home is an organization that has been around for over 16 years and Spracklen talked about how the organization has evolved over the years.

Shadow Home offers a nine month program that’s run by a group of volunteers. The program is designed to help the women get back on their feet.

For more information about Shadow Home you can call 824-2001 or email shadowhome@ctitech.com. Spracklen appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

While the story in Washington D.C. continues to be heavy on impeachment proceedings, members of congress are still working behind the scenes to try to get legislation pushed through that can help better the United States. Congressman Rodney Davis has been focusing heavily on issues that will help Illinoisans. One of those bills is the USMCA (United States Mexico Canada Agreement) which would take the spot of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

Congressman Davis says that the bill is being put on the backburner, but it is a needed necessity for Illinois farmers and their families.

Congressman Davis says that UMCA should have been pushed through already, but impeachment has pushed everything to the back burner and nothing else is getting accomplished.

There should be a way, Congressman Davis feels, that they should be able to continue their impeachment hearings and accomplish what needs to be done for the American people.

40% of Illinois Ag and manufacturing products get exported to either Mexico or Canada.

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening and due to a packed house, moved the meeting to the third floor of the Christian County Courthouse to fit everyone in. State's Attorney Mike Havera said that Christian County has been involved with an opioid class action lawsuit and Christian County needed to decide whether they were going to opt-in or not. Havera said that they were predicting that it could be an $80,000 payout from the pharmaceutical clinics.

The county also voted 10-5 and 10-6 in favor of consolidating the emergency management position between Christian County and Montgomery County. Former EMA manager Mike Crews handpicked the Montgomery EMA Manager, Greg Ninmo. Ninmo has over 20 years of experience and lives on the border of Montgomery and Christian County. There was a little debate over his salary and some disagreement over where Ninmo should live. Greg Ninmo said he has the experience and he wants to work for both counties.

Ninmo has already gotten to work and has been helping out in both Counties since Crews departure earlier this month. The County board members also approved appointments of Steve Sikes, Joe Dorr, Mark Dozier, Joann Howard, Jon Rosenthal, Glen Goodrich, and David Copenbarger as zoning board appeal members. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, December 17th. You can find the full meeting by visiting our link here and here.

While it may not have been on the agenda, the Christian County board spent nearly half of the meeting Tuesday evening fielding comments, concerns, and questions concerning the wind farm ordinances that have been talked about for over 6 months now. A group of concerned citizens that call themselves Protect Christian County or PCC, crowded into the board room, forcing Chairwoman Becky Edwards to move the meeting upstairs. Multiple people spoke at the meeting talking about health issues, concerns about the land value and concerns about transparency. Adrian Adcock, who is with PCC stated that the group wants to work with the board.

Adcock continued by saying that the group feels there is too much closeness between the board and the wind companies.

Chairwoman Becky Edwards said she did not have her mind made up on which way she wanted to vote. She also felt that people didn’t understand the process and just what went into the process of county government—especially when lawyers get involved.

The arguments got quite heated and nothing was decided as far as wind farms and the ordinances regulating them are concerned. The next time wind farms will be discussed will be in the December committee meeting. You can find the full meeting by visiting our link here and here.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the many activities taking place at various Taylorville Park District locations, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the club’s new meeting place, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Guest speaker was Bailey Hancock, the Recreation Director for the Taylorville Park District, who told Kiwanis members about the year-round activities taking place in local parks.  Hancock said that besides the many baseball and softball teams that play at their various fields during the summer, the Manners Park Pool and Park District Day Camp also attract lots of children.  

Hancock added that some 151 children were enrolled in swimming lessons this past summer, and 20 children ages 9 to 15 enrolled in the Junior Lifeguard program.  This year’s Swim Team consisted of some 75 swimmers, and the Manners Park Day Camp is always at its 50-camper limit each summer.

Hancock said that her focus this time of year, is the annual Christmas in the Park Displays thru-out Manners Park, along with events every night.  This year, the park will be open for cars to view the many displays from the community, December 13th thru the 25th, with foot traffic only allowed December 12th.

Complete information on Christmas in the Park can be found on the Park District’s web site, taylorvilleparkdistrict-dot-com.

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 their new meeting location, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

The Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program is a program that is offered by the Illinois State Treasurer’s office to meet the requirements of the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program Act. The program was designed to help encourage people to save money for retirement.

Any employer with 25 or more employees who don’t currently offer a work place retirement savings option have to offer one or they have to enroll in the Illinois Secure Choice Savings program.

Illinois led the charge when it came to the Secure Choice Savings Program according to Treasurer Frerichs.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry discussed the upcoming commemoration of the December 1st tornado which will tentatively take place from 2-4 in the afternoon at the VFW.

Mayor Barry went on to say that if you really enjoy your work, despite everything that has happened over the past year, it’s not at all difficult.

Finally, Mayor Barry discussed some of the upcoming road work that will be happening in and around Taylorville.

Mayor Barry was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville City Council met Monday evening, and a big topic of discussion that came up from earlier discussions involved fixing a tanker for the Taylorville Fire Department along with some much-needed building repairs. The tanker has an issue with the siren and has metal shavings under the pump. Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann says these repairs have been needed for quite a while. 

While Chief Adermann was concerned about getting the tanker fixed, he also expressed the need for the Taylorville Fire House as a whole getting the repairs it needed to be done as well.

The tanker needs repairs, not in excess of $5,035. The Fire Station building repairs will cost a little over $16,300 for the roof, and nearly $3,000 for the bricks. Both measures passed unanimously. 

Pana Community Hospital after more than 2 years of construction is finally ready to unveil phase 2 of their $20.3 million project. Melissa Rybolt is the Marketing Manager at Pana Community Hospital and she said that they’ll be having the open house on Thursday, December 12th from 4-6.
 

Rybolt said that they’ve been working and planning this project for over 5 years.
 

The vast majority of the construction project was completed during phase 1 including a brand new operating room, extra office, brand new exam rooms, and a whole lot more.
 

Rybolt was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville City Council voted Monday evening to direct City Attorney Rocki Romano to draft an ordinance raising taxi cab fees to $100 a year from the original $5 and to continue background checks. There are three taxi cab companies in town. Representatives from all three taxi cab companies were present. Eric Stillwell, who is with Orange is the New Ride said in the meeting he was concerned because low-income drivers wouldn’t be able to pay the $100.

Stillwell continued saying that by giving license fees to drivers it unfairly targets them when ride services like Uber and Lyft don’t have to pay license fees.

There was a concern from some of the Aldermen about drivers driving cabs without licenses, and without insurance. The feeling is with this high of a cost it would eliminate drivers trying to abuse the system. The motion passed 4-3 in favor of the new ordinance. Alderman Kathy Driskell, Alderman Jim Olive, Alderman Lee Lanzotti and Alderman Larry Budd voted yes. Alderman Shawn Burtle, Alderman Ernie Dorchinecz, and Alderman Chris Skultetty voted no. Alderman Megan Bryant was absent from the meeting.

The Taylorville City Council met Monday evening to discuss ordinances and motions.  A motion was approved to amend and change the ordinance for the enterprise zone to change the verbiage for individuals defined as minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Andrea Conrath was approved to take over as the new Human Resource manager. The Finance and Ordinance Committee Meeting was moved to 5 PM on Monday, November 25th. The public facilities meeting was changed to 6 PM on Tuesday, November 26th.

Mayor Bruce Barry gave his updates and said there will be a commemoration for the December 1st tornado at the VFW.

Mayor Barry also announced that Christmas decorations are being set up along with some houses that are being torn down.

In committee updates, the Taylorville City Council approved a motion raising taxi cab license fees from $5 to $100. Fire Chief Adermann’s motions for repairs to both the city tanker and firehouse were approved for repairs. Payment for work on the new water treatment plant was approved along with ratifying payment of bills in the amount $267,698.01.

The Taylorville City Council will meet this evening at 6 PM for a public hearing on 1700 East Main Cross and construction plans for the Hathaway Homes-Phase 2. There will be a regular meeting at 7 PM to discuss ordinances, motions, old and new business. There will be discussions on ordinances discussing parking at certain places in the city including the first 3 spaces on the 800 block of West Franklin Street., There will be an ordinance discussion on the stop sign at the intersection of North Silver Street and West Pauline Street. There will also be a motion to approve the appointment of Andrea Conrath as the new Human Resource Manager taking over for Manager John Blakeman. 

For committee reports, under emergency services, Fire Chief Matt Adermann has some repairs that he would likee approved both on a tanker and on the fire station roof. There will also be a motion to increase the fee of Taxi Cab Licenses to $100 and continue background checks.

There were no lake/airport motions made.

In water/environmental, the city will approve payment for some work done on the new water treatment plant. 

There will also be a motion to pay bills, a city attorney update, and an update from Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry as well.

Only a few select people have lain in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol. The honor is usually saved for the top military heroes and statesmen. Senator Andy Manar is trying to change that. A resolution approved last week by the Illinois Senate, and led by Senator Manar would extend that privilege to the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. 

Senate Joint Resolution 50 would urge President Trump and Congress to take all necessary actions to ensure that the last recipient be offered a state funeral and the option to lie in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol. 

Manar expressed his gratitude in a statement. “An understanding of the Greatest Generation’s immeasurable sacrifice is something that all Americans share, and it’s something that has the power to unify Americans in a way that transcends our current divisions. It would block out the political noise of the day and bring us together in reverence of the intrepid Americans who fought and died to ensure that the United States remains a beacon of hope and a blueprint for democracy across the globe.”

Only two Medal of Honor recipients from WWII out of the 353 who were awarded are still alive, Charles H. Coolidge of Tennessee and Woodrow Williams of West Virginia. You can find out more about their stories and how they earned their medals by clicking here and here.

SJR 50 will now move to the Illinois House for consideration.

Elma Rincker is the owner/operator of Merle Norman Cosmetics in Downtown Shelbyville and she talked about how she got started with the company.

Rincker went on to discuss what types of cosmetic supplies that you will be able to find at her store.

Finally, Rincker discussed some of the history of Merle Norman Cosmetics.
 

Rincker was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our studio in downtown Shelbyville.

The Morrisonville Christmas Celebration will be taking place on December 7th. Businesses and organizations throughout the Village of Morrisonville will be opening up their doors that Saturday morning and offering their services, along with free treats, drawings, and sales. Organizer, Malea Elson says that she is excited for everyone to come and see the festivities.

There will also be nearly $700 given in Morrisonville Bucks which can be spent throughout the city.

There will be all kinds of activities going on all throughout Morrisonville including seeing Santa who will be there between 10 and Noon at his house located next to the Senior Citizen Building to gather requests and lists from children and adults.

Bill Bly is with the Shelbyville Festival of Lights and he talked about how putting the Festival of Lights together hasn’t just been a year long project, but it has taken 14 years.
 

Bly went on to discuss how putting the display up is an extremely long process that takes months to accomplish. If you would like to volunteer to help with the lights, whether its replacing light bulbs or putting up the displays. Meet at the Park Maintenance Bldg on the corner of 9th and N Morgan beginning at 9 am on weekdays.
 

The Festival of Lights kicks off on November 22nd at 5pm with a soup supper at the Shelby County Senior Center. For more information on the Shelbyville Festival of Lights, please call Bill Bly at 259-2361. Bly was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our studio in downtown Shelbyville.

The Illinois House passed parts of ethic legislation late last week, but House Republicans wanted more than what was passed. Among the bills that were pushed through include SB1639 and House Joint Resolution 93. 

SB1639 will create a searchable database that allows taxpayers to cross-reference information about lobbyists, clients, campaign contributions, interaction with legislators and statements of economic interest. House Joint Resolution 93 creates a “Blue Ribbon Commission” on ethics and lobbying reform. Representative Avery Bourne says that it is not enough. 

Bourne says that she doesn’t want to go back to her constituents with half a bill, which is what she feels this is.

Bourne also chairs the legislative ethics committees saying that she is frustrated that ethics reform suggestions aren’t going through Carol Pope who is the Legislative Inspector General.

The “Blue Ribbon Commission” legislation did not produce a report until after the March 2020 primary election.

The Illinois State Police is investigating a multiple fatality vehicle accident in Montgomery County.  ISP District 18 Troopers responded to investigate a fatal crash on Illinois Route 185 near East 14th Road in the Coffeen area in Montgomery County. At 6:21 on Friday evening, a Toyota Sienna was traveling eastbound and a Ford F-150 was traveling westbound. The F-150 crossed into the oncoming lane and struck the Toyota head-on.  All four occupants of the Toyota were pronounced deceased by the Montgomery County Coroner on the scene. The occupants of the Toyota Sienna were 72-year-old Jackolyn C. Protz of Sullivan, 73-year-old William H. Protz, of Sullivan, and two 14-year-old females from Vandalia. The driver of the F-150, a 17-year-old male from Harvel, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local trauma center by ARCH Helicopter. The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. No further information is available at this time. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it becomes available.

The Amity Food Mart in Taylorville had a grand reopening today after a long rebuild nearly a year after a devastating tornado tore through the area. The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning, and Amity Food Mart owner Amit Patel, could not be more happy with how the area has come together in support of his business.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hornbuckle says that she is excited that they have a chance to rebuild.

The Amity Food Mart is located at 630 West Spresser Street in Taylorville.

Rebecca Livingston is the Christian and Montgomery Counties Agriculture Literacy Program Coordinator at The University of Illinois Extension office and she discussed what it is that she does on an everyday basis.

Livingston went on to discuss some of the different Ag in the Classroom programs that she had for the fall season.

Finally, Livingston talked about one of the more popular programs that’s offered to classrooms each and every spring.
 

Livingston was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

When people look at Abraham Lincoln’s greatest speeches, The Gettysburg Address is considered one of the best. Considered an afterthought at the time, Lincoln was invited to speak at the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery and was picked to speak alongside Edward Everett. Everett spoke for over 2 hours before Lincoln spoke for 2 minutes. Lincoln considered his address a failure. However, it is considered by historians to be one of the most famous speeches of all time. A handwritten copy of the speech will be featured at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for the next two weeks through December 2nd. 

There are only five surviving copies of the speech. This one stays in a climate-controlled vault to protect it from light and humidity. Dr. Samuel Wheeler, who is an Illinois State Historian says that the speech is a tangible connection to President Lincoln and the turmoil of the Civil War. “We look at his handwriting on this plain, white paper, and imagine him searching for just the right words for a nation torn in two. 

The Abraham Lincoln library holds over 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history. For more information visit the President Lincoln website here.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp wants to encourage you to have a good time this Holiday Season, but he also wants to make sure that if you do decide to drink that you make the smart and responsible decision and that you have a designated driver because designated drivers save lives.

Sheriff Kettelkamp also wanted to encourage everyone to always wear your seat belt.

Finally, Sheriff Kettelkamp wanted to remind everyone to always be on the lookout for Deer when you’re traveling.
 

Sheriff Kettelkamp was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Holidays mean that there are plenty of local festivities. The annual Raymond Christmas Mall at the K of C Hall in Raymond will be held on November 30th from 8 until 2. Cathie Downey with the Christmas Mall says there will be plenty of vendors there for you to shop with.

Downey says that for the first time there will also be a scavenger hunt.

There will also be a Christmas Tree Lighting that evening with Santa Claus.

For more information visit the Raymond Facebook page or call Cathie Downey at 710-6678.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she discussed the upcoming Business After Hours Event at Angelo’s Pizza at 404 W. Spresser Street in Taylorville. The event is hosted by Angelo’s Pizza, Diamond Brothers Insurance, and First National Bank. It’s this coming Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 and it’s an event that you will not want to miss.

Small Business Saturday is on Saturday November 30th and this year Megan Dain of Megan Dain Weddings and Events is hosting a town wide scavenger hunt with over 60 businesses involved. You can pickup a map in the US Bank Lobby located at 108 W Market St from 9-2 on Saturday November 30th.

Hornbuckle sat down with the Mayor and other city officials to discuss the upcoming one year anniversary of the December 1st Tornado and what the city should do to commemorate it. The One Year Anniversary Memorial will be held on Sunday, December 1st at the VFW located at 515 N. West Avenue in Taylorville from 2-4.
 

Hornbuckle was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The General Assembly today approved Senate Bill 667 sending the bill back to the senate for one last vote before it goes to Governor JB Pritzker, who is expected to sign the bill into law. Senate Bill 667 which is sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar would cap co-payments for insulin at $100 a month for all patients regardless of the supply they require. Senator Manar says that the high cost of insulin is hurting all kinds of people and it needed to be stopped.

Manar says this all happened from ordinary people speaking up and demanding change.

If the bill is signed into law, Illinois and Colorado will be the only states in the country to cap insulin payments.

John Stephens is the Executive Producer at The Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan and he said that they have a lot of pretty exciting things coming up including Elf – The Musical.

If you’re interested in getting tickets for Elf – The Musical, you can call the box office at 728-7375.

Stephens also discussed a project that currently he’s currently writing called, “Icons of Music – Diva’s Through the Decades.”

Stephens was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

November marks National Adoption Month. Jen Florent, who is the public information officer with the Illinois department of children and family services. Jen says that adoption is important because there are so many children looking for homes.

The “What’s Your Connection” adoption campaign helps you to tell your story, and what your connection is through adoption. Florent says a lot more people have a connection to adoption than many may realize.

Florent says that every little bit helps and even just talking about adoption, gets other people talking and thinking and it could just help a child in need.

There are over 3,300 children looking for adoption homes in Illinois. For more information on adoption call 1-800-572-2390.

Congressman Rodney Davis has some concerns about the current state of the FEC (Federal Election Commission). Congressman Davis wants to make certain that everyone who runs for office is following the rules.

Congressman Davis and a few other members of Congress were recently honored by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence for authoring a bill to encourage retailers to sell gun safes and lock boxes. Congressman Davis said that passing the bill was a good common sense thing to do.

Congressman Davis said that Democrats in Washington promised to address the serious issues facing this country and instead of working to address the student loan crisis, the rising cost of health care, and the rising cost of prescription drugs, they decided to nationalize elections and impeach the President.

Congressman Davis was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

HSHS Medical Group welcomes a new general surgeon to Taylorville. Dr. Aftab Jafri, a general surgeon, now sees patients in Taylorville. Dr. Jafri’s office is located at HSHS Medical Group General Surgery Specialty Clinic, at 1304 West Burnett Drive. He also sees patients in Decatur. Dr. Jafri says that he has wanted to be a doctor for most of his life.

Dr. Jafri says it was seeing those patients suffering that made him want to help people. Dr. Jafri is very excited to be helping and seeing patients in Taylorville.

Dr. Jafri went on to say a little about what he does as a surgeon.

For more information about Dr. Jafri and other HSHS Medical Group specialists visit HSHSMedicalgroup.org or for referral information call 329-1000.

Dinner Seasoned with Love is having their traditional Thanksgiving Dinner this coming Saturday from 11:30-12:30 at Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorville and Suzy Traughber, President of Dinner Seasoned with Love said that everyone is welcome to attend.

Dinner Seasoned with Love has been around since November of 2006 when they had their first meal. Traughber went on to say that Dinner Seasoned with Love was started to share the gospel.

Traughber said that Dinner Seasoned with Love is always looking for donations, but donations are especially welcome this time of year.
 

Traughber was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

There is history to be found all over the state of Illinois if you know where to look. The Vandalia Historic Society celebrates their past by holding Candlelight Christmas Tours. Site Representative Kim Lake explains what the event is. 

    
This is more than just walking around. Lake says there will be an opportunity to have some refreshments and dive into the history of the Vandalia Statehouse.  

The Historic Society puts a lot of effort into bringing the history of the building to life. According to Lake, there is some history involving President Abraham Lincoln.

For more information on the event, contact the Vandalia Historic Society at 618-283-1161, or visit their Facebook page.

The weather so far this year has been extremely unusual, but according to Chris Miller the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service Central Illinois office says that it’s becoming more and more typical.

Miller went on to say that the jet stream is what drives our weather and that the month of October was a time of transition.

According to Miller, the precipitation that we’ve been seeing over the past few years along with the drastic weather changes points to one thing, climate change.
 

Miller was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Senate approved legislation today that will make daylight saving time last year-round. The bill which was sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar is named Senate Bill 533. The bill would go into effect March of 2020 with the time change and than stay permanently. The idea for the bill change came from a class of students from Carlinville High School. Senator Manar says that he was happy to see the Government process work so well.

Manar says that he learned a lot about Daylight Saving Time throughout this process.

So far only Hawaii and Arizona don’t follow daylight saving time. Since time is regulated by federal law, the legislation would have to be passed to exempt Illinois, repeal or amend the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Over 35 states introduced legislation this year to end seasonal time changes. SB533 will now move to the House for consideration. 

The Taylorville School Board met Tuesday evening and while school report cards were a huge part of the meeting, the School Board also heard from the FFA who just returned from a trip to Kansas City, Missouri, showing off some of the rewards that the group had won from the trip. 

Some employees were added to some of the sports staffs including bowling, wrestling, and girls basketball. The School Board also announced dates for committee meetings for the strategic planning sessions including November 19th for finance and the building committee.  

The Taylorville School Report Cards were released by the State of Illinois. For the most part, Taylorville did quite well. The Junior High was exemplary after an underperforming in the past. Administrator Anita Brown explains that a lot goes into the rating.

You can view Taylorville’s report card, or any school Illinois by clicking here. Taylorville’s graduation rate is at 88% while the State is at 86%. Superintendent Chris Dougherty also gave her report as well and how proud she was of all the parents who showed up for Parent Teacher Conferences. 

Dr. Dougherty also talked about the recent active shooter drills and how much of a success that was with supervision from both Taylorville Fire and Police Departments.

The school also discussed the 2019 tax levy. A levy is the amount of money a school district certifies or asks, to be raised from local property taxes. Where the extension is the actual dollar amount billed to the property taxpayers in a district as determined by the county clerk. This year’s amount is roughly 13.5 million dollars. The 2019 levy is a 4.99% increase over the 2018 extension. The 2019 extension is estimated to be a $310,329 dollar increase or 2.34% from the 2018 extension.
 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the continuing needs of the Missions for Taylorville organization, and inducted a new member, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the club’s new meeting place, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Kiwanis member Pastor Bill Kerns spoke representing the Missions for Taylorville organization, an arm of the Taylorville Ministerial Association.  Kerns said the organization’s mission was originally to assist homeowners do home repairs and lawn work twice a year.  That mission was expanded after the December First tornado.

Kerns told the club that after the City of Taylorville designated the organization to donate to in assisting those affected after the tornado, it’s been a whirlwind eleven months.

All told, Missions for Taylorville has collected some 737-thousand dollars in donations from over 17-hundred donors, benefiting several hundred under or uninsured Taylorville residents in rebuilding or repairing their homes.

Kerns emphasized that while the organization has helped many homeowners the past eleven months, there are still 130 homeowners that need their home replaced or repaired, and the current Missions for Taylorville bank balance is some 57-thousand dollars.

Kerns said the group has begun a fund-raising campaign headed by Dick Adams, to raise some 500-thousand dollars to complete the work on those remaining 130 structures.   Kerns stated several times during his remarks, that Missions for Taylorville still needs donations and volunteers to complete their work.

James LeVault, an attorney with the Romano Law Firm in Taylorville, was inducted as the newest member of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, by past president Michael Evanchak.

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 their new meeting location, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

The Taylorville School Board will meet this evening for their November meeting. In old business, the board will discuss the Strategic Planning Update, there will also be a discussion of abating taxes for the 2019 year. Included in tonight's meeting will also be a consideration of worker’s compensation insurance renewal, review of the proposed 2019 tax levy, and a review of the 2019 Illinois District Report Card. The meeting will also have a Superintendent report from Dr. Chris Dougherty, claims, treasurer’s report, consideration of personnel, and an executive session. 

Gwen Podeschi is a Christian County Master Gardner and she discussed the upcoming Master Gardening training classes that start in January. Podeschi said the classes can either be taken in person or online and if you’re interested, online registration is now open.

There are a number of different classes that you would take when training to become a Master Gardener including classes on basic soils, botany, and pest and disease control to name a few.

The classes are taught by University of Illinois trained educators with University of Illinois extension and they all teach to their specialty.

Podeschi was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

A Fall snowstorm dumped over 3 ½ inches in some places in central Illinois snarling traffic, and causing cancellations, closings, and delays. Taylorville reported 3.7 inches of snow, Decatur reported 4.5, Springfield reported 1.3, and Mattoon reported 3.5 inches as well. A jack-knifed semi shut down I-72 for a good portion of Monday evening near South Jacksonville, and ISP reported over 70 vehicle crashes in the Southern Illinois area and over 170 vehicle crashes throughout the state. 

While the snow has tapered off, wind chill values across Central Illinois are supposed to remain frigid today at -7 to 3 degrees throughout the day. Roads today in Central Illinois, especially in the morning, are very slick and ISP is encouraging everyone to slow down and drive safely this morning. Turn your headlights on and give plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you. This evening’s weather forecast is calling for more of the same with a low around 11 and wind chills to remain at -1 to 9 degrees overnight. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates on weather, road conditions, closings, delays, cancellations, and everything else weather-related.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 95th district and she talked about her time on the Veterans Affairs Committee and how it was the model of bipartisanship.
 

Sometimes when Veterans and their families move they might not have the time to apply for and get occupational licenses. Bourne discussed what the Illinois General Assembly did to help make that process just a little bit easier for Veterans and their families.

Two years ago the Illinois General Assembly passed a bipartisan bill that altered the school funding formula. Representative Bourne supported that measure and she said that we’ve seen a lot of good things happen because of that new law.

Representaive Bourne was a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The 30th annual Memorial’s Festival of Trees will be held from November 23rd until December 1st at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The theme for this year’s event is “Jingle Bells and Seashells” and Program Director, Amanda Johnson says that this theme should whisk you away to beaches despite the cold temps outside.

Johnson says this event is for everyone and could help give you ideas for your own Christmas tree.

With over 200 decorated trees and wreaths, there will be plenty of activities for the whole family including the Gingerbread Village, Little Elves’ Workshop, Candy Cane Express Train, North Pole Toy Shop, the Holiday Kitchen, and of course, Santa.

For more information on the Festival of Trees, you can visit their website at www.memorialsfestivaloftrees.com.

Congressman Rodney Davis has represented the Illinois 13th Congressional District since January of 2013 and he recently announced the opening of a new VA Clinic in Bloomington and he discussed the impact that the new clinic will have for those Veterans in Central Illinois.
 

Congressman Davis went on to talk about the important work that his Veterans Advisory Council is doing including coming up with the Hire More Heroes Act that changed Obamacare to incentivize small businesses to hire more of our nation’s Veterans.

Finally, Congressman Davis discussed what he hopes that his Veterans Advisory Council can accomplish in the future and what his office has done for Veterans within Illinois’s 13th Congressional District.
 

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

The Lake Land College Community Choir will present a free holiday concert at 3 PM on Sunday, November 24th in the Lake Land College Theater. Music Instructor Nancy Caldwell, says the choir performs twice a year, but the Christmas concert is everyone’s favorite.

Caldwell says, that after all the rehearsals are complete, it is certainly special to see everyone smiling after the performance.

There will be a reception afterward for everyone.

For more information about the holiday, concert contact Nancy Caldwell at 217-234-5464 or ncaldwell@lakelandcollege.edu.

Police are urging caution and urging you to go slow throughout the rest of the day, as wind is making for hazardous conditions on the road. With snow still falling, and wind speeds that have the potential to reach 31 miles an hour, Police are asking you to turn on your lights and proceed with caution. A vehicle accident under the train underpass on Park Street leading into the City of Taylorville slowed down traffic on Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported.

Illinois State Police are warning of multiple vehicle accidents on I-55, I-74, and multiple other roads. There are especially a large number of vehicles in Logan County on I-55 between mile marker 142 and mile marker 123. Road conditions are worsening so ISP is encouraging you to please leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you, turn your headlights on, and even avoid travel if at all possible. Road conditions are not expected to improve till late afternoon. 

St. John’s College of Nursing hosted the first Nursing Pipeline Preparatory Class last week.  The class is comprised of 16 freshman high school students from Springfield area High Schools. The nursing pipeline preparatory class or NP3 class was developed by Dr. Charlene Aaron chancellor of St. John’s College of Nursing.  She wanted to help prepare high school students better for college.

Dr. Aaron said this gives kids a chance to see what these programs all entail.

The class still has yet to study wound care, suturing, and the cardiac system. Dr. Aaron says that the nice thing about having Freshmen come is that they will bring them back every year to keep the classes coming in. 

For more information on the NP3 program, call 217-525-5628 or email. NP3outreach@sjcs.edu.

Traci Cutler is a Patient Advocate at Family Drug in Shelbyville and she explained what it is that she does for her customers every single day.
 

Trying to understand Medicare can be difficult. Cutler explained how Medicare works and all the different parts to it.

Finally, Cutler went into more detail about Medicare Part D and why it’s so important to get signed up for it when your Medicare begins.
 

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

Veteran’s Day celebrations will be taking place all throughout Central Illinois today. The Holiday, which occurs on November 11th every year in the US, is commemorated on that day because it is the 11th hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 that signaled the end of World War One or at that time “The Great War” known as armistice day. The holiday was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. For a while, Veteran’s Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October, but in 1971, President Gerald Ford moved it back to November 11th. Over 18.2 million living veterans served during at least one war as of 2018. 9 percent of veterans are women. 7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War and 3 million have served in support of the War on Terrorism. Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, about 495,000 are still alive. In Taylorville, the American Legion will be hosting a commemoration. Dave Hendricks says the festivities kick off at 10 AM with Mayor Barry speaking, and the Taylorville Municipal band will play. 

Bob Ridings in Pana will be doing a free luncheon and oil change on Veterans Day. General Manager Darren Seaton says it’s the least they can do.

Seaton says this is the second year that they are doing this and that they are proud of all Veterans and want to say thank you.

Regional Radio News wants to salute both past and present Veterans for their service to this country.

Andrew Holsinger is the Horticulture Educator at University of Illinois Extension and he talked about the importance of getting your plants ready for the upcoming winter.
 

Holsinger went on to discuss what U of I Extension has done to replace the trees that were damaged in the December 1st, 2018 tornado.

Finally, Holsinger discussed the different types of barriers that you can use to protect your young plants from Deer, Rabbits, and other critters.

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

The US Army Corps of Engineers will be holding a special public meeting at 6 PM, Tuesday evening, at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center. This meeting will be held to discuss the current water control plan for Lake Shelbyville, the water control operations, and dam safety. There will also be a presentation from the engineering staff for the US Army Corps of Engineers from the St. Louis District Office, to present information about water control operations, procedures, and dam safety. 

The Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center is located east of the Lake Shelbyville Main Dam at 1989 State Highway 16 in Shelbyville. For additional information on the special meeting, contact the project office at 217-774-3951 or email lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil.

From the National Weather Service in Lincoln:

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 2 PM CST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two
  inches.

* WHERE...Portions of central and west central Illinois.

* WHEN...From 6 AM to 2 PM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions as temperatures fall
  Monday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for Illinois can be obtained on the
Internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

Taylorville’s new Industrial Park on the city’s northwest side could break ground as early as next summer, with completion by the end of the year.  That was announced at Thursday’s Christian County Economic Development Corporation annual meeting.

Phil Martin of Martin Engineering, who is project engineer, told the annual meeting that the project has all the necessary permits and easements, including an easement to allow Shelby Electric Cooperative to bury utility lines to the property.

Martin added that he expects the project to be completed in 2020, which includes roads, curb and gutter, and utilities being ran to the various tracts being marketed for sale.

Some 537-thousand dollars raised by the Taylorville Development Association, the local group that owns the park, was matched with a grant from the Economic Development Administration, to enable the project to be built.

A plat of the new park, is linked in this story on taylorvilledailynews.com.

The new Taylorville Industrial Park has been nearly 10 years in the making.

Due to the Eastern Illinois University game being held on Saturday afternoon, the Central A & M playoff game is being moved to Groovy 97.3 WRAN. The #1 Central A & M Raiders (Moweaqua) (10-0) will take on the #8 Fisher Bunnies (8-2) at 1PM from Central A & M High School in Moweaqua. Pregame with Trevor Hooth kicks off at 12:30. Eastern Illinois University will take on the Tennessee State Tigers on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR at 2 PM.

CTI is in the early stages of a large expansion and Jeff Durbin, the IT Operations Manager for CTI discussed just how hard it was to keep the upcoming big expansion a secret.

Another important part of CTI’s expansion is the telecommunications upgrade that comes with it. Durbin said that these communities likely haven’t seen any serious telecommunications upgrade in 30-40 years.
 

Durbin went on to explain what fiber internet actually is and why they’re doing is so important.

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

The Illinois House of Representatives leader, Jim Durkin, along with members of the House Republican caucus announced an ethics reform package Thursday to address what they feel is unacceptable practices through ongoing federal investigations. 

The ethics package includes House Bill 3954, HJRCA, House Resolution 588, House Bill 3947 and House Bill 3955. Representative Durkin said in a press conference today that this all stemmed from a House of Representatives Democrat, Louis Arroyo was arrested for trying to bribe a state senator.

House Bill 3954 will force full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and provide transparency for members of the General Assembly. 

HJRCA 36 will prevent political powerbrokers from picking their preferred candidates for the vacancies.  

House Resolution 588 will allow a Chief Co-Sponsor of any bill with five cosponsors from each party to call it for an up or down vote in committee. 

House Bill 3947 would ban members of the General Assembly and their families from performing paid lobbying work with local government units. Right now it’s legal in local government units such as counties or municipalities. 

Finally, House Bill 3955 will create mandatory and publicly available documentation of communications within state agencies regarding contracts.

Representative Durkin says they need to change the culture of Springfield.

Deputy Republican Leader Tom Demmer agrees that this culture is no longer acceptable in Illinois.

The General Assembly is scheduled to begin the second week of veto session on November 12th.
 

It can be a real challenge to lose weight, but Tara Nickerson program director for Physician’s Choice Wellness says that they try to make it just a little bit easier for you by offering a variety of medically monitored weight loss programs.

With Physician’s Choice Wellness they help keep you motivated to lose the weight quickly, so that you don’t get discouraged and give up.
 

Another crucial part of losing weight is the accountability factor. Nickerson said that they’re programs are successful in part due to that.

For more information and to check out the different weight loss programs that Physician’s Choice Wellness offers, check out their website, healthylifestyleweightloss.com. Nickerson appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Pana Community Hospital is welcoming two new Doctors to their staff. Dr. Andrew Ott and Dr. Leslie Anewenah. Anewenah joins the Specialty clinic Physician staff and specializes in General and Colorectal Surgery. Anewenah received his doctor of medicine degree from New York Medical College and completed residencies in general surgery and internal medicine. 

Dr. Anewenah enjoys playing table tennis, playing and coaching soccer, and volunteering on health missions abroad. Trina Casner, President, and CEO of Pana Community Hospital says that she is excited to have Dr. Anewenah as part of the staff. She says, “Dr. Anewenah will be a valuable asset to the specialty clinic physician staff and surgery team.”

Pana Community Hospital is also welcoming podiatrist, Dr. Andrew Ott. Dr. Ott completed a residency in New York and earned the highest score in the country on the American Board of Podiatric Medicine in-training exam.  He will begin seeing patients at Pana Community Hospital in Suite 103 on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays every month. 

Dr. Ott is a Hillsboro graduate and attended Blackburn College. In 2014 he graduated from Des Moines University with a doctorate in podiatric medicine and surgery. He completed his residency in New York City and focused on reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. 

Regional Radio News could not reach Dr. Ott for comment, but he said “I look forward to serving the community of Pana and the surrounding areas. My sports background will provide an added area of expertise that can help local athletes as well as general podiatry patients.” 

Dr. Ott provides service for wound/diabetic foot care, podiatric dermatology, foot trauma, fracture care, sports medicine, internal and external fixation techniques of the lower extremity, reconstructive surgery, arthroscopy, limb salvage, pediatric foot deformities, plastic surgery, and dermatopathology.

To make an appointment with Dr. Ott or Dr. Anewenah call 562-2544.  

Christian County’s Enterprise Zone expires at the end of 2021, and officials with the Christian County Economic Development Corporation have been working for the last several months on renewing and expanding the zone for further job creation.

That was part of a report given this (Thursday) morning by C-C-E-D-C executive director Mary Renner to the organization’s board of directors, at the annual meeting held at the People’s Bank and Trust meeting room in Taylorville.

Renner told Regional Radio News after the meeting, that getting the zone renewed and expanded, will mean more jobs for the county.

Renner added the proposed expanded Christian County Enterprise Zone includes some new projects in the works.

Renner emphasized the importance of the Enterprise Zone to provide new jobs.

Renner has been part of Christian County’s economic development efforts, since the C-C-E-D-C was formed in 2003.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation board of directors held their annual meeting this (Thurs) morning at the People’s Bank and Trust meeting room in Taylorville, to review ongoing economic development efforts in the county.

Some 60 people attended to hear guest speaker Senator Andy Manar tell attendees that the budget process this past spring was bi-partisan for the first time in years.

Senator Manar added that the school funding bill is in year 2 of funding the state’s over 800 school districts based on need.

Senator Manar added that the new state budget enacted last spring, also full funds county probation services for the first time in years.

The Taylorville Holiday Kick off will take place on November 9th. Sheila Yost, owner of Cottage Rose Gift Shoppe in Taylorville is excited for this event and for the upcoming open house that they will be having.  The shop will be having a 20% off sale and many other surprises.

Yost says while the draw is heavy on people from outside of Taylorville, there is a lot of new merchandise that comes in regularly, so you should come in and check it out often, especially this weekend as many of the places downtown will have different hours.

Yost also says that this is a fantastic way for you to get a jump on your holiday shopping. 

Cottage Rose Gift Shoppe is located at 110 South Main Street, Taylorville Illinois 62568.  You can get more information by calling them at (217) 824-9447.

Lake Land College is once again offering free welding classes for those who are interested in starting a new career. Kyle Sims is the Adult Education Advisor at Lake Land College and he discussed the specifics for the upcoming class.

Lake Land College isn’t just offering free welding classes, they’re also offering free GED classes for those individuals who are interested in getting their GED. Sims gave the specifics of when the classes start and where you can attend.
 

Lake Land College is also offering free CNA classes for those individuals who might be interested in a career in nursing.
 

Sims appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Citizen’s Center.

The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan is going to be busy this Holiday Season. Michelle Nolen, the Library’s Director said that they’ll be hosting multiple events at the library including an ornament auction where individuals can donate handmade ornaments that will decorate the Christmas Tree and then they’ll be auctioned off to help raise money for the library.
 

Nolen went on to discuss a new year long program that will hopefully encourage adults to read books that they wouldn’t normally read.
 

The Monday Morning Quilters will also be getting into the holiday spirit at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan. If you like to sew, you can sign up to make a Christmas table runner, but you better hurry as there is only so many available spots.
 

Nolen appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Citizen’s Center.

The Sullivan Fire Department announced that they received a significant donation from the state of Illinois in order to help the city buy a new tanker. Sullivan Fire Chief Mike Piper announced that the Sullivan Fire Protection District received a $278,335 loan that had 0% interest through the fire truck Revolving Loan Program. The state had sent out over $9.3 million dollars to fire departments throughout the state that would have 0 or low-interest loans to emergency responders throughout the state. Piper says that without the revolving loan program they wouldn’t be able to buy the tanker.

The Sullivan Fire Department has to pay back the loans within 10 years and with departments under stress to properly equip and train firefighters, receiving this money will help pay for equipment they need. Piper says that this donation was so important because the Fire Department needed this tanker to help provide water to rural areas that they protect.

Over 30 different fire and ambulance departments received aid from the Illinois Finance Authority.

Safe Passage is a program that allows addicts to come to the Police Station, at any time to get the help that they need. The program’s coordinator is Denise Evans and she discussed what Safe Passage is and how the program got started.

Judge Brad Paisley began this program in Christian County. He did so after he realized that there has to be more than to just putting these people who struggle with addiction in handcuffs. Evans went on to discuss what he wanted to accomplish by starting this program and how he went about introducing Safe Passage to the area.

Every single addict that walks through the door at Safe Passage looking for help goes through the same process. Evans discussed that process and how they go about helping them.

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

The Central Illinois Food Bank is always looking for donations, but according to Ashley Earnest, the Public Relations Manager at the Central Illinois Food Bank, this time of year and one other time of year seems to be the busiest.
 

Earnest went on to discuss what it is exactly that the Central Illinois Food Bank does and what areas it is that they serve.

Finally, Earnest discussed how you can get involved and donate to the Central Illinois Food Bank.
 

For more information or to find a Food Bank near you, visit their website, centralilfoodbank.org. Earnest appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

Lake Land College will be hosting a Laker Visit Day. The event will be held on Friday, November 22nd in the Luther Student Center starting at 9 AM and will run until noon. This event is for potential students who want to learn more about Lake Land College.

The event will feature a tour, classes that you can visit, meet current students and talk to faculty members. There will be student ambassadors and college Staff. 

To get to the Luther Student Center, take Entrance 1 from Route 45, make a right turn after the curve onto Podesta Drive, continue around campus and park in Lot E. Enter the lobby through the main entrance at the front of the building. There you will be met by Student Ambassadors. For more information or to register you can visit lakelandcollege.edu/visit or call 217-234-5377.

Lake Land college also announced that it was named one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. This is the fourth time that Lake Land has made this list. Selection in the top 15% of community colleges is based on strong and improving student outcomes especially in learning, completion rates, employment rates, and earnings.

The colleges that were named were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide.  These colleges are located in 39 states and serve as few as 500 students to nearly 75,000 students. For more information on this, you can visit aspeninstitute.org.

The Pana Community Hospital Auxiliary is having their annual Holiday Bazaar at the Pana Junior High School on Saturday, November 9th from 9-1 with vendors, homemade desserts, a raffle, and a whole lot more. Melissa Rybolt, Marketing Manager at Pana Community Hospital discussed what you can expect to find at the Bazaar this Saturday.

When the Holiday Bazaar first started, it was just a small luncheon and the auxiliary volunteers would work all year making items that could be sold. Rybolt went on to discuss how it has grown to be one of the biggest events that they put on every year.
 

Finally, Rybolt discussed the upcoming Join The Journey Event that will take place tomorrow, November, 7th from 5-6 at the Pana Junior High School Auditorium. The guest speaker is the Season 16 Biggest Loser runner up, Sonya Jones who became an inspirational speaker after leaving the show.
 

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

Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR and People’s Bank and Trust in Pana have announced their Pana High School students of the month of October.  The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes every month.

The Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR and People’s Bank and Trust students of the month are Senior Jacob Beyers; Junior Brock Schoonover; Sophomore Austin Karbach; Freshman Tessa Strom

We here at Regional Radio News salute our People's Bank and Trust Students of the month!

L - R:  Peoples Bank and Trust Representative Sarah VanHuss; Senior Jacob Beyers; Junior Brock Schoonover; Sophomore Austin Karbach; Freshman Tessa Strom

The Illinois State Police District 18 announced they had a vehicle pursuit through Montgomery, Macoupin, & Bond Counties on Monday, November 4th around 1:42 PM. Deputies from Montgomery County attempted to stop a 2003 Ford F-150 for suspicious activity and reckless driving. The vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. 

ISP District 18 Troopers joined the pursuit due to the reckless and erratic driving. ISP Troopers pursued the vehicle through Montgomery, Macoupin, and Bond Counties. Bond County Sheriff’s Department picked up the pursuit near Greenville where spike strips were successfully deployed. The vehicle traveled through several streets in Greenville before becoming disabled on IL-140 east of Greenville.

The driver, 35-year-old Christopher S. McCartney of Clinton, Missouri was arrested and taken into custody by Bond County Deputies and ISP. The driver is in custody and formal charges are pending in Montgomery and Bond Counties.  No further information is available at this time.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly business meeting, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the club’s new meeting place, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Kiwanis members reviewed various committee efforts for children and youth in the Taylorville community.

The Kiwanis board agreed that the club will partner with HSHS Medical Group in Taylorville, to provide Christmas to the children of an anonymous local family. 

Kiwanis Priority One chair Harriett Morrissey reported that some 36 Head Start children were supplied recently with coats, hats, boots, and gloves, with monies raised by the Kiwanis Club.  It was Morrissey’s last year chairing the effort after 17 years, as she is moving out of state later this year.

Kiwanis Junior High Builders Club liaison Will Perkins reported that some 34 Taylorville Junior High students have joined the local Builders Club this school year.  That club is sponsoring 2 major projects to benefit the Christian County Animal Shelter and the Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Perkins is also liaison to the Kiwanis Senior High Key Club, and he reported that some 60 Taylorville High School students have signed up for membership in the Key Club this year.   

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 their new meeting location, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Alderman Jim Olive along with Alderman Larry Budd has been operating the Gagne building and has been in charge of the supplies that are located in the warehouse. As the months have gone on the need has diminished. Alderman Olive announced at the Monday night City Council meeting that there would be a special day on November 9th where anyone could come in and pick up supplies that were there.

The Gagne Building is located at 1617 West Spresser Street. All supplies will be up for grabs other than some of the House in a box supplies that are already spoken for.  For more information on this event contact either Jim Olive or Larry Budd. 

Jennifer Verardi is the Executive Director and Transportation at the Taylorville Senior Center and she discussed some of the big events coming up at the Senior Center.

Verardi went on to discuss the upcoming Medicare enrollment and how they’ll be helping seniors with those important Medicare decisions.

Judy Gates is with the CEFS Meals on Wheels program and she discussed the specifics of the long running program.

Verardi and Gates appeared as guests on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The ACA open enrollment period for the Illinois Department of Insurance is now open. The campaign will run from November 1st until December 15th. This is a way for you to shop to find the insurance plan that fits your health care needs. There are over 140 different health insurance plans and you can choose gold, silver, and bronze. If you were already enrolled in a marketplace plan last year, you will be automatically enrolled in the same plan or one that is close and offered by the same insurer for the upcoming 2020 plan year. You should check your health plan coverage regardless to make sure that your doctors are still included in the 2020 plan year. It also helps you lower your monthly premium costs by shopping around.

Under the insurance plan, you will not be able to purchase insurance coverage after December 15th so it’s extremely important that you look now.  The only way you can get insurance after December 15th is by having a qualifying life event, such as getting married, becoming a new parent, or losing health care coverage. To get the insurance plan that’s right for you, visit the Get Covered website at https://getcovered.illinois.gov/en. You can also visit the Illinois Department of Insurance to view the 2020 analysis of the Illinois Exchange Plan at https://insurance.illinois.gov. 

Jill Williams is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Educator with the St. Louis Dairy Council and she discussed the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Williams went on to discuss the importance of a paying attention to the amount of carbs that you eat.
 

Finally, Williams discussed the importance of getting enough exercise.

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

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

Sometime during the early morning hours of Sunday, October 13, 2019,  a vehicle was damaged that was parked at 704 West Rich Street. The vehicle had several windows broken out, all four tires were slashed, the back tail light was broke, the back tail light was broke out, and the front windshield was cracked.  The vehicle was parked in the back of the residence during the time of the incident. The total dollar amount of the damage is unknown at this time. 

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

The Taylorville City Council met Monday evening to discuss water, road projects, and appoint a new Fire Chief. All Aldermen were present except for Kathy Driskell. Matt Adermann, who was the acting Fire Chief for former Fire Chief Mike Crews, was officially sworn in as Fire Chief in a special ceremony Monday night in front of family and friends. Chief Aderman was approved by the city Alderman 8-0. The planning commission had met earlier in the evening and it was voted on to send a motion to the council to take the west school investments LLC located at 300 North Elevator and zone it from R2 to C1 with some contingencies.  City attorney Rocci Romano explained what the new motion would entail for the West School Investments project. 

The motion passed 8-0.  The city also voted to approve authorizing the extension and maintenance of City Water Mains to areas outside city limits along with a few redevelopment agreements as well. The Aldermen also approved resolutions to improve west main cross from North Webster Street to Shumway and use motor fuel tax funds to improve both East Main Cross and West Main Cross. The two projects combined will cost over 1.9 million dollars.  Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry gave Mayor updates. Barry announced that negotiations will start between the City and the employees. Barry wanted to make sure everyone knows that he wants to do what’s best for his employees and the city of Taylorville. Barry said the city would be holding a remembrance of the December 1st tornado at the VFW that Sunday. 

The next city council meeting will take place on November 18th. Elli Skultetty was also honored by Mayor Barry for her hard work with her artwork and donating money to victims and Shop with a Cop.

The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatality in Macoupin County from Sunday Morning. ISP District 18 Troopers responded to investigate a fatal crash on Illinois Route 267 South of Gun Club Road in Macoupin County. At 6:29 AM Sunday Morning, a Ford Fusion was traveling southbound and a Honda Civic was traveling northbound.  The Ford crossed into the oncoming lane and struck the Honda head-on.  The driver of the Honda, 35-year-old Rebecca S. Droste of Fidelity, Illinois was pronounced dead on the scene by the Macoupin County Coroner. The driver of the Ford, 29-year-old Jurrell D. Walker of Quincy, Illinois was airlifted to Barnes Hospital with serious injuries. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation and no further information is available at this time. 

The Taylorville Police Benevolent and Protection Association is once again asking the community for help to provide a Merry Christmas for less fortunate children in Christian County.  Officer Alan Mills with the Taylorville Police Department says that this is a way to help give back to those less fortunate around the Holidays.

Mills says this part of his job is one of the most rewarding things he does.

Mills says they are taking donations now for the program.

The program is over 20 years old and nominations can be made by contacting the Taylorville Police Department at 824-2211.

Sarah Haslett is a Natural Resources Specialist with The US Army Core of Engineers and she discussed the fact that there’s not as much happening right now as there is in the summer months.

Haslett went on to discuss the construction happening at the Dam.

Finally, Erica Neighbors, who is a Park Ranger discussed the need for volunteers.

Haslett and Neighbors appeared as guests on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our studio in downtown Shelbyville.

Missions For Taylorville, is on a mission to help Taylorville. This has been especially true after the December 1st, 2018 tornado. Dick Adams along with Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry and Missions For Taylorville Director Ed Legg met with people at the Taylorville Firehouse on Friday morning. Adams announced a new fundraising campaign to continue to help people, especially those affected by the tornado as the need is still great.

Adams hopes to get the campaign, which is called “We’re Not Finished Yet” done in 90 days as there are still over 130 applications for help and the hopes of raising $500,000.

Adams says Missions For Taylorville has been a huge asset to the community along with all of those who have donated in the past.

If you would like to help Missions For Taylorville you can bring your donation to the City of Taylorville City Clerk, Julie Lilly.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting yet another vaping death. This is the third vaping death in the state. The IDPH is reporting that 166 people in Illinois ranging from 13 to 75 years old have experienced lung injuries from vaping. Another 42 cases are still being investigated.  IDPH is still investigating these illnesses and no single ingredient used in vaping products has been linked to the outbreak. The latest national and state findings suggest that products containing THC particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources have played a major role in the outbreak. Melaney Arnold, State Public Information Officer for the IDPH, says that trouble breathing after vaping is the first sign that there is an issue.

As of October 31st, IDPH has received 46 preliminary lab results on vaping products and nearly half of them tested positive for THC nearly 40% had vitamin E acetate. The FDA is continuing to test these products. Cases have been reported in 32 counties including Macoupin, Sangamon, Dewitt, and Marion. For more information visit the IDPH website.

Over 140 people attended Saturday night's Christian County CEO Murder Mystery Dinner at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.  The event was a fund-raiser for the 17 students enrolled in the program, to provide them funding to begin their own business which will be introduced at next May's CEO Trade Show.

The Christian County CEO Program creates entrepreneurial opportunities for Christian County high school seniors, to learn business skills and network with business and civic leaders in the county.  Classes are held each school day from 7:30 to 9am, at locations outside of school.

Learn more about the program at christiancountyceo.com.

Daylight saving is Sunday morning and that means it’s time to set your clocks back. While most people are happy to get that extra hour of sleep, many people may not know why daylight saving time even exists. According to webexhibits.org, daylight saving time started in Europe due to World War 1 and an effort to conserve fuel. The US didn’t adopt the plan until 1918 and it was observed for seven months in 1918 and 1919. Many people objected to the new law, mainly because people rose earlier and went to bed earlier than they do today and daylight saving time became a local option. It was continued in a few states like Massachusetts and Rhode Island and in cities like New York and Chicago. Because this was a local practice different cities and towns had different times. This was a real burden to broadcast stations who had to publish new schedules quite often due to the changing times. 

The transportation industry looked to change daylight saving time to make it more uniform. After talking to many telephone operators, they realized that someone could take a 35 mile stretch of highway from Moundsville, West Virginia to Steubenville, Ohio and change time 7 different times. 

The rules changed in 1966 when Lyndon B. Johnson created Daylight Saving Time. Any state that wanted to be exempt could do so. The only states that don’t follow it are Hawaii and Arizona. 

Daylight Saving Time in Illinois ends at 2 AM on Sunday, November 3rd. 

Ashley Belle is the Environmental and Energy Stewardship Educator at The University of Illinois Extension office and she talked about the important topic of radon gas.
 

Belle went on to say that radon gas can enter the home in a variety of different ways.

Finally, Belle discussed how dangerous radon gas can be.
 

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

Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois has named its new President. Dr. John A. Scherschel of Prairie Cardiovascular in Springfield has been named the fourth president in the group’s 40-year history.  He succeeds Dr. Marc E. Shelton. Shelton was named Vice President and Chief Physician Executive of Hospital Sisters Health System in March.  Dr. Scherschel says he is excited about this new opportunity.

Scherschel is impressed with the amount of technology that is being used now in cardiac care.

Scherschel says he hopes to extend the reach of Prairie throughout more and more communities in Illinois.

Scherschel took the role of President effective October 21st after the Board of Directors approved it.  He will continue to see patients in a limited capacity.

November is National Diabetes Month and the Taylorville Memorial Hospital is hosting an event on Tuesday November 5th, 2019 from 5:30 until 8:00 that’s all about helping you. Janelle Cornell is a Clinical Dietitian at Taylorville Memorial Hospital and she said that the speakers start at 6, but they’ll be there starting at 5:30 if you want to get your blood sugar or blood pressure checked.

The first speaker is Pharmacist Stephen Salisbury who is there to help diabetics understand the medicine that they’re taking and to discuss some potential alternatives.

One of the other speakers, according to Cornell, will be Kathy Levin who will be discussing the importance of a plant based diet.

For more information or to register visit taylorvillememorial.org or call 217-824-1601. Cornell appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Police Department has nominated it’s first Good Deed Winners for the Month of October. 8-year-old Tanner Ross and 13-year-old Elli Skultety won the awards for October. Officer Kirsten Bolinger of the Taylorville Police Department says that Tanner Ross helped a stranger, and a new friendship was forged from that meeting.

Bolinger also wanted to award Elli Skultety for her hard work with helping raise money towards tornado relief and Shop With A Cop.

Bolinger says the Taylorville Police Department is looking for nominations every month.

Congrats to Elli and Tanner for their selfless good deeds from Regional Radio News!

Elli Skultety holds one of her designs

The Christian County LEAD (leadership excellence achieved by design) Program will be held starting in mid January, but registration is now open. The twelve-week program has been an annual event since 2005 and it is run by the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and Sarah Van Huss, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Chamber of Commerce is excited to get started.

Van Huss said that during the twelve week program you not only learn a lot about yourself, but you learn a lot about Christian County and a lot about the individuals taking the class with you.
 

Finally, if you’re interested in signing up for the LEAD program, the cost is $199, but if you register before November 8th, you’ll receive a 10% discount.

For more information you can visit taylorvillechamber.com/lead. Van Huss appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show.

With Daylight Saving Time approaching on Sunday, The Office of the State Fire Marshall along with your local Fire Department, and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) are reminding you to change the batteries in your smoke alarm. The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2012 and 2016, 3 out of every 5 home fire deaths in the U.S. resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. In fires where the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, more than 2 out of every 5 of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries. Nicholas Zepin with the Taylorville Fire Department says that changing your batteries in your smoke alarm is extremely important, even if they aren’t dead yet. 

The Illinois General Assembly has worked hard to push through new laws that will replace smoke alarms with a new smoke alarm that has a 10-year sealed battery. Zepin says this goes into effect in 2023. “The new law doesn’t take effect until January 1, 2023. It will require Illinois residents to upgrade their homes to the new 10-year smoke detectors.” Zepin says, “They’re manufactured with internally sealed batteries that are worry and maintenance-free. We encourage all residents to upgrade as soon as possible as it just makes your home that much safer” 

Zepin also says that smoke alarms are one of those things that nobody thinks about until you actually need it around.

For the long term 10 year battery alarm, there is no need for battery replacement, which could save homeowners up to $60 in battery costs. At the end of the ten years, the smoke alarm will automatically alert the homeowner to replace the alarm. 10-year battery smoke alarms range between $15-$20.