Some 150 people attended Saturday night's Christian County C-E-O Winter Banquet at the Pillars Event Center in Taylorville.  The banquet, which included donated items that were sold with both live and silent auctions, was the program's winter fund raiser in order for the 16 C-E-O students to each have some one-thousand dollars in seed money to begin their business which will be featured in the program's May trade show.

Taylorville auctioneer and C-E-O board member Joe Curvey rotated the live auction duties with Drew Mickey, and 8th grade student at Taylorville Junior High School, whose goal is to become an auctioneer.  Here's a litte of Drew's auctioning of an item.

Christian County C-E-O facilitator Dick Adams told Regional Radio News the banquet was entirely organized by the local C-E-O students to raise money for the class.

Keep up with the Christian County C-E-O by going to their web site, christiancountyc-e-o-dot-com.

Penny Arthur is the Supportive Employment Supervisor at the Moultrie County Counseling Center and Nina Harris is the Employment Specialist at the Moultrie County Counseling Center and they joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Sullivan to discuss where you can find them in Sullivan, their employment program, and how they find potential employers for their clients who are looking for work.

Penny Arthur started out by discussing where you can find them in Sullivan.

Arthur went on to discuss their employment program. 

Finally, Nina Harris talked about how they find potential employers for their clients who are looking for work.

Penny Arthur and Nina Harris were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Center in Sullivan.

Over 2 years of work culminates this Sunday afternoon for Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  Officials there are holding an Open House for the public, at their new 60-million dollar building that will be the new home for patient care, from noon til 5 Sunday.  The Miller Media Group Radio Stations will broadcast live, and the community is invited to see T-M-H's new home.

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association announced that it will be awarding over $50,000 in scholarships for college throughout Illinois for the 2020-2021 academic year. The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books, and fees. Shelby County Sheriff Don Koonce will be awarding one $500 scholarship to a Shelby County resident. 

In order to apply for a scholarship, applicants must be permanent Illinois residents, utilize the scholarship at an institution of learning in Illinois and must be enrolled as a full-time student during the 2019-2020 school year. 

Applications are now available at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 151 North Morgan Street in Shelbyville or on the internet at www.ilsheriff.org. All applications must be postmarked by 4 PM on March 15th. 

For more information, please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, your high school advising center, or college financial aid office.

A new state Policy that allows convicted undocumented immigrant felons to be released back into the community is facing scrutiny from many lawmakers and the Illinois Sheriffs Association. 

Lawmakers received notifications from Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE whenever undocumented inmates that served time at an IDOC facility for felony convictions were being released. IDOC stopped the transfer of these inmates in January of 2020 releasing them into the public. State Representative Avery Bourne spoke at a press conference on Tuesday about the most recent change. 

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp announced at the press conference that 17 convicted felons were released in Christian County without law enforcement knowing. He also called it a very serious public safety issue. 

There were 223 undocumented felons that were transferred in 2019. Those individuals were composed of 36 individuals who had sexual offenses against minors, 11 individuals that were found guilty of murder or attempted murder, 19 individuals that were found guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault, 33 individuals that were found guilty of a criminal offense involving a weapon, 50 individuals that were guilty of drug offenses for something other than cannabis, and 55 that were found guilty of felony-level traffic offenses including aggravated DUI, a 4th DUI or a DUI resulting in death. 

Representative Bourne is encouraging everyone to call the Governor’s office and tell them to reverse this policy.

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association urges Governor Pritzker to reconsider the policy as well and enable IDOC to coordinate with its partner in law enforcement and criminal justice.

Jett Vickery is the Vice President of the Taylorville Future Farmers of America and Lance DeClerk is the Sentinel and they joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week to discuss the application process to become an officer with the Taylorville FFA, why they decided to join the Taylorville FFA, and about some of the amazing opportunities that are available to FFA members.

Vickery started out by discussing the application process to become an officer with the Taylorville FFA.

DeClerk went on to discuss why he decided to join the Taylorville FFA.

Finally, Vickery talked about some of the amazing opportunities that are available to FFA members.

Jett Vickery and Lance DeClerk were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week.

Memorial Health System announced fantastic numbers from its 30th annual Festival of Trees. The event raised more than $400,000 and more than 32,000 people attended the event. More than 1,000 volunteers staffed the nine-day event and Amanda Johnson, event manager for the Memorial Medical Center Foundation said it was very successful.

Johnson says that the event wouldn’t have been nearly as good without the continued support from the volunteers and sponsors.

Since 1989 the festival has raised over $5.5 million. Proceeds are used to fund grants focused on education, research technology, and patient care.

The 31st annual Festival of Trees will be held November 21st through the 29th. The Gala will be held on Saturday November 14 and the theme will be “Bling in the Season.” 

Peoples Bank and Trust alongside WTIM have announced the Taylorville High School Students of the Month for February. Senior Jackson Tex; Junior Rachel Sharer; Sophomore Mia Lane; and Freshman Alyvia McCullough. Congratulations to the Taylorville Students of the month for February.

L - R: PBT Representative Jordan Ruppert; Senior Jackson Tex; Junior Rachel Sharer; Sophomore Mia Lane; Freshman Alyvia McCullough; PBT Representative Laura Dudley

Chase Temmen is the President of the Illinois Association Future Farmers of America Section 19 and the reporter for the Pana High School FFA and Amanda Hall is the Pana FFA Chapter President and they joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week to discuss why they decided to become a part of the Pana High School FFA, what their favorite part of FFA is, and the work that they do in the community.

Amanda Hall started out by discussing why she decided to join the Pana High School FFA.

Chase Temmen went on to discuss what his favorite part of FFA is.

Finally, Temmen discussed the work that the Pana FFA does in the community.

Amanda Hall and Chase Temmen were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week.

The Taylorville Police Department is helping out with cell phones for both senior citizens and victims of domestic violence. The Taylorville Police are taking part in the 9-1-1 cell phone bank. This program helps give out used phones to senior citizens so that they have a direct line to 911 and can reach them in case of an emergency. Taylorville Police Officer Kirsten Bolinger explains.

While cell phones for senior citizens can only reach 9-1-1, the city is also helping out with donating live cell phones to victims of domestic violence.

Officer Bolinger says the support for the program has been fantastic.

For more information on the program contact the Taylorville Police Department or visit the cell phone bank website at www.911cellphonebank.org. 

Ella Forlines is the President of the Central A&M Future Farmers of America, Hunter Mott is one of the Vice President’s of the Central A&M FFA, and Maddie Thompson is the Sentinel of the Central A&M FFA and they joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week to discuss why they decided to become a part of the Central A&M FFA.

Ella Forlines started out by discussing how everyone comes from different backgrounds and a different reason for joining FFA.

Hunter Mott went on to discuss his farming background and how that led him to join the FFA.

Finally, Maddie Thompson talked about how she doesn’t come from a farming background, but joined anyway after she was told that FFA isn’t just about farming.

Ella Forlines, Hunter Mott, and Maddie Thompson were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week.

A law that was signed by Governor JB Pritzker to combat crime is actually hurting middle and lower class gun owners. This is the message that is being sent by State Representative Avery Bourne. The bill that was signed into law was the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act. This act created new, duplicative licensing costs and new regulations in an effort to prevent the selling of guns used in the commission of crimes. 

Bourne filed House Bill 5032 in an effort to amend the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act which not only hasn’t done a good job of preventing the selling of guns to criminals, it has hurt honest and hardworking gun store owners forcing many to close their doors.

Representative Bourne filed Bill 5032, calling the original legislation an extreme overreach into the constitutional right of Illinoisans. 

Representative Bourne says that once again we run into an issue where there are more laws on law-abiding citizens while people that don’t follow the law will continue to try to find ways around it.

The bill remains in House Speaker Madigan’s Rules Committee and has not yet been assigned to a substantive committee for a hearing.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the Taylorville Jr High Kiwanis Builders Club officers, during their weekly luncheon recently at the club’s new meeting place, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Builders Club President, Ellie VanHuss; Vice President, Ella Kother and Treasurer, Hagen VanHuss spoke about the many projects that they have been working on this year.  They had a display during Christmas in the Park, had a donation drive for the Christian County Animal Shelter, and participated in the annual Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast.  The week of March 23-27 they will be having a snack sale in which the proceeds will be used to purchase items for the Loving Arms Crisis Center.

Advisor Lynn Rice told Kiwanis members that the Builders Club at Taylorville Jr High has close to 40 members this year.  As members of the Builders Club, they have pledged to better their school, their community, their nation and themselves and they continue to work on these goals.  

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.

CAPTION TO PIX:  Taylorville Kiwanis Liaison Will Perkins (right), along with Builders Club members Hagen VanHuss, Treasurer; Ella Kother, Vice-President; Ellie VanHuss, President, and Lynn Rice, Kiwanis Builders Club Advisor were recent program speakers at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Moose Lodge.

A Taylorville man who is accused of hitting a pedestrian with his car appeared in court on Tuesday. 20-year-old Preston Newingham appeared in custody with public defender Tiffany Senger. A preliminary hearing was held. A preliminary hearing is held to find if there is probable cause to hold a defendant. After listening to testimony from Detective Rob Thomason, probable cause was found. Newingham waived formal arraignment, plead not guilty, and requested a trial by jury. No trial date was set yet, but the next pretrial was set for March 24th. 

A bond hearing was conducted. The court found that a bond was necessary and set bond at $500,000. Newingham is accused of hitting a man with his car at the intersection of Adams and Clay in Taylorville on January 27th. 

The city of Taylorville along with Mayor Bruce Barry is encouraging all residents of Taylorville and Christian County to be part of a Census Complete Count Committee.  The committee will meet sometime during the week of March 9th and March 13th. With the 2020 census fast approaching, the city needs your help with completing the census. For more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 287-7946. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this event as it comes closer.

The February meeting for TRIAD will take place Thursday morning at the Taylorville Fire Department from 9-11 with snacks and refreshments. TRIAD is not an acronym, it’s for the three founding members, AARP, the International Association of the Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriff’s Association. Fireman Nick Zepin will be there to give a presentation on fire and fall prevention. Taylorville Police Officer Kirsten Bolinger explains more about what TRIAD is. 

For more information on TRIAD visit their page on Facebook.

The Illinois State Police is reporting multiple accidents in Sangamon, Logan, Montgomery, and Christian Counties. Slideouts have happened on I-55, I-72, and multiple state roads. The ISP is reminding you to drive slowly, and only be on the roads if you have to be. Always make sure that you drive with your headlights on and leave space between you and the driver in front of you. 

Nearly ½ of all Illinois residents are burdened with health care costs and prescription drugs. A new survey taken by the Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey in January found that 54% of respondents are either “worried” or “very worried” about paying for prescription drugs and 28% of Illinois residents have rationed or gone without medication due to the skyrocketing cost of prescription medication. State Senator Manar says that the conversations are the same whether you live in Chicago, Springfield, or Pana.

Senator Manar says that the system needs to change and it starts with legislation.

Manar has announced new legislation, House Bill 3493, to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, which would review data on drug prices and set new payment limits for state-regulated plans.

The survey found that both liberal and conservative Illinoisans showed support for legislation to address price raising and being able to have some consistency with the drug industry.

Phase 1 of the modernization project at Taylorville Memorial Hospital is nearing completion. A new two-story building will be open for business on March 11th.  The $60 million dollar project’s second phase will be completed in March of 2021. That phase will include a new hospital kitchen, cafeteria, and administrative offices and conference rooms.  

Currently, the hospital is updating it’s 25-beds to make both inpatient and outpatient care safer, more comfortable, more convenient and more efficient. The new addition is a two-story, 97,000 square foot building and will have a new lobby, emergency department, areas for surgery and radiology, and the Springfield Clinic Medical Office Building. 

President and CEO Kim Bourne says this is a big improvement for the community.

The slogan for the project is “Advancing Care by Design,” and Bourne says that safety and care are first and foremost when it comes to the patients at TMH.

With a new hospital comes new technology, and with this being a major expansion during the technology era, it allows the hospital to build things with technology at the forefront.

The public is invited to an open house from Noon until 5 PM on Sunday, March 1st. This will give the public an opportunity to see areas of the hospital that you may not normally get to see. The tour will take about half an hour and you can view the new rehab gym, see the areas where EKGs will be done and much more.

New Reception Area along with offices and areas of care.

One of the new waiting areas.

The new rehab room at TMH.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club advisor, along with 2 Key Club members, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the club’s new meeting place, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Kiwanis Key Club advisor Nate Howard, along with freshmen Key Club members Sophie Robinson and Macie Richards, said that the high school club, which is sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club, has been involved in many community projects this school year, including clean-up at Lake Taylorville, a winter coat drive to provide coats to teachers for needy students in their classes, Trick or Treating for UNICEF, bell ringing for the Salvation Army, and delivering Meals on Wheels, among many others.

Howard told Kiwanis members it's satisfying to be the Key Club advisor.

Macie and Sophie were both members of the Taylorville Kiwanis Junior High Builders Club, which is why they decided to join the T-H-S Kiwanis Key Club.

Advisor Howard told Kiwanis members that the Key Club at Taylorville High School has between 35 and 40 members, and it's his goal for the club to help make them leaders in the community.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club also presented Howard and the Kiwanis Key Club, a check for 500-dollars, to go towards several club members' attendance at the upcoming Key Club Leadership Conference in Springfield next month.

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.

Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club advisor Nate Howard (right), along with Key Club members Sophie Robinson (left) and Macie Richards (center), were Tuesday's program speakers at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Moose Lodge.

Taylorville Kiwanis Club president Sarah Van Huss (left) presented a $500 check to the Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club, to go toward attending the Key Club Leadership Conference in Springfield next month, at Tuesday's Taylorville Kiwanis Club meeting.  Accepting the check for the THS Kiwanis Key Club were members Sophie Robinson (2nd from left) and Macie Richards (2nd from right), along with Key Club advisor Nate Howard (right).

Amy Graham is a Registered Nurse and the Director of Senior Life Solutions at Taylorville Memorial Hospital and Tavia Jones is a Counselor with Senior Life Solutions and they joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss what Senior Life Solutions is, what problems they work to address, and the brand new area that they have to work in.

Graham started out by talking about what Senior Life Solutions is.

Jones went on to discuss what problems they work to address.

Finally, Graham and Jones talked about the brand new area that they have to work in.

Amy Graham and Tavia Jones were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

A dangerous intersection in Sullivan will be getting converted into a 4 way stop. The intersection of Illinois 32 and Bruce-Findlay road will be converted into a 4 way stop after IDOT finished a rural safety assessment. The study had been conducted after multiple accidents. One of which included a 56-year-old woman and a 5-year-old child that was killed in September after an SUV hit a school bus. Senator Chapin Rose says that this has been a long time coming.

The intersection had recommendations for either a four-way stop, additional markings, or increasing enforcement.

The Moultrie County Board approved the changes. The process is expected to begin immediately.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about the recent Business After Hours that took place at Cottage Rose Gift Shoppe in Taylorville, the next Business After Hours that will take place at Neal Tire and Auto on Wednesday, March 18th, and the upcoming CEO Banquet that will take place on Saturday, February 29th.

Hornbuckle started out by talking about the recent Business After Hours that took place at Cottage Rose Gift Shoppe in Taylorville.

Hornbuckle went on to discuss the next Business After Hours that will take place at Neal Tire and Auto on Wednesday, March 18th.

Finally, Hornbuckle talked about the upcoming CEO Banquet that will take place on Saturday, February 29th.

Patty Hornbuckle was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Christmas in the Park in Taylorville that was held in December of 2019, proved to be quite successful as the numbers were released at the park district meeting that was held on Monday evening. There were over 4,950 cars that went through the event, with it raising nearly, $15,300.  Bailey Hancock, recreational director of the Park District, says that she was quite pleased with the turnout.

Hancock says that wrapping trees really helped bring in people and she was pleased with all the wonderful comments from viewers.

Usually Christmas in the Park runs a little longer as in 2018 there were 19 days, but Hancock explains that that is because of where Christmas fell this year.

2018’s Christmas in the Park ran for 19 days and 5,757 cars with donations of $15,660.

The Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway and Park District met on Monday evening. The board approved the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 operating budget. The real discussion came over a storm sewer that is going to be built from Franklin Street and run straight west down Franklin to Jaynes Street and then down the south edge of Jaynes Park. Jim Olive, who runs the Taylorville Street and Sewer Department Committee, stopped by the meeting to explain.

Park District attorney, Quinn Broverman had some concerns on behalf of the board, especially over an apparent lack of communication as nobody was aware that the city was already in the planning stages of doing this project.

It was determined that the pipe would be 24 inches round. The board tabled everything until they had more time to review what all the storm sewer would entail. Maintenance Supervisor, Gary Brown, says that they are still working on clearing trees from the pond but the weather always plays a factor.  Recreational Director Bailey Hancock says that they are starting to work on summer plans and to look for lifeguards for the pool for the summer.  To see the full meeting click here.

Kim Wiley is the Director of Marketing at the Shelbyville Manor and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss how the Shelbyville Manor has been serving the Shelbyville community since 1962, what types of services they provide, and the Garden Court which is an Alzheimer's and Dementia care neighborhood.

Wiley started out by talking about how the Shelbyville Manor has been serving the Shelbyville community since 1962.
 

Wiley went on to discuss what types of services they provide.

Finally, Wiley talked about the Garden Court neighborhood at Shelbyville Manor.

Kim Wiley was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway and Park District will hold their monthly Board Of Trustees meeting at the Manners Park Office Board Room this evening at 7 PM. Jim Olive, with the Taylorville Street & Sewer Department, will be there to meet with the board, and the board looks to adopt the fiscal year 2020/2021 operating budget as presented. 

Under reports, there will be reports from the maintenance supervisor, Gary Brown. There will be a report from office administrator/secretary MaryAnn Becker, and a report from recreational Director Bailey Hancock. For committee reports, the finance committee will look for the approval for payment of bills and a possible executive session.

For more information on the meeting, contact MaryAnn Becker at 824-3110.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about what the LEAD Program did at the Taylorville Correctional Center last week, how the Taylorville Correctional Center is different from other minimum security prisons in Illinois, and what they learned when during their visit.

Hornbuckle started out by talking about what the LEAD Program did at the Taylorville Correctional Center last week.
 

Hornbuckle went on to discuss how the Taylorville Correctional Center is different from other minimum security prisons in Illinois. 

Finally, Hornbuckle talked about what they learned when during their visit.
 

Patty Hornbuckle was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

With viruses like the coronavirus and the flu running rampant throughout parts of the world, it has never been a more important time to practice good hygiene. Nothing does a better job of prevention than washing your hands. According to the CDC, there have been over 175,000 Americans sickened by the flu so far this year and nationwide more than 100 children have died from the flu this season alone. 

Tina Barton, who is an infection preventionist at OSF HealthCare Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac says that while getting the vaccine helps, practicing proper hand hygiene can go a long way towards keeping yourself healthy. 

The CDC recommends a five step handwashing process: wetting hands with clean running water, lathering soap on hands including under nails, scrubbing at least 20 seconds, rinsing hands, and then drying them with an air dryer or clean towel.

As always avoid close contact with people who are sick, sneeze or cough into your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about how some of the changes he has made since taking over as Police Chief, how the City of Taylorville is a safe city, and the importance of the USDA Grants.

Chief Wheeler started out by talking about some of the changes he has made since taking over as Police Chief.

Chief Wheeler went on to discuss how the City of Taylorville is a safe city.

Finally, Chief Wheeler talked about the importance of the USDA Grants
 

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

A 2019 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked farming and ranching as the 7th most dangerous occupation in the U.S. There were 257 fatal injuries and 280 non-fatal injuries reported last year for farm and ag workers. Good Day’s Work is trying to reduce those numbers by providing a resource to train employees beyond meeting OSHA requirements to build a culture of safety on the farm.

According to Marty Huseman, Safety Director for a Good Day’s Work, it was difficult to find training relative to agriculture. Good Day’s Work set out to create more than 30 different types of real-life scenarios on actual farms to talk about all aspects of safety, and that includes grain bin safety…tape

Huseman says that farmers should never enter a bin with moving grain, and there should be a lock-out tag-out system in place on the farm as well. Air quality is also important when it comes to grain bin safety…tape

Aside from harnesses and a gas monitor, Huseman says another tool you should have with you is ear protection, especially when you’re around during the drying process…tape

To learn about how Good Day’s Work and providing video training for your operation, visit gooddayswork.ag.
 

For over 5 years, Landmark of Taylorville has been helping the Tornado Sports Boosters. Whether it be from 1st downs during football season, or three points that were made during basketball season, Landmark Of Taylorville donates for both. At Dolph Stanley Court in Taylorville, on Friday night at a home game vs the Lincoln Rail Splitters, General Manager, Bill Pinkston presented a check to the Taylorville Sports Boosters for $1800. Pinkston says that it is a great honor to be able to be involved with Taylorville Sports.

Between helping the Sports Boosters and giving back to the community, Pinkston says they like to help with all of Taylorville Sports.

Landmark of Taylorville is located at 1531 West Springfield Road in Taylorville. 

The Taylorville Fire Department responded to a structure fire Friday afternoon. At 12:45 PM, the Taylorville Fire Department arrived to the 800 block of East Elm and found a fire burning up an exterior wall. The Fire Department worked quickly to put out the fire and in so doing, prevented major damage to the home. The Fire Department continued by ventilating the smoke from the inside and no injuries were reported.  We here at Regional Radio News, salute you Taylorville Fire Department for your continued hard work.

Picture's Courtesy: Taylorville Fire Department Facebook Page

The Christian County Coroner’s Office and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are investigating a death that occurred in the Deer Run Campground Area near Edinburg. On Wednesday evening at 9:18 PM, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office received a call to locate a suicidal male subject. 

Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois State Police Air Operations, and Pawnee Fire and Rescue all responded to the Sangchris Area to attempt to locate the individual. On Thursday morning at 1:20 AM, the male was found deceased in a wooded area. 

Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans identified the body as 26-year-old Percy D. Wubker of Tovey. Toxicology is pending. There is no indication of foul play. 

Madison Delks is the Community Outreach Coordinator at Lake Land College and Jani Merryman is the Adult Education Coordinator at Lake Land College and they joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Sullivan to discuss a brand new free manfucturing skills class that they’ll be hosting at the Workforce Development Center in Mattoon on Tuesday, March 3rd at 9am, why if you’re thinking about a career in manfucturing you will not want to miss this class, and the upcoming GED classes at 8 different locations starting the first week of March.

They started out by discussing the brand new free manfucturing skills class that they’ll be hosting at the Workforce Development Center in Mattoon on Tuesday, March 3rd at 9am.

They went on to discuss why if you’re thinking about a career in manfucturing you will not want to miss this class.

Finally, they talked about the upcoming GED classes that will take place at 8 different locations starting the first week of March.
 

Madison Delks and Jani Merryman were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Center in Sullivan.

Lincoln Land Community College and Memorial Health System have announced a partnership to help address the nursing shortage in Illinois. This partnership will allow LLCC to expand its class size by 90 additional students thanks to an approximate $6.1 million gift from Memorial Health Care.

President of LLCC, Dr. Charlotte Warren, talked a little more in-depth about the collaboration.

The potential reach of this partnership won’t be localized to one area. As Dr. Warren explains, there is a lot of overlap in communities between LLCC and Memorial Health System, which means there are plenty of places for new and aspiring nurses to practice. 

Dr. Warren says the gift allows LLCC to have more space to take on more students, but that is not the only benefit that allows them to increase class size.

Students interested in enrolling at LLCC can get more information by calling 786-2445. 

Richard Glazebrook is the Mayor of Sullivan and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Sullivan to discuss what he’s doing as Mayor to bring business to Sullivan, why things are moving a little slow at the moment in regards to bringing new businesses to town, and what he’s doing to address the pot hole problem in town.

Glazebrook started out by discussing what he’s doing as Mayor to bring business to Sullivan.
 

Glazebrook went on to discuss why things are moving a little slow at the moment in regards to bringing new businesses to town.
 

Finally, Glazebrook talked about what he’s doing to address the pot hole problem in town.
 

Richard Glazebrook was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Center in Sullivan.

A former Taylorville man is the alleged victim of excessive force by a Riverton Police Officer. According to Sangamon County State’s Attorney Daniel K Wright, Grant D. Peterson of the Riverton Police Department has been charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct of former Taylorville resident and current Mechanicsburg resident, Jacob Melton. If convicted Peterson faces up to 5 years in prison. If found guilty of each count each sentence would be concurrent.

The indictment alleges that on February 5th, 2020, Peterson “made contact of an insulting or provoking nature to Jacob Melton” in that Peterson “grabbed Jacob Melton by the neck and headbutted Jacob Melton.” The indictment continues saying that Peterson’s conduct caused bodily harm to Melton. 

Taylorville Attorney Tom Finks who is Melton’s attorney says that he indeed has injuries from the incident.

Finks says that there’s also something called a Section 1983 lawsuit.

Peterson’s bond was set at $5,000 (10% to apply). Peterson was able to post bond and was released Wednesday afternoon. Attorney Finks released a press release commending Riverton Police Chief James Lawley, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department, Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Riverton City Attorney for their fairness, honesty, transparency, and integrity.  The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to remind the public that all indictments are only charges and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Ted Walk is the Superintendt of the Sullivan Community Unit School District #300 and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Sullivan to discuss how one parent started the Sullivan Supply Group to help meet the needs of Sullivan teachers, how they’re dealing with flu season, and a recent school improvement day.

Walk started out by discussing the Sullivan Supply Group.

Walk went on to discuss how they’re dealing with flu season.
 

Finally, Walk talked about a recent school improvement day.
 

Ted Walk was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from the Moultrie County Senior Center in Sullivan.

The Taylorville Tree Recovery Team is continuing to raise funds to help homeowners who might still be looking for trees after the December 2018 tornado. Barb Grabner-Kerns and Kellie Hamell with the Taylorville Tree Board are leading the charge to help plant trees. These trees will be on a first come first-served basis. Barb says the Taylorville Tree Board is continuing this year because of how successful last year’s organization and generous donations from last year.

Kerns says that you can pick up an application for replacing trees either online or at Davis Memorial Church in Taylorville at 1500 West Franklin. You can fill out an application until April 1st.

Kerns says there are ways you can help with donations as well.

Kerns is hoping to have the next round of trees planted in connection with Arbor day on April 24th. For more information on the Taylorville Tree Recovery Team, contact Barb Grabner-Kerns at barb4trees@ctifiber.com.  

Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss his belief that Bernie Sanders will be the Democratic nominee for President, his hope that independent voters will be scared off by Sander’s policies, and if Mike Bloomberg has any chance at stealing the nomination away from Sanders.

Congressman Davis started out by talking about his belief that Bernie Sanders will be the Democratic nominee for President.
 

Congressman Davis went on to discuss his hope that independent voters will be scared off by Sander’s policies.
 

Finally, Congressman Davis talked about if Mike Bloomberg has any chance at stealing the nomination away from Sanders.

Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Shannon Shallenberger is the Early Childhood Coordinator at Shelbyville Community School District #4 and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Shelbyville to discuss developmental screenings that will take place in March at the Lutheran Church on 12th Street in Shelbyville, the importance of having your child screened, and what it is that they’re looking for during the screening.

Shannon Shallenberger started out by discussing the upcoming developmental screenings that will be taking place in March.
 

Shallenberger went on to discuss the importance of having your child screened.
 

Finally, Shallenberger talked about what it is that they’re looking for during the screening.
 

Shannon Shallenberger was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

When Governor JB Pritzker gave his budget address it was immediately met with concern from House Republicans. Concern over more spending, money being taken from areas where it is most needed such as education, and using funding as a bully tactic were some of the issues Republicans were concerned about. Representative Avery Bourne was very disappointed that the budget will be out of balance due to waiting for the vote on the graduated income tax.

State Representative Brad Halbrook also voiced his displeasure at the Governor mocking the new Illinois movement.

State Senator Chapin Rose gave his thoughts on the speech agreeing with some points but questioning when democrats are going to stop asking for more money. 

State Senator Dale Righter called Governor Pritzker hypocritical stating that he is doing the same thing he accused his predecessor of—holding schools infrastructure spending and small owners budgetarily hostage by proposing that if his tax increase isn’t approved, school funding and tax refunds would be reduced.

Debbie Johnson is the Volunteer Coordinator at Taylorville Memorial Hospital and Shadaye Weissmer is with the Central Illinois Community Blood Center and they both joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the upcoming blood drive on February 27th from 11am until 6pm at the Christian County Extension Office, the requirements to donate blood, and about the critical need for blood donations.

Johnson started out by discussing the upcoming blood drive on February 27th.

Weissmer went on to discuss the requirements to donate blood.

Finally, Weissmer talked about the critical need for blood donations.

Debbie Johnson and Shadaye Weissmer were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Governor JB Pritzker gave his budget address on Wednesday, announcing that he has full optimism in the future of Illinois. Pritzker praised Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Treasurer Michael Frerichs for their hard work in getting the fiscal house in order. Pritzker says there will be two options that the state can move forward in and they all hinge on his graduated income tax that he has been pushing. 

Governor Pritzker says that they plan on adding money back to the reserves in the budget stabilization fund or the “rainy day fund,” which he says was wiped out by his predecessor. Governor Pritzker promised $100 million over the next 16 months and he is also predicting over 46 million dollars in cannabis funds in the fiscal year.  The Governor says that the graduated income tax will be better for Illinois than the flat tax. 

Governor Pritzker says that if the graduated income tax doesn’t take effect, the economy and with it the budget will move at a much slower pace. The biggest question will be what happens if the graduated income tax doesn’t pass the vote from Illinoisans. Pritzker says that education funding will only get a minimal increase if the vote doesn’t pass. Pritzker finished his speech as he began with optimism for the future.

The whole speech was around 40 minutes long and was broadcast live on NEWSTALK WTIM.

Charlie Brown is the Principal at Central A&M High School and at Gregory Intermediate School and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about FFA Week, the community breakfast that ends FFA Week each year, and Comic Con event that the Superhero Club will host on April 4th.

Charlie Brown started out by discussing FFA Week and the community breakfast.
 

Brown went on to discuss how the program has been so successful over the years.
 

Finally, Brown discussed the Superhero Club and the Comic Con event that they will be hosting on April 4th.

Charlie Brown was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss a recent bill that he sponsored that ensures that all Veteran’s families living overseas have the opportunity to cast their vote, the importance of rural broadband, and why companies that take federal money for rural broadband need to be held accountable if they don’t deliver what they promised.

Congressman Davis started out by talking about a bill that he sponsored that ensures that all Veteran’s families living overseas have the opportunity to cast their vote.
 

Congressman Davis went on to discuss the importance of rural broadband.
 

Finally, Congressman Davis talked about why companies that take federal money for rural broadband need to be held accountable if they don’t deliver what they promised. 

Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Governor JB Pritzker is set to give his Annual Budget Address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly Wednesday. Illinois had enacted a balanced Fiscal Year 2020 budget in June of 2019 for the fiscal year that began on July 1st of 2019.  The Illinois House is looking at the budget for the fiscal year of 2021. Jim Durkin met with members of the press during a capitol press conference. Durkin says that due to a bipartisan effort they were able to reach a balanced budget but they must look forward.

Durkin continues to look forward saying that to reach the success they have they cannot add any new taxes.

Durkin says that the budget has an impact on the economic development for Illinois as well.

The full budget address can be heard on NEWSTALK WTIM at noon.

Melissa Rybolt is the Marketing Manager at Pana Community Hospital and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the importance of having a family physician, how you’re much more likely to end up with an expensive emergency room bill if you don’t have a family physician, and how lucky Pana is to have such wonderful providers in the community

Rybolt started out by talking about the importance of having a family physician.

Rybolt then went on to discuss how you’re much more likely to end up with an expensive emergency room bill if you don’t have a family physician.
 

Finally, Rybolt talked about how lucky Pana is to have such wonderful providers in the community.

Melissa Rybolt was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

A family is pulling together as a baby fights for his life. Tristan Payne of Charleston Illinois took her son Brock to the hospital on February 6th with what Tristan thought was a cold, but it got worse throughout the day and Doctors in Charleston made a startling announcement; he had RSV. Tristan was shocked. Brock was taken to Carle Hospital in Urbana where he’s been ever since. 

This wasn’t the first time Tristan had dealt with RSV, but it was the first time where Tristan had to have one of her children go to the hospital. Brock was born premature and doctors told Tristan that 90% of the babies that Carle Hospital has to intubate are premature babies. She has found peace and comfort through God and through the support of her family.

Right now, everything is stable for Brock. He is fighting a slight bacterial infection, but doctors continue to try to bring down the oscillator from the level that it was at. According to Tristan, Brock isn’t out of the woods yet but he continues to get better day by day. Tristan wants to make everyone aware that a simple sniffle can be very deadly to an infant.

For more information and to follow Brock’s story, check out Brock Brave on Facebook by clicking here. Brock is the grandson of Miller Media General Manager Kami Payne.

WSVZ and Family Drug Shelbyville have announced the Shelbyville High School Students of the Month for February.

One person from each class is picked for the Student of the Month. This month's students are Senior, Carson Beyers; Junior, Kyla McConnell; Sophomore, Tanner Koehler; and Freshman, Georgia Davis. 

We here at Regional Radio News Salute you, the February Students of the Month for Shelbyville. 

Family Drug Representative Jessie Reed, Senior:  Carson Beyers, Junior:   Kya McConnell, Sophomore:  Tanner Koehler, Freshmen: Georgia Davis 

Jon Vonderheide is the Commander of American Legion Post 611 in Stewardson and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Shelbyville to discuss the upcoming Dinner and Auction at the Stewardson Community Center on February 22nd. The auction is open to the public and starts at 7:30. Vonderheide went on to discuss some of the items that will be available in the auction, and how everything in the auction was donated.

Jon Vonderheide started out by discussing the upcoming Dinner and Auction to raise money for a new building.

Vonderheide went on to discuss some of the items that will be available at the auction.

Finally, Vonderheide talked about how everything in the auction was donated.

Jon Vonderheide was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the Charitable Trust Grant Program that’s administered by the Illinois Treasurer’s Office and he discussed who the program was designed for, how the program works, and one of the charities that has been most helped by this program.

Treasurer Frerichs started out by discussing who the program was designed for.

Treasurer Frerichs went on to discuss how the program works.

Finally, Treasurer Frerichs talked about one of the charities that has been most helped by this wonderful program.
 

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

The Christian County Board will meet on Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Taylorville High School Cafeteria. You can enter the school at the Cafeteria West Door from Knute Rockne Drive. The Board will be introduced to Benjamin Jacobi-O’ Halloran Kosoff Geitner & Cook, who is the new special counsel for Christian County. For resolutions and ordinances, there will be a zoning board of appeals ordinance discussion on solar and WECS ordinances. There will also be a discussion on the CEFS renewing the Community Partnership Agreement. 

Under committee meetings, the highway, building, grounds, environmental, zoning, and welfare committee met on February 10th. There will be courthouse and elevator updates, highway business, and animal control updates. The executive, personnel, liquor, and legislative committee didn’t meet in February. The audit, finance, purchasing, and budget committee met on February 13th. The board will approve claims. State’s Attorney Mike Havera will be requesting additional salary for the Assistant States Attorney Position. 

Under new business, there will be a discussion of the ordinance in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Taylorville to use City Hall. Tom Snyder, Tom Fergin, and Frankie Blanchfield will be reappointed for terms for the CC Water Reclamation District. The next County Board meeting will take place on March 24th, 2020. The meeting has been moved due to the March 17th, primary. For any questions, contact Janet Bland, assistant to the County Board at 824-4011.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the proposed tent fee increase, the proposed use of the hotel/motel tax to fix up the four cabins at the lake, and how they’re going to have to eventually dredge the lake.

Mayor Barry started out by discussing the proposed tent fee increase.

Mayor Barry went on to talk about how they want to use the money raised by the hotel/motel tax to fix up the cabins at the lake.

Finally, Mayor Barry talked about how eventually they’re going to have to dredge the lake.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The University Of Illinois Extension Office is focusing on the upcoming garden season. The best way to do that is to plant seeds indoors. Planting seeds indoors takes proper planning and correct conditioning. In order to know all the steps and what the best seeds to use, the University of Illinois Extension Office will host a Starting Seeds Indoors Workshop held at the Christian County Extension Office which is located at 1120 North Webster Street.

Andrew Holsinger, who is a U of I horticulture educator, will be teaching the class. He will present a variety of techniques and tips for starting seeds indoors. The cost for the program will be $5 which also includes handouts and you are encouraged to preregister by visiting extension.illinois.edu/cjmm. You can also call 287-7246. You are asked to register by March 3rd. 

This program will take place on Thursday, March 5th from 1:30 PM until 3 PM. The U of I Extension Office provides practical education that helps people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. For more information on the program call 287-7246.

The Taylorville City Council meeting will be held on TUESDAY  at 7PM at the Municipal Building not Monday due to President's Day. For the full article click here.

Jon Vonderheide is the Commander of American Legion Post 611 in Stewardson and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Shelbyville to discuss what the American Legion is, a recent change to the American Legion membership rules that opened up membership to more veterans, and where things currently stand membership wise at Post 611.

Jon Vonderheide started out by discussing what the American Legion is.

Vonderheide went on to discuss a recent change to the American Legion membership rules.

Finally, Vonderheide talked about where things currently stand in regards to membership at the American Legion Post 611.

Jon Vonderheide was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

While it may seem we are having some warmer weather, you never know when “ole man winter” is going to rear his ugly head and dump 1-2 feet of snow on you. When you can’t get out of your driveway because of snow, and your snowblower doesn’t work then you have to pull out your shovel and that can cause injuries. 

According to Dr. John Hafner, who is an emergency medicine physician at Saint Francis in Peoria, more than 195,000 people are injured every year due to accidents from snow shoveling. The majority of those accidents are back, head, broken bones, or even heart attacks or strokes. Shoveling snow can increase risks because of excess exertion coupled with the cold weather. While these risks are usually for people older than 55, younger people get injured from the improper shoveling technique.

Another risk from Hafner is ice, which can lead to broken bones or head injuries.

You are encouraged to wear enough clothing when going outside in winter, as it doesn’t take a long time before skin exposure can lead to frostbite. For more information on snow shoveling and how to stay safe when you do it click here.  

Freddie Fry is the Director of the Shelby County Office of Tourism and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Shelbyville to discuss how spring is coming soon and that means the visitors guide is coming soon. Fry also discussed all of the work that goes into the visitors guide each and every year.

Freddie Fry started out by discussing how spring is just around the corner and that means the visitors guide will be coming soon.

Fry went on to discuss the partners that they work with on the visitors guide.

Finally, Fry discussed why they decided to start doing the visitors guide themselves.

Freddie Fry was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

The Taylorville City Council will meet Tuesday evening at 7 PM at the Municipal Building. After approval of minutes, the Council will discuss some ordinance changes including Chapter 15 of Title 3 of the City Code which talks about liquor licenses and video game terminals; along with amending a different section of the Taylorville City Code discussing boat docks; and another ordinance discussing the relationship between the City of Taylorville and the Economic Development Group. The City Council will also discuss approving an application for a USDA Grant for a new police vehicle.

In Committee Reports, Emergency Services will recommend allowing Fire Chief Matt Adermann to apply for a State Fire Marshall Grant. There will also be a recommendation for forwarding the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with the City of Charleston for billing for the Taylorville Fire Department Services. 

Under Personnel, there will be a discussion on bidding a Laborer position and a Marina Clerk position for the Lake Department.

Under Lake and Airport, a discussion will take place for increasing tent camping charges from $5 to $10 a day, using the hotel/motel tax fund for improvements of cabins at the lake, and allowing the Airport Manager to renew the annual Service agreement. 

There will also be a treasurer and Mayor update and any comments from the public. 

Shane Schuricht is the Superintendent of Shelbyville Community Unit School District #4 and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live in Shelbyville to discuss issues that Illinois has when it comes to school construction funding, a recent task force that the Governor created to address the problem, and the need that Shelbyville has for a new elementary school.

Shane Schruricht started out by discussing school construction funding.

Schuricht went on to discuss a task force that was created to help address the problem.
 

Finally, Schuricht talked about the need that Shelbyville has for a brand new elementary school.

Shane Schuricht was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Jonathan Len is a country artist who visited the Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR morning show to help spread the word of a new song of his. The song is called You’re All I Need, and prior to the official release, WMKR listeners got a first listen on Valentine’s Day.

Len spoke of why he chose Valentine's day to get this song to the public.

Sometimes songs take time to develop, but this one was special. According to Len, the idea came to him out of the blue.

Every songwriter has goals for their songs and through a combination of good fortune and a reaction from his producer, Len hopes this song is played at weddings for a long time.

Len appeared as a guest on the Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR morning show.

A Taylorville Police Officer had a scare Thursday evening after assisting a motorist who was having car trouble. Officer Christian Nelson of the Taylorville Police Department was helping a vehicle and parked behind them. A video released of the footage shows that as Officer Nelson walked back to his car, a vehicle was driving way too fast and almost collided head-on with oncoming traffic driving on the outside of the other lane to avoid hitting vehicles. The vehicle hit a guard rail and pulled over after. The driver stated that they were having brake problems.  Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler along with the rest of the Taylorville Police Department reminds you to move over slow down and pay attention, especially when you see flashing lights.  Scott’s Law, which requires you to slow down and move over, has gone up in fines and fees in 2020. To see the video of the incident click here. 

Denise Evans is the Coordinator of the Safe Passage Program in Taylorville and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss what she does on a daily basis, who Safe Passage was created to help, and a recent long form video interview that they created recently to explain what Safe Passage is.

Denise Evans started out by discussing what she does on a daily basis.
 

Evans went on to discuss who Safe Passage was created to help.

Finally, Evans talked about a recent long form video interview that they created recently to explain what Safe Passage is.

Denise Evans was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed new legislation clarifying state law when it comes to employees and their tips. The law amends the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. This law states that gratuities are the property of employees, not employers. Michael Kleinik who is the Director of the Illinois Department of Labor says that the new law leaves no doubt that gratuities belong to the workers who earned them.

The law requires gratuities to be paid to employees within 13 days after the end of the pay period during which the gratuities were earned. Employers are required to pay tipped workers a minimum of 60% of the state’s minimum wage.  That wage rose to $9.25/hr on January 1st and will keep going up until it reaches $15/hr in a few years. Tips and wages combined must be equal to at least the minimum wage. 

If you are a worker or employer who has a question regarding Illinois Wage payment or the collection act, you can call the Illinois Department of Labor at 312-793-2800.  You can also email DOL.Questions@Illinois.gov.

Lake Land College in Mattoon will be hosting a Broadcasting Communication Open House at the College Radio Station Studios in March.  There will be free food and hands-on fun. You can broadcast will be live on WLKL 89.9 The Max Alternative. You will also get the chance to anchor a newscast or use equipment in the TV production control room and studio, you can record and listen to your own audio spots, and you can operate state of the art cameras and video equipment along with digital editing software. Greg Powers, who is the Broadcasting Communication Studies Instructor, says that this is a chance for people to see what all of the excitement in broadcasting is.

Powers says that broadcasting programs stay on the cutting edge of technology and social media which is so important in today’s radio industries.

Prospective Radio Broadcasting majors are being invited to the event, but everyone is also invited as well.

The event will take place on March 27th from Noon until 2 PM. For more information on the open house, contact Greg Powers at gpowers@Lakelandcollege.edu or call him at 234-5335.

Jennifer Franklin is a board member of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the LEAD Program’s visit with locally elected officials in Pana, what they learned, and what the LEAD Program will be doing next week at the Correctional Center.

Jennifer Franklin started out by discussing the LEAD Program’s visit with locally elected officials in Pana.
 

Franklin went on to discuss what they learned while talking with the elected officials.
 

Finally, Franklin discussed what the LEAD Program will be doing next week.

Jennifer Franklin was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Office! A Musical Parody will be coming to Effingham Performance Center on Friday, February 14th. Devina Sabnis who plays Kelly Kapoor in the musical graduated from Syracuse University and she is from South Brunswick, New Jersey. Sabnis says that the musical focuses on the best moments of the nine seasons.

Sabnis says that she got into the tour while she was taking classes.

There have been many incredible experiences on the North American Tour, but Sabnis says that she has such a great time with the rest of the cast. 

For more information or to get tickets visit https://www.the-epc.org/. Sabnis appeared as a guest on the Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR Morning Show.

Pastor Mark Bjornbak (Be-Yorn-Bach) is the brand new Pastor at First Baptist Church in Sullivan and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss why he decided to enter the ministry, how God has led him to places where people need to be cared for, and his work in the private sector.

Pastor Bjornbak started out by discussing why he decided to enter the ministry.

Pastor Bjornback went on to discuss how God has led him to places where people need help.
 

Finally, Pastor Bjornbak discussed some of his work in the private sector.
 

Pastor Mark Bjornbak was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

1,245 miles. That’s the distance from Northern Minnesota to Florida. Why is that significant? Because one man is making a difference by walking it. 62-year-old Jerry Meadows is walking from Minnesota to Florida to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. 

A former veteran himself, Meadows is trying to raise awareness of the countless number of veterans who still need help. He is currently in Dewitt, Iowa and finishing up the first leg of his journey which began in March and consisted of walking over 315 miles. During that time Meadows has raised over $11,000. Meadows says he’s doing it because of all the work that Wounded Warriors do for families.

Meadow’s started out in Bemidji and still has about $1,000 miles to go. Meadows doesn’t have an easy trek on this route. He carries oxygen with him as well.

Meadows hopes if all goes well to get to Florida by September or October of 2020. Meadows has enjoyed all of the nature that he has seen on his trip and encourages everyone to shake a veteran’s hand.

For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project, and for the work that Jerry Meadows is doing, you can visit his website at bit.ly/2EdXW26 .

CORRECTION TO THIS STORY: ORIGINALLY IT WAS LISTED AS BEING IN DEWITT, ILLINOIS AND HE IS ACTUALLY IN DEWITT, IOWA.

Dorrie Jankowski is the owner of the Sullivan Bakery and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss what they’re doing for Valentine’s Day and why they decided to purchase the Sullivan Bakery.

Dorrie Jankowski started out by discussing what they have available this Valentine’s Day.
 

Jankowski went on to discuss something new that they’re doing this Valentine’s Day and that’s heart shaped donuts.

Finally, Jankowski discussed why they decided to purchase the bakery.
 

Dorrie Jankowski was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Restless Heart will be playing a concert at the Effingham Performance Center on Saturday, February 15. The band is in its 35th year of existence and the original five members will be performing at the EPC. 

Lead singer of the band Larry Stewart feels blessed that they’ve had such a long career together.

Central Illinois isn’t too far away from Stewart’s hometown, which makes performing here a special time.

Stewart spoke about the songwriting process, saying that they were fortunate to start when they did as opposed to nowadays when it’s a lot harder.

For tickets to the February 15th Restless Heart concert, you can call Effingham Performance Center at 540-2788. Stewart appeared as a guest on the Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR morning show.

Dr. Chris Dougherty is the Superintendent of the Taylorville Community Unit School District #3 and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the school cancelation process and some updates that they made to the school curriculum.

Dr. Dougherty started out by discussing what goes into the school cancelation process.
 

Dr. Dougherty went on to discuss how they want pathways for all of the students that attend Taylorville CUSD #3 to either earn or learn after they finish high school.

Finally, Dr. Dougherty discussed some changes that they’ve made to the curriculum for next year.
 

Dr. Chris Dougherty was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County YMCA has elected a new president. Adam Vocks, will take over as new president for former board president Dan McNeely. Jeff Robinson will be the Vice President, Jennifer Nagle was appointed as Treasurer and Raedena Ryan was chosen as secretary. Leaving the YMCA Board will be Matt Beavers, J.I. McDowell, Melissa Rybolt, and Duane Stock. Three new board members were also nominated and approved. Chris Dougherty, Tyler Nation, and Drew Peabody will come on board. Vocks says he is excited to be the new Board President.

Vocks says they have some big plans for the YMCA.

Vocks is happy to have so many members on the board that he has good relationships with and is eager to continue the work from former Christian County YMCA President Dan McNeely.

Other members on the 17 member Board of Directors include Steve Youngblut, Rick Bonitzer, Alan Lockwood, J.C.Olive, Raedena Ryan, Tony Suggs, Dan McNeely, Jennifer Nagle, Jarred Rahar, Adam Vocks, James Kirk, Jeff Robinson, Harold Smedley, and Clint Hohenstein.

Pictured are new Christian County YMCA Board Members; Tyler Nation, Chris Dougherty, and Drew Peabody.

Pictured are retiring Christian County YMCA Board Members J.I. McDowell, Melissa Rybolt, and Duane Stock. (Not PIctured, Matt Beavers).

A Mattoon man has been found guilty of two counts of attempted murder and one count of home invasion after an incident on February 4th of 2019. 33-year-old Alvan Booths of Mattoon, Illinois will face sentencing in April. 

Moultrie County State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver could not be reached for comment but did put out an official press release. She stated that evidence of the case showed that on February 4th, 2019 Booths unlawfully entered the Sullivan home of Otha Phillips and Holley Simmons. Mr. Booths proceeded to shoot Mr. Phillips in the neck using a firearm. Mr. Booths than attempted to shoot Ms. Simmons but the firearm jammed, at which time, Mr. Booths fled the scene.

Officers with the Sullivan Police Department, Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office, Mattoon Police Department, and Illinois State Police helped out with the investigation and eventual arrest of Mr. Booths. 

Weaver said in the press release that it was a complete team effort and she was very thankful for the efforts of everyone involved. 

 

“This was a team effort across departments and counties, and I am thankful for the efforts of all involved. The investigation into the incident did not simply stop with the arrest of Mr. Booths, as countless hours were spent by investigators and departmental staffs over several months. This case is an excellent example of the dedication and proficiency of the officers who worked this case.”

 

Mr. Booths will now face sentencing on April 7th, 2020 at 1:30 PM. 

Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans released information concerning the autopsy for 61-year-old David L. Lowis of Morrisonville. The autopsy was conducted on Tuesday. February 11th in Bloomington. Preliminary autopsy results showed that Mr. Lowis died from suffocation due to engulfment of corn grains in a grain bin. Toxicology testing is pending for the final report and will be available in a few weeks. Mr. Lowis was pronounced dead Monday morning on the scene of a farm where he had been working in rural Morrisonville after he fell in a bin full of corn.  The investigation is still being handled by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Christian County Coroner’s Office. 

Gwen Podeschi is a Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension Office and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss why now is the time to start planning what you’re going to plant in your garden, why now is the time to get started with your cool crops, and about how to care for your Valentine’s Day flowers.

Podeschi started out by talking about why now is the time to start planning your garden.

She then went on to discuss why now is the time to get started with your cool crops.

Finally, Podeschi talked about how to care for your Valentine’s Day flowers.

Gwen Podeschi was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Dr. Chris Dougherty is the Superintendent of Schools at the Taylorville Community Unit School District #3 and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the recent success that the Jazz Band has had, the success that the FFA had in Iowa, and some of the changes with the 2020-2021 school district calendar.

Dr. Dougherty started out by discussing the recent success that the Jazz Band had.

Dr. Dougherty went on to discuss the success that the FFA had in Iowa.

Finally, Dr. Dougherty talked about some of the changes with the 2020-2021 school district calendar.

Dr. Chris Dougherty was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

While there are many different kinds of fat, some good and some bad, the bottom line is people need body fat for many reasons. Fat supports your organs, stores energy, and helps build organs. The problem comes in when you have too much fat. This kind of fat is called visceral fat. Ricki Hickok, an exercise physiologist from Saint Anthony Medical Care explains that visceral fat is different from regular body fat.

There are many different kinds of contributing factors to visceral fat. Visceral fat has also been associated with a number of health problems including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

All is not lost, however. There are many ways for you to do something about visceral fat before it becomes a problem. Experts recommend getting your weight under control. One way to do that is to work out for 150 minutes a week including walks, aerobics, and resistance training. 

For more information on visceral fat and the effects on your body, talk to your local physician. 

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss her top three priorities for the upcoming legislative session which are to have a real balanced budget, ethics reform, and redistricting reform. Bourne went on to talk about why she hopeful that redistricting reform can get done, and the recent Gas Station Attendant Act proposal that would make it illegal to pump your own gas in Illinois. Representative Bourne started out by discussing her top three priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

Rep. Bourne went on to talk about why she is hopeful that redistricting reform could possibly get done.

Finally, Bourne discussed the controversial Gas Station Attendant Act.
 

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Illinois Attorney General is warning Illinois residents of phone scams in which callers pose as representatives of the Social Security Administration, the Illinois State Police, and other public utilities. There are also similar scams via email and of course romance scams as Valentine’s Day approaches.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul says that phone scams involve scammers spoofing phone numbers, which cause other caller ID devices to display making it look like a legit phone call when in reality it’s not. These scammers will claim they are collecting on a debt but usually want gift cards, wire transfers, or to have you give up confidential information in order to avoid losing benefits, be arrested, or potentially “have your utilities shut off.” Attorney General Spokesperson Anne Thompson says to always try and verify the identity of whoever you are talking too.

The Attorney General’s Office is also warning of valentine’s day scams which scammers target victims on dating apps or through social media.  According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams stole more than $143 million in 2018. Thompson says that one-way scammers get you is by telling you they live far away and they need money for travel expenses or medical expenses.

If you have been scammed or need to report a scam do so on the Attorney General’s website or call the consumer fraud hotline at 1-800-243-0618.

Gwen Podeschi is a Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension Office and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss a few upcoming events including an event on February 22nd called Gardening Insights 2020 and another event on Wednesday, March 4th called the Gateway Green Conference.

Podeschi started out by discussing the Gardening Insights 2020 event.

She then went on to discuss some of the different sessions that are available at the Gardening Insights 2020 conference.

Finally, Podeschi talked about the upcoming Gateway Green Conference.
 

Gwen Podeschi was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the upcoming Constituent Coffee events that will be taking place throughout the 95th district over the next few weeks, what it is that she usually gets asked at these events, and the 2020 legislative survey. You can fill out the legislative survey and get the schedule for the Constituent Coffee events by visiting repbourne.com.

Representative Bourne started out by talking about the upcoming Constituent Coffee events.

Rep. Bourne then discussed what she usually gets asked at these events.
 

Finally, Bourne discussed the importance of the 2020 Legislative Survey.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

In 1970, the Taylorville Tornado’s defeated the Pana Panthers 11-10 in a double-overtime nail biter, that included a quarter where Taylorville didn’t even touch the basketball. The winning basket was made off of a last-second free throw as time expired. Chuck Martin, was Taylorville’s lead scorer of that game, and both Taylorville and Pana were recognized at halftime at Dolph Stanley Court in Taylorville for the  Saturday Taylorville-Pana basketball game. Martin says he was happy to see everyone for the mini-reunion.

The 11-10 game almost didn’t happen.  The score which is believed to still be a record in the Illinois High School Association for the lowest total score of a game ever, only happened because of a charge.

Andy Lovekamp hit the winning free throw for Taylorville as time expired. Martin said the place was packed and no one came into that game expecting a defensive showdown.

The players, coaches, and managers were honored at halftime. Taylorville defeated Pana in the High School game 53-50.

Jason Bauer is the Superintendent of Schools at Pana Community Unit School District #8 and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to why he decided to get into education and some of the recent renovations at the Junior High School.

Bauer started out by talking about why he decided to work in education.

He went on to discuss the work that they were able to get done at the Track and on the Football field.

Finally, Bauer discussed some of the recent renovations in the Junior High School.

Jason Bauer was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

February is American Heart Month. HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is recognizing heart disease and hoping to increase awareness of its effects throughout the month. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Symptoms can vary widely. Some heart disease goes undetected until an event like a heart attack or sudden death. Doctors warn to always take preventative measures.

Some measures that you can take include watching your weight, quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure, drinking alcohol in moderation if you do drink, and getting active and eating healthy. 

Simple things like regular exercise, walking, and getting a support group can go a long way towards your fight against heart disease.  For more information contact HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, or talk to your physician.

The Taylorville School board met on Monday evening to discuss old business, new business, and some potential curriculum changes. A packed house was on hand got treated to the jazz band who was invited by Dr. Dougherty to perform for the board as they arrived. The Jazz Band was one of only five high school jazz bands selected to perform at the Illinois Music Education Conference. The FFA was also recognized on achieving state degrees. THS Principal Matt Hutchison talked about some of the curriculum changes that were going to take effect especially involving the scale that THS uses.

Hutchison also mentioned some changes to graduation.

Dr. Chris Dougherty gave updates on the new School Resource Officer which will start for the next school year.

In her updates, Dr. Dougherty reports that the school has seen growth in the reading assessments. Dr. Dougherty reports that the school continues to look at data and adjust accordingly.

The Christian County Coroner has released information regarding a death investigation. On Monday morning, at 10:44 AM, Christian County 9-1-1 received a call from rural Morrisonville in reference to a male subject trapped in a grain bin. At the time of the call, only the victim’s hand was visible to the caller. 

Responders to the scene worked to shovel corn from the bin and eventually a hole was cut in it in order to locate and free the male subject. Emergency personnel from Morrisonville Police, Morrisonville Fire, Morrisonville Ambulance, Taylorville Police, Taylorville Fire, Dunn’s Ambulance, and Christian County Sheriff’s office all responded and assisted at the scene. 

The male was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Coroner Amy Calvert-Winans has identified the male as 61-year-old David L. Lowis of Taylorville. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday in Bloomington. The investigation is being handled by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Christian County Coroner’s Office.

Ariel Short is the Director of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about membership dues, the advantages of Chamber membership, and the February member of the month Spruce Street Studios.

Short started out by talking about membership dues.

She went on to discuss the advantages of being a member of the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, Short talked about the February member of the month, Spruce Street Studios.

Ariel Short was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

When you think of sports, you may not think about officiating, but officiating plays an integral role in the gameplay of sports. Chris Durham has been a referee in central Illinois for over 6 years and continues to enjoy it. Durham has been named the Big Smile For The Community Award for February.  Durham says the love for the sport is why he does it.

Durham says that they are always looking for more people to help out with refereeing.

Durham also wants athletes to know that they need to keep working at it and to never give up.

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

Ed Lacheta is the Clinical Director of Shelby County Community Services and he joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about the topic of Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as SAD including what it is, its causes, and treatments.

Lacheta started out by explaining what Seasonal Affective Disorder is.

Lacheta went on to talk about the causes of SAD.

Finally, Lacheta talked about some potential treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Ed Lacheta was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

The Central A&M Girls basketball team celebrated their Senior Night on Thursday, and it was a busy night. Between honoring the seniors and celebrating Channing Reed scoring her 1000th career point, there was quite a bit going on. 

Not be lost in the shuffle was a visit from Dream Catchers Special Olympics, who played scrimmages during halftime of both the Junior Varsity and Varsity games. Fans were asked to donate money towards the program, with a final total of $1,120.75 being sent to Dream Catchers.

Following the game, Central A&M coach Tom Dooley talked about the teams' five-year history with the program, and the success within the community.

The Lady Raiders defeated Warrensburg-Latham on Senior Night by a score of 51-37.

Ashley Florey is the Natural Resources Specialist at the US Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville and she talked about the 2nd annual St. Louis District Conference that was held at Lake Shelbyville and Florey discussed that it’s alright that everyone does things a little bit different.

Florey started out by discussing the conference.

She went on to talk about how every project does something different and how everybody does things just a little different.
 

Finally, Florey talked about why the conference was a unique experience.
 

Ashley Florey was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

The Taylorville Community Unit School District will meet for their regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, February 10th at 7 PM at the Administration Education Center at 512 W. Spresser Street in Taylorville. There will be a school resource officer update, as Taylorville School hopes to get a second resource officer. A strategic planning update and ongoing updates of policy administrative procedures will be discussed under old business. 

Under new business, Memorial School will have a school report, the fiscal year 2021 calendar will be approved. There will be consideration of the school district’s auditor for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2021. The board will also consider the appointment of Bushue Human Resources Services. Superintendent Chris Dougherty will also give an update.

The treasurer will give a report along with consideration of personnel and consideration of an overnight trip request for the cheerleading team to attend camp in Edwardsville on July 13-15, 2020. Claims and considerations and approval of minutes along with thanks from the board in multiple communications.

The meeting is open to the public and Regional Radio News will have full coverage on WTIMTV.

Jennifer Franklin is a Board Member of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about a bunch of upcoming events including the upcoming Spring Swing event that will take place on March 7th and the brand new Sunshine and Shopping in the Vil event that will take place on March 13th and 14th. Franklin also talked about the fact that she got involved with the Chamber because she has so much invested in Taylorville.

Franklin started out by discussing the Spring Swing.
 

Franklin went on to discuss Sunshine and Shopping in the Ville.
 

Finally she talked about why she decided to get involved with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Franklin was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

University of Illinois Extension Environmental and Energy Stewardship Educator, Ashley Belle, told the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show about the variety of speakers at the upcoming Soil and Water Webinar that will take place on February 20th and how certified crop advisors can get continuing education credits by attending. Belle also told the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show about how the Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program is developing a Cover Crop Grant Program to increase the adoption of cover crop usage in Illinois.

Belle talked about the variety of speakers at the upcoming Soil and Water Webinar.

She went on to talk about how certified crop advisors can get continuing education credits.

And, Belle told us about some funding opportunities through the Illinois SARE Program.

Ashley Belle was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Joey Curvey, James Boettger, Tyler Chesser, and Griffin Lilly from the Christian County CEO Program joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about what they learned about local business service and accountability. They also discussed the upcoming CEO Winter Banquet that will take place on February 29th at 6pm at the Pillars Event Center.

Curvey started out by talking about what you can expect to find at the upcoming Winter Banquet.

Boettger talked about what they learned about local business service.
 

And, Boettger told us about how he learned to be more accountable.

Joey Curvey, James Boettger, Tyler Chesser, and Griffin Lilly were all guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Police Department is warning of a Facebook scam that involves Facebook and Facebook Messenger. Taylorville Police says that the person was contacted by an old friend who hadn’t talked to them in a while on Messenger. 

The scammer spoke with the person in a way that didn’t raise any alarms. They then were sent a link that ended up going to a different person and was then asked to download an app to receive money. Other personal and identifying information was asked during this scam. It turns out that the scammer was using an account that belonged to a deceased individual and the person was unaware that it wasn’t who they thought it was. Luckily no money was transferred due to the family finding out and stopping it. 

The Taylorville Police are hoping you will talk to your loved ones and prevent becoming a victim. If it seems to good to be true it probably is, and always think before you give your personal information out online. For more information contact the Taylorville Police Department at 824-2211. 

The Christian County Senior Center Executive Director is Jennifer Verardi and the CEFS Meals on Wheels Program is run by Judy Gates. Gates and Verardi joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to discuss the upcoming Valentines Day party that will take place on February 13th, the upcoming trips that will be taking place throughout the month of February, and a brand new peer support group that will also start on February 13th.

Gates started out by talking about the upcoming Valentines Day party.

Verardi went on to list off the upcoming trips that will be taking place throughout the month of February.
 

Finally, Verardi discussed the brand new peer support group.

Judy Gates and Jennifer Verardi were both guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Moultrie County Health Department Administrator Angela Hogan and Registered Nurse Kim Swinford joined the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show to talk about the #1 killer in the United States, heart disease. They discussed the causes of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking.

Swinford started out by talking about the first major cause of heart disease, high blood pressure.

She continued on by discussing how smoking is another leading cause of heart disease.

Finally, Swinford talked about obesity and how it connects to heart disease.

Angela Hogan and Kim Swinford were both guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Land of Lincoln Credit Union donated gift cards to the Pana Police Department as a way to help support the community in a spirit of goodwill. LLCU gave $1,000 in LLCU Visa Gift Cards to the Pana Police Department. Pana Police Chief Daniel Bland was on hand to accept the gift. Chief Marketing Officer Cayla Hittmeier says that this is a way to help Pana Police continue their efforts to help the community and spread goodwill.

Hittmeier also says that this is a good way for LLCU to help the community as well and that this goes hand in hand with what Pana Police are trying to do.

Police Chief Daniel Bland could not be happier about the support from the community and from LLCU.

LLCU Staff gave Chief Bland the award on Thursday morning.

FROM L-R Justin Roley (LLCU Regional Manager, Sharon Smith (LLCU Branch Manager), Pana Police Chief Daniel Bland, and Brittany Eakle (LLCU Loan Officer)

John McQuillan is the Live Well Fitness Manager at Pana Community Hospital and he talked about how we tend to see goals as something that’s all the way at the other end of the field.

McQuillan went on to say that’s not how we should see goals. He says that we should look at our goals as an action plan.

Finally, McQuillan said that we have to remind ourselves that the little steps that we take each day really does add up.

John McQuillan was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Police Department will be rolling out new body cameras on all patrol officers when they are on duty in the next two weeks. Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says that these body cameras will go a long way towards accountability and providing evidence that proves or disproves police misconduct. 

This isn’t the only things that the police use for accountability, Chief Wheeler says they also have police dash cameras as well.

The cameras are a good tool for police training and are a great tool used in evidence of a crime.  The final cost of the cameras is $13,387 and Taylorville obtained a Safety Grant which covers $10,760 of that. The final cost to the city of Taylorville will be $2,627. Chief Wheeler continues to thank the community for your support.

Melissa Rybolt is the Marketing Manager at Pana Community Hospital and the President of Pana Pride and she talked about Pana’s bid for HGTV’s Hometown Take Over.

Rybolt went on to talk about how they’ve struggled to maintain downtown, but that Pana Pride has been hard at work to bring new businesses to downtown Pana.

Finally, Rybolt talked about what will go into their bid to be selected for the HGTV Hometown Take Over.

Melissa Rybolt was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The CEO Program stopped by the Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR Studios on Tuesday to talk about some upcoming programs that the CEO Students are sponsoring. Emily Leers, Eric Schafer, and Gabriel Jeffrey were on hand to talk to host Trevor Hooth, play a little “Brain Drain” and talk about some upcoming events. Senior Eric Schafer talked a little about what the CEO Program is.

Senior Emily Leers says that you get so much more than just learning business from the CEO Program.

Senior Gabriel Jeffrey has enjoyed the CEO Program because it has helped him work on his public speaking.

Emily Leers, Eric Schafer, and Gabriel Jeffrey were guests on the Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR Morning Show.

John McQuillan is the Live Well Fitness Manager at Pana Community Hospital and he talked about why we need to take the focus away from body weight as a good indicator of overall health.

McQuillan went on to say that the brand new 3D Body Scanner that they have at Pana Community Hospital will help turn the focus away from body weight and more towards where it needs to be and that’s body composition.
 

Finally, McQuillan talked about what the 3D Scanner does and how it helps gives you a better overall understanding of your health.
 

John McQuillan was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Chuck Martin was a member of the 1970 Taylorville Tornadoes Basketball Team and he joined the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show to talk about the 11-10 Taylorville over Pana in double overtime. He started out by talking about the Pana and Taylorville rivalry.
 

Martin went on to say that Pana decided to stall and that they let them stall and that’s what led to the 11-10 double overtime victory.
 

Finally, Martin talked about the upcoming reunion that they’re going to have this coming Saturday at Taylorville High School at the Taylorville vs. Pana Varsity Boys Basketball Game.

Chuck Martin was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

For Illinois Residents who are considering clinical trials for cancer treatment and are on Medicaid Senator Manar is hoping to prevent rejection of coverage for care. The Senate Human Services Committee is pushing out legislation in the form of Senate Bill 2499 that through the American Cancer Society, Medicaid would cover routine care costs incurred for an approved clinical trial involving the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or other life-threatening diseases. Senator Manar says that the latest advanced cancer treatments can mean the difference between literal life and death.

More than 20% of Illinoisans are covered by Medicaid which makes it the second-largest type of insurance in the state behind Medicare. Most private insurance carriers and medicare already provide coverage for routine costs. This bill would just align Medicare with those plans. Illinois would become the 14th state in the Union to cover clinical trials for people who use Medicaid.

SB 2499 heads to the Senate Floor for consideration after passing the house. 

Melissa Rybolt is the Marketing Manager at Pana Community Hospital and the President of Pana Pride and she talked about the upcoming Pana Pride Annual Meeting that will take place on February 11th.

Rybolt went on to talk about how she’s looking forward to working with a new group of officers because new officers will bring new ideas and a sort of fresh start.

Finally, Rybolt talked about what it is that Pana Pride does on an everyday basis.
 

Melissa Rybolt was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne will be hosting a Coffee & Conversation event that will take place throughout the 95th district in February. Representative Bourne is hoping that people will stop by and discuss legislation and getting a sense of issues that are facing constituents. 

Coffee And Conversations will take place at the following locations: On February 11th, at 7 AM Representative Bourne will be at the Yellow Dog Cafe in Worden and at 8:30 she will be at the Blackbird Bakery in Staunton.

On February 13th, Representative Bourne will be at the Mount Olive B & K Bakery at 7 AM and at 8:30 she will be at the Hardees in Hillsboro.

On February 14th, Representative Bourne will be at the Gotcha Latte in Gillespie. She will also be at the Hawthorne Tree in Carlinville at 8:30.

On February 21st, Representative Bourne will be at the Brewin’ Hope Coffeehouse in Pana and at Talia’s Bakery in Taylorville at 8:30.

The events are all free and open to the public. For more information contact the Litchfield office at 324-5200.

President Trump has been acquitted of both charges in his impeachment trial. The Senate finished up their vote on both counts on Wednesday afternoon.  President Trump was charged with abuse of power and obstruction of the investigation. The process which has been going on for the last four months reached it’s pinnacle Wednesday afternoon with a vote from each Senator, who would stand and give his or her response to guilty or not guilty. The first article of impeachment was for abuse of power. The vote went along party lines 52-48 in favor of not guilty with only Republican Senator Mitt Romney voting guilty.  Chief Justice John Roberts read off the results from the first charge.

The Senate voted again for the second article which was obstruction of the investigation. This time it went exactly along party lines 53-47 in favor of not guilty.

In order for President Trump to be removed from office, the Senate needed to have 2/3rds of the Senate to vote guilty. As the impeachment proceedings came to a close, Chief Justice Roberts left the senate with some closing remarks.

The proceedings wrapped up with statements from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer thanking multiple people for their help throughout the process.

Melissa Rybolt is the Marketing Manager at Pana Community Hospital and the President of Pana Pride and she joined the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show to discuss an upcoming Cash Mob event that will be taking place on Saturday, February 8th.
 

Rybolt went on to say that the group doesn’t know what business they’re going to mob until everyone arrives.
 

Finally, Rybolt talked about how anyone is free to join Pana Pride and how one Cash Mob helped one Pana business turn a profit that month.
 

Melissa Rybolt was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The CEO Program stopped by the Groovy 97.3 WRAN Studios Tuesday to talk about some upcoming programs that the CEO Students are sponsoring. Kennedy Mann and Paris Bell helped out with “Lettermania” and talked a little about a dinner that will be taking place soon. Kennedy Mann says that the event will take place on February 29th.

Paris Bell says that the proceeds will go towards the CEO Program.

Paris says she’s looking forward to seeing a full house for the banquet.

Paris and Kennedy were guests on the Groovy 97.3 WRAN Morning Show.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she talked about the upcoming 6th annual Spring Swing that will take place on March 7th.
 

There are 10 different bars on the circuit and there will be food at all of the different bars and transportation available as well.
 

The cost is $100 for a team of four. If you’re interested you should register at the bar you want to start at.
 

Patty Hornbuckle was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

Jason Hadley always had aspirations of eventually becoming an athletic director. The Taylorville native will finally get his chance when Paul Held retires at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Hadley who coaches baseball and basketball for Taylorville looks forward to the newest opportunity for him. Hadley says that it’s always been a career goal for him. 

Hadley says that he is looking forward to being involved in all the different sports at Taylorville.

Hadley also talks about some of his goals as athletic director including creating a positive atmosphere towards people coming to the games.

The new athletic director is very passionate about Tornado Athletics and looks forward to continuing the legacy of success in Taylorville.

David Johnson is the Treasurer of the Shelby County Partners and he talked about how he ended up with the world's largest goat tower on his personal property.
 

Finally, Johnson talked about a brochure that’s available to show you the different sites in and around Shelby County.

David Johnson was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

There are many different signs and symptoms of a heart attack, but if you’re having pain in your chest that is radiating to your back, neck, throat, or jaw how do you know if it’s a cardiac event or simply a case of heartburn?

Since your esophagus and heart are fairly close either one can cause chest pain, which can result in confusion among patients. Dr. Syed Zaidi, a physician with family medicine at St Anthony Medical Center says that sometimes symptoms can overlap.

Heartburn can be caused by stomach acids rising up into your esophagus. The pain usually gets worse after a meal or anything that increases pressure on your abdomen. A heart attack symptom can include tightness, pressure, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and lightheadedness.  Dr. Zaidi says when in doubt, check it out.

For more information on symptoms and signs of heart problems always check with your local physician.

Bruce Cannon is the Chairman of the Shelby County Board and he talked about his roots in Shelby County.
 

Chairman Cannon went on to talk about his first career in the banking industry and his new career as a real estate appraiser.

Finally, Chairman Cannon talked about how this is his second stint as Shelby County Chairman.
 

Shelby County Chairman Bruce Cannon was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has announced that statewide adult-use cannabis sales in the first month of 2020 totaled nearly 40 million dollars. The State of Illinois reported that dispensaries sold 972,045 items over the month of January. Sales to Illinois residents totaled over 30 million dollars with sales to out of state residents nearly 8.7 million.  

Money raised from cannabis sales will be put back into communities that were harmed by the war on drugs. The Agency also says that legal cannabis represents new opportunities for entrepreneurs. The Illinois Department of Agriculture is still accepting applications for cannabis infuser, craft grower and transporter licenses. Visit their website to find out more about the applications.  Medical Sales in January have not been released yet.

David Johnson is the Treasurer of the Shelby County Partners and he talked about a bill that recently passed that provides grant money to rural areas for high speed internet.

Johnson went on to discuss why it is that rural areas are struggling so much.

Finally, Johnson talked about what it is that can be done to address the rural problem.
 

David Johnson was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

Missy Dunaway is an Illinois based country music artist and she talked a little about her background and how she got her start.

Dunaway went on to talk about her new CD Honkytonks and Heartaches which can be purchased at her website, mdunaway.com.

Finally, Dunaway talked about where you can see her perform in and around Central Illinois.

For more information on Missy Dunaway you can visit mdunaway.com. Missy Dunaway was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

The 2020 Christian County Ag Group Scholarship Application is available right now. The Scholarship is focusing on Seniors in Christian County that are going towards an agriculture degree. The application part also includes an essay of why you feel you should be considered for the scholarship and your presence is required at the Annual Ag Appreciation Dinner where they will announce the scholarship on Thursday, July 23rd, 2020. Sue Davis, Administrative Coordinator with the Christian County Soil & Water Conservation District says that the scholarships go a long way to helping ag students in Christian County.

Davis said that the response to the scholarship has been overwhelming so far.

If you’re interested in picking up an application, there are many different ways you can pick one up; including going to Christian County Soil & Water or going to the Christian County Farm Bureau or U of I Extension office. Davis says the scholarship is available for all those who are interested in pursuing a degree in agriculture.

For more information contact Rebecca Livingston at 287-7246 or Melissa McMillan at 824-2940.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she talked about the Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Boss of the Year.

Hornbuckle went on to talk about the 2019 Citizen of the Year winner, Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.
 

Finally, Hornbuckle talked about the lifetime achievement award that is available for those individuals who have already won the Outstanding Citizen of the Year award.
 

Patty Hornbuckle was a guest on the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show.

The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity or DCEO and the Office of Tourism have announced a 1.9 million dollar grant for two tourism grant programs.  These programs are put in place in an effort to increase tourism around Illinois. The Tourism Attraction Grant will help develop new and existing tourism attractions. 16 organizations were given funding and nearly four times the amount of requests was received than the actual available funding. The Tourism Private Sector Grant Program was also given out that will help attract major new events to the state.  This was given to 7 applicants.

For the Tourism Attraction Grant, some of the organizations included the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois, The Hoogland Center for the Arts which will support the current HVAC project to replace systems that are failing to cool the building in the summer months. Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park in Peoria and Timber Lake Playhouse in Carroll County will also receive grants. The Western Illinois Tourism Development which will upgrade kiosks and signs on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway will receive a grant as well along with the City of Litchfield who will use the grant to renovate Lake Lou Yaeger Recreational Area.

For the Tourism Private sector Grant Program, Illinois South Tourism will receive a grant for the Nascar K & N Pro and IndyCar series doubleheader at Gateway Motorsports, and the Illinois Agricultural Resource Council in Decatur. The Resource Council hosts Women in Agriculture Entrepreneurs from across the State of Illinois at Nelson Park in Decatur. The grant will be used to supplement ticket sales to cover costs for the two-day event.

For more information on these grants visit www.enjoyillinois.com.

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening and proudly promoted some of Taylorville’s finest. Cody Rogers, Nick Hackney, and Matt Peters all received promotions along with Matthew Nichols who was sworn in as the newest Taylorville Police Officer. Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler said it was nice to have someone who used to work in dispatch make the shift to being a police officer.

Chief Adermann praised new Assistant Fire Chief Cody Rogers and Captain Nick Hackney and Captain Matt Peters and what’s next for Taylorville Fire in 2020.

An ordinance granting special use for the adjoining and connected building at 205 East Main Cross was approved 9-0. An ordinance changing city code for liquor licenses was sent back to committee to be reworked. The ordinance for the operation of UTV’s passed 9-0. 

A motion to remove the stop sign at the intersection of Shumway and Second Street was voted on. The bill failed 1-7 with Ernie Dorchinecz the lone person voting yes on removing it. A motion concerning engineer work was approved 8-0. A motion for storm sewer work was tabled after a discussion concerning the motion not going through proper channels.

Mayor Bruce Barry talked about the census and getting a committee together.  He is also excited about hopefully getting a second resource officer for the school.

Josh Smith was also recognized for his hard work for the Taylorville High School basketball and football Teams as well. The next City Council meeting will take place on February 17th.

Mayor Barry Recognizes Josh Smith For His Accomplishments.

New Officer Matthew Nichols Gets Pinned As Newest Taylorville Police Officer.

The Pana Police are investigating an incident that took place over the weekend in Pana. On January 29, 2020, 9-1-1 received a call for an unresponsive female who was not breathing at a residence in Pana. Authorities arrived on the scene and notified dispatch that the female was deceased.  Coroner Winans has identified the female as 52-year-old Lisa Cantrell of Pana. Toxicology was drawn and results are pending at this time. The investigation is being handled by the Pana Police Department and the Christian County Coroner’s Office.
 

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she joined the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show to talk about a brand new member of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, Travis Dilly who is the owner of Reds Electrical Service, LLC.

Hornbuckle went on to talk about the upcoming CEO Winter Banquet on February 29th. Tickets are available at the Chamber Office or from any CEO student.

Finally, Hornbuckle went on to talk about what the money raised for the CEO Program is used for.

Patty Hornbuckle was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Lake Land College will be hosting an open house for its agriculture division in March. The open house will take place on Friday, March 6th from 9-12:30 PM. High School Juniors and Seniors are encouraged and invited to learn more about the agriculture programs available at Lake Land College and enjoy lunch with current students and faculty. 

The event opens with registration and a welcome session. That session will take place in the West Building at the Farm Credit Services room. There will be campus tours and a question/answer session on the enrollment process.  The session will also have a question/answer session with current students in the agriculture division. 

Students who have an interest in exploring career and transfer opportunities are encouraged to join the open house where they can receive specific information about majors such as agronomy, animal care and production, precision technology diesel mechanic and much more.

RSVP to this open house by contacting Ryan Orrick, division chair agriculture instructor at sorrick@lakelandcollege.edu or calling 217-234-5208.

The Taylorville City Council will meet at 7 PM on February 3rd for their first February meeting. Cody Rogers, Nick Hackney and Matt Peters will be sworn in at the Taylorville Fire Department. Rogers will be sworn in as the Assistant Fire Chief and Hackney and Peters as Captains. Matthew Nichols will also be sworn in as a Taylorville Police Officer. 

The council will look at planning commission recommendations.  The planning committee will be meeting at 6:30 for a special use request. There will be some ordinances discussed including some zoning and reupdating city code; particularly the use of UTV’s and the liquor license section of the city code.

The deputy clerk position will have a motion to be advertised. There will also be discussion about preparing an ordinance to remove the stop sign at Shumway and Second Street. Street and Sewer will put a motion up to accept a professional engineering, surveying, and technical services regarding the sanitary sewer extension from New Wave Communications to RP Lumber on Illinois Route 104. 

The meeting will also have updates from Mayor Bruce Barry along with city attorney updates.

The council meets bimonthly on the first and third Monday of every month at the Municipal Building in Taylorville.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne joined the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show to talk about how happy she was that the Governor brought up ethics reform in his State of the State address, but how Speaker Madigan continues to be silent on the topic of ethics reform.

Representative Bourne went on to discuss the Automatic Voter Registration Program and how it’s important to make it as easy possible for people to register to vote, however the current issues with the AVR Program must be dealt with immediately.

Finally, Bourne talked about how there needs to be hearings and an immediate pause to the AVR Program until these issues are dealt with.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

While the talk around the world has been focusing on the Coronavirus, Influenza still remains a big problem for many people during the winter months. According to the Center for Disease Control, between October 1st and January 25th, there have been between 19 and 26 million flu illnesses. There have been over 8 million flu doctor visits, over 180,000 flu hospitalizations and between 10,000 and 25,000 deaths due to flu-related illnesses. Dr. Mike Queary, Emergency Room Manager, with HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, talks about ways that you can prevent getting the flu and it all starts from getting the flu shot.

Queary says if your kids are sick, keep them home and to not share drinks or silverware. 

Queary says that while nothing is 100% effective against the flu, the flu shot is still your best method for fighting influenza.

For more information or to get the flu vaccine, contact your local physician.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she joined the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show to talk about the LEAD Program’s media tours. The LEAD Program started out by visiting the local newspaper.

Hornbuckle went on to talk about how when they visited the folks over at CTI they had the opportunity to learn the history of CTI and see a spliced fiber optics cable.

Finally, Hornbuckle talked about the visit that the LEAD Program took to Consolidated Communications.

Patty Hornbuckle was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne joined the NewsTalk WTIM Morning Show to talk about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State address and she talked about how a lot of the proposals that he pushed forward are not going to be a benefit for the State of Illinois.

Representative Bourne said that she was glad that he brought up ethics reform, but she was extremely disappointed that Fair Maps wasn’t brought up at all.

Finally, Bourne talked about how she thinks that we haven’t seen policies that will bring along that strong economy that the Governor talked about.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.