This past Saturday was the final "drive-thru" donation day held by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry, at the Miller Media Group front parking lot.

3 Kiwanis members were on hand to collect non-perishable food and cash donations.  During the Miller Media Group live broadcast, Kiwanis member Larry Kemner said listeners were very generous.

Kiwanis member Dean Ray was happy with the response.

Kiwanis member Brad Davis was humbled with the public's outpouring of support.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club, the Food Pantry, and the Miller Media Group thank all those who donated in the club's 4 "drive-thru" donation days in May to benefit the Food Pantry.

Illinois officially moved into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan on Friday. Governor JB Pritzker announced that the State has been following all the proper procedures and social distancing. Small businesses are reopening including restaurants that can do outdoor dining among many other places as well.

A new executive order will be signed today that will show the changes for Phase 3 ending the stay at home order.  The Governor also announced that press conferences will be done on an “as needed” basis.

Press releases will still be sent out with updates on numbers. You can still find those numbers on coronavirus cases by county on Taylorvilledailynews.com. 

The Governor lashed out at President Trump today for tweets that were made concerning the Minneapolis riots.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,622 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois with 86 additional deaths. This brings the total amount of cases to 117,455 including 5,270 deaths in 101 of the 102 counties. Labs have tested a total of 855,479 specimens with 25,513 tests done in the last 24 hours. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate is 8%.

Taylorville Community Credit Union will resume normal lobby hours starting on Monday, June 1st, 2020 at their locations in Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield, and Pana.

Taylorville Community Credit Union President Will Perkins said, “Our members have responded very well to the unique situation in which we’ve all found ourselves. We’d like to point out that, while our lobbies are again open for business, we still encourage our members to use online banking, mobile banking and ATMs to continue to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus.”

All of the TCCU locations will have guidelines posted for anyone who does decide to enter the lobby. Those guidelines include enacting six foot social distancing measures, to not enter the building if you don’t feel well or are sick, and to wear a face mask.

For more information on Taylorville Community Credit Union, visit taylorvillecommunitycreditunion.com.

The Christian County Courthouse is reopening. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Keettelkamp announced that the Christian County Courthouse will be opening to the public on June 1st.  You will still have to be screened for COVID-19 by court security. 

The public will be required to wear a mask at all times while being in the courthouse. The public is encouraged to bring their own mask and maintain social distancing of 6 feet while inside.

The Christian County Jail will be allowed visitation with inmates on Wednesdays only through the month of June from 12-3 PM. Each inmate will be allowed one visitor for 15 minutes. Visitors must wear masks inside the jail. For more information on visitation, visit the Christian County Sheriff’s Office website.

Construction on the new building on East Park Street that will house Taylorville Home Source, is progressing.

Store owner Rick White tells Regional Radio News the business, currently located in the Marsango Plaza on West Spresser, is slated to move to their new building in late summer.

The new building will give the business more showroom and warehouse space.

Congressional Democrats recently passed a controversial bill that temporarly allows members of Congress to vote by proxy. The bill allows any member of Congress who is present in the Capitol to vote in place of up to 10 members who are not.

12th District Republican Congressman Mike Bost said that Congressional Republicans and Democrats have worked well together during this crisis, but that this bill to allow proxy voting is unconstitutional.

Congressman Bost said that if our forefathers who went through wars, plagues, and epidemics could vote in person, then so can the 116th Congress.

Congressman Bost said that he will never use a proxy and will be in Washington everytime there is a vote.

For more information on Illinois Congressman Mike Bost, please visit bost.house.gov.

One area of contention during the legislative session that was held at the Springfield Convention Center last week was the matter of pay raises. A law put into place in 2014 granted a yearly raise for all lawmakers.  Representative Avery Bourne along with Senator Andy Manar spoke about their views on the pay raise and they had very different answers. 

Representative Bourne says that this is the wrong time for Legislators to get a pay raise and the only way that lawmakers wouldn’t get paid, is if they voted to stop it.

Lawmakers also get what is a Cost of Living Adjustment or COLA. Representative Bourne says she put up a bill to stop that from going through but it wasn’t brought up to be voted on.

State Senator Andy Manar agrees that they shouldn’t get a pay raise and says that not only are they not getting a pay raise, but that Republicans are confused.

The Senator continued saying that not only are they not getting a pay raise, but they lowered the COLA rate to 0.

Comptroller Susana Mendoza says no pay raises will be processed by her office. One way or the other, the question of whether or not pay raises were received will be answered when pay statements are available from her office this fall . 

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and Miller Media Group radio station WSVZ Cruisin' 98.3 held the first-ever Chamber "Virtual" Business After Hours Thursday afternoon.

Participants via the Chamber's Facebook page made requests and were eligible for Chamber gift certificates given away by WSVZ.  Listeners could also call in their requests.

Chamber C-E-O Patty Hornbuckle co-hosted with station president Randal J. Miller, and both commented on how much fun the evening was.  

The event garnered some 20 requests in 2 hours from those on the Chamber's Facebook page and listeners who called the station.

From the various contests and drawings, Terry Meyer won a 100-dollar Chamber gift certificate from WSVZ; Teresa Paul won 50-dollar Chamber gift certificate, and 25-dollar gift certificates were won by Paula Dunn, Angie Dyer, and Sarah Van Huss.

A tornado swept through Montgomery County on Thursday night causing mild damage before dissipating in Christian County. Christian-Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency Director Greg Nimmo says the storm spun up rather quickly, forming a tornado in the Madison County area just west of Raymond. 

The tornado did cause some damage.

The storm came into the Kincaid area and dropped some heavy rain.

The tornado warning expired in Christian County around 6:45. Chris-Mont EMA is still evaluating any damage in Christian County.

Governor JB Pritzker highlighted some changes to longterm care facilities in his daily press conference on Thursday expanding mandatory testing and pushing for stringent guidelines when it comes to opening. Governor Pritzker says that his state response teams responding to nursing homes has been broken up into two groups.

The second group is contract nurses monitoring for infection prevention and control.

With Illinois going into the next phase, Governor Pritzker says that the IDPH has put out guidelines for faith leaders to ensure health and safety for churches along with the return of horse racing to Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,527 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois with 104 additional deaths. This brings the total amount of cases to 115,833 including 5,186 deaths in 100 of the 102 counties. Labs have tested a total of 829,966 specimens with 25,993 tests done in the last 24 hours. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate is 8.3%.

You can listen to every Governor Pritzker press conference on NEWSTALK WTIM at 2:30 every afternoon Monday through Friday, however, they will be moving to WHOW 1520 on June 1st. 

The Taylorville Police Department announced the arrest of two Taylorville residents after a thirteen-year-old and a fifteen-year-old overdosed on a drug called the “HULK.” On May 27th, after receiving a search warrant, 18-year-old Louis Sullivan III and 20-year-old Carissa Hodge were both charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. 

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says in the press release that the drug was a benzodiazepine (Xanax) allegedly mixed with possible fentanyl. After speaking to several individuals that were friends with the two that overdosed, along with interviews and the help of Taylorville Citizens, the police were able to find the source. 

Chief Wheeler says that the two that were arrested showed no remorse for their actions that could have taken a life. He urges citizens to work hand in hand with the Police to eliminate the drug issue. He also asks parents to look and notice any changes in your kids.

The Illinois General Assembly last week passed Senate Bill 1863 which is a bill that expanded mail-in voting for the upcoming election on November 3rd. Anyone who has voted in any election in the past two years will automatically receive an application for a vote-by-mail ballot.

Not everyone is supportive of bill though. Some House and Senate Republicans say that the cost and that the risk for electoral fraud is just too high. While Senate President Don Harmon said that this is overdue and a step towards modern convenience and election safety.

Christian County Clerk Michael Gianasi said that the impact that mail-in voting will have on his office is hard to say at this point.
 

Shelby County Clerk Jessica Fox said that not a lot of Shelby County residents do vote by mail, but she thinks this will encourage more people to vote by mail. Fox went on to say that as an election authority it’s very important that anyone who wants to vote, no matter how they decide to vote, has the opportunity to do so.

Senate Bill 1863 only expanded mail-in voting for the 2020 General Election. The bill also made Election Day, November 3rd, 2020 a state holiday. You can see the full text of Senate Bill 1863 here.

July summer events with the University of Illinois Extension Office, according to the 4-H Youth Development Educator, Sara Marten, are in limbo and that includes the Christian County 4-H Fair.

As of right now the 4-H fairs that are scheduled to take place in July are happening, but they’re waiting on the official word from the University of Illinois which is expected to come on June 1st.

As soon as the University of Illinois Extension Office receives notification from the University, they will immediately make everyone aware of the decision they made.
 

Sara Marten is the 4-H Youth Development Educator at the University of Illinois Extension Office and was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

State Senator Andy Manar says that the Legislative Session accomplished what they set out to accomplish given the circumstances.  Senator Manar says the focus on the session was getting a budget passed into law. 

Senator Manar says despite COVID-19, Legislators continued to work to achieve a common goal—work across the aisle to bring the budget to vote.

Small business remains a focus for Senator Manar moving forward and he is happy that the State Government is working with the Federal Government on that front.

There were a few things that he was concerned about that didn’t get pushed through including affordability for pharmaceuticals, but being as it was a condensed session, the Senator says, there just wasn’t enough time.

State Senator Andy Manar represents the 48th District in Illinois.

The shutdown has slowed some things down, but Shelbyville Insurance is operating normally despite the office being closed to the public, according to Insurance Risk Advisors Derek Hayden and Garrett Ulmer.
 

Some of the Shelbyville Insurance carriers are offering a stay at home credit because there is a lot less driving going on right now.

Hayden and Ulmer also warned about a recent rise in cybercrime targeting those who are working from home and who use services like Zoom and Skype.
 

Derek Hayden and Garrett Ulmer were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

With the Legislative session wrapping up, Representative Avery Bourne says there are a lot of things that she was happy about, and some that she felt could have been done a little better. Having session held in the Convention Center, Bourne felt that the staff and workers did a good job putting everything together in a short amount of time. 

Representative Bourne says that one area that they were able to be successful in was a bill on school adaptations for E-learning.

One area of frustration for Republicans is mail-in ballots. This year you have the option to vote by mail-in ballot regardless of your situation or go to a polling place. Representative Bourne says mail-in ballots are fine, what she is frustrated with are a lack of checks in place to prevent issues.

Representative Bourne also felt that there should have been more for small businesses and for unemployment.

State Representative Avery Bourne represents the 95th district.

Tonight's the night for a first.  The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, and Miller Media Group radio station WSVZ Cruisin' 98.3, will co-sponsor the first ever "Virtual Chamber Business After Hours" live on the radio and also on the Chamber's Facebook page.

The fun begins at 4:30 this afternoon and goes until 6:30.  

Taylorville Chamber members are to join this live event on the Chamber Facebook page.  WSVZ radio listeners are invited to tune into Cruisin' 98.3 to join the party.

The event will take requests from the 60's and early 70's via the Chamber Facebook page and by phone.  Lots of prizes will be awarded those joining on-line on the Chamber Facebook page.

Governor JB Pritzker spoke from St. Clair County on Wednesday, speaking out on the flooding of the Illinois River. The Governor praised the National Guard who has been working to help with flood operations along the edge of the river. The Governor shifted his attention to COVID-19, saying that all people who want to be tested for COVID-19, should be tested. Governor Pritzker addressed concerns over family members who want to see their loved ones in nursing homes.

Governor Pritzker did not address the pool situation saying that it was going to be up to the doctors.

The Governor also addressed any concern over lack of care of downstate Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,111 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois with 160 additional deaths.  This brings the total amount of cases to 114,306 including 5,083 deaths in 100 of the 102 counties. Labs have tested a total of 803,973 specimens with 17,179 tests done in the last 24 hours. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate is 8.6%.

You can listen to every Governor Pritzker press conference on NEWSTALK WTIM at 2:30 every afternoon Monday through Friday, however, they will be moving to WHOW 1520 on June 1st. 

The Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance got its start in August of 2016 because of a conversation between an area biologist and Chip’s Marine owner Chip Christensen.

The Fish Habitat Alliance works with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers, an executive committee, and a placement committee to build and place different structures in Lake Shelbyville.

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic started, they built about 150 different structures, but they haven’t been able to get them into the lake because of social distancing restrictions.
 

Chip Christensen is with the Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance, is the Owner of Chip’s Marine, and was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Fourth Judicial Circuit is amending its procedures in an attempt to reduce the possibility of spreading COVID-19. The following procedures will be in effect until at least June 30th.

Put on hold will be all pay or appears and compliance hearings, along with all evictions ceasing until the expiration of the order. The following will be heard. All traffic cases, including DUI’s, all In-custody cases, all criminal felony cases with time constraints, all juvenile detention, shelter care, and permanency hearings, all hearings involving emergency and plenary orders of protection, all family law cases, and all small claims as allowed by Supreme Court Rules. 

Also being heard will be all probate and chancery cases and marriages with a total number of 4 persons allowed at the ceremony.  All hearings will be handled using remote video conferencing if possible.  All in-custody hearings shall be conducted by remote video conferencing.

Felony guilty pleas may be done in person at a time that social distancing can be guaranteed, but it is recommended that they be conducted by video conferencing as well.  This allows the defendant to participate and be present in the courtroom by way of video conferencing. 

When the courthouse reopens, in-person attendance will be permitted but the number will be limited and social distancing will be implemented. Only participants in a particular case will be allowed except for minors. 

All criminal cases involving defendants with attorneys will be held at 10 AM and the Court will waive the personal appearance of a defendant if his/her attorney present is available and no plea is being taken.

The Illinois Fourth Judicial Circuit Court presides over the counties of Christian, Effingham, Montgomery, and Shelby.

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the church and Shelby Christian Church Pastor Mark Sanders said that Christians need to take the message of the church outside of the four walls of the building.

Churches in Central Illinois are doing a variety of different things. Some are doing drive-thru church services while others like Shelby Christian Church are doing virtual church services.

One thing that churches should be doing right now, according to Sanders, is working to reach the younger generation.

Mark Sanders is the Pastor at Shelby Christian Church and host of the NEWSTALK WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. Mark was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Driver Service Facilities will slowly start to reopen after June 1st, however, there will still be limited capabilities. Beginning June 1st, the next two months will be focused on new drivers, customers with expired driver’s licenses and ID Cards, and vehicle transactions.

Online services are still recommended and encouraged. Residents can visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to do online services such as renewing vehicle registration stickers, obtaining duplicate driver’s licenses or ID cards, obtaining a driving record abstract, and renewing a driver’s license through the Safe Driver Renewal Program.

Springfield Dirksen facility hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 8-5 PM.  The Secretary of State says there are more than 700,000 expired driver’s licenses/ID cards and 1.9 million expired vehicle registrations. Since March 17th, the DMV has issued more than 775,000 vehicle registration stickers, 350,000 titles, and 200,000 driver’s licenses.

Secretary of State Jesse White says that there is a 90-day extension for expiration dates after the June 1 disaster proclamation executive order ends. The REAL ID deadline has also been extended by one year until October 1st, 2021.  For more information, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Governor JB Pritzker says that things are going well to move forward to the next phase. In Tuesday’s press conference, the Governor says that by the end of this week, the State will move into the next phase.

Governor Pritzker says that facemasks are a reason for things getting better in all of the regions.

The Governor addressed the news of a recall filed by Representative Allen Skillicorn of Crystal Lake. The motion was filed due to what the Representative feels is continued inaction to fix the unemployment claims issue.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,178 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois with 39 additional deaths.  This brings the total amount of cases to 113,195 including 4,923 deaths in 100 of the 102 counties. Labs have tested a total of 786,794 specimens with 17,230 tests done in the last 24 hours. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate is 12%.

You can listen to every Governor Pritzker press conference on NEWSTALK WTIM at 2:30 every afternoon Monday through Friday, however, they will be moving to WHOW 1520 on June 1st. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a press release sent out on Tuesday morning reported high water conditions at Lake Shelbyville. The normal summer pool is 599.7 feet and the pool elevation as of Tuesday, May 26th at 7 a.m. was 611.14 feet or 11.44 feet above normal.

Because of the higher than normal pool, some sites around the lake have been impacted. Quoting from the press release, “Boat launch facilities remain open in all major recreation areas with the exception of Whitley Creek. Secondary boat ramps are closed at Bruce, Coal Shaft Bridge, Johnson’s Bluff and Woodard Road. The Chief Illini Trail, Coon Creek Nature Trail, and Okaw Bluff Trail are all closed. Camp Camfield and General Dacey trails are open for use with the exception of the Dam West General Dacey Trailhead access. All USACE managed beaches at Lake Shelbyville will remain closed until further notice.”

Because of the high water, boaters need to be cautious on the lake. Keep an eye on lower than normal bridge clearances, debris, and any under water hazards. For the most up to date information, please call 774-3951.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club has collected a total of 964 pounds of non-perishable food and a total of nearly 17-hundred-dollars in cash donations, all for the Taylorville Food Pantry, in its 3 "drive-thru donation days" May 9th, 16th, and 23rd.

Kiwanis members have been set up in the front parking lot of the Miller Media Group studios at 918 East Park in Taylorville, on Saturdays from 9:30 til one, accepting both types of donations.

The club's last "drive-thru donation day" for the Food Pantry, is this Saturday.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club thanks the community for the continued support of the Food Pantry.  If you haven't driven by with your donation yet, please consider doing so this Saturday since the need at the local Food Pantry has doubled over the past few months due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Governor JB Pritzker highlighted plans over the weekend for just how Illinois would begin to reopen. Phase 3 of recovery is set to start on May 29th. This will allow the opening of restaurants, bars, gyms, salons, retail stores, and more to reopen. The governor says that he has met with many business owners to come up with the best plan to keep people safe and still reopen.

The Governor highlights on the Department of Commerce and economic opportunity just how each area can open up; including youth sports, golf courses, day camps, and much more. You can visit that link by clicking here.

Governor Pritzker did not have a coronavirus press conference on Monday, however, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,713 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois with 31 additional deaths.  This brings the total amount of cases to 112,017 including 4,884 deaths in 100 of the 102 counties. Labs have tested 769,564 with 21,643 in the last 24 hours. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate is 12%.

You can listen to every Governor Pritzker press conference on NEWSTALK WTIM but they will be moving to WHOW 1520 on June 1st. 
 

For people with cancer, COVID-19 can be even scarier as doctors who normally see you have different hours and you have to care for yourself better. Doctor Iftekhar Ahmad, doctor of Oncology at OSF Healthcare says that delays for treatment for cancer depends on the cancer but most people need to get seen now rather than later.

For those with cancer, taking extra precautions can be the difference between life and death.

Brandie Messer who has been fighting cancer, says that she appreciates all the extra help from her doctors, nurses, and staff.

For more information on cancer and how to handle it with covid click here.

The Taylorville Memorial Day Ceremony was held virtually in a pre-recorded program on NEWSTALK WTIM today.  The Taylorville V-F-W Post 4495 organizes the annual event at Oak Hill Cemetery in past years, and also put together the virtual ceremony on WTIM.

Recorded patriotic music was provided by the Taylorville Municipal Band under the direction of Jim Smith.

Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry thanked the veterans that sacrificed so much.

Guest speaker for the virtual ceremony was retired Air Force Chief Master Sargent Gerry (jerry) Mahr (marr), who reviewed how Memorial Day came about.

Mahr said democracy has endured under good and bad times.

Mahr added to remember those who died for our freedom.

V-F-W chaplain Beverly Walker gave the invocation and benediction to the ceremony.  In her benediction, she recited a poem about those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A host of patriotic organizations did lay wreaths remembering fallen soldiers at Oak Hill Cemetery.

This reminder that all of the NEWSTALK WTIM platforms will present the pre-recorded virtual Memorial Day Ceremony arranged by the Taylorville VFW Post 4495, this morning at 10 o’clock.  The ceremony will feature music from the Taylorville Municipal Band, remarks from VFW chaplain Beverly Walker, and a special address from special speaker Jerry Mahr.  The ceremony will also acknowledge the many local patriotic organizations, a salute to the military branches, and 3 gun volleys and taps to honor the war dead.

Tune in this morning to NEWSTALK WTIM on AM, FM, and on-line, for this special pre-recorded virtual Memorial Day Ceremony this morning at 10.

The Chris-Mont Emergency Management Agency has released weekend numbers pertaining to the coronavirus outbreak.

Officials say in Christian County, there were no new cases since Friday, with 33 total positive cases, 995 total negative cases, and 4 deaths.

In Montgomery County, there was one new case reported since Friday, with 40 total positive cases, one-thousand sixty-five negative cases, and one death.

The agency added that the 2 counties are on target to move to Phase 3 on May 29th.   Phase 3, according to the Governor's "Restore Illinois" plan, is called the "Recovery" phase.  It allows manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons to reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. Gatherings limited to 10 people or fewer are allowed. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm. 

Residents of Taylorville and surrounding area donated another truck full of non-perishable food, as well as cash, during Saturday's drive-thru donation day held by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club in the Miller Media Group front parking lot on East Park Street, to benefit the local Food Pantry.

Kiwanis member Dick Wamsley said the community responded very well.

Duane Stock is another Kiwanis Club member who volunteered and says Taylorville has always responded to a need.

The Kiwanis Club's final drive-thru donation day at the Miller Media Group, is this Saturday, May 30th from 9:30 til one.

The Christian County Health Department, in a weekend press release, announced that they would be supporting the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) plan for reopening. In their press release they said that, “having a 4-week phased plan will allow adequate time for the Health Department to monitor the ongoing situation and take any necessary actions should there be more positive COVID-19 cases.”

They continued on by saying that Christian County is in good shape to move to phase three on May 29th, but that “moving too quickly through Phases or skipping Phases altogether will not allow the Christian County Health Department to assess, guide, and protect the public.”

The Christian County Health Department also had some advice for business owners. They said that businesses should “assess their abilities to post signage, and consider what measures they will take to protect employee health, visitor/customer health, ensuring physical separation, and preventing unnecessary contact. If you are a business owner, it is recommended that you check with your legal counsel, insurance carrier, license holder and/or permit holder prior to opening. Each business and organization remains responsible for their own liability in conducting business.”

The Christian County Health Department posted the Reopen Illinois Plan and a health and safety protocol checklist to help business owners as we get ready to enter Phase 3. You can check them both out here.

The Center Pointe Dance Academy is owned by Jeb and Heather Odam and they started the Academy after the local dance studio closed and there was a need for one in the community.

The Center Pointe Dance Academy offers a variety of different classes for children as young as 2 year olds on up to adults.

They’ve obviously been hit pretty hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’ve gotten by using YouTube and Zoom.

Jeb and Heather Odam were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Things are starting to go back to normal at Pana Community Hospital, according to President and CEO Trina Casner. By following the Governor’s guidelines PCH was able to reopen their outpatient surgery suite on May 11th.

A variety of other services at Pana Community Hospital have also been able to open up recently.

There are some services that still have to be closed including the Live Well Fitness Program, but they are doing virtual meetings.
 

Pana Community Hospital President and CEO Trina Casner was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp feels very fortunate to be alive after a recent health scare.

Sheriff Kettelkamp feels that it’s very unfortunate that some businesses are considered essential and others are not.

Sheriff Kettelkamp goes out in public on a very regular basis and he feels that everyone is taking the right precautions and that businesses could and should be allowed to open up, but until the Governor and the Department of Public Health allow it, business owners are putting their business at risk.
 

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Most hospitals across Illinois are now able to offer elective procedures. Taylorville Memorial Hospital CEO Kim Bourne says they’re doing almost everything they were doing before COVID-19, but some new steps have been put into place to protect patients and staff.

In accordance with IDPH guidelines you need to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of your elective procedure.
 

There are some procedures though that do not require a negative COVID-19 test.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital CEO Kim Bourne was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Here's a reminder that starting June First, Governor Pritzker's weekday news conferences will no longer be heard on NEWSTALK WTIM, but instead will be heard on sister station WHOW THE BIG 1520. 

Tune into WHOW to hear the weekday news conference live, OR click the "Governor Pritzker News Conference" icon on the blue menu bar of taylorvilledailynews.com, to watch it on-line.  

All of our Miller Media Group stations will also have a summary of each day's news conference, in our local news updates starting at 5 each weekday afternoon, and on-line at taylorvilledailynews.com.  

Miller Media Group radio station Cruisin' 98.3 WSVZ, and the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, have teamed up to present the first-ever "Virtual" Business After Hours, next Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30.

Taylorville Chamber members are to join this live event on the Chamber Facebook page.  WSVZ radio listeners are invited to tune into Cruisin' 98.3 to join the party.

The "Virtual" Business After Hours will take requests from the 60's and early 70's via the Chamber Facebook page and by phone.  Lots of prizes will be awarded those joining on-line on the Chamber Facebook page.

It was a special evening Friday night for Taylorville High School graduates, as the administration and staff held their first-ever drive-thru graduation for the Class of 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak.  The event was broadcast live on all of NEWSTALK WTIM's platforms on-air and on-line.

T-H-S principal Matt Hutchison told the graduates their class has gone thru a lot.

Taylorville School Superintendent Doctor Chris Dougherty told graduates she high hopes for each of them.

Taylorville School Board president Stephen Turner said 2020 T-H-S grads met the challenges of life.

Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry thanked the 2020 T-H-S grads for their community service.

Taylorville High School senior Kristina Allen gave the class address entitled "Our Struggles Are Part of Our Story."  She said that her class had to overcome more than just schoolwork.

Allen said her class thought they were thru dealing with problems, and then came the coronavirus outbreak.

Hutchison then recognized National Honor Society students, then the drive-thru graduation began.

Each graduate's car, with their family inside, pulled up one at a time to the staging area.  Hutchison announced their name while their diploma was handed by staff to Board president Stephen Turner. 

He put the diploma on a table, walked back, and the graduate then picked the diploma up, stopped for pictures, and left the stage and back to their family's vehicle.

After the one hour and 40-minute ceremony, school administration organized a Parade of Graduates thru Taylorville.

 The WTIM broadcast is available to listen anytime by clicking the "WTIM PODCAST" icon at taylorvilledailynews.com, then scrolling down to the T-H-S Graduation link.     

Here are some pictures of the preparation put into Friday's ceremony:

A parade went through Taylorville on Friday morning to celebrate healthcare workers and veterans.  The parade, which went from the Taylorville Walmart, past some of the town’s nursing homes, finished up by Taylorville Memorial Hospital where Mayor Bruce Barry spoke to the press about just how the parade happened.

Mayor Barry says the community comes together when most needed and the pandemic is no exception.

The parade can be seen in its entirety here.

Childcare in Illinois will switch from phase 4 to phase 3. Governor JB Pritzker made the announcement during his press conference today citing the many needs for childcare as people go back to work.  The Governor says that childcare will be an essential function for the State to start opening up.

The Governor says that childcare will be able to have up to 10 people in their care.

President Donald Trump gave a press conference today saying that churches are essential. Governor Pritzker says that churches will remain closed but drive-thru church services will be acceptable. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,758 new cases of COVID-19 including 110 new deaths which brings the total amount to 105,444 cases including 4,715 deaths in 100 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 25,113 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 697,133 people. The 7-day rolling positivity rate is 13%.

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

Four men are in custody after a fight broke out in the downtown square in Taylorville on Thursday evening. Taylorville Police received a call around 9:30 for a fight in progress. Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says that when police arrived, the fight was still ongoing. 

Chief Wheeler says the preliminary investigation is still ongoing. One person was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital after being hit by a shovel and another man suffered minor injuries. 

There are feelings among law enforcement and Chief Wheeler that crime is up because of COVID.

Arrested in the dispute was 24-year-old Anthony R. Chavez, 19-year-old Alfred R. Compian, 23-year-old Steven S. Frost, and 20-year-old Trevor A. Durbin all of Taylorville.  Chavez, Compian, and Frost were arrested for mob action. Durbin was arrested for aggravated battery. 

Taylorville is losing its only dry cleaner.  Bryan Payne, co-owner of Sunkist Cleaners with his wife Kami, today announced the closing of their business on June 30.

Bryan Payne says it was a difficult decision.

Payne blamed the poor business climate in Illinois, plus the coronavirus outbreak, as reasons for closing.

Payne has no immediate plans for the future.

Sunkist Cleaners has been a Taylorville staple for decades.

This reminder that all of the NEWSTALK WTIM platforms on AM, FM, and on-line, will broadcast the Taylorville High School drive-thru graduation live this afternoon. 

The broadcast begins at 5:30, and will originate from the school's Circle Drive.

In what has been a busy week for legislators, the work continues as issues of graduated tax, the state budget, and the Governor’s push for punishments for business owners took center stage in Springfield on Thursday. Representative Avery Bourne spoke about some of these issues and says that small businesses do not need a graduated tax, especially when so many businesses are hurting from the COVID-19 shutdowns.

There is a big concern from House Republicans over the state budget and it being put together in a partisan way.

After withdrawing his request for criminalizing owners who opened during the pandemic, Bourne is concerned that the Governor will try to push through legislation to do the same thing at the last minute.

The legislature will meet through the rest of today.

Christian County State’s Attorney Mike Havera spoke to the press and clarified some of the issues that had been brought before his office regarding the current coronavirus situations. The State's Attorney said that the emergency order is not criminal law but a civil issue. He also says that his office will not have a role in enforcement unless the Department of Public Health takes action.

The other area of concern is licenses and insurance.  Havera says he has no authority over that action. 

Havera went on to give an example of just how many steps need to happen for a business to get shut down.

If someone got sick in the establishment, they could bring a lawsuit to that business as well and it would have to be determined if insurance would cover that as well.

Havera says that if you have any questions or concerns about the process, his office would do their best to answer your questions at 824-4747.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of Public Health spoke at Thursday’s press conference and says that while there have been a lot of answers, for every answer new questions arise.

Dr. Ezike says with things opening up, we have to continue to follow the rules and continue to social distance.

Governor JB Pritzker says that they are still looking at capacity limits and it will be up to the epidemiologists to decide when churches can get back together again to worship.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,268 new cases of COVID-19 including 87 new deaths which brings the total amount to 102,686 cases including 4,607 deaths in 100 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 29,307 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 672,020 people. The 7-day rolling positivity rate is 14%.

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

After closing due to the coronavirus outbreak in early March, Wright's Furniture in Taylorville re-opened for business Monday, and owner Tom Wright can't be happier.

Wright said after extensive consideration, they decided that they were an essential business.

After doing a further digdown, Wright and his family figured out how they could re-open the Taylorville store.

The staff at the Taylorville Wright's Furniture is happy to be back to work.

Wright says the Taylorville community has supported them since taking ownership of the store last fall, after purchasing it from long-time businessman Jerry Jensen.

The Wright Family also re-opened their other stores in Dieterich and Robinson.

The Illinois State Police won't arrest anyone that defies the Governor's Executive Orders.  That came from I-S-P on their Facebook page Tuesday night.

The statement said that they will not issue any criminal misdemeanors to individuals for violations of temporary emergency rules or executive orders, adding they'll only apply those emergency rules to entities such as corporations, LLPs or other business entities consistent with state and constitutional law. 

The State Police say no individual will be arrested or taken to jail for a violation of the Executive Orders or emergency rules. 

Courts thru-out Illinois could open as early as June First, based on guidelines released Wednesday by the Illinois Supreme Court.

The state's highest court issued an order and operational guidelines to help courts statewide resume in-person operations and establish procedures for remote hearings. Since mid March, the state’s courts have been operating under precautionary measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to conduct emergency and essential matters. 

Yesterday's order modifies the Court’s March 17th order so that each circuit may return to hearing all court matters either in-person or remotely according to a schedule adopted for each county by the chief circuit judge. 

Remote hearings, which have proven to be successful nationwide, will play a large role in reducing the numbers of people appearing at courthouses and ensuring the safety of court users, staff and judicial officers, according to the Supreme Court.

Chief circuit judges are authorized to develop plans for resumption of court operations in their respective circuit.  Plans may differ from county to county, but local plans are to continue the use of remote hearings where it's appropriate. 

The City of Shelbyville is working on a number of important things around town including finally starting the streetscape project on Main Street, according to Shelbyville Mayor Jeff Johnson.
 

There will be new sidewalks, lighting, bricks, and the project should be complete by June of next year.
 

Mayor Johnson also said that within a few weeks they’ll be starting construction on a brand new apartment complex in a few weeks.
 

Shelbyville Mayor Jeff Johnson was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Abraham Lincoln was such a big people person, a stay at home order would have pained him so much, he probably would have ended up with the coronavirus when he was President of the United States.

Basing what we know about the 16th President, Professor Mark Pohlad believes that is just one of several things we can assume about Honest Abe had a pandemic cropped up during his time in office. Pohlad is a Lincoln fanatic and recently wrote a piece titled "What Abraham Lincoln would do in the coronavirus pandemic".

Pohlad believes Lincoln's level-headed nature would have been a huge asset in a time that is very charged with differing opinions and passion behind those opinions. He says a word the President would have used was 'disenthral'. Pohlad says we know this because Lincoln lived a very charged period in our nation's history, the Civil War. 

Another endearing trademark of Lincoln's was to bring in people with differing opinions from his and try to form the best policies based on those differing viewpoints. In a time like this, Pohlad says Lincoln would certainly have turned to experts to guide his decision making.

The country is currently in a state of transition and Pohlad speculates we can get a lot about how Lincoln might have handled a going back to work and rebuilding the economy in his second inaugural address. 

Pohlad hopes as we are still in our homes, folks would explore the history documentaries available on streaming services. He also praises the Abraham Lincoln sculpture on the Clinton Square and the prairie land of Weldon Springs State Park and encourages checking those types of landmarks out. 

Severe weather season is officially here and Shelby County EMA Director Jared Rowcliffe said that just because there is no tornado warning doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be worried about.
 

It’s important to keep track of the weather each and every day.
 

There are a lot of different things that families should do to keep themselves safe in an emergency. The first thing that families need to do, according to Rowcliffe, is make a plan.
 

Shelbyville County EMA Director Jared Rowcliffe was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

A parade will be taking place on May 22 to honor veterans and healthcare workers. The parade will be taking place around 10 AM and will go through the town and around the different facilities including HSHS, Springfield Clinic, and the downtown circle.  Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry will be saying a few words at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. 

Sales Director of Life’s Journey Senior Living says that this parade is important, especially now.

Going by the Nursing Homes and Senior Living Centers will be a touch of normalcy for a lot of veterans.

Young is hoping for a good crowd and is excited at how it has really grown. Pana will be holding a parade as well on May 21st. For more information on how you can participate, contact Connie Young at 620-6375.

-The Taylorville Kiwanis Club has collected over 700 pounds of non-perishable food and over 900-dollars in cash donations, all for the Taylorville Food Pantry, in its first 2 "drive-thru donation days" May 9th and 16th.

Kiwanis members have been set up in the front parking lot of the Miller Media Group studios at 918 East Park in Taylorville, on Saturdays from 9:30 til one, accepting both types of donations.

The club will continue its efforts the remaining 2 Saturdays in May, which are May 23rd and 30th.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club thanks the community for their outstanding support so far, and looks forward to assisting the Food Pantry in the club's 2 remaining "drive-thru donation days" May 23rd and 30th.

51st District Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose, a Republican from Mahomet, says while the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on Wednesday forced Governor J-B Pritzker to withdraw a proposed emergency rule that tightening enforcement of his Executive Order, the Governor is now asking the Legislature to do it while they're in session this week.

Senator Rose says he doesn't know if enough Democrats will support Pritzker's bill.

Senator Rose says the Governor's announcement Wednesday opening up outside dining at restaurants on May 28th is a good sign.

The Senate Republicans Wednesday proposed their own legislation to re-open Illinois, and Rose thinks it'll help in pressuring the Governor.

Senator Rose's district includes all or parts of Shelby, Moultrie, and Macon counties in the Regional Radio listening area.

Coronavirus statistics are suggesting restrictions in place in the Governor's reopening plan can be loosened as we get set to enter phase 3 later next week.

Governor JB Pritzker, back in Springfield to join the Illinois legislature's return to work, says the diligent work of Illinoisans along with encouraging news in the healthcare system is the reason for the Governor's reasoning for loosening his restrictions in phase 3 of his 'Restore Illinois' plan.

Governor Pritzker is allowing for outdoor seating to be available at bars and restaurants. 

State parks will reopen May 29 along with the concessions at the parks. 

According to Governor Pritzker, fitness centers will remain under the same guidelines and retail stores can reopen.

The boating restrictions will be lifted and now up to ten people can be on a boat of an appropriate size.

The Governor points out local governments can pull back on these restrictions if they see it necessary. Additionally, he cautions against letting up in the diligence of social distancing and points out other states that have opened up have seen spikes in cases and hospitalizations. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,388 new cases of COVID-19 including 147 new deaths which brings the total amount to 100,418 cases including 4,525 deaths in 100 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 21,029 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 642,713 people. The state 7-day rolling positivity rate is 14%.

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

A rule that would have penalized businesses for opening with a misdemeanor during the stay at home order has been withdrawn.  The Joint Committee On Administrative Rules or JCAR did not vote on it, as Governor JB Pritzker and the IDPH withdrew their emergency order requesting that businesses get charged for opening early.

Co-Chairman Senator Bill Cunningham made the announcement during the JCAR meeting that was postponed nearly 3 hours for pre meetings. Senator Cunningham asked IDPH Chief of Staff of Public Health Justin Dewitt and Joann Olson Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Health whether they were going to withdraw the emergency order.

The rule was originally amended so that business owners could have been charged with a Class A misdemeanor for violating a closure order. The order took effect on Friday and owners could have faced a fine of $2,500 and a year in prison. The order would have been in effect for 150 days.

Instead, the order has been repealed by the Department of Public Health and will not be in effect.

The meeting was quite popular as normally only about 50-60 people view it on the live stream. Today’s live stream had at some points over 4,000 people viewing it.  Governor Pritzker announced at his daily press conference, he is hoping to push through legislation for phases with rules for staying at home.

After holding a special meeting earlier in the day, the Christian County Board held their regular meeting on Tuesday afternoon. There was quite a bit of conversation when it came to county buildings reopening.

Following some clarification, there was a motion put forth to open county controlled buildings on May 26th. Ray Koonce wanted to make sure the buildings and procedures were individualized to each building.
 

Any buildings opening would be those directly under the jurisdiction of the county, excluding the courthouse. The significance of the May 26th date was to ensure the buildings could open without having to wait until the next meeting should Governor JB Pritzker extend the Stay At Home Order in its current capacity.

There was also a vote to extend the disaster declaration for the county until the next Christian County Board meeting in June, which passed unanimously. Chairwoman Becky Edwards explained that the purpose of the declaration is solely to allow the county to get money for COVID-19 relief, should that opportunity arise.

Rich Hooper of Lively, Mathias, Hooper and Noblet spoke to give his overview of the 2019 audit, and all funds were balanced. He also looked forward to what COVID-19 might do to local revenue numbers.

Under new business it was brought up that the board need to support local markets and American made products.

The next Christian County Board meeting is scheduled for June 16th.

2 Taylorville High School seniors have each received one of the 500-dollar annual scholarships presented by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club.

Kristine Allen is the daughter of Stephen and Adriana Allen of Taylorville. Kristine participated in the Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club all 4 years, plus has been heavily involved in school and community activities during her time in high school.  She'll be attending Southeast Missouri State University in the fall majoring in communication disorders.

Nicholas Goodman is the son of Paul and Jared Goodman of Taylorville.  Nicholas was a part of the Taylorville Junior High School Kiwanis Builders Club, and High School Key Club every year.  He also was involved in many school and community activities while in high school.  He'll be attending Lincoln Land Community College this fall majoring in accounting.

These 500-dollar scholarships are awarded to 2 deserving T-H-S graduates by the local Kiwanis Club each year.

Governor JB Pritzker started off the daily COVID-19 press briefing with some good news. The State of Illinois is testing more people per capita than any other state in the country.

Governor Pritzker also said that there was potential for a national plan to reopen the country, but because President Trump and the White House decided to inject politics into a national emergency that left the states to create their own plans.

The Governor says that he understands the frustration that some may have in regards to having to wait until the end of May to move to phase three, but he said that it’s important we wait the full 28 days because so many Illinoisans are involved with the phase 2 reopening.

There is good news though. All four regions of Illinois are on track to move into phase 3 before the end of May, according to the Governor.

Currently the Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 1,545 new cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois including 146 additional deaths. IDPH is reporting a total of 98,030 cases including 4,379 deaths in 100 of the 102 counties of Illinois. Within the past 24 hours, labs have tested 18,443 specimens for a total of 621,684 tests.

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit TaylorvilleDailyNews.com.

After an hour and 23 minutes of discussion, the Christian County Board in a special virtual meeting this (Tues) afternoon voted 12 to 3 to send a proclamation to Governor J-B Pritzker asking him to re-open Christian County and downstate Illinois.

The discussion was rather contentious at times.  Board chair Becky Edwards first asked Doctor Terry Cunnington of the Christian County Health Department Board, for comments.   Dr. Cunnington said it's not the local health board's roll to determine if businesses should open.

Chris-Mont Emergency Management Agency Director Greg Nimmo told the board the local health department board and his agency aren't authorized to re-open businesses, but he emphathizes with local residents.

Christian County State's Attorney Mike Havara said the board had 3 options to consider at their special meeting.

Christian County Board member Venise McWard read the proposed proclamation that ultimately passed.

Cliff Causeoff, an attorney with the Illinois County Risk Management Trust, the liability insurance pool that Christian County is part of, told the Board that while he's not a fan of the Governor's Executive Order, it is the law, and the county could have significant exposure if they passed a motion allowing businesses in the county to re-open.

There was considerable public comment, with the majority of comments also favoring the county taking a position to re-open businesses in Christian County.

In the end, the board voted 12 to 3 passing the proclamation read earlier in the meeting, and having it sent to the Governor asking him to re-open downstate.

Hear the entire meeting by clicking below:

The City of Taylorville has received permission from the Board of Health to open both the cabins and the overnight camping at the Lake.

Regional Radio News talked with Mayor Barry about the opening of the cabins and the overnight camping and he said that they’ve been working with the Board of Health to get them open.

If you would like to make a reservation, please call 824-5606 or you can also go to the Marina. The Marina is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

This reminder that the Christian County Board will hold a special meeting to vote on re-opening the county, as a conference call today at noon.   Information on how to join the conference call, is posted on taylorvilledailynews.com.

The meeting will be broadcast live on NEW Country 104.1. 

Taylorville aldermen Monday night debated but took no action, on whether to pass a motion to allow Taylorville businesses to re-open despite the Governor's Emergency Order.

Alderwoman Megan Bryant said the city needed to stay out of that decision.

Alderwoman Kathy Driskell told the meeting businesses and residents have to make their own choices.

Mayor Bruce Barry says it's up to the Christian County Health Board to allow businesses to re-open or close.  

Several other Taylorville aldermen agreed for various reasons, that the city could not re-open businesses itself.  And, after advice from city attorney Rocci Romano, the issue died for lack of a motion.

The Taylorville City Council Monday night voted to pay the Taylorville Optimist Club the 75-hundred dollar annual contribution from the hotel-motel tax fund, but this year it'll go as part of the 10-thousand dollar cancellation fee instead of for fireworks.

With the 4th of July fireworks in Taylorville cancelled due to the uncertainty of the Governor's Executive Order, the club was forced by the fireworks company to pay a 10-thousand dollar cancellation fee, with 75-hundred coming from the city.  The fireworks company agreed to credit that amount towards the Taylorville 4th of July fireworks in 2021.

The decision wasn't without a lot of discussion.  Alderwoman Megan Bryant said due to the city's tight financial situation, she asked if the Optimist Club could pay the 75-hundred dollars on their own.

Alderman Shawn Burtle told Council members the reason the Optimist Club came to the city several years ago asking for the 75-hundred dollar contribution, was that the club couldn't do its non-profit projects for children in the community and pay for the fireworks on its own.

The Council voted 8 to nothing to honor their agreement with the Optimist Club and pay the 75-hundred dollars, from the hotel-motel tax fund.

Some 115 businesses inside the Taylorville Business Development District, can now apply for one month's rent or mortgage payment up to 15-hundred dollars, as a result of action by the Taylorville City Council Monday night.

Aldermen approved this one-time grant to those businesses on a 7 to one vote.

Mayor Bruce Barry met with the B-D-D committee and its consultant Steve Kline, and came up with this one-time grant to present to the Council, that oversees the fund.

The city will come up with an application for those businesses to complete.  The B-D-D committee and the Council will then approve or disapprove each grant.  

Skultety was concerned that some businesses that apply and get the money, may close if the Governor extends his Executive Order for a long period of time.

Skultety voted no, but the proposal passed 7 to one.

The City of Taylorville will spend some 44-thousand dollars to hire eleven summer help workers, from funds designated for each ward from the city's utility tax, as well as the city's water fund.  That action came at Monday night's Council meeting.

Alderwoman Kathy Driskell and Finance Committee chair Larry Budd, had a discussion with Driskell wanting the money paid back to the ward funds since typically the summer hires are paid for by other funds of the city.

There was further discussion among Council members about paying the ward fund back, and Mayor Bruce Barry suggested looking at the issue in a year when general revenue will hopefully be up.

The motion to take the monies from the ward and water funds passed unanimously.

Taylorvillle aldermen Monday night:

--heard Mayor Bruce Barry tell the Council that he and several other area mayors, delivered a letter to Governor J-B Pritzker asking that the local area move to Phase 3 in the Governor's "Restore Illinois" plan 

--OK'd extending the city's water mains to the 1600 East Road Davis property

--they rescinded the ordinance against burning leaves, vegetation, weeds, grass clippings and tree limbs

--passed an Intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency

--appointed Matthew Yard to the Planning Commission

--reappointed John Blakeman to the Fire Pension Board

--reappointed Kerry Ward, Greg Hager, Julio Monge, and Judy Rodden to the Cemetery Board of Managers

--reappointed Jim Hahn to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

--reappointed Pat Kretzer and Rich Shaw to the Board of Appeals

--reappointed Terry Rainey and Don Farrimond to the Library Board

--reappointed Terri France to the Police Pension Board

--authorized several bills in the ongoing construction of the new Water Treatment Planting

--accepted the low bid from Midwest Meter for service line materials at a total cost not to exeed $14,131

--changed the current application for fire hydrant meter rental to increase the current deposit for a garden hose meter to $300 and assess a $100 fee if readings are not called in within 72 hours of the requesting

--approved the price of $275 for an additional camper on a lake lot, with no security deposit

--paid bills totaling $150,712.89

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Monday tried to clear up some confusion regarding a recent order from his office to give local law enforcement and Departments of Health more enforcement options for statewide mandates.

According to the Governor, enforcement right now is limited and prefers to promote education and compliance, which admits has been effective, but in the event, they need to, there are penalties they can turn to.

Gov. Pritzker says enforcement is the last thing they want to turn to because of the impacts it can have on those businesses. He says currently, a citation is a class-A misdemeanor for the violation of a public health rule.

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The emergency rule for the requirement of following the stay at home rules gives local health departments and law enforcement more ability to do their jobs. Gov. Pritzker says this falls in line with other states and does not apply to individuals.

Governor Pritzker thanks 99-percent of Illinois businesses following their guidelines and remains optimistic much of Illinois will move to phase 3 of his reopen Illinois plan.

The Shelby County Health Department, over the weekend, announced that another resident of Shelby County has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is a 35-year old employee of Shelbyville Manor and was asymptomatic at the time of testing. He is currently isolating at his residence. That brings the total of positive cases in Shelby County to 13.

Around central Illinois, Sangamon County reported six new cases and Macon reported four new cases. Sangamon County is also reporting one additional death.

The Moultrie County Health Department announced over the weekend that they will not be holding blood pressure clinics in Sullivan, Bethany, Lovington, or Gays. If you would like a blood pressure screening, call 724-4114 to schedule an appointment.

If you are feeling ill with symptoms associated with coronavirus and need medical or emergency care, notify your physician or emergency medical service providers prior to arrival.

For a complete updated list of COVID-19, click on the icon on taylorvilledailynews.com for coronavirus cases by county.

Tweeks in Governor J-B Pritzker's Executive Order tightening enforcement were filed with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules this weekend, and 95th District Republican State Rep Avery Bourne says their decision will determine if the stronger measures the Governor is asking for, will happen.

The Governor over the weekend filed Emergency Administrative Rules, which means the Joint Committee, made up of 6 Republicans and 6 Democrats, must approve or disappove them before they can be enacted.  That committee meets on Wednesday.

Bourne says all 6 Republican members are against Pritzker's proposed rules, so it'll only take 2 Democratic members of the committee to prevent them from passing.  She says the proposed rules defying the Executive Order could lead to arrest for a misdemeanor.

Bourne says the committee does have a history when proposed rules go to far.

Bourne is advising 95th District residents to call the Democratic members of the committee to get at least 2 of them to overturn it.  Their contact information is on the Illinois Republican Party web site.  She says feedback she's getting is that the Governor's proposed rules should be overturned.

The Illinois General Assembly will be in session Wednesday thru Friday of this week at the Bank of Springfield Center due to social distancing.

The Social Security Administration released important information regarding COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. If you are a beneficiary and have your payments managed by a representative payee, you will begin to receive your Economic Impact Payment from the Internal Revenue Service in late May.

Social Security Administration Commissioner, Andrew Saul, said the following in a press release, “The Social Security Administration has been working with the IRS to provide the necessary information about Social Security and SSI beneficiaries in order to automate and expedite their Economic Impact Payments. While millions of our beneficiaries have already received their EIPs from the IRS, we continue to work hard for those beneficiaries who are awaiting their payment from the IRS.”

For additional information about payments to beneficiaries who have representative payees, please visit ssa.gov/coronavirus/#reppayee.

This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. President Gerald Ford authorized the very first National EMS Week in 1974 and HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital wants to recognize the “tremendous role that local EMS partners make to improve health in this region and in communities across the nation.”

HSHS Good Shepherd Emergency Department Manager Michael Queary said, “The Shelbyville area has an incredible team to county on when it comes to medical emergencies – and pandemics. Paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders, dispatchers, emergency nurses, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, as well as all of the fire and rescue personnel, are exceptional. Our care team at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital knows we are blessed to be a small part of this dedicated team who work tirelessly for our family and yours.”

For more information about HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital please visit hshsgoodshepherd.org.

In a post late last week on their Facebook page, the Illinois Sheriff's Association says they disagree with Governor J-B Pritzker's threat to local law enforcement suffering consequences if they don't enforce his Executive Order.

The news release called it outrageous that the Governor is threatening retaliation against local law enforcment, including litigation and loss of funding.

The Illinois Sheriff's Association statement went on to say that their group has not been consulted by the Governor about the impact his policy has on law enforcement or counties across the state.  The statement added that Sheriffs were elected by their counties to keep residents safe, and they will continue to do so.

A Republican State Representative is calling out the Governor on an apparent weekend news release claiming his Executive Orders could be extended and have stricter enforcement.

State Representative John M. Cabello, a Republican from Machesney Park in northern Illinois, is publicly objecting to apparent rule changes made by the Illinois Department of Public Health, or I-D-P-H, that criminalizes non-compliance with I-D-P-H regulations. 

Cabello claims the changes would empower local health officials to , quoting the news release, “…institute prosecutions or proceedings…” against violators of health rules. It also directs county State’s Attorneys to “…prosecute all persons…violating or refusing to obey the rules and regulations of the Department of Public Health”.

Cabello says the rule changes also call for heavy fines and charges under a Class A Misdemeanor for any violators. Additionally, the rule under 20 ILCS 2305/2(k) states: quote, “Any person who knowingly or maliciously disseminates any false information or report concerning the existence of any dangerously contagious or infectious disease in connection with the Department’s power of quarantine, isolation or closure order is guilty of a Class A Misdemeanor”.

Cabello took issue with the proposed changes, calling the Governor a dictator in a news release Cabello posted on-line Saturday, and claiming he's weaponizing I-D-P-H to treat citizens like criminals.

If House Democrats in Springfield want to propose legislation to give the Governor or other agencies more power during the COVID-19 pandemic, that just proves the point that Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook and other House Republicans have been making over the past few weeks.

The really troubling part of the Governor’s five-phase plan, according to Representative Halbrook, is that phase five doesn’t go into effect without a vaccine or other treatment method.

The State Legislature needs to take care of business over the next few days and that means talking about a budget and school funding.

Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Jared Rowcliffe is the Director of the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency and he’s been in emergency preparedness for over 11 years. Rowcliffe said that COVID-19 is unlike any other emergency because it affects every single county.

Rowcliffe’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic has been mainly public information and resource distribution.

Resource distribution is a really important part of what Rowcliffe does on a daily basis.

Shelbyville County EMA Director Jared Rowcliffe was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville City Council will meet this evening at 7 PM  for their regular bi-monthly board meeting. The meeting is still being held with respect to social distancing guidelines. If anyone would like to address city council email Mayor Bruce Barry at mayorbarry@taylorville.net.

Under ordinances, an ordinance will be voted on for rescinding the leaf burning ban.  There will also be a resolution on the Inter-governmental agreement with IEMA. 

A motion will be put forward to approve the use of 2% utility tax ward money to hire 11 summer help at a rate of $10/hr for 40 hours per week for 10 weeks. This will be a cost of $7,200 for each ward and the remainder will be paid by the water fund. 

Matthew Yard will be approved for the planning commission. John Blakeman will be reappointed to the fire pension board. Kerry Ward, Greg Hager, Julio Monge, and Judy Rodden will be reappointed to the cemetery board of managers. Jim Hahn will be reappointed to the board of fire and police commissioners. Pat Kretzer and Rich Shaw will be reappointed to the board of appeals. Terry Rainey and Don Farrimond will be reappointed to the library board, and Bill Nation and Terri France will be reappointed to the police pension board.

There will be discussions on stipends for businesses located in the BDD. There will also be a discussion relating to 2020 fireworks cancellation fees and the COVID-19 emergency order.

Under water/environmental, a motion will be made for payments for the new water treatment plant.

Under Lake/airport, a motion will be made to recommend approval for the price of $275 for an additional camper and no security deposit on the lake lot lease addendum.

As always, there will be city attorney updates and a mayoral update from Bruce Barry. 

The recent vote by Shelby County to open is similar to the vote that other counties have taken. Shelbyville Mayor Jeff Johnson says that this is a tough situation for everybody.
 

At the upcoming City Council Meeting, the City of Shelbyville will discuss reopening the economy. Mayor Johnson said that the city never ordered businesses to close and if a business does decide to reopen it’s something that will have to be discussed with the businesses insurance and attorney.
 

Mayor Johnson does take the Governor’s threat to take away federal funding seriously.

Shelbyville Mayor Jeff Johnson was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Governor JB Pritzker has said that he has been adding more and more workers to unemployment phone lines to help people collect during COVID-19. Some people have still struggled to get through.  Jana Chamness, who owns a salon in Taylorville, has not had any luck with getting through online or over the phone when it comes to unemployment and it has left her absolutely frustrated. 

Chamness tried calling a top IDES employee and was told that they wouldn't return calls and to call the main unemployment number. 

 She has called over 400 times over the last two months.

Chamness says she would like to see the State open back up or at the very least fix the unemployment issues.

At the end of the day, Chamness says there are still too many people, especially those that need unemployment, who don’t really have a voice.

Governor Pritzker announced on Thursday that he was adding over 100 new employees to answer phone lines for unemployment.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln says a cold front moved into Central Illinois this morning.

Scattered thunderstorms should develop along this front and move northeast across parts of central and eastern Illinois, from this afternoon into this evening.

Damaging winds and a few, brief tornado touchdowns will be possible with the stronger storms.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio and taylorvilledailynews.com for the latest weather information.

The weekend coronavirus report from the Christ-Mont Emergency Management Agency shows no new cases in Christian County, but 2 new cases in Montgomery County.

The agency didn't provide any further information on what ages or towns the new cases were located in.

Christian County now has 31 positive tests, 665 negative tests, and 4 deaths.  Montgomery County now has 39 positive tests, 781 negative tests, and one death.

See all the numbers by county by clicking that icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Taylorville community again responded in a big way to the 2nd of 4 Saturdays of drive-thru donation days held to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club in front of the Miller Media Group studios at 918 East Park.

Kiwanis District Governor Charles Smith, whose idea it was for local clubs to gather food for local pantries during the coronavirus outbreak, was on hand Saturday and complimented the Taylorville club for their work.

Local Kiwanis secretary and member Martin Vota said the day was unforgettable.

Kiwanis member Will Perkins said the town's generosity was inspiring.

The club will continue their drive-thru donation days at the Miller Media Group studios from 9:30 til one the remaining 2 Saturdays in May.

The Christian County Board has re-scheduled a special meeting and vote on re-opening the county.  That meeting is now scheduled as a conference call for Tuesday at noon, and will be broadcast live on NEW Country 104.1.  Information on how to join the conference call, will be posted on taylorvilledailynews.com.

The board attempted to meet via conference call on Friday, but more people wanted on the call than there was capacity so it had to be re-scheduled.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a plane crash in a field in Chatham.

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office reported that a plane crashed around 3:19 PM just west of Mansion Road. A 24 year old female pilot along with a 12 year old passenger were on their way from St. Louis to Chicago, when the pilot reported cloud cover and was unable to see. She made an emergency landing in the field in Chatham. The plane flipped on contact and both passenger and pilot crawled out to safety. 

The pilot and passenger were checked by EMT's and were released. The Chatham FIre and Police Department along with the Illinois State Police and Sangamon County Sheriff's Office responded to the crash.

Governor JB Pritzker ramped up his need for more testing today during his daily press conference saying that Illinois is doing a great job testing but it can always be more. 

The Governor says that we have maintained over 10,000 tests a day and we have a much better idea of what the daily infection rate is due to the number of tests we do.

When asked about pulling federal funding if counties defied the stay-at-home order, the Governor stood his ground.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,432 new cases of COVID-19 including 130 new deaths which brings the total amount to 90,369 cases including 4,058 deaths in 99 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 26,565 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 538,602 people. The statewide 7-day rolling positivity rate (positive tests) is 16%.

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

There were over 20 new cases in Central Illinois of COVID-19 over the last 24 hours. Every county in the regional radio listening area including Montgomery County, Christian County, Shelby County, Fayette County, Sangamon County, and Macon County all reported new cases. 

Shelby County reported an 80-year-old female resident of Shelbyville Manor tested positive for the virus. The Health Department has ordered all staff and residents of the facility to be tested. 

Fayette County reported two new cases today. That brings their total up to 19. It is their first new cases in over a week. Christian and Montgomery County reported three new cases combined as well. 

According to the Chris-Mont EMA, the Central Region is on target to move to Phase 3 on May 29th and phase 4 on June 26th. 

As always, visit taylorvilledailynews.com and click on the coronavirus cases by county for the latest recovery numbers and the latest on the coronavirus outbreak in our listening area.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recently announced that beginning on Tuesday, May 19th, seven different facilities will be open throughout Illinois for vehicle registration sticker transactions.

Secretary White said the following in a press release, “My commitment is to do everything we can to help protect the health and safety of our residents, while providing services to the people of Illinois. This first step in a reopening plan adheres to this commitment.”

In Central Illinois you will be able to go to the Sprigfield-Dirksen Illinois Secretary of State facility located at 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway in Springfield from 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday.

You can also renew your vehicle registration online at cyberdriveillinois.com.

The Moultrie County Board met virtually on Thursday evening. During that meeting, County Board Chairman David McCabe made various appointments. Chairman McCabe appointed David Bowers as Trustee of the Lovington Fire Protection District. He also appointed Jordan Watkins as a Trustee of the Arthur Rural Fire Protection District replacing Jerry J. Ray who recently resigned. He re-appointed Arlene Aschermann and Richard (Dick) Isaacs to the Moultrie County Board of Review until succors are appointed and qualified.

Chairman McCabe said that these were all routine appointments.

Moultrie County Treasurer Stephanie Helmuth announced at the Moultrie County Board Meeting that after talking with the various taxing bodies in the county that they will not offer a payment schedule for Moultrie County property taxes. Chairman McCabe said that if anyone has any concerns to please contact Treasurer Helmuth to make arrangements.

The Moultrie County Board did not vote to reopen the county, but County Board Chairman McCabe said that the recent announcement by Moultrie County State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver that she wouldn’t prosecute anyone in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order basically opens the county and that any action taken by the County Board would only allow businesses in the unincorporated areas of Moultrie County to open.
 

The next Moultrie County Board Meeting is scheduled for June 11th at 7pm. For more information on the Moultrie County Board visit www.moultriecountyil.com.

Christian County reset their special board meeting for opening up the county after they received too many phone calls and the servers met their capacity. The meeting was supposed to be held at noon on Friday over the phone, but someone set the limit to just 100 people. 

Without being able to accommodate everyone, the meeting would violate the open meetings act, and the meeting needed to be rescheduled. 

The meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 19th, at noon and will be broadcast on New Country 104.1. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for the latest information concerning call in information.

The next regular Christian County Board meeting is set for Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM.

The Vintage Dresser in Taylorville is owned by Rachael Whitlow. She just opened her store in October of 2019 and she sells clothing, jewelry, furniture, crafts, and a whole lot more.

The coronavirus has caused a setback for Whitlow, but she can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Whitlow has been using social media to help sell items from her store and she’s grateful for every penny that customers spend. The world may have stopped, but that doesn’t mean that the bills have stopped.
 

Whitlow feels like businesses will be flooded once things reopen because people understand how important these businesses are.

Rachael Whitlow was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

We will return to school eventually and Moultrie County Public Health Services Coordinator Glenda Plunkett says that it’s important to update your kids vaccinations before school does return.
 

Childhood vaccines protect you from fourteen different life threatening diseases. If your child isn’t up to date on their vaccines, call the Moultrie County Health Department and they will help get your child the shots that they need.

The Moultrie County Health Department has never shut down and will not ever shut down. If you have any questions about vaccines or want to get your child the shots that they need, just call 728-4114 to schedule an appointment.
 

Glenda Plunkett was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Governor JB Pritzker double-downed on the work that the state is doing to help those with unemployment. IDES continues to process unemployment claims, about 6x the number of claims of the great recession in 2008 and 2009. 

To that end Governor Pritzker announced a new website for connecting residents with jobs.

There are also new ways for unemployed workers to get access to online courses for free.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 3,239 new cases of COVID-19 including 138 new deaths which brings the total amount to 87,937 cases including 3,928 deaths in 99 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 22,678 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 512,037 people. 

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

Moultrie County announced two new COVID-19 cases. The eight and ninth COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in two females, with one in her 20’s and one in her 50’s. The cases are unrelated to one another and public health officials are still contacting and verifying all close contacts. Both patients are isolating at home. 

Around central Illinois, Sangamon County reported six new cases and Macon reported one new case, but there were no deaths in the seven Regional Radio listening area. 

The Moultrie County Health Department is urging residents to consider themselves at risk for exposure, especially the more that counties are opening up. 

If you are feeling ill with symptoms associated with coronavirus and need medical or emergency care, notify your physician or emergency medical service providers prior to arrival. 

For a complete updated list of COVID-19, click on the icon on taylorvilledailynews.com for coronavirus cases by county.

Shelby County voted in a special board meeting on Wednesday to open the county. The vote passed 19-0 to reopen businesses in unincorporated parts of the county. The resolution agrees with the Governor’s efforts to protect those most at risk and says the health and well-being of the citizens of Shelby County remain a constant concern for all officials of Shelby County.

The resolution continues by stating that the rate of infections and spread of COVID-19 has proven to be lower in less populace places, especially downstate. As has been the concern of a lot of downstate counties, the resolution states that the “ongoing restrictions on businesses threaten the livelihood and economy of Shelby County residents and threatens the enduring quality of publicly funded services such as schools and public safety.”

The resolution goes on to state also that each business remains responsible for its own compliance with state laws, and the Shelby County Health Department will continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis. 

The Shelby County resolution is broken up into 4 phases just like the Governor’s plans, but they are a little different. Phase 1 will have temporary isolation restrictions for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Retail stores must have regular temperature checks, wear masks, and have occupancy for up to 50% of the current legal limit. Restaurants and bars will also have 50% occupancy limits, temperature checks, masks, no patrons within six feet of each other, no self-service, no-contact menus, and protective screens for employees.

Personal Care providers such as hair, nail, and massage and professional services, will have much of the same requirements as retail stores and restaurants. Places of worship, gaming rooms, gyms and exercise facilities, and public parks all will have much of the same requirements as well. Daycare facilities can operate at 50% of capacity.

Under phase 1, dance halls, movie theaters, contact sports, and public pools will still be closed. 

If after 14 days of following phase 1 guidelines, hospitalization rates remain down, the County will move into phase 2. phase 2 has a lot of the same requirements as phase 1 but capacities will go up to 75%. Daycares will still operate at 50% capacity. Outdoor concerts and Movie theaters may open if 6 feet of separation can be maintained.

If after 14 days of following phase 2 guidelines, hospitalization rates remain down, the county will move into phase 3 which will allow all businesses, places of worship, and gatherings to resume normal contact. 

Any employees that exhibit signs of COVID-19 will be sent home immediately and employers must maintain a log of employees reporting for work and temperature readings. 

The concern for businesses that do open will be liability. There is also a concern for state licenses. The state has to provide 48 hours to shut down a business and 72 hours for a liquor store. It will be up to the individual towns in Shelby County to decide whether or not they will go along with the county and open up but for now, unincorporated parts of Shelby County are officially open. 

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has the Regional Radio listening area in the "slight risk" category for severe weather, from 2 o'clock this afternoon thru tonight.

The Weather Service says there is a slight risk of severe weather across central and east central Illinois this afternoon through tonight. The greatest threat area will be north of I-70. Hail and damaging winds will be the primary severe weather threat. However, a brief tornado touchdown is possible north of Taylorville to Danville line. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio and taylorvilledailynews.com for the latest weather information.

Several health entities in the Central Illinois have received COVID-19 grants from the U-S Department of Health and Human Services to train more registered nurses in primary training.

Almost 79-million dollars each will be going to Illinois State University in Normal, Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

COVID-19 has led a lot of people to gardening, according to Christian County Master Gardener Mike Hady.

Hady said if you want to have success gardening, than you need to grow what you like.

If you’re just starting out in the garden don’t waste your money on a lot of expensive equipment, but do make sure you understand what it takes to grow and where each individual plant will be successful.

The Christian County Master Gardeners operate a virtual help desk and right now most of the questions that they’re being asked are in regards to plant identification and when the right time to plant is.

Mike Hady was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Moultrie County Health Department is focused on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, but Public Health Services Coordinator Glenda Plunkett doesn’t want you to forget about the 2020 census.

If you haven’t had a chance to fill out your census yet, you should get a form in the mail sometime in the next week.

There are a variety of ways you can fill out the census. You can do it online, over the phone, or in the mail.
 

Glenda Plunkett was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Illinois legislation is finally set to meet next week. The Illinois House will convene in Springfield for three days to start working on issues delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. The session will be held in the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield, in order to take advantage of the convention center floor to practice social distancing. 

State Representative Avery Bourne says it’s time to get things done.

While having a plan for reopening is great, the State needs a plan that will fit the whole state and not just certain parts of it.

Representative Bourne says the bottom line is helping small businesses get back on their feet.

Governor Pritzker pushed on Tuesday for the House to get back to work, after being on hiatus due to COVID-19.

Governor JB Pritzker has maintained that having a vaccine for COVID-19 will be a huge step towards opening the state. When it comes down to vaccines though, Doctors say there are regular vaccines that your kids should be getting to stay healthy. Dana Deshon, a pediatric Advanced Practice Nurse for OSF Healthcare says that pediatric offices are safe for children to continue to get their regular shots.

According to Deshon, 1 in 5 children in the world do not have access to vaccines, and every 20 seconds a child dies from a disease that can be prevented through vaccination. The hospital is worried that there might be a surge if everyone waits till after COVID is “done” to come back and get the shots they need.

Deshon says that when there is a vaccine for COVID-19 it will be important especially for children to get the shot.

For more information on vaccines, contact your primary care physician.

Governor JB Pritzker gave a press conference on Wednesday announcing more testing for long term care facilities and threatening any businesses and counties that are looking to reopen early. Governor Pritzker says they are ramping up testing on long term care facilities in order to get a quicker turn around time on waiting on tests.

Governor Pritzker gave a stern warning to any businesses that may want to open early. 

The Governor continued, saying that he would pull state licenses of any businesses that were licensed by the State if they opened up in the name of safety.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced  1,677 new cases of COVID-19 including 192 new deaths which brings the total amount to 84,698 cases including 3,792 deaths in 99 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 17,668 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 489,359 people. 

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

A Central Illinois radio legend has died.

81-year-old Orv Graham died Tuesday afternoon, after complications from pneumonia.

Orv's over 50 year radio career included becoming the longtime "Voice of Decatur" on WSOY-AM 1340, and ultimately its general manager.

Graham left the radio business in the 1980's to begin a second career in investments and health insurance.   

He did features on WXFM Mount Zion for several years, and in 2009, he approached WEZC owner Randal J. Miller about purchasing 4 hours each Sunday morning on that station, selling advertising in the Decatur market and hosting what became "Sunday Morning Easy."

That program hit the air for the first time on Sunday, October 4th, 2009, being heard in the Clinton-Decatur area.  Graham continued the show until the first quarter of this year, when he became ill.

Miller said that Graham was one of his mentors, dating back to the 1980's, and added that not only will his family miss him, but so will his many listeners.

Christian County will vote on reopening the county in a special meeting on Friday. After six board members requested the county be opened up to conduct business, the board agreed to hold a special board meeting on Friday promptly at noon to vote on it.  The County Board will take roll and discuss the reopening of the county. 

The news of this meeting comes after Shelby County on Tuesday voted to reopen their county. The meeting will be conducted via remote participation only. To join the meeting call 408-418-9388, enter the meeting number: 629 424 413#, and password 0515#. We will have more on this story as it develops.

COVID-19 has obviously had a huge impact on tourism within Shelby County. Freddie Fry, the Executive Director of the Shelby County Office of Tourism, has been hard at work though keeping their website updated with all of the latest information that they have.

Once things do officially reopen, Fry and her team at the Shelby County Office of Tourism will be hard at work promoting all of the different outdoor activities that are available for Shelby County visitors.

If any business or organization has any updated event information that the public needs, all you have to do is call the Shelby County Tourism Office and give them that information.

Freddie Fry was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Education certainly has changed over the past few months due to COVID-19 according to Taylorville High School Principal Matt Hutchison.

Google Classroom is not at all like a regular classroom, but it does give teachers a way to interact with students.

Another way that teachers, staff, and students are interacting is by using Google Meetings. They’re time consuming, but given the circumstances Hutchison says they’re working out well.
 

Taylorville High School Principal Matt Hutchison was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Most of Illinois is on track to move to phase 3 of Governor Pritzker’s revitalization plan on May 29th, and that’s a good thing according to Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne, but she also said that it’s time for the Pritzker Administration to work with the legislature to come up with a plan and make some common sense changes like making the regions smaller and more targeted.

At the start of the stay at home order, Bourne said that the Governor was very communicative, but as things have gone on he has been less so, especially with the legislature.
 

There is a safe way for the legislature to return to Springfield, according to Representative Bourne, but only the Speaker, the Governor, and the Senate President can bring them back.

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

Governor JB Pritzker on Tuesday announced that he feels the State needs to do more for businesses and for those who are suffering from this pandemic, financially. The Governor urged legislative bodies to meet in Springfield to put together a comprehensive plan to help both businesses and citizens alike.

The Governor also announced that he would be helping local governments with infrastructure projects over the summer.

A question was asked of the Governor about whether or not, the State would withhold federal aid from Counties who don’t enforce the stay-at-home order. The Governor said it’s something he would consider.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced their highest new case totals with 4,014 new cases of COVID-19 including 144 new deaths which brings the total amount to 83,021 cases including 3,601 deaths in 98 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 29,266 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 471,691 people. 

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

Shelby County is reporting a new positive Coronavirus test, bringing them to 11 total. The 25-year old female is self-isolating at her residence in Shelby County.  She was tested as a safety measure for her job and was asymptomatic. The county health department is figuring out and contacting those who might have crossed paths with her.

The largest change in case numbers in the Regional Radio listening area was in Sangamon County with 5 new cases and 1 new death, which brings them to 275 total positive tests with 25 deaths. Macon County added 1 case and 1 death, so their totals now sit at 146 cases with 16 deaths.

Central Illinois also saw it's largest recoveries over the last 24 hour period as well, as there were over 15 recoveries announced--mostly in Sangamon County.

As always, visit Taylorville Daily News for all the latest up to date numbers on the coronavirus, by clicking the icon that says “Current Coronavirus Numbers by County,” and more as the outbreak continues.

Three Commercial Drivers License (CDL) facilities are opening due to growing demand for drivers for commercial and agricultural reasons. State Senator Andy Manar announced via press release that Springfield Dirksen is among the trio of facilities that will open for operation. The other two facilities are Marion and West Chicago. 

Senator Manar was quoted in the press release as saying, “The trucking industry plays an extraordinary role in the health and safety of Illinois residents during this difficult time. A shortage of divers could restrict our food supply, pandemic response efforts, and economic recovery.”

Springfield Dirksen will be operating Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm under special precautions from the Secretary of State’s Office to endure the safety of employees and applicants. 

CDL tests will be by appointment only, and other transactions will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

To make an appointment call 785-3013. Find a link for more information here.

Clearing is set to begin at the new Taylorville Industrial Park on the northwest side of the city.  Beyers Construction will soon begin excavating of the property.  Construction will include a new paved road, curb and gutter, and utilities.  The over $1 million project is being funded with a $537,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration, and matching funds raised locally by the Park's owner, the Taylorville Development Association.  The Christian County Economic Development Corporation is assisting TDA in coordinating the project.

Despite being closed for almost 2 months, Monica Cameron, the Director of the Shelbyville Public Library has been hard at work on a brand new website.

One of the things that Cameron is most excited about in regards to the brand new website is the carousel.

The Shelbyville Library has a lot of different digital services available as well including audio books and electronic books.

Monica Cameron was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Schools may be closed across Illinois, but Shelbyville Schools Superintendent Shane Schurict said that the district is hard at work on a few different construction projects.
 

The 2020 Shelbyville High School graduating class of seniors will be honored in a variety of different ways, according to Superintendent Schurict.

Schurict said they also plan to have a traditional graduation ceremony this summer.

Shane Schurict was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Park Board met on Monday evening and the focus was on when the park could open up and a look at what the park was doing for their summer activities due to COVID-19. Right now the focus is on a July 1st date, but obviously that could change based off of what plans Governor JB Pritzker has and the recovery phase for when the region moves up to Phase 3.  

Recreational Director Bailey Hancock says that there are still quite a lot of gray areas when it comes to what’s taking place this summer but she hopes that things will be open by July 1st. Any later than that and the season would have to be scrapped.

Park Board President Marlane Miller says that the playground has to stay closed per the Governor’s orders.

The board also decided to push off the vote on that for June 1st when they would hold their next meeting and decide what would be happening over the Summer. This way they could know whether or not Illinois would be moving to the next phase. 

The meeting was broadcast live on NEW COUNTRY 104.1. You can see the whole meeting on WTIM TV on Youtube.

Graduation, the budget, and COVID-19 took center stage during the Taylorville School Board remote meeting via Google Hangouts tonight.

In old business, the board approved several new board policies, discussed the school calendar, and discussed the Fiscal Year 2020 budget.

In new business, the board approved 180 seniors for graduation which will take place on May 22nd. The board also approved some changes to the Taylorville High School handbook. This includes changes to the dress code, attendance policy, and late work policy. A $16,495 purchase was also approved by the board for an annual subscription for the Forecast 5 budgeting tool.

Board President Stephen Turner kicked the meeting off by talking about the dedication of the staff saying that in some cases the Taylorville School District is miles ahead with the decision making process of some other districts in the state.

COVID-19 and returning to in class instruction was also a big topic of discussion. Dr. Dougherty and the Taylorville School District are keeping a close eye on Governor Pritzker’s revitalization plan and are currently working on three separate strategies in regards to fall learning.

For in class learning to return, the central region has to be in phase 4 of the Governor’s revitalization plan. Dr. Dougherty says that it isn’t clear whether or not phase 4 will be enacted by the middle of August.

The next Taylorville School Board meeting is set for Monday, June 15th.

Central Illinois reported 33 new coronavirus cases over the weekend with 1 in Christian County, 22 in Sangamon County, and 10 in Macon County. The numbers around the state for the last 24 hours are down as well, as there are 1,266 new cases of coronavirus disease in Illinois including 54 additional deaths, however, Governor JB Pritzker said in today’s press conference, that models show that the state is not set to hit the peak until June now.

Governor Pritzker is still staying firm on keeping restrictions in place because it’s helping us reach the next phase but the numbers still look good especially in Central Illinois. Everything is on target to move to the next phase, phase 3, on May 29th. 

The Governor, who is at his home, has been forced to quarantine after a senior staff member tested positive for

coronavirus. 

Currently, the Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting a total of 79,007 cases including 3,459 deaths in 98 of the 102 counties of Illinois. Within the past 24 hours, labs have tested 12,441 specimens for a total of 442,425 tests. 

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

A 7-day informal poll on taylorvilledailynews.com shows 62-point-2 percent of readers are against Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker's continuance of the Stay at Home order thru May 30th.

The Governor made the announcement April 23rd to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

37-point-8 percent of those participating in the taylorvilledailynews.com informal poll, agreed with the Governor's order.

Over 340 people have taken the survey over the last week.  It'll continue thru the end of May, located on the lower right side of every page.

When you are interested in signing up for services at Physician’s Choice Wellness things are basically the same, according to Program Director Tara Nickerson.

One change that PCW made is now all meetings are 1 on 1 instead of in big groups.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the medical screening.

Tara Nickerson was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan may be closed, but they still have a lot available online, according to Library Director Michelle Nolen.

More information is available on the reading services that they have available by visiting sullivanlibrary.org.

In terms of when the Library may reopen, Nolen said that they’ll have more information soon.

The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library Director Michelle Nolen was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway & Park District will meet for a special meeting on Monday evening. The meeting will take place at Manners Park Dining Hall and due to social distancing, and the Governor’s stay at home order, the meeting will be broadcast live on New Country 104.1 at 7 PM. If you would like to address the board during the meeting you can send an email to taylorvilleparkdistrict@gmail.com or call 820-9031. 

The meeting will go over the treasurer’s reports from March and April. There will be COVID-19 update status for day camp, the swimming pool, and dining hall rentals. There will be an update on the North Pond Excavation Project and the progress made. The meeting will also have reports from the Maintenance Superintendent, Office Administrator, and Recreational Director.

The meeting will finish with a financial update along with a possible executive session. New Country 104.1 will be broadcasting live the entire event at 7 PM. 

The Taylorville School District will have its monthly board of directors meeting on Monday evening at 6 PM. The meeting will be held on Google Hangout. To get the request code, you have to message the district secretary, Julie LeBeane at jlebeane@tcusd3.org. The meeting will have communications, go over the consent agenda including the treasurer’s report. 

Under old business, there will be a second reading and adoption of board policy updates. There will be an update on the school calendar for 2020/2021. Finally, there will be an update on the FY20 Budget.

Under new business, there will be a school report on Taylorville High School, Consideration and adoption of THS 2020-2021 handbook changes, and consideration of adoption of district fees for 2020-2021. There will be a review and approval of seniors eligible for graduation and first semester graduates for the board to consider. There will be approval of the drive-through graduation to be held on May 22. Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty will be giving her report along with discussing a COVID-19 update. 

For more information contact the District Office.

An area hospital is benefitting from some 694-million dollars in grants statewide being given by the U-S Department of Health and Human Services, to hospitals providing inpatient care to COVID-19 patients and have also suffered revenue losses.  

H-S-H-S St. John's Hospital in Springfield will receive almost 28-million dollars.  

The money is part of some 12-billion dollars going to 395 hospitals nationwide.

A man from Staunton is in the hospital after a motorcycle accident on Saturday evening at 8:03 PM. 35-year-old Benjamin Schwandner was traveling eastbound on East Olive Street just west of Williams Street in Staunton in Macoupin County at a high rate of speed when Schwandner lost control causing the motorcycle to roll several times. 

The driver was ejected from the bike and was not wearing a helmet. Schwandner was airlifted to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. ISP District 18 is still investigating the crash.

One local restaurant heard Saturday's Taylorville Kiwanis Club drive-thru donation day for the Taylorville Food Pantry being broadcast on the Miller Media Group radio stations, and wanted to help.

Dan Marron, owner of the Triangle Pub in Stonington, called the stations saying the local community has supported him in the past several weeks while he can only serve carry-out food, and he wanted to give a monetary donation.

The Triangle Pub in Stonington is open for carry-out orders Monday thru Saturday from eleven to 8.

Find a complete list of restuarants and businesses open by clicking that icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Chris-Mont Emergency Management Agency's weekend update shows that Christian County has one new coronavirus case, 30 positive tests, 459 negative tests, and 4 deaths.  

Montgomery County has no new cases reported this weekend, 35 positive tests, 650 negative tests, and one death.

Statewide, 23-hundred new cases were reported this weekend with one-hundred eleven additional deaths making the total state death count just over 33-hundred.

Nearly 17-thousand coronavirus tests a day are now being conducted statewide.

The Taylorville Food Pantry is benefitting from a truckload of food, as well as cash contributions, donated by Taylorville residents on Saturday.  

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held the first of their 4 "drive-thru" donation days, in front of the Miller Media Group parking lot at 918 East Park, on Saturday.

Kiwanis members Dennis Barnard and Blain Cornwell manned the event.  Barnard told the Miller Media Group during our live coverage, that turnout was fantastic.

Cornwell said the donation traffic was steady thru-out the day.

Remember that the Taylorville Kiwanis Club will hold these "drive-thru" donation days the remaining Saturdays from 9:30 til one, in the Miller Media Group parking lot at 918 East Park.

Kate Graham has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. She hasn’t been able to work at her salon and had the adoption of her daughter pushed back from April 23rd, but thanks to the hard work of a lot of different people, Kate was able to officially adopt her daughter yesterday over Zoom.

After the adoption was complete the Taylorville community along with family and friends came together to congratulate Kate and her family by putting on a parade.

Kate wants to encourage anyone who is able to reach out to DCFS and to seriously consider becoming foster parents.

For more information on adoption, please visit this link.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club along with the Miller Media Group will be hosting a weekly drive-thru donation day on the remaining Saturdays in May to help support the Taylorville Food Pantry.

You can make your donation by coming to the Miller Media Group front parking lot at 918 East Park Street in Taylorville from 9:30 to 1 on the remaining Saturdays in May.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hornbuckle was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

For the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak started, the State of Illinois has tested over 20,000 people in a single day. Governor JB Pritzker says that the work that the state is doing is because of the hard work from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Laboratories all around the state. 

The Governor was asked about school this fall and said everyone is hoping to be back in session for the next school year.

The Governor was asked about visiting downstate cities and when the next time he would be leaving Chicago. Governor Pritzker says he hopes people from downstate understand how much he is needed in Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,887 new cases of COVID-19 including 130 new deaths which brings the total amount to 73,760 cases including 3,241 deaths in 98 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 20,671 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 399,714 people. 

Listen every afternoon Monday through Friday at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

If you are looking for help during the COVID-19 struggle, one way you can do that is through the Department of Human Services. The IDHS has launched the Pandemic EBT application for families on May 1st which can help families buy food for school-age children who would normally receive the National School Lunch Program when school is in session.

This benefit can help you buy food for your school-age children 3-17 years old and 18-22 years old who are still in high school. If you currently receive SNAP benefits you do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits, you are automatically eligible. Those benefits will be loaded onto your Link account along with your regular benefits.

Benefits will be issued through the end of the school year. To apply click here. For more information contact the Department of Human Services at (800) 843-6154.

There were 15 new cases of coronavirus in central Illinois along with 5 deaths. Those numbers reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Central Illinois is also reporting 112 recovered cases. For a complete look at numbers in central Illinois of COVID-19 cases, click on the icon on taylorvilledailynews.com for coronavirus cases by county. 

The annual Memorial Day ceremony normally held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, will be held virtually this year.

The ceremony will be broadcast live from the NEWSTALK WTIM studios, on Monday, May 25th at 10 in the morning.   It'll include remarks from a special speaker, and each branch of the Armed Services being honored.

The Taylorville V-F-W is again organizing this event, including the first-ever virtual Memorial Day ceremony.

Illinois' 4th Judicial Circuit Court has announced it's continuing court cases presently being heard in several Regional Radio County Courthouses, out of an abundance of caution and in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The 4th Circuit includes County Courthouses in Christian, Shelby, Montgomery, Fayette and Effingham Counties in the Regional Radio listening area.
 
Traffic cases including driving under the influence, criminal misdemeanor cases, ordinance and small claims cases, all family court and child support cases, all pay or appears and compliance hearings, marriages, and evictions are all being continued until at least May 31st.

Criminal jury trials are continued until at least June 15th, and civil jury trials are continued until at least January First, 2021.

The statement added in-custody cases including bond settings, criminal felony cases with time constraints, juvenile detention and shelter care hearings, emergency and plenary orders of protection, and other emergency hearings, WILL be held via video conferencing.

Several health care providers in the Regional Radio listening area, were given grants expanding capacity for coronavirus testing, by the U-S Department of Health.

Central Counties Health Centers with facilities in Taylorville, Springfield and Jacksonville received almost 381-thousand dollars; Chestnut Health Systems in Bloomington got some 156-thousand; Community Health Improvement Center in Decatur received almost 361-thousand dollars; the County of Macoupin in Carlinville got almost 215-thousand; Promise Healthcare in Champaign received over 286-thousand dollars; and Southern Illinois University in Springfield got over 654-thousand.

Some 45 health centers across the state are sharing in over 25-million dollars being distributed by the U-S Department of Health.

Teachers have been through a lot over the past few months and Taylorville CUSD #3 Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty wanted to do something to recognize all of the hard work that the teachers have put in during Teacher Appreciation Week.

It is also school nurse appreciation week and the school nurses are the backbone of each school, according to Dr. Dougherty.

Reading is extremely important and Memorial School is hosting a read-a-thon to help raise money for the Red Cross.

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

The Central Illinois Food Bank Public Relations Manager is Ashley Earnest and she was approached by local business owner Tim Wilkerson of Wilkerson’s Service Center about how he could get involved and help out at the Food Bank.

Wilkerson said that the community has always supported him and he just wanted to do what he could to help out in this time of need.

Earnest said that the Central Illinois Food Bank has been blessed in these difficult times with all of the community support.
 

Business owner Tim Wilkerson and Ashley Earnest with the Central Illinois Food Bank were guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis has spent a lot of time talking with business owners and constituents who are struggling. Davis said that a lot of the business owners just want some guidance.

Congressman Davis went on to talk about the typical questions that he has been asked.
 

Congressman Davis said that he has a real soft spot for hair stylists and he doesn’t understand why the unemployment that they should have access to hasn’t been implemented by the state, yet.

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

Central Illinois Health Departments are reporting 19 new COVID-19 cases and no deaths over the last 24 hours as Illinois continues to ramp up testing. Sangamon County reported 13 new cases while Macon County reported 5 new ones and Montgomery posted a new case as well. Governor JB Pritzker announced further developments on the work of helping people collect unemployment at his daily press conference. 

The Governor says that the new phone systems for unemployment lines are now operational.

There are still concerns over enough child care, but the Governor reassured everyone that there will be plenty of childcare when we reach Phase 3, despite most child care centers not being able to open until phase 4. There is also concern over how fall sports will work if some regions are open and others are not. Governor Pritzker addressed questions concerning the way that regions were drawn. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,641 new cases of COVID-19 including 138 new deaths which brings the total amount to 70,873 cases including 3,111 deaths in 97 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 17,783 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 379,043 people. Listen every afternoon at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s daily press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms. For local numbers click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News. 

House Republicans met on Wednesday to discuss Governor JB Pritzker’s 5 phase plan to reopen the state’s economy. While Republicans said they support the Governor’s stay at home order, they urged the Governor to have decisions made more at a local level.

House Representative, Avery Bourne, was not pleased with the response she got after sending him a letter earlier this week that was brought to him by women from the House of Representatives.

Representative Bourne says that there is no point in sending essential workers back to work if there is no room for them to send their kids to essential childcare.

People are still running into issues with receiving unemployment, and Representative Bourne calls it a broken system.

Legislators can not meet until the Governor calls them back for a special session or Democrat leaders call them back. 

The Taylorville Police Department made arrests in the April 2nd, Mach 1 smash and grab. The incident happened at 1:20 AM at the Mach 1 located on Illinois Route 29 and Route 104 in Taylorville. 

Upon arrival, the suspects broke a window and stole numerous items including liquor and cigarettes, and left through the broken window.

After receiving a tip on Wednesday, Police investigated and charged five subjects for burglary and thefts. Charged is 19-year-old Erik Summer of Edinburg, 18-year-old Tyler Hobbs of Edinburg, 21-year-old Isaiah Rizzello of Edinburg, and two juveniles from Edinburg. 

Police learned during the investigation that it was a preplanned crime and that the subjects might have been involved in other criminal acts around the county. 

Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler thanks the public for their assistance as well as thanking States Attorney Mike Havera and the Kincaid and Edinburg Police Departments.

The Illinois State Police released the following information following a fatal traffic crash on Illinois Route 4 near Finney Road in Macoupin County. A 1999 Ford Truck driven by 18 year old Colby Rheude from Virden, Illinois was traveling south on Illinois Route 4 near Finney Road in Macoupin County. A 2018 International Truck-Tractor Semi-Trailer driven by 51 year old Walter F. Smith from Peoria, Illinois was traveling north at the same location. For unknown reasons Rheude crossed the center line and struck Smith head-on. The truck driven by Rheude rolled over and caught fire in the west ditch. The truck driven by Smith came to rest in the east ditch. Colby Rheude was pronounced deceased on scene by the Macoupin County Coroner's Office. Walter F. Smith was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with life threatening injuries. The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours during the crash investigation. The crash remains under investigation and no further information is being released at this time.??

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club and the Miller Media Group have organized a weekly "drive-thru" donation day, the remaining Saturdays in May from 9:30am to 1pm.

Each week, 2 Kiwanis members will have a tent and a pickup truck stationed in the Miller Media Group front parking lot at 918 East Park.  The public is encouraged to drive thru and donate their non-perishable food, which will be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

Kiwanis members will be wearing masks and gloves and provide drivers as much safety as possible.

Monetary donations will also be accepted, and will also be given to the Food Pantry, which has seen their count of those served, almost double in recent weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club Food Pantry "drive-thru" donation days, will also be broadcast live on the 5 Miller Media Group radio stations each week.

Charges have been brought against 43-year-old Bennie L. Jackson, the driver of the dump truck that failed to negotiate a curve and fatally struck a woman in the Casey’s parking lot in Auburn on May 4th. Jackson is currently in custody in the Sangamon County Jail.

The Sangamon Country State’s Attorney, Dan Wright, announced three charges of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, one count of Reckless Homicide, one count of Official Misconduct, one count of Possession of Methamphetamine, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. These are concurrent charges. If found guilty on all charges, Jackson could serve up to at least 57 years.

Bond was set at $750,000, pending Jackson’s arraignment, which is set for Thursday, May 7th, 2020. This is an ongoing investigation by the Illinois State Police.
 

With Governor JB Pritzker’s plan unveiled for restoring Illinois, the Governor continued to focus on moving ahead with looks at facemasks and the disparity of cases affecting the Hispanic and Black communities.  Governor Pritzker is hoping to get tests in those areas in the places where they are needed the most.

The Governor urged Illinoisans to say something if employees aren’t enforcing CDC Guidelines.

When asked about the State Fair, the Governor said it didn't seem like that was going to happen this year. He stressed that he hasn't closed restaurants and small businesses--science has, and he said that he is working with legislation to continue to put out the best guidance.

Governor Pritzker also says it’s your patriotic duty to wear a mask and to stop discrimination of those that do.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,270 new cases of COVID-19 including 136 new deaths which brings the total amount to 68,232 cases including 2,974 deaths in 97 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH has tested 361,260 people including 14,974 over the last 24 hours. Listen every afternoon at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s daily press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News.

Central Illinois Health Departments are reporting 13 new cases and two deaths in the 7 Regional Radio Counties over the last 24 hours. Sangamon County had 8 new cases along with 1 new death. Macon and Moultrie Counties both reported two new cases, while Montgomery County reported one. Macon also reported one new death as well. 

According to the Chris-Mont EMA, the Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation Center conducted COVID-19 tests on all patients and staff and the results came back with no new positive test results. A resident and an employee had tested positive earlier, and are quarantined. Director Carla Lipe-Vonder Haar thanked all of the people that helped do the testing for the facility including the Hillsboro Area Hospital Team, Chris Mont EMA, Montgomery County Health Department, and the team at Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

For more on these numbers and a current look at coronavirus cases by county, click on the icon at taylorvilledailynews.com. 

State Senators are pushing for more Personal Protective Equipment for employees of nursing homes, as workers are expected to strike on Friday for better working conditions. Workers at 64 nursing homes across the state will be striking and several Illinois Senate Democrats wrote a letter to the Illinois Department of Public Health urging Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the IDPH, to say how much PPE has been distributed and what the IDPH is doing to help fix this. 

According to the IDPH, nursing home deaths make up more than a third of the state’s coronavirus deaths. State Senators continue to try to push for answers on this. They ask the IDPH to advise how much PPE has been requested, how the nursing homes are chosen to receive PPE, and how much PPE these nursing homes have received since the start of this outbreak.

The letter concludes with applause for the governor and all public health officials for their tremendous efforts in the fight against COVID-19. 

Senators that signed the letter, are State Senators Jacqueline Y. Collins, Bill Cunningham, Sara Feigenholtz, Laura Fine, Don Harmon, Napoleon Harris III, Michael E. Hastings, Mattie Hunter, Emil Jones III, Steven Landek, Kimberly A. Lightford, Andy Manar, Iris Y. Martinez, Robert Martwick, Julie A. Morrison, Antonio Munoz, Laura Murphy, Robert Peters, Heather Steans, Patricia Van Pelt, and Ram Villivalam. 

The Moultrie County Health Department has announced the 6th and 7th confirmed cases of COVID-19. Public Health Services Coordinator Glenda Plunkett said that both individuals are hospitalized and public health officials are contacting all close contacts.

Plunkett wants to remind everyone to wear your mask and stay at home as much as possible.
 

For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department please visit moultriehealth.org.

A lot of families across Central Illinois are stretching their food budgets in these difficult times. Jill Williams, a registered dietitian and nutrition educator at the St. Louis District Dairy Council has some tips and tricks to get every last dollar out of your food budget.

The importance of planning your weekly trip to the grocery store cannot be understated, says Williams.

When you are shopping on a budget, that glass of milk packs a real bang for your buck, according to Williams.

Jill Williams with the St. Louis District Dairy Council was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

With the cooler weather in the forecast this week, if you haven’t planted your warm weather plants, Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger with the University of Illinois Extension Office said that you’ll probably want to hold off for a little while.

You always need to be aware of the frost dates, says Holsinger.

If you have already planted some of your warm weather plants, there are a few different ways you can keep them safe from the cold.
 

Andrew Holsinger is a Horticulture Educator at the Unitersity of Illinois Extension office and he was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

To air starting at 6am 05/6/20. BB. We live in a much different world than we did 10 or 20 years ago and so the church needs to learn how to connect with people better. So says Shelbyville Ministerial Association President Don Jeffries, who is also the pastor of the First Assembly of God Church in Shelbyville.
 

Jeffries comments came in the recent Miller Media Group special "An Hour of Faith and Encouragement." Jeffries added that if there is difficulty people want some stability.

That special program featuring the Ministerial Association presidents from Taylorville, Pana, and Shelbyville, can be heard anytime by clicking the "WTIM Podcasts" icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The state of Illinois recorded their highest death total from COVID-19 on Tuesday; a day after recording their lowest total in nearly 10 days. The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 176 additional deaths over the last 24 hours. 

Here in central Illinois, 18 new cases of COVID-19 were reported with 14 of them in Sangamon County and 3 in Macon. The area continues to report low case counts of the virus while negative tests continue to go up. There were 272 negative tests yesterday in the 7 counties of Christian, Montgomery, Shelby, Sangamon, Macon, Moultrie, and Fayette.  

In another sign that things are heading the right direction, the Christian-Montgomery Emergency Management Agency, or Chris-Mont EMA, announced that they would stop putting out press releases every day and only do them on Friday or when situations warrant themselves. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,122 new cases of COVID-19 including 176 new deaths which brings the total amount to 65,962 cases including 2,838 deaths in 97 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH tested 13,139 people in the last 24 hours and overall have tested 346,286 people. Listen every afternoon at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s daily press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News.

Meeting testing requirements while breaking the State of Illinois into four regions are all aspects of a reopening plan laid out by Governor JB Pritzker Tuesday afternoon.

The Governor says his plan will continue to follow the science data but indicates he has listened to people in Illinois and across the country for their ideas and believes their ideas have been immensely helpful.

Gov. Pritzker calls the plan an approach balanced with data and passionate Illinoisans who want to reopen. He says the reality on the ground looks different in areas of the state, which is why he is breaking the state into four different regions.

Additionally, the state will open in five phases. Governor Pritzker says the fifth phase reopens Illinois in a post-coronavirus world. He says the first phase has been accomplished and we are currently in phase two.

Testing will play an important role in moving into phases three and four. Gov. Pritzker says telework is still strongly encouraged. He indicates non-essential manufacturing and non-essential businesses can reopen.

To make it to phase four, Governor Pritzker says restaurants, bars, health centers and movie theaters among other businesses can reopen. He says these things hinge on health guidelines being met through Illinois Department of Public Health guidance. In phase four, crowds can move to 50 people.

Phase five is a full reopening of Illinois but Gov. Pritzker says the only way we move into phase five is with a vaccine, a suitable treatment, or the elimination of the coronavirus in Illinois.

The Governor wrapped up his unveiling of his plan pointing out they are going to rely on Illinoisans to work together to make these plans work. He says they will work with law enforcement to take action when necessary. 

He calls his plan for responding to and recovering from a pandemic in the 21st century and says they are writing the playbook as they go. 

There may be some confusion over what is open at Lake Shelbyville, especially with the recent changes to the Governor’s stay at home order. So, Ashley Florey with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers outlined what is open at Lake Shelbyville.

There are both state and federal run agencies within Lake Shelbyville. Eagle Creek and Wolf Creek that are run by the state had been closed, but as of May 1st, they’re both reopened.

No campgrounds are open at Lake Shelbyville and that includes the state parks.

Ashley Florey is a Natural Resource Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and she was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

During the Governor’s stay at home order it may be difficult to keep your sanity, so Ed Lacheta with Shelby County Community Services talked about the importance of having a routine during these difficult times.
 

The importance of sleep cannot be understated, according to Lacheta.
 

Even though most of us are working from home, it’s still important to interact with people on a regular basis.

Ed Lacheta with Shelby County Community Services was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville's drive-thru high school graduation is on again, after state officials reversed their previous decision banning such events across the state.

Superintendent Doctor Chris Dougherty says the district's originally planned drive-thru graduation on Friday, May 22nd at 5:30pm, met all guidelines of the Center for Disease Control.

Doctor Dougherty reminds Taylorville elementary students to pickup bridge kits to complete now and into the summer.

More information on reading kits is available on-line by clicking the Taylorville Schools link in this story at taylorvilledailynews-dot-com.

The Taylorville City Council met remotely on Monday evening. Among the topics of discussion included the lake lot, a burn ban, and help for businesses.  After the announcement that the lake lots are now open, a conversation on lake lot leases allowing tenants to share it with another person took the floor. The motion passed 7-2 with Aldermen Kathy Driskell, Lee Lanzotti, Chris Skultetty, Larry Budd, Ernie Dorchinecz, and Shawn Burtle voted yes along with Mayor Barry. Aldermen Megan Bryant and Jim Olive voted no.

The motion for rent and security deposit for the lake lots was looked at. The sentence in question from the ordinance was for the rent is $550 and a security deposit in $300, what the cost would be for another tenant. After much discussion and a close vote, the vote on rent on additional tenants went back to committee. 

As far as losing so much time this year from the lake lots, Mayor Bruce Barry put a motion forward to extend this year’s lake lot season to November 15th and start early next year on March 15th.  The motion passed 6-1 with Jim Olive voting no and Shawn Burtle abstained.  Aldermen Kathy Driskell says she is excited to have the lake lots open again.

The board also approved increasing the maximum number of UTV’s to 35. Mayor Barry read a heartfelt letter addressing the importance of having a burn ban. After discussion, the motion to approve an extension on the burning leaf ban failed, effectively ending it. The motion failed 5-3 with Aldermen Driskell, Burtle, Lanzotti, Skultetty, and Bryant voting no on keeping it going and Aldermen Dorchinecz, Olive, and Budd voting yes. 

Mayor Barry had an announcement for some small businesses in Taylorville with a stimulus stipend from the BDD fund. 

Alderman Driskell spoke during the public comments section. She is concerned for many small businesses that have messaged her.

Mayor Barry says that if you have any comments, concerns, or questions to please contact him.

A woman is dead after a dump truck hit her at a local gas station. The accident happened on Monday morning at 11:29. Early investigations indicate an Auburn Township dump truck driven by 43-year-old Bennie L. Jackson of Auburn failed to negotiate a curve on Illinois Route 4 at Lincoln Street in Auburn. 

The dump truck drove through a ditch, passed over Lincoln Street, and landed in a Casey’s Gas Station parking lot striking a woman who was out of her vehicle. The woman was pronounced dead on the scene by the Sangamon County Coroner.

The accident is still under investigation. 

The state of Illinois saw its lowest amount of deaths in COVID-19 cases for the first time since April 19th over the last 24 hours with 46 new deaths. Governor JB Pritzker says that one day alone could be an anomaly. He asks people to look at numbers from 3-4 days straight to see if we truly are in a decline for numbers.

The Governor says he’s still looking into different ways to open up certain parts of the state at certain times, after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that he's looking at opening up regions of New York on May 15th. 

Governor Pritzker says while vulnerable people are the most important, we have to continue to focus on everyone moving forward.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,341 new cases of COVID-19 including 46 new deaths which brings the total amount to 63,840 cases including 2,662 deaths in 97 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH has tested 333,147 people. Listen every afternoon at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s daily press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News.

The Miller Media Group has created a survey on each of its 2 on-line daily newspapers, to gauge reader sentiment about Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker's continuance of the "Stay at Home" order thru May 30th.

The survey is located on the lower right of each page of taylorvilledailynews-dot-com and dewittdailynews-dot-com.  It's a simple survey asking "Do you agree with Governor Pritzker's continuance of the Stay at Home order thru May 30th?"

Readers can vote "yes" or "no" in this unscientific survey, and also leave optional comments.

Results of those responding to the survey in each market, are instantly available by clicking the "View Results" icon on the bottom right of the page.

Both taylorvilledailynews-dot-com and dewittdailynews-dot-com will report on air and on line, results and comments thru-out the month.

Sangamon County is reporting the biggest changes in the Regional Radio listening area with 15 new cases and one new death, bringing the total to 206 cases with 13 deaths. Macon County is up one case and one death, bringing their totals to 122 positive tests with 13 deaths. The only other county with a new case is Montgomery County, where one positive test brings them up to 29 total cases.

Hillsboro Area Hospital successfully tested every employee and resident of The Home With Heart Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Monday after an employee tested positive. They are awaiting results.

The Christian-Montgomery Emergency Management Agency urges residents to wear a mask in public settings and follow Governor JB Pritzker’s social distancing guidelines.

As always, visit Taylorville Daily News for all the latest up to date numbers on the coronavirus, by clicking the icon that says “Current Coronavirus Numbers by County,” and more as the outbreak continues.

A Carlinville man is dead after a plane crash on Saturday afternoon. The plane crash took place near the Zelmer Memorial Airport just outside of Palmyra, Illinois, ½ mile south of the airport. 61-year-old Timothy Nelson of Carlinville was the pilot and single occupant of the single-engine 2 seat 1996 Yakoview Yak-52 aircraft. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The crash is being investigated by the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Aviation Administration. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday by the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office.

An Edinburg woman is dead after a vehicle accident on Saturday night. 35-year-old female Michelle White was killed after the vehicle she was riding in left the roadway and struck a tree.  At 11:59 PM on May 2nd, Christian County 9-1-1 received a call from a single-vehicle traffic crash. 

A passenger car was southbound on 800 east Road near 1834 North in Buckhart Township. The driver along with 2 passengers were transported to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield due to injuries. White was identified by Deputy Coroner Austin Peters. White died of blunt force trauma to the body due to the motor vehicle crash. 

Edinburg Fire, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Edinburg Police Department, Dunn’s Ambulance, and ISP responded to the scene. The investigation into the accident is being done by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office along with ISP Crash Reconstruction. The crash is still being investigated.

A memo from the office of Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry announced that the Lake Taylorville Campgrounds and Lake Lots are open effective today, May 4th, 2020.

Users of the Lake Lots and Campgrounds are expected to follow social distancing guidelines. Only permanent campers will be allowed on the Lake Lots and Campgrounds. No guests will be allowed and there are to be no social gatherings.

The hours of the Marina will be 11 a.m to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Also, there will be no gas sold or cabins rented during the month of May. Boat and golf cart stickers will be sold and camp rent will be accepted.

There will be a drawing for the open Lake Lots in the Marina parking lot on Monday, May 11th at 9 a.m. for Taylorville residents and 1 p.m. for out of town residents. Social distancing guidelines should be followed during the drawing.

Rules have also been adjusted for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If anyone is caught breaking the rules it will result in an automatic termination of the lease. If too many people are breaking the rules, the Lake Lots and Campgrounds will be closed.

The full list of rules are as follows:

• No guests
• Permnent campers only
• The showers and restrooms will be closed
• The beach and playgrounds will be closed
• No social gatherings
• No gas sales for the month of May
• No cabin rentals for the month of May

Sullivan High School's previously planned drive-thru graduation Sunday, May 17th at 2:30 in the afternoon, is on again after the Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education reversed an earlier decision banning such events.

High School principal Daniel Allen was elated with the reversal.

Sullivan's high school drive-thru graduation will include a parade route thru town.

Planning for the drive-thru graduation began when it appeared school would be cancelled for the rest of the school year.

Some 75 graduates will be receiving Sullivan High School diplomas.

Taylorville High School's drive-thru on-again, off-again high school graduation is....

That's Superintendent Doctor Chris Dougherty, referring to senior Molly Smith's "Letter to the Governor" she released to Regional Radio and the media on Friday, asking the state to re-consider their earlier decision mid-week last week to ban drive-thru graduations.

Dr. Dougherty said Taylorville had already planned a safe drive-thru ceremony.

Taylorville High School graduation will be Friday, May 22nd at 5:30 in the afternoon.

Graduates will each get their diploma in a safe manner.

A car parade thru town will culminate the day's events.

Taylorville High School graduates will be graduating on the same day that the traditional graduation was originally scheduled, which is May 22nd.

Patty Hornbuckle and the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is breaking into the radio business by featuring a different teacher on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show every Thursday morning at 9:10.

Hornbuckle will find a familiar voice from the various schools that the children will recognize and they’ll be able to do whatever they want.
 

If there is a good response to this, according to Hornbuckle, this will continue on into the summer.

Patty Hornbuckle with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Despite COVID-19, resurfacing of roads in Central Illinois continues. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced late last week, that resurfacing of Illinois Route 29 between Cardinal Hill Road in Rochester and Jett Road at Berry will begin on Monday.

At least one lane will be open in each direction during resurfacing. The resurfacing will be used to help preserve the road and make it smoother.

Expect delays and allow considerable extra time for trips taken through this area. IDOT urges motorists to pay attention to conditions and signs, obey posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be on the lookout for workers and equipment.

The work is expected to take about a month. For more from IDOT visit gettingaroundillinois.com.

In the continuing fight against COVID-19, more and more hospitals are turning to telemonitoring services to track patients. Quad County Home Health is assisting Pana Community Hospital by using avenues such as Facetime, Skype, and more to check on their patients and make sure things are going well. Director of Homecare Programs, Tom Culberson, says this program has turned into something very successful. 

Quad County is adding these to their phones if patients don’t already have it. Patients have really enjoyed it.

Quad County hopes to keep using this technology long after COVID-19 is gone. Culberson says there is quite a lot that he has learned during this pandemic, that he hopes to use in the future.

For more on Quad County Home Health visit panahospital.com.

Re-connecting your faith with a local church is as easy as making a phone call.  So says Taylorville Ministerial Association President Bill Kerns, who is also pastor of Davis Memorial Christian Church.

Kern's comments came in the recent Miller Media Group special "An Hour of Faith and Encouragement."

Kerns added that prayer can be helpful when deciding on where to attend church.

That special program featuring the Ministerial Association presidents from Taylorville, Pana, and Shelbyville, can be heard anytime by clicking the "WTIM Podcasts" icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Governor JB Pritzker held a brief press conference Sunday afternoon to give an update on numbers and answer questions from the media.  The Governor announced that some Illinois banks including Wells Fargo and US Bank have announced they will cash stimulus checks without fees. 

The Governor also addressed scams and said the State will do what they can to prosecute scammers if they get caught.

The Governor also made a plea for people to fill out their census, saying that Illinois is currently 9th on the response rate.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 2,994 new cases of COVID-19 including 63 new deaths which brings the total amount to 61,499 cases including 2,618 deaths in 97 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH has tested 319,313 people. Listen every afternoon at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s daily press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms and for the latest closings, cancellations, and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News.

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education Saturday night reversed its prior decision from late in the week, now allowing drive-thru and individual high school graduation ceremonies.

This came after an outcry from school superintendents and high school seniors from across the state, that had already planned such events to comply with the state’s social distancing rules.

The 2 agencies are allowing drive-in graduation with students, and only their immediate family members who are staying at home together, should arrive and remain in cars for the entire ceremony. Before or after the ceremony, students may exit their cars individually, in their cap and gown if available, to have photos taken so long as social distancing requirements are followed.

Drive-through graduation is being allowed with students, and only their immediate family members who are staying at home together, arriving in waves and leave after their individual recognition. Students may exit the car individually, in their cap and gown if available, to have a photo taken. 

A high school graduation individualized ceremony at the school is being allowed with individual students coming to the school at prearranged times to walk across a stage in their cap and gown and have a photo taken. This may also be coordinated with time for students to pick up any personal belongings at the school. All efforts must be made to ensure social distancing and prevent mass gatherings of people. 

And the state is also allowing an individualized ceremony with school officials visiting each graduate’s home, while remaining outside and at least six feet away, to congratulate and take photos of each graduate in their cap and gown and holding their diploma. This type of recognition may need to be conducted over the course of several days depending on the class size. 

A Taylorville High School senior, Molly Smith, released a “Letter to the Governor” to Regional Radio on Friday, asking that Taylorville’s drive-thru graduation previously planned, to be allowed.   Pressure from Smith, along with high school seniors and school superintendents across the state that had also previously planned drive-thru graduations, likely weighed in the state’s reversal.

Read the full decision of IDPH and ISBE here.

There are two new cases of COVID-19 in Montgomery County. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in Montgomery to 28. Bryant Hitchings, Montgomery County Public Information Officer, announced that the Montgomery County New Courthouse building in Hillsboro, has an employee that has been confirmed positive for COVID-19. 

The test was confirmed positive on Thursday and two additional employees have experienced COVID-19 symptoms and their test results are pending. The Courthouse has been working with the Montgomery County Health Department and is following all guidelines in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure public safety. The New Courthouse remains open Monday through Friday for emergency hearings only.

For a full list of coronavirus cases in Central Illinois, click on the icon for coronavirus cases by county, at taylorvilledailynews.com. 

Governor JB Pritzker spoke on Saturday about the growing numbers in the coronavirus outbreak despite him consistently saying that Illinois is flattening the curve. Governor Pritzker in Saturday’s Press Conference says that while COVID-19 numbers are up, test numbers are up as well. The Governor says one good sign is that there is a lower infection rate.

After a mass group of people protested on Friday, Governor Pritzker said that his family is fine, and as much as he thinks the message is wrong that the people are portraying, he will not stop people from their rights.

Central Illinois saw 23 new cases of COVID-19 with Illinois as a whole announcing 2,450 new cases including 105 additional deaths. This brings the total number of cases to 58,505 cases including 2,559 deaths in 97 of the 102 counties. Testing total 299,896 specimens with 15,208 over the last 24 hours.

Police are investigating a death in Taylorville. On Friday morning at 10:19, Christian County 9-1-1 received a call that a female was unresponsive in her home in Taylorville. Taylorville Fire and Dunn’s Ambulance responded and requested the coroner. Coroner Amy Calvert Winans responded and has identified the female as 42-year-old Danielle Coady-Johnson of Taylorville. An autopsy was held late on Friday and the results are pending toxicology.  Taylorville Police are handling the investigation.

The churches in our communities are there to help you if you’re in need. So says Shelbyville Ministerial Association President Don Jeffries, who is also the pastor of the First Assembly of God Church in Shelbyville.
 

Jeffries comments came in the recent Miller Media Group special "An Hour of Faith and Encouragement." Jeffries added that if you need help to take advantage of the opportunites that are out there.

That special program featuring the Ministerial Association presidents from Taylorville, Pana, and Shelbyville, can be heard anytime by clicking the "WTIM Podcasts" icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

Testing and tracing are two important factors that will help towards opening up the State of Illinois from the Shelter-in-place order. Governor JB Pritzker spoke about contact tracing during his Friday press conference and what contact tracing is. The importance of tracing is a critical tool towards the reduction of spread rate.

In order to move safely back to normalcy, Governor Pritzker says the need for contact tracing is worldwide.

Governor Pritzker says in order to answer the call for contact tracing, Illinois will be shaping an $80 million contact tracing database start at the end of the month.

The Governor was asked if certain regions could be opened up before May 30th, if they showed a downward trend and had enough hospital beds open. Governor Pritzker said that it is something that he would do, but the conditions would have to be right.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced 3,137 new cases of COVID-19 including 105  new deaths which brings the total amount to 56,055 cases including 2,457 deaths in 97 of the 102 counties in Illinois. IDPH has tested 284,688 people. Listen every afternoon at 2:30 for Governor Pritzker’s daily press conferences on the coronavirus on NEWSTALK WTIM and its many platforms and for the latest closings cancellations and businesses that are open visit Taylorville Daily News.

The Litchfield Police department were called to the 100 block of West South Street on Wednesday, April 22nd, for a report of gunshots being fired into a residence. Upon arriving the police found that an unknown individual fired what they believe to be a flare gun at a motor vehicle.

Following the investigation, 18-year-old Drayk Compton of Litchfield was taken into custody for Aggravated Assault. Once in custody the police found pornographic pictures on his phone of one or more individuals under the age of 17, resulting in a Possession of Child Pornography charge as well.

In the following days, there was evidence for Compton to be charged with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, which is a Class X Felony. 

Compton is being held at Montgomery County Jail with bond set at $150,000. 

Regional Radio News would like to remind everyone that subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Central Illinois is reporting 10 new COVID-19 cases with 8 of them in Sangamon County. Christian County is actually reporting only 28 coronavirus cases, after one case that was thought to be a Christian County resident, was actually a resident from Sangamon County. 

Today marks the first day of Governor JB Pritzker’s modified extension of the Stay-At-Home order, which will run until May 30th, 2020. Illinois residents are required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain six feet social distancing. Certain State Parks including Sangchris Lake State Park will be opening. Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people are also authorized. Golfing is also allowed, under strict guidelines. There will also be new essential businesses including greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries, and animal grooming services.  Retail stores that have been closed can open for telephone and online ordering. The Illinois Department of Health is also working on ways to allow hospitals to conduct elective surgeries.

According to Christian County State’s Attorney Mike Havera and Montgomery County State’s Attorney, Bryant Hitchings, drive-in style church services will be allowed. People are asked to remain in their vehicles, follow social distancing guidelines, and avoid common areas such as bathrooms.

As always, visit Taylorville Daily News for all the latest up to date numbers on the coronavirus, by clicking the icon that says “Current Coronavirus Numbers by County,” and more as the outbreak continues.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is showing there appreciation to the trucking industry for all of their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic by coordinating with groups that want to provide free food to truckers.

Illinois Acting Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said, “We are proud to offer our assistance in saying thank you to truckers and giving them some encouragement in their travels. All of us owe these men and women our gratitude for keeping the nation’s supply chain moving, making sure food is winding up in our homes and getting medical supplies and equipment to people that need them most.”

These events will only be held for a maximum of three hours at the following weigh stations on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Interstate 55 southbound at Williamsville in Sangamon County
• Interstate 57 northbound and southbound at Marion in Williamson County
• Interstate 64 eastbound at O'Fallon in St. Clair County
• Interstate 70 westbound at Marshall in Marshall County
• Interstate 74 eastbound and westbound at Moline in Henry County
• Interstate 80 eastbound and westbound at East Moline in Rock Island County
• Interstate 70 eastbound at Brownstown in Fayette County

Governor Pritzker, may I have your attention?  That's the goal of a Taylorville High School Senior who wrote a letter she's recorded and providing to local and social media, asking that the previously-scheduled Taylorville High School "drive-thru" graduation May 22nd, be held.

Molly Smith read her "Letter to the Governor" to Regional Radio News, and in part, she is telling the Governor that the best part of her high school experience has been taken from her and this year's seniors.

Smith added in her "Letter to the Governor", that she doesn't understand why the Illinois State Board of Education banned "drive-thru" graduations.

She questionned why people can buy video games, liquor stores or marijuana shops, and yet a "drive-thru" graduation is banned.

Other Taylorville High School seniors that signed Smith's letter, include Eric Schafer, Tawney Minks, Ashlee Vocks, Abby Danielson, Talia Moffet, Hailey Rhodes, Miles Campbell, and Rylee Miller.

Smith added the Taylorville School District Administration is in support of Smith's letter.

You can hear Smith's entire "Letter to the Governor" by clicking the player below:

You can watch Molly's video here.

The Christian County Agricultural Fair is still on for July 21st thru the 25th.  

That's the word from the Fair Board today.  Board president Chuck Dyer says the decision is very fluid.

The Fair Board has had several meetings on the status of the event already.

The Fair Board says their number one priority is to host a clean and safe fair and do what's best for fairgoers, exhibitors and vendors.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) received grant funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). IDNR received more than $2 million for the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP) that was designed to encourage owners of private land to allow access to the public for wildlife-dependent recreation like hunting and fishing.

IDNR Director Colleen Callahan said, “We are very excited to receive these grant funds to continue and expand the IRAP program. IRAP is a wonderful program that increased public access in Illinois for hunters, anglers and other outdoor recreationalists while at the same time assisting private land owners with habitat improvements on their land.”

The Illinois Recreational Access Program currently leases about 22,000 acres in 49 counties for hunting and fishing. More information on the IRAP program can be found here.

A local financial institution is helping to educate junior and senior high school students about financial literacy.

Taylorville Community Credit Union is sponsoring the "Banzai" financial curriculum in 9 schools in their service area.  C-E-O Will Perkins says it's a way to teach basic financial skills to students.

Perkins personally visited many of the classrooms where the Bonzai curriculum was taught, and enjoyed the student interaction.

Perkins says students and teachers enjoy the program.

Reach Perkins at 8-2-4-ninty-six-fifty-eight.