A Nokomis man is behind bars today after an arrest from the Illinois State Police. 32-year-old Ricky L. Bundy was arrested on Thursday in Taylorville by Illinois State Police for predatory criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony. 

In July of 2020, ISP Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) initiated an investigation involving a sexual act between a 12-year-old female and Mr. Bundy. Mr. Bundy was arrested and transported to the Christian County Jail. ISP DCI was assisted by the Great Lakes Area US Marshal Task Force, Taylorville Police Department, and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. 

The investigation is still ongoing.  If convicted, Bundy faces a minimum of 6 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. 

Chris-Mont EMA has informed Regional Radio News of 4 positive COVID-19 cases at Pana Community Hospital. Contact tracing has been completed and anyone with an exposure concern has been notified. If you were recently at Pana Community Hospital you most likely would not meet the exposure guidelines of less than six feet for more than fifteen minutes. As always continue to monitor your health and if you begin to feel ill or have a concern, please contact your local physician for further guidance or the health department.

Pana Community Hospital is fully functional and open for walk-in and emergency needs. If you need to go to the hospital, Chris-Mont EMA and Pana Community Hospital are still encouraging you to go in or call 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency. 

As always continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and clean common touch areas frequently. For more information on COVID-19 and what you can do to help stop the spread please contact Kevin Schott at 971-8196. 

With Region 3 heading into mitigations on Sunday, many are concerned about election issues on November 3rd. Chris-Mont EMA along with Christian County Clerk Michael C. Gianasi and Montgomery County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser wants the public to know that none of the actions taken by Governor JB Pritzker will affect polling places. 

All regular polling places are scheduled to be open provided there are enough election judges and staff to legally open. Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided at each polling place for voters and social distancing will be followed. 

If you are a registered voter in either county and would like to serve as an election judge, you can contact the Christian County Clerk’s office at michael.gianasi@christiancountyil.com or the Montgomery County Clerk’s office at 532-9530.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for any changes if they happen as we approach election day on November 3rd. 

Republicans are pushing back against Governor JB Pritzker’s mitigation rules but it isn’t because they don’t like it, it’s because legislators are not being included in the decision-making process. After Governor Pritzker announced that Region 3 will be closed to indoor dining/serving, and public gatherings starting on Sunday. 

House Republicans are asking for data to support that COVID is spreading through sit-down dining. Representative Avery Bourne says they are taking the virus seriously, but can’t help if they aren’t included.

Representative Bourne believes that the Governor needs to call the legislators back.

According to Representative Bourne, legislators has been suggesting mitigations since the beginning.

House Republicans including Representatives Avery Bourne, Tim Butler, C.D. Davidsmeyer, and Mike Murphy held a virtual press conference following the Governor’s press conference on Thursday afternoon.
 

Taylorville High School Athletic Director Jason Hadley said that without the recent decision by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to move forward with the basketball season, the season would likely not have happened at all.

Hadley is hopeful that they’ll be able to hold the basketball season, but there are still a lot of moving parts.

Hadley hopes that the Senior athletes get the opportunity to have their senior season.

High School Wrestling has been moved to the summer season at the request of the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. 

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

Shelby County CEO program generally puts on a mystery theater but due to COVID-19, they are unable to do so this year so the kids this year decided to do a drive-thru movie double feature called Fright Night. Shelby County CEO Facilitator Marla Foor says that there is a lot that will be done on October 30th. 

Foor, who is in her 3rd year as Facilitator, says that the kids formed committees and decided as a whole what their event was going to be.

From those committees, the kids formed subcommittees all in the name of making a nice event for families. Foor says that the kids will never view an event the same ever again.

For more information visit the group's Facebook page "Shelby County CEO". The movies that will be shown will be Hotel Transylvania and Goosebumps.
 

The Christian County Historical Society and Museum, according to Greater Taylorville Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle, is holding a Chicken and Noodle lunch on Saturday, November 7th from 10:30 – 1:30. They would like you to purchase tickets in advance by calling the Historical Society, a board member, or by going to Rebecca’s Antiques.

Ducks Unlimited is holding a virtual raffle night on Saturday, November 14th. For more information you can go to taylorvilleducks.com. 

The Christian County CEO Program is holding a drive-in movie night at the Christian County Fair Grounds on Saturday, November 14th. The gate will open at 6:30 and tickets are $10 per car.

Hornbuckle, who was recently elected as Secretary of the Taylorville Development Association, went on to discuss the importance of the TDA for the city of Taylorville.  

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

Mitigations for Region 3 will go into effect on Sunday morning at 12:01 as the region passed 8% for more than 3 days. The move will close indoor dining for restaurants and bars, limit gatherings to 25 or less, and gaming and casinos must be closed by 11 PM. Governor JB Pritzker along with the Illinois Department of Public Health made the announcement during his daily press conference on Thursday afternoon. 

Governor Pritzker says other regions including Region 6 are right behind Region 3.

The Governor also acknowledged that they don’t always know where the cases come from for COVID which is why contact tracing is so important.

Listen to every Governor JB Pritzker coronavirus press conference by visiting www.taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations is asking for the help of the public with a missing person from Carterville, Illinois. Daniel “Danny” Crosby was last seen near the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Pana during the early morning hours of February 27th. Family and friends of Daniel Crosby have not had any contact with Crosby since February 27th when he was in Pana. He was reported missing to the Carterville Police Department on March 18th.

ICP DCI Zone 4 Investigators have been searching for Crosby since May 22nd.  If you have any additional information you are encouraged to contact the ISP DCI at 217-782-4750. 

Regional Radio News has learned of two separate COVID-19 cases at the Taylorville School District. A Staff member from Taylorville’s North School has tested positive for COVID-19. This employee is quarantined along with two other employees in the same department who were exposed.  A Staff member from Taylorville’s Junior High School also tested positive for COVID-19. This employee is quarantined along with another employee who is a family member that was exposed. 

The school district is continuing to work with the Christian County Health Department and the Regional Office of Education. The school district is also working with the Christian County Health Department to continue contact tracing. Both employees were last on campus on October 27th. 

Deep cleaning and sanitation of the classrooms and school spaces that were utilized by each staff member and the district custodial staff have a checklist of sanitation measures that get performed routinely on surfaces and spaces.

If you have any questions, please contact the School District at 824-4951. 

For many parents, taking care of a baby can be a lot of work from changing diapers, to feedings, even to playing and caring for the child. Illinois DCFS is reminding parents that October is Infant Sleep Awareness Month and for children one year old and younger unsafe sleep is a leading cause of death. 

Acting Director of the Illinois DCFS, Marc D. Smith is asking parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and put their infant to sleep with the ABC's--Alone, on their Back, and in a safe Crib every time the child goes to sleep. Smith says he is glad that infant deaths have decreased since last year. In 2019, 108 infants in Illinois under the age of 1 died as a result of being put to sleep unsafely. Of those 108, 87 were found in locations other than a crib, bassinet, or 'pack and play.' 76 of those 108 were found in positions other than on their back, and 71 were co-sleeping with another individual at the time of death. 

For infants, doctors say they sleep safest alone in a crib with a firm mattress and tightly-fitted sheet. Remove all pillows, blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and especially toys. Never place an infant on an adult bed or couch for them to sleep and if you are traveling, call ahead to make sure accomodations include a crib or some way that you can set up a 'pack and play.'

For more information please visit the DCFS website. 

The Loving Arms Pregnancy Center has a variety of different services to help those in need, according to Executive Director Cathy Coker, .

COVID-19 has caused a variety of different issues at the Loving Arms Pregnancy Center, according to Coker. 

Fundraising has also been an issue, due to COVID-19, according to Coker.

The Loving Arms Pregnancy Center recently expanded to Pana and they’ve gotten off to a slow start because of COVID-19, but they get more excited with each new client that comes in.  

Cathy Coker was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The extension for license plate expiration stickers ends on November 1st. Secretary of State Jesse White says that license plate stickers can easily be renewed online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. The actual drivers license and ID cards expirations are extended until February 1st, 2021. 

To register, drivers are asked to have their vehicle registration card or past renewal notice containing their Registration ID and PIN number. If vehicle owners do not have their renewal notice or a current registration card, you are asked to call the Public Inquiry Division at 800-252-8980. After obtaining a registration ID and PIN number, the user can than visit the website and click on "license plate renewal email Notices" under the Online Services tab.

More than 1.5 million people have renewed license plate stickers online since June 1st. That is nearly double the amount of 2019 during that time. If you pay online with an e-check, the payment processing fee is waived. Processing fees are waived for renewing a license plate sticker, obtaining a duplicate driver's license or ID card, and renewing a driver's license through the safe driver renewal program. 

For more information on these programs, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com. 

The Central A&M School District has had to go to remote learning a few different times, but the transition back and forth, according to Superintendent Dr. DeAnn Heck, has been seemless.

Because of the hard work of the Central A&M staff, the district can now move between in-person learning and remote learning whenever necessary without any issue, according to Dr. Heck, but the staff are doing everything they can to keep everyone healthy and in the classroom. 

The Central A&M parents, according to Dr. Heck, have been pleased with how the school year has gone so far.

The Central A&M administration is doing everything they can, according to Dr. Heck, to alleviate any worries or fears that teachers may have about being in the classroom.  

Dr. DeAnn Heck was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.  

People's Bank and Trust this month named Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller (left) as their "Volunteer of the Quarter."  The presentation, along with a $250 check from PBT to a local non-profit organization of Miller's choice, was made by Noah Likes (right), Consumer Banker at PBT in Taylorville.

Miller had the check made payable to the SHADOW Home for Women and Children, where his wife Cathy volunteers.

Randal J. Miller is involved in many local non-profit organizations.  He was a founding board member and is incoming president of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation; he's a board member of the Taylorville Development Association; a founding board member and former president of the Christian County CEO Program; a member and long-time co-publicity chair of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club;  and the long-time publicity chairperson and emcee of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest. 

He previously served a 12-year-stint on the Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center Board, and 10 years on the Lake Land College Foundation Board.

Miller also has been a long-time member of the Praise Band at his church, the Decatur First Church of the Nazarene.

Miller and his wife Cathy live in Taylorville, where they've owned and operated the Miller Media Group since 1992.

In a stunning decision, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Executive Director Craig Anderson announced on Wednesday afternoon that they will indeed be going ahead with high school girls and boys basketball in a flurry of decisions that were made during a board of director’s meeting. Among decisions that were made, wrestling will be moved to the “summer season” which will be held from April 19th to June 26th of 2021. 

The board also approved winter sport guidance for all low-risk sports, which includes boys swimming and diving, cheerleading, dance, boys and girls bowling, and girls gymnastics. These sports will be conducted from November 16th until February 13th. 

Following guidance from the IHSA Sport Medicine Advisory Committee, boys and girls basketball can begin practices on November 16th with contests set to begin on November 30th within a COVID region or conference. Masks must be worn by all players, coaches, and officials during play. Basketball teams will follow team limitations allowing a maximum of 31 games. 

Anderson says that things moved relatively fast and the IHSA was caught off guard on the movement of basketball from medium to high risk.

Anderson continued by stressing that he didn’t necessarily feel blindsided, but wished there would be a little more communication. 

It is up to the local school to determine if they will allow basketball teams to participate. Governor JB Pritzker says national guidance says that they should err on the side of caution moving forward. 

To see the full statement issued by the IHSA click here. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it develops. This is a fluid situation and changing rapidly.

Governor JB Pritzker will indeed enact mitigations in Region 3 and Region 6 if the metrics show that the positivity rate stays higher than 8%. The Governor was asked today in his daily press conference if he would indeed impose mitigations to which Governor Pritzker said yes. Region 3 was at 8.1% today. If it stays at 8% or higher for 2 more days, restrictions will be imposed.

The Governor made it clear that the State Police would be enforcing bar/restaurant closures and large group gatherings.

Governor Pritzker has asked the Liquor/Bar association to take away licenses of any companies that violate the policy multiple times.  The Governor also urged local officials to help police businesses and other establishments that don’t follow the rules.

For more information on the mitigation efforts and restrictions click here. 
 

The Illinois High School Association, following their Board meeting this morning, voted to defy Governor Pritzker's order released yesterday, pausing Winter Sports in Illinois, and voting to allow Winter Sports, including Boys and Girls Basketball, to be played.

Here's the statement the IHSA released during the 2 o'clock hour this afternoon:

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for a special board meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, where the Board provided the latest information on the IHSA’s winter sports season.

The Board voted to move the sport of wrestling from the winter season to the summer season, which will run from April 19 to June 26, 2021.

The Board approved the IHSA ‘s winter sport guidance for all low risk sports, which includes Boys Swimming & Diving, Cheerleading, Dance, Boys & Girls Bowling, and Girls Gymnastics. These sports will be conducted from November 16, 2020, to February 13, 2021. The mitigating guidance for each sport will be posted on the IHSA’s COVID-19 Resource page on October 29. The IHSA Board will review spectator and group gatherings for all winter sports at a future meeting in November.

In addition, the Board took action to follow the guidance of the IHSA Sport Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and will allow Boys and Girls Basketball to begin practices, per IHSA Return to Activities 2.0, on November 16. Contests can begin on November 30th within an Illinois COIVD Region or within a conference. As a part of the mitigation plan, masks will be worn by all players, coaches, and officials during play.  Boys and Girls Basketball teams will follow team limitations allowing a maximum of 31 games. It will become a local school decision to determine if a school will allow their basketball teams to participate following the guidelines developed by the SMAC.

The Board released the following statement regarding the basketball action:

“The Illinois High School Association Board of Directors made the decision today to continue with the IHSA basketball season as scheduled in 2020-21. In August, the Board slated basketball to take place from November to February based on the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) assigning a medium risk level to the sport. The IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) offered additional mitigations, such as masks during play and social distancing on benches, that the SMAC believed would allow basketball to be played safely. 

The high school basketball season was potentially put on hold on October 27, when Governor Pritzker announced that IDPH had changed basketball’s risk level from medium risk to high risk.

After diligent discussion, the Board has made the decision today to follow the recommendation of the IHSA SMAC as it relates to basketball. The Board remains considerate of rising COVID-19 cases in Illinois and understand the importance of adhering to safety guidelines for the good of all citizens. However, the Board has not been presented any causal evidence that rising COVID-19 cases make basketball more dangerous to play by the IDPH or any other health organization nationally or internationally. On the contrary, the IHSA has been looking to bordering states who have sponsored both medium risk and high risk sports in the fall that have noted a low incident rate of COVID-19 spread.

Instead, we will require all IHSA basketball teams to adhere to those SMAC mitigations, and allow local school officials to make decisions related to participation.

Mounting challenges, from increased mental health issues among our students to a shrinking calendar that limits our ability to move sport seasons this school year, were instrumental in this decision to move forward with basketball as scheduled. We see our students regularly leaving the state to play sports, or covertly continuing to play locally. Students can be better protected in the high school setting, and the Board remains steadfast that playing under IHSA rules and SMAC mitigation is the safest way to conduct athletics at this juncture.

Illinois is a large and diverse state, and the IHSA membership is reflective of that. We understand that this decision will impact each high school and district differently. Some schools who remain in remote learning may not be able to start winter sports on time, and we feel for those in that situation. However, we have also learned that we cannot continue to look down the road to a season that may never come.

Contact days for our teams this fall have been an incredible boon to our students’ well-being. We fear for the mental health of students who attempt to traverse a long winter with no athletic outlet available. So much about dealing with this virus has been learned in the past eight months, and this decision will grant the membership the opportunity to apply that knowledge during their basketball season.

Each member of the IHSA Board volunteered for this position because they are passionate about high school sports and activities, and the positive impact they have on our students’ physical and mental health.”

____________________________

Stay tuned to Regional Radio and taylorvilledailynews.com for more details on this developing story.

The Taylorville Development Association held their annual meeting this (Wed) morning at People's Bank and Trust, to review the continuing progress in constructing the new Taylorville Industrial Park on the city's northwest side.

Engineer Phil Martin shared with the board that construction is about a month behind schedule due to weather.  There were also wet subgrade problems that required additional work to correct.  Entrance islands off of Illinois Route 29 are being poured this week.  It's hoped that the road to the park will be paved before the blacktop plants close in mid to late November.

T-D-A president Ken Hart reported there are at least 2 buyers for several lots being constructed in the new park.  One buyer is interested in 4 lots, and another is looking to buy 3.  Negotiations with both buyers are continuing.

The board voted unanimously to re-imburse the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce for printing the various versions of the application to the Economic Development Corporation totaling one-thousand dollars, and also donated 14-hundred 75-dollars to an effort by several local organizations to produce videos to promote and market the various segments of Taylorville, including the new Industrial Park.

The board re-elected Hart as president for 2021, Brent DeMichael was elected vice-president, Patty Hornbuckle was elected secretary, and Matt Beckley was re-elected as treasurer.

NEWSTALK WTIM AM 870 has scheduled a service outage for 1 o'clock this afternoon.

Tower crews have had to postpone work due to weather multiple times.

They expect to complete their work today, but as a result, NEWSTALK WTIM's AM 870 signal will go off the air this afternoon at 1 o'clock.

None of the station's other platforms on FM or on-line are affected by this service outage.

There is no single best age to start receiving Social Security benefits, according to Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist Jack Myers.

Myers went on to discuss how social security benefits max out when you turn 70 years old. 

The Social-Security-dot-gov website, according to Myers, has numerous resources including a toolkit for teachers to help

students learn about the importance of Social Security.

Jack Myers was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.  

Taylorville Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty says that the district is finally ready to bring students back to campus and that they’re going to bring them back in the safest way possible.

Dr. Dougherty went on to discuss that they’re keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 numbers within the Taylorville community. 

A slight majority of teachers within the Taylorville School District, according to Dr. Dougherty, have some concerns about returning to the classroom.
 

Taylorville High School Principal Matt Hutchison praised the staff of the Taylorville School District for all of their hard work over the past several months.  

Dr. Chris Dougherty and Matt Hutchison were both guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.  

The Christian County Historical Society and Museum is hosting a drive-thru chicken and noodle lunch on Saturday, November 7th from 10:30 until 1:30, according to CCHS President Jodi Heberling.

Heberling says that they would like to have as much of a headcount as possible. So, if you would like tickets, please call the Historical Society, visit Rebecca’s Antiques, or call any board member. 

Tickets are $10 and will help the Historical Society keep the lights on for the remainder of 2020.

After the chicken and noodle lunch, the Christian County Historical Society and Museum will go from being open three days a week to only being open on Saturdays.  

Jodi Heberling was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their first meeting since mid-March due to the coronavirus, on Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

The club installed new officers that were to have taken office October First, and also heard committee reports about on-going Kiwanis projects benefiting children and youth in the Taylorville community.

Kiwanis member Will Perkins (left) formally installed Adam Jeffrey (right) as the new president of the club. 

Jeffrey then installed Blain Cornwell was installed as treasurer. 

Martin Vota was not in attendance, but was installed for another year as club secretary.

Perkins reported to the club that a host of Kiwanis members removed the roof on the Kiwanis Park Pavilion recently, and once the new metal roof arrives in early November, club members will be installing it.  Duane Stock co-chaired the roof effort along with Perkins.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at their new meeting location, the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

In yet another move from Governor JB Pritzker, the announcement was made during his daily press conference to once again put sports on hold, this time winter sports, a day before the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) was set to make their announcement. Governor Pritzker today announcing that winter sports was not cancelled but some events were put on hold.

The Governor continued by stressing that the Illinois Department of Public Health has had to adapt.

Governor Pritzker says this is for the best right now that there are no games, but he would still like to see them practicing safely.

Governor Pritzker says that if you want to have sports and to have events back, wear a mask to help stop the spread.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson says that once again it seems that they were blindsided by this news.

“About 15 minutes prior to Governor Pritzker’s press conference today, we were alerted that the IDPH has elevated the sport of basketball from a medium risk level to a high risk level. We remain considerate of the recent rise in positive COVID-19 cases in our state. However, in our meeting with IDPH on Friday, we felt that we presented multiple options that would allow for basketball to be conducted safely by IHSA schools this winter, many of which are being utilized in neighboring states who plan to play high school basketball. Despite that setback, there is some positive news, as IDPH accepted the IHSA' mitigations related to other sports, including cheerleading and dance, allowing them to move from a medium risk level to a low risk level. We will hold our special Board of Directors meeting on October 28th as scheduled where our Board will provide direction on the other winter sports, as well as discuss the IHSA sports schedule for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year."

Region 3, which encompasses Christian and Montgomery County are above 8% on positivity rates for COVID-19. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) which keeps updated positivity rates made the announcement Tuesday morning saying that the region had reached 8% on Saturday.  Region 6 which includes Shelby, Moultrie, and Macon Counties are currently at 7.9% for positivity rates.

Under the current guidance, if the region stays at 8% for 3 consecutive days, Region 3 will face new mitigations which will mean that bars and restaurants will lose indoor dining, No group gatherings of over 25 people will be allowed and gaming and casinos have to have limits of 25% capacity.

Governor JB Pritzker on Tuesday also announced that bars and restaurants in Chicago will be closed starting Friday. The new regulations have been put in place in an effort to curb rising COVID rates in the city.

The Governor says that these mitigations when they get established in a region will be in effect until that region can get their COVID levels under control.

For more information on this story click here.

A Taylorville woman is in custody on Tuesday following an investigation for theft. 53-year-old Lisa Stice of Hewittville is believed to have taken approximately $86,000 that had been missing or unaccounted for. 

During the investigation, TPD learned that Stice had been taking care of the victim. TPD recovered several checks written and signed by Stice for two vehicles, remodeling supplies, lawnmowers, and several other items. 

Stice was arrested for theft of $10,000 to $100,000 and taken to the Christian County Jail for processing.  She is also facing charges for Financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability. Her first appearance in court was set for Tuesday morning.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital President and CEO Kim Bourne understands that people are sick and tired of hearing about COVID-19, but now is not the time to let your guard down when Christian County is seeing a surge in cases.

TMH is currently in the process of what Bourne calls surge planning. 

Construction is ongoing at TMH, according to Bourne and the building is on track to be complete by summer of 2021.

Bourne went on to remind everyone to please get your flu shot and that you will not get the flu from getting the flu shot.  

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

After finding out that DuPage County is investigating nine instances of voter fraud by mail that were submitted by people that are deceased, Representative Avery Bourne is fighting back. The State Rep is co-sponsoring a bill that would require county clerks to scrub voter rolls to remove people who are no longer living. The bill, which is HB 2513, will require county clerks to utilize certification of death records to update voter registration records. This would remove people who have passed away. Current law recommends it but it is not required.

The State’s Attorney’s Office in DuPage County announced that his office has been notified of nine separate instances where vote by mail applications were sent in by deceased individuals. Employees of the Clerk’s Office were able to identify the voter fraud and prevent any wrongdoing. 

Bourne says this is a common sense bill.

“It makes sense that when a death certificate is issued, other county records would be updated to reflect that death. HB 2513 makes a simple change to the Illinois Election Code, and says voter records ‘shall’ be updated rather than ‘may’ be updated. It’s common sense legislation that should have been adopted a long time ago.”

Bourne is hoping to see the bill get passed during the veto session in November.

With the 2020 election just one week away, Illinois State Senator Andy Manar says that it’s refreshing to see that voter turnout in Illinois could potentially be higher than it ever has been in the past.

When asked about the Fair Tax, Senator Manar says that he understands that it’s a tough sell for voters. 

Senator Manar says that there are three possibilities that could happen over the next six months. Taxes could be raised on everybody, spending could be drastically cut, or voters could pass the Fair Tax.

Senator Manar has a few different priorities in the upcoming veto session, including the budget and ethics reform.

Illinois State Senator Andy Manar was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Moultrie County is reporting a 6th COVID-19 death. The Moultrie County Health Department has confirmed that a Moultrie County female resident in her 50’s has passed away. Angela Hogan, who is the administrator for the MCHD, extends the department’s condolences and asks for privacy during this difficult time. 

To date, 411 Moultrie County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 including 6 deaths. Moultrie County is considered under a “warning level” due to the positivity rate sitting at 12.2%. The state would like to see the county at 8% or below.

The Moultrie County Health Department encourages you to watch physical distance, wear a mask when in public places, wash hands routinely, and above all else, stay home if ill. For more information visit www.moultriehealth.org.

The Taylorville Park District met on Monday evening and pools were the big discussion as the Board heard from one of the groups’ presentations at the board meeting. Recreational Director Bailey Hancock, who has been handling a lot of the legwork for looking at pool updates says that it is a lot of work and a very long process.

Once the Board has decided what company they want to use, there are multiple directions the Board could go for revamping the pool.

Originally, the board was supposed to review all of the different pool options, but that was tabled for next month. Work on Christmas in the Park continues and Hancock is still looking for businesses who want to help donate towards their discount card. The next Park Board meeting is set for November 23rd.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry has COVID-19. The Mayor’s Office sent out a press release informing the public that the Mayor tested positive and is currently only experiencing fatigue as a symptom. Mayor Barry will be quarantined until November 1st but will be checking messages several times a day. Staff will be taking messages at City Hall as well and will notify Mayor Barry of any immediate needs.

The Municipal Building has been professionally disinfected and cleaned over the weekend. If you are entering City Hall, please wear a mask &/or practice social distancing of at least 6 feet apart. The cleaning routine has been increased and will be conducted several times a day throughout the building.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry encourages everyone to be safe and continue to be Taylorville Strong.

The Taylorville Park District will meet on Monday evening to discuss old business, new business, and to go over committee reports. The board will be reviewing pool engineers as the group continues to move forward to looking at getting a new pool for the Park District. There will also be reports from Lisa Morillo, new office administrator, and from Bailey Hancock, Recreational Director. 

The meeting will be held at the Manner’s Park Dining Hall. Guests are invited but are asked to please follow COVID-19 guidelines by keeping a distance of 6 feet and wearing a mask. 

TAYLORVILLE COMMUNITY PLEASURE DRIVEWAY & PARK DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
MANNERS PARK DINING HALL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020
7:00 P.M.

AGENDA

    I. Call to Order
    II. Pledge of Allegiance
    III. Roll Call
    IV. Approval of September 28, 2020 Minutes
Approval of Special Meeting Minutes October 13, 2020
      Approval of Special Meeting Minutes October 14, 2020
      Approval of Special Meeting Minutes October 20, 2020
    V. Treasurer’s Report Correspondence and/or Guests    
    VI. NEW BUSINESS
    VII. OLD BUSINESS
A.  Review of pool engineers
    VIII. Reports
    A. Maintenance Superintendent
    B. Office Administrator/Secretary    
    C. Recreation Director
    IX. Committee Reports
    A.  Finance Committee – Approval for Payment of Bills
    X. Executive Session
    XI. Possible Action on Matters Discussed in Executive Session
    XII. Adjournment
 

The Executive Director of the Effingham Performance Center, Kim Jansen, has been on the job for just over a year now and she could have never imagined just how much things have changed in the past year.

Jansen went on to outline how they’re holding events at the EPC and still maintaining social distancing. 

You will be required to wear a face mask into the building and your temperature will be taken upon entry to the building, according to Jansen.

The Effingham Performance Center, according to Jansen, has been working alongside the health department to make sure that the schedule of shows that they have upcoming are safe.  

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

Friends of the Christian County Animal Control held an event over the weekend to try to raise funds for the shelter. Selling Krispy Kreme Donuts, Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hornbuckle along with volunteers helped sell over 100 dozen donuts to raise money through a drive-thru event. Event volunteer Maureen Maple says that this event is usually done at the park, but because of COVID things had to be done differently.

Maple says that the shelter always needs supplies especially now because they haven’t been able to fundraise as much as they would like.

The event went well and there are still some donuts left over. If you would like some you can head over to The Moose and KFC Parking Lot Monday morning. For more information on the Christian County Animal Control call 824-5433

The Shelbyville Festival of Lights is a huge effort, according to Festival Chairman Bill Bly.

Bly and his team put a lot of work into the individual displays to make them as colorful as possible. 

Over 7,000 cars went through the Shelbyville Festival of Lights last year.

Bly has had a lot of help in the past, but because of COVID-19 he hasn’t had nearly as much help.  

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

If you are a student in grades 4 through 12, the Secretary of State is encouraging you to join a reading and writing competition offered by the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book. The 2021 event “Letters about Literature in Illinois” asks students to read a book of their choice and write a letter to the author about that work changed their life or view on the world. Students can enter through their school, library, or other youth organizations. 

The event is encouraged by Secretary of State Jesse White and there are three levels of participation. Level 1 for grades 4-6, level 2 for grades 7-8 and level 3 for grades 9-12. The deadline to enter the competition is set for Tuesday, December 15th. Secretary White will pick one winner from each group and they will receive a cash award and a plaque. Teachers will also receive a certificate and a cash reward for their school to purchase books for the library. 

Winners will be announced in May of 2021. All runners-up will also receive a certificate.  For more information contact Bonnie Matheis at bmatheis@ilsos.gov and visit http://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/center_for_thebook/. 

Taylorville School District is expected to return to in-person learning on November 9th with a hybrid plan of 2 days in class and the other days remote learning after a special board meeting held on Friday evening. Dr. Chris Dougherty, Taylorville Superintendent, says at some point we have to bite the bullet and make adjustments.

Dr. Dougherty says that in order for this to work, parents have to check their kids at home and make sure they are healthy before they come to school. Each school will have isolation rooms where kids will go to make sure that mitigation can be taken care of. School Board President, Dr. Stephen Turner says he’s worried about the staff and the amount of stress that they have been under. Dr. Turner continued by saying that he didn’t want to lecture the public, but it needed to be done. 

Principal Karen Kuntzman, who works at North Elementary School says that she is nervous but knows that her staff is prepared.

Dr. Dougherty has stressed that if they do not have enough teachers due to COVID, they will go back to remote, but as of right now they are moving forward with the hybrid plan. There was no vote taken, only a consensus of agreement. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News as we will be talking more with Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty more next week on the plan to return to in-person learning through hybrid classes. You can still stay in remote learning if you so choose to do so, and more information on the plan will be released to the students via the Taylorville Skyward program.

Click HERE as well. 
 

Taylorville City Hall has an employee who has tested positive for COVID-19.  Contact tracing has been completed by the Christian County Health Department and additional deep cleaning has been completed as well. Emergency Services have not been impacted at this time. 

If you were recently at Taylorville City Hall, your exposure time and distance would not meet the IDPH guidelines of less than six feet for more than fifteen minutes.  The Chris-Mont EMA encourages you to continue to monitor your health and if you feel ill or have a concern please contact your physician for further guidance or contact your local health department.

Chris-Mont EMA encourages social distancing, wearing masks, and wash your hands frequently. As of Thursday evening, there were 11 new COVID-19 cases in Christian County and 6 in Montgomery County.    For more information contact the Chris-Mont EMA at 971-8196.

Governor JB Pritzker warned again that COVID levels are increasing everywhere as 52 counties of the 102 are in the warning level. As of Monday, only 1 region was moved into increased mitigation, but now it’s up to 4 regions. The Governor continued to stress how important testing is to defeating the virus.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health says she understands what everyone is going through, as she is going through it as well.

Dr. Ezike, who broke down crying while giving numbers, pleaded with Illinoisans to care for one another.

To stream every Governor Pritzker press conference visit www.taylorvilledailynews.com.

Rebecca Livingston is the Ag in the Classroom Coordinator at the University of Illinois Extension Office and she misses being in the classroom with kids each and every day. 

Not being in the classroom means a lot more prep work for Livingston.

One positive that has come out of all of this, according to Livingston, is that she’s improved her video editing skills.

Livingston has really enjoyed putting the virtual farm tours together for kids. 

Rebecca Livingston was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Historical Society and Museum, according to Taylorville Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle, is holding a drive-thru chicken and noodle lunch on Saturday, November 7th from 10:30–1:30. 

The Christian County CEO Program is holding a night at the movies on Saturday, November 14th.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce belongs to various other organizations including the Taylorville Development Association.

A lot of hard work has gone into the Industrial Park, according to Hornbuckle. 

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

Camp New Hope serves individuals with special needs, according to Executive Director Taneya Higginbotham. 

COVID-19 had a huge impact on Camp New Hope, according to Higgenbotham.

The greatest need right now at Camp New Hope, according to Higgenbotham, is funding to help support the camp over the long term.

Camp New Hope’s mission is to provide fun and loving support to individuals with special needs and their family. 

For more information on Camp New Hope, please visit campnewhopeillinois.org. Tanea Higginbotham was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Governor JB Pritzker continued to stress the importance of social distancing and wearing a mask when he visited St Clair County today for his daily press conference. The Illinois Governor stressed that this isn’t the first time science has had us change our lives.

Governor Pritzker stressed that to get things back to normal, mitigations have to be applied.

The Governor promised that areas that have been hit hard by mitigation will have first priorities on grants and funds available to help their businesses. Governor Pritzker also says that he knows the mitigation efforts work just by looking at St. Clair County.

Listen to Governor JB Pritzker’s daily press conferences streamed live at taylorvilledailynews.com.

First National Bank of Taylorville has an employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. The bank, which is located at 322 W. Main Cross Street in Taylorville will have its walk-in lobby open tomorrow. Contact tracing has been completed by the Christian County Health Department and additional deep cleaning has been completed as well. 

If you were recently at First National Bank, your exposure time and distance would not meet the IDPH guidelines of less than six feet for more than fifteen minutes.  The Chris-Mont EMA encourages you to continue to monitor your health and if you feel ill or have a concern please contact your physician for further guidance or contact your local health department.

Chris-Mont EMA encourages social distancing, wearing masks, and wash your hands frequently. As of Thursday evening, there were 14 new COVID-19 cases in Christian County and 6 in Montgomery County.    For more information contact the Chris-Mont EMA at 971-8196.

Jim Bohannon is the host of the Jim Bohannon Show heard weeknights on NEWSTALK WTIM from 9pm until midnight and he had some strong thoughts on President Trump’s performance in the last debate.

Bohannon is hopeful that Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will come to an agreement on another Stimulus Package.

While Bohannon is troubled by the news surrounding Hunter Biden, he doesn’t think that it will resonate with undecided voters. President Trump, according to Bohannon, when talking with voters needs to focus on the economy.

Despite the President being down in the polls, Bohannon thinks that he has a real shot at winning reelection. 

Jim Bohannon was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

State Representative Avery Bourne announced her travel hours for the rest of 2020 on Wednesday. The State Representative will have her first available hours on Tuesday, October 26th in Congressman Rodney Davis’ office. The address is 108 West Market Street on the 2nd floor. All traveling hours will be from 10:30 until 1 PM. 

On Tuesday, November 10th  Representative Bourne will be in Carlinville at 550 North Broad Street. On Tuesday, November 17th, She will then be back in Taylorville at the US Bank Building again at Congressman Davis’ office. On Tuesday, December 1st, she will be back in Carlinville and in Taylorville on December 15th.

While Avery Bourne tries to be there as much as possible, a member of her staff will always be available during those hours. For more information and for other events in the 95th District, call the office at 324-5200.

Chef Alvin and Tiffany Francois are the owners of The Red Bean Company Restaurant in Pana and they said that the premise behind the company is that they want to make everything as fresh as possible. 

The Francois’ are from New Orleans and they came to Pana because they fell in love with the house.

On top of bringing a Cajun restaurant to Pana, they’re also putting a coffee shop in the upstairs of the old Masonic Temple and a gaming lounge for kids downstairs.

They’re only open for carryout right now, but are looking forward to being able to open for indoor seating once it’s safe to do so. 

For more information on The Red Bean Company find them on Facebook. Chef Alvin and Tiffany Francois were both guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Condolences poured in across the State of Illinois for the late Deanna Demuzio, Carlinville Mayor who passed away on Tuesday. State Senator Andy Manar said that Demuzio was a central figure throughout his life and always there to help, inspire, and mentor. He went on to praise Demuzio saying that she was a trailblazer and admired by many.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon thanked Demuzio for her life to the community and public service. He also went on to talk about the work that Demuzio did to improve the education system and remembered the time that they worked together in the Illinois Senate.

US Representative Rodney Davis also sent his condolences saying that Demuzio was a passionate advocate for Carlinville and Macoupin County. Representative Davis said Demuzio was great to work with and party labels didn’t matter to her.

State Representative Avery Bourne via Facebook noted her appreciation of Demuzio for going out of her way to introduce her to the many great people of Carlinville, to help when needed, and to share the latest news from Carlinville and Macoupin County.

Deanna Demuzio was 77. The official statement was made via the City’s Facebook page,

“With deep sorrow and regret, we share the passing of Mayor Deanna Demuzio on Oct. 20, 2020. Mayor Demuzio has served the City of Carlinville as Mayor for the past 7 1/2 years. Her dedication to her position as Mayor was beyond compare. We are extremely saddened with word of her passing and we will miss her leadership along with daily conversations. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers."

Lake Land College will be holding orientation for their GED program during the first week of November including in Pana and Mattoon, according to Adult Education Advisor Jani Merryman. 

Merryman went on to say that now is a great time to sign up for GED classes.

The GED classes are done using a hybrid model and cover math, science, social studies, and english.

Lake Land College doesn’t just offer GED classes, according to Merryman, they also offer a variety of other classes including a class on welding. 

To learn more about Adult Education at Lake Land College please visit lakelandcollege.edu/adult-education. Jani Merryman was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Governor JB Pritzker gave an update today on coronavirus alerting Illinoisans to the plans of how the state would distribute vaccines when they become available. The Governor says that first line supervisors will be first eligible but there are still a lot of questions.

IDPH is working with providers to make sure that the state enrollment process is taken care of.

Governor Pritzker doubled down on his statement from yesterday on bars and restaurants spreading the virus.

You can catch every press conference from Governor JB Pritzker on the coronavirus by visiting www.taylorvilledailynews.com.

NEWSTALK WTIM AM 870 has scheduled another service outage for 4 o'clock this afternoon.

Tower crews began work on one of the towers yesterday afternoon at 12:30, and had to end their work when rain moved into the area.

They expect to complete their work today, but as a result, NEWSTALK WTIM's AM 870 signal will go off the air this afternoon at 4 o'clock.

None of the station's other platforms on FM or on-line, are affected by this service outage.

Things at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum are going great all things considered, according to the Director of Public Programs and Community Engagement Joe Crain. 

If you want to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, you need to visit presidentlincoln.illinois.gov to reserve your timed ticket.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum last week launched a brand new website, presidentlincoln.illinois.gov, that Crain says is a lot more user friendly.

There are also a variety of exciting exhibits upcoming at the Museum, according to Crain. 

Joe Crain was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Pana Community Hospital recently opened up a Wound Clinic, according to PCH Registered Nurse Amber Hood. The Wound Clinic is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday every month in Suite 103 from 1pm until 5pm. 

The PCH Wound Clinic, according to Hood, diagnoses different wounds and prescribes the proper treatment of each individual wound.

The PCH Wound Clinic treats a variety of different types of wounds, according to Hood.

The Wound Clinic isn’t the only Specialty Clinic offered at PCH, according to Hood. 

Amber Hood was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The Nokomis School District recently had a positive case of COVID-19, but classes will remain in person, according to Superintendent Dr. Scott Doerr. 

As remote learners begin to return to school, Dr. Doerr says that the Nokomis School District is in a good position to be able to handle the increased number of students in the classroom.

All of the COVID-19 related changes have been tough on teachers and students, but according to Dr. Doerr, the students have been doing a great job at keeping their masks on and maintaining social distancing and the staff and principles have all been going above and beyond the call of duty.

Dr. Doerr says that despite everything the school year so far has gone a lot better than he could have every imagined. 

Dr. Scott Doerr was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

In the first of his return to daily press conferences Governor JB Pritzker came out in full support of bars and restaurants saying that he doesn’t want to shut them off, but science says that that is where the spread of COVID-19 is happening.

The Governor says that more regions including Region 3 that are well on their way to getting restrictions if the numbers keep rising.

Governor Pritzker praised Illinoisans calling them "Midwestern Tough."

Listen to Governor JB Pritzker’s daily press conferences streamed live at www.taylorvilledailynews.com.
 

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening for their regular meeting virtually. The meeting was long-lasting; just over 3 hours, with the big discussion on a special use permit for the Black Diamond Solar Project in South Fork Township near Tovey. There was a concern from Tovey citizens about draining issues and flooding. After over an hour’s worth of discussion, a motion was finally brought to the floor. The motion that was brought was brought forward by Matt Wells for a special use permit with the understanding that this would not happen overnight. Chairwoman Becky Edwards said there would need to be approval from all sides and this was just a first step. 

The motion passed 10-5 in favor of approving the Special Use Permit. A motion was then put on the floor for the building permit that Black Diamond would clean the ditch and have an approval with the Village of Tovey before the building permit would be drafted. The motion carried. 

The meeting went through committee reports, but things got interesting at the very end of the meeting when discussing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or CEDS. Chairwoman Edwards explained that this was a grant program.

Brian Wilbur wanted to put it in personnel, but State’s Attorney, Mike Havera said it should be voted on through full county board. There were still plenty of questions on the CEDS. Edwards argued her position saying that municipalities were approved for the county and there was a difference between Christian County and Taylorville.  

Edwards also promised and vowed that it had nothing to do with eminent domain. Matt Wells asked why this wasn’t coming out of the finance committee as had been directed by the Assistant State’s Attorney’s Office last month. Edwards, clearly frustrated, said that there was nowhere written in Robert’s Rules of Order that said it couldn’t be brought up for the mainboard if it died in committee. After a question from Vikki McMahon, Edwards had heard enough and tore into the board.

The motion failed 8-7. With that, the meeting was adjourned. The next County Board meeting is set for November 17th.

The Christian County Board will meet on Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held remotely. Major topics of discussion that will be brought before the board include the Solar Project in South Fork Township, a discussion on probation salary, a update from Chris-Mont EMA Director Greg Nimmo, and public comments.

The meeting will also give a courthouse update, give a review of cemeteries, and extend the emergency declaration proclamation. 

To access the meeting visit https://join.freeconferencecall.com/christiancounty  

The dial-in number is 701-802-5367

The Access Code is 7943957#

Agenda:
1.                  Call to order
2.                   Roll Call
3.                   Approve minutes from the regular County Board meeting of the
September 15, 2020 as printed with any corrections or amendments to them.
4.                   Discussion with Chief Judge Kimberly G. Koester of the Fourth Judicial Circuit on the Probation salary scale.
5.                   EDSA Update: Greg Nimmo
6.                   Public Comments
7.                   Present in writing petitions, resolutions/or ordinances, proclamations:
1-ZBA-Adopt O2020ZN009 Special Use called the Black Diamond Solar Project: a 299 Megawatt Solar Farm in South Fork Township.
8.                   Reading of Communications:
9.                   Committee Reports:

Highway/Building/Grounds/Environmental/ Zoning/ Welfare-10/13/2020

1.      Highway business:  Soil boring agreement for bridge projects, storage building, other updates.

  1.  Courthouse and jail business: Courthouse boiler, fountain project (Frank Mathon-speaker) and other updates.
  2.  Animal Control/Zoning updates.
  3.  Referred cemetery business.

5.      Any other matters that properly come before the committee and/or public comments.

Executive/Personnel/Liquor/Legislative-10/5/2020

  1.  Update for listing the membership of appointed boards on the county website.
  2.  Review of cemeteries owned by the County.
  3.  Continue discussion of job description for Assistant to the County Board/HR with department head input.
  4.  Personnel issues and/or personnel/other county policies/procedures, personnel or labor updates or any other matters or referrals that properly come before the committee and/or executive session for any personnel issue and public comments.
Audit/Finance/Purchasing/Budget-10/15/2020

1.      Approve claims as presented for October.

2.      Update from Greg Nimmo EMA.

3.      CTI proposal for additional hours of technical service.
4.       Budget discussions including Jail Administrator salary increase and non-bargaining salary increases.
5.       Referred back to finance committee job description for Assistant to the Board/HR.
6.       Motion to put on file the FY 2021 tentative budget and tax levy.
7.       Update on new software for payroll, accounts payable and general ledger.
8.       Adopt resolution to accept a bid to purchase a delinquent tax property in Pana Township: 11-25-22-123-003-00.
9.       Public comments.
10.   Referrals from any other committee, any other matters that are properly brought before the Committee.

10.               NEW BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS/OTHER:
a.       Extend the Emergency Declaration Proclamation.
b.       Approve the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

11.               Mileage and Per Diem Report:

12.               Re-Appointments/terms: none requested

13.               Adjourn meeting until Tuesday, November 17, 2020 for the regular meeting.

Lake Land Community College Community Outreach Coordinator Madison Delks says that students are able to view their spring schedule. Spring classes are scheduled to begin on January 11th. 

A lot of classes are being done using a hybrid model, but Lake Land Community College does have classes that are being held strictly online, according to Delks.

Lake Land Community College does have some events happening this fall, but according to Delks, they are being held virtually.

Prospective students can also schedule a one on one Zoom session with an Admissions Representative to learn more information about Lake Land Community College. 

Madison Delks was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry is encouraging everyone to wear a face mask and remain socially distant as the COVID-19 numbers in Christian County have started to go up. 

Mayor Barry went on to say that COVID-19 cases are going to be out there and we’re going to have to learn to live with it.

The $1.5 million dollar Fast Track Grant, according to Mayor Barry, is going to allow the city to work on a variety of other road projects.

When asked about the impact that COVID-19 has had on the city of Taylorville’s finances, Mayor Barry said that he doesn’t think it’s going to be as bad as they originally thought. 

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

Illinois will be receiving over $50 million in funding through the Connect Illinois broadband expansion program. Already helping areas that are hurting for broadband internet access like Macoupin and Madison Counties, the first round of funding will help over 9,283 businesses in those two counties. State Senator Andy Manar was joined by Governor Pritzker to make the announcement. Senator Manar says that this work requires partnership.

Senator Manar continued by stressing that downstate needs broadband now more than ever due to COVID-19.

The 48th District Senator also believes that despite the challenges set in front of Illinois, broadband has been an area that Illinois has excelled at thanks to Governor JB Pritzker.

Funding for the Connect Illinois program was made possible through the Rebuild Illinois program which dedicated $420 million to broadband infrastructure.

Taylorville Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty is working with each of the individual schools to make some revisions to the hybrid plan. The anticipated return to school date is Thursday, November 5th. 

Each of the schools will have a similar structure, according to Dr. Dougherty.

School is going to look very different when it does return, according to Dr. Dougherty.

The District Leadership Team is assembling on Wednesday, October 21st, where all of the different schools will bring their individual return to in-person learning plans. 

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

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening. All Aldermen were present except for Shawn Burtle, and Larry Budd. One of the big focuses and a topic that was discussed most of the evening was on sewer taps. Aldermen Megan Bryant announced the motion but said there was an amendment to what had been discussed at the committee meeting.

Aldermen Ernie Dorchinecz says that the subcomittee was concerned about a large bill being stuck on a family that may not be able to afford it.

Aldermen Jim Olive had reservations concerning prevailing wages. Aldermen Bryant stressed that if it was the city’s problem then the city had to pay it.

Aldermen and Mayor Bruce Barry continued to discuss the issue and the motion carried 6-0. 

Under Mayoral updates, Mayor Barry asked all aldermen to be present at all committee meetings to help be involved with the whole process. Trick or Treating for Halloween hours were set for Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st, from 5 PM until 8 PM. The city also approved a motion to send to the city attorney to amend the UTV ordinance to extend the timeframe to year-round and remove sun-down to sun-up restrictions.

Lucas McCleod, Tim Brown, Gary Edwards, and Jim Thompson were also recognized for their heroic efforts in saving a house from burning down on Elm Street in Taylorville.

The next City Council Meeting is set for November 2nd.

To view the meeting click here.

https://youtu.be/B99Rk7bea84

https://youtu.be/P8qCcdJD40s

Governor JB Pritzker announced heightened restrictions on Monday and a return to daily press conference briefings after every region of the state saw an increase in COVID numbers. The Governor, who had stopped his daily press conferences in July, is alarmed at the increase that we’ve seen in October and is concerned with winter coming that numbers will continue to increase.

Governor Pritzker will also be tightening restrictions on Region 5. The positivity rate has gone above 8% and will see bars and restaurants have their indoor dining facilities closed again.

Region 5 includes the cities of Mount Vernon and Carbondale. Region 5 and Region 1 are both in tightened mitigations. The Governor is concerned about rising rates everywhere. 

The Governor says that a lot of this is coming from Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri not having stricter rules. The Governor stressed that he would take action and will be working on protecting Illinois from a resurgence of COVID-19. 

Region 3 which includes Christian and Montgomery Counties is sitting at a positivity rate of 7.3%. If the State reaches 8%, Region 3 could see restrictions here as well.

NEWSTALK WTIM has re-scheduled their service outage on its 870 AM signal, for one o'clock Tuesday afternoon.

The outage, which is expected to take several hours, was originally scheduled for last week but was canceled due to high winds, endangering tower crews that were to be on the tower.

The 870 AM service outage is weather permitting, and won't affect NEWSTALK WTIM's other signals at 96-point-one FM in Christian County, 107-point-5 FM in Shelby County, or its on-line streams.

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Municipal building. The Board will discuss issues with the Lake/Airport, the Finance committee, and ordinance. The board will look at amending the UTV ordinance to extend the timeframes to year-round and remove sundown to sun up rules as well. The board will also discuss carport recommendations, and approve a contribution to the Veteran’s Memorial. 

The hours of trick or treating will be set, along with discussing a motion for making November 3rd an election holiday. Lucas McLeod, Tim Brown, Gary Edwards, and Jimmy Thompson will be recognized for their heroic efforts in putting out a fire. There will be city attorney and mayoral updates as well. For a complete look at the entire agenda click here.

With technology growing every year, companies are working harder to focus on teenagers and children to reach that market. Especially with COVID being prevalent, people are spending more time on the internet than ever before. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 98% of children currently live in a home with one or more mobile devices, and 59% of teens say they use social media frequently. As with all things on the internet safety is paramount. Dr. Channing Petrak, a medical director with OSF Healthcare, says that children and teens need to know what is OK to say on the internet and what is not.
 

Virtual meeting platforms can also be a problem, and the FBI and the United Nations Children’s Fund warned about an increase in online predators during the pandemic.

While boys can be targeted, females tend to be the primary target of online predators, and Dr. Petrak says that boys don’t report it as much as females do.

The World Health Organization recommends setting up parental controls such as SafeSearch or activating privacy settings. Another tip is to cover up webcams when not in use.  Dr. Petrak says the most important thing children can do is if they see something weird or that makes them uncomfortable to tell someone they trust. 

The FBI has some cyber safe tips on their website. You can visit those by clicking here.

Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook is impressed by US Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.

Representative Halbrook went on to say that the Illinois General Assembly should not be giving Medicaid type benefits to undocumented immigrants with over $8 billion dollars in unpaid bills. 

When it comes to the upcoming vote on the Fair Tax you’re going to see a lot of slick advertising on both sides, according to Representative Halbrook. If you have any questions about the Fair Tax, you can call Representative Halbrook’s office.

Representative Halbrook’s office also has been dealing with the various issues that a lot of individuals are having with FOID Cards and Concealed Carry.  

Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

The Shoal Creek Fire Protection District fought a ground fire on Saturday that kept them busy through most of the afternoon and into the evening. The fire was reported in at 1:19 PM at the intersection of N 4th Avenue and Arrow Trail by Donnellson, according to the Chris-Mont EMA. The fire spread easily due to dry conditions, gusty winds, and low humidity jumping multiple fields and at its widest point was four miles wide. The fire also stretched over a seven-mile area north/northeast. At 7:37 PM the fire was under control and units stayed on the scene afterward to monitor any hotspots.

During the fire, Hillsboro Police alerted citizens in the Kortkamp area to monitor and evacuate if need be. One house was destroyed in the fire off Illinois Route 185 and one firefighter from Shoal Creek Fire was taken to the hospital due to smoke and debris in the eye.

Multiple agencies including Montgomery, Macoupin, Fayette, Clinton, Bond, and Macon Counties, along with the Red Cross assisted with helping with the fire. Area farmers also helped by providing tractors and plow support to help get ahead of this fire.
 

Multiple fires are being attended to in Montgomery County on Saturday afternoon. With little rain, and heavy winds, fires have been spreading throughout the county, keeping the Sheriff's Office, Fire Departments around the area, and first responders busy. 

All farmers in the area with discs are asked to respond to N 9th Avenue and Schoolhouse Road to assist in the fire. If you are in the area or have family or friends in the southeast area of Montgomery County west of Coffeen and east of Route 127, check the area for fires, and evacuate if need be.

You are encouraged NOT to contact the Sheriff's Office unless it's an emergency due to fires spreading. Please stay away from the area unless you are a first responder. If you wish to donate water, bring it to the Sheriff's Office lobby for pickup. Again, do not respond to the fire scene. This is a developing story, and we will have more as it becomes available. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory for the Regional Radio listening area for Saturday.

The Weather Service says that from 10 this morning thru 8 o'clock tonight, a combination of gusty winds and low humidity will allow any fires that develop, to spread rapidly.  They add the threat is greatest in rural areas where harvest continues.  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

South winds will gust from 45 to 50 miles an hour during the afternoon north of a Taylorville to Danville line, and from 35 to 45 miles an hour south of there.

Humidity this afternoon will be as low as 20 to 25 percent.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio for the latest weather information.

Chris-Mont EMA informs Regional Radio News of two employees that have tested positive for COVID at Landmark of Taylorville. Contact tracing has been completed by the Christian County Health Department. In all 14 employees have been quarantined. Additional deep cleaning was conducted due to a positive case and it is complete.

If you were recently at Landmark of Taylorville, you wouldn’t meet the exposure guidelines of more than 15 minutes of less than 6 feet. As always, continue to monitor your health and if you feel ill or have a concern, contact your physician for further guidance. 

For more information contact Chris-Mont EMA PIO Kevin Schott at 971-8196.

The Chris-Mont EMA, along with Christian and Montgomery Health Departments, local area hospitals, and the Regional Office of Education, gave a press conference on Friday morning to discuss COVID-19 and the surge of cases that have been taking place in Christian County. Dr. Terry Cunnington, Chair of the Christian County Health Department Board says now is the time to act to protect our loved ones.

Chris-Mont EMA Director Greg Nimmo says working together, we can get through this till the point where we can have a vaccine. 

Hugh Satterlee, Montgomery County Health Department Administrator says that Region 3 which includes Christian and Montgomery Counties has jumped up nearly 2 percent in positivity rates in the last month. 

To listen to the entire press conference, visit this story at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The City of Taylorville is issuing a burn ban in effect immediately that will extend through the weekend due to strong winds and a risk of fire. West winds are increasing throughout the morning and can reach peak gusts this afternoon of 30 mph in Taylorville. This can provide the potential for quick-spreading fire. Dry conditions have been amplified due to the temperatures.  If you live in Taylorville outdoor burning is not allowed until Monday. Contact Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry for more information.
 

Big R in Taylorville is holding their big autumn event this Saturday, October 17th, according to Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hornbuckle.

The Morrisonville American Legion is holding their Make It Or Break It Bash on Saturday, October 24th. Tickets are $10. 

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate program dates back to the year 2000, according to Hornbuckle.

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

The Miller Media Group and Tradewind Energy are co-sponsoring a weekly "Educator of the Week" from September First thru October 13th, to honor a different Christian County educator and the commitment they've made to their students and schools.  

This week's "Educator of the Week" is Shilyn Grossman, who is a 2nd-grade teacher at Edinburg Elementary School. Grossman is in her 8th year of full-time teaching and has always been teaching at Edinburg. She says she always wanted to be a teacher.

Grossman praised Edinburg’s staff for pulling together during this pandemic.

Grossman, with three kids of her own, knows the struggle of remote learning. 

Grossman thanked her students, parents, and her friends for helping her through all the difficult times.

Grossman continued by praising the parents and students for their hard work during this challenging time.

Thank you to everyone who nominated an Educator Of The Week!

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp said that given how dry conditions are currently Christian County was fortunate to not have a field fire like they had in Montgomery County.

Halloween is just a few weeks away and Sheriff Kettelkamp wants to remind parents to make sure that children under 12 years old are accompanied by an adult. 

If your child does go out trick or treating without an adult, make sure they’re over the age of 12 and that they go out in a group.

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

Hand washing has been a big focus of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but according to University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Lisa Peterson, hand washing is especially important when it comes to preparing food.

You also want to make sure that you wash your hands after working with any type of raw meat. 

The University of Illinois Extension Office is also holding a webinar series called ‘Diabetes in the Modern World’ and it’s held on Wednesday’s from 10-11 in the morning.

Peterson went on to say that it’s important for those who have diabetes to never skip a meal.  

Lisa Peterson was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 
 

There is a new option for health insurance coverage in central Illinois called the Live360 Health Plan. The health plan which features the HSHS Network provides access to HSHS hospitals that are located across central Illinois. Zach Keeling, Chief Executive Officer of Medical Associates Health Plans says that they are focused on local health plans.

Keeling says that Live360 can help businesses whether they are big or small.

Live360 can also help people that are on Medicare.

For more information visit their website at live360healthplan.com.

For this year, Memorial’s Festival of Trees is set to be virtual. The festival, which will take place, November 21st through the 29th, will be able to view more than 100 decorated trees and wreaths online at no cost. The season’s theme this year is “A Season of Hope.” Executive Director of the Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Melissa Hansen Schmadeke, is excited for this year’s festival but knows it’s going to be different.

Schmadeke says that people will be able to vote for their favorite trees and wreaths in different categories.

Schmadeke stressed that due to the changes for this year, there are still a lot of things being worked on including take-home potholders.

For more information, contact the Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 788-4700 or visit memorialsfestivaloftrees.com. 
 

Ben Yamnitz is the Manager of Community Services at Memorial Behavioral Health and they try to help individuals before suicide is even considered .

Yamnitz went on to discuss how Memorial Behavioral Health is apart of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's Network. If you need help or know someone who does, you can call 1-800-273-TALK. 

The Memorial Behavioral Health team members, according to Yamnitz, are trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

Yamnitz went on to explain what it is that they try to do when talking with someone who is considering suicide.  

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK. Ben Yamnitz was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 
 

Trick or treating is going to be a lot different this year, according to Moultrie County Health Department Public Health Services Coordinator Glenda Plunkett.

If you do take your child out trick or treating on Halloween, make sure they’re wearing a mask. 

Now is the perfect time to get a flu shot, according to Plunkett.

If you would like to set up an appointment to get your flu shot call the Moultrie County Health Department at 728-4114.  

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

The Governor of Illinois and Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health is warning that gatherings over the holidays could potentially spread COVID-19. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of Public Health says that it’s best to meet with family virtually, but if you must gather, you should do it safely.

Governor JB Pritzker says small family gatherings are one of the most prevalent ways that the virus is spreading.

Dr. Ezike says if you’re hosting an event, it’s important to hold as many events outside that you can as long as the weather allows.

For more information click here.

Glen Snyder is the new owner of DeMichiel Floors and More in Taylorville and he’s owned the business for about a year now and he is asking for the community's help with a new program to help a local veteran.

If you know of a veteran within the Taylorville community that could use some new flooring, stop by the shop at 1217 W. Spresser to make a nomination. 

Snyder joined the US Navy right after High School and did two tours on an aircraft carrier overseas.

There’s a box at the front door of the shop where nominations can be made.  

DeMichiel Floors and More owner Glen Snyder was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 
 

The State of Illinois is sponsoring a community COVID test site for two days in Christian County. On Friday, October 16th and Sunday, October 18th, you can get tested for COVID at the Taylorville Fire Department which is located at 202 North Main Street in Taylorville. The testing will run from 9 AM until 5 PM. 

Simple nasal swabs will be used, you will be called with results within 4-7 days, there is no cost for testing, and anyone can get tested. You do not have to have symptoms or be sick to be tested. If you have an insurance card, Chris-Mont EMA would like you to bring it with, but you will not be charged and you can still be tested if you don’t have insurance.

Christian County is reporting 25 new COVID-19 positive tests with 1 new death. So far up to date, Christian County has had 919 total positives with 28 deaths. There are currently 98 active cases in the county.

For more information visit dph.illinois.gov/covid19 or contact the Chris-Mont EMA or Christian County Health Department. 

This is a developing story. Check For Updates.

Regional Radio News has learned of a fire in a cornfield near Altamont. The fire started from a combine that caught fire which caused the field to ignite. According to the Effingham Fire Department, crews are still battling this fire and are asking people to stay away if at all possible. With heavy winds, the fire can spread quickly and has the potential to be very dangerous. We will have more on this story as it develops. 

A Taylorville man is in custody on Wednesday following an investigation into an injury of a 5-month-old child. 23-year-old Daniel S. Dailey of Taylorville was arrested after Taylorville Police investigated a child that was transported to Springfield for treatment. The child had suffered a broken bone and showed other signs of abuse.

TPD investigations unit worked with DCFS and after several interviews and medical reports, found they had enough evidence to show child abuse. DCFS conducted its investigation into protecting the child from future harm. Dailey was taken into custody facing charges of aggravated battery to a child. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story. 

The Safe Passage Program, according to Coordinator Denise Evans, has been planning their upcoming fundraiser that’s scheduled for Saturday, October 17th at the VFW for months. Tickets are $15 and there will be a live auction with a variety of different items available.

Evans is thankful for all of the support from individuals and businesses in the Taylorville community. 

In 2019, Evans partnered up with the Springfield, Illinois based Salvation Army rehab center. That facility will be closing and they purchased the Gold's Gym down the street and are working with Evans to start the Safe Passage program in Springfield.

The Springfield based Safe Passage program will be located in the Gold’s Gym and will be run exactly like the program is run in Taylorville.  

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

The Illinois Department of Revenue has announced that the State has collected over $100 million in tax revenue connected to the sale of cannabis including over $69 million through the Cannabis Regulation Fund and 36 million from state and local sales taxes.  Illinois Department of Revenue Sam Salustro says that $16 million will be going to local governments.

Salustro says that there are two ways the State collects the taxes.

Nearly 50% of revenues collected will be used towards the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew Program to help communities that have been impacted disproportionately by the justice system. The program also announced that counties and local governments could begin imposing an additional levy on adult-use cannabis sales that based on July sales is expected to total nearly $3 million.

Patriot Landscaping was founded in July of 2020 by Navy Veteran Josh Cisco. They offer mowing, landscaping, fall cleanup, snow removal, and a variety of other services.

Cisco has been doing landscaping since he was 12 years old. 

Cisco got into the landscaping business because he loves working outside.  

Josh Cisco was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 
 

The state of Illinois is already seeing a huge influx of early voting at the polls. More than half a million people have already voted in the November election and a good portion of that is from mail-in ballots. State Board of Elections Spokesperson Matt Dietrich says voters need to return their mail-in ballot as soon as possible.

Dietrich says that getting your votes in early can assure that your vote will be counted on Election Night and not afterward. 

The last day to request a mail-in ballot is October 29th. For more information, visit elections.il.gov. 

The USDA has a Farm to School movement to encourage school districts to bring locally produced foods into school cafeterias according to St. Louis District Dairy Council Nutrition and Wellness Educator Jill Williams.

According to Williams everyone benefits when schools participate in Farm to School. 

When it comes to defining what a local food is, Williams says that you get different answers depending on who you talk to.

Milk is a local food, according to Williams, because it only takes 2 days for milk to get from the cow to the carton.  

Jill Williams was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.
 

The Taylorville School Board met on Tuesday evening to discuss business, and look at solutions moving ahead to combat COVID-19. The school has announced a tentative plan, at least right now, of returning to in-person learning through “hybrid learning” which is part remote and part in-person. 

Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty says that it is paramount to get the students back into class, but the School needs to do it safely. The concern is classroom size and making sure that the school has enough teachers in case an outbreak happens. Right now the High School is looking at a tentative date of November 5th. The plan for Elementary and Junior High may be different and is still being discussed.

Dr. Dougherty says that 10% of parents want to stay in remote learning and she says that is fine. The superintendent continued by stressing that the day will be structured to make sure that everything is done in a safe and secure manner.

The plan for the week is to have a deep sanitation done every Wednesday.

Again, this plan is very tentative and the Board will be holding a special meeting towards the end of October to discuss whether or not to fully go forward with this plan. One area of concern for Dr. Dougherty is immunizations. While Students have been able to remote learn from home, they will not be allowed in class without updated immunizations. Please check to make sure your child’s immunizations are current. They need to be submitted by October 15th. School Board President Stephen Turner says that it has been a tough road so far due to all the fluidity of the situation and just how much everything has changed since March.

The District Leadership Team is set to meet on October 21st, and the plan is to have a special meeting to discuss the plan from that District Leadership Team meeting afterward. 

Many parents spoke at the beginning of the meeting again encouraging transparency and open communication. There is some concern from parents about the ACT/SAT which is set to take place on October 14th and the lack of prep that some students may have.  The meeting concluded with a report on the audit. The School is looking fairly well for its audit, with a financial profile score of 3.9 out of 4 and over 1 million dollars in their rainy day fund. Dr. Dougherty thanked her business staff for their hard work.  The next regular School Board meeting is set for November 9th. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on the Taylorville School District and the plan to go back to in-class learning.

Moultrie County Health Department is reporting 23 additional cases of COVID-19 from last week, and the Health Department is monitoring three of those which are from a residential facility and are isolated. A second outbreak involves three residents at Petersen Healthcare’s Mason Point. One individual is isolated at the facility and two are hospitalized.

Both facilities have notified all involved parties and they both continue to work closely with the Moultrie County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Moultrie County Health Department is encouraging all residents to continue to watch physical distance, wear a mask, wash hands, and avoid large crowds. If you are sick, the Moultrie County Health Department encourages you to stay home.

Regional Radio News has been notified by the Taylorville School District of another teacher from Taylorville High School who has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is currently quarantined, and the School District is working with the Christian County Health Department along with the Regional Office of Education to keep them up to date on the positive test result. The employee was last on campus Thursday, October 8th.

Also, a student who was in attendance at the Taylorville High School Band program on October 7th, tested positive over the Holiday weekend for COVID. The district was made aware of the test result by the Christian County Health Department. Since the district was following all health check protocols including outdoor spacing, masks, and social distancing, the Health Department determined there was no need for any further quarantine of other students. This positive case is not linked to the other two positive staff cases at the High School. 

Contact tracing is continuing, but there are no additional exposures at this time. Deep cleaning and sanitation continue with areas that the staff member used heavily focused on. The School District encourages everyone to maintain safe social distances, wear masks, and wash hands. Continue to incorporate healthy habits to ensure wellness. For more information, please contact the School District at 824-4951. 

The scheduled service outage of NEWSTALK WTIM AM 870 in Taylorville, has been postponed indefinitely.

Tower crews called off tomorrow's scheduled climb on one of the towers due to predicted high winds.

A new date has yet to be scheduled.

Christian County Master Gardener Linda Smith said that the recent frost was devistating for gardeners.

Smith said that most gardeners were not at all prepared for the frost. 

Smith says that now is the time to clear out your garden of any and all debris.

If you have yet to aerate your lawn, Smith says that now is the time to do it.  

Linda Smith was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.  

Stress can play a factor in everyone’s life, especially now due to COVID-19. Results of new research published by the Journal of the American Medical reveals that alcohol consumption has increased 14 percent among all adults over 30 years old compared to last year at this time. The study overall concluded that excessive alcohol use may lead to or worsen existing mental health problems like anxiety or depression, which have already been seen as increasing during COVID-19.

Susanne Ringhausen, a Manager of Health and Psychological Services for OSF HealthCare says that people who feel stressed may turn to alcohol as a way to “relief drink.”

New recommendations from the federal government on dietary guidelines advises that individuals should limit their daily alcohol consumption to one drink a day for both men and women. Ringhausen says that excessive drinking can lead to liver disease, obesity, breast cancer, depression, suicide, accidents, and a wide range of cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure. COVID-19 can make the conditions worse.

According to the CDC, people who are alcohol-dependent can keep your body from being able to fight off infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

If you find yourself drinking excessively on a regular basis, there is support to help you make a change.

Reach out to your local health care physician if you need help or know someone that does. To find resources for alcohol addiction, here are some helpful phone numbers here.

Kathie Cravens is an insurance agent with Sunshine Senior Services and she started in insurance after years working in International Trade.

Cravens knows that the move from International Trade to insurance is quite a leap, but she wants to help seniors make those important Medicare decisions. 

Sunshine Senior Services, according to Cravens, works with the best companies around that offer some of the best rated plans in the area.

Cravens went on to discuss how even if you’re still working you still need to sign up for Medicare.

One of the questions that Cravens gets asked the most is why a Medicare Part D plan is required even if they don’t take any prescriptions and she said that the Federal Government passed that law and so we have to abide by it.  

Kathie Cravens was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.  

The Taylorville School Board will be meeting virtually on Tuesday evening. For more information on how to join the Google Hangout, message Julie LeBeane at jlebeane@tcusd3.org. The meeting will take place at 6 PM and will approve minutes and claims, along with a treasurer’s report. 

Under old business, the second reading of board policy will be heard, a recap of strategic planning focus, goals, and timeline will be discussed. There will also be a COVID-19 update with a focus on IHSA, IDPH Music, and a return to school planning.

Under new business, the FY 20 School District Audit will be discussed, along with an executive session and a superintendent report. For more information and to see the entire agenda again, click here.

Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne is thrilled to be a cosponsor of HB 5834, which is a bill that offers a tax credit to parents who have spent money setting up remote learning.

Representative Bourne in the upcoming veto session also hopes to addess the Governor’s use of executive authority during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The ComEd and Speaker Madigan investigation must move forward, according to Representative Avery Bourne.

When it comes to the Fair Tax, Representative Bourne thinks that it isn’t at all fair for small business owners and farmers.  

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

Chris-Mont EMA has informed Regional Radio News of a positive COVID-19 case at the TLC Child Care Plus facility located at 1010 N Webster Street. A worker has tested positive and the facility is closed and will remain closed until October 25th. Additional positive case COVID disinfection will be completed along with deep cleaning. Contact tracing is currently being completed. The Christian County Health Department is encouraging you to please check your voicemail and call back as soon as possible on the number given. 

The exposure affects 52 students and 13 staff members.  All parents and staff affected are being given detailed instructions to include a full two-week quarantine of children and staff that were in attendance.

As always, if you feel ill, please contact your local physician or contact the Christian County Health Department at 824-4113 Ext. 111 Monday through Friday 8-4. 

The Christian County Health Department located in Taylorville has an employee who has tested positive for COVID-19. All quarantines have been established and additional deep cleanings have been completed. The Health Department facility remains open for its normal hours of operation.

Due to the COVID case at the Health Department, the flu clinic scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th in Pana will be postponed until Wednesday, October 28th. The Wednesday, October 21st Flu clinic set in Taylorville is still good to go.

Continue to monitor your health, and social distance, wear masks, and wash your hands. For more information contact the Chris-Mont EMA PIO, Kevin Schott, at 971-8196, or the Christian County Health Department at 824-4113.

As parents and students have to set up at home learning environments, many families had to spend extra money on computers and tablets, better internet access, and even hiring tutors. State Representative Avery Bourne is pushing through legislation to give families who had to spend money on educational equipment, a tax credit.

Bourne says that with the IDPH guidelines changing right before school started, many parents were forced to scramble to find suitable home learning environments for kids. Her new bill, HB 5834, would create income tax credits for parents and legal guardians of school-age students for educational expenses that result from remote learning during the pandemic. 

Some expenses that would fall under HB 5834 would include, additional computers, printers, internet routers, tutors, learning facilitators, and childcare expenses. Teachers with children would also receive additional tax credits to give them a reason to work at school rather than stay home with their kids.

Bourne says, “The provisions of HB 5834 will provide families who were forced into a learning situation that was not of their own doing, with some relief.” The bill will be pushed through during the fall veto session.

Freddie Fry is the Director of the Shelby County Office of Tourism and she started out by discussing how it is that they get their funding.

The Shelby County Office of Tourism keeps a regular calendar of events. You can check it out by visiting LakeShelbyville.com. 

Fry is getting ready for 2021 and she’ll be starting on the visitor guide and hope to have it out by the middle of March.

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

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin is not too happy that Democrats have postponed meetings of the special investigating committee into Speaker Michael Madigan. Durkin has been very vocal about hearings in response to the Com-Ed bribery scheme, but so far there have been only two meetings. Democratic Chairman, Representative Chris Welch has suspended all committees until after the election in November.

Durkin says Representative Welch is playing politics and it is a very serious matter.

Durkin requested that the committee form to look at whether or not House Speaker Madigan should face disciplinary action. Durkin continued by saying that Illinoisans need to be aware of what’s going on.

Speaker Madigan has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and he denies any illegal activities.

Shelbyville Superintendent Shane Schuricht (shoe-rickt) isn’t sure what the plan is going to be for the second semester. The hope is to return everyone to in-person learning, but those decisions haven’t been made yet.

The Shelbyville community's belief, according to Schuricht, is that they want to have learning in-person. 

The US Department of Agriculture, according to Schuricht, at the end of the last school year started to offer free breakfast and lunch meals for free. The USDA on Friday announced that the program has been extended for the rest of the school

year.

The Federal Government, according to Schuricht, has decided to address the technological gap between the school districts by offering a Digital Equity Grant.  

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

The Shelbyville Public Library is hosting a No Carve Pumpkin Decorating Contest for the third year in a row, according to Library Director Monica Cameron.
 

Cameron says they want to keep the decorating contest book or story theme oriented. 
 

When it comes to decorating your pumpkin, Cameron says that you can use just about anything.

Cameron says that you should decorate your pumpkin at home and bring it in after you’re finished.  

For more information on the No Carve Pumpkin Decorating Contest, please contact the Shelbyville Public Library. Monica Cameron was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville. 
 

The Pana Police Department is reporting that they have a suspect in custody in connection with a shooting from Friday. 29 year old Dylan W. Prather of Bardolph, Illinois is in custody on Sunday evening. Prather was arrested in connection to a shooting from Friday evening that left one male in the hospital with an injury to his hip. The suspect had fled the scene prior to officers arriving.

Officers later learned the suspect reentered the apartment after the shooting and where the altercation begain, demanding keys to a vehicle while showing a handgun. The suspect used the vehicle then to flee the scene. The vehicle was entered into the Law enforcement Administration Data Systems or LEADS, as a stolen vehicle.

The vehicle was discovered at 11:56 PM on Saturday evening by Macomb Police. The vehicle was located in an alley at the 700 block of N. Peral Street in Macomb. From there, Macomb Police located Mr. Prather nearby and he was taken into custody on a Christian County Warrant for attempted murder and armed robbery. Prater will be transported to Christian County early this week to make his first appearance in Christian County Court.

Through a Facebook post, Pana Police thanked the Illinois State Police, Central Illinois Enforcement Group, Christian County Sheriff's Office, Macomb Police Department, The Christian County State's Attorney's Office, and Pana Fire Department.  

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it develops.

A car fire in Taylorville nearly caused a house to burn down on Thursday afternoon late last week. The fire was on West Elm Street on Thursday and Gary Edwards and Jimmy Thompson were on hand to help get things under control with assistance from 2 Taylorville Water Department employees, Tim Brown and Lucas McLeod who were flushing hydrants and rushed over to help Thompson and Edwards put out the fire. 

Brown and McLeod will be recognized at the Taylorville City Council meeting next week for their heroic efforts towards moving the vehicle and using a fire extinguisher from their vehicle to save the house from burning. Regional Radio News salutes you Gary, Jimmy, Tim and Lucas for your hard work putting out a potentially dangerous fire!

Photo submitted by: Jimmy Thompson

The Miller Media Group in Taylorville has announced that NEWSTALK WTIM has scheduled a service outage on its 870 AM signal this Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock.

Tower crews will be doing tower work on one of its 870 AM towers, this Wednesday starting at one in the afternoon, which is causing the scheduled outage for several hours.

NEWSTALK WTIM's FM signals in Christian and Shelby Counties are not affected by this outage and will remain on the air, as will the station's live stream at taylorvilledailynews-dot-com, on the WTIM mobile app, and Amazon Alexa.  

NEWSTALK WTIM thanks its listeners for their understanding during this scheduled service outage, in order to keep tower crews working on the tower safe.

The Pana Police Department is investigating a shooting in Pana. On Friday afternoon at approximately 2:39 PM, the Pana Police Department and Christian County 911 received multiple calls reporting an altercation behind an apartment complex located at 2 East Fourth Street. Many of those callers reported that someone had been shot with a gun during the altercation. 

Pana Police Department Officers along with the Deputies from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and Inspectors with the Central Illinois Enforcement Group arrived on the scene shortly after the call. According to the press release the officers did some further investigating and spoke with various witnesses and discovered that two adult males were involved in an argument that started in apartment 9 at the apartment complex. A 29-year-old male is being reported to have used a handgun and shot a 27-year-old male in the area of the front left hip. Prior to the officers arriving at the scene, the victim was transported to Pana Community Hospital by private vehicle. The alleged suspect fled the scene and is at large.  

The victim was last reported to be in stable condition at Springfield Hospital.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Central Illinois Enforcement Group, Illinois State Police Springfield Zone 4 Violent Crimes Unit, Illinois State Police Crimes Scene Services, and the Christian County States Attorney assisted with the investigation.

Another employee has tested positive from COVID-19 at Chillifest. A volunteer worker that was onsite on October 4th has tested positive. Upon notification of the case, they were in direct contact with the local health department. Working alongside the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, it has been determined that 3 additional people have to be quarantined as a result of this exposure. 

If you were recently at Chillifest and haven’t been contacted by public health, your exposure time and distance to this positive case, would not meet the exposure guidelines of less than six feet for more than fifteen cumulative minutes. Continue to monitor your health, and if you feel ill, please contact your local physician.

Chris-Mont EMA and the Local Health Departments encourage social distancing, wear masks, wash your hands, and clean often used surfaces.  Stay home if you are sick to slow the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, contact the Christian County Health Department at 824-4113, or Kevin Schott EMA Deputy Director at 532-9560 or 971-8196.

According to the Chris-Mont EMA there were 20 new COVID-19 cases on Friday with one additional COVID death for a total of 852 positives with 26 total deaths in Christian County. There is 11 new cases in Montgomery County for a total of 433 with 14 deaths. 

A report from the Chris-Mont EMA says that the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce knew the risks and went against the Christian County Health Department’s wishes for holding Chillifest. Kevin Schott, Deputy Director of the Chris-Mont EMA says that there was no way the Christian County Health Department would be able to cancel the event due to the limited powers the department has with one time events like Chillifest. 

According to Schott, Greg Nimmo, EMA Director, highlighted his concerns over Chillifest, but was told the event was going to take place regardless with plans in place for social distancing to be followed and masks to be provided to attendees.

Schott also stressed that the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce tried to do the right thing but were unable to due to the size of the crowd. 

Schott told Regional Radio News that the Health Department, in an effort to stop the event from happening, even refused to issue a food permit for the event. However, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce was able to go a different route with preparing chili.

Regional Radio News reached out to the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce but was unable to get a statement at this time.

The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement today saying that smoke from burning around Lake Springfield has been spreading around central Illinois today with strong winds. The smoke along with crop dust is impacting both the air quality and visibilities from Springfield and Taylorville up towards Bloomington and Peoria. The National Weather Service expects the air quality to gradually improve as the smoke gradually mixes out this afternoon. 

A teacher from Taylorville High School has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is quarantined and through the Christian County Health Department, the school put their COVID-19 implementation plan in place.  The High School Teacher was last on campus on October 6th.

The School District does not believe that there are any additional exposures, however, the health department will continue to contact trace, and should it change, the health department will call those who may need to quarantine or test. 

The school has been deep cleaning and sanitizing the classrooms and school spaces that were used by the staff member and the school district continues to follow a checklist of extra measures for cleaning due to the coronavirus.

Dr. Dougherty and the rest of the School District along with the Christian County Health Department urge all employees and family members to maintain safe social distances, wear masks, and wash your hands so that students and staff can return to school. 

For more information contact Dr. Dougherty at 824-4951.

The Greater Taylorville Chillifest was held this past weekend and Emily Kuhn won the 2020 Miss Chilli Pepper pageant and said that winning was a dream come true.

Kuhn has been involved in pageants for a long time and really enjoys them. 

Winning the Miss Chilli Pepper pageant means a few things for Kuhn including attending events, parades, and promoting Chillifest.

Chillifest took place October 3rd and 4th on the Taylorville Square. For more information please visit chillifest.info. That’s Chillifest with two L’s. 
 

The Miller Media Group and Tradewind Energy are co-sponsoring a weekly "Educator of the Week" from September First thru October 13th, to honor a different Christian County educator and the commitment they've made to their students and schools.  

This week's "Educator of the Week" is Amber Ginger, who is a Pre-K teacher at Washington School in Pana. Ginger, who is in her 4th year of full-time teaching but has been teaching for over 10 years. She says she loves the Ah-Ha moments from kids. 

Ginger went on to talk about the differences from last year to this year due to COVID.

Ginger says it’s been hard to be hands on with Pre-K children because of COVID which she stresses is needed at that age.

Ginger thanked her students, parents, and her friends for helping her through all the difficult times.

To nominate an "Educator of the Week", simply go to the Facebook page of taylorvilledailynews.com, or any of our 4 music stations--WMKR, WRAN, WSVZ, or NEW Country 104-point-one--and send us a comment or direct message.

Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose outlined his view on the Fair Tax saying that it’s a valid question, but the refusal to say where the rates are going to be set is a problem.

Both Republicans and Democrats have arguments for and against the Fair Tax. Senator Rose says that one argument against the Fair Tax is that they cannot balance the budget on only taxing the top 3%. 

Another issue that Senator Rose has when it comes to the Fair Tax is that he says that the wealthy who would pay the higher rates will leave, but farmers can’t.

The Fair Tax isn’t the only issue that Senator Rose has with the Pritzker Administration.

Senator Rose went on to say that virtual learning doesn’t work and that it is causing irreparable damage to the school children in Illinois.  

Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.  

Officials with the Taylorville Food Pantry have notified the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, that club members raised the equivalent of almost 19-thousand pounds of food between non-perishable food and cash donations received, during their drive-thru Donation Days each Saturday in May, July, and September in front of the Miller Media Group studios in Taylorville.

Each of those 3 months, Kiwanis members asked the public for food and cash to be donated to the local Food Pantry.  

Food Pantry co-executive director Amy Hagen has previously indicated that due to the coronavirus outbreak, many in the Taylorville community have either lost their jobs or are working at reduced hours, causing the demand for food to be greater than ever.

Donations of non-perishable food or cash to the Taylorville Food Pantry, are always welcome.  For more details, go to taylorvillefoodpantry-dot-com.

The Montgomery County Health Department located in Hillsboro has an employee who has tested positive for COVID. The employee was involved in the recent flu drive-thru clinics that were held on Monday at the Witt’s Lions Club and the Irving Century House. The employee was not one that was directly involved with drive-thru patients. Additional contact tracing has been completed and any required quarantines have been handed out.

If you were recently a patient at one of these drive lines, you would not meet the exposure guidelines of less than six feet for more than fifteen minutes. As always, continue to monitor your health and if you feel sick please contact your local physician.

The Chris-Mont EMA and Montgomery County Public Health encourage social distancing, wearing of masks to protect others, when you can’t social distance, wash your hands, and clean common touch areas. For more information, please contact the Chris-Mont EMA at 532-9560 or the Montgomery County Health Department at 532-2001. 

Officials with the Capital City Corn Hole Tournament held last Saturday and Sunday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, posted information on their Facebook page today, questioning the COVID-19 positive test results of a participant from Chillifest last weekend.

Their Facebook post indicated the results received from the COVID-19 testing center, after a participant in the tournament who was tested, were first given a "positive" result, then the testing center backtracked and said it was "negative", then called back again saying it was indeed "positive."

The Facebook post added that when the person tested called the testing center back, they admitted it was their fault due to 2 different people in their system having the same last name.

Additional postings on the Capital City Corn Hole Facebook page, indicated other participants in their weekend event at Chillifest, all tested negative.

Additionally, the Chamber, at the request of the Christian County Board, who governs the park around the County Courthouse on the square, submitted an 8-page protocol on how the event would be held to confirm with state and federal guidelines, 2 weeks before the event occurred.  The Chamber was told that the protocol as submitted was sufficient for the event to be held.  

Further, Chamber officials indicate Taylorville city leaders allowed streets around the Square to be blocked off, and were kept abreast of the plans the Chamber Chillifest Committee were making to hold the event.

Chamber officials say they did not do an "end run" around the Christian County Health Department regarding the sale of cold chilli by the quart via 2 drive-thru lanes.  It was not allowed to be eaten on site.  The Health Department was notified weeks ahead that this would occur, when the Chillifest Committee decided not have large numbers of people waiting for chilli cooked on site to sold by the bowl.  The only ready-to-eat food served during Chillifest, were the 2 food trucks already holding food permits, that both the Health Department and the Chamber Chillifest Committee allowed on the square during the event.

During Chillifest, the Committee encouraged visitors to wear masks and remain socially distant. Masks were distributed free of charge, extra hand sanitizer stations were placed on the grounds and visitors were constantly reminded over both days to bring their own folding chairs. Many additional precautions were taken for vendor areas, pageant participants and more.  Chillifest officials expected adults and families to make their own choices when it came to wearing masks and social distancing.  The Committee says that the Christian County Health Department did not ask the Committee to become "enforcers" of mask-wearing or social distancing.

The Chamber echoes the guidelines issued by the Chris-Mont Emergency Management Agency, which encourages you to wait to be tested if you are not showing symptoms. Waiting 5 to 7 days from your last date of exposure allows for an incubation period of COVID, and if you test sooner than 5 days you may test negative despite having the virus. 

COVID-19 had a huge impact on Dinner Seasoned with Love, according to the organizations President Suzy Traughber.

Dinner Seasoned with Love, according to Traughber, offers a home cooked meal each and every month to anyone within the Taylorville community. 

Dinner Seasoned with Love will hold a drive-thru meal fundraiser at Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorville on Saturday, October 10th. Tickets are $10. 

The meal will be served from 4pm until 6pm this Saturday at the church in Taylorville.  

Suzy Traughber was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.  

The Taylorville Chillifest always has great guests that come to visit and 2020 is no exception. MMA Referee and Taylorville native Bobby Wombacher was on hand over the weekend to do a little Chillifest judging. Wombacher says that he is super excited to be at the event. 

Wombacher also says he’s excited to eat at some of the places he got to eat when he was a kid.

Wombacher was a judge at Chillifest and says that he will be returning to in-ring refereeing in November as he recovers from an injury. Wombacher has been an MMA referee since 2012. 

Bailey Hancock is the Recreation Director at the Taylorville Park District and she is currently working on plans for Christmas in the Park. There will be some changes to Christmas in the Park this year, but one thing that won’t change is the lights and displays.

Hancock went on to say that there are a variety of factors that are completely out of her control. 

Sadly, according to Hancock, sitting on Santa’s lap is probably not going to happen this year.

The other big project that Hancock is working on is the new pool. Hancock says that they’re in the very early stages of that process, but they hope to have an engineer lined up soon.  

Bailey Hancock was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The US Department of Agriculture is promoting bin safety as we reach harvest time around central Illinois. Grain bins are essential to Illinois’ agricultural economy and being safe around those bins can be the difference between life and death. Grain bin incidents are not only scary for farmers and for those involved, but it can also be scary for first responders who have the tough job of going in to save the trapped individual. 

Last year, nationwide, there were 38 grain entrapment cases with 23 of those leading to fatalities. There were 3 cases reported in Illinois. Safety experts thing that some non-fatal entrapments don’t get reported. So far this year, 11 grain entrapment cases have been reported in Illinois with four fatalities. Illinois Department of Labor Assistant Director Jason Keller says that the height of the bins can cause issues.

Keller says there are different ways to keep yourself safe when working near grain bins including having a partner.

According to OSHA, 60 percent of fatalities in grain entrapment cases are would-be rescuers and about seven in ten occur on family farms.

The Taylorville School District and School Nurse Jenny Moats is reminding parents of an upcoming October 15th Illinois Department of Public Health deadline where all student health information must be turned into the school district.

Elementary School Nurse Susie McClure said that what they’re looking for depends on the grade level of your student. 

If you’re entering 9th grade or play any sport in high school, according to Moats, a health physical must be performed.

There are other health requirements that must be turned in, depending on grade level, but they don’t need to be turned in by that October 15th deadline.  

If you have any questions please contact the Taylorville School District.

Officials with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, learned today that an employee of the Capital City Cornhole company, who participated in the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest over Oct. 3rd and 4th, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. 

The cornhole organization held four tournaments from Friday, Oct. 2nd to Sunday, October 5th in Taylorville, including two outdoors at Chillifest, one at the American Legion, and one at Mity’s Pub.

With the COVID-19 incubation period being 5 to 7 days, the participant had apparently contracted the virus before coming to the event last weekend.  

During Chillifest, organizers encouraged visitors to wear masks and remain socially distant. Masks were distributed free of charge, extra hand sanitizer stations were placed on the grounds and visitors were constantly reminded over both days to bring their own folding chairs. Many additional precautions were taken for vendor areas, pageant participants and more. 

The Chamber echoes the guidelines issued by the Chris-Mont Emergency Management Agency, which encourages you to wait to be tested if you are not showing symptoms. Waiting 5 to 7 days from your last date of exposure allows for an incubation period of COVID, and if you test sooner than 5 days you may test negative despite having the virus. 

An employee of the Capital City Cornhole company which organized the Chillifest bags tournament has COVID-19. The tournament was a three-day event that featured 4 tournaments total throughout the weekend. This included two tournaments at Chillifest, one at the American Legion, and one at Mity’s Pub. According to the Chris-Mont EMA, there were two hundred and thirty participants registered for the events along with numerous observers in attendance. Anyone that was at the event is at risk for exposure.

Continue to monitor your health for fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.

Due to the mass amount of people at a large gathering, it is not possible to contact trace, so Chris-Mont EMA encourages all participants and observers to self-monitor for symptoms. Chris-Mont EMA also encourages you to wait to be tested if you are not showing symptoms. Waiting 5-7 days from your last date of exposure allows for an incubation period of COVID and if you test sooner than 5 days you may test negative despite having the virus.

Continue to social distance, wear masks to protect others, and wash your hands. For more information contact the Chris-Mont EMA at 532-9560 or the Christian County Health Department at 824-4113.

Halloween is a very special time for children and many adults, but there are always precautions that should be taken around Halloween to make sure everyone has a safe time. Dr. Bill Walsh, a Chief Medical Officer with OSF Health Care says that while Halloween may look different this year, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday without taking risks.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is advising that visitors of activities use hand sanitizer before handling any produce, wear face coverings, and observe social distancing.  The IDPH wants you to wear the right face coverings and a Halloween mask doesn’t do the trick.

Walsh says You can even hold a virtual Halloween party.

As always the CDC advises if you are sick of if there is a chance you have COVID to not participate in any in-person Halloween festivities.

The recent stopgap spending bill signed into law by President Trump will have a huge impact on farmers and the agriculture industry, says Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis.

Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin continue to negotiate another COVID-19 stimulus bill, but Congressman Davis is not optimistic that a deal gets done. 

Congressman Davis went on to discuss a bill he recently introduced to remove the state and local share of federally funded road projects.

Congressman Davis also had some strong thoughts on the closing of the Kincaid Power Plant saying that it’s important that we need to stop electing individuals to office who are beholden to far left activists.

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

The Taylorville YMCA is holding their 32nd annual benefit auction. The auction will be done differently this year because of COVID-19 and will be done completely online with participants bidding on a secure website by Walker Auctions. YMCA Executive Director/CEO Chris Weittenhiller says that information will be released to the public soon and this event is even more important than years past because of COVID.

Weittenhiller is excited about many of the items that will be auctioned off. 

The auction will be live from Wednesday, November 4th through November 13th. Invitations will be sent out to past attendees, and information will be posted on the Taylorville YMCA and Facebook Page.

The old building at Taylorville Memorial Hospital has been torn down and construction on the new building has finally begun. TMH President and CEO Kim Bourne says that she expects construction to be complete by the summer of 2021.

The new building has been extremely beneficial in the fight against COVID-19, says Bourne. 

Another benefit of the new building, according to Bourne, is the brand new Acute Care Unit.

There is a lot of community spread of COVID-19 happening currently in Christian County, according to Bourne, and she wants to remind people about the importance of social distancing and wearing a face mask when out in public, because even though you may not get sick you risk spreading the virus to someone in your life who is at higher risk.  

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

Christian County held it’s “National Night Out” on Tuesday night. The event which is usually held in August was pushed back to October because of COVID, and the event was held at the Christian County Fairgrounds to allow ample space for people to spread out and socialize. Lead organizer, Taylorville Police Officer Kirsten Bolinger says that it was a good time for all.

National Night Out is an event for first responders, firefighters, and police to be able to reach out to the community.

Bolinger was happy to see all the kids having a good time.

Among the attendees included the Christian County Sheriff, Edinburg Police, Taylorville Police and Fire and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. There was food and drink and plenty of games as well for the kids.

With everything approved, work on the industrial park continues. To view the progress, you can head out past Walmart on the way to Springfield on Springfield Road (Route 29). 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mary Jo Coady is the Mammography Coordinator at Taylorville Memorial Hospital and she discussed a grant that was given to area hospitals to offer free screening mammograms for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

You can schedule your mammogram by calling 707-5550. TMH, according to Coady has various times set aside each week for those that would like a mammogram. 

The TMH Foundation, according to Executive Director Raedena Ryan, helps to fill in the gaps so that no one with poor insurance coverage or no insurance coverage at all has any out of pocket cost for their mammogram.

While fundraising dollars are down a little because of COVID-19, the TMH Foundation has money set aside to support this program, according to Ryan.  

Mary Jo Coady and Raedena Ryan were both guests on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.

Henry Stephens has been cooking chili for 8 years and has even won a world championship. He traveled all the way from Texas to come to Chillifest this year and loves coming to this competition each and every year. 

Stephens went on to say that there were some challenges with the competition this year, but that the Chillifest committee did a world class job running the competition this year. 

Chillifest took place October 3rd and 4th on the Taylorville Square. For more information about Chillifest, please visit chillifest.info. That’s Chillifest with two L’s.

Things are going well at the South Fork School District, according to Superintendent Chris Clark. The district is currently surveying families to see who prefers in-person instruction and who prefers remote learning.

Superintendent Clark went on to say that they have yet to have a case of COVID-19 directly linked to the district. 

In terms of changes to district protocols, according to Superintendent Clark, numbers are going to dictate what they do moving forward. 

As remote learning becomes more and more difficult for families and the remote learners start to return to campus, Superintendent Clark and his team will make adjustments as needed.  

Chris Clark was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

The Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court is retiring. Effingham County Resident Circuit Judge Kimberly G. Koester is retiring effective December 30th, 2020. Koester was first elected to the bench in 2006 and has held court in all nine counties of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and has presided over numerous jury trials and bench trials. 

Koester says she is stepping down to spend more time with her family but she will always hold fond memories of the 4th Judicial Circuit and she is proud of the accomplishments that she has had since holding that position. 

“During my tenure, we have experienced increased litigation, a shift from paper to computer records, e-filing, bond reform, and remote hearings brought on by COVID-19. It has been a struggle to keep up with it all, but all the circuit clerks, judges, and attorneys are doing their best to change with the times. 2020 has really thrown us all for a loop but the Fourth Judicial Circuit is in a great position to handle the changes.” -Judge Koester

Koester’s position will remain open until the new Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit deems it appropriate to fill it or until the next scheduled election.

The Taylorville School District is being cautious with spending in these uncertain times, according to Taylorville Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty.

The Taylorville School District has 16 staff members currently quarantined and three staff members currently awaiting test results, according to Dr. Dougherty. 
 

When it comes to returning to in-person learning, the positivity rate has to come down within the community and among the staff of the school district.

Dr. Dougherty and her staff understand that some students are struggling with remote instruction and so they developed a mentor program to help those students get back on track.  

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

Taylorville Home Source is now doing business at their new expanded location on East Park Street next to the Driver's License Office.

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening for a quick get together. All aldermen were present except for Shawn Burtle. Jeremy Alwerdt was recognized as Officer of the Year. Alwerdt could not be present due to training. Aldermen voted unanimously to approve work on the Paw Paw Street Drainage Design Proposal. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says this has been a long time in the making.

A motion was approved for a Class O Liquor license for Tangles Salon, pending receipt of proper application and verification of the location of the gaming area. The motion passed 4-3, with Aldermen Chris Skultetty, Kathy Driskell, and Lee Lanzotti voting “No.”

Under Mayoral comments, Mayor Bruce Barry again congratulated Officer Jeremy Alwerdt, and praised the work of the Taylorville Development Association for the work on the industrial park, and invited everyone to “National Night Out.”

Mayor Barry also says that there will be discussions about projects coming up at the airport and the Lake Lots.

A unanimous vote was passed for building a concrete pit area with a drain at the Street Department, which will help with garbage for people with wheelchairs. A motion was also approved for purchasing two police radios, two tasers, and four Tactical Performance power magazines for the Police Department.

The City is continuing to look for funding for the walking bridge between Taylorville and Pana. Mayor Barry will be meeting with Pana officials, engineers, and Senator Andy Manar on Friday.

The next City Council Meeting will take place on October 19th.

The Pana Animal Hospital along with the China Pavilion in Taylorville have both reported employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. Both facilities have been in direct contact with the local health department and the Chris-Mont EMA. The Christian County Health Department has completed contact tracing and the China Pavilion has decided to close until October 14th. The Pana Animal Hospital will remain for limited services only by appointment through October 16th. Call them at 562-5558 to set up an appointment or get questions answered.

Every scenario involving a positive COVID virus case in a business has many variables that affect the outcome of each location staying open or closing including building layout, ventilation, people being traced answering their phone or calling back, and COVID protocols being followed.

If you were recently a customer at the China Pavillion or at the Pana Animal Hospital, your exposure time and distance would not meet the IDPH guidelines of less than six feet for more than fifteen minutes. You should still continue to monitor your health, and if you feel sick, contact your local physician.

For more information, contact the Chris-Mont EMA at 532-9560 or the Christian County Health Department at 532-9560.

A Macon resident is dead after an ATV crash on Sunday. 68-year-old Bobby W. Hammond of Macon was pronounced dead at 3 PM on Sunday afternoon. Mr. Hammond died as a result of an ATV crash that occurred near the intersection of Walker Road and Hibbert Road in rural Macon County. Mr. Hammond was pronounced dead at the scene and the crash is being investigated by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. Routine toxicology along with an inquest is pending. 

Local musician Cody Moomey will be stopping by the WMKR Morning show tomorrow. Just days after performing at Chillifest, Moomey will be on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR at 8 AM to talk about his life in music, and even play a couple songs live in studio.

Two men who were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Saturday have been identified. The Christian County Coroner’s office announced that 59-year-old Joe L. Taylor III of Kincaid and 67-year-old William D. Garrett of Taylorville were both killed in the crash on Route 104 east of Kincaid around 2 PM on Saturday. 

Autopsy results are pending. Illinois State Police continues to investigate the crash. 

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening at the Municipal Building in Taylorville at 7 PM. Jeremy Alwerdt will be recognized as Officer of the year. Other business that will be conducted include a motion for the purchase of hard drives for the Police Dispatch and Work Stations. There is a motion for purchasing two police radios and accessories, two tasers and four tactical performance power magazines, and for building a concrete pit area with a drain at the Street Department.

There will also be City Attorney and Mayoral updates as well. For a full list of items on the agenda, click here. 

Ariel Short is the Executive Director of the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce and she said that things have been rather difficult because of COVID-19.

The Shelbyville Balloon Fest is scheduled for October 9th - 11th, according to Short. 

There will be trunk or treat, a balloon glow, and a variety of other activities available for families.
 

The Shelbyville Fall Fest will take place in downtown Shelbyville on October 17th, according to Short.

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

Christian County has been designated as an Enterprise Zone. The announcement came late last week from State Senator Andy Manar. The Illinois Enterprise Zone Program is a way to encourage job growth and local investments in areas that may be economically depressed, especially rural areas. Senator Manar says that enterpise zones make it easier to do business. 

Incentives from the program include exemptions on state utility taxes for electricity and natural gas, and exemptions on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s administrative charge and telecommunication excise taxes. Senator Manar says the whole thing came together from the leadership of Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, Pana Mayor Don Kroski, and Chairwoman Becky Edwards.

The new zone for Christian County will become effective on January 1st 2021 and will remain an Enterprise Zone for 15 years. For more information about DCEO’s Enterprise Zone Program click here. 

Compassion fatigue, according to Shelby County Community Services (SCCS) Clinical Director Ed Lacheta is a lot like the common cold.

There are various symptoms of compassion fatigue, according to Lacheta, including exhaustion and guilt. 

Lacheta went on to say that compassion fatigue can happen when individuals feel spent after a lot of giving and compassion.

Compassion fatigue can impact anyone, but mental health professionals are especially at risk.

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

Christian County will be holding a National night out on Tuesday, October 6th. The Taylorville Police Department along with other agencies in Christian County will be gathering at the Christian County Fairgrounds from 5-8 PM on Tuesday evening. Taylorville Police Officer Kirsten Bolinger, says that this event will be held at the Fairgrounds to allow everyone more room to social distance with plenty of handwashing stations and hand sanitizer.

There will be plenty of activities there including some new events like mazes.

Bolinger says last year was fantastic and hopes to see a good group of people out for this event as well. 

For more information visit the Taylorville Police Department Facebook page, or contact the Taylorville Police Station. 

Dr. Ashley Belle is the Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator with The University of Illinois Extension Office and she wanted to bring attention to the Ameren Illinois Fresh Start program that can help Ameren customers with a past due balance.

The Ameren Illinois Fresh Start program will run until May 31st or until funding is exhausted, but depending on a few factors you may need to talk with the Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

To get information on LIHEAP, talk to your local community action agency or go to helpillinoisfamilies.com.

If your family doesn’t qualify to LIHEAP there may be assistance available through Warm Neighbors Cool Friends. More information is available at warmneighborscoolfriends.org.  

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

Two men are dead after a vehicle crash outside of Kincaid on Saturday afternoon. A preliminary investigation into the crash from the Traffic Reconstruction Unit showed that a blue 2018 Ford, driven by a 59-year-old male from Kincaid was traveling westbound on Illinois Route 104 west of Kincaid Lake Entrance at 2:02 PM on October 3rd.

A 67-year-old male from Taylorville driving a white 2020 Chevrolet, was headed eastbound at the same location. The 59-year-old male from Kincaid traveled into the other lane and into the path of the 67-year-old male striking the White 2020 Chevrolet head-on.

Both men were pronounced deceased on the scene by the Christian County Coroner. No further information is available at this time. The Illinois State Police were assisted by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Taylorville Fire Department. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it develops.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest announced its 50/50 raffle winner at the end of the 35th annual event late Sunday afternoon.

Some 65 candidates in the 5 pageants taking place Saturday, all sold tickets with an award going to the participant in each category that sold the most raffle tickets.

This year's 50/50 cash raffle award winner drawn at random was Jessica Augustine of Taylorville (right).  She was presented her prize by Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle (left). 

Proceeds from the raffle go towards the event's expenses.

Sunday featured the International Chilli Society Central States Cook-off during the second day of the 35th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

In salsa competition, third place winner was Preston Shaw from Tennessee who won $20.  Second place winner was Lloyd Weir of Normal, Illinois, who won $30, and first place winner was Julie Netser from Seymour, Indiana who won $50.  

In verde competition, third place winner was Helen Lewis from Mississippi who won $30.  Second place winner was Tonya Jester from Indiana who won $35, and first place winner who goes to the International Chilli Society World Championship was Julie Netzer who also won $150.

In homestyle chilli judging Sunday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, third place winner was Robin Seuferer from Iowa who won $30, second place winner was Jeff Netser from Seymour, Indiana who was $75, and first place winner was Rodney Jones from Mississippi who won $200 and a trip to the I-C-S World Championship.  

And, in red chilli competition, third place went to Darin Jester from Indiana who won $45, second place winner was Henry Stephens from Texas who won $80, and first place winner was Jim Lewis from Springfield, Illinois who won $400 and a trip to the I-C-S World Championship.

I-C-S Chillifest cookoff committee chair Tom Calvert said that this weekend's 2 sanctioned cookoffs had cooks from 8 different states, with 4 of the World Champions cooking between the 2 days.  

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  In salsa competition, third place winner was Preston Shaw from Tennessee who won $20.  Second place winner was Lloyd Weir of Normal, Illinois, who won $30, and first place winner was Julie Netser from Seymour, Indiana who won $50.  Front row, from the left:  Tom Calvert, Chillifest chilli cookoff chairperson; Patty Hornbuckle, Greater Taylorville Chamber CEO.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  In verde competition, third place winner was Helen Lewis from Mississippi who won $30.  Second place winner was Tonya Jester from Indiana who won $35, and first place winner who goes to the International Chilli Society World Championship was Julie Netzer who also won $150.

Front row, from the left:  Tom Calvert, Chillifest chilli cookoff chairperson; Patty Hornbuckle, Greater Taylorville Chamber CEO.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:   In homestyle chilli judging Sunday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, second place winner was Jeff Netser from Seymour, Indiana who was $75, and first place winner was Rodney Jones from Mississippi who won $200 and a trip to the I-C-S World Championship.  Front row, from the left:  Tom Calvert, Chillifest chilli cookoff chairperson; Patty Hornbuckle, Greater Taylorville Chamber CEO.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  In red chilli competition, third place went to Darin Jester from Indiana who won $45, second place winner was Henry Stephens from Texas who won $80, and first place winner was Jim Lewis from Springfield, Illinois who won $400 and a trip to the I-C-S World Championship.  Front row, from the left:  Tom Calvert, Chillifest cookoff chairperson; Patty Hornbuckle, Greater Taylorville Chamber CEO.

Cody Moomey is performing on the south main stage at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest til around 4.

There are fewer than 100 quarts of Chillifest chilli left to be sold in the 2 drive thru's, or just walk up, both on the southeast corner of the square.  Sales end at 5 this afternoon.

Royalty is reigning over the last day of the 2020 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.  From the left:

Junior Miss Thea Suslee, Little Miss Edith Becker, Miss Chilli Pepper Emily Kuhn, and Teen Miss Ella Hohenstein.

The event continues today until appx. 4:30pm.

Day 2 of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest is happening til 4:30 this afternoon on the Taylorville Square.

Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle told Regional Radio News during our live coverage, that there about 150 quarts of Chillifest chilli left to sell in the double drive-up on the southeast corner of the square, or simply walk-up.

Over 90 vendors are offering their wares, and the Kids Zone pumpkin painting continues on the west side of the square sponsored by HSHS Medical Group Taylorville thru the afternoon.

Day 2 of the International Chilli Society competition ends around 4:30 with winners to be announced.

The 7th annual Bags Tournament continues on the northeast corner of the square.

Kids Zone continues to feature pumpkin painting sponsored by HSHS Medical Clinic Taylorville til 4 o'clock.

When coming to Chillifest, remember to practice social distancing, wear a face mask, and wash your hands at one of the many hand sanitizing stations around the square.

Find the complete schedule by clicking the Chillifest icon at taylorvilledailynews.com.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club began work last Thursday on replacing the Kiwanis Park Pavilion.  The pavilion was constructed by the club in 1995, and the club decided it was time to replace the roof.  Kiwanis members Will Perkins (left) and Blain Cornwell were among those that were on site to take the roof off.

Kiwanis member Dick Wamsley helped get the shingles ready for the dumpster.

Kiwanis members Blain Cornwell (left) and Will Perkins worked to get the old shingles off the Pavilion roof.

Kiwanis members Larry Kemner (left) and Dick Wamsley worked to get the shingles ready to be placed in a dumpster.

The local Kiwanis Club also plans on replacing the 25-year-old concrete floor of the Kiwanis Park pavilion as well.

Winners were announced on Saturday in the first day of 2 days of International Chilli Society judging at the 35th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

Saturday's event was the Chillinois Regional Cookoff, which saw chilli cooks from several states as far away as Texas, participate.  Henry Stephens of Texas was awarded 50-dollars in cash for traveling the farthest for Saturday's cookoff.

In salsa judging, 3rd place winner was Preston Shaw of Tennessee, who won $20.  2nd place winner was Julie Netzer of Indiana, who won $30, while the first place winner was Helen McAuley of Mississippi who won $50.

In verde judging, 3rd place went to Tom Hoover of Ohio who won $35, 2nd place went to Helen McAuley who won $75, and first place winner was Rena Jones from Mississippi who won $200.

In homestyle judging at Saturday's Greater Taylorville Chillifest, 3rd place winner was Doug Hoy from Stonington who won $65, while 2nd place went to Jeff Netzer from Indiana who won $125, and Darin Jester from Indiana won first place and $200.

In red chilli competition, 3rd place went to Lloyd Weir from Bloomington who won $55, while 2nd place was won by Rose Barrett from Wisconsin who won $100, and Kaleb Jester from Indiana won first place and $500.  Jester also won the right to go to the International Chilli Society World Championship.

Tom Calvert again chaired Saturday's I-C-S Chillinois cookoff. 

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; salsa 3rd place winner Preston Shaw of Tennessee; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Front row is 2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; salsa 2rd place winner Julie Netzer of Indiana; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; salsa first place winner Helen McAuley of Mississippi; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; verde 3rd place winner Tom Hoover of Ohio; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; verde 2nd place winner Helen McAuley; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; verde first place winner Rena Jones from Mississippi; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; homestyle 3rd place winner Doug Hoy from Stonington; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Junior Miss Thea Suslee;  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert;  homestyle 2nd place winner Jeff Netzer from Indiana;  and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Junior Miss Thea Suslee;  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert;  homestyle first place winner Darin Jester from Indiana; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Middle row:  2020 Miss Chilli Pepper Emily Kuhn.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Junior Miss Thea Suslee;  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; red chilli 3rd place winner Lloyd Weir from Bloomington;  and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Middle row:  2020 Miss Chilli Pepper Emily Kuhn.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Junior Miss Thea Suslee;  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; red chilli 2nd place winner Rose Barrett from Wisconsin; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Middle row:  2020 Miss Chilli Pepper Emily Kuhn.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Junior Miss Thea Suslee;  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Caption to above:  Back row, from the left:  Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest chilli cookoff chairman Tom Calvert; red chilli first place winner Kaleb Jester from Indiana; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle.  Middle row:  2020 Miss Chilli Pepper Emily Kuhn.  Front row, from the left:  2020 Junior Miss Thea Suslee;  2020 Little Miss Chilli Pepper Edith Becker; 2020 Miss Teen Chilli Pepper Ella Hohenstein.

Royalty was crowned in 5 different categories, during Saturday's Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the Taylorville square.

The event was the first-ever socially distanced pageant in Chillifest's 35 years history, and was also the first that was moved to the Christian County Fairgrounds Expo Building in the middle of judging due to rain.

In the Little Mister Chilli Pepper competition, 3-year-old Remmington Reese, the son of Samantha Hughes and Dak Reese of Kincaid was crowned as the winner, with first runner-up going to 3-year-old Bryant Michael Crowder, the son of Daniel Crowder of Owaneco, and second runner-up going to 6-year-old Liam Swiney, the son of Whitney and Zackery Swiney of Taylorville.  Most photogenic in the Little Mister category was 5-year-old Trigg Hackney, the son of Nick and Katie Hackney of Taylorville, best dressed was Swiney, best stage presence went to Crowder, as did the award for the most raffle tickets sold.

In the Little Miss Chilli Pepper competition, the winner was 4-year-old Edith Becker, the daughter of Desiree and Jeremy Becker of Stonington.  First runner-up was Farah Rose King, the 4-year-old daughter of Staci and Dakota King of Stonington, and second runner-up was Hollyn Belle Becker, the 6-year-old daughter of Desiree and Jeremy Becker of Stonington.  Most photogenic and best dressed in the Little Miss competition went to 3-year-old Rylie Durbin, the daughter of Kate and Lucas Durbin of Taylorville, while the stage presence award went to Becker, and the award for most raffle tickets sold went to 4-year-old Kyzmia Cruz, the daughter of Brooke and Mario Cruz of Morrisonville.

In the Chillifest Junior Miss competition Saturday, the winner was Thea Suslee, the 10-year-old daughter of Sarah and Danny McNeely of Taylorville, while first runner-up was eleven-year-old Hannah Claire Jostes, the daughter of Jerri Jostes of Palmer, and second runner-up was Rilynne Segrest, the 10-year-old daughter of Heather and Shane Segrest of Morrisonville.  The most photogenic award in this category went to 7-year-old Kyndle Coady, the daughter of William and Amber Coady of Taylorville, while the best dressed award went to Suslee, best stage presence went to 8-year-old Ella Ralph, the daughter of Todd and Amber Ralph of Edinburg, and Coady also won the award for the most raffle tickets sold in that category.

In the Miss Teen Chilli Pepper contest Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest, the winner was 13-year-old Ella Hohenstein, the daughter of Neil and Elizabeth Hohenstein of Taylorville, while first runner-up was 13-year-old Macy Wagahoft, the daughter of Holly and Trevor Wagahoft of Taylorville, and second runner-up was 12-year-old Zarah Guzman, the daughter of Israel Fernandez of Morrisonville.  Most photogenic in this category went to 13-year-old Hannah Hartwig, the daughter of Pan and Mike Hartwig of Stonington, while the best dressed award went to Wagahoft, best stage presence and best interview awards both went to Hohenstein, most raffle tickets sold winner was Wagahoft, Miss Congeniality was Taryn Clark, the 12-year-old daughter of Alicia and Tharin Clarke of Morrisonville, and the People's Choice award went to Guzman.

In the Miss Chilli Pepper pageant, the winner was 19-year-old Emily Kuhn, the daughter of Gina and Brad Kuhn of Pana, while first runner-up was 18-year-old Elizabeth Aymer, the daughter of Sheri and Randy Aymer of Tovey, and second runner-up was 18-year-old Alexandra Harris, the daughter of Tina Johnson and Mark Harris of Morrisonville.  Most photogenic and best dressed in this category were won by Kuhn, while Harris won the best stage presence award, Aymer the best interview.  The most raffle tickets sold in the Miss category was won by 18-year-old Paige Sheedy, the daughter of Renee and Ron Sheedy of Morrisonville, Miss Congeniality was Harris, and the People's Choice award winner was Sheedy.

Brittany Moore again chaired the Chillifest Pageant committee.

Caption to above:  Little Mister Chilli Pepper was crowned Saturday at the 35th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chilllifest.  Front row from the left: 

second runner-up 6-year-old Liam Swiney, the son of Whitney and Zackery Swiney of Taylorville; 3-year-old Remmington Reese, the son of Samantha Hughes and Dak Reese of Kincaid, Mr. Chilli Pepper 2020; and first runner-up 3-year-old Bryant Michael Crowder, the son of Daniel Crowder of Owaneco.  Back row from the left:  2019 Little Mister Chilli Pepper Jacob Smith, 2019 Miss Chilli Pepper Alaina Deal, 2019 Junior Miss Julie Wayman, 2019 Teen Miss Hannah Chitwood, and 2019 Little Miss Camri Phillips.

Caption to above:  Little Miss Chilli Pepper 2020 was crowned Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chillifest Pageant.  Front row, from the left:  second runner-up Hollyn Belle Becker, the 6-year-old daughter of Desiree and Jeremy Becker of Stonington; Little Miss Chilli Pepper 2020 4-year-old Edith Becker, the daughter of Desiree and Jeremy Becker of Stonington; and first runner-up Farah Rose King, the 4-year-old daughter of Staci and Dakota King of Stonington.  

Back row from the left:  2019 Junior Miss Julie Wayman,  2019 Miss Chilli Pepper Alaina Deal, 2019 Teen Miss Hannah Chitwood, and 2019 Little Mister Chilli Pepper Jacob Smith.

Caption to above:  The 2020 Junior Miss Chilli Pepper was crowned Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest.  Front row from the left: second runner-up Rilynne Segrest, the 10-year-old daughter of Heather and Shane Segrest of Morrisonville;  Junior Miss 2020 Thea Suslee, the 10-year-old daughter of Sarah and Danny McNeely of Taylorville; and first runner-up eleven-year-old Hannah Claire Jostes, the daughter of Jerri Jostes of Palmer.

Back row, from the left:    2020 Little Miss 4-year-old Edith Becker, the daughter of Desiree and Jeremy Becker of Stonington;  2019 Little Miss Camri Phillips; 2019 Miss Chilli Pepper Alaina Deal;  2019 Junior Miss Julie Wayman; 2019 Teen Miss Hannah Chitwood; and 2019 Little Mister Chilli Pepper Jacob Smith.

Caption to above:  In the Miss Teen Chilli Pepper pageant Saturday, the 2020 winner was crowned.  Front row, from the left:  2019 Little Miss Camri Phillips; 2020 Teen Miss 13-year-old Ella Hohenstein, the daughter of Neil and Elizabeth Hohenstein of Taylorville; and 2020 Little Miss Edith Becker.  

Back row, from the left:  second runner-up 2-year-old Zarah Guzman, the daughter of Israel Fernandez of Morrisonville; 2019 Miss Chilli Pepper Alaina Deal;  2019 Junior Miss Julie Wayman; 2019 Teen Miss Hannah Chitwood; 2020 first runner-up 13-year-old Macy Wagahoft, the daughter of Holly and Trevor Wagahoft of Taylorville;  2019 Little Mister Chilli Pepper Jacob Smith; and Junior Miss 2020 Thea Suslee.

Caption to above:  The 2020 Miss Chilli Pepper was crowned Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest.  Front row, from the left:  2019 Little Miss Camri Phillips; 2020 Miss Chilli Pepper 19-year-old Emily Kuhn, the daughter of Gina and Brad Kuhn of Pana; 2020 Little Mister Remmington Reese.  

Back row, from the left:  2020 Teen Miss Ella Hohenstein;  second runner-up 18-year-old Alexandra Harris, the daughter of Tina Johnson and Mark Harris of Morrisonville;  2019 Little Mister Chilli Pepper Jacob Smith; 2019 Junior Miss Julie Wayman; 2019 Miss Chilli Pepper Alaina Deal; 2019 Teen Miss Hannah Chitwood; Junior Miss 2020 Thea Suslee; and first runner-up 18-year-old Elizabeth Aymer, the daughter of Sheri and Randy Aymer of Tovey; and 2020 Little Miss Edith Becker.

Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal traffic crash just east of Kincaid on Illinois Route 104. On Saturday afternoon, ISP 9 troopers, Taylorville Fire Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, along with IDOT are on the scene of a fatal vehicle crash. The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is on the scene finishing their investigation. Illinois Route 104 east of Kincaid will be closed for a couple of hours. Please find an alternate route if you are heading that direction. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it develops. 

A large crowd watched the Center Pointe Advance Academy dancers perform to the west of the south stage Saturday morning at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

The event continues on the Taylorville square today til 5:30 and tomorrow from 10:30 to 4:30.

The 35th Annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest kicked off with opening ceremonies on the south stage on the Taylorville square at 9am this morning.

The presentation of colors was made by Scouts BSA Troops 1849, 68, 132, and Cub Scout Packs 132 and 68.

Jordan Reeter sang the National Anthem following the presentation of colors.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry gave greetings from the City, thanking everyone for coming.

Xairiki Agnew was the first entertainment act on the Chillifest south stage.

Entertainment continues on the south stage, including the Pageants at noon.  North stage entertainment begins at 10 with Dexter Anodyne.

Check out the complete Chillifest schedule by clicking the "Chillifest" icon at taylorvilledailynews.com, and listen to all 5 Miller Media Group radio stations today and tomorrow for live coverage from the event.

The Pana Police Department along with the Christian County Coroner’s Office is investigating a death in Pana. On Thursday afternoon, officers were sent to 200 North Pine, Lot 48, for a welfare check on a 71-year-old male. The male was found deceased inside his home. 

A preliminary investigation determined that the death was from natural causes, and there was no sign of foul play. 

Christian County will be offering for sale properties where tax proceedings were delinquent. In 2017 and prior taxes. The county is selling 20 real estate properties and 6 mobile homes. The auction will be done by sealed bid. All sealed bids must be done at the Christian County Treasurer’s office located at 101 South Main Street at the Courthouse. All bids must be submitted by close of business on October 16th. 

The required minimum bid on real estate property is $828 and on mobile homes is $900. All items will be sold to the highest sealed bid received on or before October 16th. To view bidder’s packets and sale catalogs visit the Christian County Treasurer’s Office or go online to www.iltaxsale.com.

The first-ever socially distanced version of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest this morning announced their finalized entertainment schedule on both stages for this Saturday and Sunday's annual event on the Taylorville square.

Here's what the entertainment schedule looks like, updated at 9am Saturday:

Saturday, October 3rd, 2020

9:00 AM Welcome & Opening Ceremonies- National Anthem Jordan Reeter/Mayor Barry feat. Cub Scouts South Stage

9:00 AM Chilli available at Chilli Drive-Thru Southeast Corner of the Square

9:30 AM Xairiki Agnew Performance South Stage

10:00 AM Pumpkin Painting at KidZone sponsored by HSHS Medical Group - Taylorville KidZone

10:30 AM Chillinois Regional Cookoff Begins East Side of Square

Center Pointe Advance Academy South Stage (Street)

11:15ish 7th Annual Bags Tournament Capital City Cornhole REGISTRATION Northeast Corner of Square

11:45 AM 7th Annual Bags Tournament MEETING Northeast Corner of Square

12:00 Noon Chilli Pepper Pageants to 3:00pm South Stage

Bags FLY for 7th Annual Bags Tournament sponsored by Invenergy Northeast Corner of Square

1:00 PM Amazing Dudley Balloon Creations KidZone

1:30 PM Amazing Dudley Magic Show KidZone

3:30 PM The Dance Station South Stage (Street)

4:00 PM Professional Development - Jazz Band South Stage

Pumpkin Painting Ends KidZone

5:30ish Chilli & Salsa Awards Presentation South Stage

North Stage Activities sponsored by NewWave Communications

10:00-Noon Dexter Anodyne North Stage

1:00 - 3:00 PM Izzy Miller North Stage

Sunday, October 4th, 2020

9:00 AM CMN "Hot to Trot" ZUMBA at the Park Manners Park

9:30 AM Central States Regional Cookoff East Side of the Square

10:00 AM CMN "Hot to Trot" Color Run Races Start (Registration @ 8a!) Manners Park

10:00 AM Chilli Available at the Chilli Drive-thru Southeast Corner of the Square

10:30 AM Sky High Performance South Stage (street)

11:00 AM 7th Annual Bags Tournament REGISTRATION Northeast Corner of Square

11:00 AM WERQ Demo South Stage (street)

11:00 AM Pumpkin Painting at KidZone sponsored by HSHS Medical Group - Taylorville KidZone

11:00 AM Aaron's Balloon Creations KidZone

11:30 AM THS Cheerleaders Performance South Stage (street)

11:45 AM 7th Annual Bags Tournament MEETING Northeast Corner of Square

12:00 NOON Bags FLY 7th Annual Bags Tournament Northeast Corner of Square

2:30 PM Wild Times Exotic Zoo KidZone

3:00 PM Cody Moomey Performs South stage

4:00 PM Pumpkin Painting Ends KidZone

4:30ish Chilli & Salsa Awards Presentation South Stage

NORTH STAGE ACTIVITIES sponsored by NewWave Communications

9:30-11:30AM The Tangents North Stage

12:00-2:00 PM TBA North Stage

As always, this schedule is subject to change.  

After spending countless hours of additional preparation to make sure everyone stays safe, Chamber Chillifest Committee members look forward to bringing this event to the Square this weekend, reminding you to wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands at the many hand washing and hand sanitizer stations there will be around the square.

The Physician Choice Wellness weight loss programs, according to Program Director Tara Nickerson, are covered by insurance. Now is a wonderful time to join PCW because a lot of individuals have already likely met their deductible for 2020. 

Some individuals may be holding off on starting their weight loss journey until January 1st, but Nickerson says waiting could cost you a lot of money. 

Nickerson went on to say that the holidays are just one day and it’s not like you couldn’t eat normally on Thanksgiving and Christmas and get back on track the following day.

There is no time like the present, according to Nickerson to start your weight loss journey.  

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

The Miller Media Group and Tradewind Energy are co-sponsoring a weekly "Educator of the Week" from September First thru October 13th, to honor a different Christian County educator and the commitment they've made to their students and schools.  

This week's "Educator of the Week" is Cheri Cwiertniak, who is a 4th grade teacher at Morrisonville School in Morrisonville. Cwiertniak, who is in her second year of teaching, says that the Golden Apple program helped her succeed.

Cwiertniak says this year has been way different from last year, but they are adapting and overcoming obstacles in their way.

Cwiertniak is appreciative of the support she gets from other teachers at Morrisonville. 

Cwiertniak thanked her students, parents, and her friends for helping her through all the difficult times.

To nominate an "Educator of the Week", simply go to the Facebook page of taylorvilledailynews.com, or any of our 4 music stations--WMKR, WRAN, WSVZ, or NEW Country 104-point-one--and send us a comment or direct message.

Dinner Seasoned With Love does so much good work in the community, according to Taylorville Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle and they’ll be hosting a drive-thru fundraiser on October 10th from 4-6pm at Calvary Baptist Church. Tickets are $10 and will be available at Chillifest this weekend.

There are a variety of things that you won’t see at Chillifest this weekend, according to Hornbuckle. 

Eight batches of Chillifest chili will be available for sale, according to Hornbuckle.

Once the chili is gone, according to Hornbuckle, no more will be made.  

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

ChrisMont Emergency Management Agency is reporting 39 new COVID-19 cases in Christian County with 16 of them at the Taylorville Care Center along with 2 additional deaths from the virus. Taylorville Care Center has been fighting an outbreak and have had more cases reported as well. Last week, 23 new cases were reported at the Center. 

Christian County is in the warning level for COVID-19 with the positivity rate sitting at 15.9%--which is nearly double the 8% limit that is asked for from IDPH. 

The Chris-Mont EMA is asking everyone to please continue to social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently to help slow the spread of the virus. To date, Christian County has reported 744 COVID-19 cases but is currently sitting at 127 active cases including 6 that are hospitalized.

For more information, please contact the Christian County Health Department at 824-4113 or the Chris-Mont EMA at 532-9560.

Taylorville Home Source is officially open at their new expanded location at 1316 East Park.  Owner Rick White told Regional Radio News that the business made the move over the last few days, and began doing business in the new location on Thursday.

White added his new location offers much more inventory for his many kitchen, bathroom, and flooring brands, with an expanded warehouse as well.

White invites the public to stop by and see the new home of Taylorville Home Source on East Park Street.

The business was formerly located in the Marsango Plaza on West Spresser for some 15 years.

Both Pana and Taylorville School Districts are reporting COVID-19 positive tests. A student who was in attendance at Pana High School on Monday, September 28th tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. A contact tracing plan was put into action and the results from that investigation resulted in 11 students but no staff members needing to quarantine for 14 days. The District will be able to resume classes as planned today. 

Taylorville School District announced that they have staff members who have recently reported symptoms, been exposed, and are quarantined for the virus pending testing. Central School has one exposure. A staff member has been exposed and directed by the Christian County Health Department to quarantine until October 12th. The Junior High School is reporting one staff member as exhibiting symptoms and possibly exposed. The employee is testing and will remain quarantined until results. 

Continue to follow pandemic guidelines by maintaining safe social distancing, wearing masks, and washing your hands.

For Pana School District if you have questions, call 562-1500. For Taylorville School District call 824-4951.

A staff member at the YMCA has tested positive for COVID-19. The Y which is located at 900 McAdam Street in Taylorville announced the positive result late Wednesday evening. The YMCA immediately notified the Christian County Health Department and the Chris-Mont EMA. Additional contact tracing is being completed and the facility is not required to close after cleaning was done due to the very limited potential of exposure in this case.

If you were recently at the facility you wouldn’t meet exposure guidelines of less than six feet for more than 15 minutes, therefore by IDPH guidelines, your risk is quite low. If you do feel sick, please contact your local physician for more information.

The Chris-Mont EMA wants to remind everyone that each positive COVID case of a staff member at a business is reviewed on a case by case basis. Every scenario is looked at including building layout, ventilation, people being traced answering their phone and proper protocols being followed. Continue to wash your hands, wear a mask, and social distance. For more information, contact the Chris-Mont EMA at 532-9560, or Christian County Health Department at 824-4113.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued COVID-19 Halloween guidance. IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says that the guidelines include following the 3 “W’s” Wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear your mask. Dr. Ezike says trick or treating is still allowed, but precautions should be taken.

Dr. Ezike says haunted houses are not allowed right now.

Gatherings of more than 50 people is still prohibited and if you visit a pumpkin patch or orchard, make sure you wear a mask and social distance. Hayrides should not exceed 50% capacity with parties spaced at least six feet apart. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health advises you to stay home as much as possible, avoid being around people at increased risk for COVID, and consider getting tested for the virus if you believe you’ve been exposed. 

Austin Wagahoff is an Insurance Agent with Shelter Insurance in Taylorville and he was born and raised in Raymond, Illinois. While Austin was in college in Arkansas he decided to get into the insurance business and he shortly realized that it was something that he enjoyed and was good at.

Wagahoff likes that he’s able to help people on a daily basis. 

Shelter Insurance, according to Wagahoff, strives for customer satisfaction and customer service.

Austin Wagahoff was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

People’s Bank and Trust along with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago is helping Schools affected by COVID-19 by supporting remote learning.  People’s bank & Trust is providing $5,000 to Charleston, Pana, Taylorville, Altamont, North Greene, Waverly, and Ball-Chatham. Chief Financial Officer of People’s Bank and Trust, Craig Deere says that these grants are extremely important right now because of the virus.

Deere believes that this helps because of schools having to do hybrid learning and the struggles that go with having to do both in person and remote learning.

Deere says at the end of the day it’s about showing support for the Schools during this difficult time.

People’s Bank and Trust is a locally owned and managed independent community bank with ten offices including Taylorville, Pana, and Morrisonville.

The United Way of Christian County had a golf outing recently and according to Executive Director Samantha Adermann despite everything that has happened this year it was one of the best golf outings they’ve ever had.

Every day Adermann works to help promote the various organizations that The United Way of Christian County helps each year. 

The annual United Way fundraising campaign kicks off today and the goal this year is to raise $150,000 dollars.

There are a few new organizations that the United Way of Christian County has started to work with over the past few years including Dinner Seasoned with Love.  

Samantha Adermann was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show. 

A local power plant will be shutting down. The Kincaid Power Plant run by Vistra energy will be closing its doors by 2027 as Vistra announced closures in Illinois and Ohio. In a statement released by Vistra, “These plants, especially those operating in the irreparably dysfunctional MISO market, remain economically challenged. Today’s retirement announcements are also prompted by upcoming Environmental Protection Agency filing deadlines, which require either significant capital expenditures for compliance or retirement declarations.”

State Senator Andy Manar spoke about the Kincaid Power Plant closing, 

“For decades, the Kincaid plant has been a source of good paying union jobs, paving a path to economic security for countless families in the area.. While the effects of the closure won’t be felt immediately, my colleagues and I are working diligently on a plan that will mitigate damage done to working families and the local economies of the places these plants call home. Under a proposal I’m sponsoring, property tax assessments on coal, gas, and nuclear plants would be frozen at pre-closure rates for five years, so that schools, local governments, and individual taxpayers in towns like Coffeen and Kincaid aren’t stuck with the bill for looming revenue shortfalls befalling their communities. While maintaining a stable revenue base is a short-term fix, it’s necessary to maintaining the economic viability of our communities. Ultimately, the state’s commitment to reinvesting resources in Downstate communities rocked by plant closures has been woefully inadequate for far too long. This commitment needs to be taken seriously, and that means substantially increasing this reinvestment. It’s on all of us to continue supporting the good-paying union jobs that will be lost as a result of these closures. By transitioning the already existing plants into sustainable centers for clean energy production and storage, we can do just that, securing the economic stability of Downstate Illinois going forward.”

Vistra’s plans moving forward would generate between $900 million and $1 billion dollars in earnings. Vistra says it is unclear whether or not Illinois will allow any new plants to be built due to clean energy restrictions. Vistra sited COVID-19 as also playing a roll in the economic uncertainty, and the energy company says it doesn’t know if the full results of COVID-19 have been seen yet. 

Tori Stuart is a student athlete at Millikin University and Campus Captain with the nonprofit group The Hidden Opponent. Stuart started out by discussing what it is that The Hidden Opponent does.

Stuart went on to discuss the mission of The Hidden Opponent and what it is that she does on the campus of Millikin University as a Campus Captain. 

With everything going in our world today, Stuart makes sure that she is available to talk with the Millikin athletes about mental health.
 

The stigma in relation to mental health has started to go away, says Stuart, but maybe it has gone away a little less among athletes.

Tori Stuart was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.