(Photo and story courtesy Taylorville FFA Facebook page)

Lizzie Schafer was announced as the National Proficiency winner in Animal Science Research at the 94th National FFA Convention this week.

 Lizzie is a senior this year at Taylorville High School, and  and has worked hard throughout her junior high and high school agriculture career to earn this award.

Congratulations to Lizzie from taylorvilledailynews.com and Regional Radio.

The Christian County CEO, or “Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities”, Board on Friday presented board member Ken Hart a plaque for his many years of service to the CEO program.  Hart is retiring from the board on December 31st.

Hart was instrumental in bringing the CEO program to Christian County almost 9 years ago, and every year chaired fund-raising efforts to keep the program financially viable.

The CEO program is entirely funded by local investors, and monies go to pay the salary of the CEO facilitator as well as yearly fees paid to the Midland Institute in Effingham, who administers and oversees the program nationwide.  The program teaches high school seniors who are accepted into the program, entrepreneurial skills with the hopes they’ll come back and become businesspeople in Christian County.

Hart was presented the plaque by CEO board president Randal J. Miller.

It’s time to register for Spring Semester at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville. 

That’s director of LLCC in Taylorvillle Dee Kreuger. She says the type of class you want to take, whether it’s in-person, online or hybrid, depends on the student. 

There’s also classes available that are not your typical textbook-type courses. 

Kreuger says that the further in your education you go, the more money you can make. The Forward Magazine talked a bit about that.

Learn more at LLCC.org.

Kreuger appears as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A previous law that required minors under the age of 18 to give notification to a parent or guardian now goes to the Governor’s desk for repeal. 

Representative Avery Bourne spoke to Legislators on Wednesday about the current law that requires minors to give notifications to a parent or guardian before getting an abortion. Representative Bourne says it’s very hypocritical.

Representative Bourne says that this isn’t an anti-abortion statement. It’s a consent statement. It’s letting a parent/guardian know. It is a common-sense bill. 

Representative Anna Moeller says that children will tell their parents, and if they don’t there is a reason why.

Representative Bourne urged the House to vote no on the repeal, stressing that there are children as young as 12 having abortions and that a parent should know what is going on with their 12-year-old.

The House voted 62-51 in favor of passing.  If it gets signed, it won’t go into effect until June 1st, 2022. Governor JB Pritzker has already said he will sign the bill. 
 

Be aware of the deer.

That’s Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp. He says it’s important to be cautious on the road this time of year and to watch for eye reflection of deer. 

If a collision is inevitable, then the most important thing to remember is to not veer off the road. 

Most importantly – pay attention. 

Sheriff Kettelkamp appears as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Taylorville 4-H keeping you busy this holiday season.

That’s 4-H Youth Development Coordinator Sara Marten. She says the 4-H First Aid Workship is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the Christian county Extension Office. 

Saturday, Oct. 30, there’s a virtual officer training program. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, there’s a workshop for those who hold an officer role in 4-H.

Available for everyone, 4-H is offering a photography contest. 

Marten says there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks. 

Learn more at the Christian County IL 4-H Facebook. 

Marten appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

A senior physical therapist at Taylorville Memorial Hospital has been named the Colleague of the Month For September. Sarah Kietzman of Taylorville joined the hospital in 2004. Kietzman says that she works with an amazing rehab team and has the opportunity to see patients of all ages and different diagnoses. Kietzman says the most rewarding part of her job is tow atch her patients achieve their goals. 

Hospital Officials say Kietzman uses her knowledge, skill, and other resources available to her to deliver advanced care for her patients. Outside of work, Kietzman says that she enjoys attending her children's sporting events with her husband. 

Regional Radio News salutes you Sarah Kietzman!!!

The Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs today relaunched a mission to raise the spirits of Veteran's who are at state veterans' homes. The mission is called "Operation Rising Spirit." IDVA Acting Director Terry Price says that receiving letters can really brighten a vets day.

This is something that was done last year and Price says that you don't have to know the vet to write to them and thank them.

Veteran's Day is November 11th and there are other campaigns being put together to help raise the spirits of the many veterans that are in homes. You may send a letter to The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Central Office, 833 South Spring Street, PO Box 19432, Springfield IL, 627994-9432.

Construction continues on the new expanded offices for Farm Credit Illinois on West Route 104 in Taylorville.

FCI is temporarily located in the Marsango Plaza on West Spresser while their new building is being completed.

Drive sober or get pulled over. Drive high and get a DUI.

That’s the message from the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police as Halloween approaches. 

That’s IDOT spokesperson Paull Wappel. He says that over 1,000 people have died in crashes in Illinois through Oct. 20th. Through the same time period last year, there have been 84 more fatalities this year. 

Traffic fatalities are on the rise and that means an escalation of law enforcement on the roads over Halloween aiming to keep impaired drivers off the roads to save lives. 

If you plan to drink this Halloween, IDOT says to designate a sober ride home or use your community’s designated driver program if available. If you are driving and see an impaired driver, call 911. 

As always, make sure you and everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt. 

Good luck to the Taylorville Tornado Volleyball team!

That’s Taylorville High School Athletic Director Jason Hadley. He says that the volleyball program has found its stride in recent years. They are 2021 co-champions of the Apollo Conference – the first time the Tornadoes are champions since 2018. 

Hadley says there’s not a ton to share about the Apollo Conference after the departure of Lincoln at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

He also shared an update on the rest of the fall sports as their seasons wind down. 

Taylorville Volleyball takes on Mascoutah High School at 6 p.m. Thursday in Mascoutah. 

Hadley appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force proposes a change to the use of asprin for pain relief and blood thinner. 

Dr. Darrel Gumm is an OSF HealthCare cardiologist and vice president of the OSF HealthCare cardiovascular service line and says that a panel found daily use of aspirin can increase risk of internal bleeding. 

Dr. Gumm says that risks may outweigh the benefits of taking aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke for adults 60 and older, but continue to take aspirin if your physician prescribes it. 

This recommended change for primary prevention comes after decades of recommendations to use an aspirin regimen. 

The USPSTF recommends high risk patients under the age of 60 who have not had a heart attack and are looking for a primary prevention method to talk to their doctor before starting an aspirin regimen.

For more information, contact your primary care physician. 

A Democrat-sponsored crime bill has sparked debate on the Senate floor during the 2021 fall veto session. State Senator Chapin Rose spoke about the crime bill saying that while he would vote for the bill, it would just be a start. Senator Rose says it falls short of a full approach to address crime and violence.  Senator Rose says that Illinois can not solve crime by putting everyone behind bars. 

Republicans have pushed through a bill that would have 15 anti-crime measures including funding the police for mental health, hiring and retention incentives, and overtime, eliminating good time for weapons offenses and attacks on law enforcement officers.  Rose was emotional over the loss of Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim.

Senator Rose has also called for ending deadly delay which would include real time reporting by county of gun offenses and allowing schools to employ qualified retired law enforcement officers to carry out duties of a school resource officer  Senator Rose is urging other Senators to get serious on gun crimes.

Senator Rose has also called for juvenile court reforms, bail reforms, and mental health reform.

As of Wednesday, none of these bills have been assigned to a committee for public hearing. 

Here is the time for many area towns and villages, feel free to leave in the comments what time your village/city is having an event. This list is not exclusive. 

Assumption:  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 30

Auburn: Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31.

Blue Mound: Trick-or-treating will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 31.

Clinton: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 31 

Effingham: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 31

Macon: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 31

Moweaqua:  Saturday, October 30th and Sunday, October 31st from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pana: Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 31.

Pawnee: Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31.

Ramsey: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 31 

Rochester: Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31.

Shelbyville: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. on October 31 

Taylorville: Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 31.

WTIM and People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their students of the month for October 2021. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes. The Students of the Month for October are, Lauren Peabody, Mylie Sims, Wesley Fore, and Skyler Bruner.

L-R: Peoples Bank and Trust Representative Noah Likes; Freshman Lauren Peabody; Sophomore Mylie Sims; Junior Wesley Fore; Senior Skyler Bruner 
 

6th Grade

Student Name

Anderson, Adelyn H. Exceptional Honor

Banning, MacKenzie R. Exceptional Honor

Casner, Addasyn E. Exceptional Honor

Coleman, Addilyn E. Exceptional Honor

Cox, Kenley M. Exceptional Honor

Cox, Tyson C. Exceptional Honor

Fitzpatrick, Luke F. Exceptional Honor

Hall, Mason L. Exceptional Honor

Hicks, Brayden K. Exceptional Honor

Hudelson, Megan N. Exceptional Honor

Jostes, Ethan C. Exceptional Honor

Lash, Benjamin J. Exceptional Honor

Lehn, Parker X. Exceptional Honor

Logan, Gabryel A. Exceptional Honor

McKinney, Brooke M. Exceptional Honor

Perry, Adrianne S. Exceptional Honor

Pieper, Alyssa M. Exceptional Honor

Pierce , Brigitte L. Exceptional Honor

Presnell, Nancy M. Exceptional Honor

Riley, Autumn R. Exceptional Honor

Rochkes, Kadence S. Exceptional Honor

Strohl, Olivia A. Exceptional Honor

Witt, Lowell P. Exceptional Honor

Ademi, Sofia n. Honor

Aragon, Amelia N. Honor

Bates, Autumn M. Honor

Boykin, Colby L. Honor

Campbell, Newt I. Honor

Dilley, Devin W. Honor

Dilley, Mykel W. Honor

Doty, Kezley E. Honor

Hicks, Skylar M. Honor

Hooper, Karlee R. Honor

Jones, Dace F. Honor

Karnes, Brooklyn M. Honor

Kerr, McKenzie J. Honor

Kile, Jack A. Honor

Knapp, Alexis J. Honor

Kroski, Dagen K. Honor

Lawrence, Marley M. Honor

Nihiser, Maddison L. Honor

Pope, Zahlen M. Honor

Reinstorf, Connor M. Honor

Russell, Kezdyn D. Honor

Smiley, Chase A. Honor

Spracklen, Ryker E. Honor

Voyles, Kaiden M. Honor

Walter, Lucas N. Honor

7th grade

Student Name

Jostes, Lillian E. Exceptional Honor

King, Cameron W. Exceptional Honor

Mizeur, Tyson W. Exceptional Honor

Moss, Aaron R. Exceptional Honor

Perry, MacKinsey G. Exceptional Honor

Altman, Jenna R. Honor

Barnes, Aydan M. Honor

Bauer, Lillian G. Honor

Bennett, Bella J. Honor

Boykin, Cayden W. Honor

Cole, Kooper L. Honor

Cothern, Harrison K. Honor

Cvengros, Naomi R. Honor

Davis, Madison M. Honor

Durbin, Cayden M. Honor

Hunter, Jamie L. Honor

Rhoades, McKylee L. Honor

Seaton, Cartyr L. Honor

Sloan, Taytum L. Honor

Smith, Laynee J. Honor

Tucker, Renee L. Honor

Weber, Laney E. Honor

Woolard, Parkir J. Honor

8th Grade

Student Name

Bowker, Kennedy L. Exceptional Honor

Holman, Toby G. Exceptional Honor

Mathis, Brianna L. Exceptional Honor

Moore, Parker B. Exceptional Honor

Rench, Tyler D. Exceptional Honor

Wills, Domacio M. Exceptional Honor

Allen, Rhylie R. Honor

Banning, Cameron O. Honor

Barber, Carter T. Honor

Beck, Kendall M. Honor

Elliott, Gracelynn C. Honor

Emerson , Christopher  D. Honor

Epley, Dane E. Honor

Hawker, Griffin N. Honor

Hurlburt, Devin S. Honor

Ishmael, Maggie L. Honor

Laker, Riley J. Honor

McGlauchlen, Reagan M. Honor

McKittrick, Landon M. Honor

Pauley, Waylan J. Honor

Rochkes, Bianca K. Honor

Simpson, Connor D. Honor

Taylor, Clayton M. Honor

Whitlatch, Hayden R. Honor

The WSVZ and Family Drug-Shelbyville Students of the Month for October 2021 were presented with their awards recently. Congratulations to Emma Congenie, Garrett Endsley, Savannah Barnes, and Kylie Gordon.

Pictured from left to right are: Fara, representative from Family Drug; Emma Congenie, Senior; Garrett Endsley, Junior; Savannah Barnes, Sophomore; Kylie Gordon, Freshman. Regional Radio News congratulates the Students of the Month!

While the Illinois Community College enrollment rate declined, it did not decline as much as community colleges in other states. 

That’s according to the Illinois Community College Board, which says that enrollment throughout the state is down 1.5 percent compared to 13.7 percent overall decline in 2020. 

The decline in 2021 is below the nationwide average of a 5.6 percent decrease. It is also the smallest system wide decrease since Fall 2010. 

ICCB executive director Brian Durham says that they are encouraged by fall enrollment numbers. He believes the data signifies an upward trend in students returning to advance their education. 

The report suggests an increase in online access to classes as a potential reason for increased enrollment at many community colleges compared to pre-pandemic years. 

57 percent of the overall student population in Fall of 2021 took online courses, while 62 percent of students took online courses in Fall 2021. 

Even though fall enrollments have declined in recent years, the number of graduates has increased considerably since 2006. 

Students at Lincoln Elementary School have received new Chromebooks to help with their education. Sparklight, a leading broadband communications provider, has a program called Sparklight’s Chromebook for Kids and it is an initiative designed to improve student access to technology in Title 1 Schools. General Manager Kenny Wright says that having accessible technology in the classroom is very important.

Wright says it was very rewarding to see the students with these laptops.

Lincoln Elementary School Principal Kelly Millburg says that the donation will serve as an additional academic tool that helps expand the curriculum in place and offers a new way for students to interact and engage with the lessons easier. 

Wright stressed that the laptops supplied classrooms that didn’t have Chromebooks.

Over the past eight years, Sparklight has donated more than 2,000 Chromebooks to Title1 schools. For more information on Chromebooks for Kids, visit www.sparklight.com/about/social-responsibility. 

A busy week ahead for state legislators in Springfield for the fall veto session. 

Some topics rumored to come up include the parental notification of abortion, the healthcare right of conscious act, and a piece of legislation limiting the governor’s emergency order powers. 

Rep. Avery Bourne says that limiting emergency order power of the governor is about future governance. 

Rep. Bourne says that the healthcare right of conscious act is likely to come up as a means to give the governor’s mandates more teeth. She also says that the General Assembly could come up with separate legislation to do that without taking on a religious freedom bill. 

On the topic of the parental notification of abortion, Rep. Bourne says that this is a law that many on both sides of the isle support. 

Rep. Bourne says that redistricting maps are on the forefront of most legislators minds this week after a federal judge threw out some of the original maps declaring them unconstitutional.  

Reach out to Rep. Bourne when you visit her website repbourne.com.

Rep. Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Safe Passage in Taylorville was one of five organizations to receive a grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority. Regional Radio News reached out to Safe Passage Coordinator Denise Evans to talk to her a little about why this $105,000 grant was so important and what is next for safe passage.  Evans says that it is a relief.

Evans is excited for the future.

There have been some months where it’s been a struggle to keep the operation running, but with this grant, Evans is encouraged that the future is in good hands.

Evans says the grant is for eight months and explains what some of the stipulations are.

For more information on Safe Passage, visit their Facebook page.
 

A major milestone for the Social Security Administration’s mySocialSecurity online program.

That’s Social Security Administration public affairs specialist Jack Meyers. He says it’s time to enroll in Medicare and gave advice on the different types of Medicare. 

There is assistance available for you to enroll in Medicare. 

The SSA receives many unnecessary requests for award letters. You may need a verification letter instead. 

Learn more at SSA.gov.

Meyers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the new degree program in Agriculture at Richland Community College in Decatur, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

Jess Smithers was hired as Director of Ag Programs at Richland 3 years ago, after a career working for various ag education programs.  Smithers grew up on a crop and livestock farm near Pittsfield, Illinois, and also showed cattle which is children are now doing.  

Smithers told Kiwanis members that Richland’s new Agriculture major offers a host of 2-year degrees in the ag industry, including ag business and crop production.  He added that Richland also has an agreement with the University of Illinois so that graduates of Richland’s Ag degree program are guaranteed acceptance at the U-of-I.  

He credits his many ag instructors at Lincoln Land Community College, as influencing him to teach agriculture himself in a community college.

Kiwanis meeting attendance awards were presented by Dick Wamsley at Tuesday’s meeting.  Wamsley now has some 30 years of perfect attendance at Kiwanis meetings, while member Diane Beatty was honored for 12 years perfect attendance.  Member Larry Kemner was honored for 8 years of perfect attendance at Kiwanis meetings, while Cliff Beatty was honored for 6, Will Perkins and Blain Cornwell for 5, Martin Vota for 4, and Adam Jeffrey for one year of perfect attendance at Kiwanis meetings.

Non-profit organizations are reminded that 11:59pm October 31st is the deadline for applications from non-profit community groups that want funded thru the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation.  The application can be found at the Taylorville Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page, or by e-mail’ing committee chair Randal J. Miller, whose e-mail address is rjm1955@gmail.com.

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

Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation is introducing a new grant program to provide financial support to organizations working to create a healthier Christian County. 

That’s foundation executive director Raedena Ryan. She says that the foundation has a wide variety of focuses. 

Darrin Brattz is the director of Community Health for TMH. He has been in this role since May. 

Brattz says that the Community Health department has three major goals over the next three to five years. 

Learn more about Taylorville Memorial Hospital at memorial.health.

Brattz and Ryan appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Tuesday evening at 5:30 PM at the Municipal Building. The board will discuss the Safe Passage Program and discuss SCBA's for the Fire Department through AFG grants. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more after the conclusion of the meeting.

The Taylorville Park Board met on Monday evening to discuss business, ordinance, and review finances. The board discussed the new disc golf course at Manners Park. Recreational Director Bailey Hancock says they are waiting for the signs.

Maintenance Superintendent Gary Brown announced that the new mowers work great. Hancock stressed that the big focus has turned to Christmas in the Park.

Hancock says that there are a lot of ways people can help, but they really are looking for Little Mr. and Little Miss Snowflake contest.

The next park board meeting is set for November 22nd. 

A Pana man was arrested on Sunday after Pana Police received a call at 6:56 PM of a person acting strangely and in possible possession of a handgun.  When police arrived at 12 Vine Street in Pana, they saw 32-year-old Jeremy Winter on the front porch of his house where police say he was making threats and refusing to cooperate with officers.  

Additional Pana officers and resources were called including Pana Ambulance. Winter fled the house where officers were able to secure a perimeter around it allowing other family members to leave. After some negotiation, Winter exited the house with a loaded .45 caliber handgun, placed the weapon down, and was arrested at 7:44 PM. 

Winter was taken into custody and charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and taken to Christian County Correctional Center. He had been arrested in 2017 for possession of a firearm, meth, and aggravated assault. In May of 2018, Winter pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and was sentenced to 4 years in IDOC. 

Chief Daniel Bland says that he is extremely proud of his officers for handling what he called a very serious and volatile situation. 

A Taylorville man accused of sexual assault of a minor under the age of 13 has been sentenced in court. 23 year old Kaleb Vaughn was sentenced in Christian County Court on Friday to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. State’s Attorney Mike Havera says that he has to serve at least 85% of that sentence.

Havera says that he is pleased with the verdict.

Vaughn was arrested on September 11th, 2019. Vaughn must register as a sex offender and will have three years to life of mandatory supervised release. He has credit for 770 days served. The earliest he could be released is 2044. 

The Taylorville Park Board will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Manners Park Dining Hall to discuss business, review ordinances, and go over reports.

Under committee reports, the board will hear from maintenance superintendent Gary Brown, Office Administrator Lisa Morillo, and Recreational Director Bailey Hancock. The board will review a report from the finance committee and pay bills. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story at the conclusion of the meeting.

Downtown Shelbyville has a fantastic Halloween planned for you.

That’s Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce representative Vonda McConnel. The candy run is Halloween evening from 5 to 8 p.m. 

McConnel enjoys the family vibe of the event. 

Events like the candy run have rejuvenated a vibrant downtown district.  

Learn more about events at lakeshelbyville.com.

McConnel appeared as a gues ton the WTIM Morning Show. 

HSHS Good Shepherd is recommending that parents take precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois Department of Public Health is recommending that if you do go trick or treating that you keep in mind that you may have close contact with neighbors. With the pandemic still going on, some doctors are recommending wearing a facemask, washing your hands and maintaining social distance.

The Illinois Department of Health says that there are alternatives that you can do in exchange for trick or treating. You can create a scavenger hunt around your backyard using flashlights to find hidden candy, decorate an area in your house, turn on scary music, wear costumes and record a family greeting.  You can have a movie night watching some halloween classics, and plan a special halloween themed party or meal with close friends.

The IDPH also recommends contactless trick or treating with individual treat bags and leaving them on a table on your front walkways, sidwalks for people to get where you don't have to actually be outside. Use flashlights, glow sticks, and reflective tape if its available. Stay on sidewalks and stay in well lit areas. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer and wash your hands before consuming any candy. Check all candy to make sure it's wrapped. Wear a cloth mask instead of a plastic one, latex, or silicone. A costume mask does not work for COVID. 

For more information visit the IDPH website. 

Shelbyville Insurance has a different take on insuring your necessities. 

That’s Derek Hayden, risk architect with Shelbyville Insurance. Garrett Ulmer is a risk advisor with Shelbyville Insurance and he says the unique approach is what sets them apart from other insurance companies. 

Ulmer says that there’s a different type of plan for you that you might not see in other insurance companies. 

Hayden won a Youtube reality TV show called “The Protege.” He says that has helped him take on a unique perspective when it comes to selling insurance. 

Learn more about Shelbyville Insurance at shelbyvilleins.com.

Hayden and Ulmer appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

State Senator Doris Turner announced local businesses that were awarded grants for the latest round of the Back to Business grants. Senator Turner says that she is happy that they were able to provide state support to the businesses that people rely on in the communities and that the amount of funding will help businesses recover losses incurred during the pandemic. 

The program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan funds for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic.  The initiative provided grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 per business based on the need that the company requires. 

The Back to Business program uses funds that cover a wide scope of costs with consideration for businesses that did not qualify for state funding or federal assistance and businesses that had less than $5 million in revenue in 2019. 

State Senator Turner syas that she knows that some industries have been more heavily impacted by others with COVID-19 and wants to make sure those communities are taken care of. Businesses in State Senator Turner's District received nearly $1.1 million in grant funding including restaurants, supply stores, and hotels. For more information, visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities website. 

The office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is warning everyone to keep fire safety tips in mind for halloween and fall decorations. According to the National Fire Protection Association decorations were the first thing to ignite in roughly 800 reported home fires every year.  Two of every five of these fires occured because decorations were too close to a heat source. 

When choosing a halloween costume for your children, officials encourage you to stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see well. Provide children with flashlkights or glow sticks and tell children to stay away from open flames including pumpkins with candles. 

To have a safe, fun, and happy halloween, the OSFM suggests these tips: use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in pumpkins, avoid having dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper near open flames or other heat sources. Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Above all else, make sure that all smoke alarms are working.

JC Fultz says glowsticks can make pumpkins fun.

For more information on halloween safety or if you have any questions, contact your local fire department. 

The new Scooter's Coffee kiosk, located at the intersection of Illinois Routes 29 and 104 on Taylorville's northwest side, is up.  The kiosk will be a drive-thru only coffee and pastry service, scheduled to open in November.  Applications are being accepted at the company's web site; you can access that web page here.

Construction has begun on Christian County Development Corporation's next development.  It's located adjacent to their existing development on West Elm Street on Taylorville's west side.  The new development when completed will have some 48 homes.

A Kincaid resident is among those killed in a 2-car head-on collision in Decatur just past 4 o'clock Friday morning.  Dead is 26-year-old Taylor R. W. Lindsay, who drove one of the vehicles.  The other vehicle driver, from Decatur, also died.   The crash occurred on East Grand Avenue near Clinton Street.

Macon County Coroner Michael Day tells Regional Radio News both suffered massive head trauma causing their death upon impact with the other vehicle.  

Decatur Police are investigating, and an inquest is pending.

Taylorville’s Safe Passage program receives a major grant. 

Police chief Dwayne Wheeler received an email Friday stating the program will receive a grant for just over $105,000 from the Community Law Enforcement Partnership & Other First Responders as part of the Deflection & Substance Abuse Treatment Act. 

Taylorville Police Department is the only central Illinois department to receive this grant. The program awarded four other grants to departments in the Chicago area. 

Chief Wheeler says that the grant will help the city expand the Safe Passage program to conduct more community outreach programs, as well as providing education to youth while training officers in mental health. 

He adds that he is humbled that the program chose his department and that he is proud of all the hard work his employees perform daily. Chief Wheeler says this grant shows that TPD is making a difference. 

City council still has to vote to adopt this grant at its next board meeting Thursday, Nov. 4.

It’s the season of the squash.

That’s Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Acting Christian County Director of the University of Illinois extension Lisa Peterson. She says squash is great to have in the home because it lasts quite awhile. They’re also really good for you. 

Spaghetti squash is a great substitute for regular spaghetti noodles.

Peterson offers advice to prepare any type of squash.

Learn more about the University of Illinois Extension in Christian County at extension.illinois.edu/cjmm

Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Saturday morning head out to Manners Park with your dog for Bark A Boo!

That’s director of the Christian County Bark A Boo Vince Harris. All donations and proceeds go to the Christian County Animal Control Pet Food Bank

Animal Control hosting another event the night of Halloween Eve – The Monster Mash Bash with a pork chop dinner.

All proceeds for that event assist Animal Control with its cat room to help with the stray cat population.  Harris says that Animal Control is looking for another bid before it can officially start construction. He also invites you to reach out if you see a family of stray cats in your area. 

Learn more about Animal Control on its Facebook.

Harris appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp has some Halloween safety tips for you.

Sheriff Kettelkamp says that parents should talk to their children about trick-or-treating safety.

Drivers should treat areas where trick-or-treaters are present like they are school zones. In other words – slow down. 

Sheriff Kettelkamp says to plan a sober drive home if you attend a party where you are drinking.

Sheriff Kettelkamp appeared as a guest on the WTIM Moring Show.

If you have expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs, the DEA wants them. On October 23rd, Christian County, along with the state of Illinois, will have a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Members of Taylorville Memorial Hospital Community Outreach and Christian County Prevention Coalition, there will be a collection site at Walgreens in Taylorville, where police officers will collect the unwanted prescription medication from 10 AM until 2 PM.

Sponsored by the DEA, the day provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.  Christian County residents may also dispose of unwanted prescription drugs at the Pana Police Department at 118 East 3rd Street in Pana and the Pawnee Police Department at 617 7th Street in Pawnee. Residents dropping off medicine should use the drive-thru at the police department.

The service is free and anonymous, absolutely no questions will be asked. Medicine may be left in the packaging and police are unable to accept liquids or needles—only pills or patches. A lot of people dispose of pills in the toilet or throw them in the trash, and that poses safety and health risks.  During the last National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event, Americans turned in more than 830,000 pounds of prescription drugs at 5,060 sites. 

According to the DEA”s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day website, the majority of misused and abused drugs are obtained from family and friends including stolen medicine.

This week is America’s Safe Schools Week.  It is a week dedicated to raising awareness of school safety. Governor JB Pritzker is announcing the launch of a new safety initiative called Safe2Help Illinois. This will be a statewide school violence prevention help line to keep kids safer and to have a confidential avenue for them to speak up for their mental health and the mental health of their peers. IEMA Spokesperson Rebecca Clark says that this is a way for students to funnel confidential information to those who need to know it.

Safe2Help Illinois is available 24/7 and at no cost to school districts.  In the absence of a trusted adult, students can use the app, text/phone, or the website www.safe2helpIL.com to share school safety issues in a safe secret way. Clark says that it is a voice for children.

Once officials find out that the information is credible, it will be shared immediately with local school officials, mental health professionals, and other local law enforcement agencies. It will also connect them with mental health resources and other tools that they can use to keep them safe. 

Taylorville Memorial Hospital unveiled its new branding and logo this week.  This new sign was erected at the main entrance drive off of North Webster Street.

The new logo has also been installed above the hospital's main entrance doors.

The rebranding initiative will not affect the services or programs offered.  

Memorial Health Systems is re-branding as Memorial Health.

House Republicans are publicly calling for an end to unilateral rule through the excessive use of emergency orders.  Republicans called out Governor JB Pritzker for what they describe as living off of emergency orders for the last year and a half. Legislation was filed to ensure that Legislators were involved in all matters no matter what after 30 days. 

A group of House Republicans held a press conference demanding the legislature be involved in important decisions not only to represent the views of Illinoisans but also to reinforce the system of government. State Representative Avery Bourne says that it’s not about Governor JB Pritzker, but about all Governors.

Representative Bourne says that the Restore Illinois Collaboration isn’t needed. She says this legislation is a first step towards having fairer legislation.

State Representative Norine Hammond says that their has been little to no input on the 91 executive orders that have been pushed through from Governor Pritzker since the beginning of the pandemic.

Representative Bourne is concerned about the state moving further to the left, and Democrats not interested in working across the aisle.

The veto session in Springfield will be ongoing for the next two weeks. House Bill 843 asks that beyond thirty days, the Legislature must be involved to approve further emergency orders. 

Farmers experiencing excessive moisture and flash flooding this spring and summer eligible for relief. 

Illinois Department of Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack announcing relief for farmers in 12 Illinois counties, including Christian, Macon, Shelby, Macoupin, Moultrie, Sangamon, Montgomery, DeWitt and Vermillion counties. 

The USDA reviewed the Loss Assesment Reports and determined sufficient production losses occurred warranting a Secretarial natural disaster designation. 

IDA director Jerry Costello II says that this growing season saw multiple weather issues and thanks Gov. JB Pritzker and Secretary Vilsack to make aid available to farmers needed after a natural disaster. 

A Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loans to producers recovering from natural disasters. Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to ask questions or file a Notice of Loss.

Some tips to prepare you for the winter ahead.

That’s Bill Ping, owner of Bill’s Appliance. He also says to check the outside portion of your home for some pre-winter maintenance to prevent fires.

Bill’s Appliance services are affordable and effective. Ping services all sorts of appliances – just not microwaves. 

Ping says the best part of his job is meeting new people, especially during the pandemic. 

Learn more about Bill’s Appliance on its Facebook page. 

Ping appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

A Herrick man has been sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for failure to register as a sex offender  Franklin D. Huddlestun of Herrick was sentenced on Monday to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The offense normally carries a sentencing range of probation to 5 years in IDOC. Huddlestun faced a potential extended eligible term with a max of ten years due to prior criminal history.

Huddleston was convicted of criminal sexual abuse in Fayette County in 2008. He was also convicted of being present as a sex offender at a county fair and within 500 feet of a public park in Fayette County. In 2009, 2013, and 2015 Huddleston was convicted for failing to register as a sex offender in Fayette County. Huddleston was unsuccessfully terminated from probation in four out of five of his prior cases and was sentenced for two years and three years in 2015 to the Illinois Department of Corrections. 

Huddleston missed the registration deadline by three days in Shelby County and his attorney argued that a sentence of probation was appropriate because Huddleston was generally compliant and was mistaken about the registration deadline. Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke recommended an extended-term prison sentence due to prior history of failing to comply.  Kroncke stated that it was Huddleston’s sixth felony conviction for failing to comply. Kroncke also said that she hoped that the punishment would send a message to convicted sex offenders to comply with registration requirements.

The case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Updated COVID-19 Halloween and fall festivity guidance to help celebrate safely.

That is according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says that COVID-19 vaccinations already mean a safer Halloween than last year, there are still precautions needed. 

Dr. Ezike says that it’s important to use a layered approach by wearing a mask indoors and limiting settings where physical distancing is not possible. 

The IDPH recommends masking for all indoor settings as per the mask mandate. The department says a costume mask is not a substitute for a well-fitting mask to prevent COVID-19 spread. Wearing a costume mask over a face covering is not recommended because it could make breathing more difficult. 

IDPH says those handing out candy indoors for trick-or-treating should open doors and windows as much as possible and to wear a mask. 

The department recommends small groups of people for pumpkin patches, orchard visits, fall festivals and haunted houses. It also says that indoor Halloween parties require masking, especially in areas where physical distancing is difficult. 

More information at dph.illinois.gov

U.S. Representative Rodney Davis wants a non-partisan approach to redistricting and sounds off against President Biden’s $3.5 trillion infrastructure proposal. 

Rep. Davis says that a partisan-driven congressional map is unpopular with Illinoisans. 

On the subject of the infrastructure proposal, Rep. Davis is firing back against it. He would like to see traditional infrastructure improvements to roads, bridges and ports.

Rep. Davis says that the price tag of the package isn’t so much the problem, rather what’s in it that is the issue. 

You can reach out to Rep. Davis at rodneydavis.house.gov.

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

Loving Arms Pregnancy Center provides education and resources for unplanned pregnancies.

That’s Executive Director of Loving Arms Pregnancy Center Cathy Coker. She says that the program’s services are designed to inform rather than to scare. 

Coker says that the center specially trains workers to not rub their opinions off on potential clients. 

Coker says that her program also offers prevention methods of unplanned pregnancies. 

Learn more at lovingarmsillinois.com.

Coker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The FBI out of Springfield is marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October by reminding the public to take extra precautions to protect against online attacks and scams. Illinois is 5th in the US with the most internet crime victims and 6th for total losses. Illinoisans reported over $150 million in losses according to theInternet Crime Complaint Center’s 2020 Internet Crime Report. Identity theft was the most common with non-payment/nondelivery crimes second. Business email compromise makes up the most for dollar losses.

Internet crimes are constantly evolving. The FBI in Springfield is asking for people to take steps to avoid becoming a victim. Use extreme caution in online communication. Verify the sender of an email. Criminals will often change just one letter in an email address to make it look official. Do not open any attachments unless you can verify the sender’s email address. 

If you get an email or text asking you to update, check, or verify account information, do not follow the link provided.  Go to the company’s website to log into your account or call the phone number listed on the website. Scrutinize all electronic requests for a payment or transfer of funds. Confirm requests for wire transfers or payment in person. Be extra cautious with any message that urges your immediate action. 

One of the most widely used schemes involves government impersonators. Criminals are reaching out to people through social media, emails, or phone calls pretending to be from the government. The scammers attempt to gather personal information or get money through threats.  The FBI is asking you to not give out your personal information to unknown sources, set your devices, software, and apps to update automatically, and to use passwords, passphrases, and multi-factor authentication whenever possible. 

If you have been the victim of a crime you can report it to the FBI through the Internet Crime Complaint Center The FBI also has a cyber page and scams and safety precautions page that you can visit through this story here.

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening to discuss business and review ordinances and committee reports. The board conducted a speed study on Clarksdale and determined that 35 mph should be the speed limit. The board approved the use of the south side courthouse lawn and south entrance for the parade contest set for October 23rd. Dale Livingston gave a courthouse update.

The executive personnel and liquor committee did not have a quorum so they did not meet. Under audit/finance/purchasing/budget the board announced the renewal of the CTI contract. Chairman Matt Wells announced an altered speed zone for Clarksdale.

The board has a scheduled meeting for November 2nd to talk about pipelines being buried in the county for Carbon where the board will hear from some representatives to talk about those pipelines. Wells also says that there are some changes to commissioner terms concerning which ones will be two and which ones will be four. If the board doesn’t do it, then the state will step in.

The board held a closed session to discuss a jail assessor report. The next meeting is set for Tuesday, November 16th. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about a new non-profit Clothes Closet for the needy in the Taylorville area, and inducted a new Kiwanis member, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

Kim Brunc, a member at Davis Memorial Christian Church, spoke about the new Clothes Closet the church established earlier this year.  Thanks to donations of clothing from the community, the church serves adults from a room at the church, and youth from a room at the Taylorville Township Building.  Brunc told Kiwanis members that between 75 and 90 people have benefitted from the church’s new Clothes Closet since launching.

Her daughter, Renee Ikemire, also spoke to the Kiwanis members about a new non-profit organization she’s founded called “Conscious Action,” which she hopes will establish a homeless shelter in Taylorville.  Ikemire founded a similar effort in Colorado, which she ran for over a year before moving back to her hometown of Taylorville.  Ikemire was homeless herself in Colorado for some 4 years and said that experience led her to establish the shelter in Colorado, and now in Taylorville.

Lee Skinner (right), co-owner of Dear Yesteryear in Taylorville, was inducted as the Kiwanis Club's newest member, by Kiwanis secretary Martin Vota (left).

Non-profit organizations are reminded that 11:59pm October 31st is the deadline for applications from non-profit community groups that want funded thru the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation.  The application can be found at the Taylorville Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page, or by e-mail’ing committee chair Randal J. Miller, whose e-mail address is rjm1955@gmail.com.

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

The Illinois General Assembly Veto Session kicks off today in Springfield and for State Senator Doris Turner, it’s her first session and she’s looking forward to reviewing the redrawn congressional maps. 

Sen. Turner says that she has not seen any official legislative language on amending the healthcare right of conscious act. 

As for the parental notification of abortion act, Sen. Turner wants to see more comprehensive health care for young women. That is, if the act comes up in the session. 

Sen. Turner says that repealing the parental notification act wouldn’t be her way of addressing young women’s healthcare if she had the choice. 

You can reach out to Sen. Turner when you visit her website senatordoristurner.com.

Sen. Turner appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Halloween Parade is this weekend. 

That’s Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. The Greater Taylorville Chamber Of Commerce and downtown Taylorville is co-hosting with Mayor Bruce Barry sponsoring the event. He says that the event will help boost the local economy. 

Mayor Barry says that the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is making this event safe for everyone. He also invites everyone to another event this Sunday. 

At its city council meeting Monday night, Mayor Barry and the council present the oath of service to a new assistant fire chief and firefighter. 

Good luck to assistant fire chief Nick Hackney and firefighter Andrew Watson. 

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

Shelby County Sheriff Sean McQueen has resigned. McQueen submitted a resignation letter to the Shelby County Board announcing his intent to resign and his last day set for November 5th. McQueen said in his letter of resignation he was stepping down from full-time law enforcement for an opportunity that he said would be “life-changing.”

Undersheriff Brian McReynolds will be appointed interim Sheriff. Sheriff McQueen said in his statement. “It has been an honor and an absolute privilege to be able to work alongside some of the finest law enforcement officers and support personnel around. It has been a pleasure to serve the citizens of Shelby County. Thank you to each and every one of you that has encouraged and supported me as the Undersheriff and Sheriff.”

To see the full copy of the letter, click here.

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening. The board gave the oath of office to new assistant Taylorville Fire Chief Nick Hackney and Firefighter Andrew Watson. After approval of minutes, the board announced the new planning commission recommendations which included amending the city code concerning off-street parking requirements. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says they are going to a solid parking requirement. 

The board approved a memorandum of understanding between the city of Taylorville and five other police departments. Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says it’s important to have a support channel and it helps with liability.

The board approved some special events permits, including the Cork N Keg Block Party that will be taking place for Halloween at 123 East Main Cross on October 29th from 3PM until Midnight. It will feature the Taylorville band from 6-10. The board also approved the 12th annual 5K Fun Run & Turkey Trot.  The Mayor thanked LP Coffee Creamery for helping with the Taylorville Police Halloween event.

The board also approved a defibrillator for the fire department and a vehicle for the police department along with an agreement with Corrpro. The next city council meeting is set for November 1st.

The Miller Media Group today announced the launch of its new Digital division, partnering with Guarantee Digital of suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to offer a host of new digital products in MMG's Taylorville and Clinton markets.

MMG president Randal J. Miller said he was excited about launching the company's new Digital division, offering local businesses a complete menu of Facebook, Google, S-E-O, and web site design products to the company's existing customers as well as new customers.

Guarantee Digital CEO Daryl Hively will assist MMG account managers in offering these digital products in the Taylorville and Clinton markets.

The Miller Media Group owns and operates 6 radio stations and an on-line daily newspaper in the Taylorville/Pana/Shelbyville market, as well as 2 radio stations and an on-line daily newspaper in the Clinton/Monticello/Lincoln market.  

A Hillsboro man has pleaded guilty to the charge of enticement of a minor. 32-year-old Andrew B. Collins of Hillsboro pleaded guilty to the charge on Friday. Sentencing is scheduled for February 14th, 2022 in the US District Court for the Central District of Illinois in Springfield.

Collins appeared before US Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins and admitted to enticing a 16-year-old boy. During the hearing, the government stated that chats between Collins and the minor showed him offering the minor toys, weekends together, massages, and the option to live permanently together at a later time. 

For the offense of enticement of a minor, the penalty is not less than ten years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and probation for not less than five years and up to life. The US Secret Service, Southern Illinois University Police Department, Cyber Crimes Task Force, and Assistant US Attorney Gregory Harris worked together on this investigation. 

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood and works to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. 

The Taylorville Development Association held its monthly meeting last week to discuss the Taylorville Industrial Park and the progress made. Ken Hart, President of the TDA, says that the rebuild Illinois Grant Application has been a rollercoaster of emotions.

Hart says that they are 95% done with the industrial park.

Lot sales for the industrial park continue. Hart says he gets calls daily despite not really marketing the park.

Hart also announced that he’s stepping down as President of the Taylorville Development Association.

Regional Radio News wishes Brent Demichael and Ken Hart the best moving forward! 

Illinois legislative veto session just around the corner. 

That’s District 102 state representative Brad Halbrook. He says there will likely be more on the docket outside of the governor’s vetoes. 

Rep. Halbrook says that amending the healthcare right of conscious act to give the Governor’s mandates more teeth would be a mistake. 

Rep. Halbrook encourages you to reach out to his office if you would like to voice your opinion. 

Rep. Halbrook appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in Shelbyville.

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) will be increasing the minimum wage. President and CEO Damond Boatwright made the announcement on Friday that all colleagues will be making $15/hr and it will affect approximately 3,000 colleagues across Wisconsin and Illinois. Boatwright says that it was time to make these changes.

Boatwright says that this is not just about keeping HSHS employees but also helping them improve their life.

With the pandemic, positions have been hard to fill, and Boatwright felt that the pay raise was needed to help stay functional.

However, Boatwright says, it’s more than just about money.

The minimum wage rate increase will start on October 31st. Salary increases for nearly 13,000 employees will be occurring at the same time.

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare opens up new questions every year. 

Jesse Reed with Family Drug Shelbyville answered questions about Part D.

There are options for those who can’t afford an added Medicare premium. 

It’s always a good idea to review your plan to see if there are better options available. 

Reed says prescription plans have different levels of payment and coverage. 

Set up an appointment when you call 217-774-7838 and ask for Jesse Reed.

Reed appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning show from studios in Shelbyville. 

The Macon County Conservation District will be honoring the memory of Richie Wolf on Tuesday, October 19th. Wolf was the Executive Director of the Conservation District. The memorial service will be held at 3 PM on October 19th at the Cattail Pond at Rock Springs Conservation Area. 

The event will include a dedication of a memorial bench, a presentation of the Richie Wolf Education Scholarship, and a memorial presentation by the Decatur Camera Club. All community members are asked to attend.

Wolf joined the Macon County Conservation District in 2013 as Nature Center Manager for Rock Springs and in 2019, he became the Executive Director. Wolf will be remembered for his passion for hte outdoors and helping the community connect with nature and history. Wolf led countless educational programs and field trips, told stories and was a highly knowledgeable naturalist.

Wolf also expanded the Earth Adventures summer camp and introduced the Rock Springs Summer Concert Series. Wolf was always happy to give Regional Radio News, interviews whenever an event was going on and he will be missed. For more information, visit maconcountyconservation.org. 

The Shelbyville chapter VFW has a ton of fall events planned. 

Namely, the Halloween Kid’s Costume Contest. 

That’s LeAnne Weber who works heavily with the VFW. She says there’s more to come after the October 23rd costume contest. 

If food is more your thing, then the VFW has some steak roasts for you. 

Weber gave a bit of a recap of the events happening in the next couple of months. 

Learn more about Shelbyville VFW Post 4829 on its Facebook page. 

Weber appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville City Council will hold their second regular October monthly meeting on Monday night. The oath of office will be given to Assistant Fire Chief Nick Hackney and firefighter Andrew Watson. The board will discuss the City Code for offstreet parking requirements. The board will also approve a memorandum for an application to combined emergency response team and mutual aid along with five other police departments. 

There will be some motions for the Taylorville Development Association, along with approving some special events permits. Under committee reports, the board will go over a motion to allow Chief Matt Adermann to purchase a life pak defibrillator, and for Chief Dwayne Wheeler to purchase a van, The board will also approve their annual agreement with Corrpro. 

The board will also hear city attorney updates and from Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. 

Pastor Bill Kerns praying during his final service Sunday at Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville.

Pastor Bill Kerns preached his final sermon Sunday during the weekly service at Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville.  Kerns and his wife Barb are leaving after 9 1/2 years, for a church call in suburban Kansas City, Kansas.

Both of the Kerns' have been heavily involved not only in taking the church outside the 4 walls, but in community activities.

Kerns' sermon focused on the ministry the church has done together the past 9 1/2 years, and challenged the church to continue to take the church outside the church doors.

Kerns called his ministry in Taylorville "an awesome experience" and added he and wife Barb will have a special place in their hearts for the community.

Miller Media Group radio station WTIM's coverage of the peaceful protest in Taylorville of the George Floyd death in 2020, has earned the station and its news reporter as being a finalist in a statewide competition.

The Illinois Broadcasters Association just released its finalists for its coveted "Silver Dome Awards", with winners to be announced later this year.

News reporter Leroy Kleimola's coverage of the 2020 march around the Taylorville square, earned him and the station a nomination for "Best Spot Radio News Coverage" in the state of Illinois.

Winners will be announced virtually later this year.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club honored is “Community Heroes of the Month”, and heard about agriculture equipment from a program speaker, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

Pastor Bill (left) and Barb (right) Kerns, pastors of Davis Memorial Christian Church, were honored for their many community efforts.  The Kern’s are leaving Taylorville for an assignment in Kansas, with October 17th being their last Sunday.  Pastor Bill, in his 7 years in Taylorville, led the Taylorville Ministerial Association, Missions for Taylorville, the Taylorville Community Garden, and the Taylorville Kiwanis Club.  Barb has also been involved in the church ministry as well as beautifying Taylorville thru the planting of trees.

Program speaker at Tuesday’s meeting was Wyatt Hohenstein, an account manager with Jenner Ag in Taylorville, who spoke about the agriculture implement business and how it affects the local economy.

Non-profit organizations are reminded that 11:59pm October 31st is the deadline for applications from non-profit community groups that want funded thru the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation.  The application can be found at the Taylorville Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page, or by e-mail’ing committee chair Randal J. Miller, whose e-mail address is rjm1955@gmail.com.

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

The American Red Cross is in dire need of blood and platelet donors due to recent surges in COVID-19 limiting the amount of donors in recent weeks. 

Spokesman for the American Red Cross Joe Zydlo says school blood drives make up a large percentage of collection efforts, but that has not been the case as of late. 

The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients at 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. 

In Pana, there’s a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 27th at First United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall at 619 Kitchen Street. Contact Melisa Rybolt at 217-562-6397 to schedule your donation. 

While in Morrisonville, the American Legion is hosting a Community Blood Drive from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday October 27th at the Legion Hall at 607 Ricks Street. It’s also sponsored by the Morrisonville Knights of Columbus, First Presbyterian Church, Morrisonville High School National Honor Society and Casey’s of Morrisionville. To roll up your sleeve in Morrisonville, contact ImpactLife Springfield at 800-747-5401.

Donors must be 17 years of age or 16 with a parental consent form. They must also be at least 110 pounds with a photo ID. Those who gave blood on or before September 1st of this year are eligible to donate. More information about eligibility at bloodcenter.org. 

All donors will receive either a Retro-style T-shirt or a $5 gift certificate redeemable at Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Lowe’s or Walmart.

Ag in the classroom is back in the classroom and it is expanding to Jr. High.

Rebecca Livingston is the Agriculture Literacy Program coordinator for Christian & Montgomery Counties with the University of Illinois Extension. 

The program reached over 1,000 students in 51 classrooms in September. Livingston says this is about average, but also impressive for the amount of uncertainty in the air. 

Livingston is currently teaching kids about pumpkins and the cool things you can do with them, as she says that Illinois is the pumpkin capitol of the world. 

Ag in the classroom is looking for help and donations. 

Learn more about Ag in the classroom at agintheclassroom.org. 

Livingston appeared as guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Medicare annual enrollment period starts today. 

Kathie Cravens is a local Medicare specialist based in Taylorville serving Central Illinois. 

Plans can change every year, which is why it is important to review your plan and others with a specialist like Cravens. 

Cravens says she offers her services at no charge, which is essential to make sure you don’t see any Medicare penalties. 

Cravens is always looking for people to help with their Medicare. 

The Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7. Cravens appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The week of October 17th through the 23rd is National Teen Driver Safety Week. For many young people, learning to drive may be something that they’ve always looked forward to, or something that they are dreading. Brian Bretsch, Communications Executive with Ameren says that teenagers need to learn and follow important rules that address the many dangers teenager drivers face: Stay away from alcohol, wear your seat belt, don’t text and drive, don’t drive drowsy, don’t speed, and don’t have too many passengers. 

Bretsch says while this is meaningful for teenagers, not every adult knows what to do when you hit a power line.

For Bretsch, knowing what to do when you hit a power line, is extremely important to help stay alive. Unless your car is smoking, stay in your vehicle.

If the car is smoking or if there is a fire, you obviously should get out of the vehicle but there is a way to do it safely.

For more information on safety around powerlines, click here.

Lawmakers are due back in Springfield next week for the fall veto session and there are a lot of storylines that are playing out at the Capitol. The six-day veto session is set to begin Tuesday with a few items on the docket including congressional district maps, corrections to the clean energy bill, rebates for buying an electric car that applies to all of Illinois and not just Chicago.  Governor JB Pritzker says they are cleaning up some language in the bill. 

Another big topic of discussion has been the state’s parental notification act for abortions.  While it is not included yet, Governor Pritzker feels that it will be included in the veto act and he wants to repeal it.

One other topic that may come up is the State’s Health Care Right of Conscious Act, which has been cited by some in hopes of avoiding the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for workers. 

Speaking of COVID 19, Governor Pritzker also says the state will continue to fight lawsuits over state COVID-19 mandates. While a number of suits have been filed, Governor Pritzker defends his mandates.

As of Friday, there were 206 classroom outbreaks in Illinois in Grades K-12 and 28 traced back to school sports. The Governor calls the people who want to file lawsuits unsafe.

For more information on COVID-19 in your county, click here.

Head out to the Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur this Saturday, October 16, for the fall harvest festival. 

Senior program naturalist for the Macon County Conservation District Brock Rowland says there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. 

Rowland invites you to come out even if you think you’ve seen everything at the center, because chances are, there is something new for you to enjoy. 

There are plenty of volunteers for this weekend’s event, but Rowland invites anybody looking for volunteer hours to give the center a call.

The conservation district and Rock Springs Conservation Center are county funded, but also welcome donations of any size. 

Learn more about the fall harvest festival and the Macon County Conservation District at maconcountyconseravtion.org.

Rowland appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

While non-dairy alternatives do provide some sources of essential nutrition, dairy provides more calcium and protein.

That’s according to Registered dietitian with the St. Louis District Dairy Council Jill Williams.

Even those who are lactose intolerant have options to incorporate dairy into their diets. 

Williams says there is nothing wrong with buying organic milk, but it’s likely more expensive and not locally sourced. 

Dietary guidelines continue to recommend three servings of dairy a day for adults. 

More information at stldairycouncil.org.

Williams appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville School District has announced its intention to withdraw from the NPT Cooperative effective July 1st. In a press release sent out from the School District, the board has said that they believe it is in the best interest of its students to withdraw from NPT and develop its own special education program.  With a new special education program, the school says they can provide more individualized, specially tailored educational services for students with disabilities.

The Board of Education says their goal is to provide visionary leadership that focuses on improved outcomes for students with special needs including responding to the changing needs of special education students through shared vision and collaboration, training and implementing progressive educational initiatives, increasing the effectiveness of services by implementing IDEA requirements, and intensifying the focus on fiscal responsibilities by expanding sources of revenue, instigating additional areas of cost-saving, and refining the budget process.

The District will hold a public hearing on November 8th, 2021 at 5:45 PM at Taylorville High School to allow members of the community, parents/guardians of students with disabilities, and other parties to review and comment on the proposed plan. If you have any questions or would like to review the plan, contact Michael Edwards at medwards@tcusd3.org or 217-824-4591.

Safe Passage in Taylorville is a program that helps addicts recover. It is growing quite quickly. 

The program is stationed at the police department. All someone in need has to do is show up and tell the dispatcher they need help and there will be no charges that follow. 

Safe Passage can’t continue to operate unless it has contributions. 

The program is always looking for volunteers. 

Learn more about the program at the Safe Passage Taylorville Illinois Facebook.

Evans appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Bill Kerns, minister of Davis Memorial Christian Church is leaving the Taylorville community after many years of service. 

He’s leaving behind the Missions For Taylorville program, providing home improvement for folks in need, which Kerns says will continue in his absence in good hands. 

Kerns says Missions For Taylorville has come along way since its inception. 

Missions For Taylorville wouldn’t be possible without help. 

Learn more about Missions For Taylorville on their Facebook page. 

Good luck to Bill Kerns in the next stage of his life. He appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

When the Illinois General Assembly convenes for it’s executive veto session next week, it will look at repealing the parental notification of abortion act and potentially amending the healthcare right of conscious act. 

Rep. Avery Bourne of the 95th district says that repealing the parental notification of abortion act would be a mistake, because the act does not require parents consent. 

Rep. Bourne says that the act is effective in decreasing the number of abortions. 

The assembly passed the healthcare right of conscious act in the 90s. It is currently conflicting with Gov. JB Pritzker’s vaccine mandates. 

While it isn’t confirmed the Healthcare Right of Conscious Act will come up in the veto session, Rep. Bourne says that amending the act could send the assembly down the wrong path. 

Rep. Bourne says to call her office if you would like to voice your opinions on the veto session happening next week in Springfield. 

Rep. Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

With harvest in full swing it is once again time to talk about grain bin safety.  Illinois had the most grain-entrapment cases in 2020 with ten of them.  Illinois also reported the highest number of incidents involving agricultural confined spaces including grain bins. It is believed by some experts that this number is actually underreported due to inadequate reporting in the past. 

The Illinois Department of Labor is encouraging farmers and other agricultural workers to put safety first. They must also be properly trained on procedures for safely rescuing a worker from a grain bin, should they get stuck. 

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II says that while harvest is often a time where farmers are rushing because they’re up against a clock, they shouldn’t try to think that they are big enough, strong enough, or fast enough, to get out of flowing grain. He says those problems can snowball.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA says that a worker standing in moving grain can be trapped within 5 seconds and covered by grain in less than 30 seconds. Dave Newcomb with the Illinois Fire Service says there are three things to emphasize. First of all, don’t go into bins alone, second is to turn off anything that can make the grain move so you can keep it static, and lockout, tag out. 

If you do have to enter a grain bin, prohibit walking on or down the grain to make it flow. You should provide all employees a body harness with a lifeline or a separate way to make sure they are connected.   There should be an observer outside the bin or silo being entered by an employee.  Make sure that employee is equipped to help and their only task is to track the employee in the bin. All workers should be trained for the specific hazardous work operations they perform. There should also be a test done of the air within a bin for the presence of combustible and toxic gases and to determine there’s enough oxygen.  

OSHA notes that more than half of deaths in grain entrapment cases are would-be rescuers and 7/10 occur on family farms. For more information on grain bin safety, visit this story at www.taylorvilledailynews.com. 

The Taylorville School Board held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening. The board reviewed minutes, claims, and the treasurer’s report. The board heard from visitors. There was some concern about the meetings not being televised. President Tricia Marburger says that they will look into it at the next public relations committee meeting. 

The board also had a recap of strategic planning, approved the building maintenance projects and the public school calendar revision for 2021-2022. 

Treasurer Wendy Dulakis says the school held their audit and it went well.  Adam Mathias says the school did drop in their financial rating from a 3.9 to a 3.8 but that’s due to some new bonds that were issued. Dulakis says that the education fund has increased and things are looking good.

The school board voted to raise substitute teacher wages from $95 to $125. President Marburger says it was to remain competitive with other schools in the area.

Tayorville Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty says that the COVID tracker is back on the website. The School did see a little increase after homecoming.

The board approved the sale of the Building Trades House and heard on two student disciplinary cases. The next regular school board meeting is set for November 8th. 

A man accused of killing his paternal grandmother in April has been sentenced to natural life in prison on Tuesday. Clayton Anderson of Shelbyville pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of 72-year-old Sherry D. Hubbartt on April 17th, 2021. The murder charge carries a sentencing range of 20 years to natural life in prison to be served at 100% with no day for day credit. Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke made the announcement on Tuesday after Judge Martin Siemer presided over the hearings. 

The incident started after Sherry Hubbartt’s family reported her and her vehicle missing to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.  While her whereabouts were unknown, her debit card was used in multiple locations including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Utah. Nevada Highway patrol located Hubbartt’s vehicle following a report that occupants were shooting at moving vehicles. Nevada Highway Patrol along with the Las Vegas Metro Police pursued the vehicle at high speeds through the Las Vegas strip until it crashed on I-15. 

According to Police, Anderson was the driver and BB guns were located within the vehicle following a search. The passenger was Thomas Miller.  Miller is currently facing charges in Shelby County for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and concealment of a homicidal death.  

Hubbartt’s body was later found in her house, in a closet. A forensic pathologist ruled that the cause of death was strangulation and it was ruled a homicide. Anderson was charged with the murder and held on a no-bond arrest warrant.  He was later transported to the Shelby County Jail on September 30th, after serving a sentence in Las Vegas, from the high-speed chase.

Multiple forces worked together to handle this case.  The Illinois State Police, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Decatur Police Department, Nevada Highway Patrol, and the Las Vegas Metro Police Department all assisted and were praised for their efforts by Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke.  

Kroncke said, “The collaborative efforts of five separate law enforcement agencies led to a brutal murderer being swiftly brought to justice for his unconscionable crime. The case resulted in an agreement to the harshest punishment available under Illinois law as a result of the thorough investigation completed by these dedicated law enforcement agencies. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sherry Hubbartt and her family at this time.  We hope this outcome brings Sherry’s family some measure of peace.”
 

Pana Police have released the name of the man that was found dead on Sunday morning. 61 year old Rocky L. Davis of Pana was found deceased on Sunday morning around 6:54. Mr. Davis was found in an alley near the 700 block of Monroe Street. He was found with a single gunshot wound and a handgun was recovered next to the body. 

Preliminary results show that the wound was self-inflicted. ISP DCI Zone 4 continues to lead the investigation. Pana Police along with the Christian County Coroner’s Office is assisting. The case remains under investigation.

A little girl is missing her teddy bear. The teddy bear was lost at Manners Park near the swing set from the big pavilion and the girl's name is Jerzee. Sara Christian, Jerzee’s mother, says that when they went to go back to get the teddy bear it was gone. The teddy bear was lost around 6 PM and Sara says that there is a reward for the bear's safe return home. 

If you have any information on the missing bear, please contact Sara Christian on her Facebook Page.

Redistricting the Illinois House to undergo some big changes. 

That’s 95th district representative Avery Bourne. She says to contact her office or visit the Illinois redistricting website if you want to be involved in the hearing process. 

She also says that there are pending lawsuits against the Senate and state Supreme Court maps.

There is legislation pending that would create a bipartisan commission for district maps. 

Rep. Bourne is disappointed with the little amount of time representatives have been given to review these maps. 

Rep. Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Now is the time to plant your bulbs for a luscious spring garden.

That’s master gardener for University of Illinois Extension in Christian County Gwen Podeschi. She gave advice for those who want a large tulip garden. 

You can plant bulbs through the early fall until the first hard frost. 

Podeschi says that there’s a tree planting event coming soon, next Saturday Oct. 23rd. 

Podeschi appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

The Taylorville School Board will meet this evening at 6 PM to discuss business, review communications, and discuss old and new business. The meeting will take place at Taylorville High School in the cafeteria. After the approval of minutes and claims, the board will hear from the Treasurer along with the consideration of personnel. 

Under old business, the board will hear a recap of strategic planning focus, goals, committee structure, and timeline. The board will also consider and approve roofing and tuckpointing maintenance projects, review and approve the public school calendar revision, and consider and approve the sale of the Building Trades Home.

Under new business, the board will present the FY21 School District Audit, consider and approve substitute day pay increase from $95 a day to $125 a day. The board will also hold a closed session to hear student disciplinary cases and hear from Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty. The board will also hear from visitors. 

The next Taylorville School Board meeting is set for November 8th. 

With more and more states legalizing marijuana, some doctors are concerned about heart health. According to the American Heart Association chemicals in cannabis have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. A new study from the Canadian Medical Assocation Journal shows that smoking, vaping, and consuming edibles nearly doubles the risk of a heart attack in adults under the age of 45, compared to those who didn’t consume cannabis. 

Dr. Sudhir Mungee, an interventional cardiologist at OSF Health Care says that these new findings aren’t surprising.

Marijuana is considered an alkaloid, which is a plant-based compound that can cause physiological actions on humans including the heart.

Researchers surveyed more than 33,000 adults from 18-44 years of age and 17% reported using marijuana within the past 30 days.  Of those 17% 1.3% later suffered a heart attack.  This was compared to only 0.8% of users who had a heart attack and didn’t use marijuana. 

The AHA advises that cannabis use should be discussed in detail with a health care professional to review your family history of health and any potential risks involved. 

For more information on marijuana and to view this study, click here.

The Assumption Mayor has resigned. Roger Cox, who has been the Mayor of Assumption resigned on Wednesday saying that he had many reasons for his resignation, but namely some Aldermen made it personal.

Cox continued by stressing that he would like to see Alderman Derek Page take over Pro temp Mayor  Page says that there will be a special meeting to appoint an acting Mayor on Tuesday night at 6 PM. 

Page says he wants to see Assumption move forward on economic development.

The meeting Tuesday evening will take place at 6 PM at 229 N. Chestnut Street in Assumption.

The Shelbyville Public Library changing its hours of operation starting in November. 

That’s director of Shelbyville Public Library Monica Cameron. She says that the board had everyone in mind with this change. 

The change better suits school visits to the public library. 

Spooky season is here, which opens up a pumpkin decorating contest through October 19th.

You can learn more about everything happening with the library at shelbyvillelibrary.org.

Cameron appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in Shelbyville. 

Shelbyville hosted the Balloon Fest this weekend. 

Freddie Frye is the executive director of Shelby County Tourism Lake Shelbyville Area. 

The event saw as many balloons as you can count on both fingers. 

The balloons carried some of the sponsors of the event through the air. 

Frye says it was great to see some younger people involved with the event. 

Learn more about the Shelby County Tourism Lake Shelbyville Area at lakeshelbyville.com.

Frye appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in Shelbyville. 

All offices and facilities for driving and Secretary of State Offices will be closed today for observance of Columbus Day. Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Monday through Friday schedule will be closed on Monday. Any offices that are running on a Tuesday through Saturday were closed on Saturday. All offices and Driver Services facilities will be open for business on Tuesday, October 12th.

As a reminder, all driver’s license and ID card expiration dates have been extended to January 1st, 2022. This extension doesn’t apply to CDL licenses or permits. The US Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3rd, 2023. Visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.ilsos.gov for online services including checking eligibility to renew licenses online, applying for duplicates, renewing license plate stickers, or locating the nearest facility. 

Central Unit School District No. 4 is chugging along amid the pandemic. 

Kyle Ladd Principal of CUSD No. 4 High School says teachers and students are happy to be back in the classroom. 

Silas Pogue is the Athletic Director of Shelbyville Middle and High Schools. He says that the district is less limited in athletics this year compared to 2020. 

Pogue is happy with the performance of the athletic programs, despite the fact they have had to be flexible with schedules. 

Ladd is just happy to have a great team of teachers and administrators to help get through it. 

Ladd and Pogue appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville. 

A secretary from Stonington is Taylorville Memorial’s August Colleague of the Month. Tara Graham a secretary in the physical therapy department at TMH has been named the Colleague of the Month for August. Graham is considered the face of her department and hospital officials say that she develops relationships with the patients she sees frequently and is known for her ability to maintain a positive and helpful attitude. 

Graham says that one of the most rewarding parts of her job is knowing that she may have made somebody’s day better by being helpful or polite. 

Graham has worked for TMH for 22 years and outside of work enjoys spending time with her husband of 27 years along with their four children and eight grandchildren. We here at Regional Radio News salutes you Tara Graham! 

For your central Illinois COVID-19 update. The following numbers have been reported by the individual health departments, Illinois Department of Public Health, and the CDC. These are numbers that are reported to us.

For Christian County as of October 8th, there are 18 new COVID-19 cases reported with 5,659 total positives.  There have been 113 deaths and 139 are currently isolated.  17 current cases are in the hospital, and the positivity rate is currently at 3.5% which is below the 5% threshold asked for by the IDPH. In Christian County 40% are fully vaccinated. 

In Shelby County as of October 4th, there have been 87 new cases over the previous week with four new deaths.  There are 131 in isolation. Shelby County’s positivity rate is currently at 7.2%. 35% of the county is completely vaccinated for a total of 7,618. 

In Montgomery County as of October 6th, there were 11 new cases with 32 in isolation. There have been 78 deaths overall. Montgomery County has a 2.7% positivity rate. There have been 12,716 of the population fully vaccinated for a 44% rate.

In Fayette County as of October 4th, there were 134 new COVID-19 cases over the previous week with 59 deaths. 30.4% of the county is fully vaccinated. The positivity rate is currently at 5.7%. 

In Moultrie County, the positivity rate is at 6.3% and the total vaccination rate is 37%. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News, for the latest information on COVID-19 and for where you can get tested, and receive the vaccine.

The Illinois State Police are investigating a death in Pana on Sunday.  At 6:54 AM the Pana Police Department received a 9-1-1 phone call and responded to an alley near the 700 block of Monroe Street. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive 61-year-old male.  The male was pronounced deceased and Pana Police Department requested assistance from the ISP DCI Zone 4 to conduct the death investigation.

The identity has been withheld until the next of kin is notified. A preliminary investigation has determined this to be an isolated incident. There are no threats at this time to the community. An autopsy is set to be completed on Monday, October 11th at the McLean County Coroner’s Office in Bloomington, Illinois. 

Nine low-to-mid level people were charged with possession of methamphetamine or possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. 

One of the suspects, Michael Kline, had an outstanding warrant. 

The Taylorville Police Emergency Response Team includes members of the Kincaid and Assumption Police Departments served three separate search warrants. 

The Taylorville Police Department received information on these three houses and Chief Wheeler says they took quick action. 

Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says that the department worked with the state's attorney to obtain search warrants. The warrants uncovered several grams of meth, along with scales and baggies.

“We want all of our neighborhoods drug-free,” Wheeler said. “The city will not tolerate these so-called houses in our community… we are still looking for more subjects.”

Wheeler thanked the States Attorney and the Kincaid and Assumption Police Departments for their efforts. 

For a picture of all those arrested, click here.

Illinois Public School teachers using their own money to implement lesson plans are eligible for reimbursement. 

State representative Sue Scherer, a democrat in Decatur, introduced the legislation requiring the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to establish a teacher reimbursement grant program used for tuition and mandatory fees. 

Eligible teachers may receive grants for reimbursement worth eight semesters of tuition for up to 10 years as part of the program. 

Scherer says that many teachers have to go above requirements for their students and lesson plans, and that this reimbursement program relieves teachers of the burden of high student loan debt when they give their service to Illinois Schools. 

The Illinois State Board of Education says that the state had about 1,000 unfilled teaching position in 2017. In 2021, that number is nearly 1,700 with 77 percent of Illinois School Districts reporting teacher shortages or difficulty finding substitute teachers. 

Chillifest a success!

Sarah Van Huss is the president of the board of directors for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and she talked about the event. 

The chili cookoffs hosted multiple International Chili Society World Champions. 

Van Huss says that planning is already underway for next year’s Chillifest. 

The chamber could not put on Chillifest without the volunteers. 

Learn more about Chillifest at chillifest.info. 

Van Huss appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Some fall gardening tips from the University of Illinois Extension. 

Andrew Holsinger is a horticulture educator with U of I. He says you can help pollinators such as bees with this simple tip – patience. 

Plant rotation is especially important to limit disease.

You also might be thinking about planting a tree. Now is better than later, but make sure you call 811 before you dig. Holsinger says that planning ahead is important. 

Hydroponics can help extend your gardening season. 

Learn more about horticulture with University of Illinois at extension.illinois.edu/global/horticulture.

Holsinger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Cowden-Herrick has joined some other schools in a lawsuit against the State of Illinois.  

Superintendent Seth Schuler says that the Illinois State Board of Education does not have the authority to strip their recognition over the mask mandate.  Schuler says the school had a mask mandate in place, but it wasn’t good enough according to ISBE.

Schuler did say he had some good news moving forward as a Judge has given an extension of 30 days.

Schuler says the ultimate goal is to have local control for the school.

Schuler says the community has been very vocal, both pro and against, the mandates.

Schuler says the preliminary hearing is set for November 8th. Other schools that joined the lawsuit include Beecher City and Red Hill.

HSHS Medical Group is offering COVID-19 booster shots to high-risk adults and adults ages 65 and older. In Central and Southern Illinois HSHS Medical Group Drive-Thru Care sites are now offering boosters as long as you are 65 and older, 18 and older, and have underlying medical conditions, or 18 and older and you live or work in high-risk settings. 

Boosters for Johnson and Johnson are not recommended at this time, but you can get a booster if you had the Moderna.  Again, it’s only recommended for those who are immunocompromised who received Moderna for the first two doses.  Guidelines for those who are immunocompromised include if you have been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood if you received an organ transplant if you have advanced or untreated HIV, and if you are in active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress your immune system. 

As far as symptoms go, research has shown reactions very similar to the second dose reactions. HSHS Medical Group offers vaccines and testing to the public at its locations in Decatur Springfield and O’Fallon. You can create a MyHSHS account and schedule an appointment online. Vaccine appointments can also be made by calling 1-844-216-4707. For more information visit www.HSHS.org/vaccine. 

People have been gaining weight during the pandemic.  A new study from the American Pyschology Association shows that 61% of American adults experienced undesired weight changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has conducted their own studies and it shows that this hasn’t just affected adults. 432,302 American children aged 2-19 found significant increases in body mass index rates have occurred.  Younger school-aged children experienced the largest increases.

OSF Healthcare pediatrician Dr. James Mikeworth says that he is seeing the same things here in Illinois. Dr. Mikeworth says food insecurity is a big reason for weight gain, especially among children.

According to researchers, 22.4% of American kids are considered obese which is up from the prepandemic rate of 19.3%. Dr. Mikeworth is concerned especially as to what obesity can cause in children.

Dr. Mikeworth says that battling childhood obesity starts at home and children will mirror the habits of adults. One way that you can cut down on obesity is cutting out snacks after dinner or at least making the later snacks nutritious.

If you need help planning better meals for your children, talk to your child's pediatrician. He also encourages your child to exercise.

Visit the CDC website or talk to your physician more, if you do have concerns.

Scovill Zoo is closing for the season, but the zoo is still offering lots of events and programs this fall. 

Director Ken Frye says to be on the lookout for Boo at the Zoo.

For this last weekend, Frye is excited to have most of the seasonal animals available to observe. 

At Boo at the Zoo, you can find a lot of the nocturnal animals active. Some tropical animals will not be available for viewing. 

Scovill Zoo is always looking for volunteers. 

More information at Scovillzoo.com.

Frye appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Registration open for Lincoln Land Community College.

Dee Krueger is the Director of LLCC in Taylorville and she says that eight-week courses start Oct. 18th and you can register for them now. 

Krueger says that the eight-week courses are great for everyone, but especially those who may have busy work schedules who want to go to college. 

Financial Aid is still available for students of all ages. Krueger says that there is a special Financial Aid Night coming soon. The next night in Taylorville is October 20th. 

It never hurts to apply for financial aid, even if you think you or your family make too much money.

Learn more about Lincoln Land Community College at LLCC.edu.

Krueger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is accepting funding applications from local non-profit organizations that have a similar mission to benefit children and youth in the Taylorville community.

The application form is available on-line on the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Facebook page, or by e-mail’ing Funding Commmitee chair Randal J. Miller at rjm1955@gmail.com.

Applications must be received by 11:59pm October 31st.   They’ll be reviewed by the Funding Committee, with recommendations to go to the Kiwanis Board on November 2nd at the monthly board meeting.

Any funds given, will be provided by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation.  Foundation monies also fund Kiwanis projects for children and youth including Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, high school and YMCA scholarships, and supporting the Christian County CEO program.

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

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club reviewed its efforts in benefiting children and youth in the community, in a business meeting during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

The club will be providing funding for its annual “Coats for Kids” campaign providing coats, hats, and gloves, for nearly 40 local Head Start children later this month.

2 Kiwanis members, Blain Cornwell and Dennis Barnard, co-chaired efforts for club members to man gates at the August Illinois State Fair.  Their efforts netted the club some 800-dollars for Kiwanis projects.

Key Club chair Will Perkins reported that this year’s Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club has over 40 members and has been active.

Long-time Kiwanis members Larry Kemner and Duane Stock, were appointed co-chairs of the Kiwanis Park committee.  They’ll be working on pricing for a new concrete floor for the Kiwanis Park Pavilion, as well as pricing for adding a handicapped swing at the Kiwanis Park playground.

Kiwanis Funding Committee chair Randal J. Miller reported that November 1 was the deadline for applications from non-profit community groups that want funded thru the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation.  Applications will be reviewed and then brought to the Kiwanis Board for consideration at the board’s November meeting.

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

A sharp rise in fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and meth. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration issues a Public Safety Alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. 

A news release from the administration’s St. Louis Division says that officials have seized more than 9.5 million counterfeit pills this year – more than the last two years combined. 

These counterfeit pills are illegally manufactured by criminal drug networks made to look like real prescription opioid medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, or stimulants like amphetamines.

Fake prescription pills are widely accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms. 

Administrator of the DEA Anne Milgram says that the U.S. is facing an unprecedented crisis of overdose deaths fueled by illegally manufactured fentanyl and methamphetamine. 

DEA urges all Americans to be vigilant and aware of the dangers of counterfeit pills, and to only take medications your medical professional prescribes you from a licensed pharmacist. 

More information at dea.gov/onepill. 

The Department of Child Family Services is distributing 8,000 posters statewide for Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month.  Daycare providers will be handed these posters and asked to display them in high traffic areas to remind parents and caregivers should learn the ABCs: that infants should always sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in a safe Crib.
 

That’s DCFS Spokesperson Deborah Lopez.  Lopez says that it can be dangerous when babies under the age of one cosleep with someone.

In 2020, 114 infants in Illinois under the age of 1 died as a result of being put to sleep unsafely.  97 were found in locations other than a crib, bassinet, or pack and play.  73 were found in positions other than on their back and 83 were co-sleeping with someone else when they died. For more information contact DCFS or visit their website.

Central Illinois Food Bank wants to prepare you for food drive season.

Adam Handy is a partner resource coordinator for CIFB and he offered some advice. 

Handy recommends shorter food drives to reduce waste and pest risk, but offered some tips for organizations that have a longer food drive window. 

September was hunger action month. Tim Kirsinikas is a public relations manager with Central Illinois Food Bank and he said the campaign went well.

Kirsinikas says that there are more programs coming in the near future. 

Learn more about the Central Illinois Food Bank at https://www.centralilfoodbank.org/.

Handy and Kirsinikas joined the WTIM Morning show as guests. 

Being able to hear is something that many take for granted but hearing loss can happen at any age and prolonged exposure to sounds can have a lasting effect. October is National Protect Your Hearing Month and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say roughly 40 million Americans between 20 and 60 years of age have noise-induced hearing loss. IDOL spokesperson Hap Hileman says that any ongoing loud noises can be very dangerous.

Hileman says there are three things that you should do to protect yourself from loud noises: time, distance, and shielding. 

Damage is permanent and while hearing aids can help, they won’t completely reverse the damage that is done from prolonged noise. Avoid loud noises and limit proximity and time exposed, use hearing protection, and above all else, talk to your doctor if you are concerned about hearing loss.  For more information from OSHA visit their website. 

Taylorville Food Pantry looking for volunteers. 

Amy Hagen is the co-coordinator with the Taylorville Food Pantry and she says the pantry is there to aid food insecurity in Christian County, but volunteers are what makes the pantry tick. 

The pantry always needs volunteers. 

Hagen says that there’s all sorts of ways to contribute to the food pantry. 

Learn more about the Taylorville Food Pantry at taylorvillefoodpantry.com.

Hagen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Trees around power lines can be very dangerous especially when storms happen. You should take the time to understand and make sure you have a good reason why you are planting that tree. When planting trees Rick Johnson with Ameren says, you should really make sure that you are thinking 20 years in the future.

Johnson also encourages people who are planting to call arborists so you can have someone help you figure out the best tree to plant and where to plant it.

Ameren says its better to have those discussions early rather than later.  Johnson says they don’t want to move the tree but will do it if they have too especially if trimming doesn’t work. 

Johnson says with winter coming, to be aware of power lines that are down.

For more information, click here.

There is a case of West Nile Virus in Moultrie County.  Health Officials in Moultrie County have been notified by the Illinois Department of Public Health that a bird specimen has tested positive for the virus. West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the US and is most active from April through October  It is commonly spread to people and animals by the bite of a mosquito. 

The specimen found in Moultrie County was found in the Kirksville area on September 29th.  People who become infected with West Nile Virus may develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, the Moultrie County Health Department is asking all residents to change standing water on the property including buckets, birdbaths, and tires to prevent breeding opportunities, treat large bodies of water with mosquito dunks, wear mosquito repellent, mend holes in window screens, and remain indoors when mosquitoes are most active which is usually at dusk and dawn. You are also encouraged to wear light-colored clothing. 

If you have questions pertaining to West Nile Virus or need assistance with large areas of standing water on your property, or you just want to report a mosquito nuisance, please contact the Moultrie County Health Department at 217-728-4114. You can also find out more information on West Nile Virus by visiting the CDC website. 

The Social Security Administration’s Payee portal helps you with benefits. 

Jack Meyers is a public affairs specialist with the Springfield office of the Social Security Administration. 

Meyers says that the payee portal helps with more than just managing the beneficiaries finances. 

The SSA has even more tools to help manage benefits. 

The Springfield office is there to help you.

More information at SSA.gov. 

Meyers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Farmer’s Insurance made its way to Taylorville in mid-September. 

Hayden Fox is the agency owner and operator. He says that his past experience as a Gamestop salesman has helped guide him towards selling insurance. 

Having insurance on your vehicle is required in Illinois. 

Fox talked about the importance of having a tailored policy for you. 

Farmer’s offers more than automotive insurance. 

For more information about auto, life and home insurance, reach out to Hayden Fox Farmers on Facebook, or visit the office at 105 E. Market St.

Fox appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

People's Bank and Trust in Charleston has added a new loan officer.

Trevor Taylor has joined the bank as as a Vice President of Business Banking.  In his role with the Bank, Trevor will develop and build business and agricultural credit relationships.   Trevor will be based in Charleston, but will service customers throughout Central Illinois.  

Bank President and CEO John Gardner said Taylor is a great addition to the Charleston banking team.

He previously was employed at U-S-D-A's Rural Development office in Champaign, and before that was with Busey Bank for 14 years in various lending capacities, including being a Small Business Administration Lending Specialist.  

Peoples Bank & Trust is a locally owned and managed independent community bank with ten offices located in Altamont, Charleston, Chatham, Morrisonville, Palmyra, Pana, Taylorville, Tower Hill, Waverly and White Hall.   It's corporate office is in Pana.

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening. The board recognized Bill and Barb Kerns for their many years of service to the city as volunteers of the month.  The Kerns will be moving from the community in the next few weeks.  Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry thanked Bill for his many years with Missions for Taylorville. Barb Kerns has worked with planting trees in Taylorville for many years.

The board approved the raising of camp fees. Christmas Banners were also approved for downtown. Mayor Barry spoke during his public comments and thanked everyone for their hard work with Chillifest.

The board also approved putting a camera in the hallway of the municipal building and approved Fall Dumpster Day on October 23rd. The council held a closed session to review some litigation against the city. The next City Council meeting is set for October 18th.

The Taylorville School Board filled both their vacancies at a School Board meeting held Monday evening. Rick Bryan and Jennifer Dammerman were both added to the School Board after a closed session that lasted over an hour. In a statement released from Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty, she says that she is excited to have them on board.  

Dr. Dougherty said, “The Board previously established qualifications for the appointee(s) in a careful and thoughtful manner. Mr. Rick Bryan and Jennifer Dammerman meet these qualifications and have demonstrated the willingness to accept the duties and responsibilities of a Board member. These two bring experience along with a community background with a clear understanding of the demands and expectations of being a Board member along with a constructive attitude toward the challenge of leading the district through this pandemic.”

Dammerman was unanimously approved (5-0) while Bryan was voted in on a 3-2 vote with School Board members Carla Mickey and Brenda Patrick voting No and Jennifer Norris, Dr. Ron Mizer, and Tricia Marburger voting Yes.  Dammerman says she’s looking forward to her time on the board.

In other news from the meeting, Carl Nieman spoke to the board to ask that the meetings be televised on TommyTV and Friday night’s football game against Mahomet has been canceled due to COVID quarantines and injuries.

Community College boosts local economies. This is according to a new report issued by the Illinois Community College Board.  Illinois has 48 community college and a new study shows that Illinois has the third largest community college system in the nation and is increasing value and access to higher education for all Illinoisans. 

Illinois Community Colleges account for $3.5 billion in economic output and more than 43,000 jobs. Governor JB Pritzker says that community college are a core building block to ensure the workforce is well equipped for jobs in the future. He continued by stressing that community colleges are a microcosm of what Illinois is doing to being committed to creating and supporting good paying jobs. 

The report that has been done evaluates all Illinois community colleges to meet the needs of business and industry, equity, student outcomes, students’ return on investment, and the overall economic impact to local economies and job growth. The report examines statewide trends including the pandemic, employment, population, and other factors. 

The study found that more than 84% of students who earn a certificate or associate degree are employed in solid paying career jobs within a year of graduation. As far as economic impacts, Illinois community colleges directly employed 33,000 staff with a total payroll of $1.3 billion in 2020. The toal economic output of Illinois community college in 2020 is 43,316 jobs and 3.5 billion dollars towards the Illinois economy. 

To review the full study, please visit https://bit.ly/iccbEIS.

Mental health a major topic of discussion amid the pandemic. 

Ed Lacheta is director of mental health for Shelby County Community Services. 

He says that depression and other mental health issues is worsening across the country. 

Laheta has found good resources for you to evaluate your own mental health. 

Children and teens have been experiencing worsened symptoms of poor mental health, too. 

Lacheta offered advice to those who may know a struggling child or teen. 

Learn more at sccsil.org.

Lacheta appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in Shelbyville. 

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening to discuss business, review ordinances, and announce and vote on committee reports. The board will review a few ordinances including increasing fees for overnight campsite leases, purchasing Christmas banners for downtowntaylorville.org, and authorize a farm lease for the lake area farm property.

The board will also review committee reports. Under public facilities, there is a motion that will be discussed on removing a camera in the Human Resource Office and returning it, while purchasing a camera for the hallway. The board will also vote on putting out a bid on the Municipal Building Roof project.  Under street & sewer, the board will recommend approving a Fall Dumpster Day for October 23rd.

The board will also have a closed session on pending criminal litigation, hear from visitors, and receive reports from the City Attorney and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.  The meeting will take place at 7 PM at the Municipal Building. 
 

State Senator Doris Turner is asking all local businesses to take advantage of Back to Business grants.  The deadline for applying is October 13th.  These grants have allocated $250 million in funding for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will continue to award grants on a rolling basis.

State Senator Turner says that she is proud of the work done by the General Assembly to invest dollars in communities that need it.  The program acts a stimulus to give business resources needed to come back stronger and more resilient. 

Eligible businesses may visit the DCEO website.  Grants will be provided from $5,000 to $150,000 depending on how many losses were experienced. The administration will accept applications through October 13th.  

State Senator Turner says that businesses in the district received nearly $600,000 during the first wave of grants and this additional assistance will help many other businesses. For more information on these grants, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/pages/default.aspx . 

Officials with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce tell Regional Radio News that Sunday went well, and overall the 2-day event was successful.

Chamber president Sarah Van Huss told Miller Media Group listeners during our live coverage mid afternoon on Sunday that the cold quarts of chilli sold out.

Chamber Executive Director Linda Allen told Miller Media Group listeners in our live coverage Sunday that despite the weather, crowds had fun.

All 6 Miller Media Group radio stations provided live coverage of the event both days.

Winners were announced late Sunday afternoon in the “Little Chilli Bean” Contest at the 36th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

The contest was a “People’s Choice” award, with votes being $1 per jar of each contestant, with entrants up to 3 years of age.  Each contestant had their own jar with a picture of them, on display for people to contribute to during Chillifest.  Net proceeds went to Chillifest.

First place winner was Maylee Jack, who won a one-hundred dollar cash prize. 

Second place winner was Aryah Austin, who won a 50-dollar cash prize.

Winners were announced late Sunday afternoon in day number  2 of International Chilli Society judging, at the 36th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

The Sunday cook-off was the Central States Chillifest competition.

In red chilli judging, first place was won Lloyd Weir of Bloomington, Illinois, who won 300-dollars and qualifies to cook in the World Championship.  Second place went to Jeff Netser of Indiana, who won 100-dollars, while third went to Preston Shaw of Tennessee who won 90-dollars.

In homestyle chilli judging, first place went to Julie Netser of Indiana, who won 200-dollars and qualifies to cook in the World Championship.  Second place went to first time I-C-S cook Lorre Reents of Springfield, Illinois, who won 100-dollars, and third place went to Jess Curtin of Stonington, Illinois, who won 90-dollars.

In verde judging Sunday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest, first place went to Henry Stephens of Texas, who won 175-dollars and qualifies to cook in the World Championship.  Second place went to Julie Netser of Indiana, who won 75-dollars, and third went to Tonya Jester of Indiana, who won 50-dollars.

And, in salsa judging, first place was won by Helen McCauley of Mississippi, who won 100-dollars and qualifies to cook in the World Championship.  Second place went to Darin Jester of Indiana, who won 75-dollars, and third place went to Chrissy Atwood of Indiana, who won 25-dollars.  

Chilli cooks from 8 states participated in the 2 days of International Chilli Society cookoffs at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest.

Officials with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest announced at 2:45 this afternoon, that they have sold out of the cold quarts of Chillifest chilli.  Thanks to all those who purchased cold quarts.

Chillifest sold cold quarts due to not serving individual bowls again this year citing health concerns.

A host of cheerleaders performed at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Sunday afternoon.

First up were the Taylorville Junior High School cheerleaders.

Next up were the TYC Littles cheerleading team.

Next up were the Taylorville High School cheerleaders.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest continues on the square thru late afternoon.

Crowds are coming out for Day 2 of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the square.  The event continues til 5 today.

Day 2 of the 36th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the square, started up at 10 this morning with entertainment on both the south main stage and the north stage.

The picture shows the duet Idle Oath performing, and they're on til noon.  South stage entertainment scheduled the rest of the day includes "Broadway Comes to Taylorville" at noon, cheerleading and pom pom teams at 1:30, and Chillifest favorite Cody Moomey at 3:30.

North stage entertainment started at 10 with 2012 "The Voice" runner-up Gracia Harrison performing til noon, and the Cactua Ranch Band scheduled to perform from 1 til 4pm.

Day 2 of the Capital City Cornhole Bags Tournament begins just off the northeast corner of the square starting at noon.  Day 1 took place at the Beer Tent of the Christian County Fairgrounds.

The 2nd day of the International Chilli Society sanctioned chilli cookoff, began at 9:30 this morning with chilli cooks from some 8 states participating thru-out the day.

Over 80 arts and crafts' vendors are open today, and lots of activities for kids are at the Kids Zone on the east side of the square.

That famous Chillifest chilli is being sold by the cold quart, in a drive-thru on the southeast corner of the square, and only available while the supply lasts.

Live coverage of day 2 can be heard on all 6 Miller Media Group radio stations starting at noon today.

The complete Chillifest schedule can be found here.

Winners were announced late Saturday afternoon in day number one of 2 days in International Chilli Society judging.

Saturday, the Chillifest hosted the I-C-S sanctioned Chillinois Cook Off.

Chilli cooks from 8 states participated in the event.

In red chilli judging, first place was won by Trent Atwood of Indiana, who won 500-dollars and the right to cook in the World Championship.  Lloyd Weir of Bloomington, Illinois, won second place and received 200-dollars, while Dearl Thomas of Clinton, Illinois, won third place and picked up 100-dollars.

In homestyle chilli judging, first place went to Diana Lentz of Kentucky, who won 300-dollars and a right to cook in the World Championship.  Second place winner was Henry Stephens of Texas, who won 100-dollars, while Renda Jones of Mississippi picked up third place with a 50-dollar cash prize.

In verde judging Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest, first place went to Darin Jester of Indiana, who won 300-dollars and the right to cook in the World Championship.  Second place went to Christine Toney of Missouri, who won 100-dollars, while Rena Jones of Mississippi picked up third place with a 50-dollar cash prize.

And, in salsa judging, first place was won by Rodney Jones of Mississippi who won 125-dollars and a right to cook in the World Championship.  Second place went to Lloyd Weir of Bloomington, Illinois, who picked up 75-dollars, while third place went to Henry Stephens of Texas who won 40-dollars.

Stephens also won a 100-dollar cash prize for traveling the furthest to cook in Saturday’s Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest Chillinois Cook Off.

The 36th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest crowned its royalty Saturday at its annual pageant, which was moved from the Taylorville square to the Expo Building at the Christian County Fairgrounds due to rain.

6-year-old Corbyn Marquis, the son of Anastasia Austin and Trevor Marquis of Taylorville, won the title of Little Mister Chilli Pepper.  First runner-up was 7-year-old Liam Swiney, the son of Whitney and Zackery Swiney of Taylorville.  Second runner-up was 4-year-old Myles Kater, the son of Kourtney and Alex Kater of Stonington.

In the Little Miss Chilli Pepper competition, this year’s Little Miss crown went to 4-year-old Rylie Durbin, daughter of Kate and Lucas Durbin of Taylorville.  First runner-up was Aleah Jostes, the 5-year-old daughter of Ryan and Jerri Jostes of Palmer.  Second runner-up was 6-year-old Kinlee Wilson of Taylorville.

In the Junior Miss pageant Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chillifest, the crown went to 9-year-old Kenlee Durbin, the daughter of Kim and Billy Durbin of Taylorville.  First runner-up was Madilynn Pinnell, the 10-year-old daughter of Cassandra and Bryce Pinnell of Morrisonville, which second runner-up went to Rilynne Segrest, the eleven-year-old daughter of Shane and Heather Segrest of Morrisonville.

In the Chillifest Teen Miss competition, this year’s crown went to 13-year-old Kaylee Kuhn, the daughter of Brad and Gina Kuhn of Pana.  First runner-up was 13-year-old Ashlynn Windell, the daughter of Jayme Hendrickson and Brian Windell of Taylorville.  Second runner-up was 14-year-old Elizabeth Turley, the daughter of Wanda Turley of Edinburg.

And, in the Chillifest pageant for Miss candidates, the crown went to 17-year-old Lauren Phillips, the daughter of Heather Phillips of Pana.  First runner-up was 15-year-old Claire Kuhn, the daughter of Brad and Gina Kuhn of Pana.  Second runner-up was Jenny Freeman, the 17-year-old daughter of Cindy and Dan Freeman of Edinburg.

The 36th annual Greater Taylorville Chillifest got off to a soggy start at 9 o'clock Saturday morning.

The opening ceremony and presentation of colors were held a few minutes late due to showers moving thru the area.  Several of Taylorville's Cub Scout Troops presented the colors on the Chilllifest south stage, and the 8 members of the Taylorville High School Choir, under the direction of Keith Chase, sang the National Anthem.

Chillifest officials made the call during the 9 o'clock hour, to move both the Pageants and the Capital City Cornhole Tournament, to the Expo Building at the Christian County Fairgrounds, due to impending weather.

Checkout the complete schedule of this year's Chillifest as chillifest.info.

The 36th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest is happening this weekend on the square, with 2 days full of entertainment, pageants, and food and fun for the entire family.

Once again this year due to COVID, there will not be a chilli tent serving individual portions, but the Chamber will again offer their special recipe chilli in cold quarts with drive-up sales both days on the southeast corner of the square.  

Nearly 80 Arts and Crafts’ vendors will offer their wares thru-out the Taylorville square.

Saturday’s highlights includes the noon Pageants, entertainment on both the main south stage and north stage, and day one of chilli judging and cornhole tournaments.  Sunday features more entertainment, chilli judging and cornhole tournaments.

The Capital City Cornhole Club will again present 2 days of cornhole competition on the square during Chillifest, with cash prizes offered.

International Chilli Society chilli and salsa awards will be presented at the end of each day’s sanctioned competition.  Chilli cooks from across the Midwest and elsewhere will be traveling to Taylorville, the Chilli Capital of Illinois, to light their stoves for a share of cash prizes both days.

Kid Zone will again be part of Chillifest with lots of activities for kids, including pumpkin painting.

Check out the full schedule for this weekend, can be found at the event’s web site, chillifest-dot-info, that’s chillifest with 2-L’s.

And, listen to all 6 Miller Media Group radio stations for live coverage from Chillifest all weekend.

People's Bank and Trust held their annual free Customer Appreciation Dinner in the parking lot of their Locust Street location in Pana Friday afternoon, with several hundred people turning out to enjoy a complimentary ribeye or pork chop, potato salad and chips, baked beans, a cookie and drink.

Assistant Vice President for Consumer Lending at the Pana location Jennifer Mathis told Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller during Friday afternoon's live broadcast on WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3, that the annual event is a way to show the bank's appreciation to its many customers and the community for their support.

Bank personnel served the food, then put it in a to-go container with those receiving the food able to enjoy it in a large open air tent erected in the parking lot, or take it home.

Officials were pleased with Friday's turnout.

Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR along with People's Bank and Trust are recognizing the Pana Students of the Month for September. The September Pana Students of the Month are Cassidy Wafford, John Berns, Tessa Strom and Kaylee Zahradka.

L - R:  PEOPLES BANK AND TRUST REPRESENTATIVE JENNIFER MATHIS; FRESHMAN CASSIDY WAFFORD; SOPHOMORE JOHN BERNS; JUNIOR TESSA STROM; SENIOR KAYLEE ZAHRADKA; PEOPLES BANK AND TRUST REPRESENTATIVE LAURA DUDLEY

Always make sure you call before you dig. That’s the message that Ameren Illinois is telling the public.  Rick Johnson with Ameren says to call 8-1-1 before you dig and always remember JULIE. That is the acronym for the organization that handles the dig calls. 

The call to JULIE must be made at least two business days before digging. As far as the different colored flags and painted marks that you see, those have special meaning as well. 

Johnson shared a startling statistic about people coming into contact with electricity.

You should make sure there is at least 18 inches that separate your tree or anything you plant from lines that run through your yard. Johnson says to ask yourself why do I want to plant this tree.

For more information, visit Ameren and make sure you call 8-1-1 before you dig. 

Pana Community Hospital welcomed Dr. David Tapscott of Springfield Clinic to Pana Community Hospital. Dr. Tapscott joins the Orthopedic Surgical Lineup. Dr. Tapscott sees patients in the hospital’s specialty clinic Suite 103 on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Friday of the month.  His medical interests include general orthopedics, shoulder surger, arthroplasty, and fracture care.

President and CEO of Pana Community Hospital, Trina Casner says that Dr. Tapscott is an excellent addition to the staff and this will help patients not have to travel out of town for surgery. Dr. Tapscott completed his fellowship at Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island and his residency at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. Dr. Tapscott earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. 

Regional Radio News welcomes Dr. Tapscott to Pana Community Hospital!

Christian County CEO program fully underway with a new set of high-schoolers ready to take on new projects. 

Each year, students create a class project and use the proceeds to fund their own individual business idea.

Averi Stephens and Kennedie Cearlock are from Taylorville High School and they wanted to participate so that they could grow.

Cearlock talked about how her sibling participated in the program and that’s part of how she started. 
 

Stephens says that she was unsure at first. 

Cearlock and Stephens talked about the class event coming up towards the end of November. The class hosts a banquet with live entertainment Nov. 20. 

Stephens says that the CEO program has enhanced her public speaking skills. 

Cearlock has enjoyed seeing different types of business. 

Stephens and Cearlock appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show as part of the Christian County CEO program. Learn more at christiancountyceo.com

Following months of planning by the Chillifest Committee, the 36th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest kicks off Saturday for 2 days of fun on the City Square.

It all begins Saturday at 9 with the opening ceremony, with the Taylorville High School choir and Cub Scouts participating.

Again this year due to COVID, there will not be a chilli tent serving individual portions, but the Chamber will again offer their special recipe chilli in cold quarts with drive-up sales both days on the southeast corner of the square.

There’s entertainment on both the main south stage, and the north stage, both days, along with a Kids Zone and lots of arts and crafts vendors set up across the square.

The Capital City Cornhole Club will again present 2 days of cornhole competition on the square during Chillifest, with cash prizes offered.

International Chilli Society chilli and salsa awards will be presented at the end of each day’s sanctioned competition.  Chilli cooks from across the Midwest and elsewhere will be traveling to Taylorville, the Chilli Capital of Illinois, to light their stoves for a share of cash prizes both days.

Entry information on the 2 days of I-C-S judging, and the full schedule for this weekend, can be found at the event’s web site, chillifest-dot-info, that’s chillifest with 2-L’s.