Local News

TCCU Donates $1000 Towards Kiwanis Park Pavilion Floor Replacement at Kiwanis Meeting

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club got a jump start on their fund raising efforts towards replacing the aging concrete floor in the Kiwanis Park Pavilion on Lake Taylorville, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

 

The Taylorville Community Credit Union, led by their CEO and Kiwanis member Will Perkins (right), donated one-thousand dollars towards the effort.  Kiwanis president Brad Davis (left) accepted the check on behalf of the club.

 

The Kiwanis Club is hopeful that the community will donate 7-thousand dollars towards the Pavilion Floor replacement project.  The Club is matching the community with another 7-thousand dollars from its Foundation account, to cover the 14-thousand dollar cost of replacement.

 

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.     

PB&T Recognizes Students Of The Month For November For Taylorville

WTIM and People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their students of the month for November. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes.

 

Congratulations to Anyssa Andreatta, Katelyn Wilson, Samantha Logue, and Abby Heberling.

 

L - R:  FRESHMAN ANYSSA ANDREATTA; SOPHOMORE KATELYN WILSON; JUNIOR SAMANTHA LOGUE; SENIOR ABBY HEBERLING AND PB&T REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VAN HUSS

Rodney Davis Announces Reelection

Regional Radio News has learned that US Representative Rodney Davis will be running for office in the newly formed 15th District.  He is currently in the 13th district, but with the newly redrawn maps that does not cover his hometown of Taylorville, Illinois. 

Representative Davis will make his formal announcement today. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it develops. 

Quincy Medical Group Pays $500,000 To Settle Fraud Claims

Quincy Medical Group is settling with the Central District of Illinois U.S. Department of Justice to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act. 

 

Quincy Medical Group allegedly submitted claims for medically unnecessary cardiac catheterization procedures. The group agrees to pay a half-million dollars to settle the case. 

 

The settlement comes on the heels of a related settlement in August with Blessing Hospital for approximately $2.82 million. 

 

The U.S. will receive approximately $459,000 while the state of Illinois will receive nearly $40,000. The states of Iowa and Missouri receive the remainder. 

 

Acting district attorney Douglas Quivey says that the settlement demonstrates what should occur when alleged fraud is uncovered. 

 

Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly says that the ISP is dedicated to investigating healthcare fraud and to ensure that tax dollars are used appropriately for the care of patients. 

 

The settlement absolves Quincy Medical Group of any liability. 

 

Flora Man Sentenced To 15 Years In IDOC

A state judge sentenced a Flora man to fifteen years in the Illinois Department of Corrections last week. 

 

Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke announces 42-year-old Nicholas Barfield will spend 15 years in the IDOC for Unlawful Participation of Methamphetamine Manufacturing with Prior Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Conviction – a Class X Felony. 

 

The judge sentenced Barfield to a concurrent six-year prison term for the offense of Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer. 

 

Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Barfield in mid-January 2021 after an attempted traffic stop. Barfield’s vehicle fled, exited the roadway and traveled through a field, hitting a ditch and disabling both headlights. The vehicle then re-entered the roadway and traveled east to the Tower Hill Blacktop. The vehicle eventually crashed into a guardrail while traveling over 100 yards off the roadway into a field becoming stuck. 

 

Barfield then fled on foot. A K-9 unit assisted deputies to find Barfield laying on his stomach in a creek. 

 

Deputies found a meth lab and a liquid substance testing positive for methamphetamine in Barfield’s vehicle. The weight of the liquid came out to over 400 grams of methamphetamine. 

 

Barfield has three other prior charges related to methamphetamine.

 

Kroncke thanks the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office saying that deputies have once again removed a repeat methamphetamine trafficker from the community. 

 

Barfield is required to serve over 11 years of his 15-year-sentence. He will now be transferred to the IDOC to commence his sentence. 

Abraham Lincoln Library Holding Art Contest

Illinois children are getting a chance at joining a statewide art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education.  The theme for the contest is “Survival Through Self-Expression.” Illinois students from kindergarten through high school can design any two-dimensional art, such as a drawing, painting, or collage.  

 

The contest will have four age groups: K-2,l 3-5, 6-8, and high school level. Entries must be mailed out no later than December 17th and winners will be announced on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday which is February 12th. Each age group will have a winner and two runners-up. They will be able to have their work displayed at the museum between February 12th to March 18th and the artwork chosen as “best of show” will be used on a poster sent to all schools from March 14th through the 18th which is Illinois Arts Education Week. 

 

A framed copy will hang in the Illinois State Board of Education office. Submissions may be up to 14x11. Rules state that no copyright material will be allowed and you can find out more by visiting bit.ly/ALPLM-ArtContest. State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Carmen Ayala says that she is encouraging all school-aged artists to participate in this poster contest and display their talents. Entries can also be submitted through youth groups and home-schooled children as well. 

 

For more information, visit www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. 

Bust Out The Charcuterie Board

Bust out the charcuterie board for those holiday parties. 

That’s registered dietitian with the St. Louis Dairy Council Kelsey Bentlage. She says that it’s the perfect snack carrying lots of nutrition for your guests. 

Whatever cheese you choose for your party, it’s good to have a variety available for different pallets. 

Bentlage says there’s a great recipe available on the dairy council’s website for a fondue dip. 

Learn more at stldairycouncil.org. 

 

Bentlage appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Importance Of Keeping Your Child On A Regular Sleep Schedule During The Holidays

With the holidays here, many kids will be home a lot more than they will be at school, but many experts are still encouraging parents to keep children on a schedule especially when it comes to sleep. Dr. Kaninika Verma (KAH-Nuh-Neen-kah VAIR-Muh), director of Sleep Medicine for OSF Health Care says that diminished sleep can become a big issue and that parents should be aware of the recommended amount of sleep for their child.

 

 

The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America Poll found that 30% of elementary school children and well over 50% of both middle and high school students don’t get the recommended nightly allowance of sleep. 

 

 

One big problem that Dr. Verma sees is kids spending too much time in front of electronic devices. More screen time is associated with delayed bed time.  She recommends shutting down electronics two hours before it’s time to turn in.

 

 

If you have questions or concerns about sleep for your child or even for yourself, please contact your local primary care physician.

TCCU Offering Scholarship Through Local Businesses

Taylorville Community Credit Union is once again doing their scholarship program. 17 senior students from Taylorville are registered for the 8th Annual “Stop.Shop.Vote!” scholarship program that’s open to students from Taylorville, Pana, Litchfield, and Hillsboro. TriCounty residents have until February 28th to vote for their favorite students at participating businesses in town. TCCU President, Will Perkins says it’s a privilege to run this program. 

 

 

Perkins says that it’s amazing to have a connection with small towns and these scholarships.

 

 

From Taylorville, eligible seniors include Summer Brandis, Kennedie Cearlock, Olivia Enlow, Hunter Gerlick, Abigail Heberling, Jayden Hopkins, Ryan Johnson, Alexis Kent, Rebekah Krah, Jillian Lowry, Luke Markwell, Sallie “Izzy” Miller, Emma Pennock, Lizzie Schafer, Daniel Sloan, Averi Stephens, and Tucker Tippit. Businesses are displaying large posters featuring all registered students and you can find a complete list of participating businesses in each of the four communities on www.tccu.org. 

 

 

Perkins says scholarships are such a big deal right now because of how expensive school can be. 

 

 

TCCU is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution, serving its members’ needs since 1956. Its membership is open to everyone who lives or works within the tri-county region of Christian, Montgomery, and Shelby Counties. For more information visit www.TCCU.org, or stop in or call any of its local branch locations: Taylorville: 422 W. Main Cross Street (217-824-9658); Hillsboro: 138 E. Wood Street (217-532-5300); Litchfield: 801 W. Union Avenue (217-324-7496); Pana: 101 E. Fifth (217-562-2516).
 

Picking The Right Christmas Tree

With Christmas usually comes decorations, and there is no greater decoration than the Christmas tree. The University of Illinois Extension Office is giving some tips on finding the purchased tree whether you get it from a neighborhood lot or a tree farm. Of course, if you have a plastic one, you are already set. 

 

The biggest decision is probably knowing where to place the tree. Make sure to place the tree away from heat sources, such as TVs, fireplaces, radiators, and air ducts, and place the tree clear of doors. Make sure you measure the height and width of the space you have available in the room where the tree will be placed. Take a tape measure with you to measure your tree and bring a cord to tie to your car.

 

Trees sold on retail lots may have come from out of state and may have been cut weeks in advance. Buying trees early before the best trees have been sold can make all the difference in the world. U of I Horticulture Educator Richard Hentschel, says that choosing a fresh tree can help it last the longest and offers some tips himself on what to do including dropping the tree a few inches and seeing how many green needles fall off.

 

 

Hentschel says most trees last the same amount of time, but if you’re able to get a local tree it will last longer.

 

 

Make sure the handle or base of the tree is straight and 6-8 inches long. Some Christmas trees will hold needles longer than others. If you are going to a farm, be careful of fire-ant mounds, tree stumps, an occasional blackberry vine, uneven ground, and sharp saws. Keep an eye on the weather and bring proper clothing including rain gear if need be. 

 

For cutting, it’s usually a two-person project and can be done with the cutter lying on the ground while the helper holds the bottom limbs up.  While the cut is being made the helper tugs on the tree lightly so that the saw doesn’t bind.  The tugging force should be applied to the side of the tree opposite the cut.  A back cut should be made first with the final cut coming from the opposite side. 

 

You can usually bring the tree to the processing area where it will be cleaned and netted. You can also pick up a tree removal bag if the farm has one.  A tree removal bag can be used as a tree skirt and pulled up around the tree to help keep floors clean.

 

If you aren’t putting your tree up right away, you can store it in an unheated garage or an area out of the wind and cold.  Make a fresh cut on the bottom and place the tree in a bucket of warm water.  Make another cut when you bring the tree inside. The stand for the tree should be sturdy and able to hold at least one gallon of water. Keep the water level about the base of the tree.  If the base dries out resin will form and the tree will dry out quicker.  Plenty of research shows that you only need water to keep your tree fresh.

 

Check all Christmas tree lights for cord wear and bulbs working.  Unplug trees at night. After Christmas and you are ready to take your tree down, take it down before it dries out.  Many fresh-cut trees can last at least five weeks before drying out. As always, you can check with your community to see if they have a tree pick-up service at the end of the season.

Studies Being Conducted On Energy Bills For Winter

The Illinois Commerce Commission has announced the release of a Notice of Inquiry report on Extreme Weather Preparedness. After severe weather went through the US South that resulted in massive reduced energy supply and much higher prices, the Commission has looked to see if they can prevent that from happening in Illinois.

 

The ICC says that customers need assurance that everything possible is being done to keep lights and heat on and that outages will be kept to a minimum. Utility service providers were asked several questions related to the preparations that they were doing to prevent issues when temps start to fall. 

 

Many companies interviewed admitted that Illinois has plenty of preparation and most commentators don’t think Illinois will see what Texas saw in February of this year. However, respondents recommended the ICC continue to study changes to its rules and regs that could facilitate mitigation of extreme weather impacts. They also recommended more renewable energy sources, more flexibile payment arrangements, and waiving deposit requirements and fees. The ICC is still working with multiple companies to help keep energy problems to a minimum in 2022 and beyond. 

 

Participants in the study include Ameren, Edison, Dynegy, the Illinois American Water Company, and many others. 

Legislators Share Concerns About High Inflation

A few State Representatives are saying that inflation is getting too high for Illinoisans.  State Reps Avery Bourne and Tom Demmer spoke recently about some bills that they are pushing through to help alleviate that inflation on families. Representative Bourne says that all prices are going up especially grocery bills.

 

 

A tax relief credit is being proposed.  Representative Tom Demmer says that this tax credit is needed not only due to inflation but also due to the supply chain disruption and high taxes already.

 

 

The expectation for cost is $1.4 billion. Representative Demmer says there are a few options for how to pay for this.

 

 

The hope is to address this in January at the general assembly before taxes get filed.

 

 

Representatives Bourne and Demmer hope that there will be mutual support and it is a bipartisan issue.

Memorial Encouraging Child COVID Vaccines

Memorial Health is encouraging all COVID-19 vaccines for children and one Nurse Practitioner Mom is saying that it is bringing her children closer to what she calls “Normal Childhood.” Jamie Cross, a Decatur resident who is a nurse practitioner at Memorial in Decatur has a 7-year-old and a 5-year-old. She got both of them vaccinated and allowed them to pick out a reward at Target. Both children received their first round of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at Memorial Drive-Thru in Springfield. Cross is hoping that it sets a positive example and shows the safety in the vaccine.

 

The CDC voted on November 2nd, to recommend vaccines for elementary school-age children. In recent surveys, 1/3 of all parents of 5-11 year olds are eager to have their children vaccinated. In that same survey, 30% reported they would not get the vaccine for their children. 

 

Dr. Anna Richie, a clinical director of urgent care services at Memorial Health says that she understands parent's concerns. One big concern of course being future side effects.  Most side effects according to Richie are mild with redness or swelling around the injection site. However, one big concern is myocarditis which is inflammation around the heart, mostly reported around older teenage boys after receiving the vaccine.

 

Richie says those are extremely rare and she believes the child is actually more at risk of myocarditis if they contract COVID than from the vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also expressed support for vaccinations.  As for Cross, she is happy they got the vaccine and is thrilled that they are protected from severe illness that can come from contracting the virus. 

First United Methodist Church Food Pantry Operates On Donations

The First United Methodist Church Food Pantry runs on donations.

 

Nancy Mills is a coordinator Methodist Church Food Pantry. 

Schools are some of the main contributors to the food pantry. 

Now is the time to help the pantry out. 

The pantry relied on the help of local churches to make it through the pandemic. 

Learn more on the First United Methodist Church Facebook. 

 

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

Shelby Christian Church Vendor Fair Dec. 11th

Help Shelby Christian Church with their missions!

 

Betty Watkins works heavily with the church and says that there’s a vendor fair coming up Dec. 11h. 

It’s a great way to create exposure for vendors. 

There will be some great food there as well.

Watkins says their missions are beneficial to communities in need. 

Learn more at Shelbycc.org. 

 

Watkins appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

LLCC Online Computer Science Program Nationally Recognized

Lincoln Land Community College's online computer science associates degree is the No. 1 in the nation according to ZDNet. 

 

ZDNet ranks Lincoln Land as the best online computer science associate degree programs providing lecture-based instruction and practical experience while preparing industry professionals for the workforce. 

 

The website notes that LLCC's computer science associate degree hours include 61-63 hours in general education and program-related courses such as computer applications and concepts, computer programming and how it applies in the real world. 

 

Additionally, Intelligent.com ranks three of LLCC's online programs in the top 50 in the state and nation for 2022. Intelligent researched over 2,900 colleges and universities evaluating each instutition for the strength of its online resources, reputation and program strength. 

 

Intelligent ranked LLCC as No. 26 in the Best Commmunity Colleges in Illinois category. 

 

Moultrie County Health Department Offering COVID Vaccines By Appointment in December

 The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) will hold COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinics during the month of December. Individuals may register for an initial vaccine series or a booster. All vaccinations are by appointment only. 
The CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health recommend that anyone over the age of 18 be fully vaccinated and receive a booster. Individuals who have initially received Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations must wait at least six months from their last injection before receiving a booster. Those who have received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine should wait at least two months since their initial vaccination. 
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the only vaccine currently available for children aged 5-17 years. The December 10th clinic will provide adult and children’s COVID-19 vaccines. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It will be held at the Sullivan American Legion, 8 East Strain, Sullivan. 
All other COVID-19 clinics will be held at the Moultrie County Health Department located at 200 S. Main, Sullivan. Please come inside 10 minutes prior to scheduled appointment time to complete paperwork. 
For those who received a previous COVID-19 vaccine, please bring your vaccination card. It is also helpful to dress with a short-sleeved shirt so that the arm is accessible to the nurse. 
Registration for vaccine appointments must be completed online. Please visit the MCHD website https://www.moultriehealth.org/ or the MCHD Facebook. Individuals needing assistance with making an appointment may call the MCHD at 217-728-4114 during office hours.  

Statewide COVID Cases, Vaccinated Rates Both Increasing

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 21,034 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 87 additional deaths since reporting last November 19th.

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,784,900 cases, including 26,313 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois.  The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since reporting on Friday, November 19, laboratories have reported 632,533 specimens for a total of 38,528,321.  As of last night, 1,982 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19.  Of those, 384 patients were in the ICU and 150 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators. 

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from November 17-23 is 3.3%.  The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from November 17-23 is 4.1%.  

Of Illinois’ total population, approximately 67% has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and almost 61% of Illinois’ total population is fully vaccinated according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  
 
Vaccination is the key to ending this pandemic.  To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, click the vaccines icon at taylorvilledailynews-dot-com.

Heartland Dental Provides Externships to Lake Land College Dental Hygiene Students

Lake Land College students Jae Lynn Riggleman of Casey, Kelly McGill of Findlay and Braelynn Barnes of Mattoon will each be taking part in a week-long externship through Heartland Dental.

The program is designed to place second-year students alongside practiced dentists and teams to help the students develop professionalism, ethics, communication and knowledge.

The externship will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday of the week. On day one, students will learn office logistics with a business assistant. Day two will see students shadowing a dentist to learn about the treatment planning process. 

On day three students will observe how hygienists work in the office and with the dentist. The fourth day will allow students to follow hygienists strategies on working with patients for treatments. Finally, the students will sit down with the regional hygiene mentor of operations on day five to discuss the experience overall. 

As part of the program, each of the students also received a $1,000 scholarship and expressed appreciation to Heartland Dental for the opportunities provided by the agreement.

For more information on the Lake Land College Dental Hygiene Program visit lakelandcollege.edu.

Building And Demo Permits Required In Christian County

If you’re building on land you own, you must have a permit in Christian County. 

That’s Christian County zoning director Vince Harris. He says the county has multiple types of building permits. 

Harris says that most without building permits just don’t know that they need one. 

Demolition permits are required, too. 

Learn more at Christiancountyil.com. 

 

Harris appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Moultrie County Health Department To Hold Vaccine Clinics

The Moultrie County Health Department will hold vaccination and booster clinics during December for COVID-19. Individuals may register for an initial vaccine series or a booster.  All vaccinations are by appointment only. The CDC and IDPH recommend that anyone over the age of 18 be fully vaccinated and receive a booster. 

 

Individuals who have received Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations must wait at least six months before receiving a booster  If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine you must wait two months. Pfizer is the only vaccine currently available for children aged 5-17. The December 10th clinic will provide adult and children vaccines. All minors must be accompanied by a parent. That COVID vaccination clinic will be held at the Sullivan American Legion at 8 East Strain in Sullivan.

 

All other COVID clinics will take place at the Moultrie County Health Department located at 200 South Main in Sullivan. If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine already, you are asked to bring your card with you. You can register for vaccine appointments online at www.moultriehealth.org or visit the Moultrie County Health Department Facebook page. You can also get help with making an appointment by calling the Moultrie County Health Department at 217-728-4114.

 

You can visit this story online at www.taylorvilledailynews.com to find out about more clinics that will be held in December in Moultrie County.

LLCC Registration Still Open For Spring Classes

Registration for Spring Classes in 2022 is still open at Lincoln Land Community College.  The Spring semester weekday classes start on January 10th. Face-to-face classes are available at Springfield and Outreach Centers in Jacksonville, Beardstown, Taylorville, and Litchfield and of course, you can still do online and hybrid as well. 

 

If you are a current student, you can register for classes via LoggerCentral at www.llcc.edu/logger-central.  If you are a new student, you can fill out an application at www.llcc.edu.  Students may also visit or call Springfield at 217-786-2292, Jacksonville, at 243-6699, Beardstown at 217-323-4103, Taylorville at 217-786-2754, or Litchfield at 217-786-3401. 

 

At LLCC-Medical District in Springfield, spring semester general education courses are offered in the evening and short-term allied health career programs have various start dates. For more visit www.llcc.edu/medicaldistrict. For more information on spring enrollment call 217-786-2292, text 217-387-8585, or visit www.llcc.edu. 

Secretary Of State Offices Closed Thursday and Friday

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White will be closing all offices and facilities for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 25th, and Friday, November 26th. Offices and Driver Services operating Tuesday through Saturday will be open for business on Saturday, November 27th. If offices and driver services are operating Monday through Friday, then they will be open for business on Monday, November 29th. 

 

As a reminder Secretary White has extended all driver’s license and ID card expiration dates until January 1st.  This extension doesn’t apply to CDL’s or CDL Permits. The US Department of Homeland Security has also extended the REAL ID deadline to May of 2023. 

 

Secretary White encourages all Illinoisans to visit the new website at www.ilsos.gov to find online services such as renewing online, obtaining a duplicate, renewing stickers, and locating the nearest brick and mortar facility. 

Representative Bourne Looking At Different Tax Credits For Families, Individuals

Representative Avery Bourne is pushing for a tax relief proposal in the form of a tax credit for individuals who earn less than $75,000 a year to help offset rising inflation costs.  The State Rep says that the estimated $1.4 billion could be paid out of the $8 billion COVID-19 relief fund since the 6.2% inflation rate was caused by the COVID-19 restrictions on businesses and job loss.

 

 

The new proposal would give credit of $200 for individuals making up to $75,000; $400 for filing jointly, and $200 for head of households making up to $112,500 annually. According to Representative Bourne, this credit would only kick in when inflation rates were over a certain level.

 

 

This legislation could be heard as early as January 4th when the General Assembly convenes again. 

State Fair Passes Go On Sale

While the Illinois State Fair may seem like it is forever away, it is never to early to start prepping for the state’s largest get together. Fair officials announced the start of the traditional holiday promotional campaign for Mega and Jumbo Passes. 

 

The Mega Pass gives you unlimited rides in the Midway and Adventure Village and the Jump Pass has all of that with unlimited trips down the Giant Slide.  A Holiday Special on both passes will be available in December with the Mega Pass for $60 and the Jumbo Pass for $70. IL State Fair Spokesperson Krista Lisser says this has become a holiday tradition.

 

 

Lisser says the prices will go up in 2022.

 

 

Admission Bargain Books and Seasonal Infield Parking Passes are also available and make great Christmas Presents.  The Admission Bargain Book is $45 and provides 11 any day admission to the State Fair. The Seasonal Infield Parking Pass is $40. Find out more by calling 217-782-0775 or visiting www.illinoisstatefair.info. 

Loving Arms Pregnancy Center A Guide For Unplanned Pregnancies

Loving Arms Pregnancy Center can guide you through an unplanned pregnancy. 

That’s executive director Cathy Coker. The center has three areas of programs. The second is prevention. 

The third is recovery for those who have gone through an abortion. 

Loving Arms is looking for counselors. 

Learn more at lovingarmsillinois.com.

 

Coker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Christian County Animal Control Reuniting Pets With Owners

All dogs and cats should have a way to return home.

That’s Christian County Animal Control director Vince Harris. 

You bring vet records with you to the animal control center to pickup your lost pet. 

Occasionally the center has dogs up for adoption. Harris describes the application process.

Learn more on the Christian County Animal Control – Taylorville, Illinois Facebook. 

 

Harris appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

SoS Jesse White: Save Handicapped Parking Spaces For Those Who Need Them

Secretary of State and state librarian Jesse White announcing the Secretary of State Police will conduct parking stings at shopping malls statewide throughout the holiday season.

 

This to combat those parking in handicapped parking spots without a permit. 

This is the 14th year the SoS office has conducted stings.

 

Secretary of State Police will enforce the provisions of the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities at shopping centers on Blake Friday in Schaumburg, Springfield and Fairview Heights as it marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. 

 

White says that the mission is to ensure accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them. He adds that parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine. 

 

Driver’s caught misuisng a placard face a six-month driver’s license suspension and a $600 fine. Repeat violators will face a one-year driver’s license suspension and a $750 fine. Third or subsequent offenses will warrant a $1,000 fine and a one-year driver’s license suspension. You could get a $350 parking ticket for parking in a handicapped space without a placard. Using a deceased person’s placard or a fake can result in a $2,500 fine and a 1-year suspension of a driver’s license. 

 

There are over 500,000 permanent placards in Illinois. 

 

You can report abuse of parking spaces for people with disabilities when you dial 217-785-0309 or at ilsos.gov. 

IDPH Encouraging Boosters

The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging all Illinoisans over the age of 18 to get the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose six months after receiving their second Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or two months after receiving the one-dose Johnson & Johnson. 

 

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health says that this decision comes from the FDA but the IDPH supports the decision.

 

 

She encourages everyone to prep for what may come.

 

 

Early data shows that the vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections is decreasing over time. Dr. Ezike says that you already get a booster shot with your flu vaccine. While Dr. Ezike encourages everyone to get the same type of vaccine for both their first and second doses, the CDC says that mix and matching booster shots are allowed. Individuals can contact their health care provider or visit www.vaccines.gov to find a nearby location to receive a booster dose. People who have questions can call the COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-621-1284. 

TMH Names November Colleague Of The Month

Taylorville Memorial Hospital names its November Colleague of the Month.

 

 

Rhonda Hafliger lives in assumption and works as a patent access associate in the Outpatient Care Center at TMH. 

 

Hafliger joined TMH in 2019. She says the most rewarding part of her job is knowing she helps make the patient’s visit go smoothly. Whether that’s a change of address or a new diagnosis code from the doctor. 

 

Hafliger’s co-workers say she is a true team player doing whatever she can within and outside her own responsibilities to support her department.

 

Outside of work, Hafliger enjoys spending time with her son, morning walks and reading. 

IDOT & ISP Working Together This Holiday Season

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and local law enforcement agencies are joining together to catch speeders, people that are texting and driving, and people that are drinking and driving. Cynthia Watters, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering, says that more cars on the roads leads to the greater potential of crashes. She encourages everyone to buckle up every trip, every time, to help keep yourself and others safer. 

 

Watters asks everyone to remember the rules with children.  If you are traveling with a child, they are required to ride in a child safety seat until the age of 8 and must remain in a rear-facing-seat until the age of 2. 

 

The Illinois tollway is expecting over nine million vehicles on its system over the Thanksgiving Weekend.

IL Tollway Spokesperson Dan Rozek says that lane closures for most roads will end for the weekend to help get you where you need to go easier.

 

 

Rozek says that there are still people going to fast through work zones and causing problems.

 

 

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly says to ensure everyone is buckled up, drive sober, and please keep your eyes on the road when behind the wheel.  He is also encouraging everyone to move over for any vehicle with emergency lights activated on the road. 

 

With more vehicles on the road, Illinois crash fatalities continue to rise.  As of November 12th, there have been 1,090 fatalities compared to 1,029 on the same date in 2020. There will be hundreds of additional seat belt enforcement zones and other patrols aimed at keeping Illinois roads safe.  

 

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.

TMH Turkey Trot 5K This Saturday

Work off that Thanksgiving feast with the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Turkey Trot.

That’s volunteer coordinator and Auxiliary Liaison for Taylorville Memorial Hospital Debbie Johnson. 

You can register for the Turkey Trot up until the race start time at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the hospital. Registration is $25 for day of registration. 

There’s even a professional organization at the event to coordinate the course and your official run times. 

Learn more at memorial.health. 

 

Johnson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Jim Bohannon: Build Back Better Is Not Better

In D.C., House Democrats passed a $1.7 trillion package dubbed the Build Back Better plan. 

 

Jim Bohannon of the Jim Bohannon Show says that it won’t survive the Senate. 

Bohannon says that the plan includes a lot of unnecessary spending. 

Regardless, someone or something has to pay for it. 

Bohannon invites you to take a listen to his show. 

Listen to the Jim Bohannon Show weeknights from 9 p.m. to midnight on WTIM Your Information Station. 

 

Bohannon appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Social Security Administration Has Options For Disabled Who Want To Work

If you are disabled and want to work, the Social Security Administration has options for you. 

That’s public affairs specialist Jack Meyers. The Ticket to Work program is a program supporting those receiving benefits to return to work. 

The Plan for Achieving Self Support Plan allows you to set aside resources and other income besides your SSI for a specified period to pursue a work goal reducing your need for SSI in the future. 

Meyers says that veterans and active duty military members can count on social security. 

Learn more at SSA.gov.

 

Meyers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Kiwanis Hears From German Foreign Exchange Student Attending Taylorville High School at Weekly Meeting

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from a foreign exchange student from Germany attending Taylorville High School, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

 

Amelia Vista is a 16-year-old that’s in the United States for 10 months.  She comes from Bremann, a city of half-a-million people in northern Germany.  She told Kiwanis members her dad and brothers were all foreign exchange students.  She’s staying locally with Kristy and Wes Waters, who have helped her overcome home sickness and helped her adjust.  

 

 

Vista told the Kiwanis Club the school year got easier as it’s gone on, and she’s also learned more English.  She says her favorite things about living in our area are the restaurants and attending high school games.  Vista added the experience is helping her discover herself and her confidence.

 

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.     

Shelbyville Man Sentenced To Eight Years In IDOC For Meth

A Shelbyville man was sentenced to eight years in IDOC on Friday for possession of meth with intent to deliver  Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Croncke confirmed that 28-year-old Trenton D. Morrison of Shelbyville was sentenced on Thursday after an arrest in January.  Police were dispatched to a reckless driver complaint in the 1700 block of West Main Street in Shelbyville.  He was located at the Marathon Service Station on 1200 West Main Street.  

 

Morrison was placed under arrest after police discovered he had a revoked driver’s license and had an active arrest warrant from Effingham County.  Four baggies containing 99.3 grams of meth were located on Morrison’s person and in his vehicle.  

 

This is Morrison’s third prison sentence.  He had previously served two years in prison for possession of meth manufacturing materials in Effingham County and 18 months in prison for possession of a controlled substance in Coles County. This is the latest prison sentence for Morrison who received a Class X felony for the offense.

Puppies Available For Adoption

Two puppies that were found near Pana are finally eligible for adoption. The two puppies were found ten days ago near a ditch and brought in to the Christian County Animal Shelter.  The shelter had to wait ten days to see if anyone claimed them. Nobody has, so the puppies are up for adoption. Vince Harris, who is in charge of the shelter, spoke to Regional Radio News about what happened.

 

 

Harris says if you want one or both of the puppies, you can visit the Animal Shelter or go online, print it off and drop it off. 

 

 

For more information on the Christian County Animal Shelter you can visit their Facebook page, or contact them at 217-824-5433.

 

 


 

Shelby County CEO Program In Full Swing

Shelby County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program in full swing. 

That’s Central A&M High School senior Peyton Daniels. Her counterpart, Gracie Ogle from Stew-Stras High School, is interested in baking. 

Serenity Roberts sells stuffed animals. 

Program facilitator Marla Foor goes over the process for the young entrepreneurs. 

Shelby County CEO program appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show live from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Taylorville Park District Board Grants Land For Skateboard Park

The Taylorville Park District approves a motion selecting a location for the proposed skateboard park. 

That’s Taylorville Park District President Marlane Miller asking for and approving a motion to offer the land for the skate park at the Don Bragg Sports Complex.

Alderwoman Megan Bryant came to the board to ask for guidance. 

Evan Mitchell came to the meeting in support of the skate park. 

The park district board’s next scheduled meeting is set for Dec. 27th. 

Miller Media Group Names Leroy Kleimola Employee of Quarter for 2nd, 3rd Quarters

Leroy Kleimola, the news and sports reporter for the Miller Media Group based in Taylorville, was named "Employee of the Quarter" for the 2nd and 3rd Quarters of this year, by station staff.

 

Kleimola has been in his position for over 2 years, and has also filled in the past few months on Morning Shows on WMKR Genuine Country 94.3 and WRAN groovy 97.3 while the group was without one of 3 full-time programming personnel.

 

Kleimola was given a one-hundred dollar bonus for each quarter by General Manager Kami Payne, and also qualifies for a Florida trip drawing next April.

Rep. Halbrook Reflects On Veto Session

Rep. Brad Halbrook looks back on the 2020 Fall Veto Session. 

Rep. Halbrook voted no against repealing the parental notification of abortion act. 

He’s also against changing the healthcare right of conscious act. 

Rep. Halbrook encourages you to reach out. 

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

What's Next For COVID-19

COVID-19 numbers continue to ebb and flow across the state and currently, Illinois is experiencing a slight uptick in numbers after several weeks of decrease. Currently, the seven-day positivity rate is sitting right above 3%. Michigan is also seeing an uptick in the midwest. Lori Grooms, a director of Infection Prevention and Control for OSF Healthcare says that seasonal upticks are normal but she doesn’t think there will be another surge like we saw last year.

 

 

Grooms says that we won’t see a spike due to the number of people who have gotten vaccines and boosters. She also says that as far as COVID goes, the next step is to downgrade it to an endemic, which is different than an epidemic.

 

 

A disease is considered an endemic when it is manageable or not causing a burden on the health care system. It allows the community to go back to normal activities. Grooms compares it to the flu outbreak of 1918.

 

 

Exposure can come either through infection or through vaccination. A recent study of COVID-19 infections among people who were previously infected with the virus shows that unvaccinated individuals are more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 than those who were vaccinated.  Grooms says she agrees with those findings. 

 

 

For more information on how to get your vaccine or booster for COVID-19, contact your primary care physician. 

Taylorville Park Board To Meet; Discuss Skateboard Park

The Taylorville Park District will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Manners Park Dining Hall at Manners Park to discuss business, approve minutes, and review correspondence and reports for their November Park Board meeting. The board will hear from Jason Boldig with the Lake Shore Golf Course, the board will also hear from Taylorville Alderwoman Megan Bryant concerning the skateboard park. 

 

Under new business, the board will discuss the Christmas bonus and party. The board will also hear from maintenance superintendent Gary Brown, Office Administrator Lisa Morillo, and Recreational Director Bailey Hancock. The board will discuss payment of bills and review the treasurer’s report, October minutes, and any correspondence. 
 

Edinburg Woman Killed In Vehicle Crash (WITH UPDATES)

A woman from Edinburg was killed after a vehicle accident in Bulpitt on Saturday night.  A 48-year-old female, named Lori McTaggart from Edinburg was traveling eastbound on IL Route 104 in a 2018 Blue Jeep Wrangler near James Street in Bulpitt on Saturday night around 7:09 PM. McTaggart moved into the westbound lane to pass vehicles traveling in front of her. As she did she drove into the path of a yellow Caterpillar Tractor Wheel Loader, driven by 22-year-old Steven J. Mann of Kincaid, which was traveling westbound.

 

McTaggart's vehicle caught fire and the tractor flipped over on its side.  When medical personnel responded to the crash, they pronounced her deceased. Mann was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. 

$850 Raised by WMKR, Taylorville Kiwanis During 2nd Annual Pie Auction Thursday

WMKR Genuine Country 94.3 Radio in Taylorville hosted the 2nd annual Taylorville Kiwanis Club Pie Auction on Thursday, to benefit local projects for children and youth.

 

Local bakeries donated pies that were auctioned off from 9am to noon, then several Kiwanis members came in and brought their homemade pies to be auctioned in the afternoon.

 

Bakeries donating pies included Family Traditions Bakery, Kroger, and the Wal-Mart Super Center, all in Taylorville.

 

Kiwanis members baking homemade pies that were auctioned off include Will Perkins, Dick Wamsley, Joe Hauser, Eric Kahle, and Mellisa McMillan.

 

Eight-hundred fifty dollars was raised by the club during the day-long on-air event.

 

The Kiwanis Club thanks all those who purchased pies and also to the 3 local bakeries that donated pies to be auctioned.

 

The local Kiwanis Club that’s part of a 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.

Local Man Hailed As Hero For Saving Life

A local man is being recognized as a hero after he saved a man who was stuck on railroad tracks and refused to get out of his vehicle. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp praised Brandon Gatton from Taylorville who saved another Taylorville man, 68 year old Randy R. Tester.  Tester had driven his 2019 Toyota Tacoma pickup onto the railroad track just west of Shumway Street near the intersection with Calvert Street in Taylorville.  In turning around, the pickup truck got stuck on the track and Tester was unable to remove his vehicle from the track.

 

Gatton had been traveling on Calvert Street when he realized something was wrong.

 

 

The train that was coming was a Norfolk Southern train. Gatton tried to get the man out of the vehicle. 

 

 

Taylorville Fire Department, Dunn’s Ambulance Taylorville Police, and Christian County Sheriff’s office responded to the call. Tester was arrested for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol.  Sheriff Kettelkamp gave Gatton an award for his achievements. 

 

 

Sheriff Kettelkamp urged all Christian County residents to be safe during the holidays.

 

 

Tester’s first appearance in court on the charge of DUI is set for December 16th. 

U of I Extension Offering Tips To Stay Well This Holiday Season

Some tips to keep you well this holiday season from the University of Illinois Extension. 

Acting Director and Nutrition and Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson gives you tips to take the pressure off this holiday season. 

That ol’ saying of everybody packs on 5 pounds around the holidays? Forget about it. 

Sometimes, it just takes a change of mindset to help you stay healthy. 

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu.

 

Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Christian County Sheriff Feels Community Support; Wishes Same From Legislators

The Illinois General Assembly passed the Criminal Justice Omnibus Bill last winter and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it. 

 

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says that this bill has complicated police work in the state, but that it won’t impact the work the S.O. does.

The bill requires 12 hours of hands-on scenario based training, six hours of de-escalation training and six hours of training for high-risk traffic stops. It also requires officers to complete implicit bias training every three years, and 40 hours of crisis intervention training along with the already mandated 30 hours of minimum training.

Kettelkamp says the training is fine, but without additional resources, it is stretching his and other departments thin. 

 

The reform bill also changes the way officers deal with misdemeanors. 

Kettelkamp says the provision allowing people to sue officers for misconduct is making hiring difficult. 

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

AAMP Learning Center In Pana Helps Developmentally Disabled

Autisim and Movement Project in Pana helps fundamentally disabled individuals develop important skills. 

Erica Matthews is the owner and head instructor of AAMP and the owner of Brewin’ Hope Coffee House in Pana. She says that her program has expanded exponentially since it started. 

Matthews started the Brewin’ Hope Coffee House in Pana to give some of her high school clients some real-world working experience. 

She always knew she wanted to work with people with disabilities, but she got the idea for a dance program to help them when she had an interaction with a boy named Connor

Learn more at aamplearningcenter.org.

 

Matthews appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Visionway Christian School and Taylorville Christian Church Work Towards Healing

A group of concerned parents met late last Friday evening to discuss some changes that were happening at a local private school. Visionway Christian School in Taylorville who is run by Taylorville Christian Church made headlines earlier this year when they were put on probation by ISBE for not wearing masks. The probation has since been ended and Visionway has been taken off the probation list. However, on Wednesday, November 10th, the church voted on dissolving the board of directors and school administrator, Glenna Tolliver. 

 

Parents expressed outrage over what they saw as an authoritarian grab. Many parents gathered at Charro in Taylorville on Friday evening, but there were too many people present, so the meeting was moved over to the Manners Park Dining Hall. Nearly 100 parents showed up. Liz Wemple, a parent for a student at Visionway expressed her concern over the move and was proud of the support of all of the parents who showed up.

 

 

School board members that were at the meeting spoke out about the dissolved board saying that it wasn’t about a mask mandate or a vaccine mandate. It was about parents being able to make a choice.  

 

 

The meeting lasted about an hour with parents speaking in solidarity over what many saw as too much power. On Saturday, a group of members reached out to other church members in order to file a petition to bring a collective grievance to the church body to show their sadness and concern over the recent actions at Visionway. 

 

On Sunday at their weekly Church services, the Church Elders announced that the school board had been reinstated and will continue to lead the school. The school board has said they will find a new administrator in the next few months. All previous school board members have been reported that they have returned to their original positions.  Dick Wamsley is currently filling in as the new administrator. The board has said they will be looking for a permanent administrator in the future. Both the school and the church are working on healing.

 

Pastor James Jones of Taylorville Christian Church released a statement saying that the goal is to work towards a better future. 

 

 

School board member, Stacey Funderburk agreed with Pastor Jones, and stressed that it is about the students. 

 

 

Pastor Jones says that through this he hopes that everyone can come together and make things right.

Many parents have reached out to Regional Radio News to voice their support of the many teachers and staff who work hard for their students. 

 

Both Visionway and Taylorville Christian Church have expressed their need to openly communicate better and work towards the betterment of the children in the school. 

Senator Turner Collecting Phones For Soldiers

Those enlisted in the Armed Forces always need care packages. Whether that is baby wipes, beef jerky, little trinkets, or odds and ends, those care packages are what help soldiers and other military get through deployments and other hard times. One area where there is a definite need is cell phones.  State Senator Doris Turner is collecting new and used cell phones to be sent to soldiers.

 

Senator Turner says that giving soldiers a reliable way to call home is important not just during the holidays but all the time. One program that is helping that is the National Cell Phones For Soldier’s program.  The program collects new and gently used cell phones and tablets for soldiers and their families. If you have an old cellphone, mp3, or tablet laying around, you are encouraged to donate them to be refurbished or recycled.  

 

Proceeds from those sales are used to send prepaid calling cards to troops and to provide emergency funding for veterans. All cell phone donations are tax-deductible. To donate, people can stop by Senator Turner’s Decatur office located at 1210 S. Jasper Street or in Carlinville at 130 East Main Street Suite B.  Each office will accept donations from 8 AM until 5 PM Monday through Friday until November 30th.  

 

If you have any questions, please contact her office at 217-854-4502 or visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

Ameren Concerned About Rising Gas Prices; Offers Tips

After problems last winter with rising costs of natural gas, many customers may have concerns about this year and what natural gas may do. Regional Radio News sat down with Ameren to discuss those fears and to talk about what people can do to save a little money this winter. Tucker Kennedy, a Communications Director with Ameren says that this is not just an Illinois issue but Ameren is warning that winter heating bills will be higher than last winter due to supply and demand.

 

 

For customers, energy bills have two components; supply and delivery. For customers they could see a 30% difference in their heating bill this year. 

 

 

Kennedy says homeowners have to be more efficient this winter.

 

 

Kennedy stresses that there are plenty of programs available to help you navigate through this winter, especially if there are issues paying your bills. 

 

 

Kennedy feels the most important thing for customers is to be prepared.

 

 

For more information on help, visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com or call 1-877-411-9276.
 

Pana Officer Recognized For Commitment To Drug Enforcement

A Pana police officer recognized for drug task force work. 

 

Jeff Brown, who is assigned to the Central Illinois Enforcement Group, recognized at the annual awards banquet. 

 

Brown’s work has helped the Federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force purchase and sieze 18 pounds of methamphetamine, 6.5 kilos of cocain, 776 grams of crack cocain, 562 grams of fentanyl, 62 grams of heroin and four firearims and $160,000 in assets. 18 different suspects were arrested on federal charges with four suspects arrested on state charges. 

 

The Pana Police Department participated in the Weekend Warrior Operation, which had a positive impact on the City of Pana and the entire region of central Illinois. 

 

Chief Daniel Bland thanks inspector Brown for his tremendous work dedication and commitment to serving the citizens of Pana and the entire region. 

Original Copy of Gettysburg Address On Display

You can find the original Gettysburg Address on display.

 

It’s at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum.

 

The original handwritten copy of the Gettysburg Address will be on display from the speech’s anniversary on Nov. 19th through Nov. 30th. 

 

Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum says that this handwritten copy of his address is a national treasure, and she hopes everyone will come see it in person.

 

The state of Illinois has owned this copy of the address since 1944 when the state’s children helped raise money to buy it from private owners. 

 

The museum is also launching a web tool you can use to learn more about the address when you scan a QR code available at the exhibit. 

 

More information at PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. 

Shelbyville Festival Of Lights Kicks Off Friday

The Shelbyville Festival of Lights kicks off Friday.

That’s Freddie Frye who is heavily involved with Shelby County Tourism.

Frye says that there are lots of things to see with the festival.

December 4th is the big day for the festival. 

Learn more at lakeshelbyville.com.

 

Frye appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Shelbyville Public Library Unveils New App

Shelbyville Public Library unveiling a new app to help its patrons. 

That’s director Monica Cameron. The Sharelibrary mobile app helps patrons manage their account. 

Even community colleges and universities can utilize the app. 

Cameron says any library part of share is able to use this technology. 

Learn more at shelbyvillelibrary.org.

 

Cameron appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Miller Media Group Stations WMKR 94.3, WRAN 97.3 Returned to Full Power Wednesday Night

Following extensive work at the Taylorville transmitter site Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 Miller Media Group radio stations--WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 and WRAN groovy 97-point-3--returned to full power at 10:15 Wednesday night.

We thank you for your patience while we did a lot of work on the transmitter end, to make our service to you more reliable.

31st Annual Lake Shelbyville Deer Hunt For People With Disabilities This Weekend

Those with disabilities can exclusively hunt this weekend.

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Wolf Creek Staate Park hosting the 31st Annual Lake Shelbyville Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities during the first firearm deer season Nov. 19-21. 

 

Hunters will participate in portions of recreation areas at Lake Shelbyville that are closed for the season. 

 

As a safety precaution, the corps is closing Line Point and Lithia Springs Campgrounds and all of Sullivan Beach, Wilborn, Coon and Opossum Creek Recreation areas to all traffic from 2 p.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Sunday. 

 

The temporary closure impacts boat ramps located within the specified areas. Dam west, Line Point, Lithia Springs, Whitley Creek, Wolf Creek and Eagle Creek State Parks all have boat ramps open. 

 

More information when you contact the Lake Shelbyville Park Ranger Taylor Finks at 217-774-3951. 

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis Fighting Biden Agenda

A total of ten Republican representatives voted for the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, but not U.S Representative Rodney Davis. 

Rep. Davis is fighting the other half of that package – the Build Back Better proposal for $1.7 trillion. 

In theory, this new spending package could damage the Illinois energy business.

Policies related to pipeline expansion and construction are part of the dilemma.

Reach out to Rep. Davis at rodneydavis.house.gov. 

 

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

Sangamon County Stepping Up Enforcement On Driving Sober

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s office on Tuesday announced that they will be cracking down on drunk or texting drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday.  The Click it or ticket and driver sober or get pulled over campaigns will start November 19th and run through November 29th. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell says that it’s up to the community to make smart decisions to drive sober. He encourages all Illinoisans to not drink and drive. He also says that patrols will be stepping up to keep impaired drivers off the road. 

 

If you’ll be celebrating with alcohol or other impairing substances, remember to make a plan for a sober ride home, if you’ve been drinking or using marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, or call a family member to take you home. There are also ride shares available for you to use such as Uber or Lyft and if you do see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 9-1-1. 

 

Law enforcement is asking you to remember to wear a seatbelt and make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.  The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Christian County Board Meets; Discusses Solar Farm

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening to discuss ordinance, new and old business, and to review committee reports. One big discussion the board had was on the zoning for a solar farm. Shelly Kaplan, who lives near the proposed Solar Farms on Langleyville Road spoke out against the solar farms with some valid concerns especially property value. 

 

Chairman Matt Wells explained that the permit that was in place had been granted and was expired.

 

 

The zoning board sent it with two conditions: there has to be a vegetation screen between the solar farm and the neighbors and there has to be a decommissioned plan.

 

 

The motion to approve the special use permit was brought up and discussion went on for about 10 minutes. Voting in favor of the motion included: Chuck Smedley, Mike Specha, Matt Wells, Timothy Carlson, Craig Corzine, Linda Curtin, Ray Koontz, and Dale Livingston. Voting no was Ken Franklin, Bev Graham, Vicki McMahon, Venise McWard, Gene Price, Brian Sharp, and Thomas Snyder Jr. The motion passed 8-7. 

 

The 2022 budget was also approved with discussion on the Sheriff’s budget going from 4% to 3%. Jail Commissioner Cecil Polley stressed that with the decrease in the budget it would be hard for them to be able to provide court security. The budget passed.

 

Matt Wells also discussed new maps for the county.  There is a new law that will be put into effect that requires there to be 1200 persons in each precinct.  Wells is concerned as that means some people will be driving close to ten miles to vote. 

 

 

Craig Corzine asked what would happen if they didn’t put new maps in place, and Chairman Wells said that the State would come in and take over.

 

 

The board will discuss the maps at a later date. The next County Board meeting is set for December 21st. 

Taylorville Kiwanis Hear from Taylorville Boys, Girls Basketball Coaches at Weekly Meeting

 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the Taylorville head boys’ and girls’ basketball coaches, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

 

Ryan Brown is the Taylorville boys’ basketball coach, and he told Kiwanis members that after a COVID-shortened season last year, the Tornadoes will be undersized but a very tight knit group.  He added this team could be the best defensive team he’s coached in several years.

 

 

 

Hayden Eldred is in his 2nd year as the Tornadoes girls’ basketball coach, and told Kiwanis members that this year’s team is young, with several freshmen that will be starters.  

 

 

He also gave a shoutout to the girls’ soccer team, which he also coaches, saying they did well in the COVID-shortened season.

 

The public is reminded to tune into WMKR Genuine Country 94.3 this Thursday from 9am to noon, and 1pm to 4pm, for the 2nd annual WMKR Taylorville Kiwanis Pie Auction to Benefit Children and Youth.  Pies from local bakeries will be auctioned in the morning, and Kiwanis members will bring pies they’ve baked, into the WMKR studios in the afternoon.  All will be auctioned with all proceeds going to local Kiwanis projects for children and youth.

 

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 Mayor Bruce Barry - Veteran's Day, Safe Passage And Beautifying Downtown

Taylorville’s mayor is thankful for the grant aiding Taylorville Police Department’s Safe Passage program. 

Bruce Barry is thrilled with Safe Passage, the program providing an outlet for addicts to come clean. 

A state agency awarded the program $105,000 last month. Now, city of Taylorville is working on a grant to beautify the downtown area. 

Mayor Barry reflects on a wonderful opening ceremony of the Lake Taylorville Veteran’s Point Memorial. 

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

Bruce Blanshan - CCYMCA's New Director

Meet the new Christian County YMCA Director. 

Bruce Blanshan worked for the CCYMCA as a program director many years ago, and is bringing his experience with the Springfield Park District back to an area he knows very well.

Blanshan encourages anyone who has not tried out the YMCA to give it a shot. 

The Y offers many different ways to give – whether that’s your time or your money. 

Learn more at ccymca.org.
 

Blanshan appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Riverton Man Sentenced To 6 Years

A Riverton man has been sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the unlawful possession of a converted vehicle. 51 year old Richard Griffin of Riverton was sentenced on on November 12th, 2021 and Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke announced that the sentence range was probation to 7 years in IDOC. 

Griffin was arrested on July 2nd, 2021 after taking possession of a vehicle from the parking lot of Curtis’ Repair Shop on Route 16 in Tower Hill. According to Kroncke, employees followed the vehicle and blocked it at the Jehovah’s Witness Church parking lot on Route 16 in Shelby County preventing it from leaving. Sheriff’s Deputies arrived and Griffin backed up and rammed the pickup truck driven by the employees causing damage to the pick-up and the vehicle that Griffin stole. Employees removed Griffin from the stolen vehicle and restrained him until police arrived and took him into custody.

 

Griffin admitted that he stole the vehicle and stated that he turned into the church parking lot because he was going in the wrong direction. He said he was surprised that he was blocked by employees and tried to unsuccessfully escape. Griffin has remained in Shelby County Jail since his arrest.  This has been his eleventh prison sentence.

 

State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke commended the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for its immediate response to the case stating that “sheriff’s deputies responded without delay or hesitation and intervened in a situation that could have escalated.  The individuals who assisted law enforcement with their proactive involvement exhibited courage and exemplary citizenship, resulting in the apprehension and conviction of a career criminal.”

VanderMeersch TMH Employee Of The Month For October

An Assumption quality coordinator at Taylorville Memorial Hospital has been named the Colleague of the Month for October Travis VanderMeersch of Assumption, infection prevention and quality coordinator, was honored as Colleague of the Month. VanderMeersch joined TMH in 2016 and says that the most rewarding thing for him is working side by side with colleagues to solve issues related to patient care.

 

Hospital Officials say that VanderMeersch understands the importance of employee participation when it comes to infection prevention and safety protocols.  They are very pleased with his willingness to work alongside departments to put in safety measures that also engage employees in the process.

 

VanderMeersch enjoys spending time with his wife and 1-year-old daughter. He also enjoys watching the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

Taylorville City Council Meets

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening for their regular board meeting. All aldermen were present except for Aldermen Jeremy Brown. The board recognized Chuck and Mary Jo Martin as volunteers of the month. Martin runs the Christian County Coal Mine Museum and was very supportive of Taylorville after the tornado, even giving his house to a tornado victim. Martin’s grandson, Andrew Wiley, spoke about his grandparents and got a good cheer for his speech from the board members. 

The board also finished the final touches of adding Denise Evans and Debbie Prince as part time coordinators. They were approved, had their salaries and hourly rate of pay set, and received their oaths of office.

Downtown Taylorville Organizer Steve Craggs was on hand to talk about how well the website was doing and the movement to get downtown Taylorville exciting again. Diane Skinner from Dear Yesteryear spoke about how well her business was doing, but it wasn’t just hers.  Skinner says a lot of businesses are doing well, especially after a recent Christmas event.

 

 

For more information, visit their Facebook page. 

 

The board discussed approving a liquor license for gaming for Spring Garden Restaurant. Mayor Bruce Barry advocated for the new gaming license saying it’s up to the individual businesses to decide how they want to run their business.

 

 

Aldermen Doug Brown, Megan Bryant, Larry Budd, and Jim Olive voted yes on the motion while Aldermen Chris Skultetty, Steve Dorchinecz, and Kathy Driskell voted no.  The motion passed 4-3. Under committee reports, the board approved hiring a new firefighter and accepting a bid for work on Well #1. Megan Bryant encouraged all Aldermen to come out to the Park Board meeting on November 22nd for their discussion on the Skateboard park. 

Coordination Important For TPD

There are a lot of entities that work together to help keep the peace in Christian County and in Taylorville. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Taylorville Police, Assumption Police, Pana, and many other city police work together to help provide emergency services and support for smaller communities to fight crime and to help keep people safe. One of those entities is the Emergency Response Team.  Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler explained a little about what the ERT is and how it helps Taylorville and these smaller communities.

 

 

Chief Wheeler says they are all trained for SWAT school so that they are ready to go and that helps keep liability down. The villages and Taylorville work very closely together. 

 

 

Not to be confused, Chief Wheeler also discussed the Community Action Team and the differences between them and the ERT.

 

 

Chief Wheeler says that if you are interested, Taylorville is always looking for new officers especially since there is a good chance that they will lose some officers next year. However, that won’t stop TPD from doing its job. 

 

 

Safe Passage Coordinator Denise Evans along with Debbie Prince will be sworn in for Safe Passage Coordinators at the City Council Meeting Monday evening. 
 

Decatur Man Who Steals Truck Has Bond Set

A Decatur man arrested after stealing a truck in Taylorville appeared in court on Friday and has a $75,000 bond. Daniel Skaggs was arrested early last week for stealing a vehicle and aggravated fleeing. Skaggs appeared with a neck brace on and appeared in physical pain in court on Friday. 

 

After arguments from both the State and the public defender's office, the state asked for $75,000 in bond. The public defender’s office asked for $10-15,000. Judge Chris Matoush ordered that bond be set at $75,000 with 10% to apply. A preliminary hearing is set for November 30th. Skaggs will most likely be sent to IDOC as he does have a parole hold from a separate county.  

 

His next court appearance is set for November 30th. 

HSHS Encourages Renewing Health Care Plan

It is time to renew your health care coverage. Certified Counselors at HSHS hospitals will be available by phone to help individuals and families sign up for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act. All individuals and families that enroll by December 15th will get coverage that starts on January 1st, 2022. Coverage will begin February 1st, for those who enroll from December 15th through January 15th. 

 

To arrange for a call back from a certified application counselor, call 217-464-2510.  The counselors are asking that you have the following information ready. Your home phone number, your mobile phone number, an email address, household income, household size, and county that you live in.  HSHS has hospitals in Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville, and Springfield.

 

For more information on Marketplace, visit www.getcoveredillinois.gov or call 866-311-1119. 

Christian County Sheriff's Office Recognizes MSG Bailey

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing one of their own. Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office are recognizing Master Sergeant Alan Bailey who is assigned to the Central Illinois Enforcement Group.  Bailey was presented a commendation at the annual Illinois Metropolitan Enforcement Group Directors & Task Force Commanders Association Awards Banquet held in Peoria.  

 

In the commendation write-up, it was noted that Bailey’s hard work resulted in multiple narcotic purchases and seizures of meth totaling 18 pounds, 6.5 kilos of cocaine, 776 grams of crack cocaine, 562 grams of fentanyl, 62 grams of heroin, and the seizure of 4 firearms and $160,000 in assets. In all, 18 suspects were arrested on Federal charges and 4 suspects were arrested on state charges. 

 

The total value of narcotics purchased and seized is estimated at $1.4 million. Sheriff Kettelkamp credited the cooperation of federal, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies with the hard work done by all investigators who have as he said “put a big hurt on the major drug dealers, in Central Illinois.” 

 

Central Illinois Enforcement Group (CIEG) is a task force of law enforcement officers from ISP, Christian, Logan, Morgan, and Sangamon County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Jacksonville, Lincoln, Pana, and Springfield Police Departments.  The task force works investigations from small level drug buys in rural communities, up to major drug conspiracy cases throughout seven counties in central Illinois, along with investigations such as homicide, home invasions, robberies, burglaries, and other crimes against persons. 

 

Regional Radio Salutes you, Master Sergeant Alan Bailey!

Taylorville City Council To Meet This Evening

The Taylorville City Council will be gathering at 7 PM for their bi-monthly regular monthly board meeting. After a downtown Taylorville update, the board will review and approve the Mayor’s appointment of Denise Evans and Debbie Prince as Temporary, nonpermanent part-time Safe Passage Coordinators. The board will also set the salary and hourly rate for Evans and Prince as well along with the oath of office. 

 

The board will also review the motion for an indoor grease trap at the Olivio’s Drive-In at 1001 West Nectar Lane in Taylorville. The board will also review a settlement agreement and release in full to be executed by Jacque Nation. There is also a look at a C-1 Liquor License with gaming for the Spring Garden Restaurant at 1220 West Springfield Road. 

 

Under committee reports, the board will recommend hiring one firefighter and accepting a bid for some well work.  The board will pay bills, hear from the city attorney, and from Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. 

 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story after the conclusion of the meeting.

Miller Media Group Scheduling Service Outage Tuesday for WMKR, WRAN

 

 

The Miller Media Group has scheduled a service outage for 2 of its stations on Tuesday, November 16th, to do work at its Taylorville transmitter site.

As a result, WMKR Genuine Country 94-point-3 and WRAN groovy 97-point-3 will be on backup transmitters covering the immediate Taylorville area on Tuesday.

It's expected that both stations will have their main transmitters back on the air by the end of the day that day.

Colder Months Increase Carbon Monoxide Dangers In Workplaces

Carbon Monoxide presents many dangers in the workplace. 

 

The Illinois Department of Labor warning of an increased risk of carbon monoxide in the workplace during colder months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the highest number of cases involving CO poisoning occur in fall and winter. 

 

Illinois Department of Labor director Michael Keinik says that workoung around running engines, blast furnaces or industrial ovens put workers at risk of exposure and that workers should be aware of the dangers. 

 

There’s a higher risk for those working in boiler rooms, warehouses, refineries, puplp and paper production, steel production and around docks. 

 

OSHA recommends proper ventilation to reduce risk of CO poisoning on the job. If someone is dizzy, drowsy, or nauseous, immediately report the symptoms and leave the contaminated area. OSHA also recommends CO monitors. 

 

If you believe CO poisoning occurs, immediately call 911. 

Shelbyville Holds Veteran's Day Event

Shelbyville held a parade for veterans on Thursday honoring the many veterans that served or are serving with posters near Lake Shelbyville.  There were nearly 300 posters on a very windy, chilly, Thursday morning. Pat Garlick with Pride Packages was on hand during the event to collect donations for the troops. 

 

 

Garlick says she does Pride Packages for Soldiers who don’t get packages when they are deployed.

 

 

Garlick knew that she had to do something about it.

 

 

Garlick has a website where you can help at www.pridepackages.org. 

 

 

We here at Regional Radio News salute all of our veterans. 

Lake Taylorville Veterans Point Memorial Officially Dedicated Today

 

It was a windy but sunny day this Veteran's Day, for Taylorville to formally dedicate the new Lake Taylorville Veterans Point Memorial, culminating several years worth of work to complete.

 

A good crowd was on hand for the nearly 40 minute ceremony.

 

 

Reverend Tom Belegante opened with prayer.

 

 

 

Steve Craggs, chairperson of the Downtown Taylorville Board that spearheaded the construction of the Veterans Point Memorial, told those in attendance that the ceremony was a culmination of work by many people.

 

 

 

Dean Ray, commander of the Taylorville American Legion, thanked all those who worked tirelessly for this Veterans Memorial to be built.

 

 

U-S Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville, talked about how veterans influenced his life.

 

 

 

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry thanked all the volunteers who put a lot of time into making the Veterans Memorial happen.

 

 

Ricky Reed gave the closing prayer, which was followed by the playing of Taps.

 

 

An edited version of the complete ceremony can be heard below:

 

 

IDOA Offering Specialty Crop Grants

Illinois’ specialty crop producers eligible for grants.

 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture awarding more than a quarter-million dollars a year over the next three years in Specialty Crop Block grants from stimulus funding. 

 

IDOA Director Jerry Costello II says that the total $783,000 in funding should reward the specialty crop producers in the state. 

 

Illinois is the number one producer of pumpkins and horseradish in the U.S. and a top-ten producer of asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, peas, mustard greens and lima beans. 

 

Grant proposal packets and additional information can be found on the department’s website. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 29th. 

 

There are more than 3,200 eligible producers devoting more than 90,000 acres of Illinois farmland to specialty crops production. In a normal year, this creates nearly $472 million in annual sales for Illinois farmers. 

Pana Has A New Economic Development Director

Meet Pana’s new Economic Development Director Kirby Casner.

Casner says one of the first things she has planned for Pana is to develop a plan of action for the city. 

Community input for the future of Pana is welcome. 

Casner says that her favorite part of Pana is the support of the community. 

Casner appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Sunshine Senior Services Is There For Your Medicare

Already halfway through the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare. 

That’s Kathie Cravens, a licensed Medicare healthcare specialist with Sunshine Senior Services. She’s there for you free of charge to go over your plans. 

Plans are never stagnant and that’s what Sunshine Senior Services is there for. 

Cravens says that she values the personal relationships she makes with people face-to-face. 

More information at sunshinesrservices.com.

 

Cravens appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Macon County Conservation District Guides You Through Nature And History

The Macon County Conservation District has a slew of events in the coming weekends. 

 

Brock Rowland is a senior program naturalist and he’s excited about the Candlelight Tour from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. this Saturday at the Rock Springs Conservation Center

The weekend of the 20th, there will be an “Owl Prowl” at the Sand Springs Conservation Center from 6 to 7 p.m.

Then the Macon County Conservation District can guide you through the geminid meteor shower December 11th. 

Rowland is celebrating a sizeable grant for the district. 

Learn more at maconcountyconservation.org. 

 

Rowland appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

State Senator Turner Promotes Conservation Scholarship

A Conservation Scholarship has one State Senator urging seniors in high school to apply. The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications.  State Senator Doris Turner is inviting all eligible Illinois seniors to apply for it. The scholarship will award up to 4 scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection, or enhancement of the state’s natural resources. 

 

Senator Turner, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee says that it not only benefits conservation, but also encourages better land use for farming. She says that the next generation has a great understanding and respect for the environment and this scholarship will help seniors realize their dream. 

 

The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, college fees, textbooks, or room and board.  Funds will be mailed directly to the college and detailed instructions and the application form can be accessed through the ICF website. All applications must be received by March 1st.  Any questions, please call the Illinois Conservation Foundation at 217-785-2003.

Decatur Man Arrested In Taylorville For Stealing Truck

A Decatur man is facing charges after a stolen vehicle led Taylorville police on a pursuit on Wednesday morning.  A truck was stolen from Casey's West.  It was located, and Taylorville Police initiated a traffic stop.  The subject fled the stop and TPD followed the vehicle. The chase led out of Taylorville, and the stolen vehicle at one point tried to run a police vehicle off the road. The stolen vehicle continued northbound on Route 29 before fleeing in a field striking a large ditch, disabling the vehicle.

 

44-year-old Daniel Skaggs of Decatur was arrested and upon research, it was revealed he had 29 prior arrests and 27 convictions stemming from previous burglaries, narcotics, weapon offenses, traffic, and other charges.  

Skaggs was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing and eluding police, resisting a police officer, reckless driving, and driving while revoked. Skaggs is wanted on a parole violation and has a Macon County Warrant. 

 

Pictures Courtesy Taylorville Police Department

 

Taylorville City Council Meets To Discuss Grant

The Taylorville City Council met for a special meeting on Wednesday to review a summary of a special grant available called the Rebuild Downtown and Main Streets Capital Grant Program. The purpose of the grant is to support improvements and encourage investment in commercial areas that have experienced downtime especially because of COVID. Bill Sleeman, with Benton and Associates, says that the grant will help make these commercial areas more attractive for investment.

 

 

Sleeman says that the grant is funded by the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. While there is no match required, it is strongly suggested. The Government is asking you to match 20% and the more you put in, the higher your score is.

 

 

With allowable expenses including design engineering, construction, and construction engineering, improvements have to be bondable. Anything to bring people to your commercial areas. Sleeman says getting letters of support will be huge for the project area that will be done. 

 

 

The board didn’t take any action on it. They agreed to re-meet on December 20th for a public information meeting.

Jim Bohannon: Infrastructure Bill Better Than Alternative; Mid-Term Predictions

Jim Bohannon of the Jim Bohannon Show gives his take on the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package. 

Bohannon welcomes the inclusion of broadband in the infrastructure deal. 

Now that the bill heads to President Biden’s desk, Bohannon believes it is less likely the larger social spending bill will pass the House and Senate. 

Bohannon predicts the House and Senate will see big movement come the midterm elections in November 2022. 

You can listen to the Jim Bohannon Show weeknights at 9 p.m. on WTIM Your Information Station.

 

Bohannon appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Pana Community Hospital Expands Services

Pana Community Hospital is making localized care more accessible.

 

Marketing Manager for Pana Community Hospital Melissa Rybolt says the hospital is welcoming new orthopedic surgeons.

The new physician lineup allows the hospital to make access more available to locals. 

Rybolt says that this allows patients to get to know their physician a bit better.

Pana Community Hospital is partnering with Level Up in Mowequa to provide physical therapy services to those closer to Mowequa. 

Learn more at give.panahospital.com.

 

Rybolt appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Living Sober - How Safe Passage Changes Lives

Safe Passage provides support for those battling addiction.

That’s Safe Passage Coordinator Denise Evans. She brought two Safe Passage alumni with her for them to talk about their sobriety. 

 

Danny Lowis has been clean for over nine months. 

Chris Tucker celebrated 18 months of sobriety this past Sunday.

Evans says that Tucker and Lowis are examples of what can happen for addicts when they take life one step at a time. 

Learn more about Safe Passage on the Safe Passage of Taylorville Illinois Facebook. 

 

Evans, Lowis and Tucker appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

New Veterans Park In Taylorville To Hold Ceremony On Veteran's Day

A plan that started with a vision will finally see its grand inauguration on Thursday at 1 PM. The new Taylorville Veteran’s Memorial will be holding its grand opening on Thursday at 1 PM in a special ceremony that will see speeches from US Representative Rodney Davis along with Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. Memorial Organizer, Dr. Ron Mizer says he is so excited to see this complete after all the work that went into it.  This project started over 4 years ago.

 

 

One of the major attractions at the Memorial is a refurbished 4.7 Howitzer from 1908. 

 

 

The information on the Howitzer has gone to an Eagle Scout named Brandon Garrett who is doing a project on its history. One of the big focuses at the park is the Memorial Wall.

 

 

Everything was meticulously planned including the location.

 

 

For more information visit the Lake Taylorville Veteran’s Point Memorial on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LTVPM. 

 

TPD Warns Of New Scam

Taylorville Police Department are warning of a new scam where people are saying they are from Publishers Clearing House and you have won money. Taylorville Police is asking you to stay vigilant and if it seems to good to be true it probably is. The Taylorville Police Department is asking you to not send money to people you don’t know.  

 

Some other red flags you should be aware of include if someonoe tries to develop a quick relationship with you and than asks for money, if someone says you have to pay to collect your winnings, or if someone is asking you to buy them gift cards for codes it’s definitely something to be aware of. The final thing is to be on the lookout if someone is scaring you or threatening you and says it can go away with money or gift cards, make sure you hang up the phone. 

 

For more information on scams, and tips for avoiding getting hit, visit here.

Taylorville Kiwanis Honors "Community Hero of the Month", Recognizes Kiwanis Foundation Grantees, Hears About Taylorville Park District at Weekly Meeting

 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club honored their “Community Hero of the Month”, presented grants to 2 local non-profits, and heard about the many activities of the Taylorville Park District, all during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

 

 

Long-time Taylorville resident and minister Tom Belligante (right) was presented with the Kiwanis “Community Hero of the Month” award for his volunteer and civic work in the Taylorville community.  Kiwanis treasurer Martin Vota (left) nominated Balligante and presented him with the award.

 

 

2 Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation grantees were on hand to be presented their grant. 

 

250-dollars is being given to the Taylorville Police Benevelent and Protection Association to help fund their “Shop with a Cop” Christmas campaign which last year enabled 86 children to buy Christmas gifts.  Sargent Alan Mills (left) was on hand for that grant announcement.  Kiwanis President Brad Davis (right) congratulated the police association on their grant.

 

 

And, Chuck Martin (left), Executive Director of the Christian County Coal Miner’s Museum, was also on hand for the announcement that the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation is granting 500-dollars to the museum to help them towards building the top of a simulated coal mine to educate school children on the cultural and economic importance of coal mining in the County. Kiwanis President Brad Davis (right) congratulated Martin on the non-profit's grant.

 

 

Program speaker for Tuesday’s Taylorville Kiwanis Club meeting was Bailey Hancock, Recreation Director for the Taylorville Park District, who covered a wide range of activities the District is involved in.

 

Hancock told the Kiwanis Club that planning is in full swing for this year’s “Christmas in the Park” in Manners Park next month.  

 

She added that a technical evaluation was completed on possibly replacing the Manner’s Park Pool.  Hancock added if the Park District Board ultimately moves ahead in considering replacing the now 60-year-old pool facility, grants will be an important part of funding.

 

 

Former Kiwanis President and current member Adam Jeffrey was presented with a perfect attendance award for 5 years of attending meetings.

 

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.     

Time For Last Minute Garden Maintenance

It might be starting to get a bit chilly but there’s still a lot to do in your garden. 

 

Master Gardener with University of Illinois Extension Gwen Podeschi says there are a couple of events coming up in the near future to inform you on mid-autumn gardening. 

That’s coming up Wednesday, Nov. 10. Next week there’s another event you can attend over zoom or in person to help you be more sustainable this holiday season. 

Podeschi offers advice as there’s still time to do some last minute gardening before it gets too cold. Learn more at extension.illinois.edu/mg

It’s also time to start thinking about tree maintenance as well as using up your fall harvest. 

Podeschi offers advice as there’s still time to do some last minute gardening before it gets too cold. Learn more at extension.illinois.edu/mg.

 

Podeschi appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Midwifery Approved In Illinois Legislature

Midwifery approved in the Illinois Legislature. 

That’s state representative Avery Bourne. She says she’s proud to have co-sponsored this piece of legislation which made its way through the General Assembly during the fall veto session. 

Rep. Bourne says that she’s excited to start writing new pieces of legislation, but asks the public for help. 

Rep. Bourne says that she’s there to help increase access to government officials. 

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

 

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

Busy Shelbyville Enters Holiday Season

A busy couple of weeks ahead in Shelbyville. 

 

Madison Hilbert represents the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce and she talked about the upcoming events. 

Many of the events are surrounded by anniversaries of local shops. 

Strasburg is having a meal event next weekend. 

Then the weekend of the 27th there’s a pair of events you should mark your calendar to assist your holiday shopping.

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

TMH To Support Gold Star Families In Illinois

A Central Illinois group that honors the memory of fallen Illinois service members was awarded a grant from Taylorville Memorial Hospital. The Gold Star Mission started in 2017 by current and former military members from Illinois received a $1,000 Community Health Grant for an annual bicycling trek and education scholarships.

The grant supports the Gold Star 500 endurance event, which is a 5-day, 500-mile bicycle trek that raises money to assist with education scholarships for Gold Star family members and associates. Scholarships are named in honor of fallen Illinois Service members, and assist Gold Star families and help others, preserving the fallen service member’s name forever

 

This year’s Gold Star 500 provided TMH an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to community health through collaboration. Executive Director Raedena Ryan says that she is thrilled to be able to help this service out. The foundation launched its board-directed grant program to assist with funding health-related projects in Christian County. 

 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and for more information on the program, contact Ryan at 707-5271 or email her at ryan.raedena@mhsil.com.  To learn about the Gold Star Mission visit www.goldstarmission.org. 

 

Kids, Cops, And Christmas Program To Help Children In Need

The Taylorville Police Benevolent and Protection Association is working on providing wonderful Christmases for less fortunate children in Christian County. The “Kids, Cops, and Christmas Program” will be taking place in December. Sgt Alan Mills with the Taylorville Police Department says that this program has been going on for over 25 years. It will be taking place at the Taylorville Walmart.

 

 

The program will begin taking nominations for families to assist, beginning this week. Contact Sgt. Mills at the Taylorville Police Department.

 

 

For this program, cash donations are accepted. For families that are having hard times, this program can be the right thing that these kids need.

 

 

For this program, Walmart helps cover costs, so every program is going to families in need.

 


For more information, please contact the Taylorville Police Department.

Taylorville School Board Holds Lengthy Meeting Monday Evening

Taylorville School board met on Monday evening for their regular monthly board meeting, but spent the majority of the evening discussing the NPT cooperative between Nokomis, Pana, and Taylorville concerning Taylorville developing their own special needs curriculum.  The meeting was packed with many concerned parents who spoke for over 45 minutes about their concerns over Taylorville breaking away from the NPT Cooperative. 

 

Jessica T. Nguyen, attorney for the district, spoke about Taylorville School District during the public hearing and what the goals were for the Taylorville Special Needs Curriculum. Nguyen stressed that while there may be some teachers that change, the program will remain the same for all services provided by the district except for the Faces and CBI services.

 

 

Parents stressed that it needed to be about the children, that the district needed to put the needs of children first.  Nguyen assured parents that the School District was putting children first. 

 

 

The plan is for the School District to meet individually with all parents who will be impacted by these changes. If implemented, the plan will change on July 1st, 2022. The next step for this is for the Board of Trustees to determine the legality of leaving. The public hearing went from 5:45-6:55. 

 

There were many accolades given out during the regular School Board meeting including recognizing the Madrigal Singers who have been able to get together and sing for the first time since before the pandemic. Here they are singing a song from the Nutcracker Suite. 

 

 

The board also praised the FFA along with allowing them to participate in a national event in Denver after a separate school was disqualified. The board reviewed the Strategic Planning reports, the board reviewed the proposed tax levy, and previewed the Illinois District Report Cards. 

 

Nurse Jenny Moats says they are doing what they can with the mask mandate, but are being restricted by the language in the bills from the IDPH. 

 

 

The next school board meeting is set for December 13th. 

 


 

16 Year Old Killed In Vehicle Crash In Harristown

A minor from Bethany was killed in a vehicle crash on Friday. 16-year-old Kyler A. Lawrence of Bethany, Illinois was pronounced dead on Friday, November 5th at 7:37 AM by Macon County Coroner Michael E. Day. The crash happened at 7590 West William Street in Harristown. The vehicle left the roadway and crossed a ditch, glancing off a utility shed and coming to a stop in the backyard of a house on West William Street. 

 

The crash was discovered shortly after 6 AM on Friday morning. An autopsy was conducted but the cause of death remains under investigation. Lab testing is expected to take 3-5 weeks to complete. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation.

A Focus On Art In Shelbyville

There are plenty of businesses in Shelby County but not many that focus on art. Flourishes Gallery on the south side of Main Street in Shelbyville does.  Carol Kessler, Director of Flourishes has been running it since 2012.  

 

 

While Kessler loves the art, her big focus is on visual arts.

 

 

The Gallery held an art show this weekend featuring artists from all over.

 

 

Kessler took great care to make sure that the Gallery was laid out the way she wanted it to be.

 

 

Flourishes Art Gallery is located at 140 ½ E. Main Street in Shelbyville.  Kessler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Lake Shelbyville Update

With some campgrounds starting to shut down, Brock Key with the US Army Corps of Engineers gave an update on water levels over at Lake Shelbyville. Key also talked about some of the decisions that go into the water levels.

 

 

Most campgrounds at Lake Shelbyville have shut down, but there are some that are still open but you have to act now.

 

 

The 31st Annual Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities, hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Wolf Creek State Park will be held November 19 through November 21, 2021.

 

 

Fish cleaning stations are closed, but boat ramps will remain open and are free until next spring. 

 

 

Brock Key appeared as a guest live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Christian County YMCA Welcomes New Director

The Christian County YMCA has a new Director. Bruce Blanshan has been named the new Executive Director of the YMCA effective October 27th. Selected by the YMCA’s Board of Directors, Blanshan succeeds Chris Weittenhiller who stepped down in May.  Blanshan says that his main goal is to establish a presence in the community. 

 

 

Blanshan says he’s looking forward to things getting back to normal after the pandemic.

 

 

There is some work being done at the YMCA, and Blanshan is excited for what is being done.

 

 

CCYMCA Associate Director Andrea Bach says that she is excited to have Bruce on board.

 

 

For more information on the YMCA, visit https://www.ccymca.org/. Blanchan comes to the Y with 30 years of experience in recreation. He was serving at the Springfield Park District where he was the GM of the Nelson Center for the past 18 years. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Recreation from the University of Northern Iowa.

 

 

 

 

(All pictures courtesy of Teresa Nelson)

IDPH Gives COVID-19 Update

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced on Friday that over the last week there were 17, 462 new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois including 183 additional deaths. According to the CDC, 66% of all Illinois has received at least one COVID vaccine and almost 61% of Illinoisans are fully vaccinated.  

 

Earlier last week, the IDPH adopted the CDC recommendation that all children 5-11 receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  For those 5-11, the dose is smaller than those 12 and older.  The Pfizer vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, three weeks apart. 

 

Currently, overall, 1,712,986 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Illinois total of 25,948 deaths attributed to the disease.  As of Friday, 1,257 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19 and of those 282 patients were in the ICU and 148 were on ventilators.

 

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity rate is at 2.1% with a total of 15, 911,477 vaccines administered. The rolling average of vaccines administered is 52,670 doses.  

 

For more information on COVID and a look at rates in your county, visit www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19. To find out more on vaccines visit www.vaccines.gov. 

New Reading and Writing Competition Announced For School Children

For students, many experts believe that reading is one of the most important things you can do. Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is encouraging students in grades 4-12, to enter a reading and writing competition called “Letters About Literature in Illinois.” The competition is offered by the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book. 

 

Letters About Literature in Illinois encourages students to read a book of their choice and write a letter to the author about how that work changed their life or view of the world. Students can enter on their own or through their school. White holds this competition ever year and says that thousands of students participate every year. 

 

There are three levels of participation: Level 1 for grades 4-6, Level 2 for grades 7-8, and Level 3 for grades 9-12. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, December 15th, 2021. One winner will be selected for each level and receive a cash award and a plaque signed by Secretary White.  Teachers will also receive a certificate and the school will receive a cash award for purchasing books. 

 

Winners are scheduled to be announced toward the end of this school year. 

Lincoln Land Community College To Host Veterans Day Ceremony

Lincoln Land Community College will honor all veterans at its 26th annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Thursday, November 11th.  The ceremony will begin at 12:30 PM at the Lincoln Commons on the LLCC Springfield campus at 5250 Shepherd Road.  There will be a reception to follow and the public is invited to attend.

 

The program will include many guests including Ken Elmore, LLCC Board of Trustees Chair, who will serve as master of ceremonies, Private First Class Darian Hayes, a LLCC student in the US Army Reserve and LLCC student Jack Barham singing the national anthem.

 

The Veterans Day Ceremony is sponsored by LLCC Student Life and honors all veterans including LLCC faculty, staff, and students who served in the armed forces. 

Taylorville School Board To Meet Monday Evening

The Taylorville School District will meet on Monday evening at 6 PM in the High School Cafeteria for their regular monthly board meeting.  The board will focus heavily on communications including THS Volleyball and Cross Country Success.  The board will recognize the FFA and award winner Lizzie Schafer. The board will also recognize Athletic Director Jason Hadley for his work with special needs students. 

 

The board will also recognize Aramark Food Service employee of the month Mandy Burke. There will be a breakfast for all area veterans on November 12th. The CEO Banquet is set for November 20th. There will also be a fundraiser mystery dinner scheduled in March.  There are 14 THS Illinois State Scholars and the board will acknowledge the success of Taylorville Junior High with their National Blue Ribbon School Presentation. 

 

Under old business, the board will go over the strategic planning building and finance committee reports. There will also be a discussion and possible action on an emergency extension of the current Aramark Foodservice contract. Under new business, the board will discuss and possibly take action on a resolution abating tax levied for the year to pay on the refunding bonds. Also on the agenda is a consideration of worker’s compensation insurance renewal, a review of the proposed tax levy, report cards, and a resolution for dismissal of a food service employee from the school effective retroactively to October 5th. 

 

The board will hear from Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty, hear from visitors, and consider personnel as well. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story after the conclusion of the meeting Monday evening. To see the full agenda click here

TJHS Recognized In Washington DC

Congratulations to Taylorville Junior High School! They were recognized in Washington DC with a Blue Ribbon Award. Schools received a Blue Ribbon Award for a number of different criteria. According to the website, "The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed more than 10,000 awards to over 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. Schools are eligible for nomination after five years. The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning."

 

Congratulations to Taylorville Junior High School!

 

Greater Taylorville Chamber Of Commerce - Halloween Success, Veteran's Day Around The Corner

The Taylorville Halloween Parade a success!

That’s executive director of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Linda Allen. She says that the parade is something the community used to look forward to every year before COVID. 

Chairperson of Smalltown Taylorville Dyanne Skinner invites you to come out to the Veteran’s Day Event at Lake Taylorville. 

This weekend, the Smalltown Taylorville Holiday Shopping Kick-off hits the Taylorville square. 

Learn more at smalltowntaylorville.com. 

 

Skinner and Allen appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Prepare Your Garden For Winter

Time to prepare your garden for winter.

University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger says that there are tips you can take to prevent pests for house plants. 

Not just your indoor plants, either. 

U of I Extension has a webinar to help you prepare this Wednesday, Nov. 10th. 

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu/global/horticulture. 

 

Holsinger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

State Senator Steve McClure Announces Candidacy For New 54th District

State Senator Steve McClure, Assistant Republican Leader, announced his reelection campaign for the State Senate at the Sangamon County GOP Headquarters. Senator McClure says that he is committed to standing up against what he calls a radical liberal agenda that is driving the chaos across Illinois.

 

Senator McClure outlined his first three years in office and blamed Governor JB Pritzker and Democratic leaders for "stripping protections and funding from law enforcement." He says that he is proud of his accomplishments including funding for pediatric cancer research, tougher protections against online exploitation, and expanded job opportunities for veterans among other things. He serves on the Criminal Law, Agriculture, Energy and Public Utilities, Executive Appointments, and Local Government Transportation among other committees. 

 

The newly redrawn 54th Senate District includes teh counties of Fayette, Effingham, Madison, Bond, Shelby, Sangamon, Moultrie, Montgomery, Menard, Macoupin, Macon, Douglas, Cumberland, and Christian. 

Taylorville Kiwanis Club Kickoff Campaign to Raise $14,000 to Replace Kiwanis Park Pavilion Floor


The Taylorville Kiwanis Club this week kicked off a campaign to raise 7-thousand dollars to replace the concrete floor in the Kiwanis Park Pavilion, which was built in 1995.  The pavilion roof was recently replaced by Kiwanis members, and the concrete floor is in dire need of replacement.  

7-thousand dollars from the local Kiwanis Club Foundation, will be seed money for the 14-thousand dollar project.  It’s hoped the remaining 7-thousand can be raised locally so that work can start next spring.  To donate to this effort, contact President Brad Davis at his Edward Jones office at 287-2663.

Daylight Saving Time A Good Chance To Test Smoke Alarms

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding Illinoisans to test and inspect fire and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries if they need to be replaced over the weekend. Fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be checked twice a year, and Daylight Saving TIme is a great time to do that. The OSFM also encourages you to go over fire escape plans especially as cold weather arrives. 

 

Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez says that sometimes you only have 3 minutes to escape a fire so knowing where to go during a fire is extremely important. The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2014 and 2018, almost three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires with no smoke alarms or non working smoke alarms. 

 

The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that didn't have any working smoke alarms compared to the rate in homes with working smoke alarms. Dead batters caused 26% of the smoke alarm failures. Replacing alarms that have missing or are either expired or broken with new ten-year sealed detectors will help reduce deaths from fires.

 

A new Illinois State law required ten-year sealed smoke alarms be installed in all homes built before 1988 or that do not have hardwired smoke detectors by January 1, 2023. There is a new Illinois program called "Be Alarmed!" which has been developed to educate Illinois residents on teh dangers of fires and how to prevent fires from occuring in the home. For more information visit www.ifsa.org/programs/alarms. 

CDC Recommending Vaccines For Children 5-11

The CDC is recommending that all children ages 5-11 be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer BioNTech pediatric vaccine. THE CDC is expanding vaccine recommendations to about 28 million children in the US.

 

According to the CDC, COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalizations, deaths, MIS-C and long term complications which can linger for months.  COVID-19 vaccinations have undergone and continue to undergo safety monitoring. Not only does the CDC say that getting COVID-19 vaccinations will help protect your child against COVID, but it will reduce disruptions to inperson learning, and help curb community transmission. 

 

Distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for pediatrics will begin this week with plans to scale up to full capacity starting next week.  Vaccines will be available at thousands of pediatric healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, health centers, and more.

 

Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, CDC Director, says that,

 

“Together with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against the virus that causes COVID-19.  We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million children receive a COVID-19 vaccine.  As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated.” 

Prepping For Daylight Saving Time

With Daylight Saving Time ending this weekend, it is important to begin preparing yourself and kids for the return to Standard Time. Daylight Saving Time or DST, ends at 2AM on Sunday morning when we “fall” back and turn the clocks back an hour. Doctors at HSHS are encouraging you to take steps to get ready for the change.

Experts say adults should get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night, but the CDC says that 1 out of every 3 adults do not get as much sleep as they need and that can have affects on your health. Jana Durbin, a cardiopulmonary facilitator at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital says that you should wake up and go to bed 15-20 minutes earlier in the days leading up to the time change. This will allow your body and brain to adjust slowly rather than all in one night. She recommends staying on a bedtime and wake up time routine after clocks do fall back to help your brain prepare for sleep.  

 

Light can be a big environmental factor in your quality of sleep and attempting to get a little extra sunlight during the daytime hours can make the adjustment a bit easier. Some other things you can do to achieve quality sleep include: limiting electronics one hour prior to bed to prepare your body and brain for sleep, do not go to bed hungry by eating a light, healthy snack at least 30 minutes before bed if necessary, keep the bedroom temperature cooler than the rest of the house, and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and exercise close to bedtime.

 

Most of the US will “spring” forward when Daylight Saving Time begins in March. For more information on sleeping better, you can contact the Cardiopulmonary Department at HSHS at 217-774-3961 or contact your own primary care physician. 

Like Mother Like Daughter - Brune And Ikemire Making A Difference In C.C

From the streets to providing stability to those in-need. 

That’s Conscious Action founder Renee Ikemire, who aims to build a homeless shelter for those who need it serving more than just a roof over their heads. 

Her mother, Kim Brune, is the founder of the Davis Memorial Christian Church Clothes Closet. 

Brune and Ikemire both say they need volunteers. 

Brune and Ikemire appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Hope House Of Central Illinois Is There For Grieving Parents

Hope House helps parents who have lost children go through the grieving process. 

That’s board member of Hope House of Central Illinois Michael St. Louis. For him, this is personal. 

St. Louis wants there to be a place for parents to go for when disaster happens to their children. 

Hope House of Central Illinois has an open house coming up Sunday. 

Learn more at hopehouseofcentralillinois.org. 

 

St. Louis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Taylorville Kiwanis Club Provide 36 Taylorville Head Start Children Winter Coats, Hats, Gloves

36 Taylorville Head Start children this week benefited from new winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots provided by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, as part of the club’s annual “Coats for Kids” project.

 

Recently, Kiwanis members Mellisa McMillan, Dick Wamsley, and Blain Cornwell, assisted Head Start teacher Shannon Heberling, and several Wal-Mart associates, in picking the winter apparel that the Kiwanis Club again funded and were given to the children this week.

 

This is a long-time project for the local Kiwanis Club that’s part of a 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 Kiwanis Club Announce Grants for Non-Profits Benefiting Children, Youth

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is helping 4 local non-profit organizations in projects benefiting children and youth.  It was announced at Tuesday’s Kiwanis meeting, that 250-dollars will be given to the Taylorville Police Benevelent and Protection Association to help fund their “Shop with a Cop” Christmas campaign which last year enabled 86 children to buy Christmas gifts; and 500-dollars is going to the Christian County Coal Miner’s Museum, to help them towards building the top of a simulated coal mine to educate school children on the cultural and economic importance of coal mining in the County.

 

Other Taylorville Kiwanis Club grants are going to Camp New Hope near Mattoon, with 525-dollars being donated to enable one Christian County developmentally disabled youngster to attend a week of summer camp.  The last of 4 grants from the Kiwanis Club is 600-dollars going to the Family Beekeepers of Illinois, to enable one student to participate in their youth beekeeper program.

 

The 4 grants came from applications submitted to the club’s Funding Committee.  Next year’s grant application cycle will begin in August of 2022.

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.     

U.S.Rep. Rodney Davis On IL Legislative Maps

An ABC article highlighted U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis as being the odd man out with the redrawn legislative maps, but that is not the case. 

Rep. Davis says he’s looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges newly drawn maps present, which still need Gov. JB Pritzker’s approval.

Rep. Davis says that he is going to campaign as one of the many who will stand up to President Biden. 

He says that he is proud to represent his home area of central Illinois. 

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

Central IL Food Bank Attempts To Aid Food Insecure Residents

Even as the pandemic winds down, food insecurity is still high in central Illinois. 

That’s public relations manager for the Central Illinois Food Bank Tim Kirsinikas and he says that the food bank is there to support anyone in need. 

There are thousands who need help in the region. 

Kirsinikas says that volunteers are always welcome.

Learn more at centralilfoodbank.org.

 

Kirsinikas appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Park District Reviews Pool Assessment

The Taylorville Park Board met for a special meeting on Tuesday at 1:30 PM to review an assessment from Burbach Aquatics on the state of the Taylorville Park District pool. The Taylorville Park Board reviewed the technical evaluation report from a PowerPoint presentation and discussed the report at great length afterward. Recreational Director Bailey Hancock says this was a much-needed first step in the process of fixing a very old pool.

 

 

Hancock continued by stressing that Burbach did find a lot of things that need to get fixed with the pool, and so she believes it is time for a new pool.

 

 

No action was taken at the meeting other than moving forward with a feasibility study possibly set to begin in January.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 PM. The regular Park Board meeting is set for November 22nd. 

Taylorville Kiwanis Club Hold Business Meeting at Weekly Meeting; Announce Further Efforts For Children and Youth

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the latest efforts by the club to benefit children, during their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  

It was the monthly business meeting, where Kiwanis Committee chairs reported on the many activities benefiting local youth.  Priority One chair Mellisa McMillan reported some 36 Taylorville Head Start children were given winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots, during their annual Coats for Kids effort sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.  Kiwanis Builders and Key Club Committee chair Will Perkins announced that the Junior High Builders Club would be re-started, and that the Senior High Key Club will be holding a Color Run as a fund raiser for their club activities.

Park Committee co-chair Duane Stock reported that repairs are being made on the firepit and playground at Kiwanis Park, and a hollow tree over the playground will be taken down by the Lake Department.

President Brad Davis reported that the Tuesday meeting was the kickoff of a campaign to raise 7-thousand dollars to replace the concrete floor in the Kiwanis Park Pavilion, which was built in 1995.  The pavilion roof was recently replaced by Kiwanis members, and the concrete floor is in dire need of replacement.  7-thousand dollars from the local Kiwanis Club Foundation, will be seed money for the 14-thousand dollar project.  It’s hoped the remaining 7-thousand can be raised locally so that work can start next spring.  To donate to this effort, contact Brad Davis at his Edward Jones office at 287-2663.

Schafer Wins National FFA Award

It’s no secret that the Taylorville FFA does fantastic when it comes to shows and President of the Taylorville FFA Lizzie Schafer speaks highly of all of the FFA members. She got to show off a little hardware herself as she won a National Proficiency Award in Agri-Science Animal Systems. Schafer says she was shocked to have won.

 

 

Schafer says this project has been in the works for a while.

 

 

A lot of the work that was done for the National Convention was done online and the top four finalists got to interview.

 

 

Schafer got a $1,000 scholarship and a pin for her jacket. Schafer said she hopes this will help get more support for local FFA chapters like Taylorville.

 

 

For more information on the Taylorville FFA, visit their Facebook page. 
 

Christian County Board Holds Special Meeting on Tenaska Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Project

A name that's familiar to some in Christian County—Tenaska (ten-ASK-uh)--that wanted to build a power plant to turn coal into natural gas northeast of Taylorville some 10 years ago, is now part of a company that wants to use that same property for carbon dioxide, or C-O-2, sequestration project.

 

Tenaska is a partner in Navigator C-O-2 Ventures L-L-C, and now wants to use that same property to sequester up to 15 million metric tons of C-O-2 in the Mount Simon rock formation 64-hundred feet below ground.

 

 

Over half a dozen officials from Tenaska spoke at a special meeting of the Christian County Board Tuesday night, to layout their plans for a 5-state C-O-2 pipeline that would bring it to be injected into that rock formation under their property northeast of Taylorville.

 

County Board chair Matt Wells allowed the public to make comments, then the Tenaska officials gave an overview of the proposed project which must have county board approval before proceeding.  

 

Following Tenaska's presentation, Wells opened the floor to County Board members, then Drainage District Board members who Wells also invited to the meeting.

 

Monte D. Ten Kley, who is Director of Strategic Development and Acquisions for Tenaska, told Regional Radio News after the one hour 20-minute meeting, that it was beneficial.

 

 

Ten Kley added that those in attendance asked a lot of great questions.

 

 

Ten Kley said securing leases from landowners who will be affected is the first step in the process, but the project ultimately must be approved by the Christian County Board.

 

 

Tenaska will begin holding landowner meetings in the near future.  See a summary of Tenaska's presentation by clicking HERE.

 

SoS Office Unveils New Website

The Illinois Secretary of State website receives a face-lift. 

 

Secretary of State Jesse White announcing the update to its website name – ILSOS.gov. 

 

Secretary White says that the “.gov” ending to the website is designed to designate that it is a government website to combat fraud. 

 

Those who type cyberdriveillinois.com into the browser will be redirected to ILSOS.gov.

 

In addition to the name change, the website has been redesigned for easier access to services such as driver license, ID card and license plate renewals. 

Butterflies, Winter And How You Can Help Ag In The Classroom

Ag in the classroom teaching kids many exciting programs this fall and winter. 

That’s Ag in the classroom coordinator Rebecca Livingston. She says there are some things you can do to help butterflies before they migrate south. 

Then the shift to winter programs begins in late November. 

Anyone can be involved with Ag in the classroom programs. Whether by donation or ideas. 

Reach out to Livingston when you call the University of Illinois Extension office in Taylorville. 

 

Livingston appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Tips For Dairy Consumption

The best milk is local milk. 

That’s registered dietitian with the St. Louis Dairy Council Jill Williams. She says that organic milk is likely coming from out of state. 

She also offers advice for those wanting a tasty drink to refuel after a workout. 

Whatever you choose to do with milk, don’t drink it raw. 

Learn more at stldairycouncil.org.

 

Williams appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

LLCC Taylorville Downtown District Renamed

If you want to work in the medical field, check out Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville. 

Director of LLCC in Taylorville says Dee Kreuger says that the downtown district has renamed itself to the medical district, providing certifications for entry-level medical jobs. 

Of course, you don’t have to want to work in the medical field to attend LLCC.

Kreuger also celebrated a former Christian County CEO alumni Kyle Cearlock who graduated LLCC.

Learn more at LLCC.edu.

 

Kreuger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

New Redistricting Maps Get Approval

With the veto session in the rearview mirror, one area that has been a huge topic of conversation has been redistricting.  House Democrats voted to pass the fourth and final version of a congressional map around midnight on the final day of the Veto Session.  The House held no committee hearing on the final map, took no testimony from advocates, and gave legislators and the public no time to look at the map.

 

State Representative Avery Bourne says that House Bill 1291 will give Democrats a 14-3 majority instead of the 13-5 majority that we see right now. 

 

 

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon says that Democrats “chose to unite communities of interest that shared political philosophies and policy objectives, and I think that’s the theme all across the map.” View the map here

Get Ready For Winter

November is winter weather preparedness month in Illinois. 

 

While the official start of winter is not until Dec. 21St, it’s time to start preparing now. 

 

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Labor, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Illinois Department of Transportation and National Weather Service encouraging people to begin preparing now for extreme cold, snow and ice. 

 

When checking your vehicle’s emergency supply kid, make sure it contains blankets or sleeping bags, flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kid, non-perishable snack food, water, sand or cat litter, a shovel, booster cables and a cell phone charger. 

 

In the home, be sure your heating systems are functioning properly. In 2017, nearly 400 people died of unintentional non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S. Fire departments responded to nearly 80,000 carbon monoxide incidents, which is an average of nine calls per hour. 

 

You can make your home safe of carbon monoxide by clearing vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace of snow-buildup. To prevent fires, make sure flammable objects are at least three feet from all heat sources. You should never use an oven to heat your home. Also remember to turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 

 

Above all else, check your carbon monoxide and fire alarms for fresh batteries. 

 

Learn more at ready.illinois.gov.

Taylorville City Council Meets; Discusses Skateboard Park Location

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening to discuss business, ordinance, and committee reports. After approving a multitude of ordinance’s concerning the business development district, Mayor Bruce Barry heard from City Attorney Rocci Romano who spoke about creating the office of a temporary part time Safe Passage Coordinator. He let Mayor Barry know that it would take ten days for the motion to take effect. The motion passed 9-0. 

 

A motion that would approve allowing an indoor grease trap as opposed to an outdoor grease trap for Scooters in Taylorville passed 5-4. The variance was allowed and it would expire if Scooters changed to a food service establishment as defined by city code.

 

The board approved Pat Kretzer to the Planning Commission and moved a couple committee meetings later in November 

 

Mayor Barry thanked everyone for attending the Halloween parade and the city was approved for a grant.

 

 

The discussion came up on the proposed skateboard park that would be located at 203 East Market Street.  Aldermen Jim Olive said that he got a lot of disapproval for the location, not the skateboard park itself.

 

 

The general consensus among the Aldermen was that they approved the Skateboard Park, but it should be the Park District’s responsibility. Alderman Kathy Driskell stressed that it needed to go back.

 

 

The motion was amended to say that there would not be a skateboard park built at 203 East Market Street and it would go to the Taylorville Park District. 

 

 

The next city council meeting is set for November 15th. The Taylorville Park Board meeting is set for November 22nd. 
 

HSHS Good Shepherd Has Your Physical and Occupational Therapy Covered

Good Shepherd HSHS has your physical and occupational therapy needs covered. 

That’s Tom Shoaf, physical therapy assistant for Good Shepherd. He says there’s all sorts of reasons a person would go to physical therapy. 

 

Certified Occupational Therapist Teri Whalen says that dizziness is among the reasons people may seek therapy. 

Whalen says she’s interested in neurological disorders. 

Shoaf says there’s other ways than going to a therapist to manage disorders like Parkinson’s. 

Learn more about physical and occupational therapy at HSHS.org.

 

Shoaf and Whalen appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville City Council Meeting This Evening

The Taylorville City Council will meet Monday evening at 7 PM at the Municipal Building for their regular scheduled bi-monthly meeting. After a Downtown Taylorville meeting, the board will review ordinances concerning the Business Development District, and create an office of temporary non-permanent part-time Safe Passage Coordinator.  

 

The board will review a motion authorizing the award of a contract to Illinois Valley Paving for a airport project. The board will review a motion for some work at Scooters at 1187 East 1500 North Road and some engineering services. The board will vote on terminating some lake lots and approve the Mayor’s Appointment of Pat Kretzer to the Planning Commission Chairman, and Scott McClure to the Planning Commission Secretary.  The board will also review moving some committee meetings.

 

Under committee reports, the finance committee will review the treasurer’s report, the public facilities committee will review a proposal for a new camera near the police department and donating or leasing property at 203 East Market Street for a new skateboard park. 

 

Under street and sewer, the board will review purchasing a new sewer camera, fixing a collapsed storm line, and reimbursements. The board will review a motion raising sewer tap fees to $300 and excavation fees to $500. 

 

There will also be city attorney and Mayoral updates as well. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this meeting at the conclusion. 

Pride Packages Never Forgets Veteran's Day

Veteran’s Day is approaching and it’s never too early to show a veteran you care. 

 

CEO of Pride Packages Pat Garlick says that mail is something most service members look forward to. 

Garlick says that she got the idea of Pride Packages from her son who was in the service. He knew a marine who would not receive any packages despite long periods of waiting.

Anysoldier.com is how Garlick finds the soldiers who may need packages. 

Pride Packages operates on donations, and shipping is expensive. 

Learn more at pridepackages.org.

 

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

Beardstown Man Arrested For Ten Counts Of Child Pornography

A Beardstown man has been arrested for possession of child pornography. 21-year-old Cooper A. Smith from Beardstown was arrested on October 28th, stemming from an investigation that began on June 4th, 2020. ISP DCI Zone 4 investigators initiated an investigation after receiving information about child porn being distributed on a social media application.  After a thorough investigation, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Internet Crimes against Children Task Force gathered evidence and identified Smith as the suspect. 

 

On October 28th, 2020 a search warrant was granted through Macoupin County for a residence in Mount Olive where Smith had been living.  The search warrant was executed and additional evidence was collected.  On October 28th, 2021, the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a 10 count information, charging Smith with 10 counts of Possession of Child Pornography, a Class 2 felony.  An arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $75,000 with 10% to apply. Smith was arrested on october 29th at his current residence in Beardstown and was transported to Morgan County Jail.

 

If you have any anonymous tips of child pornography, you can report them through the National Center for Missing and exploited Children’s cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com.

Shelbyville Festival Of Lights Starts Nov. 19

The Shelbyville Festival of Lights starts Nov. 19. 

Coordinator Bill Bly says that he and volunteers replaced thousands of lights with brighter, more efficient LED lights. 

Bly says that LED lighting is easier to maintain, too. 

Of course, nothing is free and the festival of lights welcomes donations of any size. 

Learn more about the Shelbyville Festival of Lights at lakeshelbyville.com

 

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

Oconee Man Sentenced To 7 Years In IDOC

An Oconee man has been sentenced to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on Wednesday.  28-year-old Nathan W. Moore of Oconee was sentenced on Wednesday to a charge of possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Moore faced an extended-term sentence with a max term of ten years due to prior criminal history.

 

Moore was sentenced to a concurrent term of six years in IDOC for the offense of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with a prior conviction.  Moore was arrested on June 1st of 2021 after police attempted to stop his vehicle for driving with a loud exhaust.  Moore fled at a high rate of speed, abandoning his vehicle after running a stop sign and driving through a backyard of a residence.  He fled on foot and was apprehended as he ran towards a tree line in Tower Hill.  Upon arrest, police located 1.8 grams of meth and 2. 8 grams of buprenorphine, a controlled substance, in his pocket. 

 

Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke thanked the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, who was the arresting agency in the case. 

New Surgeon Working In Taylorville

Residents in Taylorville will have a new orthopedic surgeon. Dr. David C. Tapscott, an orthopedic surgeon from Springfield Clinic, began doing surgical procedures at TMH in August.  He performs surgery at TMH on the first and third Thursdays of each month.  He is serving in the specialty services and surgical teams at TMH.  

 

Tapscott earned his medical degree at theUniversity of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine.  He completed a fellowship at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Rhode Island and he served his residency at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. 

 

President and CEO of TMH, Kim Bourne says that she is excited to count Dr. Tapscott among the surgical colleagues and TMH is proud to offer specialty care locally to patients at TMH. Dr. Tapscott’s surgical skills focus on upper and lower extremity fracture care, shoulder scopes and replacements, and general orthopedic care. 

 

Dr. Tapscott was raised in Edinburg and sees patients at the Springfield Clinic office in Taylorville, 600 N. Main Street.  To schedule an appointment, call 800-444-7541.

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