Kincaid-South Fork School District participates in the Capitol Ag Career Center to promote opportunity after high school. 

Superintendent Chris Clark says not every one of his students will go to college, which makes this effort crucial. 

Student Business Services Liaison for the CACC Robert Ferriell describes the program. 

Clark says that for his school district, cooperating with 13 other school districts participating in the CACC just makes sense. 

Ferriell describes the experience for high schoolers as transformative. 

Ferriell and Clark appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Teacher shortages are wreaking havoc on all school districts nationwide. Smaller districts, like Pawnee School District, especially feel the impact. 

Superintendent Tim Kratochvil says finding and keeping good teachers is like a carousel. 

Kratochvil says that he is only one superintendent and this is only his opinion, but he firmly believes school districts have to do more to attract and keep staff. 

Kratochvil believes that teaching has become less attractive of a profession over time for a variety of reasons. 

He also says many of the folks applying for teaching jobs are those who always wanted to be a teacher. 

Kratochvil appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The 2nd Annual Spring Fashion Show is 6 p.m. Saturday April 2nd. 

The Taylorville Chapter of Illinois Federation of Business Women’s Club cordially inviting you to attend. Tickets are $35 and are still available. Tyler Frump is president of the chapter. 

Committee member Amy Hagen has been involved with the chapter for years. 

Ferriell says that there are spots open for models. Women of all ages can participate. 

Hagen says that the chapter helps create successful business women starting in high school. She adds, Frump is a former recipient of the chapter scholarship.

For tickets, go to the Taylorville Business Women Facebook, or call Ferriell at 217-454-1875. Hagen and Ferriell appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

A recent study finds doctors are diagnosing patients with colon cancer younger than ever. 

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 18,000 people under the age of 50 will be diagnosed with colon cancer in the United States this year.

OSF Healthcare fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon Dr. Michael Hurtuk says many of these cases are diagnosed at late stages, which could happen because many young people brush off symptoms. 

Dr. M. Bassel Atassi, an OSF HealthCare hematologist/oncologist describes the symptoms of colon cancer. 

He also describes some of the common risk factors for colon cancer. 

Dr. Hurtuk recommends taking issues with your bowel movements or stool seriously. 

Dr. Hurtuk says trusting your gut is the best thing to do. 

If you have questions about your digestive health, contact your primary care provider.

The Illinois State Police will be celebrating its 100th birthday on Friday. On April 1st, 1922, John J. Stack and eight men served as the director and highway patrol officers of the Illinois State Police. Their equipment consisted of surplus World War 1 motorcycles and uniforms and the mission was to “enforce the weight laws of the state protecting the ‘hard roads’ from damage caused by overweight trucks.  The mission of course has increased over time.

By 1972, the department had 1,709 sworn officers and 602 civilian employees across the state and currently has 1,836 officers and 1,084 civilian employees. Governor JB Pritzker says that the department has changed a lot since its inception in 1922.

ISP Director Brendan Kelly is fascinated by how much the department has changed since 1922.

There are many divisions of the ISP including the Division of Patrols, Division of Forensic Services, Division of Internal Investigation, Division of Justice Services, and the Division of Criminal Investigation. 

Retail theft is becoming a huge issue in Illinois and State Senator Doris Turner is joining other officials from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Attorney General’s office to discuss a legislative proposal that would curb organized retail crime in Illinois.  

Under the proposal, prosecutors would have additional opportunities to bring charges against offenders regardless of where the crime takes place.  For example, if conspiracy, theft, and selling occurred in different jurisdictions, each jurisdiction would have the ability to prosecute the entire crime.  The Illinois Attorney General would also have the ability to prosecute via a statewide grand jury. 

Work is also being done to prevent stolen goods from being sold online, including requiring third party sellers to verify users’ identity with bank account numbers and other information.  Sellers who don’t comply may be suspended.  The House bill is 1091 and awaits consideration by the Senate. 

Christian County 4-H held a food pantry collection and it was very successful. According to Christian County Youth Development Program Coordinator, Alexis McDowell, the collection was done from February 7-21 and members were encouraged to drop off items to donate to local food pantries, with many members dropping off items through that two week period. 

The Blue Ribbon 4-H Club and the Lads and Lassies 4-H Club each won a meeting prize pack for donating the most items and McDowell says that it is great to give back to the community and to have 4-H members help by making donations that go right back into the community.  

If you are interested in learning more about joining 4-H, contact McDowell at amcdo6@illinois.edu or call the Christian County Extension Office at 217-287-7246.

Social Security Administration office in Springfield is easing back to in-person services. 

However, public affairs specialist Jack Meyers wants you to know you can still perform most services yourself online. 

If you are calling over the phone, Meyers offers tips for the quickest wait times. 

Meyers does admit there are situations better suited for an in-person appointment. Namely, those around the age of 12 who did not previously have a social security card. 

However, he reiterates most everything can be done online. 

Learn more at ssa.gov. Meyers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

City of Taylorville hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for its East Main Cross project at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 4. 

Mayor Bruce Barry inviting everyone to attend. 

Mayor Barry is excited for work to finally come to fruition. 

This summer, Mayor Barry is hopeful the city will receive a Downtown Revitalization grant. 

The city is expecting to hear news on that grant around June. 

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

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club has kicked off their advance ticket sales for the 2022 Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Day to be held at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Saturday, April 30 from 6:30 to 11am.

Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann (left) purchased the first ticket from Taylorville Kiwanis Club president Brad Davis (right).

Tickets are available from Kiwanis members and are $7.00 per person for homemade pancakes and sausage cooked by the Kiwanis.  Inside seating will be available as well as drive-up takeout service.

Proceeds from this annual event go to support the many Kiwanis projects for children and youth in the Taylorville community including Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, YMCA and high school scholarships, the high school Kiwanis Key Club and junior high Kiwanis Builder’s Club, and the Christian County CEO program among others.  

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 Police are investigating an incident that took place Friday evening at the Sk8way Roller Rink in Taylorville.  According to authorities, Taylorville Police received a 9-1-1 call at 9:28 PM advising that a man in the skating rink was grabbing girls and trying to take them to the bathroom. The caller then warned that the subject was currently outside of the rink.  Officers arrived a couple of minutes later and saw several children running around the parking lot.

The officer called for additional units and several officers arrived and located the subject. According to a press release from Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler, Officers had some trouble controlling the situation and a few fights broke out.  Police quickly got the situation under control and the subject was taken to the police department and later released.

Taylorville Police advised all witnesses and alleged victims to meet at the Police Department. Approximately 42 adults and children came to be interviewed. Interviews were thoroughly conducted and Taylorville Police are still analyzing these tapes.  Chief Wheeler says this is a very sensitive investigation, and Christian County State’s Attorney Wes Poggenpohl has been notified and his office is reviewing the case.  Taylorville Police say they have made contact with several of the family members and are keeping them up to date.  The subject was released that morning pending the outcome of the active investigation. 

Sk8way Roller Rink has shut down their Facebook page and according to their website, are closed for the season. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it develops.

News Director Update: Regional Radio News erroneously posted that he was released from custody on Monday Morning.  This is not accurate. He was released that morning. Regional Radio News apologizes for the confusion. 

The Christian County Partners in Care Health Fair is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 13th.

Darin Buttz is the Director of Community Health for Taylorville Memorial Hospital and describes the fair. 

Dr. Scott Bilyeu practices family medicine with the Springfield Clinic. He says his clinic is focused on vaccinations at the fair. 

Greg Seiders is an administrator with the Christian County Health Department. He’s focused on the environmental aspect of county health. He explains the two areas of water the health department regulates is private water and private sewage. 

Buttz explains this is more than just a vaccine and environmental day. 

The health fair takes place at the Chrsitian County Extension Office. Learn more when you call either the Springfield Clinic if you are a patient, or the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113.

Listen to the Jim Bohannon Show weeknights from 9 to midnight on all WTIM platforms. 

Bohannon focuses on all the important issues of the day. Right now, that’s the war in Ukraine. 

Bohannon is impressed with the way Ukraine is standing its ground. 

Meanwhile, Bohannon found President Biden’s comments on Russia requiring a change of leadership a bit of a mistake. 

Bohannon predicts the Democratic Party will have new names heading the presidential ticket in 2024. 

Bohannon appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Park Board met on Monday evening to discuss business, review ordinance, and go over committee reports. The Board heard from Evan Mitchell with the Skateboard Park.  Mitchell says everything is ready for the pouring of the concrete.  The project is a $35,000 project, however, thanks to multiple donations, the 50x100 slab is ready to be prepared and poured.  Mitchell gave a formal proposal for the 100 ft park to run north and south.  

The goal is to move on to the next steps including creating a GoFundMe, establishing a fundraising committee to reach the community of Taylorville and nearby villages, and raising money for the next step of the Skateboard Park which is adding the fixtures. 

The board then discussed a new roof on the storage building at the Park Entrance and Palmer Street.  After much discussion of bids, which varied greatly in price, the board decided to table the decision to do a little more research on warranty information and agreed to discuss it again at the next meeting. 

Recreational Director Bailey Hancock gave her regular update and let the board know that COVID numbers have been down quite a bit in the county, it has allowed the Recreational Department to get back into the swing of things with a flurry of activities.

The Park is still looking for summer help.

The next Park Board meeting is set for April 25th. 

HSHS Good Shepherd Foundation is hosting the 12th annual red event raising funds for the Shelbyville Hospital. 

Amy Waddington is a radiology manager at the hospital. 

Foundation director of HSHS Good Shepherd in Shelbyville Joel Fletcher explains the foundation is hosting the event April 29th, even though the Foundation had prepared to host the event in February.

Fletcher explains just how unique this Casino Night Red Event is. 

Waddington explains the foundation can’t host the Red Event without their sponsors and they’re looking for more. 

Learn more at hshs.org/GoodShepherd/Giving. Waddington and Fletcher appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in Downtown Shelbyville.

A Taylorville man was sentenced on Friday to 14 years after being found guilty of possession of meth with intent to deliver.  50-year-old Larry E. Skinner was sentenced in front of Judge Brad Paisley at a sentencing hearing on Friday.  He had been previously found guilty at a bench trial on February 17th of the Class X felony of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to deliver, where he was found in possession of 24.2 grams of methamphetamine. 

State’s Attorney Wes Poggenpohl thanked the officers of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Illinois Enforcement Group for their help in the arrest. Unlawful possession of meth with intent to deliver more than 15 grams but less than 100 grams is a non-probationable Class X felony with a sentencing range of 6 to 30 years incarceration. 

The 2022 Shelby County Art Show takes place the weekend of April 23rd at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor’s Center. 

Carol Kessler is the president of the keeper of the arts. 

If you want your art on display, act fast – the deadline is April 9th. There is limited space. You may have up to six pieces in the show. 

There is a small fee to register your art. 

There will also be artists showing visitors how they create their art. 

Learn more on the Shelby County Art Show Facebook. Kessler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.  Illinois has seen a vast increase of overdoses of the drug and Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined their plan to combat the overdose crisis.   Since 2013 synthetic opioid deaths in Illinois have increased 2,736%.  Many of those who have overdosed did not know they were taking opioid or that their drugs were laced with fentanyl.

Senator Robert Peters says that if they don’t act now, the problem will get worse.

State Senator Laura Ellman has proposed House Bill 17 and is working to combat overdose deaths by ensuring people who fall victim to the drug are able to get the necessary medical help they need.

Peters has also proposed a bill—House Bill 4556 in an effort to help people who battle opioid addiction. His bill would allow pharmacists and medical professionals to dispense drug testing supplies to any person without persecution for possessing drug testing supplies. 

In Illinois alone, opioid overdoses increased 33% from 2019-2020 with 2,944 opioid overdose fatalities in 2020.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office made arrests on the evening of March 24th after a sweep for methamphetamine. 51-year-old John Davis and 40-year-old Tamala Barker Davis of Litchfield, 36-year-old Felonee Schrage of Taylor Springs, and 50-year-old Shane Ogden of Raymond were all arrested for unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.  63-year-old Thomas Light of Hillsboro was also arrested for possession of meth. 

All of the wanted individuals were located and taken into custody across Montgomery County and processed and booked into the Montgomery County Jail in lieu of bond. Several of the individuals were found with meth on their person when they were taken into custody and additional charges are pending.

During the search for Thomas Light, he was located at a residence in Hillsboro with multiple other subjects.  51-year-old Shawn Mclean and 53-year-old Paul Mueller were both located and taken into custody for meth. 

Montgomery Coutny State’s Attorney’s Office thanked the Hilsboro Police Department, Litchfield Police Department, Illinois State Police, South Central Illinois Drug Task Force, and the Montgomery County Law Enforcement for their hard work in the arrests. This operation has been called Operation REAL and additional arrest warrants are expected to be sought after. 

When you have a party requiring balloons, look no further than Shelbyville’s Paddi’s Air Filled Fun. 

Owner Patty Williams describes her business. 

Williams doesn’t just handle parties. She also handles more delicate events. 

She specializes in balloon animals and shapes. 

Williams shares her most extravagant pieces. 

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

If you have been around young children at all, most likely you know all about picky eaters.  Sometimes it’s alright to be picky with the food that you choose. But, when does that picky eating become a concern? Dr. Safiat Amuwo, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, encourages parents to give their children a well balanced diet, especially during their childhood years when they are still growing.

According to the FDA, children need to incorporate essential nutrients like deitary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium in their diets, but most children aren’t getting enough of it.  The FDA also encourages you to limit some nutrients, like sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. Fruits and vegetables are also important, as the USDA says that kids should get around one to two cups of fruit and one to two and a half cups of vegetables per day, depending on their age. 

Dr. Amuwo asks parents to check labels on fruit juices, because not all fruit juice is really good for you. She encourages parents to stick to 100% juice as it doesn’t contain those unwanted added sugars. Ideally, water is the best beverage for your child to keep them hydrated. Vegetables are sometimes not a child’s favorite, but there are ways to bypass that.

As far as child’s bone health, a child doesn’t necessarily need to be consuming milk by the gallon, but the USDA does recommend children get about 2-2/12 cubs of dairy per day, as it is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals but also aids in bone growth.

If your child picks at their plate or is always snacking, Dr. Amuwo says that there is a way to make those meal times better where you can have your child focused on their food.

Dr. Amuwo says if you can make healthy eating fun, it can make the child enjoy it more. If you are worried your child isn’t getting the proper nutrients throughout the day, make an appointment with their pediatrician to discuss your concerns and come up with a plan. 

4-H is gearing up for fair season!

While there is no registration cut-off date for joining 4-H, the deadline to submit the project you want to take on is April 15th.  Christian County 4-H Youth Development Educator Sara Marten explains. 

Marten says you shouldn’t be worried if you don’t have a project picked out yet. Even if it means you don’t show at the fair this year. That just means you will have a chance to lay the ground work for next fair season. 

4-H is taking trip to University of Illinois Springfield to tour the Performing Arts Center April 7th. Everyone, not just 4-H members, are invited to attend. 

Marten loves watching the kids develop as their project comes along. 

Learn more at il.4honline.com. Marten appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

 Towards the start of the pandemic, Memorial Behavioral Health unveiled its Emotional Support Line. 

Two years later, regional director of clinical operations for Memorial Behavioral Health Amber Olson is celebrating the accomplishments of the support line. 

She says that the Emotional Support Line has been paramount in providing callers with a positive experience and operates as an introduction to behavioral health services.

As of March 14, 2022, the Memorial Emotional Support Line has fielded nearly 3,000 calls for an average of about five-and-a-half calls a day since the line opened March 18, 2020.

The support line saw more calls when cases spiked. Olson says themes centered on increased anxiety regarding them or loved ones contracting COVID-19 carried on throughout various COVID-19 waves.

The Emotional Support Line is also a bridge in mental health services for patients between therapy appointments. Local providers frequently have referred clients to the support line to fill gaps between therapy, medical visits, or both. 

The Memorial emotional support Line is a free service open to callers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the Emotional Support Line at 217-588-5509

Beyond Burlap in Pana started amidst the pandemic. 

Owner Stacy Taylor tells the story. 

Beyond Burlap can create a customized gift to give to someone experiencing the loss of a loved one. 

Taylor’s business can even create wedding gifts such as customized windows. 

Beyond Burlap is so much more than a custom designed gift shop. Taylor says you just have to see it inside for yourself. 

Learn more at beyondburlapshopreviews.com. Taylor appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Nokomis School District is part of a cooperative of schools with a program dedicated to teaching students a trade. 

Superintendent Dr. Scott Doerr explains how it came to fruition and what the program is all about. 

Not every high school in the program has every trade available to students. That’s what makes the effort special. 

The program is expanding as it is only about a year old. 

Outside of the program, Dr. Doerr is looking forward to results of localized yearly testing to gauge the growth of his students.

Dr. Doerr appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.        

The US Army Corps of Engineers has rescheduled their Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Improvement Day to March 27th. Donated Christmas Trees and artifical structures will be placed into Lake Shelbyville on Sunday, March 27th to enhance fisheries.  The original workday was set for Saturday, March 26th but that has been rescheduled due to forecasts saying their will be high winds on Saturday.

To volunteer, The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance are asking that all volunteers meet at the Wilborn Creek Recreational Area boat ramp parking lot by 8:30 AM.  Volunteers will be required to sign in prior to starting work at 9. A free lunch will be provided.

Maps with exact GPS locations of the cubes and stumps will be available following the event at nearby businesses for up to 60 days.  After that, it can be found on the Lake Shelbyville Facebook page and the US Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville website.  All participants will receive an aerial map with coordinates for where the trees will be placed for later fishing reference. These maps will not be provided to the general public, only those who volunteer.

The US Army Corps of Engineers say they are appreciative of the support of this project from the community.  For more information, contact Cory Donnel at 217-774-3951 ext. 7001. 

A Pana man is working to memorialize the trains that used to go through Pana on a regular basis.  At one time across four rail lines, close to 30 trains went through Pana on a regular basis and carried both passengers and freight.  Tom Latonis, who owns the Pana Interlocker Tower, is working with the Pana Historical Society to help bring a Caboose to Pana to symbolize and memorialize how important the trains have been to Pana. 

Latonis is trying to raise funds for moving it from Indiana to Taylorville and he and the Pana Historical Society have found themselves in a race against time as they try to move the Caboose.

Work has already been completed for the rails including 60 feet of railroad track waiting for the Caboose. 

This is an expensive project that will be roughly $40,000 for the move and placement and Latonis and the Historical Society are looking for donations.

If you have any questions, contact Tom Latonis at 217-741-1578 or at thomaslatonis@gmail.com. To check out his Go Fund me visit “Move the Caboose!” 

Turn around, don’t drown. 

That’s the message from Illinois Emergency Management Agency public information officer Kevin Sur as spring also means flooding season. 

If you see water on roadways, Sur says don’t take the chance. 

Sur recommends an emergency preparedness kit. 

Don’t forget to pack non-perishable food in your kit. 

Learn more at illinois.gov/iema. Sur appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.    

A bill to make sure that the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II to be offered a state funeral has been adopted by the House.  Hershel “Woody” Williams of Quiet Dell in Harrison County West Virginia, is the nation’s last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient. 

State Representative Avery Bourne sponsored the bill in the house after the State Senate passed Joint Resolution 29 on Tuesday. SJR29 urges the President and Congress to take the necessary measures to make sure that Williams gets a state funeral.  Representative Bourne says that we must do what we can to remember the Greatest Generation. 

State Senator Doris Turner was a sponsor of the bill in the Senate.

Congrats to the following Students at Pana Junior High who were named on the Honor Roll for third quarter.  Regional Radio News congrats all honorees!

Revive Alternative High School and Phoenix Safe School in Raymond, have announced their honor rolls for the third quarter. Regional Radio News congratulates all of the honorees.

Farmers are beginning to plan for planting season, and there’s a bunch of input cost factors that are out of the control of farmers. 

Mainly, the conflict in Ukraine is exacerbating supply chain issues already present. This is impacting items such as fertilizer and gas. General Manager of Central Commodity FS Mark Bauman explains. 

It’s also impacting things like herbicide. 

The good news is as input costs rise, commodity prices are rising with them. 

Learn more at centralcommodityfs.com. Bauman appeared as a guest on WTIM’s coverage of National Ag Day. 

Every year, March 22nd represents National Ag Day. President of Christian County Farm Bureau Matthew Heberling explains what agriculture in Christian County means to him. 

Heberling looks at the different farm bureau members and how they diversify the agricultural scene in the county. 

If you’re a farmer yourself, you can join the farm bureau in Christian County. 

Heberling says the farm bureau is stronger than ever. 

Learn more at christiancofb.com. Heberling appeared as a guest on WTIM’s coverage of National Ag Day live from the Christian County Farm Bureau. 

A 21-year-old Decatur man pleads guilty to one count of Concealment of Homicidal Death and one count of Possession of a Converted Vehicle in relation to a homicide. 

Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke announces the accused, Thomas Miller, pleads guilty to the charges in relation to the death of 72-year-old Sherry Hubbartt of Shelbyville. 

Miller faces a maximum sentence of 24 years, which is an extended sentence because Hubbart is over the age of 60. 

Authorities charged Miller with the concealment of Hubbartt’s death, alleging Miller knew Hubbartt died of homicide. They say he placed Hubbartt’s corpse in a closet and covered it with a blanket -  a Class 3 Felony with an extended sentencing range of 2 to 10 years in prison. 

Miller also pleads guilty to the possession of Hubbartt’s 2009 Chevy Impala, which is a Class 2 Felony with an extended sentencing range of 3 to 14 years in prison. 

Clayton Anderson is Hubbartt’s grandson and he confessed to her murder. Anderson is serving a life sentence at the Menard Correctional Center. 

Miller’s sentencing hearing takes place at 1:15 p.m. May 23rd in Shelby County. 

Montgomery County Deputies responded to two different locations for self-inflicted gunshot wounds on Monday. In Butler, authorities responded to a shooting incident and upon arrival located 62-year-old Henry E. Garner outside the residence with a suspected gunshot wound.  Garner was transported by Hillsboro Area Ambulance to a rural landing zone where he was then transported by air to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  He is listed in stable condition.  ISP along with ISP CSI assisted with the investigation.

Montgomery County Deputies also conducted a traffic stop at a residence north of Fillmore and as the Deputy made contact with the driver, 57-year-old Timothy C. Hopwood of Fillmore, authorities noticed that Hopwood was not compliant and refused to leave the vehicle. As the Deputy attempted to gain compliance, Hopwood retrieved a handgun from within the vehicle and shot himself. A witness on the scene observed the incident.

The Deputy was injured in the incident as a window was broken in an attempt to get Hopwood out of the vehicle. Life-saving measures were conducted, but Hopwood succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene by Montgomery County Coroner Randy Leetham.  The ISP, Hillsboro Area Ambulance, and the Fillmore Fire Department assisted at the scene.  The Deputy was transported to Hillsboro Hospital where he was treated and released. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club honored 2 “Kiwanis Community Heroes of the Month” during their weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge. 

Taylorville Memorial Hospital official and Kiwanis member Darin Buttz (center) nominated Taylorville Junior High School teachers Catherine Fassero (left) and Ryan Brown (right) who were both honored for volunteering to teach “Catch My Breath,” a vaping prevention program provided thru Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  

Brown also provided the program for Tuesday’s meeting, telling Kiwanis members the campaign at T-J-H-S reached over 600 students on the dangers and effects of vaping.   Brown added their efforts helped those who haven’t tried vaping to stay focused by explaining the risks, which include becoming addicted to nicotine and at a faster rate than cigarettes, putting cancer causing agents into your body, and that side effects are different for everyone.

Brown told the Kiwanis members that the “Catch My Breath” vaping prevention program included sharing with junior high students the dangers of second hand vaping, and that vaping causes increased anxiety for some.  He added that as a result of the campaign, some students addicted to vaping are now asking for help. 

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.     

Regional Radio News has learned more on the vehicle crash from Monday evening in Christian County. A Pawnee man has been flown to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. 19-year-old Jay Goins was traveling east on Illinois 104 just west of 1500 N. in Christian County. According to preliminary reports, Goins ran off the road to the left and struck a tree.  

The vehicle, a 2008 black Ford Fusion, came to a rest between the tree and a guard rail. Goins was lifeflighted to an area hospital. 

Goins was cited for driving too fast for conditions and improper lane usage. 

Taylorville Fire Department had a busy Monday evening, responding to a serious motor vehicle accident and a house fire. The vehicle accident occurred on Route 104 and Fire spent an hour using extrication tools to free the driver from a very complicated extrication.  Dunn’s Ambulance took the victim to Midland Fire Station where the victim was airflighted out. Owaneco Fire Protection District was asked to come help.

No sooner than Taylorville Fire freed the victim from the accident, Taylorville Fire was called to a fully involved house fire on Lewis Street.  Owaneco and Taylorville Fire responded immediately. Additional departments were called and the fire was put out. 

Taylorville Fire thanked all of the local agencies that helped with both incidents including Taylorville Police Department, Kincaid and Edinburg Police, who helped block a stretch of 104, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, and Illinois State Police. Other agencies that helped included Christian County Dispatch, Dunn’s Ambulance, Midland Fire, Edinburg Fire Department, Stonington Fire, Morrisonville/Palmer Fire, and Assumption Fire.

Pictures courtesy: Owaneco Fire Protection District. 

Join the Christian County YMCA before April 4th and the Y will waive your joining fee.

Director Bruce Blanshan explains. 

The savings are the same for all adults. Youth receive a discounted rate. 

The Y is also gearing up for a sustaining drive April 6th through 20th. 

Blanshan is excited about the re-ignition of the Teen Center as well as many other programs, including day care while you work out. 

Learn more at ccymca.org. Blanshan appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry wants to be clear – the city of Taylorville did not discuss approving a new marijuana dispensary at its city council meeting Monday night. 

It did, however, discuss the ordinances involved should a business owner approach the city about operating a dispensary. 

Mayor Barry admits he’s not sure how to feel about a marijuana dispensary in Taylorville. 

While he has mixed feelings, Mayor Barry also acknowledges the potential benefits to having a dispensary in Taylorville. 

Mayor Barry does worry about the city missing out on potential tax dollars. Without a dispensary in Taylorville, some may frequent dispensaries in surrounding communities. 

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

A Rosamond, Illinois native has earned a free scholarship to Greenville University.  Lainee Loskot of Rosamond earned a $29,998 scholarship for the fall of 2022 and it is renewed annually.  This scholarship is a character-based scholarship and without a GPA or test requirement, is rewarded to students who strive to exhibit the qualities of a person's character with a mindset to serve others. 

Panther Scholar Director Danara Moore says that Lainee has quiet confidence and humility and stood out to the Committee.  She currently attends school at Faith Bible Christian Academy and plans to study Agribusiness at Greenville. 

Loskot will be a part of a group of scholars who will be trained for future leadership on campus, host events for other groups, and promote character and service initiatives throughout the community. 100% of students who attend Greenville receive some form of financial aid. For more information visit Greenville.edu/apply.  Greenville University is located Greenville, Illinois 45 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. 

The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation has a new Program Director. Former Christian County Farm Bureau Manager Mellisa McMillan takes over as the new Program Director of the IALF.  CEO Todd Lowery says that her past experience as Manager and her knowledge of agriculture and programming make her well qualified for the position. McMillan says that the IALF focuses on ag seminars.

McMillan says that she will have many programming responsibilities.

McMillan is thankful for her many years at the Christian County Farm Bureau.

She is thankful for the opportunity and is looking forward to her next step. 

For more information, visit www.agleadership.org. 

The Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening. All board members were present except for Chris Skultety. After some discussion, the board approved providing a $3,000 bonus for any full time city employee who was employed during the COVID crisis from March-December of 2020 and who is still currently employed. Alderman Megan Bryant seconded the motion and said she was very proud of the ordinance. After a small discussion, the motion passed 7-0. 

The board also approved preparing the appropriate ordinances to allow for a recreational marijuana dispensary should that come in the near future. That motion passed 5-2 with Alderman Steve Dorchinecz and Kathy Driskell voting no. 

Mayor Bruce Barry congratulated the High School on some recent accolades.

Mayor Barry also gave an update on the West Main Cross project which will start on the 28th and thanked a city employee who responded to an accident and provided first aid to a Lake employee.

The board approved stop signs on Pauline and Powers, and No Parking signs on the south side of Pleasant street between Cherokee and Cottage Streets. The meeting adjourned around 7:30.  The next City Council meeting is set for April 4th. 

Welcome new business owner of Grammy’s Florists to Shelbyville Kathy Swarms. 

They recently moved to a new location. 

This is something Swarms always wanted to do. 

The business has been around for awhile. When Swarms saw the old owners announce the sale of the business, she took action. 

Learn more at grammysfloral.com. Swarms appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Hospital Sisters Health System or HSHS recently announced a scholarship opportunity for students pursuing a career in nursing. Students can earn up to $20,000 of funding for educational expenses.  In addition to financial help, recipients will have a job waiting for them upon graduating and passing boards in an HSHS Illinois Division hospital.

Interested students can apply at hshs.org/Ilnursingshcolarship.  The deadline to apply for the scholarship is May 1st, 2022. Applications are reviewed upon submission and top candidates are chosen for interviews. Applicants should have an interest in working for HSHS Illinois. HSHS is a multi-institutional health care system that cares for patients in 14 communities in Illinois and Wisconsin.  There are 9 hospitals in Illinois and they employ 2,300 physicians and more than 13,000 employees.  

Ciarra Marreo is an RN and a recent recipient of the scholarship. She recommends applying for the scholarship program because it helped pay for her school and gave her a head start in starting her career in nursing. Once graduating, she says, the scholarship ensures that you have a job in your desired specialty and the residency program will be very beneficial for helping you grow. 

The Illinois General Assembly is back for a crammed session. 

State rep. Brad Halbrook explains the session normally ending in May is slated to end after the first week of April. 

Rep. Halbrook explains some of what the legislature is looking at. 

He says reviewing the budget for various agencies takes various amounts of time.

Rep. Halbrook wants to do something about rising gas prices. 

Learn more at rephalbrook.com. Rep. Halbrook appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Lawmakers are working on a bill to close loopholes in Illinois sexual assault laws. One measure is sponsored by State Representative Katie Stuart of Collinsville and is based on a case in another state where a young woman slept with a man pretending to be her boyfriend. The man was charged and later acquitted. Stuart says that shouldn’t happen.

Another legislative piece is sponsored by Arlington Heights representative Mark Walker.  One of his constituents was intoxicated and raped. Her attacker was never charged because she ingested the alcohol on her own.

Both bills passed the house and now await a vote in the Senate.

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening for their second monthly meeting in March. After approval of minutes, the board will review a BDD between the city of Taylorville and Florinda’s. The board will authorize the Mayor to sign the maintenance bills and look at 2022 Maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code.  The board will discuss a Solar Array Project for the city at the Water Treatment Site. The board will approve the low bid for Illini Drive improvements and motion to bid for a heavy equipment operator in the Sewer Department.  

After hearing from the City Attorney and Mayor Bruce Barry, the board will review committee assignments. Under committee reports, the board will approve replacing a sign at the entrance of Oak Hill Cemetery and approve the cemetery budget. Under finance, the board will approve the budget for Downtown Taylorville. The board will also authorize some bids and equipment purchases. 

Also under finance, the board will discuss approving a $3,000 bonus to each employee who was employed during the COVID crisis from March-December 2020 and who is also presently employed at the time of distribution of the bonuses.  Under ordinance, the board will review and vote on allowing a recreational marijuana dispensary in the city of Taylorville and vote on a stop sign at the Southeast corner of Pauline and Powers Street and a no parking sign at Pleasant between Cherokee and Cottage.  

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

Many celebrate March Madness with a trip to the bar. 

That’s all well and good, Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says. He says just be smart – the legal blood alcohol content level is .08 for those 21 and older. 

It also does not take a ton to go over the legal limit. 

Sheriff Kettelkamp says it depends on your size, sex, weight and what it is you are drinking. Whether that’s a beer or a mixed drink. 

If you are over the legal limit and you drive, Sheriff Kettelkamp describes what will happen. 

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

Lake Land College will be holding a Broadcast Open House. The event hosted by the Communications department will be hosting an in-person open house Friday, March 25th from 12-2. The event will follow Laker Visit Day and Speech Communication/broadcasting instructor and director of broadcast operations, Greg Powers says that it’s a great way to get introduced to what broadcasting is.

There are all kinds of things that you will be able to do including seeing what it’s like to be on the radio, work in the control room for a TV studio or production control room, and much more.

The open house is open to the public and guests are welcome to register.  Students in the program can earn an associate degree leading to either immediate employment or transfer to a four year university. Students can also choose among three certificate programs.

Powers says you can find out more by visiting Lake Land College’s website.

Again, the Open House will be on Friday, March 25th from 12-2 at the Broadcast Communications Department.

Taylorville residents have a new choice for where to go for their optical care. ShopKo Optical has moved into 1528 W Springfield Road in Taylorville. Katherine Christy is a regional manager with Shopko Optical, she says that they have a store in Jacksonville and are happy to be in Taylorville.

Christy talked about some of the many options that ShopKo Optical offers.

One of the programs that ShopKo Optical offers is the Kids in Focus program.

Shopko Optical accepts most major vision plans, including EyeMed, UHC Vision, Davis Vision, Superior Vision, Avesis, and many more.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, visit Shopko.com.

It’s National Nutrition Month. Health and Wellness Educator with University of Illinois Extension Lisa Peterson says to get more leafy greens in your diet. 

Increasing the amount of green in your diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. 

If you’re not a leafy green eater, Peterson has a tip for you to include it in a stealthy manner. 

She also says to beware of cream-based dressings like ranch. 

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu. Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from a couple of local entrepreneurs who have turned golf gloves into a million dollar business, during their weekly meeting March 8th at the Taylorville Moose Lodge. 

Bryan (left) and Erin (center) Bender discussed their business, Bender Gloves, located in Moweaqua.  Kiwanis member Will Perkins (right) was program chair for the meeting.

Bryan told the Kiwanis Club the idea for Bender Gloves came about 7 years ago when he was searching for a golf glove beyond the generic white gloves that are commonly seen.  Seeing very few offered in the marketplace, Bryan pitched the idea to Erin to create their own golf gloves in multiple colors and designs.  They decided to begin Bender Gloves thinking it would be something fun to do on the side.  

The Bender’s said their business has grown to the point that Bryan has quit has job and is doing Bender Gloves full time.  With Erin’s accounting background and salesmanship, and Bryan’s entrepreneurial abilities, they have evolved the business into the success that it is today, offering multiple designs and are expanding their product lines.  Their gloves are sold worldwide and they attend shows throughout the United States.  They even have multiple celebrities using their quality gloves.  For more information, visit them online at www.bendergloves.com.

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

Taylorville School District is aiming to build a fine arts auditorium and sports complex by the end of 2024. 

Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty says that the district is still in the planning phase. 

Dr. Dougherty explains how some of the decision making is working. Out of those focus groups, the district is forming a steering group to guide the district towards its goal. 

She also says the district is in the perfect financial position to take on this project. 

If all goes well, the district hopes to complete the auditorium and complex by August 2024. As Dr. Dougherty explains, timelines could change. 

Dr. Dougherty appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Central A&M School District is happy to see some sense of local control restored. 

Superintendent DeAnn Heck wants to see that translate to state curriculum handed down from ISBE. 

Ultimately, Heck wishes the legislature would observe day-to-day school procedures. 

She’s very proud of the way her staff navigated mask mandates. 

She also thanks the community for their support. 

Heck appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

While winter may be wrapping up, some Ameren customers may still be feeling the “heat” when it comes to their Ameren bill.  Ameren Illinois says that financial assistance is available for those who are income-qualified and for families who need help paying their energy bills. Two ways that Ameren Illinois is helping is LIHEAP Funding and 10% down payment. 

LIHEAP funding is available for those who qualify.  $295 million is available through the state administered LIHEAP Program.  LIHEAP stands for low income home energy assistance program in the form of direct grants to customers.  Customers who  have income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or 60% of the state’s median income are now eligible for assistance. 

Eligibility is based on an applicant’s past 30 days. For documentation, proof of income, social security numbers for all household members, and whatever other documents may be needed. Customers may enroll through May 31st. Information can be found at helpillinoisfamilies.com. 

Any Ameren Illinois customers who have past due balances may be eligible to establish a repayment plan by making a 10% down payment.  Starting April 1st, most customers with outstanding balances will be required to pay 25% of what is owed before they can establish a monthly payment plan. To establish a payment plan or discuss your utility, you may call Ameren Illinois Customer Service at 1-800-755-5000, select billing and payment, and follow the voice prompts. 

Customers may also set up an agreement by visiting Amerenillinois.com and logging into their account. Information on bill payment options, including budget billing and pick-a-due date are available also at AmerenIllinois.com under the options menu.  For more tips visit www.amerenillinoissavings.com. 

Tenaska is focusing on building relationships with community leaders and landowners in Christian County ahead of their Heartland Greenway project. 

Monte Ten Kley is the director of project development for Tenaska. 

Ten Kley wants the community to know Tenaska is willing to help charitable organizations. 

Tenaska is keying in on establishing relationships with landowners. 

Ten Kley describes the process landowners would go through when they make an agreement with Tenaska. 

Learn more at heartlandgreenway.com. Ten Kley appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Gasoline prices continue to rise, and Legislators are taking notice of it.  State Representative Avery Bourne says that she has cosponsored legislation to help provide relief for families who have been hit by the recent rise in prices. Representative Bourne says that runaway inflation and the high price of oil is driving gas prices to levels not seen in years.  Illinois has a sales tax on gas so as gas prices increase, the price per gallon goes even higher.  

Since the state currently collects sales tax on gasoline as a percentage instead of at a flat tax rate, it’s actually driving the prices even higher.  A new bill, HB5723 would prevent the growth and put a cap on the sales tax. 

HB 5723 will target the sales tax in the state’s General Revenue Fund and not the State’s Road Fund. Funds for the road projects will be protected by this approach and the sales tax capped will not have a negative effect on expected state revenues for the year. 

Representative Bourne says that this legislation is a commonsense approach to help families weather this rapid inflation and the General Assembly needs to take action now. She says,  “Families cannot afford to wait.”
 

A Nokomis man is facing charges after a Wednesday morning search warrant led to child pornography. 31 year old Adam D. Carrell of Nokomis was arrested for possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony and manufacturing with intent to deliver cannabis, a Class 1 felony. 

The arrest came Wednesday morning at around 8:30 AM.  Nokomis Police, along with SIU-E Police, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force went to 122 Singer Avenue, Nokomis. Additional charges are pending. 

The investigation is ongoing, if you have any information of possible illegal drug activity, you are encouraged to contact the Nokomis Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, or the Montgomery County Crimestoppers. 

This is not Wayne Rosenthal’s first run at the Illinois House of Representatives. He represented the 95th district from 2011 to 2015. 

Even though the 108th district Rosenthal is running for looks different, it is much the same as the old 95th he used to represent. 

Rosenthal sees some of the same issues now as before. 

One of the things Rosenthal is focused on is energy independence. 

Wayne Rosenthal appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Macon County Conservation District is always hosting fun programs. 

Rock Springs Conservation Center Manager Alyssia Callison says the district is hosting the Rock Springs Ramble 5K Saturday, April 9. 

The 5K takes you around the Rock Springs Conservation Center. 

There is a small registration fee. 

Callison also invites you to visit the many other centers the conservation district oversees. 

Learn more at maconcountyconservation.org. Callison appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A packed board meeting sent the board scurrying upstairs to the Christian County Courtroom in order to fit everyone in. The packed house spoke during the comments over a number of certain topics, including discussion over a new cat room for animal control in Christian County, the Heartland Greenway Co2 pipeline, and the proposed changes to the courthouse lawn including a public restroom. 

EMA requested ARPA funds, that was forwarded to the finance committee.  The board also heard from CTI on a cybersecurity update, and the board approved extending hours in the Taylorville Square until 8 PM beginning April 1st through September of 2022.  The board tabled the Courthouse lawn renovations and discussed salaries. The salary of the Chairman of the Board was set at $20,000. The county clerk position was a heavily discussed position.  Venise McWard and Chairman Matt Wells discussed the motion.

A motion was put on the floor to cut the salary 10% for the county clerk and for it go up 3.5% moving forward. Christian County Treasurer Betty Asmussen voiced her frustration saying that loyalty wasn’t rewarded. 

Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans who is not up for election or up for a salary change echoed those sentiments.

The motion to set the salaries at 70,000 for the next four years was brought on the floor and again Treasurer Asmussen says that that was a slap in the face to those who gave their hearts to the county. The motion failed and a new motion was put forward for raising 3.5% per year for the Treasurer and Supervisor of Assessments. The Sheriff was also granted a raise as well of 3.5% per year for the next four years.

A motion for a new cat room got tabled. A motion for new windows for the courthouse that would cost nearly $500,000 also was sent back to the finance committee. The County Clerk email was changed from .com to .gov in order to help alleviate fraud issues. The board also turned down a $25,000 donation from Heartland Greenway for legal counsel during the Carbon Capture and Storage discussions. 

The meeting was nearly three hours and concludes until the next monthly meeting on April 12, 2022.

Taylorville School Board met for their regular monthly meeting. 

The board heard a presentation from the Memorial School principal. The staff of Memorial School attended. Social Emotional Interventionist Trevor Hooth has been in his position for a little over six months. He's fitting right in. 

The board also heard from Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty. 

The board also reviewed and approved prior minutes and claims, then reviewed the Treasurer's report. To wrap up the consent agenda, the board considered personnel. 

Under old business, the board took action on an architect, construction management company and software company for the website. It also approved new furniture for North School. 

The board also reviewed alternative education options, cyber liability coverage, then went into a closed session. 

The next scheduled board meeting is April 12th.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the advisor of the Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club, uring their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge. 

Nate Howard oversees the local high school Key Club as its advisor. He told Kiwanis members that the club is comprised of over 30 male and female members, and it’s getting back to normal following the COVID pandemic.  Many members continue their Kiwanis experience as a result of being in the Kiwanis Builders Club in junior high.

The THS Kiwanis Key Club did trick or treating last fall, asking residents for donations for UNICEF, according to Howard.  It also has assisted in the clean up of community parks including Kiwanis Park on Lake Taylorville, Manners Park and Jaynes Park, both operated by the Park District.

Howard added the THS Kiwanis Key Club will be sponsoring a 5K “Color Run or Walk” on April 16th at Manners Park, as a fund-raiser to obtain monies to put back into community projects for children and youth.    Cups of colored powder will be thrown on participants thru-out the course.  To participate in the event, contact Howard at Taylorville High School.

Howard said the THS Kiwanis Key Club has also assisted other local non-profit organizations in raising funds, including the local Kiwanis Club.  

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.     

CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation is there to help you with complete confidentiality. 

There are all kinds of experts to guide you to the help you need, like Housing and Intense Case Manager Jayne Hunsche.

Hunsche says the EOC needs landowners who are willing to rent their property out to underprivileged renters. 

Outreach coordinator Jodie Rusher wants you to know Head Start registration is open now. 

Head Start allows low-income families to provide their child advanced education. 

Learn more at cefseoc.org. Hunsche and Rusher appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Spring is nearly here and the Master Gardeners are ready to prepare you for gardening season. 

Sandy Klein is a master gardener and shares some tips she learned about hydrangeas you can use this season. 

Master gardener Gwen Podeschi shares some of what she learned from conferences. 

The master gardeners are beginning to look to May for a plant sale. 

Most of the plants you’ll find at the plant sale will be perennials. 

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu. Podeschi and Klein appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Board will meet Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM for their monthly meeting. The board will hear from the public, than review a liquor license request. The board will get a cybersecurity update, along with hearing from the Nokomis Area Fire Protection District. There will be a discussion on Friday Night Car Shows in Taylorville and a look at communications and an EMA ARPA fund request. 

Under highway, building, and grounds, the board will hear a report from Anderson Cemetery, review a carbon capture and storage ordinance, discuss Taylorville Square renovations, and hear from animal control. 

Under executive, personnel, and liquor, the board will go over an EMA update and the personnel handbook.

Under audit, finance, and purchasing, the board will look at salaries in the county, review E-Citation funds, and discuss survey records.  

Finally, under new business, the board will review the circuit clerk’s salaries, get a solid waste staff recommendation, talk windows, HRA Reimbursements, and cat room bids. 

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

In early February, Governor JB Pritzker unveiled his newest budget. 

Rep. Avery Bourne says the deadline to review the budget is less than a month away.

When budget hearings commence, Rep. Bourne wants to see new promises come to fruition. 

Rep. Bourne is also not surprised to see the deadline rapidly approaching with zero budget hearings. 

She wants everyone to know Republicans are working hard to keep the budget hearings on schedule. 

Learn more at repbourne.com. Rep. Avery Bourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville School District Board of Education holding its regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening.

It starts at 6 p.m. in the Taylorville High School Cafeteria.

The board will hear from visitors, review communications, a report from Memorial School and look over the Consent Agenda. 

The board will also look over New and Old Business. 

In Old Business, the board will recap the strategic planning focus, goals, committee reports and timeline and consider action on a multitude of items. 

Under New Business, the board will consider the adoption of the Intergovernmental Agreement with ROE for alternative education options. It will also look over Cyber Liability coverage from ICRMT. 

The board will hear from the Superintendent and then go into a closed session. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story at the conclusion of the meeting. 

As COVID numbers continue to fall, some hospitals are starting to ease restrictions. Memorial Health and HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield are easing visitor restrictions. COVID-19 cases have fallen to 10 cases each day per 100,000 people which meets the bar to change the transmission rate from high to medium. The last time the transmission rate was this low, was last July. 

Medical grade masks are still required for all patients and visitors entering Memorial Health hospitals and clinical settings.  The CDC requires hospitals to issue masks. 

As part of the eased guidelines, no visitors will be allowed for patients who are being treated for COVID, or patients who are being evaluated for COVID. Two visitors will be allowed per patient with Memorial Health permitting one overnight visitor.  At HSHS St. John’s no visitors under the age of 18 will be permitted unless they are the parent of a child receiving care.  At Memorial, the age is no one younger than 16 unless they have a child they have admitted for care.

For a complete look at guidelines visit them online at either St-Johns.org/visitinghours or memorial.health. 

A Shelbyville man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for armed violence and residential burglary.  49-year-old Michael P. Jackson of Shelbyville was sentenced on Friday in Shelby County Court. State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke says that Jackson was arrested by the Shelbyville Police Department on December 14th, 2020 after a burglary in progress was called in at a Meadow View Court address in Shelbyville. 

The resident had returned home and observed an unfamiliar vehicle with Jackson inside. Kroncke says that a speaker from inside the residence was on the floorboard and $85. After police searched the residence, they observed a matching speaker inside the home and a DVD and computer monitor that had been unplugged and placed near the door of the home.  

The resident says that money was missing from the home and Jackson admitted that he had located a spare key and used it to gain entrance. Later on, Jackson was arrested again, in November of 2021. Officers knowing that he had a revoked driver’s license, stopped a GMC pickup truck that he drove on West Main and Pine Street.  During a search of that vehicle, police found two dual-edged six-inch knives attached to a device that had an appearance of brass knuckles. Police also found two knives with 10 and 12-inch blades within arms reach of Jackson.

Jackson has a 2014 conviction for burglary.  He served 60 days in Shelby County Jail. He also served 4 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on a forgery charge from Effingham County in 2010. Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke praised the work of the Shelbyville Police Department, saying that the diligent efforts of law enforcement resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for a repeat offender.”

The Illinois Secretary of State has extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards, and learner’s permits. Dates have been extended until July 31st, 2022.  The previous extension had been March 31st. Secretary of State Jesse White says this is to alleviate stress of rushing to the DMV. This does not apply to CDL’s and CDL permits. SOS Spokesperson Henry Haupt says that the date will help a lot of people who may have expired cards.

Haupt says there is no need to rush to Drivers Services Facilities, especially in bad weather.

Online renewals for expired driver’s licenses and ID cards can be done at ilsos.gov.  There are also letters being sent out to those who are expired. In the letter is a unique PIN for accessing y our information and renewing online instead of visiting a facility and waiting in line.

Customers may also call 217-785-1424 to confirm their eligibility.  If you are a first-time driver’s license seeker or ID card seeker, or if you are trying to get a REAL ID for the first time, or if you are 75 years of age or older, you need to visit a facility for renewing your license. Restricted Driving Permits are also being extended, and the federal REAL ID deadline has been extended to May 3rd, 2023. 

Again, visit www.ilsos.gov to find out all you can do online for driver’s services. 

Superintendent of Shelbyville School District Shane Schuricht has been saying it from the start – local schools deserve local control. 

When the state Supreme Court struck down the mask mandate for Illinois schools, Schuricht got what he’s been asking for. 

While Schuricht is happy to see schools will get to choose their mask policy, he says the fight for local control is not over. 

Schuricht says that it is time to get back to business. 

Shelbyville School District is looking forward to the home stretch of the school year. 

Learn more at shelbyville.k12.il.us. Schuricht appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Getting the right amount of sleep each night is important.  When healthcare providers look at overall health, they typically ask about eating habits and the amount of activity they get, along with sleep.  Sleep is so important, the National Sleep Foundation launched a Sleep Awareness Week in 1998.  It kicks off each year with the start of daylight saving time when most people lose an hour of sleep.  

While many people can get away with one or two nights of little sleep, after that it can really be detrimental to your health long term. Tim Schultz, an OSF HealthCare respiratory therapy manager says that sleep is super important not just because of the cognitive health it provides.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends different daily sleep amounts depending on age.  Newborn to 5-year-old need between 10-16 hours of sleep, children from 6-18 need 8-11 hours per day, and adults and seniors should get anywhere from 7-9 hours of sleep according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Lack of proper sleep has been shown to have negative impacts including poor performance to struggling to keep your eyes open on long drives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigue is a cause of 100,000 motor vehicle crashes each year in the US.  In order to stay awake, many people have resorted to over-consuming caffeine. Many health care providers recommend good sleep habits, or “Sleep Hygiene.”

A white noise machine or a smartphone app may help you sleep through the night but Schultz recommends if you are having trouble sleeping stay off your phone before you go to bed. He also says to do research before taking Melatonin and ask your doctor how much you should take. 

If you have tried everything and are still struggling with sleep, check with your doctor to see if you suffer from sleep apnea or insomnia, and see if a sleep study is for you. 

As always visit with your primary health care physician for any sleep-related questions you have. 

Shelbyville Public Library is expanding its digital catalog.

Monica Cameron is the director of the library. 

Cameron says there’s a variety of factors for the expansion.

Cameron explains how it works. 

She also says using the library for digital options is cheaper than other audio book services. 

Learn more at shelbyvillelibrary.org. Cameron appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville. 

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the Illinois Department of Human Services says that help is available. Those with a gambling addiction often hide their problem from family members, so the Department of Human Services is working to let the public know about what support services are available and what signs and symptoms to look out for.  Spokesperson of the DHS Patrick Laughlin says that multiple providers will present options available.

Laughlin says one valuable resource is 1-800-GAMBLER to help those with gambling addictions.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, visit the website weknowthefeeling.org. Community groups will be holding in-person and virtual awareness. 

TRIAD is back in full swing after missing quite a bit of time from COVID-19. Rich Peters is with the Christian County TRIAD program and says that he is happy to be back to business. TRIAD’s goal is to increase the safety awareness of the senior community.

Peters highlighted some of the great activities that TRIAD does including making the public aware of recent scams.

Peters says that COVID has had a huge impact on TRIAD over the last few years but meetings are back in full swing.

Peters asks that senior citizens be aware of scams going on with people asking for donations to Ukraine.

Peters appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. For more information on TRIAD visit their page on Facebook. 

Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputies recover five unlawful firearms, a taser and various ammunition from a felon Thursday, March 3rd. 

Around 5:30 p.m. deputies stopped 44 year-old Jason Padgett of Tallula around the 3100 block of Widetrack Drive in Springfield. Padgett had no active driver’s license.

Padgett allegedly admitted to deputies he had weapons in the car and did not possess a FOID card. 

Deputies placed Padgett in handcuffs and searched the vehicle uncovering; a .22 caliber Savage rifle, a .22 caliber Mossberg rifle, a .22 caliber Remington rifle, a 20 gauge Savage shotgun, a 12 gauge Lucia Franchi shotgun with the serial number scratched off, ammunition and a taser. 

Officers placed Padgett under arrest for 7 different charges including; Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Defacing Identification Marks on a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, two different FOID violations for the various weapons, and driving on a Revoked Driver’s License and multiple traffic citations. 

Deputies transported Padgett to the Sangamon County Jail where he is currently residing. A judge set his bond at $200,000.

Taylorville High School will have it’s very own purple carpet award show.

That’s Lizzy Schafer and Izzy Miller announcing the very first Tommy Awards.  

Junior at Taylorville High School Sophia Robinson says you should get your tickets as soon as possible. 

This all from an idea part-time mentor Adam Vocks pitched to the students. Robinson assumed full responsibility as soon as possible. 

Junior Brian Short is managing the tickets and website. He wants this event to be as community-minded as possible. 

Tickets open for sale March 14th. Learn more at tommyawards.tv. 

Short and Robinson appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

March is Kidney Disease Awareness Month and March 10th is Kidney Day through a passage of a Senate resolution. State Senator Doris Turner has been an advocate for kidney disease awareness.  She says that across the state, people are silently suffering with the pain and hardship from the disease. 

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive, gradual loss of kidney function, that results in a decrease in the ability to remove waste. CKD can progress to end-stage renal failure, which can be fatal unless the patient receives dialysis or a kidney transplant. 

The average wait for a transplant is 3.6 years and Senator Turner says that this measure will educate the public before they get to the need of an actual transplant. In 2020 only 1 out of 4 candidates received a transplant. Regular screenings and early detection can help prevent the progress of chronic kidney disease.  Senator Turner says it is essential to raise awareness and stress the importance of prevention and early detection.  She hopes to get individuals screened and treated before the disease progresses to kidney failure. 

The motion passed on Thursday.  Some signs and symptoms of kidney disease are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleep problems, urinating more or less, and decreased mental sharpness. 

State Senator Chapin Rose is sponsoring legislation to provide permanent tax relief to families at the gas pump. Senator Rose says gas prices are out of control and while he can’t control what barrel’s of oil sells for, he believes that politicians should stop trying to benefit off of price spikes.

The new legislation, SB 4159, would cap the state’s sale tax on motor fuel at last year’s level which could save drivers nearly $1 billion over the next fiscal year if gas prices continue to climb. The legislation targets the sales tax on gas, so critical infrastructure dollars for road repairs aren’t touched.

Senator Rose says the government shouldn’t gouge you at a time when the price of the pump already is. The legislation was filed on Thursday, and has already received over a dozen cosponsors.

A 19 year old from Greenville was arrested after a truck was reported stolen in Hillsboro on Monday. The Hillsboro Police Department took a report of a stolen pickup truck from the 2000 block of Frey Avenue in Schram City just outside of Hillsboro on Monday morning around 2:15 AM. 

Hillsboro Police along with Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies began looking for the pickup truck. Several minutes later, the truck was located exiting the Sherwood Forest Campground.  Officers attempted to stop the pickup truck and a short pursuit began.  

The pickup truck was taken north of Hillsboro where it left the roadway and became stuck in a farm field at North Road and N. 17th Avenue.  19-year-old Michael J. Leblance of Greenville was taken into custody. Leblance was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and charged with theft of motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing to elude police.

Hearing the words “You have cancer” can be the scariest three words a person ever hears, but for Kenzi Paquin of Springfield, she heard it twice. Paquin, a 31-year-old mother of 5, found out she had cancer after a pap smear at the age of 26. She had put it off for a bit but finally got it done and was told the news.

Less than three years later after she had been cleared of cancer, Paquin went back because she felt off. While there she found out she had stage 3 cancer. 

Paquin says her biggest concern about the cancer diagnosis has been her 5 children.

Paquin has had her cancer spread to her lungs and offers words of encouragement to anyone who may be suffering from cervical cancer or another form of cancer. She says the most important thing to do is stay positive. 

To follow her story, visit her Instagram and TikTok, where she has been able to get over a million views. For Paquin it’s not about the views, it’s about encouraging women to get pap smears regularly and to stay in charge of their body. Visit @kenzinichole_IG and tiktok at https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdhBfWTM/  

Lake Land College is lowering its tuition. The Lake Land College Board of Trustees is expected to lower in-district tuition to $100 per credit hour, down from $110.50 per credit hour. The new tuition rate represents a near 10% reduction and will go into effect for the Summer and Fall 2022 terms and the Spring 2023 term. Fees will stay the same.  Lake Land College President Dr. Josh Bullock says that it feels good to be able to lower it. 

Dr. Bullock is proud of his staff who continue to put the student first despite the pandemic and it shows. Lake Land is generally ranked in the top 10% of Community Colleges. 

With tuition going down, it means more money in student’s pockets.

Lake Land is enrolling now for the summer and fall with Summer classes beginning on June 6th.  For more information on getting started at Lake Land, visit lakelandcollege.edu/getting-started or call 217-234-5434. 

The Lincoln Prairie Trail spans 14 miles – 13 miles from Pana to nearly Taylorville, then 1 mile that leads to Paw Paw Street in Taylorville, divided by a condemned bridge. 

The trail first laid ground in 2001. Vice President of the Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy Bud Altman describes his first interactions with the trail. 

Altman says the conservancy program is guiding the construction of a trail-head facility in Taylorville at the end of the trail near S. Paw Paw street. 

The project will be in three phases. 

Altman says they could not do this without their sponsors. They’re always looking for more. 

Altman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show on behalf of the Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy program. 

March means the Madness is nearly here. 

Christian County YMCA Director Bruce Blanshan says the YMCA is offering a March Madness membership drive. 

Sign up now for the 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the Y. 

Registration ends Sunday, March 13th. 

Volunteer referees are welcome, too. 

Learn more at ccymca.org. Blanshan appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The national average of gasoline has surpassed $4 per gallon in the US for the first time since 2008 and is just below 10 cents of the all-time record of $4.103 per gallon.  GasBuddy, the leading fuel savings platform, says that prices have spiked across the country due to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, as sanctions have impaired Russia’s ability to export crude oil, spiking gas prices in the last 7 days by 41 cents. 

As of Friday, the weekly rise in gas prices was the second largest ever, following the rise of .49 cents per gallon the week of September 3rd, 2005. Diesel soared to it’s largest daily gain ever of 22.2 cents per gallon. This is 6 cents higher than the previous record set in 2013. 

The GasBuddy app expects that gasoline will continue to rise this summer as there will be an increased demand for gas, refinery maintenance and a switch to summer blend gas.  Gasbuddy sees average prices going upward of $4.25 on average per gallon by Memorial Day. On Tuesday, gas in Taylorville was $4.03, Kincaid $4.19, Pana $4.19, and $4.19 in Shelbyville. 
 

WIth clocks springing forward, it is a good time to check your smoke alarms. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is reminding all Illinoisans to not only check your smoke alarms but to also check your carbon monoxide detectors as well.  The National Fire Protection Association reports that 81% of all battery operated smoke alarms that failed to operate in home fires had missing, disconnected, or dead batteries 

In order to fix this major problem, the Illinois General Assembly updated a law that requires residents to replace their old smoke alarms with a new type that has a long term, ten year sealed battery by the end of 2022. IFSA Executive Director Philip Zaleski says that with a ten year battery alarm, there is no need for battery replacement.  This will save the average homeowner between $40 and $60 in battery costs over the life of each alarm. The new smoke alarms are around $15 per unit. 

The exemptions to the new updated law include homes that are built after 1988 that already have hardwired smoke alarms and homes with wireless integrated alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home including the basement. 

To learn more about fire safety and what to do in an emergency, visit www.IFSA.org. 
 

With St. Patrick’s day right around the corner, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office is urging motorists to take it easy this weekend and to remember that the Sheriff’s Office will be out in full force this weekend. In addition to looking for impaired drivers from alcohol and drugs, the Sheriff’s Office will also be stepping up seat-belt enforcement, speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic and safety laws that may be violated. 

While having a sober driver is the best way to avoid an accident, you can also follow some additional safety tips including, taking the keys and helping a friend get home safely if they’re impaired. You should also buckle up, which is a person’s best defense to keep them safe in the event of a crash. 

Pedestrians are also at risk and if you are walking, keep an eye out for vehicles.  If you’re driving, remain alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs or rules. The St. Patrick’s day enforcement effort is made possible through federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. 
 

House Lawmakers have passed legislation to increase access to prostate cancer screenings.  The move comes after Representative La Shawn Ford of Chicago pushed the motion.  Ford is a prostate cancer survivor.  The bill will cover annual screening procedures without requiring copays or deductibles.  Another survivor, Dan Swanson of Woodhull stressed the importance of these health screenings.

Representative Dan Caulkins of Decatur says he doesn’t care how old you are, get the screening done.

The bill also applies to follow-up screenings such as MRIs and now moves to the Senate for approval. 

Tenaska is hosting a question and answer session with food between 5 and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, March 9th and 10th  at 913 W. Spresser in Taylorville. 

Project Manager Monte Ten Kley says it’s a great opportunity to voice your questions. 

Tenaska especially wants to hear from landowners in Christian County. 

Learn more at heartlandgreenway.com. 

Taylorville Fire Department secured a $170,000 grant from FEMA to upgrade its air packs. 

Mayor Bruce Barry says he’s grateful for the support. 

Mayor Barry thanks Congressman Rodney Davis for his help securing the grant. 

The city thanked Davis for his work with a celebration Friday. 

Mayor Barry says this grant was crucial because the current air packs are over 15 years old. 

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

March is National Nutrition Month. The St. Louis Dairy Council’s theme for this year is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” 

Registered dietitian with the St. Louis Dairy Council Kelsey Bentlage tells you how you can partake. 

Bentlage has been taking it in full stride. She says it’s great if you can find a market specifically with ethnic foods. 

She also offers advice if you don’t have an ethnic foods store near you. 

The St. Louis Dairy Council has many suggestions for you. 

Learn more at stldairycouncil.org. Bentlage appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Before the state supreme court ruled the school mask mandate moot, local school districts were at the mercy of the pandemic and politics. 

Pawnee School District Superintendent Tim Kratochvil says his district went through quite the journey. 

Kratochvil says the kids are happy to choose whether or not they want to wear a mask. 

He says that the mask wearing of the last two years could have had negative impacts on children’s learning. 

Ultimately, school is for the kids. 

Learn more at pawneeschools.com. Kratochvil appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Taylorville City Council approved Mayor Bruce Barry’s appointment of Marlin Brune as Water Superintendent.

Brune has worked for the city of Taylorville for over two decades. 

The council also approved a motion to recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a motion to approve the Picker’s Market and Car Cruise. 

Alderman then approved the promotion of Crystal Nichols in the City Clerk’s Office to an Office Level II, approved the advertisement of the Office Level I, Laborer, Working Foreman and Deputy Treasurer positions. They also recommended the hiring of 23 seasonal helpers for Summer 2022. 

Mayor Barry gave his update. 

The board also approved minutes, new and old business and then went into a closed session. The next scheduled city council meeting is March 21st

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Municipal Building in Taylorville. The board will look to approve Marlin Brune to the office of Water Superintendent at an annual salary of $75,000 along with swearing him in with the oath of office. The board will also approve a motion to recognize sexual assault awareness month, and review the load capacity of the city clerk vault. 

The board will hear from city attorney Rocci Romano and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.  The board will approve some requests for events including the Pickers Market, a Car Cruise, and a bid for curb and gutter replacements. 

Under personnel, the board will review a recommendation for promotion for Crystal Nichols, advertise an office level 1 position, advertise for a laborer position in the street department, advertise for a working foreman position at the water treatment plant, advertise for the deputy treasurer position, and recommend the city council hire 23 summer help for the 2022 season.

Finally, the board will hear from guests and go into closed session.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story at the conclusion of the meeting,.

Legislators have been busy and one bill proposed last week would reimburse teachers for their college tuition costs.  Representative Sue Scherer’s bill will pay back teachers who went to an Illinois College and then stayed in the state to teach at a public school.  The goal is to address the serious teacher shortage. 

Representative Avery Bourne argued that while it’s a great idea, but the cost is over 1 billion dollars and reimburses everyone—including wealthy families who can afford college.

That’s not the only bill that Representative Scherer has been working on.  She’s also proposed a bill to allow parents to decide when a child is old enough to stay home alone.  State law has the age at 14 that you are allowed to stay home alone and Representative Scherer wants to change that because she says it’s confusing and doesn’t take into account personal circumstances.

Both bills now move to the Senate.

Spring means standardized testing for most school districts. 

Superintendent of Kincaid-South Fork School District Chris Clark is excited to see where his students stack up. 

Clark describes how the district is decoding results. 

Ultimately, the district wants to see solid numbers to back up their own data. 

Clark’s ultimate goal for these students is progress. 

You can learn more at southforkschools.com. Clark appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Christmas trees and artifical structures that were donated to Lake Shelbyville will be put into the lake on March 26th. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance will spearhead the effort. Volunteers with large jon boats are needed as well as volunteers to help bundle and place the trees in boats. 

Volunteers are asked to meet at the Wilborn Creek Recreation Area boat ramp parking lot March 26th by 8:30 AM. Volunteers are required to sign in prior to starting work at 9 and a free lunch will be provided. 

Maps with GPS locations of the cubes and stumps will be available at local businesses for 60 days following the event. It can also be printed from the LSFHA Facebook page and the Lake Shelbyville website after those 60 days. All participants will receive aerial maps with coordinates for where Christmas trees were placed for later fishing reference.  Maps will not be supplied to the general public, so if you want one, the US Army Corps of Engineers is encouraging you to come on fish habitat improvement day.

For more information on this project, or if you plan to bring a boat, please contact Natural Resources Specialist Cory Donnel at 217-774-3951, ext. 7001. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that they have $10 million available to distribute as grants for select projects and activities that help advance the state’s transportation and planning goals.  The application deadline is March 30th.

Awards will be chosen based on the ability to study or implement a goal, strategy or objective of IDOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan or one of the agency multimodal plans, such as transit, rail, bike, freight, and highway safety plans.  Eligible activities include planning studies, data collection and analysis, research and program development, performance management, and outreach efforts.

To receive these grants, applicants must agree to provide a funding match of 20% and proposals that benefit disadvantaged or financially distressed communities will be given top priority. To learn more and to apply you can visit https://idot.click/lrtp. 

Grants are made possible through the Statewide Planning And Research Funds administered by IDOT. 

If you are planning for running for election in Christian County, the candidate filing period for the upcoming General Primary Election is March 7th through the 13th at the County Clerk’s office from 8 AM until 4 PM and March 14th from 8 AM until 5 PM.  Local offices that are up for nomination are County Clerk, County Treasurer, Sheriff, and County Board Member Seats.  Precinct Committee people are also up for election.  Packets are available for pick-up at the County Clerk’s Office.

Christian County Clerk Jacque S. Willison is reminding all voters that the General Primary Election date was changed from March 15th, 2022 to June 28th, 2022 by the passage of Senate Bill 825 in June of 2021. The change was due to lawmakers awaiting the release of demographic maps. 

In-person early voting for the June 28th General Primary Election begins May 19th, 2022 and extends until June 27th. The County Clerk’s Office is open from 8 AM until 4 PM Monday through Friday and on June 27th from 8 until 5.  Special Saturday voting and registration hours will be June 25th from 9 AM until 1 PM. 

Polls on Election Day are open from 6 AM until 7 PM. If you are voting by mail, applications may be obtained by contacting the Clerk’s office at 217-824-4969 or online at christiancountyil.com beginning March 30th. 
 

Pana is working towards getting a new skating complex. Travis Dilley with Reds Electric and Kirby Casner were on hand to talk about the skating complex that has been started. The project is in its fundraising stage. Progress has been slow but it’s been making headway and Casner says she is so exciting to see it grow.

There are many ways to find out information about this project and to help out including their Facebook page.

Timelines are subject to donations, but Casner is hoping that they can make some significant progress this year. 

Kirby Casner and Travis Dilley both appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Lincoln Land Community College will be hosting an information fair, and they want you to be a part of it.  Dee Krueger, Director and Student Success Coach, says that everyone is invited Wednesday, March 16 Health Care information night at 5PM.

While those were the main courses, there are plenty of other activities if those don’t interest you. 

Krueger encourages people of all ages to give Lincoln Land a shot if they’re interested in starting a new career.

You do need to register for the health care information night.

Dee Krueger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. For more information visit www.llcc.edu. 
 

The Illinois Commerce Commission recently granted approval of new automatic warning devices at the CH 5/George Waggoner Road grade crossing, located near Shelbyville. The cost to install the new warning devices is $367,289. Staff recommends that the Grade Crossing Protection Fund be used to pay 95%, not to exceed $348,925 of the costs to install the new warning devices at the crossing. 

The allocation of Grade Crossing Protection funds enables this important Union Pacific will pay all remaining installation costs, as well as all future costs to maintain the new warning devices.  Shelby County will not incur any cost associated with safety improvements. 

ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan says that this is an important project that will improve safety for the community and those who go over that crossing. 

All work is set to be complete by January 20th, 2023. 

With Spring right around the corner, a lot of people are probably starting to turn their attention towards their garden to get ready for the planting/growing season that is right around the corner. Andrew Holsinger with the University of Illinois Extension Office talks about some of the programs that he has coming up to help you get into the growing spirit.

The pruning trees and shrubs class in Hillsboro (and online) will tell you why, when, and how to prune common landscape trees and shrubs. 

Another class will be teaching about asparagus and rhubarb and Holsinger explains the difference between perennial and annuals since rhubarb is a perennial. 

Finally, on March 31st, a tropical plants for the home patio class will be taught. 

For more information on these courses and to register visit go.illinois.edu/cjmmevents. Andrew Holsinger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 
 

A former speaker of the house for the Illinois House of Representatives has been indicted on charges including racketeering and bribery. Michael Madigan, former Speaker of the House was indicted on federal racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion charges.  Prosecutors say that Madigan used his position in the House to solicit bribes from an electrical company called ComEd where he would do legislative favors for the company in exchange for jobs and money for his political allies. 

A 22 page indictment was filed in court alleging that Madigan was charged of accumulating $2.8 million in proceeds from racketeering. House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says this indictment is a sweeping public corruption charge not just again Madigan but against the Democrat party that he ran.

Leader Durkin says that Madigan still has his fingerprints over the House.

In late 2020, Illinois House Republicans called for an Illinois House Special Investigating committee to determine what Madigan’s role was in the ComEd scandal.  Newly picked Speaker Chris Welch called it a stunt and a joke.  

Madigan faces 22 charges.  He released the following statement. “I was never involved in any criminal activity. The government is attempting to criminalize a routine constituent service: job recommendations. That is not illegal, and these other charges are equally unfounded. Throughout my 50 years as a public servant, I worked to address the needs of my constituents, always keeping in mind the high standards required and the trust the public placed in me. I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois.”

A crash on Wednesday afternoon killed two people in Shelby County including a trustee for the Village of Chatham.  38 year old Matthew W. Mau of Chatham was driving a silver 2020 Nissan west on 2100 North Road.  As he approached IL Route 128 near Findlay, he failed to stop and struck the driver’s side of a blue 2015 semitruck driven by 59 year old Louis M. Hankins of Shumway.  

Mau and the passenger, 26 year old Morgan R. Wickham of Springfield were both killed in the crash. Hankins was uninjured.  Illinois State Police are still investigating the crash. 
 

While most are ditching the mask thanks to the Governor lifting the mask mandate, hospitals are reminding patients and visitors that masks are still required in a health care setting. Local health care organizations like HSHS Medical Group Memorial Health and Southern Illinois University Medicine are asking everyone to do their part to protect vulnerable people. According to medical experts, masking is an important mitigation tool since many that have COVID, may not even realize that they have it.  

With the CDC issuing new recommendations for relaxing mask requirements in many areas, health care employees are still required to wear masks as well in patient care and public areas of health care buildings. 

Health care leaders are also asking the public to treat employees with civility and respect if they are directed to wear a mask. Officials say they appreciate the support they’ve received from the public and need them to continue to support health officials by following masking guidelines. 

It’s nearly impossible to know everything about retirement and social security. 

That’s what Jack Meyers is here for. He’s a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration. He says not all of your earned income is considered when applying for retirement. 

Meyers says it’s better to check in regularly than to wait until it’s time to retire. 

You can also file for retirement online at ssa.gov. 

If you do apply for retirement online, you have to plan ahead a little bit. 

Learn more at SSA.gov. Meyers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois weather can be great, horrible, or both all in the span of 5 minutes. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service are asking Illinoisans to make sure they are prepared for severe weather, as this week marks severe weather preparedness week. IEMA Spokesperson Kevin Sur says that being aware of where you live can be paramount to what you need to prepare yourself.

Sur says you should also know the difference between warnings, watches, and advisories.

Illinoisans are encouraged to update the family communications plan, make a severe weather preparedness plan, build an emergency preparedness kit, identify your safe place to go during a storm, and as mentioned earlier know the differences between the warnings. 

Watches can mean that severe weather or flooding might develop near your area over the next several hours.  A warning means that you should take action immediately. Having a weather radio can also be a huge help, along with a free mobile app from FEMA that offers fast and reliable weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

For more information visit IEMA on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Tuesday night’s State of the Union address from President Joe Biden featured virtually zero masks – a stark shift. 

Congressman Rodney Davis says the rollback of masks nationwide, and in the capitol building, is based on political science rather than other science. 

Rep. Davis takes a look at the numbers and says that they tell a different story than what many politicians wanted you to believe. 

President Biden touted the west’s response to the war in Ukraine. Rep. Davis agrees, but says it shouldn’t have gotten to this point in the first place. 

Rep. Davis would like to see more strength from the Biden administration to avert the next crisis.

Reach out to Rep. Davis when you visit rodneydavis.house.gov. 

The Taylorville Community Credit Union will be holding its 66th annual meeting on Tuesday, March 15th. The meeting is open to all members and will be held at the KC Hall in Taylorville.  Doors will open at 5 PM with dinner at 5:30 and the business meeting shortly thereafter. President Will Perkins says that attendance is free, but you are asked to make a reservation by March 11th, if you plan to attend.

Perkins says that the annual meeting is great to be in person again, with COVID not being as dangerous as it has been.

The Credit Union is doing well and Perkins is proud of how they did during the pandemic.

Members are encouraged to call or visit any of the credit union’s four locations for making a reservation and dinner will feature croissant sandwiches, wraps, side dishes, fruit and veggie trays, and dessert. 

For more information on TCCU visit www.tccu.org. 

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

The Students of the month from left to right are: Freshman, Julia Prose; Junior, Torie Johnson Pratt; and Senior Kennedie Cearlock.  Sophomore Jake McConnell is not pictured. 

L - R:  PEOPLES BANK AND TRUST REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANHUSS; FRESHMAN JULIA PROSE; JUNIOR TORIE JOHNSON-PRATT; SENIOR KENNEDIE CEARLOCK  (NOT PICTURED) SOPHOMORE JAKE MCCONNELL

Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR along with People's Bank and Trust are recognizing the Pana Students of the Month for September. 

From Left to Right are: Senior Grace Fitzpatrick; Junior, Chloe Ashcraft; Sophomore, Caleb Adams; and Freshman, Isabella Anderson

Regional Radio News salutes all of the Student's Of the Month.

L - R:  SENIOR GRACE FITZPATRICK; JUNIOR CHLOE ASHCRAFT; SOPHOMORE CALEB ADAMS; FRESHMAN ISABELLA ANDERSON

The WSVZ and Family Drug-Shelbyville Students of the Month for February 2022 were presented with their awards recently. Pictured from left to right are.

Freshman: Jack McClain, Sophomore: Jackson Lockhart, Junior: Connor Jennings and Senior: Tanner Koehler. 

Regional Radio News congratulates the Students of the Month!

By now you’re well aware it’s an election year. State rep. Tim Butler wants you to know he’s running in the newly drawn 95th district. 

Rep. Butler says this new district looks different than the 87th district which he currently represents. 

Although it looks much different, Rep. Butler says the cities within the 95th are not unlike those in his current district. 

Rep. Butler is currently focused on promoting a group of bills called, “Reimagine Illinois.”

Learn more at reptimbutler.org. Rep. Butler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is reminding patients about an easy way that they can view their health care management. MyHSHS, powered by MyChart, is a free online personal health record that patients can access securely from their home computer, laptop, or mobile device. It gives patients the ability to view their medical record online and take care of their own health and wellness.  

MyHSHS allows users to retrieve updated health information anywhere, it allows users to schedule appointments with their provider, send messages to their physician’s office, obtain summaries of their care, view lab results, and view allergies, meds, and vaccinations. 

You can get started by visiting www.MyHSHS.org to sign up.  If you have questions, you can call 1-866-312-5023 or visit hshsgoodshepherd.org. 

With the frost of winter starting to thaw, the Taylorville Food Pantry is busier than any point this year. 

Co-coordinator Pam Moses thinks this is because of rising energy prices. She wants everyone to think of the pantry right now. 

Moses and the pantry continue to welcome donations. 

A Taylorville scout’s group is collecting food for the pantry with drop off set for the 19th. 

Moses says you shouldn’t feel too much pressure to put on the perfect food drive. 

Learn more at taylorvillefoodpantry.com. Moses appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois Public Health Director Doctor Ngozi (en-gahzi) Ezike (eh-zee-kay) is leaving her position later this month and served her last day Tuesday. Doctor Ezike has been running the department of public health for the last three years and has helped guide the state through the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor JB Pritzker praised her for her hard work over the last three years.

March 14th will be Dr. Ezike’s last day.  She spent much of her time working long hours and daily press conferences during the pandemic, and provided data and information to the public in both English and Spanish. She says she was up to the challenge.

A former pediatrician, Dr. Ezike is the first black woman to serve as Illinois Public Health Director.  She says she has no immediate plans other than to spend time with her family. The agency’s assistant director will take over until a permanent replacement is found.

The City of Taylorville and the Taylorville Fire Department have received a grant from FEMA for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant that will award the Taylorville Fire Department, $166,666, in federal funding. Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann thanked Congressman Rodney Davis for his help with securing the grant and says that it is much needed.

Chief Adermann says that equipment costs can be pretty expensive and this goes a long way towards better equipment which in turn can keep citizens safe.

The City of Taylorville and Fire Department will be hosting a Thank You to Congressman Davis for securing this grant at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4th at the Taylorville Fire House.
 

The Scoville Zoo in Decatur is opening for the season.

Director Ken Frye says his staff, and the animals, are looking forward to re-inviting humans into the park April 2nd. 

One of the many animals you can find – a blue-tounged skink – Frye brought into the studio.

Frye is excited to re-introduce the public to the zoo. 

Perhaps his favorite part of being a director of the zoo is watching fellow humans make connections with animals. 

Learn more on the Scoville Zoo Facebook. Frye appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

It is no longer American Heart Month, but the risk of heart disease is there year-round. 

Director of Anthlary Services for Taylorville Memorial Hospital Lora Polley describes risk factors of heart disease. 

Diabetics are especially at risk of cardiovascular-related health events. 

TMH has a department designed specifically for recovery of a heart attack. Director of clinical operations at TMH Emily Bailey talks about what patients can do after a heart-related event. 

Think of the recovery process like an education course. 

Learn more at memorial.health. Bailey and Polley appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

News and sports reporter for the Miller Media Group in Taylorville, Leroy Kleimola, has been named "Employee of the Quarter" for 4th Quarter 2021.

Staff employees selected Kleimola as "Employee of the Quarter" for his continued commitment to news and entertainment programming on the 5 Taylorville-based radio stations.

Kleimola 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.

He's been in his position over 2 years, and was given a one-hundred dollar bonus.  He's also in contention for a Florida trip drawing in April.

Listen to the Jim Bohannon show weeknights from 9 to midnight for analysis on the important topics of the world. 

Right now, Bohannon is focused on the situation in Ukraine. 

Bohannon provides the other option Russia is looking for. 

Bohannon also evaluates the viewpoint of Russia – that Ukraine becoming a NATO ally is a threat to Russia. 

Outside of Eastern Europe, Bohannon has his eyes on the State of the Union address Tuesday. 

Bohannon appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are currently accepting applications for the 2022 DCFS Scholarship Program.  This program is providing a minimum of 53 academic scholarships that will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year, with four awards reserved for the children of veterans. DCFS Spokesperson Deborah Lopez says that this is for youth that are in care or used to be in care.

Scholarship recipients numerous benefits including academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and public universities, a monthly grant of $1,273 to offset other expenses and a medical card.  On average the department receives 200 application packets each year and has awarded over 1,500 scholarships since the program began in 1971. 

Scholarship recipients may receive up to 5 years of tuition.

The DCFS Scholarship program is available to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 and not 21 on March 31st may apply. 

The mask mandate for Illinois schools and businesses is officially over. While certain places may still enforce masks suchs as hospitals, nursing homes, and public transportation, most businesses have lifted their mandates.  Illinois Governor JB Pritzker calls it a joyous day. 

Places are still allowed to have masks if they so choose.

As of Sunday evening, there were 943 COVID patients in the hospital, the lowest number since July.