The new oblisk was installed Thursday at the Veteran's Memorial Park on Lake Taylorville.

The project was spearheaded by the Downtown Taylorville Committee, which did an extensive amount of fund raising to make the Memorial Park a reality.

The bottom of the oblisk was set first, then the crane grabbed onto the top half.  Crews had to wait until the wind died down to install it.

It was the Committee's goal to have the new oblisk installed before the 4th of July holiday. 

It will be officially dedicated this Monday, July 4th, at 2pm at the site.  Various veteran's organizations will participate.   The public is invited to attend. 

Several members of the Downtown Taylorville Committee were on hand for Thursday morning's installation.

Register now for Lincoln Land Community College Taylorville’s Fall Semester.

LLCC Taylorville director Dee Kruger says there’s an event coming up to help you register. 

Kruger says that LLCC Taylorville is piloting a transition to eight-week courses this fall.

Financial aid is open now and should be completed soon. Students should visit studentaid.gov for their Fafsa application. 

Kruger says that she is already excited about the upcoming school year. 

Learn more at llcc.edu. Kruger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville School Board passed its budget for the next fiscal year at its monthly board meeting Tuesday night. 

Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty says the district’s finances remain in good shape. 

The budget does include a defecit for the new fine arts and sports complex building, which involves the demolition of the east wing at the high school. 

Dr. Dougherty says that the district is working on it. 

The construction of the new complex presents a sponsorship opportunity for local business.

The school district is ready to construct two different plans. The first, dubbed, “Plan A Plus,” is the most feasible. The district is working towards more square footage with Plan D. 

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

A Taylorville man receives eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

41-year-old Chism Haworth pleads guilty to an extended-term class 2 felony of Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine. 

This is based on an incident where he sold methamphetamine to an undercover source of the Taylorville Police Department. 

Judge Christopher Matoush handed the extended sentence because the defendant had a prior conviction under the methamphetamine control and community protection act, which made the sentencing range 3 to 14 years with probation eligibility. 

This is Haworth’s second felony conviction and sentence to the DOC. 

Christian County State’s Attorney Wes Poggenpohl thanks Taylorville Police Department for their proactive approach to the drug problem in the community. 

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is increasing the financial support provided to foster parents, caregivers, and older youth in care to help offset recent increases in the cost of living expenses.  DCFS had already planned on a 3 percent cost of living adjustment for the new fiscal year.  The new additional support of $14.6 million is supported by a decrease in youth coming into DCFS care. 

DCFS Spokesperson Bill McCaffrey says that it is vital to support those who so generously open their homes. 

Monthly stipends are going up as well beyond the already planned COLA, with more than 9,600 foster families in Illinois. 

DCFS has projected 18,511 youth in care at the end of the fiscal year that ends on June 30th.  DCFS currently has more than 17,800 youth in care with 700 fewer than the projected number.
 

Taylorville Police Department follows a chase through town and arrests a Taylorville man. 

TPD arrests a man in response to illegal activity on the 600 block of Cottage Street. 

Monday night, officers conducted a traffic stop and the suspect fled. Dispatch then received a call that a male, wearing a red hoodie, jumped out of the passenger side of the vehicle. 

Just as TPD began to disengage, the driver turned on a dead-end road and the vehicle lost power. 

Police apprehended 47-year-old Michael Neece of Taylorville without incident and charged him with Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding. He is out on bond for that charge along with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, and Resisting Arrest. 

TPD thanks Christian County State’s Attorney Wes Poggenpohl, as a judge set Neece’s bond at $150,000. 

Police could not find the alleged passenger. 

The Small Town Taylorville Committee will be sponsoring a Car Show on the Taylorville square, Friday night from 4:30 til 8.  

Officials with the Committee tell Regional Radio News that the last show attracted over one-hundred cars parked on the inside of the square, and they're expecting that many or more tomorrow night.

A car cruise will be held in conjunction with the Car Show.

The event is free and the public is invited to attend.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club worked earlier this month to prepare Kiwanis Park on Lake Taylorville, for residents to enjoy as we head into the summer.

Kiwanis members Duane Stock and Larry Kemner, co-chairs of the Kiwanis Park Committee, put time in cleaning, sawing, and moving portions of downed trees, rock, and the adjoining firepit.

Kiwanis Park was founded in cooperation with the City of Taylorville, in 1995.  A pavilion was constructed by the club that year, then over the years, playground equipment, a firepit, restrooms, a smaller pavilion, and a concrete pad for another yet-to-be-built small pavilion, have all been added.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation, and donations from the community, will help replace the aging floor in the large pavilion, this year.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is 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.     

These are the current unofficial results of the following contested races for state and federal government. 

Precincts Reporting (percentage): 

Republican Primaries:

Governor

Darren Bailey - 57%

Richard Irvin - 15%

Paul Schimpf - 4%

Gary Rabine - 7%

Max Solomon - 1%

Jesse Sullivan - 16%

United States Senator

Peggy Hubbard - 25%

Robert Piton - 9%

Jimmy Lee Tillman - 5%

Anthony Williams - 7%

Kathy Salvi - 30%

Matthew Duibel - 13%

Casey Chlebek - 11%

15th District

Rodney Davis - 43%

Mary Miller - 57%

Secretary of State

John Milhiser - 24%

Dan Brady - 76%

Attorney General

Steve Kim - 21%

David Shestokas - 35%

Thomas DeVore - 44%

54th District State Representative

Steve McClure - 61%

Don DeBolt - 39%

95th District State Representative

Kent Gray - 26%

Tim Butler - 74%

Democrat Primaries

Secretary of State

David Moore - 9%

Alexi Giannoulias - 53%

Anna Valencia - 34%
Sydney Moore - 4%

The 2021 list of most popular baby names is here.

Social Security Administration’s Jack Meyers shares the top 10 male and female names. 

Social Security is the number one source for baby name data. 

Meyers says this effort is about 25 years old. They have data from the start of the 20th century. 

You can view everything for yourself on the Social Security Administration website. 

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

Seven Illinois Counties have reported the West Nile Virus. Illinois Department of Public Health urges public to, “Fight The Bite.”

Macoupin, Edgar, Will, Cook, Logan, Dupage, and Washington Counties report a total of 15 mosquito batches testing positive for the virus. 

There are no human cases, yet. Spokesperson Mike Claffey says that  you should still be careful

Claffey says that you should keep the property surrounding your home dry. 

As always, it’s a good idea to make sure windows have tight-fitting screens without tears. 

Dennis Metzker is the new lead pastor at Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville. 

Every Tuesday, the church hosts Celebrate Recovery at 5:30 p.m.

Pastor Metzker says that he has visions for the coming months for the church. 

Pastor Metzker and his wife founded SHARP House, which houses men in recovery. 

Pastor Metzker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Lake Land College hosting an Introductory Court Reporting Class. It’s from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 19th. 

Attendees will learn about the career opportunities available to court reports. They will also have the opportunity to gain experience on the industry-standard steno machine. 

Director of court reporting services in Springfield Tammy Bumgarner says that a third of court reporters are already eligible for retirement, which means there will be more than 400 new employees in the next 10 to 15 years.

The class will also assist students prepare for the new Court Reporting and Captioning Degree program at Lake Land.  This will prepare students for careers in the judicial setting as either official or freelance court reporters or captioners.  

The program is designed to train students on a specialized 24-year shorthand keyboard that court reporters and captioners use. 

Those interested can visit lakelandcollege.edu/enroll. 

Lake Shelbyville has received a grant to help improve aquatic habitats.  The US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District’s Lake Shelbyville, and Mark Twain Lake were all recently awarded the National Fish Habitat Partnership Bass Pro Shops US Open Grant to improve fish habitats at the respective project sites.  The grants totaled more than $167,000 and will help improve the habitats within reservoirs at Mark Twain Lake and Lake Shelbyville. 

At Lake Shelbyville, the grant will help Lake Shelbyville to continue to provide long-lasting fish habitat.  Several types of fish structures will help increase the diversity of fish and wildlife creating a great experience for visitors, anglers, and hunters.  The funds will also be used to increase access to the lake itself. 

Colonel Kevin Golinghorst, the St. Louis District Commander, says that it is amazing news for the two lakes.  He praised the National Fish Habitat Board for their help in meaningful habitat improvement projects that benefit both anglers and the environment.

The St. Louis District has stewardship of more than 490,000 acres of land and water in Missouri and Illinois that provides recreation, flood risk management, water supply, and hydro-power to the region. 

Incumbent 13th District Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville conceded his primary race late Tuesday night, after challenger Mary Miller of Oakland beat Davis in the new 15th District by a margin of 57 to 43 percent.

Davis issued a statement just before 10 o’clock Tuesday night, saying that he congratulated Congresswoman Miller and President Trump on their victory after a hard-fought campaign, and he wished Miller the best in representing the new 15th District.

Davis went on to say he has been honored to serve the 13th District since 2013, and will now focus on campaigning to help Republicans across Illinois get elected.  

He added that he hopes that if the Republicans re-take the U-S House, that they, quoting Davis, “work to end dysfunction and deliver results for the American people.”

These are the current unofficial results of the following contested races in Moultrie County.  For complete election results please visit, https://il-moultrie.pollresults.net/ or click here.

(R) County Clerk and Recorder

Lisa Ozier - 49.93%

Linda S. Qualls - 50.07%

(R) County Board District At Large

(Choose 9, 1 will not advance)

Aaron Willhelm - 10.59%

Marsha Kirby - 9.54%

Julie R. Kinert - 8.52%

Larry Wayne Stacy Jr. - 5.52% 

Billy Voyles - 10.50%

Kenneth Graven - 10.02%

Tyler W. Graven - 11.55%

Todd Maxedon - 10.81%

Scott Buxton - 11.69%

John Vander Burgh - 11.25%

(R) Sullivan #6 Committeeperson

Michael Wayne Leach - 23.74%

Lynn Reed - 76.26%

Propositions

SULLIVAN CUSD NO. 300 PROPOSITION TO ISSUE $25,000,000 SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS

Yes - 62.24%

No - 37.76%

ARTHUR CUSD NO. 305 PROPOSITION TO ISSUE $30,600,000 SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS

Yes - 28.85%

No - 71.15%

These are the current unofficial results of the following contested races in Shelby County.  For complete election results please visit, https://il-shelby.pollresults.net/ or click here

Precincts Reporting (percentage): 

County Treasurer

Erica Firnhaber - 58.87%

Missy Haynes - 41.13%

Shelby County Board 10th District

(Vote for Two)

Sharon Ongman - 30.25%

Martha Firnhaber - 34.71%

Tim Morse - 35.04%

Propositions

NEOGA CUSD NO. 3 PROPOSITION TO ISSUE $3,500,000 SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS

Yes - 56.44%

No - 43.56%

SULLIVAN CUSD NO. 300 PROPOSITION TO ISSUE $25,000,000 SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS

Yes - 0%

No - 100%

These are the current unofficial results of the following contested races in Christian County.  For complete election results please visit, https://il-christian.pollresults.net/ or click here.

Republican Primaries

State's Attorney

John McWard - 42.38% 

Dan Markwell - 22.24%

Dennis Atteberry - 35.39%

District 3 Christian County Board

(Picks two)

Bryan Sharp - 38.44%

Seth Foster - 33.48%

Raymond Koonce - 28.09%

District 4 Christian County Board

(Picks two)

Matthew Wells - 25.13%

Jean Vandenbergh - 32.48%

Dale Livingston - 19.45%

Miranda Langen - 22.93%

Propositions

PANHANDLE CUSD NO. 2 REFERENDUM TO DEACTIVATE THE LINCOLNWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL FACILITY IN PANHANDLE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2

Yes - 64.29%

No - 35.71%

MORRISONVILLE CUSD NO. 1 REFERENDUM TO DEACTIVATE THE MORRISONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL FACILITY IN MORRISONVILLE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1

Yes - 40.98%

No - 59.02%

These are the current unofficial results of the following contested races in Montgomery County.  For complete election results please visit: https://www.montgomeryco.com/countyclerk/elections/results.php or click here.

(R) Precinct Committeeperson Fillmore Consolidated

Rick Robbins - 85 votes

Steven Janssen - 67 votes 

(R) Precinct Committeeperson Irving

Kirby K. Furness - 81 votes

James E. Jones - 62 votes

Propositions

MORRISONVILLE CUSD #1 REFERENDUM TO DEACTIVATE THE MORRISONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL FACILITY IN MORRISONVILLE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #1

Yes - 61.54 percent

No - 38.48 percent

PANHANDLE CUSD #2 REFERENDUM TO DEACTIVATE THE LINCOLNWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL FACILITY IN PANHANDLE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #2

Yes - 73.41 percent

No - 26-59 percent

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the new Taylorville Police Explorers chapter, during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Taylorville Police Officer Jody Grove, along with Officer Nickolas Todd and Dispatcher Kayleigh Boston, shared with Kiwanis members about the new Taylorville Police Explorers chapter, which is the law enforcement equivalent of Scouts, that teaches life skills to youth age 14 to 21.  5 members of the newly-formed chapter also shared why they’re a member of the new Explorers chapter, which is the only chapter in Central Illinois.

The 3 T-P-D representatives said the new Explorers chapter teaches law enforcement tactics to youth, allowing the youth to be mentored and shadow officers and support staff in real life experiences.  

Officer Grove told Kiwanis members the chapter helps youth learn career opportunities.

Dispatcher Boston said this group of youth are very motivated to serve.

The new Taylorville Explorers chapter also does a lot of commnity service events in the city, and serves youth from all socio-economic backgrounds.  They rely strictly on donations to keep their chapter going, with monies going to buying uniforms and scenario equipment.  

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is 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.     

The Taylorville School Board held their June meeting last night at the Taylorville High School Cafeteria, and voted on several major items as they prepare for the new fiscal year.

The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2023 budget totaling just over 36-million dollars, after holding a budget hearing before the start of the board meeting.

That budget includes a one-point-one million dollar deficit in the building fund due to expected demolition of the east wing at high school, and construction at that location of the new Fine Arts Center and classrooms.  Superintendent Doctor Chris Dougherty told the board that fund raising efforts have already begun to raise that one-point-one million locally.  The Board Tuesday night hired C-M Services as the project's Construction Management firm.

There was a lot of discussion at Tuesday night's Taylorville School Board meeting, about the district's bus transportation provider, Durham Bus Services, asking for an increase on top of the scheduled increase in their contract.  In a letter sent to the District earlier this month, Durham indicated they'll use the additional monies to offer higher wages to attract bus drivers. Superintendent Doctor Chris Dougherty outlined the situation.

The board recognized there is a bus driver shortage, but there were feelings among several board members that Durham was strong-arming the district in the letter they sent asking for the increase.   After a lengthy discussion, the Board directed Superintendent Dougherty to offer Durham a 12-percent increase for this school year as a start of negotiating what will be acceptable to both parties.  Durham is asking for a 16-percent increase.

The Taylorville School Board Tuesday night approved the renewal of the district's property and casualty insurance policy with a 25% increase, costing the district an additional almost 39-thousand dollars.  A letter the insurance broker sent the Board indicated the increase was due to the an increase in property values, rate increases, the District's loss history, and current economic conditions.

Aramark's food service contract for the Taylorville School District was approved by the Taylorville School Board Tuesday night, as was the general supply bid for this school year.

The Taylorville School Board accepted a number of resignations, retirements, one leave of absence, some change of assignments, and recommendations to employ, at Tuesday night's Board meeting.  See the complete list here.

In order to find the results for your Township/County, Regional Radio News has compiled them all into one place.

For Christian County Results, Click HERE.

For Shelby County Results, Click HERE.

For Moultrie County Results, Click HERE.

For Montgomery County Results, Click HERE.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for complete coverage on the 2022 Primary Election.

What you eat can make all the difference in your health. 

That’s the message from Memorial Health culinary medicine coordinator Jan Dowell. 

The best thing you can do is to think about what you can eat, rather than what you can’t. 

There are various classes you can attend to better your health through culinary arts. 

Dowell says research shows culinary medicine is becoming more important than ever.

Learn more at memorial.health. Dowell appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The big topic of discussion surrounding Navigator and Heartland Greenway’s proposed CO2 Carbon Capture and Storage project is the Christian County aquifer. 

Heartland Greenway says that their scientists paneled thousands of different pipelines, water, gas, and otherwise, built beneath and through the aquifer. 

Mark Roth is the Chair of the Christian County Soil and Water Conservation District and Commissioner on the Clear Creek Special Drainage District. He says Heartland Greenway’s claim of “thousands” of pipelines is likely overblown. 

Karen Brocklesby is a farm wife and a landowner in the proposed storage site. She says she’s worried about what could happen if the pipeline leaked. 

Roth is concerned about farmland. 

While Navigator proposes this project as an environmental fix-all, Brocklesby wants you to look at the environmental groups opposing this project. 

Brocklesby and Roth appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Meet the new Pana Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ashley Christian. 

Christian is focused on growing the Chamber. Membership includes a host of benefits. 

Pana is celebrating its Farmer’s Market every Friday throughout the summer. 

While Christian is heavily involved in the community, she says it’s impossible for her to know everything going on. With that, she asks you to contact the chamber if you have an event coming up. 

Learn more at panachamber.net. Christian appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

As Primary Election night comes and goes, there are a handful of local elections Regional Radio News is watching. 

In Christian County, three Republican attorneys are fighting to become the nominee for State’s Attorney, where the winner will face incumbent Democrat Wes Poggenpohl. Dan Markwell, Dennis Atteberry and John McWard are all facing each other as Republicans. Poggenpohl is running unopposed in the Democrat Primary. 

The District 4 Christian County Board Republican race features the Board Chairman Matt Wells against three others, including Jean Vanderbergh, Dale Livingston, and Miranda Langen. Two of the four candidates will move on. 

In District 3, Bryan Sharp, Seth Foster and Raymond Koonce are vying for the Republican nomination.  Two will move on. 

In the 5th Judicial District Appellate Court race, Republicans Mike McHaney and Barry Vaughan are battling for the right to replace Honorable David Overstreet. 

In Shelby County, the race for the Republican nominee to be treasurer is on between Erica Firnhaber and Missy Haynes. 

Shelby County Board races are not too contested outside of the 10th District, where there are three candidates and two slots. Sharon Ongman, Martha Firnhaber and Tim Morse are seeking nominations. 

There are a couple of propositions to consider in both counties. 

In Christian County, Panhandle School District is considering the deactivation of Lincolnwood Junior High School facility. This would send those students to Morrisonville School District. While Morrisionville School District is considering the deactivation of the high school and send those students to Panhandle High School. Those are two separate propositions. 

In Shelby County, a proposition asks if the Sullivan School District will demolish and renovate the Middle School building with an expected cost value of $25 million. While the Neoga School District is asking Shelby and two other counties if they can renovate various buildings in the district for a cost of $3.5 million. 

Early voting is closed. You can find your polling location when you contact your local county clerk’s office. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for election updates throughout the evening. 

Taylorville School Board is set to meet this evening at 6 PM for their monthly school board meeting. The board will approve minutes, review and approve claims, go over the treasurer’s report and consideration of personnel and overnight trips. 

Under old business, the board will approve the 2021-2022 Final Public School Calendar and adopt the Fiscal Year 2022 Amended Budget. There will be a recap of the strategic planning focus, goals, committee reports and timeline. The board will also consider and act on the Construction Management Contract for CM Services. There will be a second reading and adoption of IASB Press Plus Policy Updates with Administrative Procedures and an update on the Durham Bus Contract negotiations.

Under new business, the board will consider the Fiscal year 2023 Food service Management Contract Renewal and the Fiscal Year 2023 Property, Casualty Insurance Renewal. They will also consider approving the Therakids Service Agreement and the 2022-2023 General Supply Bid Results.

There will be a Superintendent’s report and a closed session to hear a student disciplinary case. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for a recap at the conclusion of today’s meeting.

For local farms and food businesses, online presence can be a scary thing. With Live Local, Shop Local, an Illinois Farm Bureau program, it’s becoming easier.  Farmers can be connected with thousands of new customers through the Live Local, Shop Local online directory. The directory is powered by MarketMaker and hosted by the Illinois Specialty Growers Association.  It allows customers to easily search for farms and businesses based on the products they are looking for. 

Shoppers can also search through popular item categories including fruits, vegetables, cheeses, honey, flowers, and value-added products.  Visitors can also search for agritourism experiences, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and more. 

Local farm and food businesses can create a profile on foodmarketmaker.com and registered users can add an e-commerce option or link to an existing store.  They can also check out a buy/sell forum and find product listings and advertising along with business affiliations on multiple networks. 

For Illinois Farm Bureau members, online vendors who indicate an affiliation with the organization on their profiles will be featured on participating county Farm Bureau websites and in the Membership App. Business owners can access their account and revise their data anytime through the year through foodmarketmaker.com.  The Farm Bureau recommends updating profiles ahead of busy shopping seasons, such as summer and fall farmers market seasons. 

More than 1,800 Illinois farms and businesses featured in the online directory at specialtygrowers.org/shoplocal.  For more information contact Raghela Scavuzzo, IFB Associate Director of Food Systems Development at Rscavuzzo@ilfb.org. 

Today is the big day – Primary Election Day. 

Candidates from all over Illinois will find out if they will represent their party for the November General Election. 

In the Republican primaries, the run for Governor is one of the most contested in recent memory. According to a recent poll, Representative Darren Bailey holds a double-digit lead over Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. Paul Schimpf, Gary Rabine, Max Solomon, and Jesse Sullivan are also seeking the Republican nomination. 

Illinois will send one U.S. Senator to Washington D.C. Peggy Hubbard, Robert Piton, Jimmy Lee Tillman, Anthony Williams, Kathy Salvi, Matthew Duibel, and Casey Chlebek are in a grudge match to face incumbent Democrat Tammy Duckworth. 

Meanwhile, two current U.S. Congress representatives are fighting for the republican nomination for the newly mapped 15th district. Current 13th district Rep. Rodney Davis takes on current 15th district Rep. Mary Miller in the newly drawn district. President Trump endorsed Rep. Miller at a rally in Quincy Saturday, while Rep. Davis says that he is proud of his record working with President Trump. 

In the Republican Attorney General’s race, Steve Kim, David Shestokas, and Thomas DeVore fight for the right to take on incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul. 

Also in the state elections, two republicans fighting to become the 54th District representative. Incumbent Steve McClure faces challenger and Darren Bailey endorsed candidate Don DeBolt. 
While Kent Gray challenges incumbent Tim Butler for the Republican nomination for the 95th District seat. 

In the Democrat Primary, just one state position is contested – the Secretary of State. Incumbent Jesse White is retiring. Alex Giannoulias, David Moore, Anna Valencia and Sidney Moore are running for the right to become the Democrat nominee. While in the Republican primary, Dan Brady and John Milhiser are seeking nominations. 

Early voting is closed. You can vote today at your designated polling location, which you can find when you contact your county clerk’s office. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for updated results throughout the day. 

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville has a specialty clinic for you to visit when regular visits aren’t enough. 

Operations Manager Regina Agney says that specialists from all over visit the clinic. 

It’s really easy to make an appointment with a specialist. 

Agney notes how important sleep is and there are sleep specialists ready to help. 

Call HSHS Good Shepherd or visit their website, hshs.org/goodshepherd for more information.

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

Boarman’s Roxy Theater in Shelbyville is staying busy with new showings constantly. 

Manager Camice Barker says the theater recently received a renovation and adds it couldn’t have been done without community support. 

Barker says that many assets of the theater had to be replaced. 

Boarman’s Roxy Theater does book for community events.

The theater also presents an advertising opportunity for local business. 

Boarman’s Roxy Theater is currently showing, “Elvis,” through July 7th. For current and future showings, visit boarmansroxytheater.com. 

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

A local development center has earned continuing accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Lincoln Land Community College’s Child Development Center earned the honor from the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children. 

The NAEYC accreditation is a system that uses a set of 10 research-based standards to recognize high-quality early learning environments.  Less than 10% of all childcare centers, preschools, and kindergartens earn this honor nationwide. 

Laurie Rhodes, director of the LLCC Child Development Center says she’s proud to have again earned the mark of quality from NAEYC.  She says they are committed to serving as a model of best practices in early childhood education.

The center has been accredited since 1995 and serves children ages 15 months until entry to kindergarten.  They offer childcare to LLCC students and community members while serving as a teaching lab for students.  Find out more information by visiting www.llcc.edu/child-development-center or calling 217-786-2450. 

Governor J.B. Pritzker calls for a Special Session to address reproductive rights in Illinois. 

Pritzker says this will be held in the coming weeks and will address the influx of women expected to visit Illinois for an abortion. 

House Speaker Chris Welsh supports this Special Session.

Other possible topics include allowing nurse practitioners to perform early abortion procedures and more funding for providers to increase services and locations.

Pana Police Department asking for information regarding a burglary case with a juvenile suspect. 

In the early morning hours last Wednesday, Pana Officers and Christian County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a burglary alarm at Shell Station on East First Street.

Officers arrived and located the door smashed with nobody inside. 

Upon review of surveillance footage, police identified a 16-year-old male and charged him with Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Damage to Property. Officers took him to a Juvenile Detention Facility after his hearing. 

The case remains under investigation, while police still search for a second male who has not been identified. 

Pana Police Department asks anyone with information to call the department at 217-562-2141.

The Tower Hill Park Committee held their Summer Vendor Fair on Saturday at Tower Hill Park. The fair included various vendors, live music entertainment, and a raffle for multiple different prizes. For food, Miss Judy’s Patty Wagon was in attendance selling burgers, hot dogs, loaded nachos, loaded fries and more. You can learn more about Miss Judy’s Patty Wagon on their Facebook page.

The Tower Hill Park Committee will also be holding a Disc Golf Tournament at Tower Hill Park on July 30th. Avid disc golfer Mike Walsh has more. 

Again, the Disc Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 30th at Tower Hill Park. 
 

Folks from all over Central Illinois make their way out to Bethany over the weekend.

Over 20 food and craft vendors showing up to the Bethany Celebration.

Organizer Cassandra Lambdin says vendors came from all over to celebrate Bethany. 

Fellow organizer Kaytie Orris says the event means a lot to the community. 

Lambdin says the Back The Blue 5K supports local law enforcement. 

The Bethany Celebration is a community effort taking place each summer at Crowder Park in Bethany. This year the event takes place in the evening June 24th and all day June 25th. 

Two homegrown authors returning to the Taylorville Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Friday. 

Jennifer Wilson will read from her new book, “Someday We’ll Find It,” while Fred Durbin will read from his new project, a memoir called, “The Year.”

Durbin says his book is a memoir about a difficult year he had over 15 years ago. 

His father’s writing really stuck out to him, which inspired this memoir. 

Durbin is really looking forward to spending time hearing Wilson read from her book, which is about her upbringing in Taylorville. 

Durbin invites you to come on over to the library at 6:30 p.m. for readings and signings. 

Durbin appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

You’ve planted that new tree and you’re ready for it to provide some shade or fruit. 

University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger is providing tips on how to take care of that new tree. He says dry weather can mean you need to pay close attention.

The location and species of tree depend on what you need from your tree.

Tree species native to Illinois are best suited for drought conditions if they occur. 

Holsinger recommends an arborist if your tree is experiencing ailments. Treesaregood.org can help you find an arborist. 

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

A fish is getting a new name. Asian Carp are going to be referred to now as Copi. Along with the new name will be a new campaign to make these fish more enticing to eat so that numbers are reduced in Illinois waterways. Chicago Chef and winner of the show Chopped, Brian Jupiter came up with Copi.

State Department of Natural Resources Kevin Irons says that he is hoping the name change will entice more people to try the mild, clean-tasting fish.

This isn’t the first time a fish has received a name change.  Orange Roughy used to be known as Slimehead.  You can find Copi recipe ideas as well as restaurants and stores that offer the fish at choosecopi.com. 

A Shelbyville woman has been found guilty of unlawful possession of meth with a prior unlawful possession of meth manufacturing materials conviction. 38-year-old Rachel A. Rentfro was found guilty following a bench trial of the offense of unlawful possession of meth with prior possession of meth manufacturing materials.  Judge Amanda Ade Harlow presided over the trial, and Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke made the announcement.  

Rentfro was arrested on August 25th, 2021 after officers were dispatched to the Country View Apartments parking lot on 9th Street in Shelbyville in relation to a report of a female passed out in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle.  Officer Joe Houk approached the vehicle and noticed Rentfro slumped over the wheel. After awaking Rentfro, Houk observed her hiding a glass pipe with residue under her legs and the residue tested positive for meth at the Illinois State Police Crime Lab.

Rentfro faces a potential sentence of 2 to 10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and will be sentenced at a later date.  The investigation was conducted by the Shelbyville Police Department. 

Summer is here and that means hot temps especially in vehicles.  Child Safety experts are reminding parents about making sure that kids are safe and that leaving kids in a hot car even for a few minutes can lead to deadly results. Ginger Streitmatter, is a Child Passenger Safety Technician with OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois.  She says that outdoor temperatures can multiply in cars very quickly.  

Temperatures as low as 57 degrees can still create dangerous environments for children and pets inside vehicles. Injury prevention advocacy group, Safe Kids Worldwide, says that heat stroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths in children under 15. Heat stroke is when the body is not able to cool itself quickly enough. 

A child’s body will heat up quicker than an adult’s. When left in a hot car, a child’s major organs begin to shut down when internal temps reach 104 and a child can die when temps reach 107. 

Streitmatter even put her own vehicle to the test.  She held a surface thermometer and checked the car seat that had been sitting in a vehicle on a sunny morning in Illinois.

If you see a child left inside a hot car, Streitmatter encourages you to call 9-1-1. According to KidsAndCars.org and NoHeatStroke.org, about 38 children die each year from vehicular heatstroke.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced that the Junior and Open live shows at the Illinois State Fair will be canceled for 2022 to protect from the highly pathogenic avian influenza.  Doctor Staci Slager with the IDOA says that it will be a virtual competition.

Dr. Slager says it’s just not a safe environment right now. The Department’s emergency rules took effect in April and can remain in effect for 150 days. The rule prohibits the sale or exhibiting of poultry and poultry products such as swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets, and auction markets in Illinois. 

The deadline to apply is July 15th.  More details are available at illinoisstatefair.info. For more information on the avian flu, visit the USDA website. 

If you’ve ever wondered what celebrating Independence Day was like in the 1800s, this weekend is your chance. 

Macon County Conservation District Marketing Specialist Susie Ryan wants you to head to the Rock Springs Conservation Center this Saturday. 

It’s your chance to see what Independence Day in 1860 was like. 

The weather this weekend looks great. Temperatures peaking in the low 90s. 

Come 7 p.m. Sunday for the district’s Summer Concert series. 

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

The primary election is Tuesday, June 28th. 

Attorney John McWard is running as a republican to become Christian County’s State’s Attorney against two other candidates.

If elected, McWard says he will focus on the methamphetamine problem in Christian County.

McWard wants to stand up for citizens, especially those who are victims of crime.

Asset forfeiture is something McWard wants law enforcement to be able to use in their tool-belt. 

McWard appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

This week, the Edinburg Girl Scout Troop 6213 installed a Little Library outside the Edinburg Community Building. 

Pictured from the left are:  Ataiva Rhodes, Jessa Kirkendoll, Frannie Harris, and Mylee Tucker.

Recycling may not be the buzzword it used to be, but it is still a huge part of helping the environment and making the earth a safer, cleaner place. For GSI and AGCO, recycling is an important project. Recycle Fest 2022 occurred recently which was a partnership between the communities of Assumption and Moweaqua.  The recycling event took place Friday, June 10th, on AGCO’s GSI parking lot. 

Multiple collected items were included such as electronics, paper, plastic bottles, pallets of glass bottles, fluorescent bulbs, aluminum cans, cardboard, and many types of batteries. The organization’s main goal is to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste with recycling value that would ordinarily end up in a landfill. 

The program diverts waste streams away from landfills, which helps to prevent pollution while also providing gains in the economy and access to vital raw materials.  AGCO employees were on hand to receive and sort the items. 

GSI is a brand within AGCO Grain and Protein and AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ag machinery and precision ag technology. 

Do not engage in aggressive driving or road rage. 

That’s the message from Illinois State Police director Brendan F. Kelly. 

He says ISP is seeing an increase in expressway road-rage shootings in the Chicagoland area. While this is increase is noted in the north, it applies to Central Illinois as well. 

Kelly adds high summer temperatures can lead to hot tempers and people losing their cool, or even resorting to the use of firearms. He concludes with, “Keep calm and stay alive.”

Engaging in road rage significantly enhances risk of being involved in a crash, even without the risk of gun violence. 

One example included a victim driving on I-90 earlier this month when a driver fired one round through his window. Another situation found a victim with 20 different bullet holes in his vehicle on I-94. Both victims are okay.

It’s important to recognize the warning signs of aggressive driving. These signs include tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, improper lane changes, distracted driving, and speeding. 

Victims of aggressive driving should call 911 immediately. If an aggressive driver is following you, drive to the nearest police department or to a well-lit populated area and call 911. 

The State Treasurer’s Office wants to help small non-profits with their missions. 

Treasurer Michael Frerichs says that any non-profit operating with a budget of less than $1 million per year can apply for Charitable Trust. 

Frerichs says some of the most common non-profits include food insecurity, housing, or workforce development. 

When smaller non-profits receive grants, the larger non-profits win, too. 

On a separate note, Frerichs says that it’s important people remember they could have money waiting in a vault.  

Learn more at illinoistreasurer.gov. Frerichs appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Seniors who are home-bound and cannot drive can receive free meals as part of Meals on Wheels. 

Christian County site supervisor Alanna Gray says the program is well over 50 years old nationwide. 

Meals are specially cultivated for nutritional needs. 

Seniors are utilizing Meals On Wheels more than ever. 

Due to the increased demand, Gray would love more volunteers. She says Meals On Wheels is not possible without them.

Learn more at cefseoc.org. Gray appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A four-hour County Board Meeting focused heavily on animal control and culminated with the termination of former Christian County Animal Control Director and current Zoning Board and Solid Waste Director Vince Harris. The Christian County Board also approved allowing the proper authorities to start an investigation into multiple accounts run at Animal Control. The closed session lasted over an hour.

The board did approve drafting an ordinance for a change of $25 for the municipalities to get help from the Christian County Animal Control.  Chairman Matt Wells had more. 

Wells says that he has had Mayors ask for help.

In other news, the board approved sending ACT Internet to the finance committee, the board also approved sending the text amendment for the Meteorological Tower back to the ZBA, and announced COLA increases for the States Attorney and Public Defender effective 7/1/2022. The board also discussed a complaint about noise. 

A motion was voted on to send it to the personnel committee but the motion failed and the motion died on the table. The next Christian County Board meeting is set for July 19th. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the Taylorville Police Chief about the “Safe Passage” treatment program,  during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Dwayne Wheeler outlined the founding and history of the program that enables those who are drug or alcohol addicted, to come to any police station in Christian County, to get the help they need.

Wheeler told Kiwanis members the program originated in Massachusetts, with Dixon, Illinois police officials learning about it and founded the program there with the assistance of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Wheeler reached out to them when he heard about it, and founded the “Safe Passage” program in Taylorville.  He has since reached out to police departments thru-out the county, and is assisting those who show up at a local police station needing drug or alcohol treatment.

Wheeler gave a local example of a "Safe Passage" success story.

Wheeler told the Kiwanis Club that 2 co-directors, Debbie Price and Denise Evans, volunteered their time to get it off the ground, and are now paid thanks to grants from the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

Over 550 people have been helped by the “Safe Passage” program since July First, 2019.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is 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.     

Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor, current State Representative Avery Bourne, was in Christian County on Tuesday to vote in the Illinois primary. Representative Bourne says early voting is important because the primary date has changed. 

Representative Bourne says she is very excited for the primary coming up on Tuesday. She has been reaching out to voters and says Republican events have been booming. 

She says that despite what happens at the primary, Republicans have to come together to beat the Democrats.

Representative Bourne says to make sure to look at the bottom of the ads to see who’s pushing what agenda to the public.

The primary is on Tuesday, June 28th. 

Representative Bourne and her husband Aaron DeGroot meet with the media after voting in Christian County.

Representative Bourne peeks her head over the voting booth in the Christian County Courthouse.

Free COVID-19 tests will be available for schools courtesy the University of Illinois SHIELD program.  Nearly 260 school districts thrououghout the state along with many private schools worked with SHIELD illinois during the last school year.  The SHIELD program uses saliva tests and Beth Heller with the program says that it helps keep schools safe.

It was shown that the quick saliva test helped districts slow the spread of the virus last year.  Mortality rates last year in Champaign County was reduced more than four-fold relative to what would have been predicted thanks to aggressive testing. 

Testing was provided for about 1 million students and staff in K-12 schools, and at 57 community colleges and universities, along with some businesses and government agencies. SHIELD Illinois has administered 6.4 million tests as of this month. 

Heller says that interested schools must sign up by July 15th to ensure tests are avilable for the first day of class.  Federal funding for public school testing in Illinois comes from IDPH and the Midwest Coordination Center.  Federal funding for testing in private schools comes from the Midwest Coordination Center.  Find out more information by visiting shieldillinois.com. 

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation is a 501c(3) nonprofit focused on bettering the economy of the county. 

Dick Adams became the new director in February. 

Adams says it all started in the 80s when Taylorville and Christian County were fighting to have the new prison built in the county. 

In the short term, the CCEDC is game-planning for the long term. 

Adams comes into the director role after the city twice elected him as mayor. He has served in a variety of community roles since that time, including as a headman of the Christian County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities program. 

Adams appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Christian County YMCA Summer Camp is ready for your kiddos to enjoy. 

Director Bruce Blanshan says the kids really value it.

The camps are a great opportunity to socialize the kids while they are away from school.

The cost varies depending on the amount of kids you’re sending and whether or not you are a member. 

On a separate note, Blanshan says there are employment opportunities aplenty at the Y.

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

The Christian County Board will meet on Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM at the Christian County Courthouse. After public comments, Dani Knecht will be recognized for 20 years of service in the county.  A few zoning ordinances will be discussed and minutes will be approved. 

Committee reports will be discussed. Among the motions include looking at a county lot in Moweaqua, a court house lawn request for the 4th of July parade, more discussion on the animal control split from solid waste and zoning, and highway business. The board will go over court house and building business, talk tree removal, and draft a County Municipal Agreement for Animal Control.

Under executive/personnel/liquor/legislative, the board will go over the new low income housing ordinance, county board rules, ARPA fund requests, and annual cybersecurity maintenance costs.  The board will hear from the Sheriff's Office and go over an EMA request.  The ZBA will give their recommendations and discuss adding an additional jailer. 

Under audit/finance/purchasing/budget the board will approve claims, go over survey records, discuss flexible spending, review the budget hearing schedule and approve or deny the ARPA funds,

Under new business/old business/other, the board will go over the 9-1-1 director agreement, broadband Shelby Electric, ACT internet, COLA increase, Hiring procedure, noise ordinance, and a closed session. Gary Merker will be approved for 5 year ZBA term and the health board will give their report. 

The next County Board meeting is set for Tuesday, July 19th.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this meeting at the conclusion of the event. 

Taylorville City Council approved minutes, motions, and committee recommendations at its twice-monthly meeting Monday evening. 

In September, the Eagles Club handed the Howitzer project over to soon to be Taylorville High School junior Zach Braun. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry named June 20th Zach Braun day and he is Youth of the Month. 

Braun says that it is an honor to receive this recognition. 

Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler presented plaques commemorating the promotion of deputies Alwerdt and Dickey to the rank of Sergeant.

The board approved a motion to direct the City Attorney to prepare an Ordinance to amend the Non-Bargaining Employee Salary Ordinance. Mayor Barry says that this is in preparation for future bargaining agreements. 

The city also updated its Ordinances for private solar. Mayor Barry adds that this ordinance plugs some holes in the ordinance. 

In Finance, Alderman Larry Budd said he could not recommend the salary increases of the Police Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Chief, and Assistant Fire Chief. He says he makes this decision because there are too many people struggling to recommend an increase at this time. 

The motion passed 6-1. The next City Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 5th. 

A donation was given to the Taylorville Fire Department and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. Jeff Peabody and Country Financial gave a $500 donation to each to support the Departments.  Mr. Peabody said he is happy to be able to show support for all that TFD and the Sheriff’s Office do for the community.  

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says that the donation will be put towards purchasing equipment that is needed for the safety of the community.  He says that often times unexpected expenses occur when equipment is damaged during arrests.

Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann says the money will be used to support ongoing public educational activities.

Shelby County has its own airport. 

Shelby County Airport Manager Scott Jefson says if you don’t know, well now you do. 

Jefson says the airport has expanded over time. 

A lot of industry leaders heavily use the airport as well as farmers.

Even some bigger names such as race-car owners come through the Shelby County airport occasionally. 

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

Rock Springs Conservation Area will be holding a special Fourth of July Festival this year.  Independence Day 1860 will be taking place on June 25th from 1-4 PM. All activities are free and open to all ages.  See how the 4th of July would have been celebrated in the 1860s. 

From 1-4 PM, visit the Homestead Prairie Farm and its gardens.  Master Gardener volunteers from the University of Illinois Extension Office will be there to answer questions about the gardens. The Rock Springs Dulcimer Club will play at 2 PM at the stage.  Children’s toys from the 1800s will also be available to try. 

Picnic lunches are welcome.  There will be shaded tables and benches or you can bring your own lawn chair or blanket. All activities will take place rain or shine and if there is inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the auditorium inside of the Rock Springs Nature Center. 

For more information visit www.MaconCountyConservation.org.

The Stonington Summer Fest celebrated 36 years over the weekend. Summer Fest Co-chair Jodi Rusher says that she has been involved with the event for about 20 years and she shared how she got involved initially.

Volunteer Venise McWard shared some of her favorite things about Stonington Summer Fest.

Rusher says that being another year separated from the Covid 19 pandemic meant that the state was a little more relaxed with licenses and regulations.

The 36th Stonington Summer Fest took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ponting Field in Stonington. 

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Municipal Building in Taylorville.  Some big topics of discussion include approving Deborah Kent to the Library Board, amending the section concerning liquor licenses, and the oath of office to Police Sergeant's Jeremy Alwerdt and Chase Dickey. Zach Braun will also be recognized as the Youth of the Month. 

Under committee reports, the board will look into a new UTG2 locator for the water/environmental department.  The board will look at some insurance coverage, salary increases, and a counter offer to American Tower for the lease for the tower at Lake Taylorville for the Finance committee. The board will also look at ordinance for residential solar permit applications and take a look at the employee salary ordinance with some changes to the maximum and minimum rules.  The board will discuss removing all max salary percentage amounts and to allow the minimum to remain with all future salary offers for new non-bargaining personnel to be based upon knowledge and experience above the minimum salary amount.

The board will pay bills, hear from the City Attorney and City Mayor, and hear from the public. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story at the conclusion of the Monday night meeting.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is asking all Illinoisans to prepare for tick bites as summer season gets into full swing. Tick bites can lead to illness such as Lyme disease, spotted fever group rickettsiosis, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. 

To avoid tick bites, you can conduct a thorough tick-check for you, your children, and your pets. The best time to check for ticks is after spending time in areas ticks are known to inhabit like wooded areas, tall grass, and brush. IDPH's Division of Environmental Health Vector Control Program Manager Samantha Kerr says one way to get rid of ticks is through repellent.  

Other ways you can avoid tickborne illnesses is to learn about tick removal and symptom awareness; walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded, bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter; wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to find and tuck your pants into your socks and boots.  When you get home, put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for ten minutes or one hour for damp clothes. Removing ticks within 24 hours reduces the risk of disease transmission. 

Make sure to bathe or shower within two hours after coming indoors and if you do find a tick on yourself, keep the tick for species identification by placing the tick in rubbing alcohol or in a sealed bag/container and bring it to your healthcare provider.  If you do become ill with fever and/or a rash, contact your health care provider.  One dangerous disease from ticks is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever which can cause death as quickly as five days after symptom onset. For more information, visit the IDPH website or talk to your local physician. 
 

A severe storm raced through central Illinois Thursday evening and early Friday morning.  Severe flooding in Effingham and near Quincy, Illinois caused problems Friday morning as Effingham reported over 4 inches of rain in some places or even higher. Over 28,000 Ameren Electric customers are reporting outages in Illinois and Shelby Electric is reporting over 1500 outages in their coverage area as of 10 AM.

If you do encounter standing water on the road, turn around and don't drown.  You don't know how deep the water is on the road. For more information on flooding, visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown  

Christian County Agricultural Fair is July 19-23. 

Marketing Director Angela Ohl-Marsters is looking forward to its return. 

There will be a grandstand event every evening. 

Christian County Fair’s first ever car cruise makes its debut this year. 

Of course, it’s not a fair without food vendors and rides.

To purchase tickets or see the schedule of events, visit christiancountyfair.com. Marsters appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

June is Pet Preparedness Month and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency wants you to learn about the potential difficulties you and your pets face in an emergency.  IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau wants families to have a plan what to do in an emergency to keep their pet safe. 

The IEMA recommends the following to keep you and your pets safe during an emergency: Have a plan and don’t wait to the last minute to get ready. You can also create a pet preparedness kit with medications, non-perishable food, water, bowls, cat litter and pan, waste bags, a blanket, bedding for pocket/exotic pets, toys, first aid kit, and current photos of you and your pets.  It is also helpful to grab copies of medical records. 

IEMA encourages you to choose a safe place ahead of time if you need to evacuate. If you must shelter in-place, identify a safe area of your home where you can stay together including keeping dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.  Don’t allow pets to roam loose in a damaged home or neighborhood and coordinate with a friend, relative, or neighbor someone to take care of pets and their disaster kits, then meet you in a specific location.

Many shelters or other emergency centers have policies about no pets due to health and safety concerns so make sure you have a plan in place well ahead of that.  Find out more by visiting https://www2illinois.gov/ready/plan/Pages/Animals.aspx. You can also find out information about IEMA by visiting www.Ready.Illinois.gov. 

After news of Toby Keith being diagnosed with stomach cancer reached the public late earlier this week, many were stunned that he had been diagnosed with it last fall. Keith has already undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.  He has since canceled all of his upcoming shows due to these health problems.

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is the growth of cancer cells in the lining and wall of the stomach.  This type of cancer is one of the most common cancer types and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths around the world.  

Dr. Ismael Shaukat, an oncologist for OSF Healthcare says that while breast, colon, and prostate cancers get a lot of media attention, people should be aware of stomach cancer as well.

Some risk factors for stomach cancer include age, sex, obesity, and race.  Most people are diagnosed with stomach cancer in their late 60s or older, stomach cancer is more common in men than women, being overweight may increase the risk of stomach cancer, and stomach cancer is more common in Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians.

Stomach cancer symptoms aren’t easily identified.  Some symptoms can include feeling bloated after eating, heartburn, and unintentional weight loss are just a few signs to look out for.

Symptoms can be vague.

Stomach cancer is still one of the most common causes of cancer death around the world but that has dropped. Incident rates have dropped about 1.5% every year in the last decade in the US. Treatments have also advanced including chemotherapy and surgery.

For more information on stomach cancer, talk to your physician.

The Christian County Health Department released information updating the public on the risk of COVID-19 in the county.  Christian County’s COVID-19 risk status has changed from low to medium due to a rise in cases.  According to the Christian County Health Department, Sangamon County is at high risk, and is one of the highest transmission areas in the United States at this time. 

The CDC recommends that all residents of Christian County stay up to date with vaccines.  For appointments, call the Christian County Health Department at 824-4113.  COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are done on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are showing symptoms, tests can be done at the CCHD Monday through Friday from 8-10 AM and from 1-3 PM at 902 W. Springfield Road in Taylorville. Stay in your car and if no one comes out, call 824-4113 extension 111 or 122.  The health department also encourages residents to wear a mask at anytime you feel uncomfortable in groups or around people outside your household.  If someone is at high risk for severe illness, they should wear a mask as well.

Booster Clinics have also been done at the Christian County Mental Health Workshop, Heritage Health in Pana, Prairie Rose in Pana, and Hickory Estates in Taylorville.  Nearly 200 people have participated so far. 

The IDPH has announced new guidance of COVID-19 response if there is a positive case. If you test positive for COVID-19 and IDPH has your cell phone number, you will receive a text message telling you what’s next.  You can also call the COVID-19 IDPH phone number at 312-777-1999 for questions. For more information, you can also visit www.covid.gov or www.covidtest.gov. 

The Wednesday after Father’s Day always marks the start of the Montgomery County Fair. 

Organizer Marti Benning says June 22nd through 26th is sure to be a great time at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

Fellow organizer, 14-year-old Hailey Myer, invites you to come on out to the Demolition Derby 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25th. Arrive early for the power wheels demo derby. 

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, make sure you catch the Royalty Pageants. Benning says the community adores the pagaents. 

The youngest organizer of the group, Kerrigan Myer, is looking forward to the free rides. 

Learn more on the Montgomery County Fair Facebook page. 

Benning and Kerrigan and Hailey Myer appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Last week, Navigator signed a letter of intent with South-Dakota based sustainable bio-products industry leader POET.

Heartland Greenway project representative Jim Prescott says this is a huge deal for the project and Christian County. 

Some in Christian County are worried about the aquifer. Prescott says that it shouldn’t be a worry, because there are already thousands of non-water wells working around and through the aquifer. 

Navigator and Heartland Greenway are aware of campaigns and signs against the project in the name of protecting the aquifer. Prescott says those who are worried about the aquifer should take solace knowing that this project will go through strict regulation from the EPA.

Prescott wants everyone to know what an aquifer actually is. He says, this will help people understand Heartland Greenway better. 

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

The US Department of Agriculture and the State of Illinois are resuming a partnership through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program or CREP to assist Illinois farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners in improving water quality and conserving other natural resources.  The Illinois CREP expands conservation programs available to ag producers and focuses on the Illinois and Kaskaskia River watersheds.  Enrollment opened on June 15th. 

Scott Halpin, USDA Farm Service Agency State Director in Illinois, says that the program has had a positive impact in Illinois, and is looking to broaden the reach of the program to new ag producers and landscapes. CREP provides critical support to private landowners who want to implement conservation practices on their property. IDNR Director Colleen Callahan says that it helps reduce runoff, protects soil, and improves wildlife habits. 

Federal and State resources are made available to program participants to voluntarily enroll in CRP for 14-15 year contracts and a 15-year or permanent conservation easement with the state. Participants will remove cropland and marginal pastureland from agricultural production and convert the land to grass, tree, or other vegetation.  This will improve water quality by reducing sediment, nutrients, nitrogen, and other pollutants from entering streams and waterways.  In return, the FSA will provide participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance along with Illinois providing a cost-share match and a one-time payment for all land entered into the easement.

The Illinois CREP includes 68 counties including Christian, Effingham, Montgomery, Moultrie, Shelby, Macon, and Macoupin. Interested farmers should contact the Farm Service Agency at farmers.gov/service-locator.  CREP has 35 projects in 27 states that total more than 860,000 acres. To learn more about the work that the USDA is doing, visit www.usda.gov. 

With warmer weather here, many people find themselves flocking to pools, lakes, and water but HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is urging families to keep kids safe around the water.  Dr. Ryan Jennings, Chief Medical Officer at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital says that drowning is the second leading cause of death due to an injury in children aged one to 14.  

According to the CDC, even nonfatal drownings can result in long-term health problems.  For every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive treatment in emergency departments. Drowning injuries can result in brain damage and lead to serious health complications. The CDC says if you’re going to be around water, take the proper safety precautions. 

The CDC encourages you to learn basic swimming and water safety skills, supervise closely, wear a life jacket, and learn CPR.  Having your child take formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.  The CDC says that children who have had swimming lessons still need close and constant supervision while around water. Wearing a life jacket can reduce the risk of drowning.  Life jackets are encouraged to be used by children for all activities while in and around any body of water, including swimming pools. The CDC also encourages you to take CPR lessons.  They can save someone’s life in the time it takes the paramedics to arrive. 

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/drowning. 

Christian County 4-H participated in the Unit 18 Horse Show Saturday, June 11th, at the Gillespie Lake Horse Arena. Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties participated as well. 

According to 4-H Youth Development Coordinator Alexis McDowell, members had the chance to exhibit their animals while competing for awards. Judges evaluated youth on their showmanship, skill, and technique of their project. 

Pam Wallace of Girard served as the horse show judge. Members who competed and received ribbons from Christian County include Dalton Cruit and Abby Erlenbush. 

The following members earned high points and awards for their exhibitions: 

Grand Champion at Halter: Ava Pegram (Jersey)

Reserve Grand Champion at Halter: Dalton Cruit (Christian)

Champion Showmanship at Halter Jr: Dalton Cruit (Christian)

Reserve Champion Showmanship at Halter Jr: Taylor Harding (Macoupin)

Champion Showmanship at Halter Sr: Ava Pegram (Jersey)

Reserve Champion Showmanship at Halter Sr: Kate Jones (Jersey)

Grand Champion Riding Jr: Molly Steckel (Jersey)

Reserve Grand Champion Riding Jr: Jena Pegram (Jersey)

Grand Champion Riding Sr: Ava Pegram (Jersey)

Reserve Grand Champion Riding Sr: Abby Erlenbush (Christian)

Grand Champion Speed Jr: Mary Jones (Jersey)

Reserve Grand Champion Speed Jr: Taylor Harding (Macoupin)

Grand Champion Speed Sr: Kate Jones (Jersey)

Reserve Grand Champion Speed Sr: Gennasee Cannon (Jersey)

Champion Walk/Trot: Kelby Cobetto (Montgomery).

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu. 

Illinois Secretary of State Candidate David Moore believes in the underdog mentality. He ran for his hometown’s city council when nobody expected him to and won. 

He says he’s the candidate of ethics reform and experience. Moore has served as an Alderman in part of Chicago’s South Side since 2015. 

If you want a candidate that does not receive funding from mega donors, Moore says that he is the guy for you. 

Alderman Moore promises he will be a public servant in the Secretary of State’s office. 

Alderman Moore says his qualifications separate him from other candidates. 

Learn more at mooreforillinois.com. Alderman Moore appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

You don’t have to go far to have a major medical procedure. 

Pana Community Hospital draws physicians from all over the area to make sure you stay close to home. Perioperative Services Manager Stefanie Anderson says that team keeps growing with a urology service line. 

Anderson invites you to check out this service line if you need urological services. 

Of course, urology isn’t the only specialty available at Pana Community Hospital.

Pana Community Hospital is excited to announce the construction of a new MRI suite. 

Learn more at panahospital.com. Anderson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about a new program in Christian County during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Guest speaker was Talon Noreuil who heads up the Christian County R-S-V-P, or “Retired Senior Volunteer Program,” that started just over a year ago.  

Noreuil told Kiwanis members the nationwide R-S-V-P program was established by the National Community Service Act of 1993 to engage those 55 years of age and older to provide volunteerism to local non-profit agencies.

Noreuil added funding comes from a variety of national and state resources, as well as the United Way.  She said that senior volunteers do a variety of things, including serving food and delivering Meals on Wheels, tutoring students at local schools, collecting food for the Food Pantry, and serving at Head Start.

Noreuil is looking for more seniors to volunteer and help these and many other local agencies in providing food, mentoring, or companionship.   Her office is located inside the Christian County Senior Citizens Center in Taylorville.

Kiwanis member Dick Wamsley was honored with a certificate for 31 years of perfect attendance, while Kiwanis member Randal J. Miller was given a certificate for 3 years of perfect attendance.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is 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.     

A Shelbyville woman has been sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison for two counts of possession of meth under 5 grams.  61-year-old Judith Bray of Shelbyville was sentenced on June 10th, to 2 ½ years. The felonies are Class 3 and carry a sentencing range of 2-5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

On December 8th, 2020, Officer Joe Houk of the Shelbyville Police Department was dispatched to Ace Hardware in Shelbyville for a reported theft.  Officer Houk initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that the suspect was driving and observed Judith Bray, a passenger, attempting to conceal an item in her purse. Officers observed a hypodermic syringe with meth residue in her purse and Bray handed Officer Houk a foil pack containing meth that was in her bra. 

Officer Houk would arrest Bray a second time on January 3rd, 2022 after she was located at the Towers at 414 Morgan Street with an active warrant.  After confirming she was aware of the arrest warrant, Bray asked to take her purse inside her home.  Police declined and according to police, Bray cursed at the Officers. The purse was searched and a clear glass bubble pipe with meth residue was located.

Bray has two prior DUI convictions, one prior reckless driving conviction, and one prior 2017 felony conviction for the offense of aggravated battery to a police officer for which Bray was sentenced to probation.  It is Bray’s first prison sentence. 

A Pana man has been sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated fleeing to elude a police officer, and driving while license revoked with a prior conviction.  31 year old John P. Brilley of Pana was sentenced on Monday to a total of five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the different offenses.  Fleeing to elude a police officer is a class 4 felony with an extended sentencing range of 1-6 years in prison and two counts of driving while license revoked with a prior conviction is a class 4 felony with an extended sentencing range of 1-6 years in prison.  

According to Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke, Brilley was arrested on December 30th, 2021 when Deputy Brennon Atkinson attempted to stop a vehicle near Route 16 and 128 for suspicious activity. The officer followed the vehicle and when Deputy Atkinson tried to perform a license plate check, the vehicle took off.  Speeds hit 80 miles per hour and the driver ended up losing control and crashing into a ditch at 1600 E and 1200 N roads and continued driving for at least another 50 feet.  The driver, who was later identified as Brilley, fled on foot running into a wooded area.  Deputy Atkinson issued a warning and then tasered Brilley to stop him from fleeing and arrested him. 

Deputy Atkinson learned that Brilley’s driver’s license had been revoked as a result of previous DUI convictions. He had been arrested nine days earlier by Officer Joe Houk of the Shelbyville Police Department.  Brilley has prior felony convictions in Shelby, Macon, and Christian Counties for the offenses of theft, aggravated DUI, and possession of methamphetamine precursor.  This will be Brilley’s third prison sentence. 

Shelbyville School District hoping to aid its student’s mental health next school year with a partnership agreement with HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital. 

Superintendent Shane Schuricht makes the announcement. 

Schuricht says that HSHS makes a great fit for his school district.

This is something the district looked into before the pandemic, which just affirmed the school district’s belief that it needed a mental health program.

Schuricht says that the need has only increased over time.

Learn more at shelbyville.k12.il.us. Schuricht appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

State Representative Avery Bourne is on Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin’s ticket for Lieutenant Governor. 

Rep. Bourne reviews her experience and why she wants to be Lt. Governor. 

As Lt. Governor, Rep. Bourne wants to bring some teeth to the office. 

Mayor Irvin and Rep. Bourne are focused on crime. Rep. Bourne says Irvin has the experience needed to address the issue. 

The track record of this ticket is what sticks out to Rep. Bourne.

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

When you’re out in the garden, be aware of poisonous plants such as poison hemlock.

Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi says be very careful when dealing with this plant. 

Wild parsnip is another poisonous plant the master gardeners are watching for. That is an invasive plant. 

Podeschi says the best thing to do is remove the invaders – carefully.  

As usual, the help desk is available for you Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. 

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

Stonington Summerfest celebrating 36 years this weekend. 

Committee Member Jodi Rusher is excited to see the event Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ponting Field in Stonington.

Saturday and Sunday are the most action-packed days. It starts with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at 9 in the morning, then the parade lines up at 10. 

The fun doesn’t stop Saturday morning. It continues throughout the afternoon and into the late night. 

Don’t forget the Chili Cook Off starting at 1 p.m. Sunday. 

Learn more on the Stonington Summerfest Facebook page. 
 

Rusher appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Farm Credit Illinois opens its new office on West Route 104 in Taylorville today. 

Caleb May with Farm Credit Illinois describes the new office. 

May says everyone is excited to open the new office to assist everyone with their agriculture finances. 

May invites you to come on out and become a member of Farm Credit Illinois. 

Learn more at farmcreditil.com.

A new law will require insurers to cover prostate cancer screenings.  State Senator Emil Jones III pushed for the new law that will mandate and require private insurers to allow men to get annual prostate cancer screenings free of charge.  Senator Jones says it’s important to know the risks. 

State Representative La Shawn Ford says it’s extremely important for black men to get treated for prostate cancer, due to the numbers showing that more are at risk.

Governor JB Pritzker signed the bill into law on Friday.  It goes into effect on January 1st, 2024. The American Urological Association estimates that more than 10,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. 

House Bill 5318 will require all private insurers to provide all qualifying male policyholders with an annual prostate cancer screening upon the recommendations of a physician. 

A heat advisory is in effect from noon on Monday until 8 PM Wednesday evening for the entire Regional Radio listening area.  Heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees are expected each afternoon, with overnight heat index’s only falling into the upper 70s or lower 80s.  Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. 

The National Weather Service is urging all Illinoisans to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.  Do not leave any children or pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, and take extra precautions if you plan on being outside for extended periods of time. 

The NWS is encouraging you to know the difference between heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.  Anyone overcome with heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.  Heat stroke is an emergency and you should call 9-1-1 if you know of someone who is suffering from heat stroke. 

Again, this advisory is in effect from Monday at noon until 8 pm, Wednesday June 15th. 

A subject has been arrested in connection with the robbery that occurred at the Hardee’s in Hillsboro on Friday.  A description of the subject was seen at the Casey’s General Store in Hillsboro and police learned the male subject had been staying at a residence in the 800 block of E. Seward Street in Hillsboro.  A consent search of the residence discovered items linking the male subject to the crime from earlier and 21-year-old Danien D. Taylor of Florissant, Missouri was arrested and taken to the Montgomery County Jail. 

A robbery occurred at the Hardees in Hillsboro at 1:23 PM.  The initial report came into dispatch that a thin build black male with dreadlocks wearing a dark hoodie with a design and wearing a mask with light-colored writing on it, came into the restaurant and pointed a handgun at the front clerk and demanded cash.  According to police, the manager saw the gun pointed at the clerk and yelled for the male subject get out.  The male subject left running north from Hardees, and police were alerted and began searching the area for the male.  

Friday afternoon, Montgomery County 911 received a call of an armed robbery at the Hillsboro Hardee's.

The initial report said that at approximately 1:30 p.m., a man pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded cash. When the manager saw the gun pointed at the clerk, she yelled at him to get out. To which, he did. He ran north of the restaurant. Officers searched the area and did not locate the man. 

Police contacted the surrounding business for surveillance footage and one provided officers of the suspect. 

The suspect is a thin black man with dreadlocks. At the time of the incident, he wore a hoody with a design on the front and a mask with light lettering. 

Contact Hillsboro Police Department if you have any information. 

Navigator has signed a letter of intent to provide carbon capture for a company called POET, a leading producer of biofuel and sustainable bioproducts. POET will use Navigator’s Heartland Greenway System which will provide for facilities in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. POET uses nearly 5 million metric tons of biogenic CO2 annually and there are 18 bioprocessing facilities that will benefit from this deal. Jim Prescott, with Heartland Greenway, says this will have a big impact on Christian County and shows that this project should be moving forward.

Both parties will rely on each other for support and it is set to provide help to farmers with being able to move their crops easier. 

More than 30 industrial processors across the agriculture and food production value chains will benefit from POET on the platform and it will be able to mobilize efforts to deliver up to 15 million tons of CCUS services to multiple storage sites.  Find out more by visiting www.heartlandgreenway.com. 

An early Friday morning shooting triggers Illinois State Police DCI Zone 5 investigation. 

Moultrie County Sheriff's Office and Sullivan Police Department requested ISP at approximately 3 a.m. Friday to assist with a shooting investigation in the 200 block of South Madison Street in Sullivan. 

The shooting sent one victim to the hospital. Authorities detained three people for questioning. 

The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, contact Zone 5 at 217-867-2050. Callers can remain anonymous. 

The keys to healthy living are also keys to preventing and managing arthritis. 

Orthopedic surgeon for HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville Dr. John Powell says diet, exercise and maintaining healthy weight are all important at preventing arthritis. 

Dr. Powell reviews the three different types of arthritis: Degenerative, inflammatory, and post-traumatic arthritis. 

If diagnosed with arthritis, there are management techniques you can use before opting for joint replacement surgery. 

Dr. Powell says the first step in management is determining how your arthritis began in the first place. 

Learn more at hshs.org/goodshepherd. Dr. Powell appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

If you vote for Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Gary Rabine in the primary election, you’re voting for a proved businessman. 

He’s running for governor alongside his choice for Lieutenant Governor Aaron Del Mar.

Rabine says he’s running because he wants Illinois to have real leadership in the governor’s office. 

Rabine helped found the organization called Job Creators Network. As such, he’s focused on bringing jobs to Illinois.

Learn more at rabineforgovernor.com. Rabine appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Two people were arrested after a report of an armed robbery in Pana on Sunday morning.  Cody Eller of Jacksonville and Samantha Olivio of Taylorville were both two of the three involved in the incident.  Pana Police received a report of an armed robbery at a hotel room at Lake Lawn Inn late Saturday evening/early Sunday morning.  When officers arrived, they obtained information from a male victim reporting that he was held up by two male subjects with handguns.  

During the investigation, Pana Police identified a female to be at the hotel room with the male victim prior to the two male subjects later arriving and entering the room.  It was reported that the male subjects arrived and brandished a handgun before taking the property of the male victim including cash, cell phone, and car keys.  The two males and the female who had been with the victim left the area together.

Eller’s warrant was issued on June 5th, and charged with armed robbery with a firearm, and Olivio was charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery.  The second male involved is allegedly from Springfield and charges are pending. The US Marshals helped with locating the subjects.  The two were arrested on June 8th in Virden, Illinois, and were transported back to Christian County CC. The case is still under investigation. 

The national average price of gas in the US surpassed $5 a gallon for the first time ever. According to GasBuddy, the milestone comes behind months of gas price increases across the country.  One of the main reasons that gas prices have surged is due to supply constraints from the pandemic.  Gasoline inventories have fallen over 25 million barrels since the start of March, amidst a global decline in refining capacity.  

The price of oil has also jumped due to escalations from the Russian war vs Ukraine.  The national average price of gas broke $4 a gallon for the first time since 2008 on March 5th. It broke the previous record of $4.10 a gallon on March 7th.  As of June 9th, gas in Taylorville was around $5.29 a gallon. 

Obesity numbers are going up and the CDC along with many doctors and experts are concerned. According to the CDC, the percentage of children and teens classified as obese has more than tripled since the 1970s.  There are nearly 15 million children and teens who are considered obese. Experts say it’s a simple matter of eating too much and moving too little. Dr. Rebecca Sierra, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician in Bloomington says that kids need to get a minimum of an hour of physical activity a day.

Dr. Sierra says it doesn’t need to be anything organized, kids just need to get moving. 

Parents can help their kids get active by shutting off screen time. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids ages 8-18 now spend an alarming 7 ½ hours in front of a screen for entertainment. Dr. Sierra says that number is way tho high as that adds up to 114 full days of screen time over the course of a year. 

Physically active kids have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and stronger muscles and typically have lower body fat and stronger bones.  Physical activity has also been shown to reduce depression and improve cognitive skills. Dr. Sierra says getting involved in your kids activities can also help you stay active as well.

Find out more by clicking here.

When you visit any of Taylorville Community Credit Union’s four locations, leave a monetary or non-perishable food donation. This is part of the 8th Annual TCCU Freedom Tree Food Drive. 

TCCU President Will Perkins says anyone, not just members, can donate. 

Perkins says TCCU is focusing on monetary donations this year because food pantries have the ability to purchase more food for their money than the general public can.

Since the start of this program, Perkins says the need for donations to food pantries has grown. 

Perkins admires the generosity of the surrounding communities and he can’t wait to see the results of the drive ending July 15th. 

Stop by any one of their offices in Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield, and Pana between now and July 15th to drop off your monetary and non-perishable donations. 

TCCU is a not-for-profit financial coop founded in 1956. Membership is open to those who live or work in Christian, Shelby, and Montgomery Counties. For more information, or to learn how to join, visit www.TCCU.org, or visit one of their offices. 

Perkins appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The State Board of Elections is launching a new way to make it easier for those with disabilities to cast a mail-in ballot.  State Board of Elections Spokesperson Matt Dietrich says that people can request a special ballot so they can vote privately in their own home without assistance.

The program is available for the June 28th Primary and gives the option for many who may need to help with voting, an easier way to do it. 

Security envelopes will be mailed out but the actual ballot will be sent electronically.  If you’re interested, contact your local election authority. 

Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy program hopes to advocate for active transportation throughout Christian County. Active transportation is any type of transport that does not involve a motorized vehicle, such as a bicycle. 

Board member Steve Dennis explains. 

Vice-president Bud Altman says most roads were not designed for bicycles and active transportation modes. 

Dennis says more active transportation typically means more tourist dollars into that area. He recently took a trip to Iowa for a bike trail. He hopes others would do the same for Christian County. 

The so-called complete streets movement does not hope to make every road active transportation safe, but it does want to make active transportation better and more feasible. 

Learn more at lincolnprairietrailsconservancy.com. Altman and Dennis appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

A new nursing scholarship recipient was awarded $1,000 in a Nursing Scholarship presented by the Taylorville Memorial Foundation.  Kacey Swisher is the recipient of the 2022 Carolyn M. Butterfield Trust Nursing Scholarship. Swisher is an honors student at Illinois College majoring in nursing.  It is the second consecutive year that Swisher has been awarded the scholarship. 

She earned her CNA certification while she was a senior at Pana High School and worked as a CNA at Heritage Health in Pana. She recently completed a clinical rotation on the medical-surgical unit at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.  She plans on being a neonatal intensive care unit nurse. 

Carolyn Butterfield was a charter member of the St. Vincent Memorial Hospital Foundation and understood the importance of a rural hospital. According to executive director Raedena Ryan, Butterfield wished to financially assist Christian County students who pursue a career in health care in the field of nursing.

Swisher is the daughter of Bryan and Jennifer Swisher of Tower Hill. Taylorville Memorial Foundation was organized in 1995 to support Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s mission to improve lives and build stronger communities through better health. Congratulations to Kacey Swisher from all of us at Regional Radio News. 

Taylorville Food Pantry appreciates the support of the community over the past several weeks. 

Facilitator Amy Hagen says the need will be there all year long. 

Hagen is looking forward to Taylorville Community Credit Union’s Freedom Tree Food Drive. 

Hagen shares some stories about how she has seen the need for food really pick up with the kids out of school for the summer. 

She invites everyone to come help out this summer. She especially enjoys seeing kids volunteer.

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

Border security, inflation, and crime are three things U.S. Representative Rodney Davis will focus on if he is re-elected to Congress. 

Representative Davis reflects on the journey he has been on over the past nine years as a congressman. 

Rep. Davis wants to put pressure on the current administration’s border policies. 

He’s also focused on inflation at the gas pump and grocery store. 

Rep. Davis backs the blue just about as much as anybody. 

Learn more at rodneydavis.house.gov. Rep. Davis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

State Senator Steve McClure is running for the 54th district as an incumbent. 

One of the bills Senator McClure has had a huge hand in as of late is the bill concerning DCFS workers’ ability to defend themselves. 

Of the bills set to become law in the new year, Senator McClure despises the Safe T Act. He says, if it were up to him, he would just repeal the whole thing. 

Senator McClure is proud of his office’s social service record. 

Learn more at senatormcclure.gov. Senator McClure appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly session to review club activities benefiting children and youth, during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Kiwanis Builders and Key Club liaison Will Perkins reported that the Kiwanis High School Key Club was given a donation by the local Scooter’s Coffee on May 10th, as they gave 20-percent of their gross sales to the Key Club.

Kiwanis Park Co-Chairs Larry Kemner and Duane Stock reported that the long-awaited Kiwanis Park Pavilion foundation replacement project is expected to begin this month, with a target completion date just before July 4th.  They added a park clean-up day involving Kiwanis members, will be organized in late June. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is 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.     

The Fall sports season will be here before you or your high-schooler knows it. 

HSHS Medical Group reminding everyone school and sports physicals are now open for scheduling. 

They recommend you schedule an appointment well before the season starts. 

School physicals are when your physician tracks your child’s growth and development, perform screenings, and update vaccines. 

Children who play sports are likely required to submit a medical eligibility form, which they can obtain from their provider during a physical. That physical will review the child’s complete health to make sure the student is at their best to compete. 

To schedule an appointment, contact your primary care provider. 

June is Dairy Month and the St. Louis Dairy Council celebrates 90 years. 

Nutrition Educator Kelsey Bentlage is excited to tell everyone about the history and purpose. 

Bentlage says Dairy Month has taken many forms throughout its 90 years.

Technology has also advanced a lot, too.

Of course, the point is to raise awareness about the benefits of dairy. 

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

When you’re tired of picking up after your dog, call Tidy Turdnadoes!

Owner Brandon Wilson quit his day-job to start the business about nine months ago. 

Tidy Turdnadoes offers one-time and weekly pickup options. 

Wilson says leaving dog poop in your yard is not a good idea.

There’s also cat box services available.

Learn more at tidyturdnadoes.com. Wilson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville City Council approved minutes, ordinances, reviewed committee reports and heard from the City Attorney Rocci Romano, and Mayor Bruce Barry at its bi-monthly meeting Monday evening.

Mayor Barry declared June 6th as Tommy TV day for their excellent job producing a purple-carpet award show. His family won the Generosity Tommy Award for their work with the high school.

The Council approved a motion from the Emergency Services committee allowing Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler to participate in a pilot program at no cost for 60 days. The program installs license plate reading cameras throughout the city. Chief Wheeler says this helps the police department track and deter major crimes.

City Council also approved a motion to reject an offer from American Tower for a one-time payment of $250,000 for a perpetual lease. The offer will head back to committee. 

Mayor Barry provided some clarification on an ordinance the city council voted on concerning the amendment of Chapter 3 of the Taylorville City Code. Mayor Barry says this ordinance is just to close some loopholes in liquor license transfers. 

The next city council meeting is set for June 20th. 

Art comes in all shapes and forms and for one man, art comes in the form of words, logos, and designs. Michael Albert, an artist from White Plains, New York, was in Taylorville Monday for two art classes that he is giving at the Taylorville Library. Albert says he got his start in business school but got into art  by self teaching.

Albert says his art got started with drawings before he saw a Frosted Flakes box. 

The artist’s journey is taking him through many midwest states before returning back to Illinois on his way home to New York with stops in Peoria, Springfield, and Elkhart.

Albert went into detail on what his program entails. 

For more information on Michael Albert and his art, visit www.michaelalbert.com or www.sirreal.com. 

A Springfield man was arrested after a short car pursuit over a stolen vehicle. 20-year-old Justin L.T. Pickrell of Springfield was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated fleeing and eluding, aggravated reckless driving, and operating a vehicle with no valid driver's license. The incident started at 1:37 AM on Saturday morning. Nokomis Police notified Taylorville Police that one of their officers was in pursuit of a gray Chevrolet Impala. 

Taylorville Police found the vehicle and maintained visuals on it.  They also notified the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.  TPD discontinued its observation when it entered Springfield City Limits.  According to police, when officers turned around at Dirksen and South Grand, they noticed that the violator’s vehicle had struck a curb and damaged the car. A Springfield citizen notified police that a male had left the vehicle and fled toward JC Penny. Taylorville Officers located Pickrell and took him into custody.  

Police say the vehicle had endangered the public in at least three counties and it was identified as stolen out of Pana on June 3rd.  The Taylorville Police Department thanked the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Nokomis Police Department, and Hillsboro Police Department along with Christian County State’s Attorney Wes Poggenpohl.  Montgomery County also announced that they will be filing charges against Pickrell for the incident.  

Pickrell appeared in Christian County Court on Monday and bond was set at $50,000 with 10% to apply.  His next appearance is set for Tuesday.

Mental health appears to be worsening among the general public. 

That’s the message from Ed Lachetta, Clinical Director for Shelby County Community Services. 

Lachetta says many experts hoped the situation would improve as vaccines became more readily available, but that has not been the case this year.

Lachetta says the stress of the pandemic is taking its toll on everyone whether you think it is or isn’t. 

For everyone, Lachetta just wants you to take the time necessary to take care of yourself. 

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

June is a good time to check in with the Lake Shelbyville project. 

Ashley Florey is a Natural Resources Specialist with the project and provides a lake level update. 

When you head out to Lake Shelbyville, make sure you pay for a day-use fee - $2 per day per person. 

Also, there’s no alcohol allowed on the beach. Violators will receive a fine. You can still drink near the dam. 

There are a variety of passes that work as day-use passes for Lake Shelbyville, including the national park annual pass. 

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

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening. The Tommy TV Cast will be recognized as the youth of the month and Lucas Smalley will receive the oath of office for the Taylorville Fire Department. After approval of the minutes, the board will review some ordinances with the business development district and a look at a few ordinances dealing with solar power. 

The board will also look at retaining HSHS Medical Group and occupational Health Services for the City concerning physicals, fitness and function tests, drug and alcohol testing, vaccinations, and other services.  The board will review a motion announcing the resignation of Ben Morrison from the Board of Appeals. The board will look to approve the appointment of George Calvert to that board. The Aldermen will also look at special events permits and review program bids. 

Under committee reports, the board will accept a proposed health care plan from Health Alliance, review a motion to reject the offer from American Tower for a one-time payment for a perpetual lease, forward budgets to the Treasurer, and approve the treasurer’s report.  The board will also change some of the wording in the ordinance for liquor licenses, and purchase a trailer attenuator for the street and sewer department.  The Aldermen will also look at approving the purchase of two sets of turnout gear for the Fire Department and a replacement radio.  The Aldermen will also look to approve the Flock Pole Camera Pilot Program for reading licenses for the Police Department. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this meeting at the conclusion of the events. 

A Taylorville man will face sentencing for a guilty verdict of possession with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of actual methamphetamine.  A Federal Jury returned a guilty verdict on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 against 37 year old Donald R. Felton of the 900 block of West Poplar Street in Taylorville. Sentencing for Felton is set for October 5th, 2022 at the Federal Courthouse in Springfield. 

The government presented evidence over a span of two days.  According to authorities, in May of 2019, law enforcement started an investigation into Felton for traveling to the St. Louis area to obtain meth for redistribution in the Taylorville area.  On June 8th, officers saw Felton drive his SUV to a rest area near Hamel, just north of St. Louis where he met with an unknown man, and then returned to Taylorville.  Once he returned, officers executed a traffic stop and searched his SUV. Officers seized 398 grams of meth, which equated to nearly one pound. They also recovered a digital scale and more than $800 in cash. 

Felton is still in the custody of US Marshals.  At sentencing, Felton will face statutory penalties of a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison, up to a $20 million fine, and a minimum of ten years and up to a life term of supervised release. 

The case investigation was conducted by the Illinois State Police Central Illinois Enforcement Group, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Taylorville Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy A. Bass and Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government at trial.
 

More information has come in, concerning the incident that took place at the Taylorville Correctional Center on Friday. ISP District 9 Troopers responded to a phoned in threat at the facility. Jacksonville Correctional Center also received a threat at the same time.  No active incidents were reported at either facility and no one was injured.  A subject responsible for the telephone threats made to both facilities has been identified and they were taken into custody.  The investigation is still ongoing. 

Bird lovers can fear no more, the use of backyard feeders and baths can resume.  Wildlife biologists at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources advised that the ban has been lifted with the avian flu minimized. IDNR had recommended the use of bird feeders and bird baths to be suspended through May 31st in response to the EA H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Illinois. 

With spring migration complete, the risk of further disease outbreaks among wild bird populations has been minimized.  To date HPAI has not been detected in songbirds.  IDNR Wildlife Disease Program Mgr. Chris Jacques says that they appreciate the support of the public. 

IDNR continues to encourage regular cleaning of bird feeders and bird baths.  People who keep poultry should remain extra vigilant. 

HPAI may still occur in resident waterfowl, so the IDNR asks that you avoid feeding ducks and geese. Experts have documented HPAI related deaths in eagles, cormorants, snow geese, white pelicans, red-tailed hawks, mallard ducks, redhead ducks, lesser scaup, Canadian Geese, Ross’s geese, and turkey vultures in Champaign, Cook, Fulton, Lake, Madison, Peoria, Sangamon, and Will counties. 

The Illinois State Police have informed Regional Radio News that there was a phoned-in threat at the Taylorville Correctional Center on Friday afternoon around 12:50 PM.  ISP District 9 Troopers responded to the Correctional Facility but there have been no active incidents at the facility and Police say no injuries have been reported. There is an active and ongoing investigation into the incident. 

The Village of Kincaid is having a Sunday Funday from 1 to 7 PM on June 5th, to celebrate the renaming of Village Park to Pete Becchelli Memorial Park. The event will have plenty of food and drinks and many activities including an exotic zoo, paddle boats, face painting, dunk tank, pony rides and much more. Mark Wolfe says there is a lot that will be packed into a short time period. 

Wolfe says Becchelli was a local guy who did a lot for the Village Park. 

The South Fork Sunday Funday is this Sunday from 1 PM until 7 PM. The Dedication ceremony is set for Sunday at 11 AM. 

A Harristown native is receiving a $2,000 scholarship.  The Tanner Mitchell Electrical Apprentice Scholarship was awarded to Colby Wayne Mathias of Harristown. Shawn and Connie Mitchell, parents of Tanner Mitchell, visited the Midstate Electrical Training Center to present the scholarship to Mathias, a first-year electrician apprentice.

Tanner James Mitchell was a 2016 graduate of Taylorville High School and was a second-year apprentice for the Midstate Electrical Traning Center at IBEW Local 146.  Mitchell was employed at Bodine Electric.  He lost his life as the result of an automobile accident on January 22nd, 2021.  The family hopes to award the scholarship for years to come. 

More people who have cancer are trying to warn youth about the dangers of vaping.  Alton, Illinois resident Ralph Federle, found out he had throat cancer after thirty years of smoking 1 ½ packs a day of cigarettes.  He had gone to the Doctor for breathing problems, and some trips to the emergency room, and cancer has made him pay dearly.  He has nearly lost his vocal cords, received radiation treatment, had a temporary tracheotomy leading to a soft food diet, had a stroke, and depression, and relies on oxygen and a cane daily.  

Federle tells young people to not even start smoking or vaping. After he got his own cancer diagnosis, he knew he would be in for the fight of his life.

Karen Boyd, a nurse who cares for him at the Cancer Center in Alton says that the FDA notices a disturbing trend in the rise of vaping. Youth e-cigarette use remains an ongoing concern.  The survey found that more than 2 million US middle school and high school students reported the current use of e-cigarettes in 2021. Students say the reason they used the devices included because a friend did, to ease anxiety or depression, or to get a buzz.  16% of all students surveyed believed that casual e-cigarette use was harmless. 

Boyd says she and her colleagues have been organizing presentations for middle and high schools to show them how dangerous vaping can be.  Federle, says that he was told by a doctor that vaping would be a good way to quit smoking.

While Federle did use this method, Boyd says that taking up vaping to help quit smoking is rare and should be approved by a doctor because there is so much unknown amount of nicotine in vapes. 

For Federle, he hasn’t smoked or vaped in five years, and he’s doing OK taking joy in the things that he feels others take for granted, like talking.  He encourages youth to not start and if they have to quit now. 

To learn more about quitting, contact the national Quit Smoking Hotline at 1-800-784-8669. 

Food pantries are in need of supplies and Taylorville Community Credit Union’s 8th Annual Freedom Tree food drive is working to overcome the need of food. TCCU President Will Perkins says that the Credit Union strongly believes in supporting the community and can do so through helping those food banks. The drive begins on Monday, June 6th and runs through Friday, July 15th.  All area residents and credit union members are encouraged to donate boxed and canned food items, as well as cash donations, to benefit local food pantries.

Perkins says he invites everyone, not just members to give to the cause.  TCCU is looking for boxed and canned food items, but are also accepting cash donations. Food pantries use cash donations to purchase more items in bulk from food banks, and every dollar and cent donated at the four offices goes directly to local food pantries.  Perkins says your donations stay in the community. 

Donations during the summer season are traditionally less than other times of the year with no traditional giving holidays, and it’s usually a harder time for a lot of families, simply because children are not in school. Donations can be dropped off at any of TCCU’s four locations including Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield, and Pana.  All locations will have a Freedom Tree display and a drop-off for boxed and canned items.  Cash donations may be given to the teller at the office.

TCCU is a not-for-profit financial coop founded in 1956.  Membership is open to those who live or work in Christian, Shelby, and Montgomery Counties. For more information, or to learn how to join, visit www.TCCU.org, or visit one of their offices. 

Illinois State Police investigating a fatal crash in Montgomery County. 

Around 2 in the morning Thursday, an unnamed 24-year-old man from St. Louis driving eastbound on Illinois Route 185 near Mulberry Grove Road in a 2003 white Ford Mustang, crossed into the westbound lane and struck a semi-truck. 

65-year-old Larry W. Temple from Indianapolis manned the semi-truck.  

Authorities pronounced the driver of the Mustang dead on the scene. 

ISP District 18 is in charge of the investigation. All information is preliminary at this time. 

GriefShare Support Group holding its first meeting in Taylorville next weekend. 

It’s from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 11th at the Calvary Baptist Church.

Assistant Leader of the group Marianne Adams describes what GriefShare is. 

Fellow Assistant Leader Janelle Cornell says Adams coaxed her into going to GriefShare sessions in Springfield

Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church Chad Zueck (ZOOK) says it just made sense to bring this program to the Taylorville area.

Even though this is a faith-based program, Adams says this program is for anyone who has lost a loved one – regardless of belief. 

Learn more about GriefShare on its website – griefshare.org. Adams, Zueck, and Cornell all appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

June is the pinnacle of gardening. 

From maintenance and upkeep, to planning your fall gardening – now is when gardeners are spending the most time on their gardens. University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger says to keep an eye out for weeds. 

To limit the amount of time you spend picking weeds, Holsinger recommends applying mulch to your garden bed. 

If you have evergreens, watch out for bag worms. 

Even though it’s not even officially summer, it is time to think about your fall gardening. 

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

A Taylorville woman is retiring after nearly 35 years. Sharon Walker is retiring from Ameren after starting in December of 1987. Walker was the first Black woman to work for the company and says she didn’t feel it was that big of a deal at the time.

Walker says the 35 years flew by.

She says she will miss the people mostly.

Walker received a parade in her honor and May 31st was declared Sharon Walker day in Taylorville. 

Governor JB Pritzker signed a measure into law Friday to reduce the record number of sales of catalytic converters.

Representative Lashawn Ford explains what the measure does. 

The new law adds catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring record keeping on the purchase of the converter, the vehicle, photos or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller.

A recent State Farm study says Illinois ranks in the top five states in the nation for catalytic converter thefts. 

Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz, who spearheaded the measure, hopes this new law will decrease a loophole many found their way around. 

The new law is now in place. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health has received reports of severe hepatitis in at least 9 patients under the age of ten which is up from three that were reported in April.  The cases date back to January and the most recent had the onset of symptoms in May.  2/3rds of the children tested positive for adenovirus, which is a common virus that causes cold or flu-like illness.  Five patients were reported in northern Illinois, two in the western part, one in the central, and one in the southern part of the state.  All of the children ended up being hospitalized, with one needing a liver transplant. 

The IDPH update follows a recent report from the CDC about 180 pediatric patients under investigation over the past seven months across the US.  IDPH has been working with local healthcare providers to learn of other suspected potential cases in the state and has asked providers to be on the lookout for symptoms and to report any suspected cases of hepatitis in children. 

Symptoms to be on the lookout for hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver, include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.  Hepatitis can be caused by virus and appear to have an association with adenovirus 41.  Adenovirus spreads from person-to-person and most commonly causes respiratory illness but can cause gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, and cystitis. 

For more information go to https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00462.asp. 

Some rules to be aware of for golf cart and UTV owners and operators. 

Taylorville Police Department releasing a PSA for golf cart and UTV operators. 

The department says children cannot operate golf carts on the roadway unless they are 16 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. UTV operators must be 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license. 

All passengers must be at least 8 years of age. And both golf carts and UTV’s require mandatory insurance coverage. 

The law also states there must be one seat per passenger and all passengers and the driver must wear a seat belt when the vehicle is on the roadway. 

For UTVs, it is unlawful for anyone to drive or operate a UTV on any city roadway one hour before sunup or an hour after sundown. 

A central Illinois city will be receiving $2 million in improvements for its industrial park development.  Litchfield will be receiving nearly $2 million in the next disbursement of the Rebuild Illinois program funding to extend natural gas and electrical utilities within the industrial park development.  

State Senator Doris Turner has continued her support of these deals saying that Litchfield has grown to become a regional hub for business and development that has propelled the city to new prosperity.  

There are a total of $1.5 billion spread out through six installments over the next three years for the Rebuild Illinois project and it will help advance municipal, township, and county projects throughout the state. Projects include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers, and bike paths, sidewalk replacements, and other long-term fixes. 

Senator Turner continued by saying that the investment into the industrial park of Litchfield will go a long way to helping the city and the surrounding area. You can find out more information on the Rebuild Illinois plan by visiting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website. 

The University of Illinois Extension along with the 4H Club will be holding an interactive workshop at the 4-H Crazy Chemistry Camps.  Participants will participate in many experiments and learn about the basics of chemistry through reactions.  There will be things like elephant toothpaste, fire snakes, and making slime.  Program Coordinator Alexis McDowell says that everyone participating will receive some goodies. 

McDowell says that there will be two sessions to choose from on June 29th—from 9 AM until 11 AM and from 1 to 3 PM. 

Close-toed shoes are required, fee waivers are available, and long hair is recommended to be pulled back or secured.  The sessions will take place at Christian County Extension Office at 1120 N. Webster Street in Taylorville.  For more information about 4-H, contact Alexis McDowell at amcdo6@illinois.edu or call the extension office at 217-287-7246. 

Police are investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide. On Wednesday morning, at 3:14 AM, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a shooting at 20293 Pine Trail in Witt Township.  When officers responded, they found 38-year-old Trista D. Casey of Witt and 40-year-old Michael S. Cunningham of Litchfield both inside and evidence showed that they had both been shot multiple times.  Casey and Cunningham were both pronounced dead on the scene by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.

During the investigation, deputies identified Casey’s ex-husband, 40-year-old Matthew A. Casey of Nokomis, as a person of interest. Further investigation led to officers believing that Casey had returned to his home.

After obtaining a search warrant from Montgomery County State’s Attorney Andrew Affrunti, Officers along with the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Systems Response Team executed the search warrant at Casey’s residence.  Once inside, Casey was located inside the garage with a single gunshot wound. Casey was pronounced dead by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.  A preliminary investigation shows that Casey died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Hillsboro Police Department, Nokomis Police Department, the ILEAS Response Team, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, Illinois State Police, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, and the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office assisted with the investigation.  The Nokomis/Witt Area Ambulance also responded to and assisted at the scene. 

The Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Tuesday afternoon around 4:30 PM. A Coach bus was stopped eastbound at the intersection of Illinois Route 16 and County Line Road in Macoupin County. The bus was behind another vehicle that was yielding to westbound traffic to turn north onto County Line Road.  23-year-old Grace L. Keeton of Litchfield was driving a 2013 maroon Ford Fusion traveling eastbound on Illinois Route 16 approaching the intersection when she struck the rear of the bus. 

Keeton was transported to an area hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. The driver of the bus, 33-year-old Steven A. See of Litchfield along with the passengers; 49-year-old Jason M. Hoos, 30-year-old Michael C. Phipps, and 30-year-old Kaleb L. Anderson did not sustain any injuries. 

Mental health is important for everyone, even for seniors. 

Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s Lead Nurse of the Senior Life Solutions program Amy Graham says she’s trying to raise awareness of a mental and behavioral health training program.

According to Graham, the program is rather intensive because it produces results. 

This is a referral-based program, but you can also refer yourself. 

There are countless success stories, too. Graham reflects on one of her favorite patients. 

Learn more at memorial.health, or call 217-707-5660. Graham appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Moweaqua Pow Wow is Friday and Saturday June 3rd and 4th. 

Organizer Kaitlin Villanueva says the event kicks off Friday evening. 

There’s still time to register for the pageants for Moweaqua residents! You can pick up application forms at Moweaqua banks. 

Also Friday evening there’s an outdoor movie to conclude the day. 

The Pow Wow kicks off early Saturday and runs all day with family events galore. 

Learn more about the Moweaqua Pow Wow on its Facebook. Villanueva appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.