The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their fourth drive-thru donation day in July benefiting the Taylorville Food Pantry Saturday. 

The drive-thru donation day occurred at the Miller Media Group front parking lot at 918 East Park Street. 

Kiwanis Member Chuck Martin says they hope you come back when the Kiwanis Club visits in September. 

Martin says that the club is accepting monetary donations that will go straight into the pockets of the food pantry. 

Fellow member Eric Kahle explains how Kiwanis benefits the community.

Kahle thanks the food bank community for all the work they do to help young families. 

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. More information on the club at taylorvillekiwanis.com. 

With temperatures expected to be extremely high next week, many will be flocking to lakes, pools, and other waterways to help beat the heat. As always experts are asking everyone to practice water safety in and around water. 69% of young children who drown were not expected to be in or near water.  Keeping pools safe can be especially helpful with the heatwave coming in.

Acting Illinois state Fire Marshal Dale Simpson says that it is important to keep all gates closed and the area around pools secure when you are not using them. SImpson says if you or your neighbors have children, talk to them about safety in and around pool areas. 

Some startling statistics show that children younger than 5, 87% of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs, and each day, approximately two children under the age of 15 die from drowning.  Children ages 1-4 have the highest drowning rates, and most happen in swimming pools. Drowning can happen anytime, but especially when children gain unsupervised access to pools. Fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death behind motor vehicle crashes for children ages 1-14 according to the CDC. 

Pool chemicals like chlorine are needed to protect health however, if you mishandle them, it can cause serious injuries.  Pool chemical injuries lead to about 4,500 US ER visits each ear, and over ? of these preventable injuries are in children or teens.

The USA Swimming Foundation, in collaboration with the CPSC’s Pool Safety campaign, between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2019, reported at least 150 children younger than age 15 fatally drowned in swimming pools or spas, which is up by two drownings from 2018.  The US Swimming Foundation statistics show formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%.  

Some tips to keep children safer in and around pools include installing a four sided fence with a self-closing gate around the pool, make sure the gate is locked, and keep the pool and deck clear of toys after leaving the pool.  Always ensure children swim with an adult or buddy, designate a watcher to supervise children at all times, don’t leave children unattended even for a moment, and learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim and learn CPR on children and adults. 

Take the pool safety pledge by visiting: www.poolsafety.gov/pledge.  

If you are excited about going back to school, the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has a great event in store. The Museum will be hosting a Back to School Bash on August 6th.  The Back to School Bash is a free day of games and crafts for children and helpful services for parents and caregivers as summer vacation begins to wind down. 

Some events include tee-ball, trivia questions, and learning about electricity. You may also have the chance to create bookmarks that sprout native plants, a police dog in action, exploring a fire truck or ambulance and many more. 

There will be plenty of events for parents as well.  Parents can get free haircuts for their kids, learn about opportunities at the YMCA and local parks, sign up for library services, and get safety information from the FBI and National Weather Service. 

The event will take place from 9 AM until 1 PM in Springfield’s Union Square Park.  In case of rain, it will be held at the Presidential Library and free parking is available in the ALPLM’s parking garage at Sixth and Madison. 

For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov or follow the ALPLM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club’s Kiwanis Park Pavilion is getting a new floor to replace the original concrete floor poured in 1995.

The original floor was broken up and torn out earlier this month.  It’ll be replaced by a new concrete floor.  The work is being done by local contractor Kevin Hamell.

Half the cost of the $14,000 project is being paid for by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation.  The other half was raised locally during the club’s concrete project campaign earlier this year.

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 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 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency late Friday afternoon shut down the Taylorville Kroger store and sealed the building, afer a complaint was filed that cancer-causing asbestos was getting outside of a containment area during work to replace portions of the store's floor.

The state agency said that a licensed asbestos contrator, S-S-I Services, had been hired to remove asbestos from the Taylorville Kroger site.   The state E-P-A says their inspection Friday afternoon showed some of the asbestos material was escaping out of the containment area S-S-I had constructed, and was within areas of the building accessible to the public.

The state E-P-A cleared the building of people and sealed the building to the public.   They are also seeking a preliminary injunctive order from the Illinois Attorney General's Office to stop what the E-P-A called further illegal discharge of asbestos into the environment.

The state E-P-A also requested Kroger and S-S-I to secure the facility and all dumpsters and transfer containers, forbidding unauthorized entry, and prohibiting any person to enter the building except those approved by the state E-P-A and licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health to perform asbestos remediation activities.

The order to close the Taylorville Kroger store will remain in effect until it's rescinded by the state E-P-A.

The Findlay Walleye Festival is on now and all day Saturday. 

Ronnie George is the president of the Walleye Festival and says they will likely sell about 2,000 pounds of walleye this weekend. 

George says for $8 you can buy a half-pound walleye sandwhich. For $10, they’ll throw in chips and a drink. 

The Car Show registration kicks off at 9 in the morning Saturday and closes at noon. Secretary of the festival Bryan Stevens organizes the car show. 

Learn more about the Findlay walleye festival on its Facebook page.

Heartland Greenway, the carbon sequestration pipeline project that will transport the C-O-2 via a pipeline from ethanol and fertilizer plants in the Midwest, to wells northeast of Taylorville, on Monday filed a petition to ask the Illinois Commerce Commission for a permit to build the Illinois portion of the pipeline.

Jim Prescott with Heartland Greenway told Regional Radio News that the petition includes a request to allow eminent domain.

Prescott added that permits for the wells must come from the Federal Government and are not governed by eminent domain.

The project is also being considered by the Christian County Board to allow the pipeline and injection wells.

The pickleball courts at Taylorville’s Manners Park are complete. 

Recreational Director Bailey Hancock says this project has been a long-time coming. 

Pickleball is like a condensed version of tennis. 

Hancock just wants you to try the courts out, even if you have no clue how to play pickleball. 

Pickleball is a great way to meet new people. 

You can view the 5 rules of pickleball at pickleballuniversity.com. 

The Taylorville Explorer’s For Youth program has been under way for about six months now. 

Organizer Kayleigh Boston says it’s a great program for youth interested in law enforcement. 

The program is for youth between the ages of 14-20 who are interested in trying something new. The Taylorville chapter is part of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Boston says when youth sign up, they will be immersed in the daily life of a police officer. 

Explorer’s is a great way to place youth in the community. 

Learn more at explorers.org. Boston appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.    

The 94th annual Morrisonville Homecoming and Picnic kicked off yesterday and continues through Saturday. This is a milestone year for Morrisonville as they celebrate their 150th anniversary. 

Homecoming and Picnic committee member Doug Downey talked about some of the events that are taking place on Friday, including the always popular Frog Jump Contest, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Saturday’s festivities include a bags tournament at noon with registration starting at 11am. There will also be a car show at 1pm, Bingo and carnival rides from 2-10pm, the parade at 4:30pm, and live music in the beer tent from The Get Down from 9pm – midnight.

Find more information on the Morrisonville Homecoming and Picnic on their Facebook page. 

BNG Administrative Services is there for anyone who needs administrative assistance. 

From scheduling day-to-day activities to grant applications, owner Becky Edwards says BNG does it all. 

Edwards can even clean out that nasty email inbox you’ve been stressing about. 

BNG is great for those who work at home and need a bit of assistance but don’t require an assistant. 

Grant-writers listen up – Edwards is here for you. 

Learn more at bngadministrativeservices.com. Edwards appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville and Christian County receiving a new radio station. 

96.5 The Chill debuts on the airwaves Monday on FM signals and online at 965thechill.com.

Station president Randal J. Miller is excited to add to the currently 5-station family. 

Miller says that his radio group, the Miller Media Group, previously ran the 96.5 signal in Christian County but took it off the airwaves, presenting a new opportunity for music from Frank Sinatra to Michael Bolton and many others. 

When you turn your radio dial or computer stream to The Chill, you will find soft hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s every weekday. You’ll also find some fantastic weekend programming. 

Monday morning, Miller will D.J. the grand unveiling of the station with music hits and live calls. Miller will give away 10 different $50 F-S Gas Cards during the day-long show. 

Learn more at 965thechill.com. Miller appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Illinois Farm Bureau continues to support veterinarians’ education especially vets who focus on caring for food animals.  The IFB has selected Brandi Welch, a third year student at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.  Welch will receive the IVET loan at the full amount of $40,000 with a $1, 500 stipend to help pay expenses associated with clinical rotations. 

Welch says that she is excited to have this opportunity to continue to offer education and meds to the clients and patients she serves. Welch, who grew up in Mercer County, says that being an IVET loan recipient is an excellent opportunity for veterinary students to borrow money at a low interest rate while also upholding a commitment to Illinois farmers by practicing large animal medicine upon graduation.

Welch says she became interested in animal health while learning to care for her own horses and hopes to become a mixed-breed animal veterinarian and return to her hometown to eventually own a practice.

The IVET program provides up to $40,000 to as many as three veterinary students each year to help offset the cost of education.  Loans are provided for a period of two to three years and students in their fourth year in school are eligible for a $1,500 stipend.  Loans are repaid over 5 years after graduation during which graduates must commit to working in a food animal practice that services Illinois livestock producers. 

The Illinois Farm Bureau established the IVET program in 2005.  Since then more than $440,000 has been distributed to 27 veterinary students who focus on caring for food animals in Illinois.
 

Scammers are always adapting. 

Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist Jack Meyers says that scammers are sending pictures of police badges to gain trust. He says they are often posing as federal employees. Real federal employees will never reach out to you asking for money.

Meyers says that if a supposed federal agent reaches out to you with their badge, which could just be a picture from the internet, do not engage. 

Scammers may ask you to wire money or have you send them a gift card code. 

Meyers says that you should absolutely not do that. 

If you think someone contacting you is attempting to scam, Meyers says you should visit ssa.gov to go find resources to report the attempt. That is, whether you fall for it or not. 

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

The 135th annual Mount Auburn Farmer’s Picnic takes place August 4-6. 

Vice-president of the committee heading the event Melissa Osbourne says that the celebration has been held in August for over a century for three days of fun, music, food, and friends. 

The pageants on Thursday mark the beginning of the fun. The committee is still taking applications, but they must be in by this week. You can go to the Mount Auburn Farmer’s Picnic Facebook for contact information. 

Friday and Saturday the picnic will give away a total of four bicycles to kids – one to a boy and one to a girl each day. All they have to do is purchase a $5 wristband for the inflatables and water slide. 

Thursday evening features karaoke under the beer tent, while Friday night features two different bands playing live music. 

Learn more on the Mount Auburn Farmer’s Picnic Facebook. Osbourne appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Morrisonville Picnic and Homecoming kicks off this evening with a fireworks show.

Jessica Armentrout is vice-president of the committee heading the picnic July 27-30.

President of the committee Suzanne Grundy says that this year marks a big anniversary for Morrisonville. 

Of course, the picnic and homecoming signals the return of the Bull Frog Jumps. It’s the 50th anniversary this year. 

This Saturday the parade takes over the town. The day starts with a bags tournament at 11 in the morning. 

Learn more on the Morrisionville Picnic and Homecoming Facebook. Grundy and Armentrout appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

A site of a former gas plant in Taylorville will be getting a site investigation to see what Ameren Illinois will be doing with it in the future. Operations at the Taylorville Manufactured Gas Plant began 1883 and ran until 1932. Excavation brought a groundwater “pump and treat system.”  This system has been treating over 1.8 million gallons of groundwater per month. Dave Palmer, Manager of Remediation Projects with Ameren says that it is quite an operation that is there right now.

After site investigation, the hope Palmer says, is too do a soil stabilization project. 

Amy Weber, project manager, says she doesn’t see any major impact on Taylorville residents.

Palmer says that he hopes to be transparent with this project. There has been great support between Ameren and the EPA. 

The former MGP property is located on the west side of the City of Taylorville near Manners Park. You can click here for a fact sheet on this project.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club watched a video celebrating WTIM’s 70th Anniversary, during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

The video on the history of Taylorville’s first radio station, was put together earlier this year by station president and Kiwanis member Randal J. Miller, along with Neil Hohenstein and Addison Vocks.  It premiered at the Annual Greater Taylorville Chamber Banquet May 6th.

From the time the station was filed for at the Federal Communications Commission, to the many platforms WTIM delivers its local content today, the video took Kiwanis members thru the past 70 years on-the-air.

It was announced that the Kiwanis Club will again hold its annual Kid’s Day fund raiser on the Harrison Corner and at the Wal-Mart Super Center, on Friday and Saturday, September 23rd and 24th.  Proceeds from the annual fund raiser go toward local Kiwanis projects for children and youth, including Coats for Kids, YMCA and high school scholarships, and Kiwanis Park, among many others.

Kiwanis Park Committee co-chair Larry Kemner reported that the floor replacement project at the Kiwanis Park Pavilion has begun, with the original 1995 concrete floor being removed.  A new concrete floor will be installed.  The club’s Foundation is paying half of the 14-thousand dollar project, with monies Kiwanis members received in their recent Park capital campaign covering the other half.

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.     

Taylorville School Board met Tuesday evening and the big item on the agenda was the presentation of the prototype for the new fine arts/tech/sports facility. Architect Jacques Reynolds presented the prototype with the hopes of getting it approved to move into the design development phase. Reynolds says that the project is currently on schedule.

During the presentation, Reynolds showed renderings of the proposed facility and went through the cost estimate.

                                                                              _{Lobby View - Image provided by Architechnics}

                                                                          _{Fieldhouse View - Image provided by Architechnics}

                                                                               _{Interior View - Image provided by Architechnics}

                                                                                _{Night View - Image provided by Architechnics}

The proposed facility is estimated to cost $16.9 million. 

The estimated cost did bring about mixed feelings from the board as they tried to talk through ways that they could potentially cut costs. Eventually, Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty asked about the lifespan of the building and reminded everyone that this is a long-term investment.

The board voted unanimously to move the prototype into the design development phase. They also discussed the consultants that would be used for the services and Mayor Bruce Barry voiced his concerns about using Greene and Bradford. The board decided to try and find a different consultant instead and they will vote on the new consultant at the next board meeting on August 16th.

The board also discussed the Fiscal Year 2023 Amended Bus contract with Durham and approved the IESA application for cooperative team sportsmanship between the Taylorville School District and Visionway. They also passed a motion for the allowance of inter-fund transfers between the Education Fund, Operations and Maintenance Fund, Transportation Fund, and Working Cash Fund. 

The next Taylorville School Board meeting is set for August 16th. 

At the Taylorville Park District Board meeting Monday night, Evan Mitchell provided an update on the skateboard park. 

The news – not good. Mitchell says that Mayor Bruce Barry told him the city cannot provide liability insurance to a skateboard park the city does not own, which means the park district is responsible for liability they are not currently prepared for. 

Park District Recreational Director Bailey Hancock expressed frustration, because many alderman came to the park district board in November asking for a spot to put the skateboard park within the park district. 

Mayor Barry worked with the Quarterback Club, which Mayor Barry is president of, to help Mitchell raise funds for the project. They collected over $13,000. 

Vice President of the board and trustee Tanya Reno says she wishes Mitchell established his own 501(c)3 non-profit to establish the skateboard park. 

Here’s an exchange between Reno and Mitchell, where Mitchell concludes by saying the mayor told him the park district doesn’t want the skateboard park.

Regional Radio News reached out to Mayor Barry. He says the city will do whatever it can legally do to make this skateboard park happen, but it is up to the skateboard committee and park district to find other sources of revenue. 

Park officials say they are focused on renovating the pool, and all extra money they come across ends up in the fund for such renovations.

With that in mind, Mayor Barry says his family is pledging up to $40,000 to lay the concrete for the skateboard park pad. 

In November, the park district agreed to provide space for the skateboard park at the Don Bragg Sports Complex.

The city has not agreed to an intergovernmental agreement to work with the park district for the skateboard park. 

Expiration dates for drivers licenses, ID cards, and learners permits have been extended again.  This time, they have been extended until December 1st, 2022.  Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White The previous extension had been set to end on July 31st, 2022. As a result of this, expired driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits will remain valid, so customers do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL’s) and CDL learner’s permits.

Secretary of State White says that his office has expanded online renewal for expired driver’s licenses and ID cards and continues to mail letters to eligible customers.  The office is sending out letters which provide driver’s license and ID card holders with a unique PIN needed to renew online instead of visiting a facility.  Customers may also call 217-785-1424 to confirm their eligibility for online renewal or to obtain a pin number. You can also visit ilsos.gov for more information and to check your eligibility status. 

Customers who must visit a facility include first time driver’s license or ID card applicants, first time REAL ID applicants, and those who are 75 and older. White continues to encourage people to conduct business online as opposed to going in if at all possible,.  Some online services you can do include a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, order a driver record, and purchase a license plate sticker. Restricted driving permits have also been extended to December 1st, 2022. 

Federal REAL ID deadlines have been extended to May 3rd, 2023. 
 

Taylorville School Board is set to meet this evening at 6 PM for their monthly board meeting. The board will approve minutes, consider approving the destruction of closed session audio recordings for meetings prior to January 2021, review and approve CLAIMS, go over the treasurer’s report and consideration of personnel and overnight trips. 

Under old business, the board will recap the strategic planning focus, goals, committee reports and timeline and architect a presentation of the prototype for the fine arts/tech/sports facility. The board will consider moving the prototype to the design development phase, discuss the Construction Consultant Contracts for Services and the Fiscal Year 2023 Amended Bus contract for student transportation with Durham. They will also consider approving the IESA application for cooperative team sportsmanship between Taylorville school district and Visionway, discuss an e-learning plan, and consider the adoption of updated job descriptions.

Under new business, the board will consider a resolution for allowance of inter-fund transfers between the Education Fund (10), Operations and Maintenance Fund (20), Transportation Fund (40), and the Working Cash Fund (70). The board will then hear the Superintendent's report.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for a recap at the conclusion of tonight’s meeting.
 

WSVZ Cruisin' 98.3 will be off-the-air starting at 12:30 this afternoon as a planned service outage.  Technicians will install a replace control box on the station's generator due to lightning.  It's not known how long the outage will last.  WSVZ thanks its listeners for their patience while technicians install this equipment.

A former Taylorville resident plead guilty to three felony counts on Monday morning. 

34 year old Zachary C. Crowley of Tinley Park, formerly of Taylorville, plead guilty at the Christian County Courthouse on Monday to three felony counts. The first two counts are for Unlawful Grooming in which Crowley sent text messages that were sexual in nature to two minors. This is a Class 4 felony offense. The third count was a Class 4 felony offense of Distribution of Harmful Material to a Minor in which Crowley communicated with minors over a video chat on social media and provided sexually explicit video. 

The charges come after an investigation conducted by the Taylorville Police Department and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office in December of 2020.

A sentencing hearing is set for September 9, 2022 at 1pm at the Christian County Courthouse. The hearing will take place in person, but zoom access will be available as well. The defendant plead “open” in this case, which means there is no agreement as to what the sentence will be.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee held their regular monthly meeting Monday night as they plan for the 2022 version of this local tradition, taking place on the Square October First and 2nd.

Interntional Chilli Society Cook-off Chair Tom Calvert reported that the 2 annual sanctioned cook-offs will again take place this year:  The “Chillinois” cook-off on Saturday and the Central State cook-off on Sunday.

Chamber Chilli chief cook J-I McDowell reported that he’s donated a new vat to cook chilli live on site this year.  Chamber chilli will be served on site by the bowl and the quart for the first time in 3 years.  Chilled quarts will again be sold thru a drive-up lane as has been done in 2020 and 2021.

Pageant director Brittany Moore reported that on-line entries will be accepted for the many Chillifest pageants August First.  No paper entries will be allowed.

And, the Chillifest 5K Color Run is on again for 2022.

More information on the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest is available on-line at chillifest.info.

The Taylorville Park District Board met for their monthly meeting Monday evening. 

The board members approved the minutes for the meeting in May, because the board did not meet in June. 

The board also approved the treasurer’s report and heard from guests. 

One guest, Evan Mitchell, provided an update on the Skateboard Park. Mitchell says that there is no progress on the park. 

The board also approved New Business, including a necessary tax levy for the current fiscal year. 

Recreational Director Bailey Hancock provided an update. The pool celebrated its 60th birthday Sunday. 

Board members reviewed the Finance Committee Reports and then adjourned. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on the story involving the skateboard park as it develops. 

The next Park District Board meeting is set for August 29th.

The Christian County Board held a special meeting in the Christian County Courthouse Monday night.   The meeting was called by chairperson Matt Wells to consider 3 specific issues:  Repairs to the Courthouse boiler, untabling a motion to rehire recently fired Zoning Administrator and Animal Control Officer Vince Harris, and Zoning Permits.

The meeting started off with Board member Ray Koonce questioning whether Wells’ action calling the special meeting was legal based on published county board rules.  He made a motion to override the Chair’s calling the special meeting.  That vote failed with 5 voting yes, 7 voting no, so the meeting continued.

Chairperson Wells said the reason he put the Courthouse boiler repair on the agenda was that county department heads didn’t have the authority to authorize the nearly 65-hundred dollar expense.  Board member Venice McWard made a motion to take the money from the county’s capital improvement fund.  That motion passed 15 to nothing.

A motion was then made to untable the motion to rehire Harris as Zoning Administrator and Animal Control Officer.  During the discussion before that vote, Chairperson Wells said it was his decision to put this item on the special meeting agenda since it wasn’t acted on at last week’s regular meeting.  Board member Koonce said it had been referred to the board’s personnel committee, with Board member Bryan Sharp saying he wanted the committee to review the job descriptions of each position before the issue came back to the full Board.   They voted 12 to 3 to keep the item tabled.

On the Zoning Permits item on the agenda, Chairperson Wells said something had to be done because of the number of requested building permits that were not being issued since the county has no Zoning Administrator to issue them with the Harris firing. Board member Clint Epley made a motion that this task be moved to Christian County Assessor Chad Coady’s office, with training provided by assistant Zoning Administrator.  

That motion led to a long discussion, with Board member Bev Graham saying she had talked with Coady and he didn’t feel his office could issue zoning permits and then assess those properties, plus didn’t have the office space.  Graham felt that the Board was forcing Coady to take the additional duties.

At the suggestion of Chairperson Wells, Christian County State’s Attorney Wes Poggenpohl was asked what the Board could do in the situation, and Poggenpohl suggested that the County Board’s Zoning Committee could vote on each zoning permit application and get them issued until a new Zoning Administrator was hired.   

After further discussion by several board members, the motion to ask the Assessor’s Office to issue zoning permits with training from the assistant Zoning Administrator passed 8 to 7.  Board member Mike Specha then made a motion that as a plan B if Coady didn’t want to accept the added responsibility, that the County Board Zoning Committee act on zoning permits temporarily until a new Zoning Administrator was hired.  That motion passed 14 to one.

In public comments at the end of the meeting, resident Tom Furgin expressed concerns about the way he thought County Board members were treating county employees, adding he felt there was a lack of leadership. 

The Christian County Board special meeting adjourned at 7:14 Monday night.

The 20th Annual Tom Short 5K is next weekend.

Molly Pruemer says that the event starts 8 a.m. Saturday, August 6th. 

Jerry Yockey is an organizer and says that Tom Short passed away about 20 years ago, which inspired the 5K. 

Pruemer says this event is for runners of all skill levels. 

Yockey thanks all those who made this event possible. 

Learn more when you click here. Yockey and Pruemer appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Ever since the July 12th tragedy involving 4 area teenagers, surrounding communities have rallied to support the families. 

Vonda McConnell has been paying close attention to multiple fundraisers in the area. She wants to draw attention to them, and she calls on you to support them. 

The Shelby County 4-H Fair collected donations for the family of Keegan Virden.

Keith Manship with Shelbyville Possum Lodge says the lodge is hosting a barbecue fundraiser for the four families of the students involved in the July 12th crash in Assumption. 

The fundraiser is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday, August 6th, at the East Parking Lot of Tractor Supply in Shelbyville.

McConnell has a full list of businesses and non-profits hosting fundraisers. 

McConnell and Manship appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

The University of Illinois Extension Christian County Ag in the Classroom has received a donation for their program. Program Coordinator Rebecca Livingston says that Central Commodity FS of Taylorville gave a generous donation to the program.  LIvingston praised Central Commodity FS saying, “Central Commodity FS has always been a supporter of the AG in the classroom. Their donation is just one of many ways they support our program.”

The mission of Ag in the classroom is to teach Illinois children agriculture outreach effort by providing high quality, standards based, scientifically sound ag information that can be easily integrated by teachers into the existing classroom curriculum.
 

The Taylorville Park Board will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Manners Park Dining Hall. After approval of minutes, the board will hear from the treasurer, guests and correspondence, and go over new business which includes approving a new ordinance concerning tax levy’s. 

Under old business, the board will hear from the Maintenance Superintendent Gary Brown, Office Administrator Lisa Morillo, and Recreational Director Bailey Hancock, who earlier this week announced that the pickleball courts in Taylorville are now complete. The board will pay bills and have a possible executive session.

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

Ameren Illinois has notified many of its "Real Time Pricing" electric customers, that demand for electricity and supply constraints have led to an energy generation shortage.

In the letter dated July 18th, Ameren says the power shortage has caused the price of wholesale power to increase significantly.

The letter says that its "Real Time Pricing" electric customers may see market changes impacting the price of their energy.

It concluded that customers can take steps to lower energy costs and lessen the impact of higher supply costs, with information shown in their Energy Savings Center at amerenillinoissavings.com.   

The Miller Media Group reminds our WSVZ Cruisin' 98.3 listeners that a planned service outage has been scheduled for Tuesday at 12:30 in the afternoon, to install a replace control box on the station's generator.  It's not known how long the outage will last.  WSVZ thanks its listeners for their patience while technicians install this equipment.

The Miller Media Group in Taylorville will sign on its 6th radio station along with a music stream for the station, on Monday, August First.

The station will be called 96-5 The Chill-dot-com and feature Central Illinois’ largest music library of some 35-hundred soft hits from the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, 24 hours a day.  Featured artists will include Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr.., Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams, The Beatles, The Supremes, Michael Buble’ and Michael Bolton, among many others.

The 96-5 signal will be heard in Christian County and surrounding area, while the 96-5 The Chill music stream on the Internet will be heard in a 50-mile radius.

Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller will host the day-long sign-on of the new station, giving away 10 50-dollar F-S gas cards thru-out the station’s first day on the air.

Weekend programming will include “Sounds of Sinatra” with Sid Mark Saturday mornings from 10am til noon, and ‘The Neon Beat” with Jon Christopher Sundays from 8am to 1pm.

The station’s studios are inside the Miller Media Group building at 918 East Park in Taylorville.

A 59 year old male from Witt was killed in a drunk driving accident that occured on Friday night.  34 year old Daniel Adams of Gillespie was traveling west on Illinois Route 16 about 1/4 mile southwest of 5th Street in Witt in Montgomery County.  Adams left the roadway striking an ambankment and a tree.  His passenger, the 59 year old male who has not been identified, died on the scene. Adams was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was treated iwth non-life threatening injuries.

Adams was charged with DUI Alcohol and Driving too fast for conditions. 

Saturday's last day of the Christian County Ag Fair included the first-ever Classic Car and Truck Show organized by fair officials and the "40-Miles-Per-Hour" Car Club of Christian County.

Fair Promotions Director Angela Ohls-Marsters and Car Club President Gail Lumb, put the show together with just a few weeks notice.  Over 40 cars and trucks lined the east fence at the Fairgrounds.

Lumb was thrilled with the turnout by club members for Saturday's first-ever show.

Lumb said the "40-Miles-Per-Hour" Car Club started with just a few people.

The Fair Board and the Car Club both decided that instead of a registration fee for the classic car and truck owners to pay, they asked for donations to the Taylorville Food Pantry.  Some 285-dollars was raised by the Car Club for the Food Pantry's efforts.

Food Pantry Co-Executive Director Pam Moses who, along with Co-Director Amy Hagen were also at the Car Show, thanked the Car Show owners for their donation.

Ohls-Marsters told Regional Radio News the Classic Car Show will become an annual event at the Christian County Ag Fair.

WSVZ Cruisin' 98.3 broadcast live reports from the Car Show Saturday morning.

One classic car owner brought a platform that hoisted into a flagpole, and displayed the American and Police Support flags.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club once again held their drive-thru donation day benefiting the Taylorville Food Pantry at the Miller Media Group front parking lot on Saturday, July 23rd. 

Kiwanis Club member Dick Wamsley talked about how the focus of the Kiwanis club is on helping kids. 

Wamsley said that he is proud of the partnerships that the Kiwanis club has with various junior high and high school organizations.

Lydia Hopkins, who is a member of the Taylorville Police Explorers, was one of the young volunteers who helped out.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club will continue hosting their Drive-Thru donation days in September with donations going straight to the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

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. Find more information on the club at taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Officials with the Miller Media Group's Cruisin' 98-point-3 W-S-V-Z have announced a planned service outage is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th at 12:30 in the afternoon.

Technicians will be installing a new control box for the station's generator, after lightning fried the existing box a couple of months ago.

It's not known how long the outage will last, as the WSVZ transmitter site will have to have its power turned off while the new control box is wired both into the generator circuit and commercial power since the box has to sense when there is an outage and turns on the generator to keep the station on the air.

WSVZ thanks its listeners for their understanding while these repairs are made.

The Taylorville Police Department issued a news release early Friday evening, that 63-year-old Lori J. Zeitler of Taylorville, was indicted by the United State’s Attorney’s Office in Springfield on 5 counts of wire fraud.

After an ongoing investigation by Taylorville Police, the Illinois State Police, and the F-B-I, Zeitler was indicted alleging that on or about January of 2005 and continuing for several years, Zeitler was part of a scheme to defraud and obtain money from the Christian County Y-M-C-A using her position as a bookkeeper.  

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says the City is happy there is closure to this case after many inquiries from citizens as to its status.

Wheeler reminds the public that all subjects are innocent until proven guilty.

A situation at the Christian County Jail on Sunday evening led to a misdemeanor arrest and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office looking at new procedures for safety.  Sunday night, a man posed as an attorney and tried to make his way into the facility. Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp sat down with Regional Radio News to explain what happened.

Sheriff Kettelkamp then explained what happened next saying that his dispatchers are some of the busiest people at the jail and that a lot of things happened at once. Shortly after 44-year-old Kristina Lindsey was arrested, confusion happened when a man was allowed in through a Sallie port door. 

Sheriff Kettelkamp says the man claimed to be an attorney for her, but officers quickly realized that wasn’t the case. 

After investigation, officers were able to determine that it was 46 year old James Lindsey of Taylorville and that he was under the influence. 

Sheriff Kettelkamp says that the jail is safe, and there was no chance for prisoners to escape.

Lindsey was charged with criminal trespass to state property in connection with the incident, a misdemeanor. Sheriff Kettelkamp says that there will be some changes made to security including better lighting to prevent a situation like this from happening again. We encourage you to Click here to hear the full interview with Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp concerning this story.

The Illinois State Championship Chili Cook-off starts 11 a.m. Saturday underneath the Main Pavilion of the Christian County Fairgrounds. 

Tom Calvert organizes multiple chili cook-offs throughout the year, but this time, he is competing. 

Calvert is looking forward to cooking against some of the best chili cooks in the nation. 

He often thinks about all the people traveling to Taylorville for the cook-off and how they transport their cooking supplies. 

This is a sanctioned event through the International Chili Society. 

Again, the Illinois State Championship Chili Cook-off starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Christian County Ag Fair. Calvert appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

When you hit the road this summer, you’ll probably stop at a gas station and look for food. 

University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson has a few tips to keep your road-trip snacks healthy. 

Those with a sweet tooth can still find nutritious options at a convenience store. 

Keeping your health goals in mind can be manageable when you pay close attention to nutrition labels. 

When you are observing that nutrition label, take a glance at the amount of added sugar. 

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

A rising country music singer from the Regional Radio listening area was in our WMKR studio on Wednesday to visit with listeners during the WMKR Morning Show. 

Jake Schumacher talked about how he got his start in country music and the journey of his career thus far.  

Schumacher has this advice for anyone who wants to pursue a career in music.

Schumacher and his band have a number of local performances that they are excited for, including getting to open for Chris Cagle on August 6th at Corn Crib Stadium in Normal, IL.

Use promo code JAKESAVE2 to get $2 off each ticket. Click HERE for the link to buy tickets. You can also find more information about this and other performances on the Jake Schumacher & The Working Class Heroes Facebook page. 

A new feature at this year's Christian County Ag Fair is a Car Show and Cruise taking place tomorrow from 10am to 1pm just inside the Fair's main gate off of West Spresser Street.

New and classic car owners are encouraged to participate in the show.  There's no registration fee, but instead a fee, Fair officials are asking car show participants to donate to the Taylorville Food Pantry.  A donation cannister will be on hand during the event.

WSVZ Cruisin' 98-point-3 will broadcast live from the Car Show from 10am to noon, as part of the Miller Media Group's Fair coverage on its 5 Taylorville-based radio stations.

The Christian County Ag Fair concludes Saturday night with the always-popular Demo Derby which starts at 5pm.

The Christian County Ag Group held its 26th annual Ag Appreciation Luncheon Thursday at the Christian County Ag Fair Beer Tent, to celebrate and focus on the importance of agriculture to the Christian County economy.

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The event started off with Ag Group chair R-D Elder presenting a 750-dollar scholarship to Lizzie Schafer, a Taylorville High School grad and FFA member, who is entering college majoring in an ag related field.

Central Commodity F-S general manager Mark Bauman then presented grants and scholarships to a host of county F-F-A chapters, the Ag in the Classroom program, and students entering college, to show their continued support for the future of agriculture in Christian County. 

Marketing Director for Central Commodity F-S Aarika May (center) presented a $4,000 check to the Taylorville High School F-F-A after the program.

Guest speaker for the event was long-time anchor DeLoss Jahnke from the RFD Radio Network, which is carried on WTIM AM and FM.  Jahnke applauded the many F-F-A'ers and other youth attending the event, adding they are the future of agriculture in Christian County and the world.  

Jahnke also spoke about the changing ag issues he and the network are covering in Springfield and Washington.

Invited guests were then introduced, then the Taylorville F-F-A Judging Team, just back from Scotland to compete in an international competition, were brought to the stage where they introduced themselves and spoke briefly about their overseas experiences.

Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller again emceed the event, and also gave the invocation just before the pork chop lunch with all the trimmings were served by the Mount Auburn Rustler's 4-H Club.  The meal was again catered by Marietta Dunkirk of Morrisonville and her staff from Country Girl Catering.

Christian County Ag Fair royalty was on hand to greet those in attendance.

A host of door prizes donated by area sponsors were given away while those attending enjoyed lunch.

 The annual Christian County Ag Fair races were held Wednesday night and the action on track was excellent once again. Another solid field of cars was on hand with 20 Midwest Big Ten Street Stocks, 15 Weddle Performance Engines Sportsman, and 10 Hornets to race in front of a sizable crowd.

Lovington, IL driver Jeremy Nichols put on a show at this year’s fair races, which should not be a big surprise. Nichols came into the event with three Sportsman wins and four Street Stock wins over the last eight years. Wednesday night, Nichols added one more trophy in each class by taking the top two features.

Nichols started third in the Sportsman feature and passed Scott Landers to take the lead and the eventual win. What he did in the Big Ten Street Stock event was even more impressive. Nichols started 7th in the 20-car field of Street Stocks. Moving to the top lane of the track, Nichols passed car after car before taking the top spot from Megan Erwin for the victory.

The Hornet race saw Derrick DeFord and Allan Harris in a great battle at the front of the pack. DeFord led early but Harris got a great run to take the spot away. The Hornets went flag-to-flag in a competitive but clean race.

The Christian County Fair and Track Enterprises have been hosting one race date a year as part of the fair since 2014. Car counts and crowds have been noticeably better the last couple of seasons and the racing on track was at its best on Wednesday night.

Weddle Performance Engines Sportsman 15 Entries

A Feature 1 20 Laps

1. 18-Jeremy Nichols[3]; 2. 87-Wes O'Dell[1]; 3. 25-Dennis Vander Meersch[4]; 4. 41-Scott Landers[2]; 5. 21M-Dustin Moore[12]; 6. 21-Ed Cleeton[5]; 7. 11-Roy Magee[11]; 8. (DNF) 55-Tim Riech[9]; 9. (DNF) 07-Phil Moreland[6]; 10. (DNF) 84L-Jim Farley III[14]; 11. (DNF) 12M-Terry Myers[8]; 12. (DNF) 61-Stefan Bedinger[7]; 13. (DNS) 04-Steve Stine; 14. (DNS) 14-Cole Landers; 15. (DNS) 44-John Lewis

Heat 1 8 Laps

1. 18-Jeremy Nichols[2]; 2. 41-Scott Landers[7]; 3. 21-Ed Cleeton[4]; 4. 61-Stefan Bedinger[1]; 5. 04-Steve Stine[3]; 6. 21M-Dustin Moore[5]; 7. 84L-Jim Farley III[6]; 8. 44-John Lewis[8]

Heat 2 8 Laps

1. 87-Wes O'Dell[6]; 2. 25-Dennis Vander Meersch[1]; 3. 07-Phil Moreland[2]; 4. 12M-Terry Myers[3]; 5. 55-Tim Riech[7]; 6. 11-Roy Magee[4]; 7. 14-Cole Landers[5] 
51 Bistro Street Stocks 20 Entries
A Feature 1 20 Laps

1. 67-Jeremy Nichols[7]; 2. 20-Tanner Sullivan[2]; 3. R1-Jim Ransom[3]; 4. 2Z-Andy Zahnd[9]; 5. 42-Jesse Simmons[6]; 6. 11-Terry Reed[15]; 7. J98-Danny Smith[10]; 8. 14-Megan Erwin[1]; 9. 13-Ryan Blankenship[14]; 10. 45-Chandler Smith[17]; 11. 21R-Dustin Reed[12]; 12. 78B-Brad Peters[16]; 13.. 53-Kipp Schaefer[13]; 14. (DNF) 16-Nick Macklin[11]; 15. (DNF) 21E-Eric Boomer[4]; 16. (DNF) 57-Jamie Suddarth[20]; 17. (DNF) 3J-Jonathon Hall[8]; 18. (DNF) 4-Zach Clark[5]; 19. (DNS) 43R-Austin Roach; 20. (DNS) 17-Bobby Beiler
Heat 1 8 Laps

1. 21E-Eric Boomer[1]; 2. 4-Zach Clark[3]; 3. 42-Jesse Simmons[6]; 4. J98-Danny Smith[5]; 5. 13-Ryan Blankenship[2]; 6. 45-Chandler Smith[4]; 7. 57-Jamie Suddarth[7]
Heat 2 8 Laps

1. 14-Megan Erwin[3]; 2. 2Z-Andy Zahnd[2]; 3. 67-Jeremy Nichols[6]; 4. 16-Nick Macklin[1]; 5. 11-Terry Reed[5]; 6. 78B-Brad Peters[7]; 7. 17-Bobby Beiler[4]
Heat 3 8 Laps

1. 20-Tanner Sullivan[2]; 2. R1-Jim Ransom[5]; 3. 3J-Jonathon Hall[6]; 4. 21R-Dustin Reed[3]; 5. 53-Kipp Schaefer[1]; 6. 43R-Austin Roach[4] 
Hornets 10 Entries
A Feature 1 12 Laps

1. 3H-Allan Harris[2]; 2. 11-Derrick DeFord[1]; 3. E77-Erik Vanapeldoorn[4]; 4. 21-Mike Eskew[5]; 5. 34-Billy Mason[7]; 6. 2-Ken Reed[8]; 7. 14-John Goveia[6]; 8. 20-Casey Eskew[9]; 9. (DNF) 15-David Lauritson[3]; 10. (DNF) 15T-Taryn Page[10]
Heat 1 6 Laps
1. 3H-Allan Harris[1]; 2. 11-Derrick DeFord[10]; 3. 15-David Lauritson[2]; 4. E77-Erik Vanapeldoorn[6]; 5. 21-Mike Eskew[8]; 6. 14-John Goveia[3]; 7. 34-Billy Mason[7]; 8. 2-Ken Reed[4]; 9. 20-Casey Eskew[9]; 10. 15T-Taryn Page[5]

State Senator Doris Turner will be in Taylorville.  The State Senator and her staff will be at Mayor Bruce Barry’s office located at 115 North Main Street on Friday, July 22nd from 9 AM until noon in order to help residents with state and local services. Senator Turner says she wants to assist community members with services like unemployment claims, driver’s service issues, and more. 

Office hours serve as an opportunity for residents to speak directly with Senator Turner and her staff about casework and other state-level issues. The event is free and open to all area residents and residents can call Senator Turner’s Springfield office at 217-854-4502 with any questions. 

Senator Turner says, “We want to ensure all members of our community have access to our office to receive assistance on state services. I encourage people who might need assistance, or would like to chat, to come out and attend my mobile office hours.”

For more information and to stay up to date on events Senator Turner’s Office is holding, visit SenatorTurner.com.  

The Christian County Ag Fair displayed projects from 4-H and FFA members Wednesday morning. 

Waylon Paulek talked about the animals he and his family are showing. 

Paulek says that they are also showing pigs and have been all summer long. 

The pigs are quite a bit of work. 

Paulek says he’s learning a lot about quality of goats. 

See a complete schedule of events at christiancountyfair.com. Paulek appeared as a guest on WTIM’s live coverage of the Christian County Ag Fair. 

The Shelby County Fair wrapped up on Wednesday with the Beef, Cat and Small Pets Shows, as well as the Youth Livestock Auction. Awards and scholarships were also given out on Wednesday evening.

Audrey Summers has been involved with 4H for eight years and talked about her experience at the fair this year.

Summers explained why she believes that everyone should get involved with 4H.

Brooke Schumacher showed goats, rabbits and cattle at the fair this year and explained why she decided to join 4H.

Kendall Bennett showed rabbits, pigs and visual arts at this year’s fair. She says that 4H provides a unique experience.

This year’s Shelby County Fair took place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 18-20.

The Shelby County 4-H Fair is happening right now with general and livestock shows at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. 

4-H member MacKenzie White performed her general project on bee-keeping. 

Maggie Kelly earned the title of Shelby County Fair Queen. 

Kelly is also showing cattle Wednesday. 

Tanner Etherton will show a steer Wednesday at the 4-H fair. 

Find a schedule of events when you click here.

The Macon County Conservation District is looking forward to an eventful August. 

Director of Program Services Alyssa Callison is excited for the Astronomy Jamboree at Friend’s Creek Conservation Area.

This is a great opportunity to see the universe. 

It’s also a great opportunity to learn about all the different constellations and planets. 

While enjoying the universe, you will enjoy a live band. 

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

Christian County YMCA’s Fall Youth Soccer will be here before you know it. 

Associate Executive Director Andrea Bach says that the coaches will begin meeting August 8th. Children 4 years and up can participate. 

The coaches meeting gives all the prospective coaches a chance to review the ropes. Practices will commence shortly after. 

Bach says the goal is to expose kids to new activities they may end up falling in love with. 

Games have been held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in the past. That could change this year. 

You can learn more on how to register your kid, or become a coach, at ccymca.org. Bach appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening. The board heard from the public. Many spoke out in support of ousted Vince Harris, who had been terminated from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Solid Waste Officer position last month.  Many also spoke out about the Animal Control and a zoning ordinance that would rezone some residential lots to commercial in Pana.

Board President Matt Wells gave an update on the State Police Investigation that was taking place on some accounts that Vince Harris was responsible for.  Wells says the State Police were not going to conduct an investigation.

Wells continued saying that he wanted to make sure everyone was aware of what was going on.

The motion was tabled to the end of the meeting where they voted to table it again and send it to the personnel committee.

The board also approved Dr. Leslie Devore to the health board and announced Sherri Anderson Craggs as the new Animal Control Director effective August 1st. 

A zoning ordinance that had been previously approved, was found out to be wrong and had to be changed.

The original Zoning ordinance was rescinded and it was sent back to committee. The motion for the rezoning of residential lots in Pana to commercial was also tabled and sent back to committee.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on the County Board meeting in the next couple of days. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the manager at Lake Shore Golf Course, during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Jason Boldig and his family are 3 generations of golf course operators, and eleven years ago leased the Lake Shore Golf Course from the Taylorville Park District.  Boldig told Kiwanis members it’s been a great relationship, and the 2 entities just signed a 3-year extension.

Boldig and his family moved to Taylorville to manage Lake Shore in 2012, adding his company is responsible for all maintenance and equipment at the course, with capital improvements the responsibility of the Park District.  Boldig added that when he’s suggested those capital improvements to the course, the Park District has worked with him to make them happen, enhancing the golfing experience.

Boldig said COVID was a blessing to Lake Shore Golf Course, getting people outside and as a result, rounds of golf at the facility south of Taylorville are up, and the course is also attracting more golfers from out of town.  He added he’s also seen equipment sales grow and expects that to continue.

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.    

Cat, Dog, and Rabbit Shows took place on Monday after the 4H General Show.  The event took place at the Christian County Fairgrounds at the Expo Building and was a big hit.  Abby Erlenbush won Champion in the 3-9 month kitten category along with Senior Showmanship Champion. Erlenbush also won in the dog show including Senior Showmanship Award, Champion in Dog Care and Dog Obedience categories. Maelie Heberling, Claire McWard, and Judson Shanks participated in the 4H Rabbit Show with Judson Shanks winning Junior Showmanship and Maelie Heberling winning Rabbit care. 

4H Youth Development Program Coordinator Alexis McDowell thanked the many participants who competed in the events.

The 4-H General Shows offer a chance for members to judge their peer’s projects.

4-H Member Ben Wamsley received valuable experience judging at the fair Monday. 

Wamsley really dove into E-Sports as a project area. 4-H first allowed E-Sports as a project in 2021. 

Later in the week, Wamsley will show sheep with 4-H. 

He says the sheep showing might be the most intensive work he has all week. 

Find a schedule of events for 4-H and all the events happening at the fair this week, at christiancountyfair.com. Wamsley appeared as a guest on WTIM’s coverage of the Christian County Ag Fair.

This year’s Christian County Ag Fair is in person.

4-H member Caitlin Laurence is glad to see her project judged in-person.

Laurence is making all sorts of jelly and jam for her general project. 

She is also presenting an interior design project. 

Laurence says that she has learned even more as she has spent more time with 4-H. 

Find a schedule of events for 4-H and all the events happening at the fair this week, at christiancountyfair.com. Laurence appeared as a guest on WTIM’s live coverage of the Christian County Ag Fair.

When John Lennon was assassinated in 1980, it pretty much put an end to the thought of a Beatles Reunion, and although the rest of the band got together in the 1990s for a anthology and to put out two new songs, it wasn't the same as what it would have been, had John still been alive. The Reunion Beatles Fantasy Tribute Band wants to take a look at what the Beatles would be like, if they were still together, and if they put together a reunion concert with their greatest hits and solo work.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will be holding a free show at 7 PM at the ALPLM's Union Square Park. People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket, and enjoy an exciting evening of "what could have been."  Food and drinks will also be available and free parking is available at 6th and Madison in Springfield. 

Christina Shutt, executive director of the ALPLM, says she's excited to listen to some Beatles Music at Union Square Park.  The band has won for its imagination and twist on the tribute concert.  The concert includes music from during the height of Beatlemania to their solo work such as Band on the Run or Double Fantasy. 

While the Beatles are a British band, they do have some Illinois history.  Vee-Jay Records in Chicago was the original distributor of Beatles records in the US before Capitol Records took over.  The Beatles were so sucessful that the label built a record pressing plant in Jacksonville, Illinois to help the surge of demand.  George Harrison also visited Benton in 1963.  

For more information visit, www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov or follow the ALPLM at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

4-H kicked off the Christian County Ag Fair Monday with general shows galore. 

4-H member Abbie Wamsley says she had her general project on baking. She’s also showing sheep later this week. 

Wamsley thanks all those who supported her throughout this process.

Fellow 4-H member Rayla Brown is working with clay.

Brown wants to explore some other 4-H projects next year.

Find a schedule of events for 4-H and all the events happening at the fair this week, at christiancountyfair.com. Brown and Wamsley appeared as guests on WTIM’s live coverage of the Christian County Ag Fair Monday morning. 

The Christian County Board will meet on Tuesday, July 19th at 6:30 PM at the Christian County Court House in Taylorville, Illinois. After public comments, the board will review a report on state police investigations.  The board will approve Dr. Leslie Devore to the health board. The animal control director will be discussed. After reviewing some zoning ordinance, the board will go into agenda items.  

Under highway, building, grounds, environmental, zoning, and welfare, the board will go over normal lissues including an animal control update, an investigator working in Christian County, a tree removal, and a courthouse update.  Under executive, personnel, liquor, legislative the board will get an EMA update, discuss an additional jailer, go over an ARPA request, talk EMA and hear about the Sheriff's Office.  The board will also go over a 9-1-1 agreement and non bargaining starting salary policy and take a look at the personnel handbook.

The board will also approve claims, go over a budget hearing schedule, and hear about ACT internet.  Under new business the board will talk about broadband with Shelby Electric, get a farmland assessment, hear from Bill Kennedy on a standards booklet, review closed session minutes, go over the rules for the board, talk zoning, and go over reports.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on the conclusion of today's meeting. 

Thanks to a 2-thousand dollar grant, the City of Taylorville Monday night is getting its first Police bicycle and required safety gear.  Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler told Regional Radio News after the meeting, that it'll be used in the downtown area both as a deterrent and to catch those violating the law.

The Taylorville Council Monday night formally approved using the grant for the bike purchase.

The Taylorville City Council met for under an hour Monday night, and while the agenda was light, it contained one very contentious issue that got heated at times.

A motion was made to approve the Class "O" Liquor and Gaming License for T-C Barber Shop and T-C Gaming, both owned by Travis Collins, subject to approval by the Illinois Gaming Board.  The issue that brought nearly 20 minutes of discussion was Collins had already built the building for the Gaming part of his business, despite a city ordinance saying the City Council must approve building plans first.

After the motion was made, Alderman Jim Olive said that since he had already invested in the building, he would have to vote yes on the motion, but added the order of how Collins' gaming building was approved was completely out of sequence.

Alderwoman Megan Bryant and Mayor Bruce Barry exchanged words a couple of times during the discussion, with Bryant accusing the Mayor of telling Collins he had  the City's approval to proceed.  Mayor Barry countered he told Collins that while he, the Mayor, personally was in favor of another gaming parlor in the city, it would be up to the City Council.

Here's part of that exchange starting with city attorney Rocci Romano.

Later in the discussion, Alderwoman Megan Bryant apologized to Collins for the way the process happened.  Mayor Barry then commented.

The motion to approve the Liquor and Gaming License passed 5 to 2 with Aldermen Steve Dorchinecz and Chris Skultety voting no.  Alderwoman Kathy Driskell was absent from Monday night's meeting.

The Taylorville Council Monday night voted 5 to 2 with Aldermen Dorchinecz and Larry Budd voting no, on a proposed resolution of sick leave, vacation time and personal day issues concerning former City Treasurer Kellie Hamell.

Mayor Barry named Elsie Williamson, a 7th grader at Taylorville Junior High School, as the "Youth of the Month" for her accomplishments both in Taylorville and statewide, in throwing the discus.  She recently won first place at the state meet.

The long 11-digit phone number for help for those feeling suicidal has changed. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health is expanding Illinois’ mental health safety net by rolling out 9-8-8. 9-8-8 will be the new national suicide prevention and mental health crisis line.  The line went active over the weekend.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has existed since 2005 and is now available nationwide making it easier for those in crisis to get the help they need. IDHS Division of Mental Health Director Dr. David Albert says that while the name has changed the service remains the same, to help those who need it.

Dr. Albert says if you need it, no matter what, he says to use it.

This is also a text line and is a service for you to have someone to call, someone to respond to, and somewhere to go.  Suicide is the leading cause of death for young adults ages 15-34 in Illinois and the fourth leading cause of death for those ages 35-44.  Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the state. Dr. Albert says a lot has to do with the pandemic and those who are struggling alone. 

Governor Pritzker has also called for additional funding including $15 million to help bolster the 9-8-8 crisis response call center.  Investment into mental health services has been a priority for the Governor, who has added $830.3 million to the current budget. 

The Shelbyville Community Garden continues to grow every year. 

Brenda Elder with the community garden says the amount of raised beds has grown this year. 

The community garden donated 43 panels of food to various organizations in Shelby County, including the senior citizens center and food pantry. 

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville has partnered with the garden. Lori Hayden is the coordinator of mission integration. They have built “Blessing Boxes” for the pantries. 

Part of this idea is to reach seniors and people in need where they are.

Learn more on the Shelbyville Community Garden Facebook. Hayden and Elder appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

You’re midway through camping season, which means you might be looking for a new marina.

Look no further than Lithia Springs on Lake Shelbyville. Rob McCall is the manager of Lithia Springs. 

McCall says its best to make reservations 6 months in advance for popular dates. 

Lithia Springs is a great location if you want to be close to the dam. 

If you’re hungry, Nessie’s on Lithia Springs Marina is right there for you to enjoy. 

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

The Taylorville City Council is set to meet this evening for their second of a bimonthly annual meeting at the Municipal Building in Taylorville at 7 PM. After recognizing the youth of the bus and reviewing the minutes, the board will look at a few ordinances including, appropriations, amendments for the city code and the employment policies, along with a review of an issue with the BDD.  

The board will also review ordinances including a motion for approving a liquor/gaming license for TC Barber Shop & Gaming, approving the Gas Firm Price Contract with Central Commodity FS, approve some price negotiations, and a Mayoral letter to Kellie Hamell concerning some issues. 

Under personnel, the board will review approving a lateral police officer, one police bicycle and safety gear, and LEFTA Software for the Police Department.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more after the conclusion of the meeting. 

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications from youth shotgun and youth and adult archery hunters for fall 2022 deer hunting on private land through the Illinois Recreational Access Program or IRAP. The IDNR has leased more than 16,400 acres of private land for the deer season this fall creating 380 public hunting sites in 42 counties.  There will be sites available during the youth shotgun period and for archery deer hunting for October and the last part of December. 

IRAP deer hunting applications are only accepted online and must be submitted by August 10th at 5 PM.  There is no cost associated with this program. Hunters may submit up to three IRAP deer hunting applications per year which means one for each IRAP deer hunting period including youth shotgun, second, and third IRAP periods. You can find applications by visiting https://bit.ly/IRAPyouthshotgun. You can also visit https://bit.ly/IRAParchery. 

Youth shotgun is from October 8th through the 10th, youth and adult archery is from October 1st through the 15th, October 16th through the 31st, and December 16th through the 31st. There will be a lottery when more applications are received than there are sites available. To participate, youth hunters must not have reached their 18th birthday by the first day of the hunting period, and they must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old.

Adult archery deer hunters must be at least 18 by the start of the period which they’re applying for. All adult hunters born in 1980 or later, must have completed an IDNR-approved hunter education course and have an Illinois hunting license, and a valid IDNR archery deer hunting permit for the county in which they’re applying for. You will find out by mail about three weeks prior to their period if they’re approved.  Then they will receive a map, driving directions, and a site permit. 

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/IDNR_irap or email dnr.irap@illinois.gov. 

One person has been arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.  According to the Taylorville Police Department, a few weeks ago, TPD along with the Community Action Team, learned of a subject selling meth in Taylorville and the surrounding communities. A traffic stop was initiated and police say that it led them to a house on the 300 block of East Adams Street.

Over 90 grams of methamphetamine, scales and other items used for narcotic distribution were seized. 44-year-old Kristina L. Lindsey of Taylorville was taken into custody. Taylorville Police thanked Kincaid Police Chief DJ Mathon, Christian County States Attorney Wes Poggenpohl, and Sergeant Jeremy Alwerdt and his team. 

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler encourages citizens to report what they see. He says that they have the resources to build strong cases against anyone selling drugs in Taylorville.  

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club once again held their drive-thru donation day benefiting the Taylorville Food Pantry at the Miller Media Group front parking lot on Saturday, July 16th. 

Kiwanis Club president Brad Davis asks the community to take the time out to swing by and drop off a monetary donation or non-perishable food.

Kiwanis member Adam Jeffrey says that you don’t even need to get out of the car when you come and donate.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is hosting another Drive-Thru donation day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Saturday, July 23st at the Miller Media Group studios at 918 East Park Street in Taylorville. The Kiwanis Club will take the donations straight to the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

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 more information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

There will be plenty of great things going on in Beecher City this weekend. While there were plenty of activities Friday night, there will be events taking place Saturday and Sunday, July 16th and 17th at the Beecher City Corn Fest.  

Chair of the Corn Fest, Sarah Haslett says there will be some great events taking place on Saturday including a petting zoo, and a pancake and sausage breakfast.

Kevin Allen who is with the Church of Christ says that there is plenty of events taking place for the kids.

For more information on the event call Sarah Haslett at 217-821-9621 or email beechercityilevents@gmail.com.  The Corn Fest is taking place at 100 Park Street, Beecher City Community Park, Beecher City. 

Next week's Christian County Ag Fair will offer a special event on Wednesday afternoon starting at 3 in the Expo building.

Fair organizers have attracted over 40 vendors representing a wide variety of retail and non-retail categories, to share information with fairgoers that afternoon.

They're calling it the Christian County Ag Fair Community Day, and there's no charge to check out all the booths.  And, admission and parking at the Fairgrounds are both free as well.

This year's Christian County Ag Fair runs next Tuesday thru Saturday at the Fairgrounds on Taylorville's south side.  Listen for extensive coverage of the Fair on all 5 Miller Media Group stations next week, and posted on taylorvilledailynews-dot-com.

Another teenager that was involved in a crash earlier this week has died.  Keegan Virden’s family announced that he passed away but that he will be donating his organs and help save the lives of nine other people.  His family has invited everyone to a flag-raising ceremony that will be taking place at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield at 6 PM. At the flagpole in front of the hospital, a flag will be raised to honor Virden. 

In a statement released from the family, the family asks everyone to join them in Springfield. “The Virden family appreciates all the love, prayers, and support, and would be honored for anyone who wished to join them in honoring Keegan (tonight) in Springfield.”

Virden was killed in a vehicle crash that occurred on Tuesday morning.  Conner Rowcliffe was also killed in the crash. To see Rowcliffe’s obituary click here. Two others were hurt in the truck/car crash.  

University of Illinois Extension’s Ag in the Classroom program brings agriculture to school. 

Coordinator Rebecca Livingston is preparing for the upcoming school year. 

Younger kids will learn about the life cycle of apples this fall. 

Older kids will learn about agricultural market conditions with a little help from some candy. 

If you want to help kids learn about agriculture, Livingston has a wish list for you. You can contact her by email and she’ll send the list to you. 

Contact Rebecca Livingston at rlvngst2@illinois.edu. She appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A few central Illinois agencies are promoting new apps that you can download on your smartphone to conduct business.  The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has a new app.  This app will allow you to receive notifications on Crime Stoppers, Helpful links, a sex offender list, a most wanted list, jail info, sheriff’s fees, weather notifications, and much more. 

The app is free to download and you can also get a link to the Macoupin/Montgomery County Crime Stoppers if you wish to provide anonymous information about a crime.  Feel free to download the app through the Apple App Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store for Android phones at Montgomery Co Sheriff Illinois. 

In Christian County, The Christian County Circuit Clerk has a new app as well. The Christian County Circuit Clerk app will allow the Circuit Court Clerk to connect with Christian County residents and visitors, which will allow them easier access to be able to find information on court cases, payments, court forms, jury duty info, E-filing, zoom links for court, and much more. 

Again this is a free app that you can download through the Apple App Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store for Android phones. For more information on how to download these apps, see below. 

When tragedy strikes, first responder trauma is often overlooked. 

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says that’s what a program like the Critical Incident Stress Management Team from Decatur is for. 

Think of it like a trauma response therapy group after first responders arrive at the scene of a tragedy. 

Sheriff Kettelkamp has been through this before. He says that he has seen a lot of traumatic events in his time in law enforcement. 

He thanks the community for their outcry of support over the last several days. 

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

Over 105 real estate items and property will be offered along with 9 mobile home items through a sealed bid auction sale. This will be done as Christian County has completed its tax deed proceedings for properties that were delinquent in 2018 and mobile homes that were delinquent for 2019. 

All sealed bids must be in the Christian County Treasurer’s Office located in the Christian County Courthouse at 101 South Main Street in Taylorville no later than the close of business on August 12, 2022.  

Christian County hopes that these new owners will both maintain the property, mobile homes, and keep taxes paid.  By eliminating abandoned properties, the appearance of the neighborhood should improve and the values of properties should increase. 

The required minimum bid on real estate is $828 and on mobile homes is $905. Again, all items will be sold to the highest sealed bid received on or before July 16th of this year. You can find complete bidder’s packets and sale catalogs at the Christian County Treasurer’s Office or by visiting www.iltaxsale.com. 

For further sale information, contact the Auction Sale Department of the Christian County Tax Agent’s Office at 1-800-248-2850 or 618-656-5744. Office hours are 8 AM until 5 PM Monday through Friday.

Many central Illinois schools will be getting an upgrade for infrastructure improvements.  State Senator Doris Turner recently announced that thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education, local schools will receive a total of $843,610 for those improvements. A total of $30 million was distributed to districts across the state. Applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.  

State Senator Turner says, “Our children deserve top quality accommodations in order to have a fruitful learning experience. I’m proud that these much-needed investments will go to benefit school districts and most importantly, our youth.”

Schools that are receiving money from the grants include Morrisonville, Taylorville, Edinburg, Pana, South Fork, Panhandle, Hillsboro, Litchfield, Nokomis, and Sangamon Valley. Projects that are going to be included in these grants include updates to heating and cooling, ventilation, and increased accessibility throughout buildings. 

State Senator Turner says that studies show that high-quality facilities lead to a better quality of education.  For more information, visit the ISBE website. 

The Christian County C-E-O, or "Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities" program, held its student orientation meeting for the coming school year Thursday night at Charro Mexican Restaurant in Taylorville.

Around 25 students, parents, and C-E-O board members attended the night which featured an overview of the Christian County C-E-O program from board member Randal J. Miller, and specifics on what's expected of the students that were accepted into the program, from facilitator Neil Hohenstein.

After the presentation, Hohenstein summarized what he told the Class of 2023 C-E-O students Thursday night.

This is Hohenstein's first full school year as C-E-O facilitator, taking over from founding facilitator Dick Adams who retired in mid-November when Hohenstein took the reins.  Hohenstein said Adams set up the program for success.

Find more about the Christian County C-E-O program by clicking here.

More money is pouring into the Rainy Day fund and State Comptroller Susana Mendoza couldn’t be more thrilled.  Mendoza says 100 million additional dollars have been deposited into the fund which brings the total to $854 million. Mendoza says the rainy day money is vital in case of another pandemic or budget impasse. 

When Mendoza took office, the rainy day fund only had about $60,000.  Comptroller Mendoza says she realizes it’s just a start, but the State of Illinois is in much better shape than it was when she took office.

She would eventually like to see about $3.25 billion dollars in the fund. For more information on the budget, and the latest updates from the Comptrollers Office, click here. 

Christian County Agricultural Fair will feature livestock shows galore. 

Secretary of the fair board Lee Mateer says there’s a livestock event every day starting Tuesday, July 19th. 

Wednesday is a big day for livestock shows. Mateer says the swine show 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Swine Barn is going to be a great time. 

The Sheep and Goat Show takes over as soon as the swine show finishes. 

The Illinois Farm Bureau Master Showmanship contest takes place later in the afternoon Wednesday at the Beef show arena. 

Learn more, or find a schedule, when you visit christiancountyfair.com. Mateer appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

With temperatures heating up along with higher power supply prices, Ameren Illinois is encouraging customers to explore opportunities to save energy and money through a program they offer called the Energy Efficiency Program.  One of those programs is the Home Efficiency Income Qualified Initiative or HEIQ. The HEIQ can qualify customers to receive a free Home Energy Assessment which can help identify areas where the home is losing energy. They also offer cost-effective ways to upgrade the home, possibly at no cost to the homeowner. 

Ameren Illinois is also working with Warn Neighbors Cool Friends, a program that offers Ameren Illinois customers a chance to receive grant funding to help lessen the costs of air sealing, insulation or HVAC-related upgrades in their homes.  If you install upgraded systems in your home, studies have shown that it can help increase efficiency and offer long-term energy savings.  

The HEIQ initiative is available to residential Ameren Illinois customers who live in a single-family home and meet the income qualifications.  To participate, customers must confirm eligibility by filling out an application and meeting with an Energy Advisor who will then discuss a plan for implementing any measures discussed with the customer. 

To learn more about the Ameren Illinois Home Efficiency Income Qualified Initiative visit www.AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/SaveMoney. 

July is Ice Cream Month. 

St. Louis Dairy Council Nutrition Educator Kelsey Bentlage says ice cream can be a great way to celebrate the beautiful weather. 

The dairy council is celebrating Ice Cream Month with an Ice Cream Taco recipe.

Bentlage says her favorite ice cream is vanilla because of its versatility. 

She also says that it can fit into your three daily servings of dairy. 

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

Be careful with the fireworks! 

Pana Community Hopsital Outpatient Services Manager Greg Hagar says that the emergency department is still seeing fireworks related injuries over a week after the Independence Day holiday. 

Hagar also warns to be careful while cooling off in that swimming pool. 

When summer ends, Hagar wants you to give the farmers extra room on the roads. 

On a separate note, Hagar does not expect any disturbances from Decatur Ambulance ending its services in Pana. 

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

Volunteering through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in Christian County can yield many benefits. 

RSVP Specialist for Christian County Talon Noreuil says the RSVP program offers liability insurance anytime you are performing a community service through the program. 

Volunteer Sandy Sample heard about the program and decided to work with the Taylorville Public Library. 

Noreuil says that there are many different programs seniors can volunteer for. 

Sample is excited to work as a pen-pal volunteer with grade-school aged kids. 

Contact the RSVP program, located inside the Senior Citizens Center of Christian County, at 217-994-0243

Sample and Noreuil appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

An Assumption minor has been killed in a vehicle crash Tuesday morning that sent two to the hospital with life threatening injuries, and one with serious injuries.  The crash occured Tuesday morning at 6:17 AM on US Route 51 at Leafland Street in Assumption. A 2018 maroon Kia Optima was stopped at the stop sign eastbound on Leafland Street at US Route 51.  A 2013 white Kenworth T800 Straight Truck was traveling southbound on US Route 51.  

For an unknown reason, police say that the Kia Optima traveled into the intersection and was struck by the truck.  The driver, a 16 year old male from Assumption, was airlifted to a regional hospital and later pronounced deceased.  Two other passengers in their vehicle; a15 year old male from Tower Hill and a 14 year old male from Assumption,  were airlifted as well with life threatening injuries.  Another passenger from that vehicle, a 14 year old minor from Assumption was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the truck was a 46 year old from Decatur. He was uninjured in the crash. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more information as it becomes available.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the National Talent Acquisition Manager for a nationwide company, during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Allison Wiley holds that title for the Pella Window Corporation, a company she’s worked for some 18 years in a variety of positions before being promoted 7 years ago.  Wiley, the daughter of Taylorville Kiwanis member Chuck Martin, shared with the club the history of the company, which has been privately held since its founding some 97 years ago, and the hiring challenges Pella is facing.

Wiley said that nationally, some 2 million total manufacturing jobs may be unfilled by 2025, so the need for labor not only at her company but in all industries, continues to be great.  She outlined how the labor shortage is affecting Pella.

She went on to share with Kiwanis members, the process Pella now uses to recruit and keep employees.  It includes offering bonuses to retired workers and employees who provide referrals, as well as phone and Zoom interviews before an offer is made.  She feels the hiring shortage is due to a combination of the tail end of the Baby Boomers retiring, people becoming comfortable working from homw due to COVID, and manufacturing no longer perceived by young people as a good career.

During Tuesday’s Kiwanis Board meeting, it was announced that the long-awaited demolition of the Kiwanis Park Pavilion floor installed in 1995, will be happening starting July 25th, with replacement following.  And, the annual Kiwanis Kids Day where Kiwanis members are at Harrison Corner asking the public for donations to continue funding its programs for children and youth in the community, take place Friday and Saturday, September 23rd and 24th.

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. 

Regional Radio News has learned of a vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday morning in Assumption on Route 51. The crash sent four people to the hospital including three of them airlifted. The crash occurred on US Route 51 at Leafland Street around 6:30 on Tuesday morning.

Illinois State Police District 9 was on the scene of the crash and say that the crash occurred between a semi-truck and a vehicle. The three that were airlifted have life-threatening injuries while the person taken by ambulance has serious injuries. No update on their status has been given yet.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as we get updates. 

The Christian County Master Gardeners are ready for their “Evening in the Garden” event. 

Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi says the evening takes place at the farm home of Larry and Debbie Weber in rural Palmer, Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

The Master Gardeners will provide food and sweets to taste. Enjoy them while observing some beautiful art on display. 

Podeschi believes you will just fall in love with the garden. 

Registration ends Thursday for this Saturday evening event. 

The Evening in the Garden takes place at 733 N 965 East Road in Palmer. 

You can register here.

Podeschi appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

More information has come out concerning an audit done in Shelby County concerning an audit that was held in April to audit the payroll for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.  The initial information received by Regional Radio News said that there was a net underpayment to employees by $6,283.  While that information is correct, it is only a sliver of the actual information that was in the audit.  

Regional Radio News has received a copy of that audit and the information shows quite a stark difference from the original reports. The audit was conducted from the period of January 2015 through July of 2020. According to the executive summery of the audit, “the level of problems and inconsistencies should be alarming to the county and steps should be taken to mitigate the financial risk that your inadequate policies and procedures pose to the department, county, and the staff.”  

Regional Radio News has reached out to County Treasurer Erica Firnhaber for more information on the audit.  Firnhaber says that the payroll issues and the issues with the Sheriff’s Office go way back. She says there’s a lot more to the report than just $6,283. 

The total value of the errors included in the report is actually $759,379.  Payments to taxing bodies is $67,112 more than should have been paid. The audit is complete and they will be back to meet with the County Board to talk about the next steps.

Firnhaber says the county has taken great steps to fix a lot of the issues that were plaguing Shelby County before she took office but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. 

The county board will now have to sit down and figure out what the next step is in this process. Firnhaber says there are too many elements that need to be made whole. She also says the public needs to know what’s going on. 

The next Shelby County Board meeting is this Thursday. Click here to read the full audit. 

More information is coming out concerning the recent break-ins in vehicles in Christian County.  The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of multiple thefts that occurred in the early morning hours of July 9th, 2022.  Two vehicles with keys left inside of them were stolen from the Timberlake area.  These vehicles were later recovered in the Taylorville area.

Twelve vehicles located in the area between Wilson Acres and Roosevelt Road were entered with two guns, cash, credit cards, handicap placard, cell phones, and keys all stolen. None of the vehicles that were entered were locked.  Police say attempted break-ins to three residences were also noticed but no entry was made since the residences were locked.

Investigators believe that three individuals are responsible for these thefts and attempted break-ins. The Illinois State Police, Crime Scene Investigation, Springfield Police Department, along with the Taylorville Police Department are assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.  The Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone with any information concerning these crimes, to call the Christian County Sheriff’s Office at 217-824-4961 or call Christian County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-568-TIPS or 217-824-9100.

The Shelbyville Public Library has summer programs for kids and parents to enjoy. 

Director Monica Cameron says some of these programs focus on young readers to help them learn. 

Bernice the Therapy Dog helps those struggling to read. She’s great for good readers, too. 

Wednesday, the library hosting their last live entertainment event for kids. 

Adults can experience the library magic, too. 

You can find registration information at shelbyvillelibrary.org. Cameron appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

The Shelby County Fair gives local 4-H kids a chance to showcase their annual projects. 

4-H Program Coordinator Yolanda Nation says the fair experience for Shelby County 4-H kids kicks off Sunday, July 17th. 

Monday afternoon, there’s even more shows for the 4-H-ers. 

You have a chance to meet and greet the animals the 4-H kids show. Kind of like meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Disney World. 

The Master Showmanship contest features 4-H kids vying for the right to show at the State Fair. 

Learn more on the Shelby County Fairgrounds Facebook. 

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

When you visit Shelby County, you’ll probably look for something to do. 

Lake Shelbyville Office of Tourism director Freddie Fry says there’s a ton of information at their office on 315 East Main. 

Fry says she’s looking forward to great weather for the rest of the summer. 

Downton Abbey fans rejoice. Boarman’s Roxy Theater is showing Downton Abbey: A New Age this week. 

Fry says the only way she can show publicity to your event is if you share that information with her office. 

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

A recent study by the Public Library of Science says that there is a connection between participation in team sports and mental health difficulties among US children and adolescents.  The study is intended to show that team sports do have a positive impact on children’s mental health. The study was conducted using a sample of 11,235 children and teens aged 9-13. 

Anne Orzechowski says that many adults may wonder when their child should start group sports or activities, but having your kid play sports isn’t about making them a major leaguer, but just having them interact with peers at a young age.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, team sports were put on hold to reduce the spread and studies show that there was a strong connection between social isolation and anxiety and depression during that time frame.  Even before the pandemic, studies had shown that camaraderie was beneficial for children to grow and develop.  Team sports can also teach children how to have a routine and gives them something other than school to participate in. The biggest step? Orzechowski says to find something your child wants to do.

If you sign up your child and he begins to lose interest, Orzechowski recommends talking to your child to find out what is going on.  Some new activities may be scary for young children.

Orzechowski does not recommend pulling your child from the activity right away if they don’t like it, she does say that if your child does seem uninterested to maybe try something different.  As long as you keep your child involved and active, it definitely helps.  It does not have to be a sport.

If your child shows signs of anxiety or depression, make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician for guidance.

Law enforcement agencies in Christian County are encouraging residents to be extra aware and take the necessary precautions after a recent string of break-ins and car burglaries outside of the Taylorville City Limits.  The Taylorville Police Department says that with warmer weather, criminals are looking for easy scores. They offer some tips including making sure cameras are functioning and charged, parking your vehicle as close to your residence as possible and in a well-lit area, or even having a motion-activated light in the area you park your vehicle.  Kia’s and Hyundais seem to be the most targeted vehicles that are stolen.

According to studies, there are 810,400 reported car robberies each year with 21,098 cars stolen in Illinois alone every year. This means that every 43 seconds in the United States, a car is stolen. To deter car thefts, use audible and visual deterrent methods such as car alarms, steering locks, and brake locks. Do not leave vehicles unlocked and make sure valuables are kept out of sight. 

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to get into a “9 PM Routine” where you go through a checklist at 9 pm every night making sure you remove valuables, lock your door, close the garage door, lock the inner garage door, close and lock all exterior doors, shut and lock all exterior windows, and turn on exterior lights. 

If you see anything suspicious please call either the Taylorville Police Department non-emergency number at 217-824-2211 or the Christian County Sheriff’s Office at 217-824-4961. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club again held their drive-thru donation day at the studios at 918 E Park Street Saturday. 

Kiwanis Member Will Perkins describes what it means to the Kiwanis Club to donate non-perishable food and monetary donations to the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

His son, Colt Perkins, collected food into Saturday afternoon. This is his second time collecting food for the pantry. 

Fellow member Joe Hauser describes how much this helps the pantry. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club will be at the Miller Media Group studios collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday July 16th and 23rd.

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. More information on the club at taylorvillekiwanis.com. 

Walking can have many benefits and experts say that the health benefits outweigh the negatives when it comes to walking. Studies show people who participate in walking programs find substantial improvements in blood pressure, slowing of resting heart rate, a decrease in body fat and weight, lower cholesterol, a better quality of life, and greater endurance. 

Matt Davidson, a physical therapist with OSF Healthcare says that walking not only affects you physically but mentally as well. 

Walking may not be a better cardio workout than running, but studies show it may be the best choice for many people.  Walking helps with increased flexibility, increased muscular strength, and reduces the risk of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.  Davidson says that there are many different walking programs based on your activity levels. 

Walking can be done anywhere and doesn’t really have any restrictions concerning time, length, or location. Experts encourage you to find a favorite path, city park, or walking trail, and when the weather starts to get cold, head inside to the mall or invest in a treadmill..  Davidson says it will help with caloric burn and target specific muscle groups—especially walking on inclines.

If you are a beginning walker, find a walking buddy and purchase a good pair of comfortable, proper-fitting shoes, and start any walk with a quick stretching routine or jog in place.  Davidson encourages you to stretch after your walk to reduce soreness and start your program slowly to avoid burnout.  

There are many apps available to help you track your steps or keep track of your progress. For more information on walking programs, talk to your primary care physician.
 

For those who like wheat, the Illinois Wheat Forum will take place on August 9th in Okawville. Illinois wheat producers, agricultural businesses, consultants, and processors are all invited to attend the forum at the Okawville Community Center.  There will be presentations about drones for crop spraying, yield winners panel, wheat market, and a climate outlook. 

Mike Doherty, IWA interim executive director, says that this forum provides the opportunity to discuss and hear solutions to a range of production and market issues.  Industry exhibits will feature seed companies, millers, elevators, crop protection services, drone services, and other ag-service industries. 

Keynote speakers at the event will include Representative Charles Meier and Illinois Farm Bureau Director of State Legislation Kevin Semlow.  Registration begins at 8 AM on August 9th with a breakfast and drone demonstration.  Event sessions will go from 9 AM until 2 PM and include lunch. 

For more information and an agenda, visit www.illinoiswheat.org or call Mike Doherty at 309-557-3268.  

With the recent mass shooting in Highland Park, many lawmakers are scratching their heads trying to figure out ways to prevent another incident from happening. One Highland Park lawmaker says that they will consider all ideas no matter what they are.  Representative Bob Morgan says that his office has received many calls from constituents with many different ideas. 

Representative Morgan says that some of the pathways include an assault weapons ban, Social media awareness, and stopping loopholes in the state’s Red Flag Laws. 

Representative Morgan says they are still looking for blood and he encourages people to help donate blood or visit with the officials in their community to prevent something like this from happening there.

On the 4th of July, 21-year-old Robert Crimo III opened fire and killed 7 people and wounded dozens of others at a parade in Highland Park. 

Over 50 Illinois ag producers, farmers, and researchers attended the Dudley Smith Farm Field Day that was held on June 30th.  Participants learned about many new interesting products and research. Many topics included grazing and soil health in cover crops, new technology in agriculture, crop residues and legumes in organic beef cattle grazing, and regenerative grazing expansion in Illinois.

Dudley Smith Farm is located in rural Christian County off Route 29 between Taylorville and Pana. Field day participants were provided the opportunity to take walking tours of the research farm to learn about various pasture paddock grazing systems.

The University of Illinois Extension Office serves Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties and hosted the field day, which featured speakers from academia and the agricultural industry. Ed Ballard, the farm coordinator, opened the field day and introduced each presenter. Presenters include Taylor Berkshire Akers, crop sciences graduate student, Dennis Bowman, University of Illinois Extension digital agriculture specialist, Mallory Krieger, Terra Elossa LLC Pasture Project; and Bernie Hand, Fillmore farmer.

For more information visit the University of Illinois Extension Facebook Page.

Local 4-H participants know the Christian County Agricultural Fair is the time to show their annual projects. 

4-H Youth Development Educator Sara Marten says showing begins Thursday, July 14th. 

Monday morning the 4-H General show kicks off at 9. 

Then there will be cat, dog, and rabbit shows. There will not be a poultry show at the fair due to avian influenza.

Wednesday morning the livestock shows kick off with the swine show, and continue all afternoon. Thursday, the auction wraps up the 4-H experience at 6 p.m. 

Learn more about Christian County 4-H when you contact program coordinator Alexis McDowell at amcdo6@illinois.edu. 

Marten appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

You’ve heard all about the baby formula shortage over the past couple months. 

Christian County Women and Infant Children program, or WIC, is determined to meet that need.

WIC Coordinator Kelsey Bartlow says the shortage is creating some loosened stipulations around buying baby formula with the program. 

Family Case Management Coordinator Jane Griffith says that around 80 percent of phone calls to WIC are concerned parents asking for help obtaining baby formula or breast milk.

Bartlow says that the WIC center inside the Christian County Health Department is set to become a milk depot at the end of the month. When this happens, WIC will welcome donations. 

Griffith says that the application process for WIC is income-based, but quick and easy. 

Go to signupwic.com to learn more. Griffith and Bartlow appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce hopes you had a fantastic Fourth of July. 

Executive Director Linda Allen calls the weekend a success. 

The chamber attended Smalltown Taylorville's Car Cruise on the square Friday evening. This event will take place every first Friday of the month. 

Allen says Saturday featured the Farmer’s Market and Chalk on the Square. 

With the celebration in the rear-view mirror, the chamber shifts its focus to the Christian County Agricultural Fair July 19-23.

Learn more at taylorvillechamber.com. Allen appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois 4-H members got to showcase their judging talents at the University of Illinois campus earlier in June. The 2022 State Livestock Judging Contest was held on June 20th.  Instead of leading animals, members were acting as the judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed characteristics, physical conformation, and structure, and gain efficiency.  Dan Jennings, U of I Extension 4-H animal science educator, says that the contest is a way for members to learn what gets evaluated to take it back to their own animals.

While the focus of the program is on livestock, members learn and develop many skills throughout the program.  Team coaches help teach technical judging skills and positive youth development. For any youth considering getting into livestock judging events or new to the field, One 4-H member says to go for it.  Morgan Richardson, of Boone County, says, as long as you have been involved in the livestock industry, that it’s a great opportunity and the people you meet is well worth it.

Members of the State 4-H livestock team will advance to a national competition at the North American International Livestock Expo taking place in November.  Members of that team will be selected in additional tryouts this summer.  

Local top 10 individuals for the Junior Division Top 10 include Mabrey Shick from Dewitt County and Payton May and Brant Hedden from Christian County.  Senior Division Top 10 individuals include first-place winner Waylon Paulek, Cole Paulek, and Audrey Curtin all from Christian County. Christian County also took #1 in the Senior Division High Team Overall. 

The Illinois 4-H Foundation along with the Illinois Farm Bureau continues to support livestock judging teams participating in the national competition.  For more information visit the U of I Extension Facebook page. 

With July arriving, it usually marks hot temperatures and not a lot of breeze. This can lead to issues with heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat illnesses.  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is sharing tips to beat the heat.  They have marked July as Extreme Heat Safety month.  IEMA Deputy Director Scott Swinford says the most important tip for staying cool is drinking water. 

High temps often paired with significant humidity can lead to issues. Swinford says you have to be aware of people and animals in your vehicle. 

Other things you should do is take plenty of breaks in the shade if you are working outside, avoid overexertion, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, use sunscreen, keep curtains and shades closed at home, take cool showers or baths, avoid using the oven, and visit a cooling center, store, or mall if you don’t have air conditioning.  Make sure you are also checking on family members, especially senior citizens and neighbors.  

Find out more by visiting www.Ready.Illinois.gov or checking out IEMA’s Facebook and Twitter page. 

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, is looking for seniors 55 and older who want to donate their time to great causes. 

Senior Programs Director for RSVP Amy Ellis says RSVP is a recruitment service for non-profits.

Ellis says that enrollment is easy. Applicants just have to pass a background check.

RSVP helps various programs in the area. There’s something for everyone to help with. 

Ellis wants you to know the RSVP program is there for the community. 

Learn more when you contact the Senior Citizens Center of Christian County, where the RSVP office is located, at 217-994-0243. 
 

Ellis appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Road construction in Taylorville on Route 29 is expected to last through the rest of the year. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, repairs on the Illinois 29 bridge over Illinois 48 in Taylorville are scheduled to be completed in December. 

Traffic has been reduced to one lane and a 15’-6” width restriction is in place.  There are temporary traffic signals, barriers, and flaggers assisting with traffic control in the area.  The lane reduction is necessary so that the concrete bridge deck can be completely removed and reconstructed, ½ at a time. The project is set to restore the structural integrity of the bridge and will improve the road surface. 

Motorists should expect delays and definitely allow for extra time if you are going to be in that area. Drivers are asked to take alternate routes if at all possible, pay attention to signs in the work zones, obey speed limits, and refrain from using mobile devices.  Pay attention and be alert for workers and equipment. 

Over the next six years, the Illinois Department of Transportation is planning to improve more than 3,500 miles of highway and 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation.  Accomplishments through the year include nearly $5.2 billion of improvements on over 3,000 miles of highway, 270 bridges, and 428 additional safety improvements.

Find out more by visiting IDOT on Twitter at IDOTDistrict6 or at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. 

Kemmerer Village in Assumption provides care for children in need.

Executive Director Schales Nagle describes Kemmerer’s mission. 

Kemmerer Village offers equestrian therapy programs which help kids emotionally and physically. 

Nagle says the village is running Camp Carew in southern Illinois. Children do not have to be residents of Kemmerer Village to attend.

Nagle says she still hears from parents of former residents. One woman reached out to check on how Kemmerer’s fundraising looked. The woman's daughter attended Kemmerer Village.

Learn more at kemmerervillage.org. Nagle appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.    

Taylorville Food Pantry expecting July and August to be two of the busiest months of the year.

Co-coordinator Pam Moses says all the supplemental help programs have run out for the general public, which means they’re relying on the food pantry more than ever. 

While the food pantry will take whatever they can get, Moses says that monetary donations will go the furthest towards helping the community. 

She says you can find part of the reason for the summer rush in the fact students are out of school. 

Moses says the pantry needs volunteers. 

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

Ameren Illinois is providing financial relief for active duty and veterans of the military. Ameren Illinois has allocated $100,000 to help disabled veterans and active-duty military pay their energy bills up to a one-time bill payment grant of $100.  Disabled veterans and active-duty military members can apply for an AIMS grant by visiting www.AmerenIlinois.com/EnergyAssistance. 

Joe Solari, Vice President of Customer Experience for Ameren Illinois says that many customers are facing financial challenges due to inflation and the rising cost of energy, and he is hoping that this will help provide at least a little economic relief. 

In June, Ameren Illinois held Helping Heroes outreach events for disabled veterans and active-duty military members throughout the region.  Eligible participants received the AIMS grant along with support, assistance with payment, and storm preparedness kits.  

AIMS is part of a $1.75 million relief package Ameren Illinois has allocated to assist customers in response to an increase in power supply prices. High demand and supply constraints have led to an energy shortage and caused power supply prices to spike.  Power is purchased for Ameren by an Illinois state agency and costs are passed directly to customers, dollar for dollar.  Customers who are experiencing difficulty with their energy bills are encouraged to visit AmerenIllinois.com/EnergyAssistance. 

Christian County Agricultural Fair July 19-23 will feature many agricultural related events. 

Marketing Director Angela Ohl-Marsters says the horse show is going to be a great time. 

The fair is still looking for vendors. 

The Chili Cookoff is a state championship cookoff.

There will be a grandstand event every evening. 

Learn more at christiancountyfair.com. Ohl-Marsters appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A Franklin man has been sentenced to 6 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for possession of meth with intent to deliver and unlawful delivery of meth.  27-year-old Ronald Fisher of Franklin was sentenced by Judge Brad Paisley on July 5th. Fisher pleads guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, and one count of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. 

Fisher was most recently charged in December of 2021 with meth delivery after he sold meth to an undercover source of the Taylorville Police Department.  The meth sale took place in the parking lot of the Taylorville Walmart and he has remained in custody ever since.  Both charges are Class 2 felonies which are probation eligible and have a sentencing range of 3-7 years in the IDOC.  

This is Ronald Fisher’s second sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  He previously served an 18-month sentence for a theft-related offense in 2017. 
 

The Taylorville City Council met on Tuesday evening, due to the 4th of July holiday, at 7 PM at the Municipal Building in Taylorville. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry led the Aldermen and those in attendance with a special prayer for the victims of the Highland Park shooting.  Alderman Steve Dorchinecz was absent and Alderman Jim Olive was present via Zoom. 

The board discussed a resolution to levy an additional tax of .02% for the library purchase of buildings and construction.  Aldermen Kathy Driskell and Chris Skultetty voted no. The motion passed 5-2. The board also discussed City Hall Alley Improvements but a question came up over where the funds would come out. Alderman Larry Budd was told by Alderman Jeremy Wilson that they would be coming out of the BDD fund.  That motion also passed 5-2. 

A motion to approve the Class O Liquor/Gaming License for TC Barber Shop/TC Gaming located at 1010 West Spresser was tabled. Alderman Doug Brown made a comment that he felt Taylorville was reaching its limit on gaming establishments. 

The motion was tabled to the July 18th meeting for a closer look at some ordinances so the board could make a better decision. A discussion was held over the Cheney and Bidwell project. It was a topic of debate over where money should come from whether it should come from the Wards or the BDD money for these projects.  Alderman Megan Bryant did not want to use Ward 5 money for the project.

The motion was put forward to bid out the projects and it passed unanimously. Mayor Bruce Barry gave his comments, especially thanking everyone for their help with the 4th of July festivities. 

Mayor Barry also wanted to remind residents that they would need help taking the flags down Thursday at 4:30.  Under committee reports, the board authorized purchasing a camera for security and to place a stop sign at the Southwest and Northwest Corners of 1100 N 1500 East Road. 

The next city council meeting is set for July 18th. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club presented their annual high school scholarships, during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Taylorville High School seniors were invited to apply for one of 2 500-dollar scholarships the Taylorville Kiwanis Club awards each year, to 2 students that will be furthering their education.

During Tuesday’s meeting, those scholarships were presented to the 2 winners.  Taylorville High school senior Jillian Lowry will be attending the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, while T-H-S senior Jack McGrath will be attending Eastern Illinois University.  Kiwanis president Brad Davis presented the scholarship check and a certificate, to each of the winners.

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.     

Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Michael Charles is heading to Shelbyville this month. 

He’ll make an appearance at the Smoke on the Ridge BBQ Cookoff, Saturday, July 16th. 

Charles says he’s really excited to make the trip to the Willow Ridge Winery.

He is currently working on a new album. Charles has received 10 different Grammy nominations. 

On the topic of his hall of fame induction, which occurred in 2015, he says the news stunned him.

To learn more about show dates, or Charles himself, visit michaelcharles.us. 

Illinois State Fairgrounds to receive a face-lift. 

According to the office of State Senator Doris Turner, the fairgrounds will receive $58.1 million for new construction projects around the fairgrounds to address years of deferred maintenance.

The fairgrounds will see a number of improvements and repair projects over the next year.

Renovations to the Multi-Purpose Arena has already begun. The $8.6 million project will repair sidewalks, walls, steps, and expansion joints. It will also repair electrical systems, readjust the tension structure, install a new canopy, and rebuild the retaining walls around the facility. 

Not to mention the funds will assist with the phase 2 Coliseum repairs. These will focus on electrical overhaul, underground plumbing, new seating, new restrooms, an elevator, and adding an HVAC system. This is expected to cost $16.3 million. 

Senator Turner says that the investment into the fairgrounds will improve the experience for everyone, as people from all over Illinois come to Springfield to enjoy the fair. She says that these investments will draw even more tourists and provide them with a better fair experience for years to come. 

This year’s Illinois State Fair takes place August 11th through 21st at the state fairgrounds in Springfield. 

You’re probably itching to get out on the water if you haven’t already. 

Commander of the Shelby County Dive Team Austin Pritchard say that’s great. Just be careful. He doesn’t want to have to send his dive team to the lake. 

Pritchard says the dangers change with different bodies of water.

If you don’t use your life jacket, Pritchard and his team may have a harder time finding you. 

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

July sure to be a busy month for the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce. 

Director Kari Dunn says there’s something going on every Saturday. 

Dunn is a big fan of visiting Willow Ridge winery on the weekends. 

Eloes Landscape and Gardens holding a kids day July 7th. 

Don’t forget about the Farmer’s Market every Tuesday. 

Learn more at shelbyvilleillinois.net. Dunn appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

Lake Shelbyville ready for you to visit for the fireworks show Monday, July 4th at dusk. 

Ashley Florey with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says Dam West will be a prime spot to watch the show.

Florey says it’s pretty easy to make your way to Dam West. 

She thanks the chamber of commerce for all their efforts to make this show possible. 

Florey says you’re able to watch the fireworks from a boat, too. 

Again, the Lake Shelbyville fireworks show takes place this evening at dusk. 

If you want to be a crime scene investigator, Lake Land College is unveiling a new program for you. 

Lake Land College announces a new Crime Scene Technician program starting Fall 2022. 

The program will be offered as a one-year certificate stackable with other Criminal Justice programs.

Lake Land says crime scene technicians are in high demand with a 14% national growth rate. Lake Land will be one of the few institutions in the nation to offer this program. 

It will provide hands-on training for blood splatter analysis, bullet trajectory analysis, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, evidence gathering and evidence processing. 

The program meets the standards of the International Association of Investigations. Students will be ready to take the IAI exam after serving one year in the field as a police officer. 

Active and retired crime scene technicians are curating and instructing this program. 

Those interested should apply by August 19 to enroll for fall semester. For more information, contact the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator David Chambers at dchambers@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5310.

The oblisk installed last week at the Veteran's Memorial on Lake Taylorville, will be officially dedicated this afternoon at 2pm at the site.  Various veteran's organizations will participate.  

The public is invited to attend. 

The memorial has been a project of the Downtown Taylorville Committee.

Agriculture will again be spotlighted during the annual Christian County Ag Group Ag Appreciation Luncheon Thursday, July 21st at 11:30am in the Beer Tent at the Christian County Fairgrounds.

This event, which is over 20 years old, spotlights the importance of agriculture to the county.

Guest speaker this year is DeLoss Jahnke, Network and Audio Services Anchor for the RFD Radio Network.  Jahnke will give remarks on current agriculture issues being acted on in Springfield and Washington.

Free tickets are available at the Christian County Farm Bureau, Christian County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Miller Media Group studios, all in Taylorville; and the First National Bank of Pana.

The annual Ag Appreciation Luncheon is sponsored by the Christian County Ag Group and a number of local businesses thru-out Christian County.

There'll be lots of patriotic events thru-out the Regional Radio listening area over the 4th of July holiday.  One of them is the dedication of the oblisk installed last week at the Veteran's Memorial on Lake Taylorville.  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. 

The memorial has been a project of the Downtown Taylorville Committee.

The Small Town Taylorville Committee sponsored their July Car Show and Car Cruise on the Taylorville square Friday night. 

After seeing their June event feature around 175 cars, the committee added overflow parking for this month’s event. The event once again attracted a large turnout of cars parked on the inside of the square. 

The event was free and open to the public. The Small Town Taylorville Cruise on the Taylorville Square is held on the first Friday of each month from April – October.

The Illinois Legislature and Governor Pritzker mandated the top sign be displayed on all gas pumps in the state by July 1, stating the inflation adjustment of the state gas tax had been suspended until December 31, 2022.

Gas retailers across the state called it a political stunt, and are placing the bottom sign on pumps above the state mandated sign.

The above picture was taken on a gas pump in Taylorville.

Taylorville Police Department held a “Fish With Offishers” day Thursday evening. 

Chief Dwayne Wheeler says everyone had a great time. 

Families caught various types of fish. Illinois Department of Natural Resources made an appearance, too. 

Wheeler says events like this help create a connection between the police department and the community. 

Wheeler thanks everyone who came out to the event Thursday. 

When you head out to the Lake Taylorville fireworks show, make sure you give yourself a little more time than usual. 

That’s the message from Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler as Illinois Department of Transportation works on a bridge along Route 29 leading to the lake. 

The fireworks show takes place Monday, July 4th, at dusk. 

Pana Fire Department holding its annual Fireworks Show Sunday, July 3rd, at the Pana Tri-County Fairgrounds. 

Pana Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ashley Christian says this is the first year the display will take place at the fairgrounds. 

This is a free event for everyone to enjoy. 

The fire department always puts a lot of effort into this fireworks show.

When inside the fairgrounds, you will have free range to find your perfect spot. 

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

Independence Day weekend brings a lot of fun to families all over. However, it’s important to remember to stay safe this weekend. 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the State Fire Marshal ask you you to leave fireworks displays to licensed and trained professionals. 

Both offices reminding organizations and individuals sponsoring fireworks displays in the state to be sure their fireworks vendor has the required state licenses and certificates prior to the fireworks show. 

The Illinois Explosives Act requires anyone who purchases, possesses, uses, transfers, stores or disposes of explosives to have an explosives license and explosives storage certificate that IDNR issues. 

Licensing and storage requirements do not apply to consumer fireworks. Those may be purchased and displayed so along as buyers have proper permits from their local jurisdiction. 

A violation of the Illinois Explosives Act can be a Class 3 felony, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 

Emergency responders are reminded to contact IDNR and the state fire marshal with any reports of personal injury or property damage resulting from fireworks or explosives. 

For more information, visit the IDNR website. 

Remember to practice food hygiene for 4th of July cookouts. 

Illinois Department of Public Health reminding the public of safety tips to reduce the chance of spoiling the holiday by contracting a foodborne illness. 

When transporting your food, keep them 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in an insulated cooler. You can keep food in one cooler and drinks in another to keep the meat cold. You should also consider keeping coolers out of direct sun. 

To prevent cross-contamination, food should be kept separate. For example, raw meat should be stored and prepared separately from fruits, veggies, cheeses, salads and other cooked foods. 

Before firing up the grill, thaw food safely in the fridge, with cold water, or in the microwave.  Always marinate food in the refrigerator, no matter the type of marinade. Never thaw or marinate meat, poultry, or seafood on the counter. Harmful germs can quickly multiply at room temperature. 

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw meat, and make sure you thoroughly clean the grill surface. 

Whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, fish, and veal require internal temperatures of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered fully cooked. Hamburgers and other ground beef require 160 degrees, while all poultry and pre-cooked meats require 165 degrees. 

In addition to food safety, IDPH reminds the public about water and swimming safety. Make sure you supervise young children around the water and always use life jackets. You should also avoid alcohol while supervising children. 

While you’re enjoying the sun, make sure you apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going into water or going outside. You should also begin increasing your fluid intake to prepare for the weekend. 

Also, be aware of heat stroke symptoms, which include hot, dry skin, hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperature, confusion/dizziness, and slurred speech. 

Meanwhile, the department of health says you should remember to be careful of insect-borne illness, by wearing insect repellent and avoid being outside during prime mosquito biting hours. 

For more information, visit the IDPH website. 

Taylorville Memorial Hospital names May Colleague of the Month.

TMH names ultrasound clinical specialist Rachel Hawkins Colleague of the Month. 

Hawkins works in the radiology department at the hospital. She recently ensured the comfort and safety of a patient who awaited an MRI and experienced pain that could only be eased by lying down. 

When Hawkins heard about this, she brought a stretcher and a warm blanket to comfort the patient. 

The patient’s wife nominated Hawkins for recognition. She said, “Rachel was amazing, and I have no doubt she treats each patient as if they’re her own family.”

We here at Regional Radio News salute you, Rachel Hawkins. 

Independence Day gives everyone a break, including state and federal government offices. 

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announces offices will close for the Independence Day weekend. 

Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule will be closed Saturday, July 2nd and reopen for business Tuesday July 5th. 

Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Monday through Friday schedule will be closed Monday, July 4th, and reopen for business Tuesday. 

As a reminder, Secretary White has extended all driver’s license, ID card and learner’s permit expiration dates to July 31st of this year. The extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses and CDL learner’s permits. In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. 

You can visit the Secretary of State’s website at ilsos.gov for online services including renewal of driver’s licenses, applying for a duplicate, renewing license plate stickers or locating the nearest Driver Services facility. 

Townships and counties across Central Illinois are preparing for Independence Day weekend firework displays. 

July 1st: Farmer City Raceway fireworks

Georgetown Fairgrounds fireworks

July 2nd: Mt Pulaski, Frazier Park, at dusk

July 3rd: Blue Mound, 189 N. West, at dusk

Pana Tri-County Fairgrounds at dusk

Effingham's 36th Annual Lake Sara Fireworks, 9:15 p.m. 

Monticello Railway Muesum

Mt. Zion, 323 Fletcher Park Blvd

July 4th: Lake Taylorville fireworks at dusk

Lake Shelbyville fireworks at dusk

Warrensburg Fireworks at the Sportsman Club at dusk

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for Aggravated Criminal Sexual abuse. 

The Sheriff’s Office is looking for 39-year-old Kenneth B. Davis, who has a warrant for his crime with a victim of at least 13 years of age but under the age of 17. 

It’s possible Davis is in the Ramsey area. He has short dark hair, hazel eyes with glasses, and a goatee. You can see a picture on Taylorvilledailynews.com. 

If you see Davis, contact your local police or the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 217-774-3941

Alcohol will be a part of the long Independence Day weekend. 

Of course, the usual reminders apply. Make sure to have a sober driver, know your limits, and mix water in between your beers. 

An American Journal of Preventive Medicine study links binge drinking to problems like alcohol addiction, emotional symptoms, and not getting along with friends, family, and coworkers. 

Internal medicine physician at OSF Healthcare Dr. Andrew Zasada says internal issues with excessive alcohol use can be devastating.

Dr. Zasada has this advice for Independence Day partakers – take it slow.

From a long-term perspective, a patient’s primary care provider can link them with resources to curb drinking.

Dr. Zasada says that the sooner you kick the excessive drinking habit the better. 

If you do quit drinking, you may look a lot better. 

To learn more, contact your primary care provider. 

This Purple Thunder Camaro will be among those on display when classic cars invade the Taylorville square tonight, as the Small Town Taylorville Committee sponsors their 2nd Car Show 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 tonight.

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

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