Officials with the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee were busy Friday afternoon setting up stages, picnic tables, and chilli cook areas, all on the Square preparing for the 37th edition of the event taking place Saturday and Sunday.

The Miller Media Group broadcast position will again be on the south Courthouse lawn.  Staff announcers will be using wireless equipment to interview folks around the Square, both days, on all 6 Taylorville-based radio stations.

CTI is again a major sponsor of this year's Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest.

For the first time in 3 years, hot chilli will be served by the bowl and quart by Chamber volunteers, and eaten at the nearby picnic tables.  The sale of chilli and Pepsi products by the Chamber, makes this one of the Chamber's largest fund-raisers, besides attracting thousands to the community over the 2-day event.

Friday afternoon saw the pageant rehearsal take place.  This year's pageants are again chaired by Brittany Moore.

Get the latest schedule on this weekend's event, by clicking HERE.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio, and watch taylorvilledailynews.com, both all weekend for extensive coverage.

Pana School District had an eventful week. 

Friday morning, Pana Police Department received a notice someone with an electronic monitoring device on pre-trial release had entered an exclusion zone. 

Pana Police notified Pana High School that the suspect had entered the vicinity of the school and PHS went into a soft lockdown. 

Less than five minutes after the alarm, police responded to the subject’s residence and found no evidence of them leaving the property. Police notified Pana School District shortly thereafter, to which they lifted the lockdown. 

Police reported the electronic monitoring issue to the appropriate authorities. 

In an unrelated incident Wednesday morning, Pana Police arrested a 16-year-old Pana High School student for posting an alleged threat toward schools. Police charged the minor, who posted a threat he wanted to carry out on Snapchat, with Disorderly Conduct; a Class 4 Felony.

Authorities processed the juvenile and transported him to the Christian County Courthouse for a Juvenile Detention hearing. 

Pana Police Department and the Christian County State’s Attorney’s office is handling the active investigation. 

The WSVZ and Family Drug-Shelbyville Students of the Month for September were presented with their awards recently. Students of the Month for September are Teresa Bowers, Tucker Kull Jr., Jack Arthur, and Emily Oligschlaeger. Regional Radio News congratulates the Students of the Month!

From Left to Right: Freshman Teresa Bowers, Soph. Tucker Kull, Jr. Jack Arthur and Sr. Emily Oligschlaeger.

WTIM and People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their students of the month for September. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes. Students of the Month for September are Elijah Wilkins, Paislie Obil, Cash Foraker, and Sarah Mast.

L-R:  PEOPLES BANK AND TRUST REPRESENTATIVE SARAH VANHUSS; SENIOR ELIJAH WILKINS; JUNIOR PAISLIE OBIL; SOPHOMORE CASH FORAKER; FRESHMAN SARAH MAST; PEOPLES BANK AND TRUST REPRESENTATIVE NICOLE MALOLEY

Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR along with People's Bank and Trust are recognizing the Pana Students of the Month for September. The Students of the Month are Olivia Anderson, Isabelle Anderson, Kennedy Bowker and Claire Osborn.

L-R:  PEOPLES BANK AND TRUST REPRESENTATIVE JENNIFER MATHIS; SENIOR  OLIVIA ANDERSON; SOPHOMORE ISABELLE ANDERSON; FRESHMAN KENNEDY BOWKER; (NOT PICTURED JUNIOR CLAIRE OSBORN)

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club announced at its weekly meeting on Tuesday, that the Taylorville community donated over $3600 during the Club’s annual Kids’ Day fund-raiser September 23 and 24.

That weekend, Kiwanis members, along with some spouses and Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club members, were stationed at the intersection of West Main Cross and Webster Streets, as well as at the Wal-Mart Super Center, asking for monetary donations to help the club with its many local projects for children and youth.  Those projects include Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, high school and YMCA scholarships, supporting the Christian County CEO program, and providing grants to other local non-profits that support the Kiwanis emphasis on children and youth.

The effort received a unique donation from the Old Stonington Baptist Church.  A member of that church, Judy Swigert (right), presented gloves and a winter hat to Kiwanis Priority One chair Bruce Blanshan (left), as the church’s way of supporting the Kiwanis Kids’ Day effort.  Swigert organized a coat drive for her church and First Baptist Church of Decatur, and offered gloves and a winter hat to the Kiwanis Club as part of its Kids’ Day collection efforts.

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. 

Lincoln Land Community College is already preparing for the next set of 8-week courses. 

LLCC Taylorville Director Dee Kruger says preliminary data shows 8-week courses help students learn more.

There’s a lot of different types of 8-week courses you can take. Kruger says that registration for Spring courses opens soon. 

LLCC wants to help you navigate financial aid. The FAFSA portal opens October 1st each year. 

Kruger advises against taking out loans for community college. 

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

The Safe Passage program continues to grow in Taylorville and the surrounding area. 

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says the program received a small handful of sizable grants. 

Chief Wheeler thanks the support of the coordinators for their efforts. Denise Evans and Debbie Prince signed on as official co-coordinators earlier this year. 

If someone ever wants to attempt to recover their life from drugs or alcohol, they just have to walk into the Taylorville Police Department. The program will take in anyone without judgment and find a treatment center.

Sometimes, people back out at the last moment. Chief Wheeler wants you to know that’s okay. He asks addicts to come when they are ready. 

He also says there’s a huge need for mental health and drug rehabilitation centers in Central Illinois.

Learn more on the Safe Passage of Taylorville Illinois Facebook.

Chief Wheeler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

There are a lot of University of Illinois Extension programs to pay attention to in Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties. 

Unit #18 County Extension Director Amanda Cole says she’s excited to see 4-H week take off the week of October 2nd. 

Cole says the cake decoration workshop planned for early October is already full, which means she’s planning more in the near future. 

The 4-H’ers have an opportunity to paint their own pumpkins in mid-October. 

You can’t forget about the take-home kits. The extension office has kits for all ages. 

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

A Sangamon County court has found a convicted sex offender sexually violent.

According to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, the offender demonstrated he is a significant risk to children and this verdict will protect other children from harm. 

In 2019, a judge sentenced 48-year-old Jimmy Dudley to five years in prison after Dudley pled guilty to possessing child pornography of a 9-year-old he lived with. 

Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge John Madonia ordered the Illinois Department of Human Services to take custody of Dudley. 

To be committed under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act, a person must have been convicted of a sexually violent offense and suffer from a mental disorder. 

Prosecutors must also prove that the offender is likely to commit future acts of sexual violence if released from custody. Once committed to IDHS, offenders are re-evaluated on a regular basis to determine if they continue to meet the criteria for commitment as a sexually violent person. 

Dudley will reside in the IDHS Rushville Treatment and Detention Facility pending a deposition hearing. 

Raoul says that he is pleased with the verdict.

The Taylorville FFA Chapter will again be sponsoring its popular kiddie pedal tractor pull, this Sunday at the 37th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

The event takes place on the west side of the square.  Registration begins at noon with the kiddie pedal tractor pull starting at 1pm.  There’ll be 4 classes of competition:  3 and 4 year olds, 5 and 6 year olds, 7 and 8 year olds, and 9 and 10 year olds.

This schedule and class information can also be found on the event’s web site HERE.

Chilli cooks, art and craft vendors, Chamber chilli being sold and served, and 2 stages of live, local entertainment, are all part of this Saturday and Sunday’s 37th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the square.

There’ll be 2 days of International Chilli Society sanctioned judging, over 90 art and craft vendors, Chamber chilli and Pepsi products being sold and served, and entertainment on both the main south stage and the north stage.  

After a 2-year absence, Chamber chilli volunteers will be serving hot chilli by the bowl along with a host of Pepsi products.  Hot and cold chilli will also be sold by the quart.

Kidzone, an area with free childrens’ activities, will be back again this year on the west side of the square both days.

The complete schedule is available on-line HERE.

The affordable housing project being constructed on West Elm Street in Taylorville, by Christian County Development Corporation, has come to an abrupt halt.

Many listeners have inquired to Regional Radio News about the stoppage and the "why."

We reached out to officials with C-C-D-C this week, and received an e-mail reply from them Thursday afternoon.  Our newsroom explained that we had received many questions from listeners about the work stoppage.

C-C-D-C gave us an e-mail reply of "no comment."  That was the extent of their statement.

The West Elm Street project in Taylorville is one of many that C-C-D-C has constructed with federal grants, thru-out Christian County.   C-C-D-C manages them as well as other existing public housing subdivisions and apartments in the county.

Every school year, administrators find students experience summer learning loss.

It’s something Nokomis School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Doerr attempts to minimize. 

He says he’s pleased with what the numbers show. 

Dr. Doerr always expects 15 to 20 percent of kids to experience summer learning loss at the start of every school year. He says it appears Nokomis is faring well.

He says that this is part of the learning process for the administrators and teachers, too. 

Dr. Doerr thanks everyone in the community for their patience as the district returns to normal.

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

Taylorville Memorial Hospital holding a bicycle rodeo in October at the TMH campus. 

Director of Community Health Darin Buttz says that the rodeo from 9 to 11 a.m. October 15th is free for everyone. Taylorville Memorial is happy to fulfill the physical and mental health need in the community. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is also involved. Priority One Chair Bruce Blanshan says they are thrilled to co-sponsor an event providing bike education to children. 

The bike rodeo offers bike maintenance, a helmet-fitting station, safety and rules of the road booklets and giveaways and refreshments. 

Board Member of the Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy group Steve Dennis says there’s also a skills course for kids to ride.

Dennis invites folks from all over to come to the bike rodeo.

Learn more at the TMH Facebook, when you click here. 

Dennis, Blanshan and Buttz appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Springfield and Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council have endorsed Christian County States Attorney Wes Poggenpohl for Christian County States Attorney in the November 8th General Election. Poggenpohl was recommended for endorsement after an interview process with the Committee on Political Education of the Central Labor Council. 

The Labor Council tells Regional Radio News that Poggenpohl's support on on issues affecting the working men and women in Central Illinois earned him his endorsement of hte Central Labor Council's delegate body.

The Springfield and Central Illinois Trades and Labor Council represents nearly 34,000 union women and men in Sangamon, Christian, Scott, Brown, Cass, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, and Pike Counties in Central Illinois. l

Farm leaders recently met with members of Illinois’ congressional delegation on Capital Hill to advocate for agriculture issues. Illinois Farm Bureau members during the annual fall Leaders to Washington Program trip went to DC on September 15th.  Issues were raised including labor, input costs, trade, and barriers facing new and beginning farmers. 

IFB’s director of national legislation, Adam Nielsen says that members have a huge impact when they tell their story and help bring important issues to elected leaders and officials. Thirteen members attended the event including Craig Thompson from Mclean County and Robert Klemm from Dewitt. 

Participants were able to bring a range of backgrounds and perspectives to the table, representing local Farm Bureaus, state and local young leaders committees, and the Illinois Agricultural Board.  The trip was three days long and farmers were able to meet directly with elected officials and share firsthand accounts of federal policy and how it affects them. 

Some of the delegates who met with the IFB members included Mike Bost from Murphysboro, Rodney Davis from Taylorville, Adam Kinzinger from Channahon, Darin LaHood from Dunlap, Mary Miller from Oakland, and Lauren Underwood from Naperville.  State Senator Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin were also there. 
 

Chilli, salsa, and verde cooks from several states, will be converging on the Taylorville square this weekend as part of the 37th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commece Chillifest on the square.

International Chilli Society sanctioned judging Saturday has participants cooking in the Chillinois Regional Chilli Cook-Off.  Cooks on Sunday will be part of the Central States Regional Chilli Cook-Off.

First place winners in chilli, salsa and verde judging both days, qualify to participate in the I-C-S World Championship.

More information on the 2 days of I-C-S sanctioned judging, can be found HERE.

The popular Kidzone will again be a highlight for children, at the 37th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest this weekend on the square.

Events will be taking place for children on both Saturday and Sunday on the west side of the square.  All events are free of charge.

Sunday’s events include the annual Taylorville FFA Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull competition.  

A complete schedule of events during Chillifest, including Kidzone, can be found on-line HERE.

City of Taylorville receiving a large grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, while the city works on another grant.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says the city received a DCEO grant worth over $3 million for improvements to the square.

Mayor Barry says the city is applying for another grant, too. 

The DCEO grant will assist the city’s rebuilding of city streets and sidewalks. 

The ITEP grant could assist in the repaving of city streets in the vicinity of the Taylorville Square. West Main Cross is in the Mayor’s cross-hairs. 

That is, if the city obtains it. 

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

The Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy group is making progress towards revitalizing the trail between Pana and Taylorville. 

Taylorville City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Taylorville and the City of Pana at its last city council meeting. 

This agreement is an update to an old agreement. As Co-Founder of Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy Bud Altman says, City Councils for both Pana and Taylorville had to update their agreements because the cost of the renovations shot up dramatically by the time a contractor picked up the bid. 

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says that the matching grant LPTC is applying for would pay for 80 percent of the project.

Board member Steve Dennis says not many know just how long the Lincoln Prairie Trail is. 

Fellow board member Bill Roseberry says he has been watching the project from the Pana side. 

Roseberry, Dennis, Mayor Barry, and Altman appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce held a Chamber Chat Tuesday morning at the chamber offices.

Chamber president Linda Allen says the committee planned hard all year long for this weekend’s Chillifest. 

J.I. McDowell cooks the chili you enjoy on the square. He is excited to return chili by the quart this year after a hiatus. 

Missy Ruff is in charge of the Kid’s Zone. She says that they found success with last year’s kid zone and it’s returning even better this year. 

Chamber President Jennifer Franklin thanks everyone who makes Chillifest possible. 

Learn more at chillifest.info. That’s chili with 2 ‘L’s.

Christian County royalty will be strutting their stuff this Saturday starting at eleven in the morning, as the annual pageants take place as part of the 37th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the square.

Among pageants taking place include Little Chilli Bean ages zero to 2, Little Miss and Mister Chilli Peppers, Junior Miss, Teen Miss, and Miss Chilli Pepper pageants.

Brittany Moore is again chairing this year’s Chillifest pageants.

The 37th annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest this Saturday and Sunday on the square will feature something that hasn’t happened the past 2 years:  Hot Chamber chilli being sold by the bowl or quart at the Chamber Chilli tent on the south side of the Courthouse Park.

Chamber Chilli cooks will be stirring up chilli in a giant kettle, as well as serving chilli dogs, Pepsi products, and all the fixings.  A host of volunteers will be taking care of the public as they order food and drinks.

Picnic tables are also back this year to sit on and enjoy the hot chilli and Pepsi products, while they take in the entertainment on the south stage thru-out both days.

Cold Chamber chilli by the quart will also be sold out of a refrigerated truck, with drive-thru service being offered on the southeast corner of the square.

A host of events will also be happening, including 2 days of International Chilli Society sanctioned chilli cookoffs, over 90 arts and craft vendors, entertainment on both the main south stage and north stage, and a cornhole bags tournament.  

The complete Chillifest schedule can be found HERE.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club inducted a new member,  installed new officers, and heard from the former Kiwanis International President, at their weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Brandon Bible (2nd from right), the new Country Financial insurance agent in Taylorville, was inducted as the club’s newest member.  Bible was nominated by members John Gardner (left) and Cliff Beatty (2nd from left).  Former Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo of Springfield (right) was on hand for the induction ceremony.

Palazzolo then presided over the installation of officers for the local Kiwanis Club for the new Kiwanis year starting October First. 

John Gardner was installed as the new Kiwanis president.

Martin Vota continues as Kiwanis secretary.

Blain Cornwell continues as Kiwanis treasurer. 

Chuck Martin was also recognized as incoming Kiwanis president for the year starting October First, 2023.

Palazzolo challenged the local club to increase its service projects in the coming Kiwanis year.

The club named long-time Kiwanis member Dick Wamsley (right), as its “Kiwanian of the Year”, the highest local award presented by the club.  Wamsley has been a member of the local club some 32 years, and another 5 before that in Nebraska.  Wamsley was presented the award by local Kiwanis club secreatary Martin Vota.

Also in Tuesday’s Taylorville Kiwanis Club, treasurer Cornwell announced that over 36-hundred dollars was collected during last weekend’s Kiwanis Kid’s Day.  Kiwanis members were stationed at the Harrison Corner and at Wal-Mart last Friday and Saturday, asking the public to donate in helping fund local Kiwanis projects for children and youth.  Priority One chair Bruce Blanshan headed up last weekend’s successful Kid’s Day fund raiser.

Local non-profit organizations that help children and youth are reminded that this Friday, September 30 is the deadline to apply for Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation grants that will be considered by the Kiwanis Board at their October 4 board meeting.  The application is posted on the club’s Facebook page which can be reached at taylorvillekiwanis-dot-com.

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.     

Pana School District was on soft lockdown Tuesday afternoon after police received reports of a suspicious person on a bicycle near the corner of Hickory and Washington Streets. Pana Police Chief Dan Bland tells Regional Radio News that the suspicious person may have had a gun and out of an abundance of caution, Pana Police informed the schools to have a soft lockdown. 

The school lockdown has been lifted.  Police have been searching for this individual but have been unable to find him or her. They do have increased patrols and are still out looking.  Other than the initial report, the police say they haven’t gotten any new information. The public are asked to contact authorities if you see anything suspicious. 

Three people are dead following a fatal traffic crash in Christian County Monday afternoon.  At 1400N 2500 E Road in rural Christian County, a 2003 Buick Lesabre entered the intersection striking a 2007 Freightliner Grain Truck driven by 34-year-old Brian C. Callan, of Blue Mound.  The Grain Truck flipped ejecting both Callan and his passenger 29-year-old Keirsty M. Hughes of Blue Mound.  Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene and Callan was rushed to Pana Community Hospital ER where he also passed away from his injuries. He is set to have an autopsy Tuesday. 

The driver of the Buick LeSabre is a 42-year-old male.  He was airlifted to a regional hospital with serious injuries. His passenger, 36-year-old Sarah A. Myers of Bethany, was also pronounced dead at the scene.

The names have been released by Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans.  The Illinois State Police is handling the investigation. No further information is available at this time. 

Monday night was the final meeting for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee, before this weekend's 37th annual installment of the event on the square.

Committee members brought final preparations to the meeting to discuss and take action on.

Chamber Executive Director Linda Allen told Regional Radio News after the meeting, that it'll come together thanks to a great committee.

Find the complete schedule for this weekend's Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest on-line at chillifest-dot-info, that's chillifest with 2-L's.

Taylorville Park District approved plans for a new pool during the September meeting Monday evening. First, the board members approved the minutes for August's meeting, and they approved the Treasurer's report.

Recreational Director Bailey Hancock represented the Manner's Park Pool Committee and provided blue prints for pool renovations. She says pool conditions are dire. 

Hancock unveiled the plans for the pool. She hopes that the pool will last generations. 

To find the funding, the park district will put the issue to vote on the April ballot. Hancock hopes to minimize the referendum cost through over $3.1 million in grants, and there's hope for donations.

Burbatch Aquatics is the pool contractor assisting renovations. Hancock says Burbatch will help with community fundraising, and Hancock hopes the City of Taylorville will assist in the $7.8 million project.

The board indeed acted swiftly and approved the motion to draft a referendum for the April ballot. 

The park board also accepted the resignation of Office Administrator and Board Secretary Lisa Morillo.

On a lighter note the board received news a donor wishes to build a dog park within the Taylorville Park District. Board President Marlane Miller says the board has to figure out where to put a dog park. Otherwise, the park district is all for the construction.

The board went into Executive Session to discuss the hiring of MaryAnn Becker for the empty position. They approved the motion. 

Before heading into Executive Session, the board also heard from the Maintenance Superintendent Gary Brown, and Hancock provided a recreation update.

The next park district board meeting is October 24th.

(Taylorville)--Officials with the Christian County YMCA have announced that this Thursday at 5pm is the deadline for teams to register and participate in their 3 on 3 Tournament taking place this Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

There are 5 divisions that teams can sign up for:  First and 2nd grade co-ed, 3rd and 4th grade boys, 3rd and 4th grade girls, 5th and 6th grade boys and 5th and 6th grade girls.

Games will be played on the First United Methodist Church parking lot, with check-in starting at 8am Saturday.

To register a team, appear in person at the Christian County YMCA, 900 McAdam Drive in Taylorville, by 5pm this Thursday, to complete the registration form.  There is a one-hundred dollar registration fee.

Questions can be addressed to Bruce Blanchan, Executive Director at the Y, at 287-7271.

A local hospital is offering free breast cancer screenings for women who are uninsured or underinsured during October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   Taylorville Memorial Hospital will be offering the screenings from 7:30 AM until 4 PM Mondays through Fridays in October at the nonprofit hospital.  Appointments are required and no walk-ins will be available. To schedule an appointment call 707-5550. 

Educational materials, including information on general breast health and how to perform breast self-exams, will be available. The National Cancer Institute recommends that all women age 40 or older have screening mammograms annually.  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. 

Free mammograms will be offered at all five Memorial Health hospitals in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield, and Taylorville throughout October.  Funding for the Taylorville screenings is provided by the Taylorville Memorial Foundation.

A burglary in Schram City Illinois, has police investigating.  The Hillsboro Police Department is investigating a burglary that took place on the 600 block of 22nd Street on September 13th between 6:30 am to 3:45 PM.  Someone made entry and stole multiple items including firearms, precious metals, and musical equipment. 

If you have any information on this crime, contact the Hillsboro Police Department at 532-6120, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 532-9511 or you can provide an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-352-0136.  You can also text tips to CRIMES or visit www.macmontcrimestoppers.com. 

An entrance attendant is August’s Taylorville Memorial Hospital Colleague of the Month.  Kathleen Mansfield has been recognized for the month of August. Mansfield says that she is one of the first persons you see when you enter the hospital. She hopes to brighten peoples day by giving them a friendly greeting, provide encouraging words, and get them where they need to go.

Becky Morrow, director of hospitality for TMH, nominated Mansfield for recognition, recognizing that Mansfield pays attention to the little things that make a big difference in patients experience and offers water, a blanket, or a meal to send home with patients who have been at the hospital for hours.

Mansfield, who is a Taylorville native, has worked at TMH since 2020 and used to teach school for 36 years.  She enjoys painting, reading, and being outside. 

The Taylorville Park Board will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM at the Manners Park Dining Hall in Taylorville.  The board will accept the resignation of Office Administrator/Board Secretary Lisa Morillo.  The board will also discuss the dog park and park property. The board will hear from maintenance superintendent Gary Brown, office administrator Lisa Morillo, and recreational director Bailey Hancock. 

The board will approve the payment of bills and possibly go into executive session. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on the conclusion of the meeting for the latest on the September Park Board Meeting. The meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. 

The Open Enrollment period for Medicare or Medicaid begins in November.

Jesse Reed is with Family Drug in Shelbyville and says this is a good time to take a look at your policies to see if you need to update them. 

Reed advises folks to go to the Healthcare.gov website if you are 65 and older and can navigate a computer. 

She says you should do this because nothing in the healthcare world stays the same for long. 

You can always stop by Reed’s office in Family Drug to make an appointment or give Family Drug in Shelbyville a call. She says that she can’t wait to help you navigate your health insurance. 

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

Storms present danger and liability to your home. 

Shelbyville Insurance Risk Advisor Derek Hayden helps folks navigate insurance policies to provide the best coverage possible. He says that standard home policies don’t cover everything. 

First up, Hayden explains that standard home insurance doesn’t necessarily cover water damage as a result of extreme rain.

Hayden says this also applies if your basement floods and damages your items. 

If the winds blow a tree onto your home, you should be covered with your standard policy. There is some complication involved if it’s a neighbor’s tree damaging your property. 

Hayden says Shelbyville Insurance can guide you to the best policy additions possible. 

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

The 2022 Oconee Family Fall Festival kicked off on Sunday outside Sacred Heart Parish, located at 201 North Walnut Street in Oconee, IL. The festival featured plenty of great food, including Rib-eye sandwiches, Ribbon Fries, Kettle corn, homemade ice cream and more. There were also activities for the entire family to enjoy, such as hay rides, a petting zoo and live music.  

First time volunteer Adam Oller says that money raised from the festival goes to support Sacred Heart School.    

This year’s festival comes as the Sacred Heart Parish is celebrating their 150th anniversary. Annette Sims says that there are some added raffles this year to help celebrate the anniversary.

The Oconee Family Fall Festival continues on each of the next two Sundays, October 2nd and 9th from 11am-4pm each day. Learn more on the Oconee Family Fall Festival Facebook page or by visiting OconeeFallFestival.com.

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, September 24th. 

Kiwanis Club member Dr. Ron Mizer says they received a generous donation from Brenda and Archie. 

Dr. Mizer says he was able to get help from his wife Gloria.

Dr. Mizer says it’s always good to help those in need.  He remembered a time when he was in need when someone helped him. 

Find more information on the club at taylorvillekiwanis.com.
 

Caption to above picture:  Taylorville Kiwanis Club Priority One Chairperson Bruce Blanchan, who organized this weekend's Kid's Day collection efforts at the Wal-Mart Super Center and at Harrison Corner at Webster and West Main Cross, waiting for residents to stop by and donate.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is holding their annual Kid's Day fund-raising effort today and Saturday at 2 locations in the city.

Caption to above picture:  Kiwanis members Bruce Blanchan (left) and Dean Ray (right) collecting monies for Kiwanis Kids Day at Webster and Main Cross Friday afternoon.

Kiwanis members are Kiwanis High School Key Club members are stationed at the Wal-Mart Super Center and at Harrison Corner at Webster and West Main Cross, collecting bills and coins for local Kiwanis projects that benefit children and youth.  Projects include Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, YMCA and high school scholarships, the Christian County CEO program, and grants to other local non-profits that benefit children.

The Kiwanis Club thanks the Taylorville community for their continued generous support.

A man involved in a Montgomery County Crash on Thursday has died. The incident took place on Thursday at 1:04 PM involving two semi-trucks.  The vehicles were approaching construction zone traffic near milepost 75 on I-55 North.  A semi-truck driven by 46-year-old Darin W. Hoener of Canton, Missouri slowed down for traffic and was struck by 67-year-old Frank Amendola of Somonauk. IL. 

Amendola was transported to a local area hospital with life-threatening injuries where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Northbound lanes were closed down for nearly 5 hours for crash reconstruction and recovery.  Hoener was uninjured in the crash. 

Christian County CEO program is building towards a major project. 

CEO, or Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, immerses Christian County students in real-life experiences with an opportunity to take risks, manage the results, and learn from the outcome. 

Senior at Taylorville High School Alaina Deal says she’s excited to work with the group of 11 other students on two projects. One that will raise funds for CEO. The second will act as the CEO culminating business project. 

Edinburg High School Senior Jayce Kocurek is excited to work with the others as a team. 

Lucas Rexroad attends Taylorville High School. He says this group is very similar in personality, but their ideas are very different. He adds that it can be challenging to navigate that dynamic. 

The CEO class all took the “DISC Personality Quiz,” and found they all have one trait in common: D, or dominant. 

Deal says to watch out for their Facebook page for more information on a cool Halloween event taking place toward the end of October. The CEO students have not ironed out the details, but you can view christiancountyceo.com to find more information. 

Regional Radio News has learned of a serious crash that took place on Interstate 55 near Milepost 75 in Montgomery County Thursday afternoon at around 1:04 PM.  ISP District 9 and 18 responded to a two-unit motor vehicle crash. One person was transported to a local area hospital with life-threatening injuries and traffic was diverted for a while off at milepost 72.  

In other news, there has been an accident involving two Central A&M students according to Central A&M High School Principal Charles Brown.  It is unknown if the incidents are related. Both incidents just occurred Thursday.  Principal Brown tweeted Thursday afternoon saying that there are injuries but the outlook looks positive. He also asked for prayers for those who have been affected. Regional Radio News will have more when it becomes available. 

Homecoming week for Central A&M School District often means celebration for the kids with a big football game and dance to cap the week off. 

Superintendent Dr. DeAnn Heck says there’s a fundraising event for the adults while the kids dance the evening away Saturday. Dr. Heck says this will help the Central A&M Schools Foundation raise funds for an updated middle school library. 
    

The school district has big plans for the middle school library. 

The fundraiser takes place at the 1905 Brewery in Assumption. You can also sign up for VIP treatment at the door. 

Dr. Heck appreciates all the work the Central A&M Schools Foundation does to close funding gaps. 

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. Saturday at the 1905 Brewery in Assumption. It features live and silent auctions, drinks, food, and live entertainment. There is no need to register. 

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

Christian County CEO students stopped by Miller Media Group radio stations at 918 East Park Street Wednesday morning. 

CEO, or Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, immerses students in real-life experiences with an opportunity to take risks, manage the results, and learn from the outcome. 

Only about six weeks in, students are still gauging what business they want to create. 

CEO member Johnathan Scott created a woodworking business during the pandemic. He says he’s shifting away from that now to focus on detailing worn farm equipment to look brand new. 

Fellow CEO Member Sophia Robinson is heavily involved with Tommy TV. She’s not sure what she wants to do, yet. 

Brian Short, who is President of the student council, wants to create stuff. He’s not exactly sure what yet. 

Superintendent of Taylorville School District Dr. Chris Dougherty adores the CEO program and the students who participate. 

Learn more about the Christian County CEO program when you visit christianccountyceo.com. 

This week marks Rail Safety Week in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker proclaims the week ending September 25th Rail Safety Week. 

The Illinois Commerce Comimission, in conjuction with Operation Lifesaver, says 101 vehicle crashes occurred at public highway-rail grader crossings, which resulted in 24 fatalities and 25 personal injuries in the state. 

In addition, passing trains struck 38 pedestrians who trespassed on railroad property, which resulted in 20 deaths. 

ICC Commissioner Michael Carrigan says Operation Lifesaver is sharing rail safety tips across its social media platforms. He encourages all motorists and pedestrians to follow those tips to stay safe around trains and railroad crossings. 

He adds that most of the accidents were preventable. You can view the tips on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @ILCommerceComm. You can view more rail safety stats, tips, or educational materials at oli.org. 

CTI hosted the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce’s monthly “Vibe at 5” event Wednesday night.

Dozens from the community came to check out the new CTI building on Cheney. It’s the first public event at the CTI building since the ribbon cutting ceremony.  Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and various forms of entertainment. 

The new building allows CTI to continue to grow and service the surrounding community. That’s according to marketing coordinator Jeremy Anderson. 

Developer and employee of CTI Greg Hill says that he’s impressed with the size of the new building and its ability to host community events. 

CTI continues to expand in surrounding Christian County communities such as Edinburg, Witt, Pana and Irving, with fiber internet expanding to other communities, too. Adam Vocks and Billy Williams founded the company in 1998. 

The Macon County Conservation District Prairie Pedal is this Sunday.

Senior Program Naturalist Alysia Callison says the event is a fundraiser for the Macon County Conservation Foundation. 

Callison says to bring your water bottle and your bike for a ride that can be 20, 40, or 62 miles long. Some riders start as early as 6:30 a.m Sunday at the Rock Springs Nature Center. 

The registration fee is $35 to participate in the Prairie Pedal. 

Callison says you can per-register or just show up at the event Sunday. 

Learn more, or register, when you visit maconcountyconservation.org. Callison appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

It’s the high school sports season. While it’s time of celebration for many, it’s also a great time to highlight what happens if an injury occurs. 

Dr. David Tapscott is an Orthopedic Specialist who visits Pana Community Hospital. Orthopedic Specialists focus on correcting ailments in the skeletal system. 

You can see Dr. Tapscott every Friday at Pana Community Hospital for surgery if needed, or you can see his Nurse Practitioner. 

If a child hurts themselves playing a sport, Dr. Tapscott encourages you to schedule an appointment for a screening. 

Dr. Tapscott believes Pana Community Hospital has the right set-up for injury recovery, too. 

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

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening for their monthly board meeting. Appointments were made including the Solid Waste and Zoning positions. Board Chairman Matt Wells says that he received five applications. Shawn Hammers was given the job for Solid Waste.

Hammers is set to start on October 1st. Zoning Board will get Blake Tarr as the new Zoning Administrator.  Both motions passed. The board discussed green energy project updates. The board approved a motion to send a letter in opposition to the grain belt transmission line project. 

A motion was approved to put a 6-month moratorium on the project. The motion was approved. The board than discussed whether or not they should support the Citizens Against Heartland Greenway Pipeline.  Attorney Wes Poggenpohl cautioned against joining as a group.

The motion to publicly support the group failed 7-3. The City of Taylorville requested a letter of support from the county concerning phase II of the downtown revitalization program. Many of the board members wanted to hold off support until they heard from the businesses if this was something they wanted to do. The board tabled the motion until next month. 

The next county board meeting is set for October 18th. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the administrator of the Taylorville Moose Lodge, at their weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Dave Luttrell is the head of the local Moose Lodge that has some 400 men and women members.  

He shared a video that outlined what the Moose Lodge does and its objectives. The video stated that the Moose Lodge was founded in 1888 as a way to provide sick benefits to those too ill to work, and for schooling to children that lost one or both parents.

The video went on to say that the Moose Lodge internationally has 3 objectives:  Support the Mooseheart campus outside Chicago which provides a quality education to underprivileged children from infant age thru high school; local Moose Lodge chapters that create community programs for local children and youth; and to support the Moose Haven retirement community in northeast Florida open to Moose members age 65 and over.

During the question and answer session, Luttrell told the Kiwanis Club that the Taylorville Moose Lodge sponsors many events during the year to benefit local children and youth.

Local non-profit organizations that help children and youth are reminded that September 30 is the deadline to apply for Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation grants that will be considered by the Kiwanis Board at their October 4 board meeting.  The application is posted on the club’s Facebook page which can be reached at taylorvillekiwanis-dot-com.

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 for their regular monthly meeting. The board approved minutes, reviewed and approved September CLAIMS, and went over the treasurer’s report, overnight trip request and consideration of personnel.

Under old business, the board got a recap and update from maintenance director Steve Walters on the projects that were worked over the summer.

Under new business, the board approved the FY23 Original Budget and the Statement of Values. They also approved again this year to match the state for the ISBE $50,000 Construction Grant. The board tabled voting on acquiring the empty lot on Sportsman Drive for the Building Trades program until next month’s meeting so that they can get more information. The board then heard from Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty who reminded the board about upcoming meetings and events on the calendar. 

The next Taylorville School Board meeting is set for October 18th. 
 

Now is the best time to get your flu shot. 

Springfield Clinic Taylorville Nurse Practitioner Kate Cervi says flu season runs from Fall through Winter. 

Cervi says that there are a couple Springfield Clinic flu shot days next month. 

The flu shot is important because it protects you and those around you from serious illness. 

Most insurances cover the flu vaccine clinics or vaccines in general. Make sure you bring your insurance information just in case. 

You can learn more when you go to springfieldclinic.com. Cervi appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville has a new minister.  Reverend Piotr Kosk comes to St. Mary’s from Highland, Illinois.  He moved to the USA, approximately six years ago and is excited to be in Taylorville. 

Father Kosk says that the invitation from the Bishop was so warm and inviting, Kosk felt honored to come and help out with the shortage of Priests in the area. He says he had to make some adjustments though moving to the US.

Father Kosk encourages people to come back to church. He is concerned that COVID has kept a lot of people away.

One thing that Father Kosk says needs to be improved on is the roof. He highlighted some of the other changes he hopes to see over the next five years. 

Father Kosk is also helping out with St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Kincaid and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington. Father Kosk can be reached at (217) 824-8178. You can also visit www.stmarytaylorville.org. 

Taylorville City Council met Monday evening for their second monthly meeting of September. The board along with Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry would recognize the FFA Livestock Judging Team for their hard work. The group made a trip the United Kingdom to which Mayor Barry called, “the trip of a lifetime.”  September 19th was named “FFA Livestock Judging Team day” in Taylorville. 

The board voted that Aldermen salaries would stay the same for the next year. The board approved the execution of a second amendment for Taylorville and the Business District Agreement. The board voted to approve the resolution between the City of Pana and Taylorville for the bike trail project. City Attorney Rocci Romano explained the details.

The board approved Chillifest downtown along with a block party on October 7th.  The board also approved the Class B Liquor License Application for Family Dollar. Mayor Barry spoke about some of the great things going on in Taylorville.

All committee motions were approved including a 50/50 IDNR grant, extended Sunday liquor sales, water treatment plant purchases, and the treasurers report. The next city council meeting is set for October 3rd. 

A group of five Republican Illinois legislators are holding an educational policy town hall in Arthur this Tuesday. 

Representative Brad Halbrook says it starts at 6 p.m. at Yoder’s Kitchen. 

This is the third town hall this group of legislators have hosted. Most recently, they discussed the Safe-T Act. 

Rep. Halbrook says that constituents consistently ask about the elimination of cash bail involved with the Safe-T Act. 

Whether it’s the Safe-T Act, or education in Illinois, Rep. Halbrook encourages you to vote during the November election. 

Find town hall information when you visit rephalbrook.com. Rep. Halbrook appeared as a guest on the Shelbyville WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville City Council is set to meet this evening for their bi-monthly city council meeting. After presenting the FFA Livestock Judging Team with the Youth of the Month, the board will review the minutes and discuss the salaries of the Aldermen for the City of Taylorville and discuss a business district agreement development. 

The board will review an intergovernmental agreement with Pana for the bike trail project and the downtown grant. The board plans to approve the police department transitioning from Verizon to First Net with AT&T. The board will look to approve a new vehicle for the cemetery board. Chillifest and the Car Show will be approved and the board will discuss Family Dollar getting a Class B Liquor License including extended Sunday sales.

Under committee reports, the board will look into an IDNR 50/50 grant, approve an actuator for the water treatment plant and an excavator, and the board will look at a motion to allow any and all classifications of liquor license holders to be eligible to opt-in for extended Sunday Sales from 6 AM until Noon and pay an additional liquor license fee of $100 for extended Sunday Sales, or $300 in total for any establishment adding regular plus extended Sunday sales. 

The board will hear from the City Attorney and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, along with any members of the public who wish to speak. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News at the conclusion of the meeting for more on what took place. 

The Taylorville School District has received a $25,000 check from current and past board member representatives of the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation.  The check has been donated for the auditorium and field house capital project.  The funds were a combination of a restricted endowment from the estate of Eleanor A.G. Kammerer for the construction of a pavilion for the performing arts and the remainder was supported by the Foundation’s operating budget for the 2022-2023 school year.  Ele Kammerer, the aunt of retired District #3 educator Susan Jackson, gifted the funds upon her death for the purpose of a pavilion. 

The Schools Foundation hosts an annual Spring Fundraiser making an annual appeal and accepting legacy gifts with either a restricted or unrestricted purpose.  The Schools Foundation exists to support the TCUSD #3 through mini-grants, all school grants, a district-wide grant, and an annual fund-a-need project. 
 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club and Taylorville Memorial Hospital are co-sponsoring a free bicycle rodeo in the hospital’s west parking area in front of Springfield Clinic, on Saturday, October 15th from 9 to 11am.

The event is also sponsored by the Taylorville Police Department and the Lincoln Prairie Trail Conservancy.  

Children and youth are urged to bring their own bike and helmet.  All attendees will be entered into a drawing for a new bike.

The bike rodeo will also feature a bike maintenance station, a skills/obstacle course, a helmet-fitting station, Safety and Rules of the Road bookles will be provided, and there’ll be giveaways and refreshments.

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

Taylorville Kiwanis Club collected non-perishable food and monetary donations in front of Miller Media Group studios at 918 East Park Street Saturday. 

All donations benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

Kiwanis member Duane Stock says that food and monetary donations can go a long way. 

Fellow Kiwanis member Brandon Bible is collecting food for the first time as a new Kiwanis member. He asks for non-perishable food. 

Monetary donations allow the food pantry to purchase bulk amounts of non-perishable food from the Central Illinois Food Bank much cheaper than a grocery store. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club will host its final drive-thru donation day at studios at the Miller Media Group front parking lot, 918 East Park Street in Taylorville, this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

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. 

A tour that had to be done virtually for the last two years will get its walking legs again this year, as the Illinois Grain Tour is set to begin on Tuesday, September 20th at many different stops throughout the state of Illinois.  The Illinois Grain Tour will host 40 international buyers from seven different Latin American Countries.  The Grain Tour is done in the hopes it will increase export sales for the Illinois grain industry.

Despite the last tours being virtual, over $20 million in projected sales were recorded from the virtual tours. Participants begin the tour by meeting with representatives from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.  The tour will make stops at RTS Farm in Auburn, GSI in Assumption, Clarkson Grain in Cerro Gordo, ADM in Decatur, Marquis Energy in Hennepin, Seedburo Equipment in Des Plaines, Delong Company in Joliet, Illinois Soybean Association, and MANNS Traders in Chicago. All participants are required to pay their own airfare and a participation fee will be required to join the tour.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello will meet with media members at GSI in Assumption. 

Pana will see grant relief thanks to support of State Senator Doris Turner.  Pana will see $38,000 in relief grants for economic development. Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program, Pana will see a grant to help local governments and economic development organizations develop and create plans to foster relationships with businesses. 

State Senator Turner says that RISE empowers local governments to create meaningful plans with a focus on specific initiatives and investments that support recovery from the pandemic.  Grants funded through ARPA will help improve the quality of life for community members by taking a comprehensive approach to economic development.  

Senator Turner praised RISE saying that investing in Pana will enhance and strengthen local businesses throughout the county. For more information visit the DCEO website. 

The new 4-H year has arrived. 

4-H Youth Development Coordinator for Christian County Alexis McDowell asks returning 4-H’ers to watch for the registration date. 

McDowell invites children from ages 5 to 18 to register. Clover Buds begin at age 5, and 4-H begins at age 8. McDowell says that the Clover Bud program is a great way to introduce kids to 4-H. 

McDowell is excited about a range of 4-H workshops coming in the next month. She says that the programs help 4-H participants in their year-long projects. There’s a little bit of fun mixed in, too. 

4-H in Christian County is looking for volunteers who possess a skill that they can teach to 4-H’ers. 

Learn more when you go to extension.illinois.edu. McDowell encourages you to pay attention to the Christian County 4-H Facebook, because that's where they will announce registration details. 

McDowell appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Much of family medicine involves taking charge of a patient’s medical care. 

That’s something SIU Family Medicine Dr. Amanda Krus-Johnston preaches in her day-to-day conversations. 

You can see Dr. Krus-Johnston to manage a range of issues medication can’t solve, as she is an Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment specialist.

Dr. Krus-Johnston also specializes in women’s healthcare. She says that a huge part of that involves cancer screenings.

SIU has a few clinics and vaccination days to pay attention to. You can go online to the Taylorville SIU website to find them. 

Krus-Johnston appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Los Rancheros Mexican Restaurant in Taylorville has re-opened after apparently resolving their issues with the state.

The restaurant had been closed by the state earlier this month for failure to renew their Business Certificate.

A Taylorville man has been arrested for the possession of child pornography.  54-year-old Todd E. Daugherty of Taylorville was arrested on September 14th after an ISP DCI Zone 4 investigation started in August.  The Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a one-count information, charging Daugherty with 1 count of possession of child pornography (a Class 2 Felony). An arrest warrant was issued for Daugherty and bond was set at $250,000 with 10% to apply. 

Daugherty was located by agents from ISP DCI Zone 4, the Taylorville Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  They found him at his residence.  Daugherty was placed under arrest and transported to Christian County Jail.

Daugherty appeared in court on Thursday in front of Judge Brad Paisley.  A bond hearing was held and bond was modified to $125,000 with 10% to apply. Conditions were placed that no social media, no internet without being supervised, no unsupervised contact with minors, and his preliminary hearing is set for October 7th at 11:30 AM.

Anonymous tips of child pornography can also be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s NCMEC cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com. 

A 14-year-old male from rural Litchfield is dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  On Saturday, September 10th at 3:02 PM, deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 9-1-1 call of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on private property located in rural Litchfield.  When Deputies arrived, they found a 14-year-old male suffering from a single gunshot wound.  

The 14-year-old, identified as Austin Robinson of Waggoner, was transported by the Litchfield Fire Department to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. He would be airlifted to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis Missouri where he would succumb to his injuries.  

The incident is under investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.  Litchfield Police also helped at the scene. 

The Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance is hosting a fundraising banquet at the Sullivan VFW located at 1132 IL 32, Sullivan, IL 61951 on October 1st, 2022.  This will help raise funds for continuing fish habitat improvements in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at Lake Shelbyville. 

The Alliance has gained national attention for its improvements to the lake. All proceeds from the banquet are set to go towards fish habitat improvements.  The Banquet will feature raffles, silent auction, and live auctions in addition to dinner.  Doors open at 4 PM and dinner will be served at 5:30 PM.  Tickets are available online by clicking on https://LSFHABanquet.eventbrite.com.  A maximum of 250 tickets will be sold for the event and any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

For more information about the event contact Natural Resource Specialist Cory Donnel at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at 217-774-3951, Ext. 7001.  

Students in the Diesel & Ag Power program at Lake Land College have an option to earn up to eight Kubota Tech Certifications via Kubota equipment and principles seamlessly woven into the existing Diesel & Ag Power courses.  Lake Land College will be hosting a Kubota Tech Open House on Tuesday, October 4th from 2:30 to 4 PM in the West Building Room 123.  Those interested in attending can either sign up at lakelandcollege.edu/visit or you can contact Division Chair Agriculture/Agriculture Instructor Ryan Orrick at 217-234-5208 or sorrick@lakelandcollege.edu.  

Students will train on a range of diesel and agriculture power equipment brands, including Kubota, to develop skills and techniques they will need to provide multifaceted employment opportunities to employers such as Kubota. After students complete the courses, they can earn stackable certifications through the National Coalition of Certification Centers testing, leading up to eight Kubota Tech credentials.  

The National Coalition of Certification Centers or NC3 is a value-driven organization and the future model for Career and Technical Education, creating highly-skilled, job-ready professionals through a growing network of educational partners and leaders. Through Kubota, technicians will have opportunities to work with sponsors and participate in internship programs.  Techs who work at a Kubota dealership are provided guidance from experienced technicians learning how to repair equipment correctly and efficiently.

Graduates of the program will have opportunities to work for Kubota as technicians in dealerships around the country.  The program provides job placement, excellent earning potential, great benefits, and the opportunity to work as a tech.  Graduates will use their newly acquired knowledge and skills to provide Kubota dealers and customers value.  

Someone who knows Taylorville all too well is buying up historic buildings on the Taylorville square. 

Cindy Frisina graduated from Taylorville High School, and she’s excited to announce she is working with investors and her own non-profit organization to revitalize the downtown area. 

Frisina’s owns Heartland Development Company, which plans on turning Renee’s Drug Store into a roof-top lounge and patio. 

Frisina works with a non-profit called Revitalize Rural America. It plans to create a 1,200 seat performing arts center much like the one in Effingham. 

The Union Block building on one of the corner’s will receive a face-lift on behalf of Heartland Development. There’s no word on what the company plans to do with the building once renovations finish. 

Frisina appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is working on new opportunities to assist communities where there are currently no wastewater collection or treatment facilities. The Illinois EPA is making $20 million available for grants through the Unsewered Communities Construction Grant Program. Funding Opportunity has been posted on the Illinois EPA website.  

Governor JB Pritzker says that in 2020 Illinois EPA committed to making 100 million in Unsewered Communities Construction Grants over the next five years.  This is the second round of funding for the program.  The first round provided funding to five communities that were announced late last year.  The CCGP is one of two grant programs that benefit communities that don’t currently have wastewater collection and treatment facilities. 

The grant money will be used for design engineering, construction engineering, and construction-related activities.  It also includes the abandonment of any old septic systems.  The goal is to provide a solution to the human health hazards and environmental impacts resulting from the lack of wastewater collection treatment.  For more information visit the IEPA website. 

Staying on top of your physical health can prevent injuries. 

That’s according to Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Youssef El Bitar. He specializes in orthopedic care, and practices at Pana Community Hospital. 

If you work a physical job, Dr. El Bitar wants you to make sure you are properly lifting heavy objects. This will help you avoid injury. 

Injuries can occur at a desk job, too. 

If preventative care fails, the staff at Pana Community Hospital, partly led by Dr. El Bitar, will take care of your injury from the initial appointment to the rehabilitation. 

Dr. El Bitar focuses on a range of orthopedic issues. He is available to see every Thursday in Suite 103 in Pana Community Hospital’s medical mall.

Learn more at panahospital.com. Dr. El Bitar appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A Central Illinois man pleaded guilty to felony charges for assaulting a law enforcement officer and assaulting a member of the media during the January 6th, 2021 Capitol breach. 44-year-old Shane Jason Woods of Auburn pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officers and a related federal assault charge. 

Woods was among those illegally on the Capitol grounds, joining a mob on the Lower West Terrace.  At 2:10 PM, an individual sprayed a Capitol Police Officer with a chemical irritant and fled.  The Police Officer pursued the person who sprayed her.  As she did, Woods lowered his shoulder and rammed into her, knocking her off her feet and sending her crashing into a downed bicycle barricade.  

Woods also gathered with numerous other rioters at 5 PM in the media staging area on the northeast side of the Capitol. He walked around some of the equipment that had been destroyed and tossed some of it himself.  A member of the news media attempted to walk away to protect himself and his camera.  Woods took a running start and hit the man with a blindside tackle, knocking him to the ground and damaging the camera. 

Woods was arrested on June 24th, 2021 in Springfield, Illinois.  He is set to be sentenced on January 13th, 2023.  The charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a law enforcement officer carries a maximum of eight years in prison, while the federal assault charge carries a maximum of one year.  Both charges carry financial penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence given.

The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for DC and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.  The US Attorney’s Office for DC, thanked the Central District of Illinois US Attorney’s Office for their support.  The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated the incident along with the Metropolitan Police Department and the US Capitol Police. 

The Taylorville Police Department is warning of phone scams that have been involving people claiming they are with the Taylorville Police Department or other police agencies.  Some are soliciting sales, some are claiming they are family who is in trouble and need money while others claim that you have a warrant and you have to pay.  

The TPD encourages you to not answer any unknown numbers. Just because caller ID says it’s a person you know, don’t automatically trust that it is them.  Some numbers can be “spoofed” allowing people to call you from a “legitimate number.” If someone is claiming to be your loved one and says they are in trouble, hang up and contact family.  The majority of the time, this is a scam that relies on you not double-checking to make sure the information is correct. 

Never ever buy gift cards for someone who is trying to get you to buy them to clear up a warrant or other issue. Banks and cashiers are trained to help protect you from scams, so always be honest if they ask questions in regard to large gift card purchases. Don’t be afraid to hang up and call back the business or organization if you think you’re being scammed.  

The TPD encourages you to trust your gut, don’t let yourself get scared, and never hesitate to verify who you are talking to. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from a local Financial Planner at their weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Blake Davis is a Certified Financial Planner with Edward Jones in Taylorville.  Davis gave an overview of the current investment landscape, noting that he expects the stock market to continue its sideways moves until the Federal Reserve is satisfied with what it’s done to curb inflation.

He added that Financial Planners like himself get paid to help investors thru times like this.  

He also passed out information from Edward Jones on the current investment climate.  

5 members of the Decatur Early Bird Kiwanis Club visited the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at their Tuesday noon meeting.

Local non-profit organizations that help children and youth are reminded that September 30 is the deadline to apply for Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation grants that will be considered by the Kiwanis Board at their October 4 board meeting.  The application is posted on the club’s Facebook page which can be reached at taylorvillekiwanis.com.

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.     

Maintenance ongoing for the Shelbyville Public Library. 

Director Monica Cameron says the library made some additions to landscaping surrounding the building, which they started last week. 

While it does look nice, Cameron says that the new landscaping serves another purpose. 

The work on the library is just beginning. 

This project will not stop the fall programs Shelbyville Public Library offers. Cameron says that there’s a program focused on reading to young children, and that is just scratching the surface. 

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

Now is the perfect time to plant a tree. 

Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension wants you to think about the future before you plant.

Podeschi adds that you should call 811 before you dig.

Fellow Master Gardener Sandy Klein says that the Help Desk is available for your gardening questions Thursday mornings through the rest of the month. 

If you’re looking for inspiration, there are a couple of tree walks to pay attention to in the coming weeks. Podeschi says the Extension office is holding a visit to a local arboretum Saturday, October 22nd. 

In the mean time, Podeschi advises against planting invasive species or trees that just aren’t happy in Illinois – like the Colorado Blue Spruce. 

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

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee met Monday night to further finalize plans for the 37th annual event just 19 days away on the Square October First and 2nd.

Event co-chair April Wolfe reported that both the main south stage, and the north stage, have entertainment completely booked both days.  

There’ll be 2 days of International Chilli Society sanctioned chilli cook-offs, chaired again this year by Tom Calvert, who told Regional Radio News after Monday night's meeting that cooks from several states come to Taylorville each year to cook and vie for cash and to qualify for the World Chilli Cook-off.

Some of Chillifest’s favorite attractions are back including some 56 arts and crafts vendors with more added daily, an interactive KidZone, pageants, the bags tournament, and the FFA kiddie tractor pull.

You’ll be able to eat a hot bowl of chilli and all the fixings this year after a 2-year hiatus, with chilli cooked on-site.   Cold quarts will also be sold in a drive-thru on the southeast corner of the square, as it’s been done the past 2 years.

Complete information on Chillifest can be found on the event web site, chillifest-dot-info, that’s chilli with 2-L’s.

Los Rancheros Mexican Restaurant in Taylorville remained closed as of Monday night, despite a post on their Facebook page that their issues with the state had been resolved.

Their September 9 post indicated that:

"We’re happy to announce that we have resolved our pending issues. 
However, we’re taking the weekend off to do some kitchen repairs and give our hardworking staff a weekend break to rest and recharge. 
We will be back Monday, September 12th regular hours along with Happy Hour! 
We appreciate the outpouring support from all of you.
Thank You,
Los Team"

The State of Illinois closed the restaurant last week, posting a notice on their door stating their Certificate of Registration had expired.  Regional Radio News learned thru the Secretary of State's web site, that their business certificate expired on January 14th of this year.

The Illinois Department of Public Health released data late last week that shows that COVID-19 treatments have helped to prevent nearly 8,600 hospitalizations over the last four months. The announcement comes as 68 counties in Illinois are at an elevated level for COVID-19.  The IDPH is encouraging all who are eligible, to get the new, updated booster shots.  Over 19,900 new covid cases have been confirmed and probable with 64 deaths since September 2, 2022. IDPH Spokesperson Mike Claffey says that the more they can keep away from the hospitals with treatment the better.

Vaccines continue to be shown to be effective against COVID-19.  The CDC authorized two new booster vaccines on September 2nd.  Claffey says you should see about getting the new ones to help against Omicron.

In the Regional Radio listening area, only Fayette County is listed at a high community level. At the medium community level, persons who are elderly or immunocompromised are asked to wear a mask indoors. They should also make sure to get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines or get their second booster.  

23,289,535 vaccines have been administered in Illinois.  The seven-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 5,825 doses.  In Illinois, at least 77% have received at least one vaccine dose, and more than 69% are fully vaccinated.  Find out more by visiting https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html. 
 

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office along with the Stonington Police Department investigated after people reported someone walking down tracks heading south out of Stonington. The incident took place last Wednesday when Stonington police saw an unidentified 18-year-old who started running.  Police asked to search his backpack and found some residue. The man took off running down the track when a train was coming. 

According to Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp the train coming through thought that they had hit something. After reviewing the tape they realized that the kid had taken off in the corn field.  After an extensive search around the train and in the corn field, A drone from the Taylorville Fire Department, ISP, and Norfolk Southern Police finally tracked down the man and took him to a hospital to have him checked out. 

The City of Taylorville Water Department will be doing water work Monday and Tuesday.  The Water Department announced they will have Vine Street closed at the Main Street Intersection Monday morning through Tuesday for water main replacement.

The department says you can still go to city hall and the police station by using Washington Street and Vine.  You can also use the Main Street parking area.  All library parking areas will be accessible as well.

For more information contact the Taylorville Water Department. 

The Taylorville local Policemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Illinois endorsed current State’s Attorney of Christian County Wes Poggenpohl for November 8th General Election.  The endorsement was made after a unanimous vote of all members by Unit 16. The president of Unit 16 says that endorsing Poggenpohl for State’s Attorney was because he has the same priorities, and has the knowledge, skill, and experience needed for the roll

The Police Benevolent and Protection Association of Illinois is an organization of full time and retired police officers.  It was founded in 1936.  There are currently over 200 units in the PBPA.

Christian County Health Department has vaccines available. 

Public Health Nurse Tricia Harkins says the department ordered the updated COVID-19 boosters last week. 

Harkins says flu shots are on the way. You do not have to wait for your flu shot after your COVID booster. 

The department offering drive-thru vaccine clinics – one in Taylorville and one in Pana. Harkins also invites local organizations to host their own drive-thru clinic. 

Wednesday, September 14th the health department will visit the Taylorville Fire Department for the first drive-thru clinic from 9 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Office Manager Debbie Phillips says they will also visit the Pana Fire Department Thursday, September 15th, at the same times. 

Learn more at cchdil.org. Phillips and Harkins appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Los Rancheros has announced they are reopening on Monday.  The Taylorville Mexican restaurant will reopen according to a Facebook post. The company had been closed down late last week after their certificate of registration had expired. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says the company was up to date on all of the city licenses including their liquor license. 

The company posted on Facebook earlier this weekend by saying, “Good evening, We’re happy to announce that we have resolved our pending issues. However, we’re taking the weekend off to do some kitchen repairs and give our hardworking staff a weekend break to rest and recharge. We will be back Monday, September 12th regular hours along with Happy Hour! We appreciate the outpouring support from all of you. Thank You, Los Team”

Demolition is nearly complete in downtown Pana, readying the site for construction of the new Jack Flash Truck Stop on Routes 16 and 51.

The project has been a long-time effort of Pana Pride, a local non-profit organization that's been working to better the community.

Several buildings in downtown Pana, many of which were empty and had structural and roof problems, came down to make way for the new business.

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, September 10th. 

Kiwanis Club member John Gardner says the donation drive presents an opportunity to clean out the pantry of some unwanted items and support a great cause at the same time. 

Fellow Kiwanis member Brenda Spurling says that she got involved with the Kiwanis Club to get involved and give back to the Taylorville community.

Gardner encourages anyone that is interested in joining the Taylorville Kiwanis Club to attend one of their weekly meetings.

Find more information on the club at taylorvillekiwanis.com.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club will hold their next Drive-Thru donation day next Saturday, September 17th from 9am-1pm with donations going straight to the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

The Illinois EPA is announcing the issuance of over 250 million dollars in water infrastructure loans to local governments and sanitary districts for the fourth quarter of the 2022 Fiscal Year.  The Illinois EPA State Revolving Fund Program provides low-interest loans which fund wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects.  In total for the entire year, the Illinois EPA issued over 557 million dollars in wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water loans.  

The City of Pana received a loan to upgrade the existing water treatment plant with a new Powdered Activated Carbon feed system and a new building to house the system.  The EPA says the current building is past its useful life.  The project will relocate the PAC feed system and storage to a dedicated building designed to meet current standards for hazardous environments. 

The Village of Butler in Montgomery County will construct a 73,000 gallon water standpipe, install a watermain, demolish the existing standpipe, and install other related equipment.  These projects the EPA says, will improve the Village’s water distribution system infrastructure.  Butler also received a $550,000 DCEO construction grant.

Schram City also in Montgomery County will install watermain, water meter reconnections, storm sewers, water services reconnections, sidewalk replacement, and other equipment.  

For more information check out the Illinois EPA website. 

You should make time to eat breakfast. 

That’s according to St. Louis Dairy Council Nutrition Educator Kelsey Bentlage.

Eating breakfast daily provides needed nutrition and, chances are, you will be a healthier person. The same goes for the kids. 

Now that you understand breakfast’s importance, Bentlage wants you to know what makes a good breakfast. 

Bentlage has a lot of suggestions for a balanced breakfast with an assist from dairy. 

Learn more at stldairycouncil.org. You can see the September breakfast meal and recipe of the month when you visit their Facebook or Instagram @stldairycouncil. 

Bentlage appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A local community college will be hosting an open house.  Lake Land College is hosting a Health & Public Services Open House on Tuesday, October 4th from 6 PM to 8 PM. The event is set to begin at the theater in the Luther Student Center on campus in Mattoon.  Anyone interested in a high-demand and rewarding healthcare career are invited to attend and learn about the college's programs including; Basic Nursing Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Nursing, Massage Therapy, Certified Medical Assistant, and Physical Therapist Assistant.

The Division Chair for Allied Health Erin Swingler welcomed high school students, parents, alumni, high school guidance counselors, and community members to learn why she feels Lake Land College is the best choice for achieving educational and professional goals.  Attendees will be able to meet with faculty, advisors, and student support staff to tour the facilities and learn more about career options in health care. 

There will also be ice cream, door prizes, and networking opportunities.  For more information and to register for the event, visit lakelandcollege.edu/visit. 

Los Rancheros in Taylorville has been closed. Regional Radio News has learned of the closure on Thursday evening and in following up on it found out through the Illinois Secretary of State that they were involuntarily dissolved in January of 2022. Their certificate of registration has been expired and Regional Radio News is working hard to get with the owners of Los Rancheros to find out more about why the restaurant is closed down. This is an ongoing story and we will have more on this as it becomes available. 

Meet the Christian County Health Department Interim Director Dr. Dave Remmert. He is coming out of retirement to meet the community need. 
 

Dr. Remmert considers this a community service. He is taking on this role without a paycheck. 

He also wants to make it abundantly clear that he will not be director for very long. Dr Remmert has his eyes set on hiring new staff. 

The Health Department is hiring nurses, office staff, and sanitarians.

Dr. Remmert addresses the current status of the Christian County Health Department and believes he has the tools to properly navigate the situation. 

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

Tennis and pickleball courts at Manners Park have been complete and with their restorations and are able to be used again and it's all thanks to a grant from the Taylorville Memorial Foundation. The grant which was $17,500 was provided through the Community Health Grant Program.  The Grant program was launched in 2021 to assist with funding health-related projects in Christian County.

Raedena Ryan, executive director of the Taylorville Memorial Foundation says that it is important to the health of the community to have clean and healthy parks and public spaces to give incentive to be outside.  She also added that investing in these types of projects creates more opportunities for people to play, exercise, and connect. 

The tennis and pickleball courts are the only public courts in Taylorville.  Prior to the restoration, the courts had been covered in cracks, faded paint, and other issues including wear and tear which made the spaces difficult to use and potentially dangerous. 

The grant funded the installation of 500 feet of crack treatment, installation of four sleeves for two pickleball courts, pressure washing, and resurfacing of both courts and court striping per guidelines established by the national assoications that regulate tennis and pickleball.  The courts also received new nets. 

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong using a paddle and a plastic ball.  While popular in the 1960's it has seen a resurgance of popularity. The Taylorville Memorial Foundation is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organized in 1995.  The foundation accepts financial donations to help further the mission of Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  For more information about the foundation or its Community Health Grant Program, visit memorial.health/tmf or call 217-707-5271. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced new plans to resurface a 6 mile project on Old Business 51.  The work will be done on OLD Business US 51/South Business Route 51 from US 51 south of Elwin to Cleveland Avenue in Decatur. 

The work will reduce US 51 to one lane in each direction at times, with traffic control using arrow boards, spotters, barricades, and message signs.  THe project includes resurfacing, curb and median repairs, and bridge repairs.  The bridges at the Illinois 105 intersection will also have its joints replaced and a deck overlay.  This will provide a smoother road surface and improve pedestrian safety.

Motorists should expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area.  To avoid getting stuck, use alternate routes when you can.  Drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers in the area.

IDOT is planning on improving more than 2,500 miles of highway and 10 million square feet of bridges over the next ten years.  It is part of a Rebuild Illinois capital program.  For more information, on IDOT projects visit Twitter at @idotdistrict7 or visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com.
 

September 30th is the deadline for local non-profit organizations in the Taylorville area to apply for grants offered by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club.  

The Club already funds high school and YMCA scholarships each year, but many times there are other requests for funding that come to the Kiwanis Board at various times of the year.  This effort is to request those organizations and events, to formally apply for funding.  Any application must be centered on how local children and youth will benefit.

This is the second consecutive year that the Club is accepting applications to provide grants to other non-profits in the Taylorville that have a similar mission to the Kiwanis Club, to benefit local youngsters.  

The application is available by going to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

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

If you live in Taylorville, you can receive a library card. 

That’s Library Director Ryan (Right-my-er) Reitmeier. He says kids who go to school in Taylorville, but don’t live in town, are eligible for a library card. 

If you live out of district, there is a fee. However, Reitmeier says the library will do everything it can to make sure you have free access to the library. 

The library is more than just books, but it does have a lot of them. 

Learn more at taylorvillelibrary.org. Reitmeier appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Make no mistake – the closure of the Taylorville Kroger is impacting the community. 

That’s co-director of the Taylorville Food Pantry, Amy Hagen. She says that Kroger’s disappearance from the Taylorville grocery scene is significantly hindering the food pantry’s ability to meet the community’s hunger needs. 

Hagen says that the food pantry has received goods from the Kroger in Decatur, but it is much less frequent than if the Taylorville Kroger stayed open. 

The good news is that the food pantry, despite Kroger’s absence, is not alone. Both Aldi and Walmart in Taylorville provide assistance to the pantry. 

On top of the support from local grocers, the Central Illinois Food Bank is always working with their partner agencies like the Taylorville Food Pantry. 

Public Information Officer Tim Kirsinikas says that the food bank is keeping a close eye on the situation in Taylorville, and that they are prepared to address the need as it continues. The Food Bank recently assisted another town in Central Illinois that lost their Kroger. 

Learn more at taylorvillefoodpantry.com or at centralilfoodbank.org. 

Kirsinikas and Hagen appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville City Council met on Tuesday evening for their regular city council meeting. New police officer Hannah Coleman was given the oath of office to officially swear in as an officer. 

The board then approved minutes from previous meetings and approved a couple of business district agreements. The board had a discussion about the application process for the Lakes and Parks Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with Mayor Bruce Barry voicing his concerns about putting too much money toward the lake when it could be spent elsewhere.

The board approved the motion to begin the application process and will continue to discuss which projects the money will be used on at their committee meeting this Thursday. The application must be submitted by September 30th.

The board discussed a motion to hire a Full Time Laborer Position at the Municipal Building but there were concerns on whether there would be enough work to make the position full time. The board voted to 4-4 tie and Mayor Barry broke the tie by voting no.

The board then heard updates from City Attorney Rocci Romano and Mayor Bruce Barry. The board also approved the Fire Department to buy a Dodge Durango and to equip the vehicle with warning lights and sirens. 

The next city council meeting is set for September 19th.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club honored their “Community Hero of the Month” at their weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Susie Traughber, a long-time organizer and volunteer of a program called “Dinner Seasoned with Love” that offers a free meal to Taylorville residents once a month, was presented a certificate by Kiwanis member Bruce Blanshan who nominated her.  Traughber also is involved in collecting school supplies to fill back packs for needy students in the area each year.

Tuesday’s meeting was the club’s monthly business meeting where committee reports were heard on Kiwanis activities to benefit children and youth in the Taylorville community.  Kiwanis Priority One chair Blanchan reported the recent effort with HSHS Medical Group to collect paper goods and hand sanitizers for Taylorville teachers, went well.  He added the club’s annual Kiwanis Kids’ Day which collects monies on the Harrison Corner and at Wal-Mart, takes place September 23rd and 24th.  

Kiwanis Attendance Chair Dick Wamsley presented a Perfect Attendance Award to member Larry Kemner for 9 years of perfect attendance, and to Will Perkins for 6 years of perfect attendance at meetings.

Kiwanis Funding Committee chair Randy Miller reminded members that applications for Kiwanis grants given to other non-profit organizations in the community that focus on children and youth, are being accepted until September 30th, with recommendations from the committee going to the full board at their October meeting.  The application is available at the club’s Facebook page, which you can reach by going to taylorvillekiwanis-dot-com.

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.     

Saturday, September 10th, bring your dog to the Taylorville Square for Taylorville Dog Days. 

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Allen loves this event for her dogs. When she’s not judging the contest, that is. 

The event happens each year on September 10th. 

Allen loves having the dogs on the square, because it brings their owners close to all the shops. 

Make sure you don’t miss the Farmer’s Market that Saturday. 

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

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Tuesday evening at 7 PM for their regular city council meeting. New police officer Hannah Coleman, will be given the oath of office. The board will review a couple of business district agreements. The board will look to approve a motion to complete an application process for a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  The board will also discuss a full-time laborer position at the municipal building. 

Under ordinances, the board will set a public hearing and a planning commission meeting for October 3rd concerning outdoor billboards or signs in the Taylorville Industrial Park and for solar energy systems. The board will look to add two heating and AC units by Yard Heating and Cooling at 1617 West Spresser.  The board will look to place the Ice Skating Rink at 307 West Main Cross on December 1st through the 4th. The board will look to approve a bid for Bidwell Street, Cheney Street, Esther Street, and City Hall Alley Improvements and a pay request. 

The board will look to approve the Fire Department to buy a Dodge Durango and to equip the vehicle with warning lights and sirens. The board will approve the treasurer’s report, ratify payment of bills, hear from the City Attorney, and from Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry along with any members of the public. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for the latest on the city council, at the conclusion of the meeting. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking qualified individuals to step forward and apply for positions to help with snow-and-ice removal across the state.  The seasonal position is part of the department’s “Snowbird” program.  IDOT hires snow removal operators and winter salaried highway maintainers to help maintain more than 45,000 lane miles statewide during the winter months. Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman says that while it’s summer it’s never too early to plan for winter weather.  

Snowbirds are required to promptly respond to emerging weather situations for snow-and-ice removal and it can be at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.  Applications must be submitted online by September 12th.  Find out more and apply by visiting https://illinois.jobs2web.com. 

Requirements are a CDL and submitting to a criminal background check.  A pre-employment physical and vision test as well as drug and alcohol screening are required.  Veteran’s preference is provided for these positions and IDOT encourages all veterans to apply. 

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience, and qualifications. For more information, click here. 

It’s Food Safety Education Month. 

That’s something University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson knows all about. She is using this month as an opportunity to dispel food myths. 

So, about that chicken breast – don’t rinse it off before you cook it. That’s one of the most important myths Peterson is trying to bust. 

When you are taking that chicken breast out of the freezer, you should allow enough time for it to thaw. You can’t just cook frozen chicken. 

This one isn’t a myth that Peterson needs to bust, but you should wash your hands before and after handling raw foods. This includes eggs. 

One myth that Peterson does want to dispel, however, is that you can’t get a food-borne illness if you are on a plant-based diet. 

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu/food. 

Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A Moweaqua man has been sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for Aggravated Battery. 27-year-old Timothy Sutton of Moweaqua was sentenced last week to three years in prison for the offense of aggravated battery, a class 3 felony.  Sutton could have gotten up to five years in prison. 

The incident took place on May 9th after Sutton was charged with striking an adult male with his fists at Crawford’s Pizza Pub at 200 South Main Street in Moweaqua.  Law enforcement ended up being dispatched at 9 PM for a fight in progress and when officers arrived there were many individuals out front of the restaurant.  An investigation, police say, revealed that a member of Sutton’s family had demanded winnings from a slot machine within the business from a developmentally delayed patron. The victim told the man to leave the developmentally delayed person alone and thirty minutes later showed up with Sutton who challenged the victim to a fight in the parking lot. When the victim exited the pub, he was attacked by Sutton, Sutton’s family member, and a female. 

State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke says that Sutton admitted to striking the victim and stated that he doesn’t remember anything after the first strike because he blacks out when he starts fighting. Sutton has previous felony convictions for aggravated unlawful use of weapons, aggravated robbery, and theft.  This is his third prison sentence. The case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.  

State Senator Doris Turner is urging residents throughout the 48th district to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP. This program helps customers receive energy assistance during colder months. As many seniors struggle with paying rising utility bills, State Senator Turner says it’s paramount that they know this assistance is available.

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients.  While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year recipients received an average of $1,330 per household. 

All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding runs out.  Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP.

Beginning this month, families can apply for help by visiting www.helpillinoisfamilies.com or by visiting their local agency.  Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance. Last year funding provided assistance to 302,000 households.  

Superintendent of Kincaid-South Fork School District Chris Clark is pulling a bit of double-duty. 

He is serving as an interim principal of the high school. 

He’s excited about the direction of the district’s Social Emotional Learning programs. 

Clark is focused on having a normal school year. That means back to normal on electronics policies involving cell phones. He says that “no cell phones in class” rule has been going pretty well. 

Kincaid-South Fork is known for their participation in the Capitol Area Career Center. Clark is thrilled to see more students from his district enrolled in those programs. 

Clark appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

All Secretary of State Offices will be closed on Monday, September 5th, in observance of Labor Day.  Offices and facilities operating on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule were closed on Saturday, September 3rd, while those facilities that operate Monday through Friday will be closed today and reopen on Tuesday, September 6th. 

Secretary of State Jesse White has extended all driver’s licenses, ID cards, and learner’s permit expiration dates to December 1st, 2022. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses and CDL-learner permits. In addition, the REAL ID deadline has been pushed to May 3rd, 2023. 

Feel free to visit the ilsos.gov website 24/7 for online services including checking eligibility to renew their driver’s license, applying for a duplicate driver’s license, renewing license plate stickers, or locating the nearest facility. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are reminding everyone that they are out in full force to arrest impaired drivers as part of a “drive sober or get pulled over” campaign. 

Cynthia Watters, IDOT’s Bureau Chief of Safety Programs and Engineering says it’s not worth the risk of large fines, increased insurance premiums, attorney fees, or potentially killing yourself or someone else. ISP is joining up with local police and sheriff departments to conduct high visibility enforcement during peak periods for impaired driving. 

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly says it doesn’t matter if it’s drugs or alcohol, it’s illegal to drive with them in your system. He encourages you to think before you drink.  It can affect you, your passengers, or other people on the road. 

The traffic safety effort also coincides with a radio, digital, and TV campaign called “It’s not a game.”  Find out more information by visiting www.itsnotagameillinois.com for more information.

A woman has been arrested for theft from the Taylorville Band Boosters.  46 year old Bobbi J. Ward of Taylorville was arrested Friday afternoon after the Taylorville Community School District contacted Taylorville Police Department concerning possible theft of money from the Band Boosters Account.  TPD did find evidence of theft. Ward was the treasurer of the Band Boosters and is not an employee of the school district.

Taylorville Police continued their investigation and Christian County States Attorney Wes Poggenpohl charged Ward with theft over $10,000 not to exceed $100,000 along with deceptive practices. The investigation is still ongoing.  

Pana Tri-County Fair Pageants mean new royalty. 

Pageant director Donna Kasier says that the title of 2022 Miss Pana Tri-County goes to Faith Maxwell of Taylorville. Morgan Hampton of Waggoner took home the crown for Teen Miss. While Adalee Reed from Pana won the title of Junior Miss. The Little Miss crown heads to Genevieve Beyers of Pana. 

Maxwell says the honor of Miss Pana Tri-County means everything to her. 

Kaiser also announced most of the runner ups. She starts off with the Miss category, and makes her way down the age groups. 

Again, Delaney Epley won first runner up for the Miss Category, Clair Kuhn claimed first runner up in the Teen Miss category, Junior Miss Runner Up went to Joli Morrison, and Aurora Marquis claimed First Runner up in the Little Miss category. 

Regional Radio News received an update on the latest going on at the Taylorville Kroger. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Kroger representatives were in on Wednesday to work on the refrigeration/freezer systems and to retrieve their security tapes.  SSI, who is the contractor on this, was in on Tuesday and Thursday to observe conditions in the store.  Illinois EPA was on hand all three days and continues to work with Kroger and the Attorney General’s Office towards cleanup of the facility. There is still no estimated time frame for when the cleanup will be finished.

A Raymond man has been arrested following a traffic violation complaint.  Montgomery Police say they were called to Raymond to investigate the complaint when they located the suspect vehicle in the village of Raymond and made contact with him.  Police say 40 year old Daniel J. Vickery of Raymond had a suspended driver’s license and outstanding warrants for his arrest.  Deputies than took Vickery into custody on the outstanding Montgomery County warrant; which had been issued for failure to appear on a possession of meth charge.  He also had an outstanding Sangamon County for failure to appear; driving on a suspended license.

Deputies located and seized approximately 117 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 12 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl. Vickery was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on charges of meth trafficking, controlled substance trafficking, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture/deliver a controlled substance, and the two outstanding warrants.  Vickery was additionally charged with driving on a suspended license. 

If you have any information regarding a crime, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging you to contact your local Law Enforcement Agency or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-352-0136.  Tips can also be reported to Crime Stoppers on-line or you can text a tip to CRIMES.

For communities that may need a “remodel” of their local park, there are grants available to help.  State Senator Doris Turner is urging communities to apply for grants through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program.

The Open Space Program is a state-financed grant that provides funding to local government agencies for acquiring or developing land for public parks and open space. Projects can vary from small neighborhood parks to large nature areas.

The program requires matching funds and offers complete assistance for economically disadvantaged communities. Applications are being accepted through September 30th, 2022 and should be submitted to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  Find out more by visiting the IDNR website. 

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office announcing some of the winners of their Cream of the Crop photo contest. 

Taylorville’s Drew Mickey took second place in his age category. 

That’s Treasurer Michael Frerichs. He says the state set up savings accounts for higher education for the winners.

Frerichs is excited to announce the state fair auction will return more than $200,000 to families through the iCash program. 

Frerichs personally auctioned off a bunch of items during the event taking place the second Saturday of the State Fair. He says they sold off a lot of expected items, but also some antiques. 

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

(Photo taken by Drew Mickey, courtesy of the Illinois State Treasurer's Office).

A Taylorville Vet Clinic has been awarded as a University of Illinois Extension 2022 Community Partner.  Northside Veterinary Clinic was nominated with an award as a 2022 Community Partner for its continued support of the University of Illinois Extension and the 4-H Program.  The U of I Extension program recognized veterinarian Dr. Randy Thompson and his staff for donating their weigh station, shed, and other services to help with 4-H beef weigh-ins.  This ensures that these weigh-ins run smoothly and they also provide judges for cat, dog, and rabbit shows. 

Christian County 4-H youth development program coordinator, Alexis McDowell says that community programs make programs successful. 

The University of Illinois Extension Office serves Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties. The award for Northside was sponsored by the Extension Council of University of Illinois Extension and the council plans to recognize a community partner throughout the four counties each year.  Extension Council is a volunteer board that serves in an advisory role cooperating with Extension staff in planning, promoting, developing, implementing, evaluating, and financing an Extension program designed to meet the needs, interests, and resources, of the local community.  
 

Ameren Illinois is informing the public about some recent scams in the area involving people pretending to be from Ameren. Brian Bretsch, Spokesperson for Ameren, says that scam’s sound legit but when you start digging into it you quickly realize that it’s not real. He says they have been targeting small businesses as well.

Bretsch says they don’t make calls like that.

He also says to be wary of people coming to your door posing as Ameren workers.

Bretsch encourages you to keep your private details and information to yourself such as credit card info and other secret information.  Again, if you suspect someone is a scam artist, hang up and call 1-800-755-5000.

Expanding learning outside of school is important for many school administrators. 

Superintendent of Nokomis School District Dr. Scott Doer is excited to offer his students career preparation options that do not involve going to college. 

Nokomis partners with other school districts to expand that trade experience. He also wants to influence kids who want to be educators. 

Dr. Doer is looking forward to seeing how the Montgomery County CEO students perform this year. 

He’s also excited about the future possibilities for the district. 

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

Pawnee School District had a busy summer while students were at home. 

Superintendent Tim Kratochvil says that the district received a grant to help renovate a couple buildings in the district. Supplies are an issue at the moment. 

Kratochvil says that he’s looking forward to the playground project at the elementary school. 

The district is still thinking about improvements to its school building. 

Kratocvhil says that the school board has seen a couple of ideas, but they have to narrow down the scope of their improvements before they can make any decisions. 

Kratocvhil appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.