Now is as good of a time as any for your organization to host a blood drive. 

Julie Bly is the Account Representative for Red Cross Blood Services and says there’s a huge need for blood. She adds that she enjoys setting up blood drives and explaining that need. 

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

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville is attempting to upgrade their mammography services.

Foundation Director Joel Fletcher invites you to the Golf Outing to support this effort in June. 

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

A large and steady crowd attended Saturday's Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Day at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Kiwanis members cooked the pancakes and sausage, and were assisted in serving by members of the Taylorville Kiwanis High School Kiwanis Key Club and Junior High Kiwanis Builder's Club.

Kiwanis member Larry Kemner was among those assisting in cooking sausage in the kitchen for the event.

Late shift pancake flippers were Kiwanis members Adam Jeffrey (left) and Duane Stock.

Kiwanis member Joe Hauser assisted the hospitality crew in the dining room.

Stock (left) and Jeffrey (right) were in full speed mode during mid-morning as the crowd was large and steady.

Kiwanis members Will Perkins (left) and president John Gardner (right) assisted in completing orders for both the dining room and carry-out.

All proceeds will benefit local Kiwanis projects for children and youth including Coats for Kids, YMCA and high school scholarships, child car seats, the Christian County CEO program, and local Kiwanis grants to other non-profit organizations with similar goals.

The Shelby County Health Fair brings visitors a chance to check out all the health resources of the community. 

Organizer Betty Watkins says the event is Thursday, May 4th. 

It’s also a great chance to pick up goodies. 

Watkins says there are a variety of screening opportunities. 

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu. Watkins appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

If you’ve only recently started to receive Social Security Income, then you might be wondering when you will receive your monthly check. 

Public Affairs Specialist Jack Meyers says that it depends on when your birthday is. 

You can learn more at ssa.gov. Meyers appeared as a gues ton the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville, Christian County, and Central Illinois turned out in big numbers Friday during the 2nd day of the 4-day Grand Opening of the Farm and Home Supply on Illinois Route 104 in Taylorville.

Store Manager Katelyn Lotz told Regional Radio News during a live broadcast from the store Friday on WTIM, that the response has been great both Thursday and Friday.

Lotz added the Grand Opening specials with no sales tax being charged, has been a big draw with large dollar purchases.

The Grand Opening special pricing and no sales tax being charged, continues at Farm and Home Supply in Taylorville thru Sunday.

The Christian County YMCA, along with their Board of Directors, and Executive Committee issued a statement to bring clarity to the recent ongoing investigation over the theft incident. Lori Zeitler, was indicted by the US Attorney’s Office on five counts of wire fraud. Over the last four years, the Y has worked with the Taylorville Police Department, ISP, The FBI, the US Attorney’s Office, and the US Department of Justice.  

Bruce Blanshan, YMCA Executive Director, says that the pandemic and the judicial system backlog have prolonged the process.  He says the Y continues to communicate and pursue justice with the FBI. A status hearing is set for Zeitler for May 25th and a trial date is set for June 6th at 9 AM at 600 E. Monroe Street in Springfield.

Blanshan says that the YMCA has implemented several new financial protocols, practices, and policies to further prevent theft.  Some measures include extra accountants for auditing purposes, 29 cameras throughout the building, constant cross-checking, and multiple people responsible for monitoring cash flows and electronic funds to ensure finances.  

Blanshan continued by thanking the community for its continued support and patience while resolving this case. He says the public is welcome to call the US Attorney’s Office or attend the upcoming court dates if they have any concerns. 

Taylorville Farm & Home Supply are celebrating their grand opening this weekend with plenty of events, sales, prizes, and other activities taking place to celebrate.  The four day sale runs through Sunday April 30th and features giveaways and great deals.  They held their grand opening ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon with plenty of guests, Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, and City Aldermen.  

Taylorville Farm and Home is located at 1160 E. 1500 North Road in Taylorville.  Check out their website at https://www.farmandhomesupply.com/.  To see their ad, click here. 

University of Illinois Extension Office serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties recently hired an Economic Development Educator. 

Meet Valerie Belusko, who previously served as a program coordinator with the extension office in Montgomery County. 

Belusko spent nine years in Effingham working with economic development organizations before making her way to Montgomery County. 

Belusko says that she’s concerned that there are not going to be enough new workers to replace retiring ones. 

The good news is that Belusko has seen volunteerism increase in recent years. 

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

The Illinois House Republican lawmakers formed a public safety working group earlier this year.  The concern is the rising crime rates. Members of the group held a press conference to discuss legislation including a number of bills that will address the rise in crime and ongoing uncertainty in current state law.  The group which ahs been working since January, has put together a package of 20-plus bills to further strengthen public safety in the state. 

State Representative Patrick Windhorst talks about some of the legislation he hopes to see pushed through that will help strengthen the fight against crime.

State Representative Dennis Tipsword says that he feels that criminals are conditioned that there are no consequences for their actions.

State Representative John Cabello says that recruitment is also taking a hit. 

State Representative Dan Ugaste touched on cash bail and the impact on the state.

Pretrial reform is also something that State Republicans are concerned with. House Republicans feel that crime is one of the top concerns in the general assembly. 

Lincoln Land Community College wants to connect students with potential employers. 

Josh Collins, Assistant Vice President of Business Relations, says that’s what LLCC is trying to accomplish with Handshake. 

Collins says many employers are already using Handshake to recruit college students. 

With so many employers already using Handshake, that makes it easier for college students to find jobs. 

Collins says that Handshake is easily accessible on your smartphone. 

Collins says it’s for employers to sign up for Handshake.

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

This is your last reminder to attend the Kiwanis Annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Saturday morning. 

Member Chuck Martin says that this is a big weekend for the Taylorville chapter’s fundraising efforts. 

Fellow member Will Perkins says there’s a wide variety of projects Kiwanis handles in the Taylorville community. 

You don’t have to eat your pancakes and sausage at the Moose Lodge – you could pick them up in the drive-thru.

Perkins invites you to the event starting at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, that’s tomorrow, at the Moose Lodge. Pancakes stop hitting the griddle at 11:00 a.m. 

You can purchase tickets today at TCCU in Taylorville, People’s Bank & Trust, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, or at the door of the Moose Lodge. 

Learn more at taylorvillekiwanis.com. Perkins and Martin appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Hillsboro Police arrest a 24-year-old man for Attempted Murder, a Class X Felony, and two other charges.

Police say they responded to a domestic violence call on Hiltop Dr. in Hillsboro around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 26th. 

Officers arrived and discovered the grandmother at the residence had been stabbed in the head with scissors. 

A K9 unit could not locate the suspect at the residence. A manhunt ensued, taking place near the woods along Hillsboro Area Hospital and HHS. 

At approximately 11:45 a.m., a police officer located 24-year-old Tobey A. Wright of Hillsboro walking the railroad track near the intersection of E. Tremont St. and Railroad St. 

Officers took Wright into custody and booked him in the Montgomery County Jail on charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Domestic Battery, and Interfering with Report of Domestic Violence. 

The victim of the incident received treatment and has been released from hospital care.

There is even more money in the Illinois State Rainy Day Fund.  Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced a $350 million transfer to the Rainy Day Fund on Wednesday.  The fund has a balance of $1.58 billion which is near a record high.  Comptroller Mendoza announced Wednesday that the state’s total accounts payable has fallen to a new low of $478 million, a low not seen since July of 2008.  The state’s backlog of unpaid bills had risen to a high of $16.7 billion but this has been paid down.  

This is all part of a $850 million supplemental appropriation the legislature and Illinois State Governor JB Pritzker adopted in January. Comptroller Mendoza says that the rainy day fund is extremely healthy considering in August of 2018, the reserve account had stood at just $48,327.53. Comptroller Mendoza continues to call for regular automatic deposits into the Rainy Day Fund. 

Comptroller Mendoza announced on Monday that Illinois’ total General Funds accounts payable, including liabilities reported by state agencies via her landmark Debt Transparency Act Report, dropped to less than $1 billion for the first time in 15 years.  The accounts payable stood at $941 million on Monday, during a time when state revenues are higher due to the income tax deadline. 

Find out more by visiting Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s website at https://illinoiscomptroller.gov/. 

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville announced it will be participating in the nationally recognized DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing.  The first DAISY award-winning recipient will be recognized during National Nurses Week held on May 6th through the 12th. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory J. Patrick Barnes who passed away at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or ITP. 

Nominations for future DAISY Awards at Good Shepherd are currently being accepted.  Patients and visitors are encouraged to share and submit their story of witnessing excellent and compassionate care.  To nominate a nurse who you want to see win a DAISY Award, visit hshsgoodshepherd.org/nominate. 

Karla Dixon, Director of Nursing at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital says that she is proud of the nurses on staff.  “Our nurses deserve to be recognized and praised for their extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day, and the DAISY Award provides a way for us to do that.” 

For more information about the Daisy Foundation visit www.daisyfoundation.org or visit hshsgoodshepherd.org. 

The Taylorville Community Unit School District #3 will present the Annual Spring Music Festival Friday evening, April 28 at 7:00 PM in the THS West Gymnasium. This long standing tradition will feature musicians in fourth grade through high school. The evening will begin with choir performances. The 4th and 5th Grade Choir will be performing classic television themes. The Combined 6, 7& 8th Grade Chorus will be performing “Charley Puth Medley” by Ron Ninmer. The Combined THS Choirs will be presenting the music of Billy Joel.

The instrumental portion of the event will begin with the 5th Grade Band performing “Olympia” by Brian Balmages. The 6th Grade Band will perform the hit from the Top Gun movies, Danger Zone. The 7th and 8th Grade Band will perform music from popular video games with “Epic Gaming Themes" and the THS Band will perform music from the classic film “The Wizard of OZ.” The evening will conclude with the traditional combined performances of “God Bless America” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

It’s Prom season for high school students, and area school superintendents want to make sure everyone stays safe. 

Nokomis School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Doerr says that parents should have a conversation about prom night expectations with their kid. 

Nokomis will offer an After Prom Party to give students a safe place to celebrate their achievements. 

At Kincaid-South Fork School District, Superintendent Chris Clark says that they are offering something similar. 

Dr. Scott Doerr and Chris Clark appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Equity is excited to announce their 2023 Earn and Learn with The Equity scholarship recipients. Each year, the scholarship is opened to high school seniors and current community college, junior college, university, or trade school students. Eligible students include those majoring in Marketing, Business, Accounting, Agriculture, Precision Ag, Automotive, Diesel Technician or Technology.

This year, five students are scholarship recipients:

- Mariah Apke is a senior at Neoga High School majoring in Business at Eastern Illinois University in the Fall of 2023.

- Gavin Koontz is a senior at St. Elmo High School majoring in IT and Ag Business at Lake Land College in the Fall of 2023.

- Baili Gore is a senior at Carlyle High School majoring in Business Marketing at Kaskaskia College in the Fall of 2023.

- Brant Bowker is a senior at Pana High School majoring in Ag Sales at Lake Land College in the Fall of 2023.

- Dawson Smith is a Teutopolis High School graduate currently attending St. Louis University majoring in Econ – Marketing.

The Equity Scholarship will bring a unique learning opportunity to these students as they will gain hands on job experience through paid internships at The Equity during their college careers. 

After college graduation they will have the reassurance of a full time job lined out with The Equity’s Agronomy Department. For more information about the program, visit www.theequity.com.

April is Financial Literacy Month. 

Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration Jack Meyers says that mySSA.gov has a lot of tools that can help you plan future finances. 

Meyers says that mySSA is user friendly. 

Meyers wants you to know about their Supplemental Security Income program. 

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

4-H junior leadership members from Christian, Jersey, Macoupin. Montgomery, and Counties took part in the 4-H Ag Career Exploration trip to Springfield, IL on April 10. Participants explored education and career paths in agriculture. The group visited three locations: Lincoln Land Community College-Kreher Center, Brandt Headquarters, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. 

The day was filled with facility tours, hands-on learning stations, and career advice from current professionals in the field. Bill Harmon, Rich Teeter, and Elizabeth Conrady at LLCC provided information on ag education and guided the youth through simulations related to horticulture, precision farming, and animal science. Rod Riech from Brandt offered a tour of the headquarters, presented on the history of Brandt, and also gave insight to current trends in agriculture. Riech was full of excitement for the future of agriculture and encouraged youth who have a passion for ag to pursue it and take advantage of all the opportunities out there. 

The discussion panel at the Department of Ag included a variety of professionals that provided insights into different career paths in the field. Through educational opportunities like this, 4-H hopes to spark interest in agriculture and help provide youth with information to help them make the best choices for their future career planning decisions.

4-H Members attending from Macoupin County were as follows: Carter Joiner, Saralynn Joiner, Payton Harding, Hallee Kaburick, Josiah Schuette, Luke Wolff, Ethan Cloninger, Caleb Cloninger, Isabella Gilbreth, Natalie Royer, Johnathan Royer, and Reese Heyen.

Montgomery County 4-H members: Emma Hughes, Amanda Niemann, and Fallon Knodle.

Jersey County 4-H participants: Keeley Shoemaker and Ava Pulley.

Christian County 4-H member: Adelaide Dunkirk.

If you are interested in finding out more about 4-H, call the University of Illinois Extension Office at 217-287-7246.

As Illinois considers ways to achieve its goal of relying entirely on clean energy by 2050, one technology that has courted controversy is carbon capture. Carbon capture is a method whereby carbon dioxide, a common greenhouse gas, is placed in long-term storage, usually by injection into wells in geologic formations thousands of feet underground. These wells take advantage of empty “pore space” in subsurface structures. It is sometimes referred to as carbon capture, utilization and sequestration, or CCUS.

The carbon capture industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, particularly as high emissions industries look for ways reduce their carbon footprint. With several planned projects in the state, some lawmakers are looking at how to regulate it to ensure safety for people living near pipelines or sequestration wells. The Illinois Basin, an underground structure covering roughly 70 percent of the state, has drawn interest from those working on carbon capture technology for decades, according to the report. The basin is also home to the country’s first commercial-scale carbon sequestration project — a 6,800-foot-deep storage well on the grounds of the Archer-Daniels-Midland Company in Decatur.

The report identified some regulatory gaps at the state and federal level, including a lack of clear law around pore space ownership, the lack of federal regulation around eminent domain for CO2 pipelines and the need for long-term stewardship and oversight over storage sites.  House Bill 3119 would ensure that a company engaging in carbon transport or injection is solely liable for any damages caused by carbon dioxide transportation. It would also establish that the owner of surface land also owns the title to the “pore space” underneath it. This is the underground area into which carbon dioxide can be injected. The bill would also establish a permitting structure for carbon capture projects and requirements for setbacks from occupied land, alongside a fee structure to fund the new regulatory mandates.

Another set of bills, House Bill 2202 and Senate Bill 2153, have support from industry groups like ADM, Navigator CO2 and the Illinois Manufacturers Association. They’re being sponsored by Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago. These bills don’t regulate the transport of carbon dioxide, such as through a pipeline like the Heartland Greenway project. The bills codify pore space ownership and create an application process at the Department of Natural Resources for companies to follow when obtaining rights to use pore space.

Some residents and landowners in these counties are staunchly opposed to the development. Among their concerns: the risk of a pipeline rupture and potential water contamination at the pipeline’s endpoints. Karen Brocklesby, a Christian County resident who was approached to sell pore space under her family’s farm for CO2 storage, spoke to lawmakers on Monday. Under a 2011 state law, pipelines must be granted a certificate of authority from the Illinois Commerce Commission. In February, Navigator filed an expanded application, adding 42 miles of pipeline to its previous application. A final decision is expected from the ICC before January of next year.

While Navigator did not respond to questions about these concerns, they did say that they plan to comply with all relevant guidelines, including any potential rules for safety from PHMSA. 
 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the 2 Taylorville School Resource Officers during their weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Sargent Alan Mills (right) and Officer Kirsten Beaman (left), both from the Taylorville Police Department, serve in the various buildings of the Taylorville School District as School Resource Officers.   Sargent Mills told Kiwanis members their job is a combination of serving as a deterrent preventing incidents from occurring, as well as building trust between students and the law enforcement community.

Officer Beaman told Kiwanis members that, as the officer serving at the elementary schools and junior high, bullying has been an increasing issue and she has done a lot of work to educate children on its consequences.  She added she builds trust with students by being a math tutor.

Both stressed they get direction from the School District since they are in district buildings.

The public is reminded to attend this Saturday’s annual Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast from 6:30 to 11am at the Moose Lodge.  Tickets are available from Kiwanis members or at the door.   The event is one of the largest fund-raisers of the year for the Kiwanis Club, providing monies for local projects such as Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, and Kiwanis high school scholarships.

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.   

Longtime volunteers with Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Quilters recently took on a new challenge and sewed fidget blankets for hospital patients. Fidget blankets are blankets that provide sensory and tactile stimulation for patients with restless hands-often due to Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.  The blankets feature tasks that are easily accessible on the lap blankets such as zippers, ties, clips, or even Velcro.  These blankets help comfort, provide distractions, and can be used for patients who may get aggravated easily.

Specialty blankets were done by the Auxiliary Quilters who have been making quilts since 1970.  Kim Bourne, President and CEO of TMH says that since this is Volunteer Appreciation Week, the hospital is recognizing their creativity, talent, and heart. The TMH Auxiliary Quilters began in the 1970s to raise money fo the hospital and have raised thousands of dollars over the years.  If you are interested in becoming a Memorial Health volunteer, visit memorial.health for more information. 

With redistricting, State Senator Steve McClure has opened a new legislative office in Effingham. Senator McClure says with ten counties to serve they had to open up a new office.  

Senator McClure says that it’s already seeing business. 

Senator McClure highlighted some of the things that his office does.

Again, Senator McClure’s new office  is located at 208 North 4th Street, Suite B, in Effingham. 
 

Homelessness has increased in many rural communities – including Christian County.

System Director of Community Health for Memorial Health Becky Gabany says that nearly two thirds of the Christian County homeless or at risk population have an income. 

She adds that the lack of mental health resources are a factor in homelessness.

Gabany invites you to the summit on homelessness from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26th at the Taylorville Municipal Building.

Gabany appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Park District swore in the new Park Board, approved a new dog park, and budget at their monthly meeting. The board heard from Quinn Broverman, who passed around the new approved budget to get final approval.  The board passed the annual budget for 2023-2024.  

Quinn Broverman helped swear in the new members for their new term.

The board discussed quite heavily a new dog park to be put in Manners Park.  President Marlane Miller says that they have an area near the maintenance shed that will work out for the dog park. Miller gave out some of the details of what she has discovered.

Tanya Reno suggested $15 per dog per year due to increased expenses from the park.

Bailey Hancock had some concerns over noise levels from trains riling up the animals, losing sight of the dogs around corners, and other maintenance work that still needs to be done.

The motion to put the dog park by the maintenance shed passed 3-2 with Sue Phillips and Jeff Hancock voting no. 

The board heard from Hancock who gave her monthly update in which she informed the public that it is trout season. 

The next park board meeting is set for May 22nd, 2023. 

Shelbyville Family Life Center is hosting a 5k Run and Walk to celebrate life. 

Linda Spindler is the Development Director for Shelbyville Life Center. She says the 5k is for a good cause. 

Spindler says that they are continuing the legacy from the last center. 

Assistant Director Dawn Adrian describes the history of Family Life Center

The 5K is Saturday, April 29th. Learn more on the Family Life Center Facebook. Adrian and Spindler appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Demolition has begun to tear down an older portion of Taylorville High School to make way for the new Performing Arts Center and Field House addition.  Work is being done by Midwest Construction Professionals of Morton.

Teresa Nelson, an Account Manager wtih the Miller Media Group in Taylorville, won the company's "Employee of the Year" award earlier this month.

Those voted on by employees for "Employee of the Quarter" had their names put in a drawing earlier this month, with Nelson's name being drawn as the company's "Employee of the Year."

Nelson has been with the Miller Media Group some 12 years, and has over 30 years of media experience.

Nelson received a certificate and a 750-dollar bonus, and her award was presented by General Manager Kami Payne (left).

The Illinois Broadcasters Association has awarded WTIM Radio in Taylorville with a Silver Dome Award for best sports play-by-play in small market radio across the state.

WTIM received the award for an entry in the statewide competition submitted by station announcer Avery Cooper, for play-by-play of a December 17th, 2021 live broadcast of the Taylorville girls basketball team's game against Mahomet-Seymour at Dolph Stanley Gym in Taylorville.   The Lady Tornadoes won the game 61 to 49.

The award was announced at last fall's Illinois Broadcasters Association Annual Convention.

Caption to picture from the left:   WTIM General Manager Kami Payne; WTIM sports announcer Avery Cooper whose play-by-play won the station the statewide award.

Saturday's Christian County C-E-O Trade Show at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall had a great turnout for the 12 C-E-O students to premiere their retail or service business.

C-E-O Facilitator Neil Hohenstein told Regional Radio News during our live coverage on WRAN groovy 97-point-3, that the students did an outstanding job showcasing their business.

Hohenstein added that the students introducing a service rather than selling retail items learned how to market the produce as well as the Trade Show.

Find out more on the Christian County CEO program at christiancountyc-e-o-dot-com.

You could have unclaimed cash or property waiting for you in a state-owned vault. 

You can learn more about the iCash program at icash.illinoistreasurer.gov. There is a chat bot named “Abe” that can assist you with basic unclaimed cash or property questions. 

Frerichs appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Macon County Conservation District offers mini camps to young children. 

Director of Program Services Alyssia Callison says that this month’s kit is “Weather or Not: Sun Mini Camp.” This teaches kids ages 1 through 5 about the weather and how the sun plays a factor.

Callison says there are a variety of summer camps for the older kids this summer. 

Pick your kits up at Rock Springs Conservation Area southwest of Decatur. The mini camp is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 April 26th or 27th.

Callison appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County YMCA Healthy Kids Day is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29th. 

Director Bruce Blanshan says there are a variety of community organizations involved. 

Blanshan says that kids have an opportunity to win a free bike. 

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

Learn how to manage a raised bed with a free in-person course next month. 

University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger is excited to teach the benefits of a raised bed from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 17th at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. 

Those benefits can include easier maintenance on your garden and soil control. 

Holsinger says raised beds can be easier on your body while you maintenance your bed. 

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

The grain elevator structure at Willey’s Depot experienced some wind damage from Thursday evening’s storm, focing Route 48 to close for some time. 

Christian County EMA Director Jeff Stoner says there’s no imminent collapse to the elevator. 

Stoner says to be aware of potential debris as you drive by Willey’s Depot. 

Stoner says that its unclear what the next steps are for the structure at this time. 

The Christian County Sherriff’s Office says that its working with the County Board to address the issues of the Christian County Jail. 

According to Chief Deputy Jim Baker, Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp has approached the board members about improvements more than once. 

The office requested the inspection from the fire department so that they could approach the county board with renovations. 

According to the inspection, which Regional Radio News received from a Freedom of Information Act Request, the Christian County Jail currently has structural beam rust issues, electrical problems, fire retardant material is missing, and Sheriff Kettelkamp has previously said multiple times the jail is over capacity. Chief Deputy Baker echoed the over capacity sentiment. 

Chief Deputy Jim Baker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville High School Band, Choir and Jazz Band traveled to Williamsville High School on Friday, April 14 to perform in the IHSA State Organizational Music Contest. This contest features each ensemble performing as a whole for a panel of three professional music adjudicators and audience members.

The ensembles are then evaluated against the standard of perfection and given ratings as follows: Division I (superior) - a performance that is outstanding in nearly every detail; Division II (excellent)- a performance that contains only minor defects; Division III (good) - a performance that lacks finesse and/or interpretation; Division IV (fair) - a performance that contains basic weakness; and Division V (poor) - a performance that is unsatisfactory.

The THS Choir received a Division II (excellent) rating for their performance of the selections: Cantate Domino by Hans Leo Hassler and edited by Norman Greyson; In Time Of Silver Rain by Audrey Snyder; and Wade In The Water arranged by Mark Hayes. The THS Band received a Division I (superior) rating for their performance of the selections: A New Beginning by Mark Ninmer; Shenandoah by Frank Ticheli and Jubilant Prelude by Claude T. Smith. The THS Jazz Band received a Division I (superior) rating for their performance of the selections: Check Your Swing by Doug Beach, Portrait of Sydney Bechet by Duke Ellington and Belly Ache Blues by Peter Sciaino.

Taylorville Police Department made two separate drug-related arrests over the past three days. 

Tuesday, April 18th, Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says the Community Action Team arrested 34-year-old Lucas Fenton of Litchfield for possession of methamphetamine and possession of meth with intent to deliver 15-100 grams of methamphetamine. Wheeler thanks State's Attorney John Mcward for approving the charges and moving forward with a $200,000 bond.

Thursday, April 20th, Taylorville Police received a tip that 51-year-old Sean P. Curtis of Decatur has a Federal Warrant for Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine. Officers posted a vehicle near the tip location from a U.S. Marshal Task Force and arrested Curtis for Possession of Methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver 15-100 grams. Police also arrested the passenger of the vehicle, 40-year-old Chad Wilber of Decatur for possession of meth. 

Chief Wheeler says that he is proud of the Community Action Team, which consists of Assumption Police, Edinburg Police, Morrisonville Police, Kincaid Police, Stonington Police, and Taylorville Police. He also credit the relationship the departments have with citizens helping authorities clear drugs off the street. 

Christian County CEO, or “Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities” students are displaying their individual businesses at their Trade Show from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22nd at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall. 

Facilitator Neil Hohenstein reflects on a successful year. 

Hohenstein describes how CEO benefits the entire community. 

Besides the ability to run a business, CEO teaches students a variety of skills to help them in day-to-day situations. 

Hohenstein invites you to the Trade Show this Saturday. It’s a free event, again, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22nd, at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall. 

Learn more at christiancountyceo.com. Hohenstein appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Students in the Christian County CEO, or Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities program, appeared on three of the Miller Media Group radio stations on Thursday to promote their businesses that will be on display at the third annual Trade Show tomorrow, April 22, from 1-4pm at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

Sophia Robinson, Darrian Ippolito, Alaina Calloway and Bryeson Tellor appeared on Groovy 97.3 WRAN.

Robinson runs a video production company called Mirrorball Media that makes promotional videos for local businesses in Christian County.

Ippolito sells scented candles through his business, DJI Candles.

Calloway runs Ivy Fine, an online boutique that helps make gift buying easy.

Tellor has been running his lawn care business for four years.

The Christian County CEO Trade Show is free and open to the public and takes place tomorrow from 1-4pm at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

Central A&M School District is looking for a new superintendent. 

Current Superintendent Dr. DeAnn Heck is taking a new job in El Paso-Gridley as the superintendent and her tenure at Central A&M ends in late June. 

More information about the job posting on the Illinois Association of School Administrators website. 

Good luck to Dr. Heck. She appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The 12 students in the Christian County C-E-O, or Creating Entreprenurial Opportunities program, appeared on 3 of the Miller Media Group radio stations Thursday to promote their Saturday Trade Show at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall from one til 4.

Macy Richards, Jonathan Scott, Grace Jeffrey, and Brian Short appeared on WSVZ Cruisin' 98-point-3.

Richards will premier a furniture refurbishing business.

Scott shared about the business he'll be premiering Saturday.

Jeffrey said she turned her love to clean, into a business.

Short partered with another CEO student to form their new business.

Saturday's event is free and open to the public, and again is from one til 4 at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

Several of the CEO students appeared on the WRAN groovy 97.3 Morning Show.

And several CEO students appeared on the WTIM Morning Show.

Area school districts are wrapping up the 2022-2023 School Year. 

That’s Superintendent of Taylorville School District Dr. Chris Dougherty. 

At Central A&M School District, Superintendent Dr. DeAnn Heck says her school district has a lot of events on the way and some good news in the FFA department. 

Dr. Heck says that her district experienced a lot of growth despite a tough start to the school year. 

Dr. Dougherty says Taylorville School District had a successful year and she hopes they can continue that momentum into next year. 

Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Heck appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

 To remove barriers for motorcyclists, State Senator Doris Turner spearheaded a measure through the Senate Transportation Committee that would remove the requirement to complete a driver’s test with the Secretary of State.

“Young motorcyclists have to take repetitive, unnecessary tests to get their license,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Removing this requirement is an easy fix to speed up the process.”

House Bill 2582 would remove the requirement for a motorcyclist under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle driver's examination with the Secretary of State. Under current law, 16 to 17 year old motorcyclists are required to complete a Cycle Driver Testing Course provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and an additional examination by the Secretary of State.

“This initiative doesn’t lessen requirements for these drivers, but eases the process by removing a duplicate test,” Turner said. “This is one step we can take to get rid of a redundant process.”

House Bill 2582 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Shelbyville High School announces their April students of the month. 

Here are the Cruisin 98.3 WSVZ Family Drug Students of the month for April 2023.

Freshman Hank Frederick

Sophomore Adeline Lockart

Junior Madison Roberts

Senior Bo Hilbert

Congratulations to these students!

Since Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs took office in 2015, the Ag Invest program has lent over $1 billion to farmers to modernize their farm or purchase land. 

That’s a big chunk of money for eight years. In its 40 year history, the program has lent over $5 billion. 

Frerichs adds that agriculture isn’t cheap to produce. 

For a longer term loan, Frerichs says that you can borrow up to $800,000 for your farm. 

There are annual loan options with the Illinois Ag Invest program, too. 

Frerichs wants to remind youth to submit their photo to the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest by June 12th. 

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

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening to discuss old and new business, hear from the public,and discuss committee reports.  The meeting was a full house resulting in yet again, the meeting needing to be moved to the courtroom on the third floor. The board heard some public comments concerning an anhydrous plant being built and spending at the jail.  

The first discussion was on ZBA Referrals.   A motion passed for placing DC cords under the ground—a motion that had been in heavy discussion during the ZBA meeting concerning the safety of being underground and not overhead.  The next ZBA referral discussed the solar project for solar panels.  That motion passed after some discussion to make sure that owners knew what was going on. 

The anhydrous ammonia plant did not pass at the County Board. Central Commodity FS was on hand to discuss the motion.  The board had concerns over the closeness to SangChris Lake and the environmental impacts. County Board member Ken Franklin spoke about how difficult it is to get land in the area that Central Commodity wanted to set up.

After about a 20 minute discussion, the board finally voted on it and it failed with yes votes coming from Ken Franklin, Bryan Sharp, Mike Specha, Clayton Walter, and David Buckles. 

Thomas Snyder Jr. headed the highway, building, grounds, environmental, zoning, and welfare committee. The board approved a CEFS Community Partnership Agreement. Under executive, personnel, liquor, and legislative committee was headed by Clint Epley.  The board voted on adopting a farm bureau resolution. The motion passed. The CO2 Appendix X of the Zoning Code was tabled. 

The board went into closed session to discuss employment issues, and litigation. The next County Board meeting is set for May 16th. 

Taylorville School Board held their regular April meeting Tuesday night. 

The board reviewed communications, approved the minutes for March, and reviewed the approval of CLAIMS.

In her report, Board Treasurer Wendy Dulakis says the board will not amend the budget this year.

Superintendent Dr. Chris Dougherty announced a number of pending hirings for the 2023-2024 school year as part of the Consent Agenda. 

The Consent Agenda passed 5-2. Board members Brenda Patrick and Jennifer Dammerman voted no. Assistant High School Principal Steve Keller updated the board on potential changes to the Student Disciplinary Code and Handbook. 

The board also approved two motions involving grants. The first involved the COPS safety program, which could award the district up to $500,000 to update its security systems. 

The Supplemental Child Nutrition Program granted the district enough money to purchase a new stove. 

The board also heard the Consolidated District Plan for how they want to use these and other grants in Fiscal Year '24.

To wrap up the meeting, Dr. Dougherty provided her Superintendent Report. She says she met with the Taylorville Police Department concerning online activity of students district-wide. 

The next school board meeting is Tuesday, May 16th.

The Christian County CEO program hosted some 50 people at a Stakeholder Breakfast Tuesday morning at the Pillars Event Center in Taylorville, to thank investors who donate to the entrepreneurial high school program, as well as develop new investors to fund next year's program.

CEO is funded entirely with private donations from investors.   No money comes from school districts or taxpayers.

The program included remarks from local CEO board members, current and past students, and a CEO mentor to one of the students.

C-E-O Board Chair Joe Curvey emceed the event, and told Regional Radio News local investors are important to keep the program going.

C-E-O Facilitator Neil Hohenstein remaked to Regional Radio News before the event began, that the Tuesday breakfast highlighted accountability for students as well as this Saturday's Trade Show.

This year's CEO class will finish their year when they launch their businesses this Saturday from one til 4, at the annual CEO Trade Show at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.   There's no admission charge and the public is invited to attend.   Groovy 97-point-3 W-R-A-N will broadast live reports from the event.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the leaders of the Taylorville Police Explorers Post during their weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Officer Jody Grove (first from left) and Dispatcher Kaylee Boston (2nd from left) from the Taylorville Police Department, and 4 of the 10 members of the post, shared information with Kiwanis members on the local chapter which is similar to a Boy Scout troop, but is focused on law enforcement.

Grove and Boston told Kiwanis members the post’s goals are to help the town while creating a sense of community, adding all members have uniforms and earn a rank just like the police department.

The pair added the T-P-D Explorers post is the first in Central Illinois, and does simulations of police situations as a way for chapter members to learn.  The post also does a large amount of community service such as collecting for the local Food Pantry, hosting a Kid’s Fishing Day, and organized a Thanksgiving Turkey Meal Drive-Thru.

The 4 post members attending told Kiwanis members the most challenging things for them being a member of the post, include memorizing police codes, being in the post while participating in many high school extra curricular activities, and getting them out of their comfort zone.

Tickets remain on sale for the annual Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Saturday, April 29th at the Moose Lodge.  Tickets are available from Kiwanis members or at the door.   The event is one of the largest fund-raisers of the year for the Kiwanis Club, providing monies for local projects such as Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, and Kiwanis high school scholarships.

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.   

Christian County YMCA is about $16,000 short of its $45,000 38th Annual Strong Kids Sustaining Drive goal. 

Director Bruce Blanshan says he’s extending the drive through the rest of the month. 

The “Y’s” charitable membership opportunities for those who have fallen into financial hardship heavily depend on their annual sustaining drive. 

Even though they haven’t met their goal, Blanshan says they are ahead of schedule compared to last year’s effort. 

There are dozens who depend on the sustaining drive every year, and it allows more community members to participate in YMCA programs. 

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

The Taylorville School Board will meet on Tuesday evening at 6 PM at the Taylorville District Office at 1100 North Sportsman Drive in Taylorville.  After hearing from visitors and reviewing communications, the board will also review and approve claims, minutes, and actions on personnel and overnight trips. 

Under old business, the board will recap strategic planning focus, goals, committee reports, and timeline.  Under new business, the board will conduct a first reading of the PRESS policy, and take a look at the School Violence Prevention Program, and the Child Nutrition Equipment Grant.  The board will consider and approve the annual custodial supply bid, the annual consolidated district plan, and the annual student discipline code handbook. 

The meeting will conclude with a superintendent report from Dr. Chris Dougherty.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News following the conclusion of the meeting for more on this event. 

The Christian County Board will meet on Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM at the Christian County Courthouse. After approval of minutes and public comments, the board will review appointments, and discuss some ZBA referrals. Taking a look at some important agenda items, the board will discuss sheriff's office improvements, zoning business, solid waste business, and highway business.  The board will discuss courthouse updates and hear from animal control.

Under executive, personnel, liquor, and legislative, the board will discuss invenergy, a farm bureau resolution, Christian County Integrated Community Services, EMA Update, and discuss the wind solar ordinance.  Under audit, finance, purchasing, and budget the board will approve claims and under new business, the board will have a closed session to discuss some matters.  

The board will discuss the Sheriff’s Office's Future Planning and Possible Improvements.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story, following the conclusion of the event. 

The Taylorville City Council met this evening. The council recognized the Kids R Kids Bobcats Basketball team.  After approval of the minutes, the Council approved hiring a replacement laborer and replacement part-time dispatcher, approved the Red Bland Little League parade, and approved the special events permit for the Taylorville High School graduation. 

Under emergency services, the Council approved looking at the budgets for the fire and police departments, allowed the Lake and Cemetery Departments to hire one additional employee, and approved a motion to suspend the dress code policy until July 1st, in order to give the Union and the Committee time to bargain a new dress code policy that is agreed upon. The motion passed 7-0 with everyone voting yes, except Kathy Driskell who voted “present.” Under Water/Environmental the council approved the IEPA Lab Fee, the purchasing of two desktop computers, and the water budget.

The council also approved a request for the annual William Walter Catch a Fish Day on Saturday, May 13th.  Due to some technical issues, there is no audio present for the meeting, but Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry wanted to inform the public of the upcoming cleanup day this weekend, thanked Tommy TV for their outstanding awards show, and thanked the state of Illinois for the grant to fix the Pana Taylorville Bridge. 

The next City Council meeting is set for May 1st. 

As warmer weather moves in and people begin tackling yard projects, Ameren is reminding customers of a crucial first step: dialing 811 before digging and staking on their property. Marking utility lines is a free service – and it's the law. Follow these important steps to stay in compliance and avoid serious injury, loss of service, and expensive repairs: 

Call 811 at least two business days before starting a digging project. Requests can be made at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 811, the national call-before-you-dig phone number, automatically connects callers to either Missouri 811 or Illinois J.U.L.I.E (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) organization.

Wait two days until a professional locator comes out to mark natural gas, electric, water, sewer, telephone and cable lines. The approximate location of buried utilities will be marked with paint or flags so that you can avoid them. Each utility type corresponds to a specific color of paint or a flag, and all of them must be marked before you can dig. Once the site has been clearly marked, proceed with caution. Try to avoid digging within 18 to 24 inches of each utility mark, if possible. It’s important to use the appropriate tools to dig with care and follow safe digging practices.

Nationwide every six minutes, an underground utility is damaged because someone didn't call 811 before that first shovel or spike broke the earth. If you damage a natural gas line, immediately leave the area, go upwind and call your utility provider, 911 emergency and then 811. You can reach Ameren Missouri at 800.552.7583 or Ameren Illinois at 800.755.5000.

"Ameren has seen a spike in reported damage from stakes causing natural gas outages because customers may not realize that driving a stake into the ground is considered excavating according to the law," said Eric Kozak, vice president of natural gas operations and distribution for Ameren Illinois. "We are working to communicate and educate them about the importance of calling 811 before breaking the earth with a stake or shovel."  

To learn more about safe digging, visit call811.com. For more information on natural gas safety, visit Ameren.com/Safety.

With the pool referendum passing, Recreational Director Bailey Hancock from Manners Park says that she is thrilled that the vote passed. The pool has been in need of repair for a while with patches and repairs coming every spring, but the repairs have gotten more and more each season. The referendum will allow three things to happen at the pool—restoration, rebuilding, and repairs. 

The next portion of this product will include some fundraising, which will help the pool raise the additional money needed for the project. 

She also doesn’t have a timeline for completion, a lot of it will depend on how quickly they are able to fundraise.  They are also looking at some grants which will help as well.

Hancock says that often grants are only allowed after projects reach certain phases.

Bailey Hancock encourages you to call her office if you have any questions, or need any clarification on what is going on with the pool project.

Taylorville Fire along with Owaneco, and Stonington worked on a residential structure fire on Sunday afternoon.  At 6:24 PM, Taylorville Fire Department responded to a fire in the 700 block of East Thompson. Upon arrival, the first engine reported fire and smoke from an alpha side door and back porch.  Fire crews brought the fire under control within 20 minutes.  

The residents were uninjured and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.  TFD thanked Owaneco and Stonington Fire Departments, Dunn's Ambulance, and Taylorville Police.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

The Taylorville City Council will meet on Monday evening at 7 PM for their bimonthly meeting. The board will recognize the Kids R Kids Bobcats Basketball team.  After approval of the minutes, the Council will look at some motions including hiring a replacement laborer and a replacement part-time dispatcher, approving the Red Bland Little League parade, and approving the special events permit for the Taylorville High School graduation. 

Under emergency services, the Council will look at the budgets for the fire and police departments, allow the Lake and Cemetery Departments to hire one additional employee, and there is a motion to recommend suspending the dress code policy until July 1st, in order to give the Union and the Committee time to bargain a new dress code policy that is agreed upon. Under Water/Environmental the council will look at approving the IEPA Lab Fee, purchasing two desktop computers, and look at the water budget.

There will be City Attorney and Taylorville Mayor updates as well.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story following the conclusion of this meeting. 

Taylorville Public Library has digital checkout options.  

Director Ryan Reitmeier says that you don’t even have to visit the library to check out a book. 

The library also offers non-book items such as movies or video games. 

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

A lake level update for Lake Shelbyville. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Natural Resource Specialist Brock Key has the details. He says that the lake levels fluctuate daily, but they are able to control the levels. 

Key also wants people to be careful and wear life jackets as more folks head out to the lake with warmer weather. 

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

The Shelby County CEO or “Creating Entreprenurial Opportunities Program” is starting to wrap up their 2022-2023 school year. 

Facilitator Tom Shoaf describes what goes on during a typical CEO year. 

Shoaf says this helps students learn about how to operate a business. 

Learn more at shelbycountyceo.com. Shoaf appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
                        

Sparklight have opened up applications for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund.  This fund annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501c3 nonprofit organizations from April 1st through the 30th. Grants will be made available across communities served by Sparklight and will concentrate support in education and digital literacy, hunger relief and food insecurity, and community development. 

The company awarded grants to nearly 60 nonprofits, including organizations serving the homeless, providing child advocacy, offering senior assistance, and supplying food to those in need. The Charitable Giving Fund is an extension of the company’s existing corporate social responsibility efforts including supporting national organizations, supporting special olympics, planting trees through the Arbor Day Foundation.  

For more information about the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving. 

The National Weather Service in Lincoln says thunderstorms are expected to move into central IL from the west this evening.

Some of the storms could be severe, with damaging wind and large hail the primary hazards.

Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and know where to go if severe weather threatens.   Stay tuned to the Miller Media Group radio stations and taylorvilledailynews.com for any watches or warnings as they're issued 24/7.

The University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development educator is welcoming a new educator.  Valerie Belusko will be the new community and economic development educator serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties.

Belusko has over nine years of community development through philanthropic cultivation with the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation and six years with the University of Illinois Extension as the economic development program coordinator in Montgomery County.  She has experience with launching important projects such as iDREAM/iCREATE for Litchfield School District, a career exploration program that helps youth and adults develop dreams, set goals, and navigate the world of creativity and entrepreneurship, as well as other programs that create the foundation communities need to adapt and thrive. 

County Director Amanda Cole praised Belusko saying that her years of experience working with non-profits, local levels of government, and direct education delivery experiences will be an asset to the Community. She will help leaders and communities tackle complicated challenges in creating resilient communities. 

Belusko has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a master’s in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  She will be based in Hillsboro in the Montgomery County office and can be reached at valerieb@illinois.edu.

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned nearly $22.7 million in unclaimed property during March, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today.

The total includes more than $20 million in cash and interest and nearly $2.6 million in stock value returned. All told, 11,366 claims were paid.

“I place a priority on reuniting people with money that belongs to them. Putting money in people’s pockets is a way to help the state’s economy,” Frerichs said. “We will hold onto unclaimed property as long as it takes to return it.”

Illinois’ unclaimed property program — also known as I-CASH — is one of the state’s oldest consumer protection initiatives. The State Treasurer is tasked with safeguarding unclaimed property, such as the contents of overlooked safe deposit boxes, unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts and unused rebate cards. Illinois holds more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed property.

The Treasurer’s Office has returned more than $1.6 billion since Frerichs took office in January 2015. When Frerichs first became treasurer, there were 60,000 claims paid in a year. That number has increased six-fold to 362,352 claims paid in a year.

The record-setting performance is the result of a complete restructuring of the unclaimed property process under Frerichs. The state treasurer’s office has added electronic claims, eliminated red-tape that slowed small-money claims, and leveraged technology to allow payments to be made without a claim even needing to be filed.

Frerichs recently added a Friends and Family “share” feature. When visitors to the I-CASH website come across the name of someone they know, they can select the “share” icon and provide the email address of their friend or relative. Frerichs’ office then will notify the individual by sending an email that mentions the unclaimed property, along with the name of the friend or relative who spotted it. Then, that individual can start the process of retrieving the property.

In addition, “Abe,” an automated chatbot, is available to anyone visiting the I-CASH website. Abe provides an interactive way for people to obtain information when they ask short, simple questions about unclaimed property.

Illinois is a national leader in the unclaimed property space and is frequently consulted by other states who are reforming their unclaimed property laws, rules and procedures.

You can check icash.illinoistreasurer.gov to see if unclaimed property is waiting for you.

University of Illinois Extension of Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties completed its Community Needs Assessment. 

Unit Director Amanda Cole says the extension identified four major areas of need. 

Thriving Youth and Workforce Development are two of the needs that go hand in hand. 

The extension hopes they can provide resources to better the community’s health. 

Cole also hopes the extension can better the social and emotional health of the area. 

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

Taylorville Memorial Hospital has named its March Colleague of the Month.  Chesney Clampet, an Acute Care Nursing Technician was named the Colleague for March for the non-profit hospital. Clampet provides patient safety even when they aren’t technically her patients. She makes sure call lights are easily accessible and gait belts are used properly, along with alarms are set for patients who may be at risk of falling. 

Clampet is kind and welcoming to patient visitors and fellow colleagues.  She puts others first and offers help consistently throughout the workday.  Her positivity is appreciated by all who work around her.  Her nominator says that Clampet has a drive within her to give high-quality care and she leads with excellence on a daily basis. “No matter how she is feeling, she is so sweet and caring to everyone she encounters.  She is always striving to provide the best care.

Clampet has worked at Taylorville Memorial Hospital since 2022. 

Small Town Taylorville held its first Car Show and Cruise of the season Friday, April 7th.

Committee Member Lee Skinner says they couldn’t have asked for a much better result for show number one. 

Skinner says that there will be more car shows for the first Friday of the Month starting with May 5th. 

Skinner is excited to see the Farmer’s Market return Saturday, May 6th. 

Small Town Taylorville willunveil a new feel to their website and the way they advertise for local businesses. 

Learn more at smalltowntaylorville.com. Skinner appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Whether you live by yourself, with a roommate, or you are a couple without children, cooking for just the two of you can be easier said than done. 

Nutrition and Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson with the Christian County University of Illinois Extension office introduces the “Cooking for One or Two” class from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 2nd. 

Peterson says the class will also teach you how to shop for just one or two. 

She adds that sometimes, its about finding the best alternative to the real deal – like powdered milk. 

Register by April 28th so Peterson knows how many people she’s teaching. 

Register at go.illinois.edu/TMH1or2. You can also call the extension office at 217-287-3941, or email lap5981@illinois.edu. 

Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

A huge part of addressing substance abuse involves community outreach for Taylorville Safe Passage.

Co-Coordinator Denise Evans says, although it’s not as common, even children are vulnerable to substance abuse.

Safe Passage continues to visit local schools to establish trust with students. 

Evans encourages parents to reach out to her or a school resource officer if you are worried about your child. 

She adds that Taylorville does not have enough counselors outside of the school district trained to address minor substance abuse. 

Learn more on the Safe Passage of Taylorville Illinois Facebook. Evans appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Some of the most important people that deal with stress and information are first responders.  Whether dealing with information, or calming a concerned citizen down, first responders know that seconds can mean lives.  Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has declared April 9-15 as Telecommunications Week in Illinois in recognition of the contributions that are made to the safety of Illinois residents and visitors.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly says that first responders are a vital link within the operation helping serve the public.  Every year in April the ISP and Illinois honors those calming voices and recognizes the role they play in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response in times of crisis. 

ISP’s Telecommunication Services Bureau has nearly 100 public safety telecommunicators responsible for providing reliable routine and emergency  communication capabilities for state law enforcement agencies, as wel as federal, county, and municipal agency partners.  They answer the call and relay information from the caller to frontline responders.  In 2022, ISP alone handled more than 500,000 calls for service. 

We here at Regional Radio News salute all of the 9-1-1 dispatchers, telecommunicators, and first responders. 

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Wednesday that he and six other attorneys general have settled a lawsuit against e-cigarette manufacturer Juul that will net Illinois $67.6 million.

That amount represents Illinois’ share of a $462 million multistate settlement in a lawsuit that accused the company of illegally marketing its products to children.

“Directing my consumer division to initiate an investigation into Juul was a day-one priority for me after I was sworn in in February of 2019,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said during a video news conference. “Within months of taking office we served an extensive civil investigative demand on the company and before the end of 2019 we had filed suit. We've been aggressively litigating against them in Illinois since.”

The lawsuit was just the latest in a string of cases Juul has settled in recent months. Since 2019, the company said in a statement, it has reached settlements with 47 states and territories, paying out more than $1 billion.

As part of its settlement with Illinois, Juul also agreed not to market its products to people under 21, not to use social media influencers to promote its products and to require consumers to be age verified before they can view any of its website content, among other restrictions.

“This settlement with seven state attorneys general represents another critical part in our ongoing commitment to resolve issues from the company’s past,” the company said. “The terms of the agreement, like prior settlements, provide financial resources to further combat underage use and develop cessation programs and reflect our current business practices, which were implemented as part of our company-wide reset in the fall of 2019.”

In April 2019, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. And in 2021, he signed another law applying the same age limit to vaping products and banning advertising that promotes vaping as a method of quitting tobacco use.

Raoul and the other attorneys general in the case said proceeds of the settlement would be used for enforcement of vaping laws, treatment and programs aimed at preventing underage nicotine use.

The other states involved in the suit were New York, California, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Colorado, as well as Washington, D.C.

April is National Wellness Month and Pana Community Hospital wants to make sure that patients are proactive and not reactive to their health. For Blair Angel, a Family Nurse Practitioner at Community Medical Clinic, having a family practice provider is extremely important.

Some rural communities are having a shortage of health care providers, but PCH is continuing to strive to reach the many smaller communities.

Since practitioners are trying be proactive and not reactive, screenings are extremely important.

Depending on your age, will determine what screenings you get. 

Blair Angel appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our WTIM Studios.
 

Nesty’s will be at the Lake Marina this Summer.  Nestor Lopez telling Regional Radio News that they will be there this Spring and Summer with food and drink. Lopez says that he is super excited to be at the Marina with a food truck.

There will be plenty of food choices which will change throughout the season.

Hours are going to vary throughout the season.

Lopez says that the menu will be updated regularly and they are excited to bring food out to the Marina this season. For more on Nesty’s visit https://nestysburgerjoint.com/. 

The Lincoln Prairie Bike Trail bridge just southeast of Taylorville will finally get replaced.

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the bridge will finally get replaced, thanks to a just over one-million dollar grant thru the state's "Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program."

Work will include replacing the existing bridge carrying the Lincoln Prairie Bike Trail over Flat Branch Creek.  

The City of Pana, who is responsible for upkeep of the Bike Trail, applied for the funds.

The state says the statewide grants including the Lincoln Prairie Trail bridge replacement, are possible by federal and state funds administered by IDOT and the Illinois Transporation Enhance Program, and are focused on improving bike and pedestrian travel, as well as making other surface transportation improvements that promote alternative options for getting around communities. 

Caption to above picture:  Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler was Tuesday's guest speaker at the Taylorville Kiwanis Club.   From the left: Brad Davis, Kiwanis Program Committee chair; Chief Wheeler; long-time Kiwanis member Bernie Curvey; and program chair for Tuesday's meeting Martin Vota.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the Taylorville Police Chief during their weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Chief Dwayne Wheeler reviewed the various divisions of the Taylorville Police Department, and highlighted 2 in particular that cooperate with other departments in the county.

Chief Wheeler told Kiwanis members the Emergency Response Team is comprised of 12 members who are all certified in closed quarter and active shooter situations, with police departments involved from Taylorville, Kincaid, Assumption and Edinburg.

Chief Wheeler added the Community Action Team investigates drug crimes with a 99-percent conviction rate in Christian County.  6 different police departments in the county, including Taylorville, are involved.

The Taylorville Chief said his goal is to mentor young officers the way others mentored him in his career.

Kiwanis members are reminded of this Saturday’s Kiwanis Park Spring Clean-Up Day starting at 10:30am.

Tickets remain on sale for the annual Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Saturday, April 29th at the Moose Lodge.  Tickets are available from Kiwanis members or at the door.   The event is one of the largest fund-raisers of the year for the Kiwanis Club, providing monies for local projects such as Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, and Kiwanis high school scholarships.

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

The Christian County Jail has failed its fire inspection.  Regional Radio News has learned through a Freedom of Information Act request, that the Taylorville Fire Department conducted an inspection on March 20th, 2023. The Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp, requested the inspection be done. From that report, many fire and life safety concerns came out of it. The jail, which is 48 years old, was originally built up to the fire code at the time which allowed for up to two hours of fire rating in the exterior wall, and was a non-combustible type building.  However, due to maintenance work and other upgrades and repairs, it is no longer up to code. 

Among some of the issues that the jail has is egress issues, electrical issues, and many general issues.  Some of the issues include: multiple ceiling tiles missing, storage too close to the ceiling, kerosene is stored inside the building, space heaters in the building, structural support beams having rust issues and fire retardant material is gone, and personal property is not in a metal or fire resistive container. CO Alarms are not functional, and multiple documentation is missing.

The report goes on to say that as the jail sits currently, it is not permitted (by life safety code) to be operated as a detention facility.  With the many additions and modifications over time, the report says that the building has negated much of the fire and life safety features that the building was built with.  

The report, which was dated March 28th, says that within the next 15 days, which would be April 12th, code violations needed to be remedied to reduce the risk of fire. The county was also told it needs to seek the assistance of a licensed architect and/or structural engineering firm to help address structural issues.  

Sheriff Kettelkamp says that he is working with the county to remedy these issues. 

There recently was a referendum to build a completely new jail in the county but it failed to get enough votes. 

The Christian County Master Gardener Plant Sale is 9 a.m. Saturday, May 6th. 

Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi says this is your chance to buy a plant from a master gardener who knows how to take care of it. 

Master Gardener Janet Chiavaro says that the extension office Help Desk is a great resource to help you take care of the new plant you purchase from the Master Gardeners. 

The Help Desk re-opens in May, Thursdays, from 9 to 11 a.m. 

The Master Gardeners are also available at the Farmer’s Market about twice a month. 

Learn more on the Master Gardeners of Christian County Illinois Facebook. Podeschi and Chiavaro appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Registration is open now for Lincoln Land Community College’s Fall Semester and its Summer Programming. 

LLCC Taylorville Director Dee Krueger is excited to teach Microsoft Office classes in the near future. She’s ready to offer Excel and Outlook courses. 

Krueger encourages you to apply for financial aid, no matter how much you make. 

New students can receive three credits for free this summer. 

Learn more at llcc.edu/taylorville. Krueger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Lawmakers went on a two-week spring break last week with more than 700 bills already passed in at least one chamber of the General Assembly.

They will return to Springfield on April 18 for a final one-month stretch in which the measures can be amended, defeated or sent to the governor.

Among the bills to successfully move to the other chamber are a measure to lift the state’s 1987 moratorium on nuclear power plant construction, a bill that would create statewide building codes and another requiring retail establishments to accept cash payments within certain hours.

Gov. JB Pritzker noted last week that he’s generally supportive of the concept of lifting the nuclear construction ban, although he didn’t commit to signing the proposal contained in Senate Bill 76, which passed on a 39-13 bipartisan roll call.

Pritzker said he is supportive of allowing for the construction of small modular nuclear reactors, which are small-scale generators that could be used to power individual factories or for other uses.

He said he didn’t think doing so would be contradictory to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that he signed in 2021. Some environmentalists have opposed lifting the nuclear ban due to the dangers associated with nuclear waste.

“These are smaller, less prone to an accident, more likely for us to be able to maintain them for a long period of time, that's something that's worthy of consideration,” Pritzker said. “Now the devil’s in the details and we want to make sure that we're not just opening this up to nuclear everywhere or any type of nuclear.”

SB 76, as written, would allow any type of nuclear construction, including the large-scale projects.

“I don't know where that bill will go this session, but I'm not opposed to it as if I'm, you know, just dead set against any nuclear,” he said. “I just want, if we're going to consider it, it's got to be safe.”

Since the beginning of sports, card collecting has been a decent hobby with cards being sold, traded, and kept.  Whether it’s the newest Shohei Ohtani or a Mickey Mantle card, card trading can be addicting, fun, and a great hobby. For the Sayers brothers in Shelbyville, it’s become their business. Card trading really boomed in the 1980s but as the Sayers say, that’s not really a good thing.

They also explained what the difference is in card collecting now than what it was in the 80s and 90’s. 

The boys say you can get your cards anywhere but getting them at Sayers is about the experience.

Trey and Aiden Sayers are co-owners of Sayers Brothers Cards and it is located at 124 N Morgan St in Shelbyville. Visit their Facebook page for more information. Trey and Aiden Sayers appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville. 

TCCU has a new Teller in its Taylorville Office.  Taylorville Community Credit Union welcomed Bridgette Snapp to Taylorville.  Snapp is responsible for assisting members with their day-to-day account needs, including deposit/withdrawal activity and funds transfers.  

TCCU President, Will Perkins, says that Bridgette is a strong addition to the staff in Taylorville and her prior experience as an Assistant Manager at Casey’s provides a strong base in interpersonal skills. 

Snapp is a lifelong resident of Taylorville and is familiar with quite a few members of the Credit Union. TCCU is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution, serving its members’ needs since 1956. Its membership is open to everyone who lives or works within the tri-county region of Christian, Montgomery, and Shelby Counties. 

For more information about the credit union’s range of financial services and products, or how to join, visit www.TCCU.org, or stop in or call any of its local branch locations: Taylorville: 422 W. Main Cross Street (217-824-9658); Hillsboro: 138 E. Wood Street (217-532-5300); Litchfield: 801 W. Union Avenue (217-324-7496); Pana: 101 E. Fifth St. (217-562-2516). 

Pana Community Hosptal offers Foot and Ankle treatment options. 

Dr. Andrew Ott is the foot and ankle surgeon at PCH. 

If you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Ott, call the Pana specialty clinic at (217) 562-6238 and ask for an appointment. Dr. Ott sees patients in Pana every Tuesday and every other Wednesday and patients in Cowden Illinois every other Wednesday.

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

You’ve bought your eggs and you are ready for Easter egg coloring. 

There are some safety tips to keep in mind this weekend. University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson wants you to be egg conscious from the moment you purchase the eggs, to the point you hide them Easter Sunday.

First, you’re going to want to hard boil your eggs. 

Next, it’s time to dye the eggs. Peterson says that egg kit dye is completely safe to have on the shell of an egg you want to eat. However, there are natural alternatives if you would prefer to avoid artificial dye.

Now it’s time to send the kid’s to search for their colored eggs. Peterson says the “Easter Bunny” should be aware of contamination when hiding eggs. 

There are a variety of ways to eat the eggs. Peterson adds that they’re nutritious, too. 

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu.

Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville Food Pantry is getting ready for summer. 

Co-Coordinator Amy Hagen says that their relationship with the Central Illinois Food Bank is vital to their mission.

Director of CIFB Pam Molitoris is proud of their relationships with over 20 partner agencies. 

Learn more at cifb.org or taylorvillefoodpantry.com. Molitoris and Hagen appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has an exciting month ahead.  Executive Director Linda Allen can’t wait for the 9th annual Spring Swing.

Local bars and restaurants can get in on the fun. 

Wednesday, April 19th, the chamber returns their “Business After Hours” event. Behind Locked Doors, an escape room in Taylorville, and Kona Ice are hosting this event. Allen welcomes you to come by and receive a professional head-shot from a local photographer. 

Allen also wants everyone to know that they can drop off fliers or tickets for events at the chamber. For example, the chamber has Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Day Fundraiser Tickets for the event Saturday, April 29th. 

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

State Senator Steve McClure is advancing legislation in an effort to reduce costs for customers of non-profit wastewater treatment utilities. Senator McClure says this is a common-sense bill that will provide consistency in how water and waste-water facilities are treated, which could help offset rate increases. 

Senate Bill 2356 updates how not-for-profit wastewater treatment facilities are valued.  Under current law, those facilities are assessed with higher values, which leads to higher tax assessments, and typically those costs are passed on to utility customers. 

Senator McClure’s legislation m akes the assessment process the same for both types of facilities, which could help save money for customers of the utilities. The change would help customers statewide but was intentionally filed for customers in Effingham and Jasper Counties. 

Bill Teichmiller, CEO of EJ Water Cooperative says that wastewater infrastructure requires a high amount of capital to maintain and by reducing taxes, the savings can be used for operations and maintenance expenses. He thanked Senator McClure for the bi-partisan effort to help wastewater facilities reduce costs and provide affordable services to customers.

Senator McClure’s bill passed the Illinois Senate on March 24th and now awaits action in the house. 

State Senator Doris Turner has passed a measure hoping to increase student safety.  This measure would allow school buses to have two extended stop arms.  Senator Turner passed the measure through the Senate Transportation Committee. 

Senator Turner says that when students are getting on and off a school bus, school safety is her #1 priority. She says school drivers often don’t take stopped school buses seriously. Senator Turner continued by adding that extending an arm out would prevent drivers from putting students in danger.

According to a recent survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, 79,959 school bus drivers from around the country reported that 51,593 vehicles had illegally passed busses on a single day during the 2021-2022 school year.

Senate Bill 2340 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and heads to the Senate Floor for further consideration. 
 

Cruisin’ 98.3 WSVZ gave away two tickets to see “Tommy James and the Shondells” when they visit the Effingham Performance Center Saturday, April 15th. 

The Winner – Donna Budde from Effingham. 

Donna says she’s going to take her husband David to the show. Congratulations to the Budde’s. 

Christian County Economic Development Corporation is made up of multiple committees guiding economic development for the county. 

That’s according to Executive Director Dick Adams. 

Adams is excited about the contribution of the Small Town Taylorville Committee.

Once businesses make Christian County their home, Adams hopes their Retention Committee can keep businesses here. 

Ultimately, Adams hopes the CCEDC can leverage its relationships in the community to create a better economic situation in Christian County. 

Learn more at christiancountyedc.org. Adams appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

As storm season starts to ramp up, Ameren Illinois is encouraging residents to stay away from downed power lines.  In the aftermath of a storm, Ameren reminds its customers to assume all downed lines and power poles are energized. If you do see a downed line, keep family, neighbors, and pets away and call Ameren.  It is hard to tell the difference between power, cable, or phone lines.

In this case, you should treat them all the same and stay away. Rick Johnson, Manager of Vegetation Management for Ameren Illinois says that if you see a power line, to stay away.

Johnson says that they jump into immediate action when they get a call for a downed line.

Always assume all power lines are energized and be wary as some lines may be hard to see. 

Look out for downed power lines near chain link fences because electricity can kill.

For more information, please click here.

Taylorville Public Library unveiling multiple kids activities this month. 

Director Ryan Reitmeier is excited for their pre-school labs teaching kids about insects, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday April 11th, and at the same time April 18th for their birds lab. 

Children have an opportunity to learn morse code with kits available April 11th. 

Reitmeier is excited to announce this month’s movie showings at 1 and 5 p.m. Thursday, April 13th. 

As part of their painting nights, this month features a Kid’s Edition at 5 p.m. April 20th. 

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

Great Western Popcorn Company broke ground this morning on a new 100,000 square foot manufacturing plant in the Pana Industrial Park, replacing their Assumption facility that burned last May.   From the left:  Harlan Dyer, Job Superintendent, Wohlman Construction , Effingham, the general contractor for the new building; Jim Jones, Site Manager, Great Western; Tim Ferguson, Operations Manager, Great Western; Rocky Franklin, Vice-President and General Manager, Great Western; Paul Adams, Maintenance Manager, Great Western; Alicia Brookman, Food Safety Administrator, Great Western; Kirby Casner, City of Pana and Pana Industrial Development Corporation Economic Development Director; Tom Dean, past President, Pana Industrial Development Corporation; Dave Dorn, PIDC board member; Bob Holthaus, PIDC board member; John Gardner, President, PIDC and Christian County Economic Development Corporation; and Ben Koester, Wolman Construction, Effingham.

Here's the sound of a ground breaking:

That's the sound of shovels turning over dirt and rock as Great Western Popcorn Company broke ground this morning on a new one-hundred thousand square foot building inside the Pana Industrial Park northwest of Pana, that will be their new location for a popcorn oil manufacturing facility.  The bulding will replace their operation west of Assumption that burned last May.

Dignatries with Great Western and the Pana Industrial Development Corporation were on hand for the ground breaking.

Vice-President and General Manager for Great Western Rocky Franklin told Regional Radio News their company has been part of Christian County for many years.

Franklin added the new plant will have a start-up workforce with new jobs to be added.

Franklin expects to be in the new building in mid-first quarter of next year.

Kirby Casner, Economic Development Director for the City of Pana and the P-I-D-C, told Regional Radio News following the ceremony that she began working with Great Western after their fire to locate a temporary location at Pana.

Casner added the Great Western project will help begin other projects in Pana's Industrial Park and the Pana community.

And, Casner is pleased that Great Western will be bringing jobs to Pana.

John Gardner, President of the Pana Industrial Development Corporation as well as the Christian County Economic Development Corporation, explained how P-I-D-C got involved in getting Great Western to build in Pana's Industrial Park.

The Great Western Popcorn oil manufacturing facility is one of many projects happening in Pana.   A new Jumpin' Jimmy's Truck Stop is in the midst of construction in Pana's downtown along Illinois Route 16 and US Highway 51.

Wright’s Furniture is adding new mattresses under their own label “Wright Sleep Mattresses.”  There will be five locally-made mattress options and the products are going to be sold in the Taylorville, Robinson, and Dieterich locations. The five mattresses are called Mainstreet Plush, Mainstreet Firm, Valor Plus, Valor Firm, and Freedom.  Alex Wright, Marketing Director of Wright’s Furniture and Flooring, says that the project came about because Wright’s Furniture knew what its customers wanted.

Wright says that the pre-compressed process helps a lot.

Wright says he was also looking for a four way stretch fabric that’s soft and comfortable to lay on. 

At the end of the day, you spend a lot of time sleeping and Wright encourages you to sleep comfortably. He says that Wright’s will do their best to help with any issues.

For more information visit www.wrightsfurniture.com. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly board meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge Tuesday morning, reviewing the club's efforts to serve local children and youth.   

Kiwanis Membership chair Adam Jeffrey gave a report on the ongoing "2 for 2" membership campaign.

Scholarship committee chair Dick Wamsley reported applications for this year's round are due April 10.

The Kiwanis board OK'd participating in the annual effort to collect non-perishable food and monetary donations for the Taylorville Food Pantry at the Miller Media Group front parking lot from 8:30am til noon on these dates:  May 6, 13, 20; July 8, 15, 22, 29; and September 9, 16, 23 and 30.  

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast chair Chuck Martin said the volunteer sign-up sheets for the April 29th event were filling up nicely, and asked that the Key Club be contacted to provide additional volunteers. 

Kiwanis Kids Day chair Bruce Blanshan reported that the insurance form for the September 22nd and 23rd event had been submitted, as was the City of Taylorville form to work the Harrison Corner those days.

Fundraising committee chair Will Perkins reported tickets will be printed soon for the first-ever Kiwanis raffle drawing.   Tickets will be 50-dollars each or 3 for $100, with only 500 tickets to be sold.  The drawings will be live on WTIM Radio during their Morning Show on June First.

Kiwanis Park committee co-chairs Duane Stock and Larry Kemner reported the new grills have been installed and tables are being built to be installed.  They also set Saturday, April 15th at 10:30am for the spring clean-up day at the park, with Kiwanis volunteers to bring rakes, shovels, and other clean-up equipment.  Playground timbers will also be given attention this year.  Stock also indicated they're continuing to explore disc golf for the park.

Kiwanis Student Leadership chair Will Perkins reported 4 members of the club brought pizza to the Kiwanis Builder's Club at the Junior High last Friday.  Some 25 junior high students attended the event.  Perkins added he also met in March with the Senior High Key Club, and they indicated they'd provide help for the April 29th Pancake and Sausage Breakfast.   

Priority One chair Bruce Blanshan told board members that he's working with the Taylorville Police and Fire Departments on a Car Seat Safety Day with the seats to be donated.  He added that the annual Kiwanis Bike Rodeo, in cooperation with Taylorville Memorial Hospital, takes place this year May 20. 

And, Blanshan told the board that 36 children are enrolled in Taylorville Head Start for the '23-'24 school year; the board had a discussion on expanding the "Coats for Kids" program with direction given Blanshan to contact the Taylorville School District to find out how the club can provide the District coats to go to needy children in the district.

Kiwanis Interclub chair Blain Cornwell reported on the recent Kiwanis member visits to the Key and Builder's Clubs, and he added he's awaiting word on whether the North Mac Club will schedule its annual Fish Fry.  

Program committee chair Brad Davis thanked the Kiwanis members who continue to volunteer in arranging programs on a monthly basis, with April and May filling up quickly.  

Spiritual Values chair Dick Wamsley reported this year's Prayer Luncheon is scheduled for May 23, 2023 with featured speaker Father Kosk.   Wamsley will be seeking nominations for the "Spiritual Leader of the Year" from the Taylorville community.

Adam Jeffrey reported he's handling implementing the club's long-time participation in the Manners Park Easter Egg Hunt.   A bike will be given to the child finding the special egg containing the bike gift certificate.

CAPTION TO PICTURE:   Pana Save-A-Lot co-owner Tim Christer (left) and manager Eric McKittrick (right) accepting the Miller Media Group Business of the Month Certificate for April.

The Miller Media Group has announced its April Business of the Month.

The Pana Save-A-Lot is owned by Tim and Jennifer Christer who have been in the grocery business in that community for over 20 years.

In 2012, the Christer's made a change in the store's approach.

Tim attributes his success to his employees.

Christer's business has always given back to the community.

Tim has also give his time to an important service in Pana.

The Miller Media Group congratulates Tim and Jennifer Christer, owners of the Pana Save-A-Lot, for being honored as our April Business of the Month.

People’s Bank and Trust held its annual meeting where the People First Bancshares Board of Directors recognized new and retiring directors and the organization’s performance over the past year. Mike Trexler recognized retiring director David Slater for 16 years of service.  Trexler says that he thanked Slater for his outstanding leadership, guidance, and service.  Trexler also introduced Brittany D. Walters who joined the company’s board of directors last year.

John Gardner, thanked Greg Curl and Karen Kerr for their service.  Both recently retired. Susan Palliser and Jeff Grimmett were also recognized for their recent promotions. Gardner says that the company is growing and prospering due to service to customers and community and employee and product improvement. Out of customers surveyed, Gardner says 96% of customers rated their overall customer service experience as “good” or “excellent.”  

Bank employees and directors devoted over 3,500 hours towards community service and the bank established a not for profit subsidiary, Peoples Assistance Company, which processes applications for the USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program.  This program provides loans to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes, or provide grants to elderly, very low-income homeowners to remove health and safety standards. 

Gardner says the bank invested in training such as software training, consumer compliance training, participation in affiliation groups, and attendance in state banking association schools, seminars, and webinars.  PBT Lenders completed over 750 hours of SBA training in 2022. The bank also developed some new products including debit card enhancements. 

The bank reported record financial performance including growth in Assets to $595.1 million, growth in Loans to $347.1 million, and growth in Deposits to $511.7 million.  The company recorded an increase in Net Income to $6.9 million during 2022. 

Brad Davis and Josh Shallenberger were re-elected to three-year terms as directors of the Bank and Holding Company. They join Michael E. Beyers, Michael M. Trexler, John Gardner, David Dorn, Jr., Christopher Swing, and Brittany D. Walters. David Slater was elected Director Emeritus, Michael M. Trexler was elected Chairman of the Board, and Brad Davis was elected Vice Chairman of the Board.  Other officers include John Gardner, President & CEO, James Adcock, Secretary, Terry Schafer, Asst. Secretary, and Craig Deere, Treasurer & CFO.

For more information, contact the bank at 888-728-1954 or visit www.BankPBT.com. 

The consolidated election took place today and with that came the passing of the new Taylorville Pool.  The pool passed with 60.31% of the votes being yes (1100-724). The pool is set to cost $6,500,000 and will replace the existing pool.  Assumption also passed the proposition to increase the limiting rate for the fire protection district with 67% of the votes. 

Ross Workman defeated Felicia King for Ward 3 Alderman in Assumption. Kim Toberman (57.43% of the votes) defeated John Broux for city Clerk in Pana and Steve Scott (51.52%) defeated Shelby Grimes for Alderman in Ward 3. Shawn Conlin was also voted as Moweaqua's President in Christian County. The results were still pending from Shelby County. 

In Taylorville, Jim Olive defeated Ray Koonce with 72.85% of the votes in Ward 1 for Alderman. Taylorville also elected four members for their school board as Lori Wemple (19.21%), Carla Mickey (18.8%), Ronald Mizer (16.71%), and Ann Chandler (14.07%) were voted in. 

In Edinburg, Daniel Freeman, Cory Hunsley, and Jayme Francis were all elected for Village Trustee. In Stonington, Anthony Opey Rusher, Tara Ramsey, and Caleb Grover were all elected for Village Trustee. 

Voter turnout was fairly low.  Assumption had the highest percentage with a little over 33% of registered voters coming out to vote. To see a full list of the election results click here.

Regional Radio News has learned of a fire on Webster Avenue in Taylorville. Taylorville Fire Department is currently battling the blaze at Ramsey Welding and have parts of the road blocked off.  Use caution if you are near the area.  At least four fire departments are currently fighting the fire. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as we receive more information. Submitted pictures from Debi Sherwood.

April is Stress Awareness Month, and can help ease that tension. 

That’s according to Registered Dietitian for the St. Louis Dairy Council Kelsey Bentlage. 

Not only does it have health benefits, but dairy can offer you comfort, too. 

Speaking of comfort, the dairy council has a dairy comfort recipe to try on their website at stldairycouncil.org. 

Another way you can prevent stress is to practice mindful eating. 

Bentlage appeared as a guest on othe WTIM Morning Show.

City of Pana Economic Development Director Kirby Casner says the city is experiencing a lot of growth. 

The city has jumped through the hoops necessary to implement a second TIF district, which Casner hopes will increase city revenue.

Pana hopes to beautify its downtown with some grants to improve storefronts. 

Casner says that the buzz is creating a lot of interest from companies outside of Pana and that’s a good thing. 

Casner appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Scoville Zoo in Decatur has an Easter egg hunt with $3 admission Saturday, April 8th. 

Director Ken Frye says that it’s a great opportunity to check out some new members of the Scoville Zoo family. 

Most recently, the zoo welcomed triplet goats. They will be on display this weekend. 

Frye says twin lemur babies arrived a little more than a week ago. 

Learn more at decatur-parks.org/scoville-zoo. 

Frye appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The consolidated election is taking place today and there are some big items up to vote for in this April 4th election. In Assumption Ross Workman will be running against Felicia King for Ward 3 Alderdman.  In Pana, Kim Toberman will be facing John Broux for City Clerk.  Steve Scott will be facing Shelby Grimes for Ward 3 Alderman. 

In Taylorville, Jim Olive will be taking on Ray Koonce for Ward 1 Alderman.  Moweaqua will be voting for a President as Shawn Conlin is running against Brad Metzger. Taylorville will also be looking for their school board of education.  Four people will be picked between Ronald Mizer, Roy Manasco, Ann Chandler, Lori Wemple, Rick Bryan, Jennifer Dammerman, and Carla Mickey. 

Morrisonville will be voting on where their board members can be voted from, Taylorville will be voting on whether or not to replace the Manners Park Pool, and Assumption will be looking to increase the limiting rate for the Fire Protection District.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News all this evening for results from the election. 

Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening.  Larry Budd filled in as Mayor Pro Temp for Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. The Council discussed adding no parking on East side of Clay Street South of West Adams Street to Maple Street.  Doug Brown clarified the amendment.

The Council approved an amendment for adding a 30% late fee payment penalty and prorated license fees. Clean Up Day was announced for April 22, 2023. This will be at the Street Department from 7 AM until dumpsters are full. 

Larry Budd let everyone know that the Lake is now open, and that Mayor Barry would be out all week. 

Trevor Freeman was recognized by Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler.  Freeman is part of the Taylorville Police Explorer’s Program.

Freeman is currently in remission from bone cancer, and his mom says that he is enjoying the explorer program. 

The Alderman approved some bids for materials, but they did deny a bid for sidewalk replacement and curb and guttering from R&B Peters with the intent to rebid it out for those materials together rather than separately.  The next city council meeting is set for April 17th. 

The National Weather Service in Lincoln issued a special weather statement late Monday afternoon, on the possible threat of severe weather across Central Illinois Tuesday.

The Weather Service says  there will be two rounds of severe weather late this afternoon into this evening. The first round will focus across the Illinois River Valley and generally occur between 4pm and 8pm. 

Scattered supercells will pose a risk for hail larger than golf balls, damaging wind gusts in excess of 70 mph, and strong tornadoes in this area. 

Round 2 will occur later Tuesday night when a line of storms potentially sweeps through all of central and southeast Illinois. Damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph and isolated tornadoes embedded within the line will be possible. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio and taylorvilledailynews.com for the latest weather watches, warnings, and storm reports from the area 24/7.

Keepers of the Arts of Shelbyville not only preserve art in Shelby County, but they also teach arts. 

Music Director Kevin Black says that’s what he’s there for. 

Black doesn’t mind if you walk in to their location at Flourishes Gallery, and he will help you to the best of his ability. 

The Keepers have the ability to connect you with a ton of local musicians and the extra tools to make sure you sound great.

Black says that they are a non-profit, which means this saves you a ton of money on music lessons. 

Learn more on the Keepers of the Arts at Flourishes Gallery Studio Facebook. Black appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show from studios in downtown Shelbyville.

The Taylorville City Council is set to meet this evening at 7 PM at the Municipal Building in Taylorville for their regular City Council meeting.  After approval of minutes, the council will review a couple ordinances including a couple of amendments. There is a motion to approve and authorize pay for the municipal roof project, a motion to approve the city clean up day on April 22nd and a motion to approve some street closures for Memorial Day on may 29th. 

Under committee reports, the council will accept some bids, and forward the 2023/2024 street and sewer budget to the Finance Committee. The council will also hear from the City Attorney and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of the meeting. 

The National Weather Service on Sunday provided more details on the tracks of the many tornadoes that touched down across Central Illinois Friday night.

The above map was posted on their web site, along with details on the tornadoes.   Here is the info from the Morrisonville tornado:

CHRISTIAN COUNTY

Date3/31/2023

Time (Local) 7:06 - 7:08 pm

EF Rating EF-0

Est. Peak Winds 80 mph

Path Length 4.1 miles

Max Width 20 yards

Injuries/Deaths None

Summary:

Minor damage was surveyed in rural areas to the west and north of Morrisonville. Several grain bins were destroyed and carried across an open field. Damage that occurred to 30 power poles east of Morrisonville was determined to be the result of intense straight-line winds. 

The Morrisonville tornado was one of at least 6 that touched down Friday night.  The worst damage was in Sherman, Riverton, and Rantoul.  In all 3 cases, houses and buildings were damaged or destroyed.

No injuries were reported in any of the Central Illinois tornadoes on Friday night.

A Pana man has died and two others have life-threatening injuries after a crash that occurred on Route 29 Saturday evening around 5:20 PM. A 2003 black Dodge Caravan was being driven by 50-year-old Scott McDonald from Pana, and a 2020 white Ford Eco Sport was being driven by 64-year-old Susie Brun of Assumption.

McDonald was traveling north on Illinois Route 29 between East 900 North Road and North 1900 East Road near Owaneco. Brun was traveling south at the same location. McDonald attempted to pass another vehicle and struck Brun head-on. McDonald was pronounced dead on the scene. Brun and 49-year-old Karen Lacefield of Minier, Illinois, were transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The crash is still under investigation.  Parts of Route 29 were shut down for over two hours Saturday evening. No further information is available on the crash at this time. 

According to Christian County EMA, Route 29 between 800N and 900N is closed due to a traffic accident. ISP is also on the scene.  It is a head-on-head crash near Owaneco.  All traffic is advised to seek an alternate route. 

Pawnee School District held their National Honors Society Ceremony last weekend. 

Superintendent Tim Kratochvil is proud of the work he’s seen his students accomplish. He’s also proud of all the extracurricular activities Pawnee offers. Recently, Pawnee put on a school play: Clue. 

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

Nokomis FFA putting a ribbon on a fantastic year with their banquet Tuesday night. 

Superintendent Dr. Scott Doerr says that, while the students were well worth the celebration, Nokomis School District thanks the FFA advisors for instilling the culture of Nokomis FFA into the kids. 

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

Scammers often use Social Security as bait. 

Public Affairs Specialist Jack Meyers says that they work closely with the Office of Inspector General to track and limit scams. 

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

Tornadoes, high winds, and hail ravaged Central Illinois between 6 and 9 o'clock Friday night.

Above is the National Weather Service map showing where the tornadoes tracked (red dots), hail as much as 2 inches in diameter (green dots), and winds as high as 70 miles an hour (blue dots).

The Weather Service summary of the outbreak indicated a very strong system developed on the morning of March 31st, which tracked a strong surface low across the state of Iowa. This system pulled unseasonably warm and moist conditions into the Midwest, which coupled with a very favorable wind profile, and created quite the volatile environment for severe thunderstorms.

The Weather Service added this event resulted with a tornado outbreak that this area has not seen in quite some time, with several tornadoes that led to a lot of damage. They said the event started initially with more discrete supercell thunderstorms, but quickly transitioned to a major weather event that led to many spin-ups along the leading edge, with embedded supercell structures.

Weather officials said that combined with the many tornado reports, they also received many large hail and wind reports. 

The Village of Sherman, just north of Springfield, suffered major house damage. 

The tornado outbreak in northern Illinois caused numerous damage there and in the metro Chicago area.  The roof of the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere collapsed during a performance Friday night with one person killed and 28 injured.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville now has access to a Plastic Surgeon. 

Dr. Dean Page, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with HSHS, says that it’s a new development at the Shelbyville hospital. 

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