The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new book and exhibit that shine a fresh light on the nation’s 16th president.

The book, Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation in 100 Objects, features famous artifacts and little-known treasures that reveal Lincoln’s family life, political rise, and the people whose lives were changed by the Civil War. It was written by museum executive director Christina Shutt and acquisitions head Dr. Ian Hunt, and published this week by Rizzoli New York.

A companion exhibit, Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation, opened Friday and showcases about 50 artifacts from the book—including the desk where Lincoln drafted his First Inaugural Address, a leather portfolio he carried at the White House, and the last ax he ever used. New “smart-glass” cases and animated historic photos help bring Lincoln’s era to life.

The exhibit runs through April 26, 2026, and admission is included with regular museum tickets. Proceeds from book sales benefit the ALPLM Public Trust.

For more information, visit PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov.
 

The Christian County Health Department is reminding families to think about every member of the household—including pets—when preparing for an emergency.

Officials say a pet preparedness kit can be life-saving in the event of severe weather, power outages, or an evacuation. Recommended supplies include at least three days’ worth of food and water, medical and vaccination records, any medications your pet needs including heartworm and flea or tick preventatives plus leashes, carriers, and harnesses. They also suggest keeping pet waste supplies and current photos and descriptions of your animals in case you become separated.

The Health Department says planning ahead ensures that pets stay safe and healthy during disasters, just like the rest of the family.

More information on what to include in a pet emergency kit can be found at Ready.gov/pets.

A Taylorville man will spend the next 18 years in prison on child pornography charges.

62–year–old Phillip Windell was arrested in November of last year after Illinois State Police received a tip that he was in possession of child sexual abuse material. Investigators served a search warrant at his home and took him into custody.

Windell was originally facing six counts, but court records show he pleaded guilty to one count in a negotiated deal. The other five charges were dismissed.

He was sentenced Tuesday to 18 years behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release. Windell has remained in jail since his arrest and was given credit for time served.
 

With political violence on the rise, Illinois leaders on both sides of the aisle are calling for a change in tone.  Governor JB Pritzker says that recent leaders, especially President Donald Trump, need to do more to call for peace as political violence has grown in recent years. While the Governor continues to point the finger at the president, House Republicans say the governor needs to look in the mirror. Dean Abbot, Senior Communications Manager for the House of Republicans has more.

Officers were called to Golden Corral around 1 PM Sunday after reports that a man was taking photos of women in the restroom. Police say the suspect had left before they arrived, but with help from the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Dylan Ritchel of Altamont was located and taken into custody.

Ritchel was originally booked on charges of unauthorized video recording and disorderly conduct. After further investigation, detectives say they uncovered additional evidence and added charges including aggravated criminal sexual assault of a minor, manufacturing child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

Ritchel is due in court Tuesday morning to determine if he’ll remain in jail before trial.

Police Chief Kurt Davis thanked citizens who reported the incident, saying their quick action and the teamwork with officers helped remove a potential threat from the community.

The investigation is ongoing.
 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club installed their new officers for the coming Kiwanis year starting October First, at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Moose Lodge.

Tim Sutton (left) was installed as the new Kiwanis president, succeeding Bill Assalley.   Martin Vota (right) was again installed as Kiwanis secretary, and Blain Cornwell was again installed as Kiwanis treasurer.

Kiwanis Priority One Chair Bruce Blanshan reported to the club that the re-scheduled Kiwanis Kids Days, will be October 10th and Eleventh.   Kiwanis members will be wearing Kiwanis vests and standing at West Main Cross and Webster, also known as Harrison Corner, asking for monetary donations to support Kiwanis projects for children and youth such as Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, YMCA and high school scholarships, and grants to other local non-profits that have similar goals as the Kiwanis Club.

Kiwanis members are reminded there is no meeting next Tuesday, October 7th, and the next meeting will be Tuesday, October 14th when the club will announce its Kiwanian of the Year and also hear Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann as program speaker.

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.

Community events in Assumption are beginning to reflect the changing seasons.  Organizers are looking ahead to holidays as they plan fun events for everyone to enjoy.  Many of these happenings are free, making them easily accessible to all.  In addition, a new landmark is promoting visual arts to yet further enrich the town.

Assumption Community Pride is playing their part in putting all this together.  It starts with a movie night on October 12 at the park off Illinois Street.  Derek Page, the organization’s president, says they aimed for a movie friendly to all ages and eventually opted for Hotel Transylvania.

Later in October is, of course, trick-or-treat season.  Like other area towns, Assumption organizes a “trunk-or-treat.”  It’s set for October 26 from 4-6 p.m. at Central A&M Middle School.

After trunk-or-treat, it’s time to think about holiday lights.  The lights will be turned on November 28 at 5 p.m.  Page says Assumption Community Pride is taking volunteers to help put the lights up. 

Away from events, a new arts studio is open in Assumption.  It’s located where DJ’s On Chestnut previously sat.  The new studio allows the owner to showcase her work and that of others in the community and also offer classes to those interested. 

More information on Assumption Community Pride is available at their Facebook page.

Derek Page appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

A new tax levy and stalled pool negotiations dominated discussions at the Taylorville Park Board's monthly meeting for September.

Sherri Craggs spoke regarding the Manners Park pool construction efforts.  They are looking to hear from vendors who wish to bid on the project on October 16.  This is a change from what the most recent Request For Proposals (RFP) had called for. The Park District had been in talks with Burbach Aquatics, the vendor with whom they had previously contracted.   However, Craggs says those talks have stalled.

The board has maintained it would not pursue a bid with another vendor until the situation with Burbach is finalized. 

The Park District has put on file their tax levy for the next fiscal year. The amount is set at $900,000, which is up around $100,000 from one year ago.

Recreation Director Jessica Franks spoke on events both recent and forthcoming.  Monday's meeting came just two days after the Falling Leaf Festival, and Franks lauded the Hay Bale Hustle set up for kids to run through.

The next Park Board meeting is tentatively set for October 27. 

The Villas Of Hollybrook in Shelbyville has stepped up its services and amenities for the seniors they serve.  The assisted living facility prides itself on providing its residents fun experiences and opportunities to connect with each other and the outside community.  Special events for the season are on the horizon, and these are perfect examples of such happenings.  All of this is taking place on the back of a new member of leadership being introduced. 

Stephanie Emmons is not that new leader; she continues to serve as the office manager at the Villas.  She says they have expanded their dining experience to offer those in their care more options. 

One of the many fun events the Villas of Hollybrook has planned is around the corner, and this one is a way for seniors to connect with children.  It’s “trick-or-treat night,” set to happen on Halloween night from six to eight. 

The facility now has a new executive director in John Shaw.  He has previous experience in running care homes, but the size and scale of events at the Villas is larger than what he has worked with before. 

The Villas of Hollybrook is a pet-friendly place.  As both Shaw and Emmons describe, they have some regular such visitors. 

More information is available at www.villasofhollybrook.com and on their Facebook page.

John Shaw and Stephanie Emmons appeared as guests on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

A tax levy ordinance, a final audit report, and the latest on the Manners Park pool are on the agenda for the Taylorville Park Board of Trustees’ monthly meeting tonight.  As always, it will take place at 7 p.m. in the Manners Park Dining Hall. 

The tax levy ordinance is the first segment of new business.  After that, the board will present and discuss the final audit report from Sikich.  Back in April, the Park Board approved contracting Sikich to carry out a mandatory general audit of their operations.

In old business, the board will revisit their ongoing efforts regarding the Manners Park pool.  Earlier this month, Regional Radio News obtained a new Request For Proposals (RFP) from the Park District.  The RFP is similar to one they submitted in the summer, but the bidding and selection dates in this new plan are pushed back.  The Park Board aimed to formally publish the document last Friday so it could begin accepting bids from pool construction vendors.

The latest request shows that the Park District intends to hold in-depth interviews with bidding vendors on October 9 before selecting a vendor to proceed with the following day.  The target dates for the actual construction are unchanged from before; they anticipate construction beginning on March 2, 2026, with hopes that the project is completed by May 3, 2027.

In the previous round of presentations, Landmark Aquatic and Capri Pools & Aquatics presented their portfolios and ideas.  It is currently unclear whether either or both firms will bid again in this round.  In addition, Park Board members may have an update at tonight’s meeting on talks with Burbach Aquatics, the vendor with whom they had previously contracted for the project.  The board has maintained it would not pursue a bid with another vendor until the situation with Burbach is finalized. 

As is customary, before new and old business, the board will hear the treasurer’s report.  After the business sections, the maintenance superintendent, recreation director, and office administrator will make their reports. 

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for updates following this meeting.

A Columbus Day weekend tradition is coming back to Lake Shelbyville for another year.  Balloonfest will run from October 10-12 as hot air balloons will – weather permitting – take to the skies.  Live music, food, and other fun activities will supplement the balloon flights, and the festival is happening in parallel with another one closer to the downtown area. 

Faith Wheeler, Member Services Specialist at Shelby Electric Cooperative, is involved in getting Balloonfest off the ground.  She details the festival’s schedule throughout the weekend.  It begins Friday afternoon, as music and food trucks get the weekend started. 

Saturday’s schedule starts bright and early, taking advantage of the beautiful sunrise which is even better with hot air balloons.  That day is also when Scarecrow Daze takes place in the city center. 

The attention turns to the skies again Saturday evening as new activities and events open up for attendees. 

The festivities conclude on Sunday with another sunrise flight.  Wheeler recommends taking this one in from the lake. 

Shelby Electric Cooperative is one of the major players in organizing Balloonfest every year.  Kevin Bernson, Vice President of Media & Public Relations with the Co-op, takes the lead in putting the festival together. 

More information on Balloonfest is available at www.lakeshelbyville.com/events/balloon.htm.

Faith Wheeler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Food Pantry will be receiving much needed donations of non-perishable food and money through the Taylorville Kiwanis Club’s sixth and final drive-thru donation day of 2025.  It took place in front of our Taylorville studios on Saturday.  Kiwanis members Dick Wamsley and Brenda Spurling supervised the table and accepted donations.  The pair used the initiative not only to collect donations for those in need but also to encourage others to join the Kiwanis Club.

The Taylorville Food Pantry, the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, and the Hart Media Group thank all those who contributed to the drive-thru donation day over the weekend and throughout the year.

Dick Wamsley and Brenda Spurling appeared as guests on the Retro Request Show on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR and on the Saturday Request Show on Groovy 97.3 WRAN. 

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

The Illinois Farm Bureau is mourning the loss of one of its top leaders. Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse died Tuesday, September 24th, following an accident in Michigan. He was 43.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan called Whitehouse “an amazing man” and said his passing is “a tremendous loss” to his family, friends, coworkers, and the entire agricultural community.

Whitehouse grew up on a farm in Arrowsmith and joined the Farm Bureau in 2013, serving in several key roles. He worked closely with farmers across Illinois, advocating for them at both the local and federal level. He also created the “Allies in Agriculture” program, encouraging county Farm Bureaus to build stronger ties with local officials.

In his year and a half as director of national legislation, Whitehouse was praised for building relationships with Illinois’ congressional delegation and for his ability to connect with people of all political views.

Outside of agriculture, he was active in the Bloomington-Normal community, serving as chairman of the Connect Transit Board, the Economic Development Council, and the St. Jude Run/Walk Committee. Local leaders described him as a “visionary” whose dedication left a lasting mark on the region.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
 

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office says its new drone team helped deputies track down a burglary suspect early Tuesday morning—the second time in a week the technology has been used to make an arrest.

Deputies were called around 4:30 a.m. to the 8800 block of Cardinal Hill Road after a homeowner reported finding someone inside his vehicle. The suspect ran off, but deputies launched a drone and quickly spotted him hiding in a nearby bean field.

Forty-six-year-old Jesse Blades of Peoria Heights was arrested and faces charges of burglary to a motor vehicle, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest. Investigators later learned the truck Blades drove to the scene had been stolen out of Taylorville, and more charges are possible.

Sheriff Paula Crouch says the drone program is already proving its value, helping deputies protect the community and catch criminals.

A video of the September 24 drone operation is posted online. You can watch it at taylorvilledailynews.com. 
 

Kemmerer Village, the Assumption-based Presbyterian child-care agency, is known for the ways it helps kids in its care.  However, they also want the community to know about programs available to anyone.  They include summer camps, equine therapy, and of course the new child-care center.  Kemmerer Village also has ways to promote these services and bring in new members to their team. 

Carson Cole is with the Kemmerer Village Foundation.  She says their community programs together encompass a wide age range. 

Cole also says while Camp Carew has a religious affiliation, those of any or no faith may still join.  In addition, for the R.I.D.E. program, there is no need to show documented need to be eligible. 

Amie Sparks is also part of the Kemmerer Village Foundation.  She says their outreach efforts help promote these offerings. 

Cole adds to that, saying they offer speaking engagements to select groups in the area.

More information on Kemmerer Village is available at www.kemmerervillage.org and on their Facebook page.

Carson Cole and Amie Sparks appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The 40th edition of Chillifest is fast-approaching!  The Greater Taylorville Chamber Of Commerce organizes the annual event, which combines activities, live music, and obviously plenty of chili.  It’s scheduled for October 4 and 5.  On top of preparations, the Chamber’s Business After Hours events are still happening, and new members within a wide geographical reach are joining. 

All of that is keeping Board President Krystal Baker busy.  She says the chili cook-offs will see an expanded pool of competitors and judges, and there is still time to get involved. 

The Christian County CEO students hosted the most recent Business After Hours event.  Wright’s Furniture will host the next one, slated for October 16.  Baker says these events continue to serve as great opportunities for networking and entrepreneurial growth. 

The Chamber has three new members: OEO Energy Solutions, Sugar Daddy Pub, and Nicole Helm from Edward Jones. 

Baker also highlights the Greater Taylorville Chamber Of Commerce’s geographical reach.  While the “Taylorville” portion of the name may leave businesses outside city limits thinking they’re not eligible, she emphasizes the “Greater” part of the name, too.

More information on the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is available at www.taylorvillechamber.com.

Krystal Baker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Members of the community of Taylorville held a vigil for the late Charlie Kirk who was shot and fatally wounded by an attacker in Utah.  The vigil was organized by Desiree Ashford and took place on Sunday evening outside of the Christian County Courthouse.   Ashford said she was shocked when she saw it happen and knew she needed to do something to honor him. 

Kirk, who was an Illinois native, reached many people regularly, and, for Ashford, she says that her son felt he could relate to Kirk because of that.  While weather was a factor, Ashford says she was pleased with the group that showed up and said she was very moved by the number of people who were there.

Ashford says she wants to see the community come together in the wake of this incident.  She hopes that there will be healing moving forward.  

Sacred Heart Schools in Pana has filled their classrooms and gotten a great jump on the newest academic year. Students in the 8th Grade Class led by instructor Mrs. Siegert, joined the WTIM Pana Morning Show to talk their goals, desires, favorite part about school, and more. These students are from all types of backgrounds and provide insight on their day-to-day but also their future plans. Joining them was Principal Deb Zueck, Zueck is very proud of the effort poured in by not only the students, but also their staff.

Chloe Beyers, one of the many 8th grade students to join the show, discussed what adult she would switch places with for a day and why.

Wyatt Florey was asked about his favorite way to spend time outside of school was. He states that his passion is found out on the family farm.

Jacob Wolf answered to the question of what is one goal that he has for this school year, his answer: straight A’s.

As for who inspires 8th grade student Reagan Blodgett, she states it’s her teacher Mrs. Swisher. 

Find out more about Sacred Heart Schools by visiting them at their Facebook page.

Deb Zueck, Chloe Beyers, Wyatt Florey, Knox Burris, Jacob Wolf, Reagan Blodgett, Kyla Oller, and Jacelynn Carlson appeared as guests on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.

Football at South Fork High School is flourishing, but the game is different from what you may expect.  Their eight-man team is unbeaten after four games.  Even with a schedule consisting of competitive opponents, they have won their games by a combined 110 points.  The team has not only reached the playoffs each of the last four seasons, but they have increased the buy-in and work ethic from their players as this group pursues greater success. 

Eight-man football is played on a field with 80 yards between the end zones and 40 yards in width.  Five players make up the offensive line, but the two players at the ends join the other receivers and backs as eligible receivers. 

Brody Lush, Brody Pop, Jhude Walker, Marshal Brandon, and Carter Elder are among the seniors on the team.  This means they’ve seen the progression over the last four years.  To reach this level, the team needed dedication not just during the season but also over the summer.  Elder says that’s exactly what happened over the recent months, and it paid off immediately.

Pop, Walker, and Lush say an understanding of the playbook and sheer squad depth are a major part of what has helped them find success.

Brandon and Elder say as time has passed, more players have shown commitment and desire to compete and win, and this has led to an increase in numbers on the team. 

South Fork’s next game is away to St. Anne.  More information on South Fork School District 14 is available at www.southforkschools.com.

Marshal Brandon, Carter Elder, Brody Lush, Brody Pop, and Jhude Walker appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The Christian County CEO Program are just now getting their feet wet with concepts like soft skills, networking, and relationship building as they prepare for their appearance at Chillifest. This year, the class has decided to change up their offerings and will be making ‘dirty sodas’ and lotus energy drinks for the public to enjoy. What is a dirty soda or a lotus drink? Ella Reiss, Ross Brown, and Raylee Oller joined the WTIM Morning Show to discuss their new drinks and how CEO has started out for them. Brown and Reiss first help explain what a ‘dirty soda’ even is.

As for their other drink of choice, the CEO students will be making ‘lotus’ energy drinks. They go on to help explain what these are and how with the help of Coffee Hut, they will be providing drinks the whole weekend.

Brown, Reiss, and Oller then provide some background on themselves and the other clubs and activities they are involved in.

When asked ‘why did you join the CEO program?,’ the students all had different, yet similar answers.

Maybe just as important is what they hope to gain from their involvement in the program. Again, the answers varied but all had a similar message.

Find out more about the Christian County CEO Program, visit www.christiancountyceo.com.

Ella Reiss, Ross Brown, and Raylee Oller appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Social Security Administration has added 13 new conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list.  The purpose of the list is for the SSA to fast-track applications for those with more serious medical conditions which clearly affect their ability to work.  The expedited process is worth noting as those who apply must normally wait months for their benefit applications to be approved.

Jack Myers from the SSA says the Compassionate Allowances list, including the new additions, is available on their website, www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances. 

Myers says the Compassionate Allowances system saves time for those eligible.  In other cases, wait times for receiving approval for benefits can be around seven months, and that amount of time is down from previous averages. 

It is possible to receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but there are fine parameters for that to happen. 

What happens if someone receiving SSDI wants to return to work?  The Social Security Administration offers ways for someone in this position to attempt to return and see if they can handle it.

More information on Social Security is available at www.ssa.gov.

Jack Myers appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

One organization in Pana is helping children with autism develop critical skills despite the challenges they face.  It’s called the Autism And Movement Project, or AAMP.  The organization focuses on Autism Movement Therapy which is believed to help the brain develop more easily.  

Erica Matthews founded AAMP after meeting a boy named Connor, whose aide in early childhood was her mother.  Connor experienced several significant developmental challenges, until Matthews stepped in.  

Despite the name, AAMP is designed for people with a variety of developmental challenges.  They tailor their services for each individual child.

An overall goal of the program is for each child to grow and develop such that they can live life and have the same positive experiences as their neurotypical peers.  As Matthews explains, this journey has allowed many kids at AAMP to live out what she calls “beautiful moments.”

Working with kids who have special needs brings a unique set of challenges for instructors and aides.  Matthews says this draws her towards her work instead of away from it. 

More information on AAMP is available on their Facebook page. 

Erica Matthews appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

Pana schools are looking for ways to improve the experience for all, both in the classroom and on the field.  Building on a positive culture and climate has been a focus for administrators in the early weeks of the new school year.  The perfect opportunity to act on this may be now, with homecoming on the horizon.  They are also looking to invest in their sports facilities, especially on the heels of recent successes from multiple teams of theirs. 

Jessica Miller is the superintendent of the Pana school district.  She says she visits classrooms and speaks with administrators about school culture.  This initiative has inspired some activities and other methods the schools have used to boost morale and the overall climate. 

The school district is in talks to build a new softball field.  It would be west of the elementary school and across the street from the baseball field.  The work is part of an overall project to concentrate their athletics facilities.

The talks regarding the softball field come after a milestone accomplishment from the junior high school’s softball team.  They became the first team from PJHS in any sport to win the regional and sectional titles and reach the state tournament in a given season. 

Back to the classroom, Miller says students at Pana schools are performing well when it comes to literacy, but the district would still like to see it improve.  As such, students will enjoy an early dismissal today while teachers take part in professional development sessions.  The purpose is to collaborate with experts and discuss strategies to improve outcomes. 

More information on Pana CUSD #8 is available at www.panaschools.com.

Jessica Miller appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from 2 Taylorville High School Cross Country runners at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Moose Lodge.

Liam Bettis and Elayna Harker are runners on the T-H-S Cross Country Team and talked about their training and experiences.   

Bettis told Kiwanis members that training last summer has paid off, with the boys’ team winning 4 meets already.   He then gave a history of T-H-S Cross Country, and is excited to see the program growing.  

Bettis added that many T-H-S Cross Country runners have won college scholarships as a result and are still running.   Bettis encouraged the public to come to their Senior Night boys’ team run next Tuesday afternoon at 5 at Jaynes Park in Taylorville.

Elayna Harker, a sophomore at T-H-S, shared her running experience which dates back to 6th grade.  She shared with Kiwanis members that she and other T-H-S Cross Country athletes, accompanied by coach Chad Sutton, attended a camp this summer at the University of Colorado.  Harker also talked about the mental challenges there is when running Cross Country.

Bettis is ranked as a runner as second in state class 2-A, and 45th in the nation as a runner.   Harker is 9th in state class 2-A and 334th in the nation.

The public is reminded that this Saturday is the last Kiwanis Drive-Thru Donation Day in front of the radio station studios at 918 East Park from 8:30am til noon.   Kiwanis members will be collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry.   It’ll be the last Drive-Thru Donation Day for the Kiwanis Club for 2025.  

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

The Taylorville Fire Department responded to three separate fires on Monday, with two fires in the early morning. On Monday at 8:30, firefighters responded to a structure fire on South Baughman Road and on North Lawn Avenue. The fire on Baughman Road saw light smoke coming from the open overhead doors of a shop.  The occupant had used a fire extinguisher to stop the fire from spreading, and a small portion of an interior wall had burned.  Firefighters ensured the fire was extinguished, and the burnt debris was removed. 

The fire at North Lawn Avenue saw heavy smoke coming from the front door of the residence. Firefighters arrived and located a fire in the kitchen that was beginning to extend toward the attic. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control and contained it.  The residence sustained heavy smoke damage, and crews worked to ventilate all affected areas.  No occupants were home, and no injuries were reported. 

Monday evening, another fire broke out at 9:17 PM on South Shumway Street.  Crews encountered heavy smoke and fire at the rear of the residence.  As firefighters fought the blaze, members of the Taylorville Police Department located and removed a dog from the residence, which did not survive the fire. One Taylorville Police Officer was evaluated by TFD and Dunn's Ambulance Personnel for possible smoke inhalation.  The homeowner was displaced as a result of the fire and is staying with family members. 

The Taylorville Fire Department thanked Stonington and Owaneco Fire Departments, along with mutual aid from Edinburg and Midland Fire Departments.  The cause of all three fires remains under investigation. 

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office used its newly launched drone program to help deputies arrest two suspects during a burglary at the Viper Mine in rural Williamsville late Thursday night. Deputies were called to the site around 11 p.m. on September 18th after receiving reports of suspicious activity. The incident marked one of the first major tests for the Sheriff’s Office drone team, which was introduced earlier this month to provide new tools for law enforcement and community safety.

When deputies arrived at the mine, they deployed a drone to scan the property for possible suspects. The drone pilot quickly identified an open door and detected voices coming from inside one of the buildings. As deputies moved closer, they heard glass breaking and spotted a person fleeing through a window. Inside the building, deputies located and arrested 30-year-old Maria Genovese of Springfield. At the same time, the drone tracked a second suspect attempting to hide in a nearby tree line. Guided by the aerial footage, deputies arrested 53-year-old Daniel Gregg Jr., also of Springfield. Gregg sustained cuts to his arm while fleeing and was treated at the scene before being taken into custody.

Investigators recovered numerous burglary tools from inside the facility. A Viper Mine employee later estimated the damage to the building, which included destruction of electrical wiring and plumbing, at roughly $80,000. Both Genovese and Gregg were booked into the Sangamon County Jail on charges of burglary, criminal damage to property exceeding $10,000, and possession of burglary tools.

The Sheriff’s Office drone team, established under Sheriff Paula Crouch, began operating in early September. Four deputies have completed advanced training and are certified to use the equipment in tactical situations as well as search and rescue operations. This burglary response is the second successful operation using the drones in less than a week. On September 12th, deputies deployed the technology to help locate a missing person in a remote part of the county. The individual was found and brought to safety.

The fallout continues after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.  With the suspect now in custody, attention has turned to the public’s reactions to the incident.  There have been a host of instances in which employees in various industries have been fired over comments they have made about the assassination.  In addition, the future of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! is unclear after comments the host made on his show.  All of this puts the topic of free speech and the first amendment of the U.S. constitution as a whole under the spotlight. 

Dr. Kent Redfield is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield.  He says the first amendment is meant to protect people from the federal government limiting speech, but private employers have more discretion.  

As for how the federal government handles speech, hate speech is considered protected by the first amendment, given how the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on notable cases.

Late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to the ABC network tonight.  ABC had suspended its production indefinitely last week.  The move came after comments Kimmel made on the show about the assassination, threats by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to take action against ABC and its stations’ owners, and the decision by some of said owners to pull the show from their lineups.  Dr. Redfield says the fact that employment contracts are involved adds yet another layer of complexity. 

Despite ABC’s decision to begin producing the show again, its availability on affiliate stations is subject to those stations’ decisions on whether to air it.  Before ABC’s initial suspension of production of the show, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group announced they would not air it on their ABC affiliates.  The two companies own a subset of the network’s affiliates in Illinois. 

In other developments, President Donald Trump has announced it will deploy the National Guard into Memphis, Tennessee.  The move mirrors similar efforts in the nation’s capital and Chicago.  Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, supports the move.  Dr. Redfield believes this collaboration is likely the reason the administration pivoted to Memphis. 

More information on UIS’s political science program is available at www.uis.edu/spia.

Dr. Kent Redfield appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The City of Taylorville and the Taylorville Fire Department have lifted the burn ban that was put in place during recent drought conditions. Officials thanked residents for their cooperation in holding off on outdoor burning while the community faced dry weather. With the ban lifted, open burning is once again permitted, but only under a specific schedule designed to balance safety with residents’ needs.

Open burning was allowed through September 20th, 2025. After that date, residents may only burn during the first and third full weeks of each month, from Monday through Sunday. This rotation will remain in place until April 1st, 2026. The upcoming schedule includes the following dates: October 6th – 12th, October 20th – 26th, November 3rd – 9th, November 17th – 23rd, December 1st – 7th, December 15th – 21st, January 5th – 11th, January 19th – 25th, February 2nd – 8th, February 16th – 22nd, March 2nd – 8th, and March 16th – 22nd.

Fire officials have outlined several rules to ensure safety. All fires must be attended at all times, and only natural yard waste such as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, or small tree limbs may be burned. Trash and barrel fires remain prohibited. Burning is restricted to the hours between 7 a.m. and dusk on the permitted days.

Residents are urged to watch weather conditions closely, be considerate of neighbors, and follow proper disposal options. For those who would rather not burn, the city offers free disposal of yard waste for residents within corporate limits. Leaves, weeds, and clippings can be hauled in containers or bags and dropped off in designated receptacles provided by the street and sewer department.

For more information on the Taylorville Fire Department, visit them at their Facebook page.

Illinois continues to face a teacher shortage and one statewide non-profit is working to fill the gap.
Golden Apple is now accepting applications for its Accelerators and Scholars programs, designed to prepare the next generation of educators. Nearly three thousand people are already enrolled in Golden Apple’s teacher preparation efforts, but more are needed.

A recent report from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents found that almost 4,000 teaching jobs went unfilled for the current school year, and nearly 90 percent of school leaders say they’re struggling with shortages.

Golden Apple President Alan Mather says the programs are about more than just training teachers. He says they’re designed to support people who feel called to shape the lives of students and communities across Illinois.

The Scholars program focuses on high school seniors and early college students who want to teach. Scholars can receive up to 23-thousand dollars in financial assistance, plus hands-on classroom experience, job placement help, and mentoring from award-winning teachers.

For those who already have a degree or are changing careers, the Accelerators program provides a 15-month residency to fast-track participants into the classroom. The program covers tuition and fees, offers mentoring support, and provides a 10-thousand-dollar stipend during training.
Golden Apple CEO Alicia Winckler says both programs are proven pathways into the profession, giving future teachers the preparation and confidence to succeed.

Anyone interested in applying can find details online at goldenapple.org.

It’s celebration time at Peoples Bank and Trust, where four employees are being recognized for their service milestones.

Leading the way is Patricia Bond, who is marking an incredible 45 years with the bank. Patty started back in 1980 as a secretary and over the years has worked in nearly every corner of the bank, from teller to bookkeeping to her current role as administrative assistant. She lives in rural Pana with her husband Don, and when she’s not at the bank, she’s spending time with her children and grandchildren. After four and a half decades, her coworkers say she’s truly part of the heart of the bank.

Jennifer Mathis is celebrating 15 years. She began as a teller and steadily climbed the ranks to become Assistant Vice President of Consumer Banking. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys camping and supporting her children’s activities, especially girls’ softball.

At the Morrisonville branch, teller Mike Cambruzzi is marking 10 years of service. Before banking, Mike spent more than 34 years in the classroom as a teacher. These days he’s known for sharing his smile with every customer who comes through the door. When he’s not at the bank, you’ll likely find him golfing, cheering on Blues hockey, or spending time with his grandchildren.

And finally, at the Pana branch, Kristi Bonelli is celebrating her very first year. In just 12 months she’s already become a customer favorite, known for her friendliness behind the counter.

Bank President and CEO John Gardner says employees like Patricia, Jennifer, Mike, and Kristi are what makes Peoples Bank and Trust more than just a place to do business, they make it a part of the community.
 

The Christian County YMCA is preparing for a night of fun and fundraising as it hosts its 37th Annual Benefit Auction on Friday, November 7th. This year’s theme is “Aloha,” inviting guests to enjoy a tropical evening at The Pillars Event Center.

Co-chairing the event are Jim and Krystal Baker, who say they’re honored to lead this year’s effort to support the Y. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Dinner and a live auction will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the auction will help fund a special “Fund a Need” project to install new flooring in the YMCA’s childcare and nursery areas and add new toys for children. Money raised will also help sustain the YMCA’s budget and ensure programs continue to make a lasting impact in the community.

The Bakers are encouraging the public to get involved by attending the event, donating items for the auction, becoming a sponsor, or making a financial gift if they can’t attend.
More information is available by calling the YMCA at 217-287-7271.
 

HSHS Medical Group is making it easy for families to protect themselves from the flu this season with two drive-thru flu vaccine clinics in Taylorville.

The clinics will be held Saturday, September 20th, and Saturday, September 27th, from 9 a.m. to noon at HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care, located at 1304 West Burnett Drive.

Dr. Poojitha Kolluri says flu vaccines remain the best defense against influenza and its complications, and the drive-thru format allows people to get their shot without leaving their car.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months and older receive a flu vaccine each year, especially children, older adults, and anyone with chronic health conditions.

For more information or to schedule a visit with Dr. Kolluri, go to hshsmedicalgroup.org or call 217-321-9310.
 

The Macon County Conservation District is inviting the community to step into the prairie and take part in a special Native Seed Collecting event at Friends Creek Conservation Area on Saturday, October 4th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is open to individuals, families, and groups, who want to learn more about native plants while lending a hand in conservation efforts. Organizers say it is a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, experience the prairie in autumn, and contribute to projects that will benefit natural areas across Macon County. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to attend.

Participants will walk through the prairie and gather seeds from native wildflowers. The seeds collected will be used in restoration projects at other conservation sites, helping strengthen native prairie habitats. The activity is considered light work, involving walking through tall grasses and pulling seeds directly from stalks. Gloves and buckets will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes. No prior experience is needed to participate.

Natural Resource Manager Mitch Lovgren explained that the event gives volunteers a chance to make a direct impact on habitat restoration while also enjoying the beauty of Friends Creek and learning more about native plants. The Macon County Conservation District works to conserve and restore natural and cultural resources throughout the county. The organization maintains areas of natural significance and offers year-round programs to encourage education, recreation, and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Those interested should meet at the Group Camp Parking Lot at 13734 Friends Creek Park Road in Cisco, Illinois. RSVPs are requested by October 1 and can be made by contacting Mitch Lovgren at 217-519-9926 or by email at mlovgren@maconccd.org.

Illinois lawmakers are continuing to voice concerns about the long-term effects of the ‘SAFE-T’ Act, this legislation signed into law in 2021, eliminated cash bail and introduced major changes to the state’s criminal justice system. Supporters originally said the law would modernize procedures and bring more fairness, but critics say it has created confusion and left communities much less safe.

Two years after the no-cash bail system went into effect statewide, many say the impact has been clear. Police departments face heavier workloads and new mandates without additional resources, courts are strained by a flood of cases, and repeat offenders are quickly cycling back into the community. Families often question whether the system is still working in their favor during this two-year period.

State Representative Dennis Tipsword of Metamora, who served nearly thirty years in law enforcement before joining the General Assembly, shared his perspective on how the law has shifted priorities away from protecting the public and toward those accused of crimes.

State Representative Patrick Windhorst of Metropolis, a former state’s attorney, spoke about the challenges it has created for officers and the court system, saying the added strain has made communities less secure.

State Representative Tom Weber of Fox Lake has focused on the law’s impact on victims and their families. He highlighted cases where suspects accused of serious crimes were released quickly, leaving families to endure not only their loss but also the frustration of watching those responsible avoid detention.

Find out more by visiting www.ilga.gov.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one non-profit organization in Central Illinois is using the time to promote their services along with stories of survival.  Dove, Inc. takes their title from the bird species because it is considered a symbol of peace.  The word also is used as an acronym, Disciples On Volunteer Experiences, as a reference of how the organization came to be.  Dove operates in DeWitt, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, and Shelby Counties.  The general public will soon have the opportunity to hear powerful stories of how survivors who came through Dove not only left their unsafe situations, but also are thriving thereafter.

Susie Kensil is the Shelby County Coordinator of Dove, Inc.  She says Dove offers assistance to those escaping unsafe situations at all stages of the process. 

Dove’s Shelbyville office is located at 1200 South Hickory.  Their crisis phone number, available 24 hours a day, is (217) 774-4888.  They are also available by email at skensil@doveinc.org.  Kensil says with the sensitivity of the matter, communicating via email can be more effective than by phone if no one is available to pick up.

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Dove offices – with the exception of that of Piatt County – hold a “candlelight service.”  Shelbyville’s service will take place on Thursday, October 2 at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church.  The purpose is to remember those who have died from domestic violence and celebrate the successful stories of those who could escape.  The stories of both kinds are powerful.

For Kensil and Dove, compassion is key.  It’s what has helped them assist so many people, who can then lead happy lives which may have at one point not seemed possible. 

More information on Dove, Inc. is available at www.doveinc.org. 

Susie Kensil appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

Starting Friday night and running through Saturday, September 20th, 2025, is the ‘24 Hours Laps For Leaps’ event, with a great cause in mind. This yearly tradition brings 4 to 6 driver teams together to race for a whole day cycle. Drivers take ‘shifts’ racing along the speedway with large crowds of spectators flanking the grandstand. In addition to the day-long race, campers are invited to come out and celebrate the weekend with everyone in attendance.

‘24 Hours Laps For Leaps’ is held in Highland, Illinois, located in Madison County. While this year may be nearing completion, organizers are always looking for support and sponsors to join in their hard work. The event has raised over $80,000 so far this year with sponsorship opportunities to return with next year’s edition.

For more information on ‘24 Hours Laps For Leaps’ visit www.leapsoflove.org. You can also learn about them by visiting their Facebook page.

A late-night drug investigation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine in Christian County. Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says his department worked with Assumption Police on the case, which included a traffic stop and a search warrant executed around 1:30 this morning in Assumption. The warrant was carried out safely with help from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Assumption Fire, and Echo Ambulance.

Four people are facing charges:

Clayton A. Langley of Assumption and Ericka L. Zahradka of Assumption were arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver between 15 and 100 grams. Rebecca Burke of Taylorville and Justin Bright of Taylorville were arrested for possession of methamphetamine.

Chief Wheeler says the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be filed.

Clayton Langley

Ericka Zahradka 

Rebecca Burke

Justin Bright

Harvest season is underway, and that means farm vehicles will be out on the roads.  This recurring phase of the year necessitates several safety reminders for farmers and other members of the community.  While the USDA does not have specific data, harvest season is widely regarded as the most dangerous part of the year for farmers.  

Collisions on the road, farm implement rollovers, and other hazards with machinery can lead to serious injuries and deaths.  Like in other counties, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office responds to incidents like these throughout the season.  They hope to educate people on these risks and what to do to keep themselves and their neighbors safe.  Chief Deputy Jim Baker says it is important for those who do not farm to understand how farm implements operate. 

As for those who are farmers, making sure that all parts of farm equipment work as intended can prevent many kinds of accidents. 

With farm vehicles moving from roads meant for cars into the fields, Chief Deputy Baker reminds farmers to set Rollover Protective Structures (ROPs) in addition to fastening their seat belts. 

Farm safety is not the only subject of discussion at the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set September 21-27 as Child Passenger Safety Week.  While parents may have properly set up car seats in their own cars, friends and other relatives who may have to drive children around need to know how to set up the seats in their vehicles too. 

Find out more about the Christian County Sheriff’s Office by visiting them at their Facebook page. You can also download the CCSO IL App on your mobile device for the latest news and information.

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

It’s no secret that Central Illinois is in need of more rain following the dry months in July and August, and the same can now be said here in September. Homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers, are all wondering when that heavy rain might fall, but until it does, there are some tips and tricks to keep your garden and yard in the best shape possible. Andrew Holsinger, Horticulture Educator with the University of Illinois Extension, discusses how dry it has truly been. As of the most recent drought monitor report, Christian County and surrounding areas are dealing with moderate to severe drought.

With the recent heat and lack of precipitation comes the possibility of dust storms and accidental fires. Holsinger says caution should be taken in the case of such incidents.

When it comes to keeping some of your favorite plants alive or maybe your newest ones, watering is key. Holsinger has recommendations on how to care for these moving forward.

Holsinger also has notes on your lawn, even if it hasn’t been mowed in months. Keeping your grass as healthy as possible before year end might keep your yard intact for next Spring.

Find out more about the University of Illinois Extension at www.extension.illinois.edu.

Andrew Holsinger appeared as a guest on WTIM Morning Show.

More businesses are expanding within Christian County and improving the overall economic landscape.  Whether inside or outside of the enterprise zone, these projects are creating jobs and other valuable investments right at home.  Companies building and opening new locations include nationally-recognized chains and others which play key roles in the agriculture sector.  In addition, some efforts are helping fill key gaps in workers’ lives, in ways some may not realize. 

Matt Hart, the Executive Director of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation, has his eyes on all of this.  This includes Edinburg, where a new Dollar General will open.  Edinburg is where two major projects have already been fully or nearly completed this year. 

Much of the economic development in recent years has been thanks to the county’s enterprise zone.  That subset initially included only Taylorville, Pana, and Assumption.  Since then, it has expanded greatly, and Hart wants to see it go further. 

The Assumption community child-care center is now open.  While its direct effect on job-creation may seem minor, child-care can be a necessity for some people to work.

The unemployment rate in Taylorville was recorded as 4.3% in July.  That’s up from the previous month, but still below the unemployment rate at the state level. 

More information on the CCEDC is available at www.christiancountyedc.com. 

Matt Hart appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Two local educators from the Taylorville School District have been invited to share their expertise at one of Illinois’ largest technology conferences. K-4 Technology Integrationist Dawn Reiser and Instructional Coach Cara Thomas, will present at the Illinois Education and Technology Conference or ‘IETC,’ held November 12th through the 14th, at the Bank of Springfield Center. 

Sponsored by the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, the annual event draws educators and leaders from across the state to explore new ways of integrating technology in the classroom.

Reiser and Thomas will highlight their work using technology, coding, and hands-on learning across the elementary curriculum. Their session was also selected as a spotlight feature in the conference’s marketing materials, placing their work front and center for attendees.

Learn more about the Illinois Education and Technology Conference by visiting www.ltcillinois.org/ietc. Additional information can also be found at their Facebook page.

The Shelbyville Silk Purse in Shelbyville received a check from Shelby Electric Co-op on Tuesday morning. The Shelbyville Silk Purse takes in donated items and resells them in their shops, with all proceeds going to support free services at the Family Life Center.  The Silk Purse also has locations in Effingham and Newton. Mary Hovis, executive director of the family life center which owns the Silk Purse.  Hovis says the ministry of the Family Life Center is extremely important as they educate those who are pregnant on their options.

Hovis says that the check is going to go towards remodeling for the Silk Purse.  

The Silk Purse is open 9-7 M-F and Saturday 9-5. Hovis says they are always taking donations on the back part of the building.

Find out more information on the Shelbyville Silk Purse by visiting their Facebook page. 

Adriana Allen has joined Peoples Bank & Trust as Assistant Vice President of Consumer Banking at the Taylorville branch, bringing more than a decade of experience to the bank’s consumer services team. In her new role, Allen will support consumer banking operations and services for customers in both the Taylorville and Pana areas, helping expand access to personal banking products like consumer loans, residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, and deposit accounts.

Allen has lived in Christian County for more than 20 years with her husband, Steve, where they raised their three children. Outside of work, she is involved in the local community through volunteer efforts with the Stonington American Legion and enjoys motorcycle riding and family activities.

Peoples Bank & Trust operates as a full-service community bank with thirteen locations across Central Illinois, including branches in: Taylorville, Pana, Charleston, Tuscola, Arthur, Arcola, Altamont, Morrisonville, Springfield, Tower Hill, Waverly, Palmyra, and White Hall. The bank is a subsidiary of People First Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Pana. It provides a range of financial services to individual consumers, small businesses, and agricultural clients throughout the region.

Best wishes to Adriana Allen in her newest role at People’s Bank and Trust from Regional Radio News!

The Central A&M School District is beginning the new academic year with a balanced budget.  Earlier this week, district leaders approved the new budget.  Despite typical difficulties with revenue and reduced federal funding, the school district looks to move along with projects in progress.  They are also hoping to make improvements to the traffic setup at the high school. 

Superintendent Sacha Young played a major role in the budget negotiations and also the potential traffic projects on the horizon.  She herself raised some of the underlying concerns surrounding the start and end of the school day along with softball games. 

As for other projects at district schools over the summer, many of them are complete, while others are almost done.

Young is happy the district board put together and passed a balanced budget but acknowledges that rising costs could create issues in the future. 

The middle school is celebrating some sporting success.  That’s because the softball team just qualified for the state tournament!  They begin that competition in Normal on Friday morning.

Find out more about the Central A&M School District at www.camraiders.com.

Sacha Young appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Lincoln Land Community College is inviting local high school families to learn how students can get a head start on earning college credits. The college will hold an information session on Monday, October 6th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 1162, on their Springfield campus. The session is open to current sophomores and juniors, along with their parents or guardians, who want to explore the opportunities offered through LLCC’s College Now program.

‘College Now’ is designed for students who are at least 16 years old, in good academic standing, and attend a high school that partners with LLCC. The program allows those students to take morning or afternoon classes at the college during their regular school day. By doing so, they are able to earn both high school and college credit at the same time, gaining valuable experience in a college classroom environment before graduation.

At the October 6th information session, participants will receive an overview of how the program works and what is expected of students who enroll. Topics will include what a typical college class looks like, tuition costs and available financing options, and how ‘College Now’ compares to other advanced learning opportunities such as advanced placement or dual credit courses. The session will also provide step-by-step guidance on how to apply, along with time for families to ask questions.

College officials encourage students to first check with their high school counselors to confirm whether their school is a participating partner. LLCC leaders say programs like College Now provide students with a unique chance to experience the college environment early, which can help them transition more smoothly into higher education after graduation. It also allows motivated students to get a jump start on their college degree, potentially saving both time and money in the long run.

Find out more by visiting www.llcc.edu/college-now or by calling 217-786-2582.

Many in the nation continue to process the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month.  Reactions have included sympathy for Kirk’s loved ones, along with shock and sadness.  In other instances, the incident has sparked debates on related political issues and general political division in America.  Discussion relating to politicians’ reactions has included accusations of hypocrisy in both directions. 

State Senator Steve McClure says he once interacted with Charlie Kirk when the then-executive director of Turning Point USA spoke at an event in Springfield.  Senator McClure said he saw the video of the shooting between when it happened and when Kirk was pronounced dead.  He called out the celebrations of the killing but acknowledged it took up only a remote share of the reaction on his online spaces. 

Senator McClure calls on his constituents and people across the country to condemn political violence.  He also accused Governor JB Pritzker of hypocrisy regarding his comments about the killing and Republicans’ reactions to it. 

The state senator crossed paths with Charlie Kirk at the 2022 Lincoln Day Dinner, which the Sangamon County Republican Central Committee Organized.  McClure praised Kirk’s willingness and skill in debating. 

Additionally, people and politicians across Illinois are mourning the loss of the state’s 38th governor, Jim Edgar.  The Republican served from 1991 to 1999, in a tenure spanning two terms.  Senator McClure spoke highly of the late governor’s efforts to bring people together for constructive, good-faith debates on key issues.

More information on Senator Steve McClure is available at www.senatormcclure.com.

Senator Steve McClure appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Again this year, the Taylorville Kiwanis Club will be asking the public for their help in supporting local Kiwanis projects for children and youth, in the club’s annual Kid’s Days fund raiser this Friday and Saturday.   

Members of the club will be positioned both days at the intersection of Main Cross and Webster, also known as “Harrison Corner”; and at other locations in the city. 

Members will be asking for cash donations big and small that will go toward local Kiwanis projects such as Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, YMCA and high school scholarships, and many more.  

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

Taylorville High School was subject to a threat of violence earlier today, following threats that had been made at the Taylorville Junior High School just last week. The Taylorville School District jumped to immediate action while notifying parents of the incident via email. At this time, local law enforcement has ensured district administrators and staff, as well as students, that school remains safe to attend.

The Taylorville Police Department has confirmed the student that made the threat has been identified. This student is facing possible legal action. Due to student privacy laws, the Taylorville School District is unable to provide further detail on the matter.

Brandi Bruley, Superintendent of the Taylorville School District, thanked everyone for their part in resolving the situation.

Regional Radio News will continue to provide updates as they are released.

September 15th through the 21st has been designated as Farm Safety Week in Illinois. The week highlights the dangers farmers face every day, and the importance of taking steps to avoid accidents.

Farming remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, with more than 500 fatalities nationwide each year. Most are caused by tractor accidents, but other hazards like grain bin cave-ins, pesticides, and even working with livestock in tough weather conditions all pose serious risks.

Farm safety doesn’t just apply to those working in the fields. It also extends to the public. Motorists are often asked to be mindful when sharing the road with slow-moving farm vehicles, which can have limited visibility.

That’s why Farm Safety Week is a reminder for both farmers and the general public: staying cautious can save lives.
 

Lake Land College is celebrating its highest fall enrollment in years.  The college’s official 10th Day Enrollment Report shows more than 4,100 students enrolled this fall, a 4.5 percent increase from last year and the highest headcount since 2019. Full-time equivalency, which measures overall credit hours, is also up more than 7 percent which is the strongest its been since 2020.

Much of the increase comes from Career and Technical Education programs and high school students taking dual credit classes. Enrollment in dual credit jumped by more than 17 percent this fall, with over 1,300 high school students earning college credit.

Lake Land also opened its new Effingham Technology Center this semester, and already more than 300 students are taking classes there.

Lake Land President Josh Bullock says the numbers are more than just statistics as they represent thousands of students working toward brighter futures. For more information on Lake Land, visit their website. 

The Christian County Health Department and Taylorville Fire Department are teaming up to help families keep kids safe on the road.

A free car seat safety check will be held Wednesday, September 24th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Taylorville Fire House on North Main Street. Certified technicians will make sure car seats are installed correctly and help families with new installations.

Parents are encouraged to bring their child, or at least the child’s height and weight, along with the vehicle and car seat manuals.

As a bonus, the first two families to take part will receive a free booster seat.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says crashes remain a leading cause of death for children, and properly installed car seats are key to preventing injuries.

For more information, call the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113.
 

Lake Land College has enrolled their largest class size in over 5 years to start the new Fall semester while adding to the extensive catalog of courses and programs. Additional work includes their expansion in Effingham, from the Kluthe Center to the Effingham Technology Center, as well as fieldhouse improvements being made over the next couple of weeks. New to Lake Land is the “Tech Two Day” program and “Education That Fits Your Life.” These have been put in place to increase schedule flexibility while making higher education more accessible.

To talk all these things is Kelly Allee, Marketing and Promotions Director for Lake Land College. She starts first by sharing the increased enrollment numbers and the hours being logged by students.

As for why the boost in enrollment? Allee says it’s a combination of multiple efforts and tells what some of those are.

Allee breaks down what the “Tech Two Day” program is. Students and their employers are given consistent schedules to reduce interference between the two.

For those thinking about returning to the classroom for their GED, Lake Land College has multiple opportunities to receive your high school diploma. On October 13th in Pana at the Western Region Center, faculty will be on hand to explain your next steps.

Find out more about Lake Land College at www.lakelandcollege.edu.

Kelly Allee appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.

The time is coming soon to get the necessary vaccines to stay healthy through the winter and the months thereafter as well.  For most people, the flu vaccine is a recommended part of the regimen.  Some people may also benefit from the RSV and/or COVID-19 vaccines.  With guidelines for these vaccines – especially that of COVID-19 – fluctuating year to year, it’s important to keep up to date.  Not only is the Christian County Health Department helping people in the area do just that, but they are also facilitating the process of receiving said vaccines.  They will hold a flu vaccine clinic on Friday, October 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pana Fire Department.  Two other clinics will happen at the Taylorville Fire Department; they are scheduled for Friday, October 17 and Monday, November 3, both also from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ellen Jackson is an Emergency Response Coordinator with the Christian County Health Department.  She says the process for visitors at the clinic is simple and quick. 

Chelsey Davis is the Director of Nursing at the Health Department.  She says the flu vaccine is recommended for most people, but as for specific forms of vaccines, there are changes for this year. 

For the RSV vaccine, Davis says older folks, certain people who are pregnant, and some infants are the ones who should get the shot. 

As for the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s suggested for anyone 65 and older, as well as anyone else at least six months old with at least one underlying condition that increases their risk for severe illness from the virus. 

Aside from vaccines, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set September 21-27 as Child Passenger Safety Week.  CCHD will host a car seat safety check on Monday, September 22.  They will check car seat installations, help adjust them if needed, and provide other tips. 

More information on the Christian County Health Department is available at www.cchdil.org.
 
Ellen Jackson and Chelsey Davis appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning show. 

The Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening for a little over an hour for their September meeting. Vicky McMahon was absent and Ken Franklin was a few minutes late.  The board heard from the public.  Desiree Ashford spoke letting the board know she was going to be running a Charlie Kirk vigil on Sunday night.  There will be a special Thursday night meeting for approval.

Patty Rykhus gave a donation from the Friends of Christian County Animal Control for the kennel projects. Schales Nagle, from Kemmerer Village gave a presentation on the new child care facility in Assumption.  Hope Trust also gave an insurance presentation. 

Under highway, building, and grounds the board approved the following. An IDOT extension affidavit for the county engineer salary program was approved.  A courthouse lawn use program for Taylorville Main Street and for Chillifest was also approved. 

Under audit, finance, and purchasing, the board approved claims for September. Health Savings Account Dispersal Discussions took place. Monthly disbursements to health accounts.  Venise McWard explained what the plan was moving forward. 

There was some discussion about how specific they would need to make the motion, but after a small discussion, the board decided to leave the motion as is.  The motion passed.  A carpet installation quote for the State’s Attorney's office was approved from Taylorville Home Source. A stipend for the payroll clerk was also approved in the amount of $6,000. 

The next County Board meeting is set for October 21st. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about Lifestyle Medicine being offered locally, at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Moose Lodge.

Dr. Pavi Gill and his Nurse Practitioner Brenda Hemann were program speakers and talked about an innovative approach to health care that the 2 are offering at Springfield Clinic.   What they’re calling “Lifestyle Medicine” is a multi-faceted approach integrating their new Emerald Laser machine, plus hormone therapy, and self-care, to help patients become healthier.

Dr. Gill told Kiwanis members hormone therapy can be used to enhance the quality of life, and Hemann shared the many benefits of their new Emerald Laser machine.   She said the laser treatment is painless, and described what one of 8 sessions are like and the potential weight loss as result of the treatments.

To schedule an appointment to find out more on Lifestyle Medicine, contact Dr. Gill’s office at Springfield Clinic Taylorville.

The public is reminded that this Friday and Saturday is the annual Kiwanis Kids’ Days at select locations all over Taylorville.   Kiwanis members will be wearing bright apparel while standing at street corners and other locations, asking for financial donations from the public that help fund Kiwanis projects such as Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, high school and YMCA scholarhsips.

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 Master Gardeners at the University of Illinois Extension want to help you handle the recent dry weather when it comes to gardening.  The dry and hot conditions in recent days are a strong contrast to the frequent rains in the spring.  The particular weather now, along with the general inconsistency all through 2025, can make successful gardening quite difficult.  Fortunately, the Master Gardeners are always on hand to provide their insights.  In addition, they along with the Extension as a whole have several fun educational events on the horizon. 

Gwen Podeschi and Sandi Klein are among the Master Gardeners.  They remind gardeners to take care of themselves as well amid the conditions.

As for what to do next, that depends largely on what is forecasted.  Even Podeschi and Klein are still figuring that out for themselves. 

The Extension is looking to promote their services by way of a program they’re calling “Taste Of The Extension.”  It’s scheduled for Friday, October 24 from 4:30-7 p.m. at their Taylorville office at 1120 North Webster Street.  

More information on the University of Illinois Extension and Taste Of The Extension is at extension.illinois.edu.

Gwen Podeschi and Sandi Klein appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 
 

A new semester is well underway now at Lincoln Land Community College, and classes at Taylorville’s campus are happening with a new campus director overseeing it all.  Elizabeth Fines Workman took charge over the summer and has witnessed plenty of excitement from students for the new term and new leadership.  Despite the changes at the top, their general outreach strategy remains unchanged, at least for now.  Prospective students can take part in the community college’s visit days, and those currently in the workforce can benefit from programs like their Essential Workplace Skills series. 

Fines Workman is planning events and activities to further connect herself and other members of leadership with the student body.  They include “snack days” and visits from administrators at other campuses.

LLCC will still hold its visit days for prospective students.  The next one is scheduled for October 13 on the main campus.

As mentioned, this is the first semester for Fines Workman at the helm of the Taylorville campus.  She continues to teach one course, but her new role has provided her a clearer perspective on the atmosphere of the campus as a whole. 

This is also the first semester with the new RISE technology in classrooms.  This setup uses microphones and cameras across the room to allow students and instructors both in the classroom and elsewhere to easily interact verbally.  Fines Workman says the technology is working well so far. 

More information on Lincoln Land Community College is available at www.llcc.edu.

Elizabeth Fines Workman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Crime in Taylorville continues to fall.  A sustained drop of this nature in cases tends to indicate that the police department’s tactics are working.  They point to efforts to engage the community and mentor members of the police force in lower ranks.  The Halloween Bash is one of their community outreach events, and a glance at the calendar shows it is not too far away.  The drop in crime does contain an exception for one category, but officials have a plan to address it. 

Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler his eyes both on the numbers and on how his department got there.  Having recently attended a conference with other law enforcement leaders, he says Taylorville sets the example across Central Illinois. 

The Taylorville Police Department is looking ahead to the Halloween Bash.  They also intend to hold a smaller event before then.  Dates for both events are still unknown.

While crime overall has decreased in Taylorville, the opposite trend has occurred with respect to break-ins.  Chief Wheeler says it’s gone up around 4% within the last few years, but he is ready to make changes.

Chief Wheeler also spoke regarding two recent safety-related incidents at Taylorville Junior High School.  On Friday, September 12, a 3D-printed toy gun was found with students on school grounds.  Around two weeks prior, the school district responded to a social media threat directed at the school, later discovered to be unfounded.  Chief Wheeler calls on parents to do more to prevent these incidents from happening. 

More information on the Taylorville Police Department is available at www.taylorville.net/police-dept. 

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

Taylorville City Council met on Monday evening.  All aldermen were present except for Chris Skultety. The council’s first order of business was to honor Mila Gregory.  Gregory is a NASCAR Youth Racing champion. She races on the Dirt Tour to race quarter midget drivers across the country, and she just secured her first dirt championship. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry honored her at the meeting.

Several motions concerning ordinance passing including a handicapped parking space for the US postal service building, residency requirements for the city, a motion to approve the request for the city to acquire city owned property in the industrial park (5-2 with Aldermen Megan Bryant and Kathy Driskell voting No), and a motion to approve the special events permit on Saturday October 4th for the VFW. The council also approved selling several police vehicles. 

A motion concerning the city council to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to sell the expired tasers and protective equipment to officers for other employment meant heavy discussion. Mayor Barry said he was absolutely opposed to it because he wanted his officers to be safe at all times. 

The question of course is whether there would be liability if something would happen to an officer and whether the officers are safe, because if an officer got hurt at a secondary job, the council was concerned about them having the best equipment available and not have expired equipment. After a lengthy discussion, the council voted against selling the tasers and equipment. The motion failed 5-2, with only Aldermen Doug Brown abstaining, and Megan Bryant and Kathy Driskell voting Yes. 

Under lake/airport, a motion concerning of project plumbing passed 7-0, a motion concerning taxiway A Phase 2 was tabled, and a motion for replacing the door hanger passed 6-1 with Alderman Steve Dorchinecz voting no. 

The Mayor again reiterated that Christian County is currently under a burn ban in his public comments. 

The next city council meeting is set for October 6th, 2025. 

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary at the Moweaqua Golf Course after deputies were called to the business in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025. Authorities say the break-in triggered a burglary alarm that prompted a rapid response, but by the time deputies arrived, they found the business had already sustained significant damage and theft. Glass from a shattered door littered the entrance, and items had been scattered across the property.

According to investigators, surveillance cameras recorded the suspect in the act. The footage shows the individual entering the business wearing a brown flannel coat over a red shirt, with black pants cuffed at the ankle, black Nike shoes, a grey-and-black hat, and a black face covering. Deputies reported that the suspect used a sledgehammer and a crowbar to force entry into the building.

The suspect is described as a male standing between 5 feet, 8 inches and 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing roughly 170 pounds. The stolen property, including merchandise and cash, has been valued at $10,158.85, marking a significant financial loss for the golf course.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and they are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. The Christian County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving crimes such as this one, noting that even small details provided by residents could make a difference.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Christian County Crimestoppers. The program allows tipsters to remain completely anonymous and offers cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. The CCSO has not released additional details yet but confirmed that deputies continue to review evidence and follow up on leads in hopes of bringing the suspect into custody.

The Taylorville City Council is set to meet on Monday at 7 PM for its regular city council meeting.  After approval of minutes, the council will look at recognizing Mila Gregory, reviewing ordinance concerning a handicapped parking space at the USPS, residency requirements, industrial park updates, and a special events permit for the VFW on Saturday, October 4th. The council will also look at potentially approving an ordinance to sell some police vehicles.

Under committee reports, the council will look at, discuss, and potentially approve the following motions: purchasing a Ford Explorer for emergency services, preparing an ordinance to sell expired tasers and protective equipment, approving a quote for construction of the parking lot west of the Columbarium for the cemetery, and approving some airport work.  Underwater, the council will look at two separate pay requests.  

There will be city attorney updates, mayoral comments, bills will be paid, and the council will hear from the public.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for all the latest on the city council meeting following the conclusion of the event. 
 

Christian County CEO again made their rounds within the community for some of their business visits of the school year. CEO students stopped by the Hart Media Group to sit behind the microphones and learn about business operations. Caitlyn Foster, Autumn Hobbs, Ella Reiss, and Ella Davis, students of this year’s program, tell about their senior years and involvement in other sports and clubs.

The four shared what they have enjoyed most so far in their time with Christian County CEO.

Reiss, Davis, Hobbs, and Foster detail why they made the decision to join the CEO program.

It’s early in the process, but all four are just starting to work on plans for their upcoming businesses.

Find out more about the Christian County CEO Program by visiting www.christiancountyceo.com.

Ella Reiss, Ella Davis, Caitlyn Foster, and Autumn Hobbs appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

As temperatures drop to between the intense summer heat and the bitter winter cold, events in Shelby County will keep people of all ages entertained.  The Shelbyville Office Of Tourism does its part to help organize and promote these events, with the aim of bringing in high attendance.  The Dirt Works Mountain Bike Festival gets the latest series of events underway, with Scarecrow Daze and Balloonfest to follow. 

Freddie Fry is the director of the Shelbyville Office Of Tourism.  She says Dirt Works – which runs from September 19-21 – will appeal to fans of mountain biking and trails in general.

The annual Scarecrow Daze Festival sees Shelbyville decked out in scarecrows.  Saturday, October 11 is the day to visit for that event, unless you’re a crow. 

Overlapping with Scarecrow Daze is Balloonfest at Lake Shelbyville.  It’s scheduled from October 10-12, and the first evening sees the balloons get lit up, along with food trucks and live music. 

Saturday is a step up even from Friday, as there will be more special guests, vendors, and activities.

The Shelbyville Office of Tourism is located at 315 East Main Street, between the courthouse and the railroad tracks.  More information is available at www.lakeshelbyville.com or by contacting them at info@lakeshelbyville.com or (217) 774-2244.

Freddie Fry appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the co-director of the Taylorville Food Pantry at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Moose Lodge.

Pam Moses is co-director with Amy Hagen of the local food pantry, and told Kiwanis members the Taylorville location has seen increases in the number of families served over the past year.   She said 475 families from all over the area have taken advantage of the pantry, adding that with the cuts in LINK and SNAP benefits, more families are relying on the Taylorville Food Pantry to overcome food insecurity.

Moses told the Kiwanis Club many food pantries in the area ran low or ran out of food due to demand, and said that the Taylorville Food Pantry 5 years ago began an effort to make sure their shelves were always fully stocked.  

Due to USDA cutbacks, meat is no longer available to the local Food Pantry, but Moses said dry foods are still being offered to them.  Moses added the Taylorville Food Pantry is still a 100% volunteer organization with some 80 people working at the location 6 days a week. 

Kiwanis members remind the public to bring their non-perishable food and monetary donations to the Hart Media Group front parking lot on East Park Street this Saturday from 9am til noon, as the Kiwanis Club will again hold a Drive-Thru Donation Day to benefit the local Food Pantry. 

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

The Taylorville Food Pantry will be receiving much needed donations of non-perishable food and money through the Taylorville Kiwanis Club’s fifth drive-thru donation day of 2025.  It took place in front of our Taylorville studios on Saturday.  Kiwanis members Randy Miller and Bruce Dawson supervised the table and accepted donations. 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act – which President Donald Trump signed in July – has led to, among other effects, significant cuts in food assistance funding.  As Randy Miller describes, it’s led to a sharp increase in need in Taylorville.

Bruce Dawson noted that cash donations made up much of what they received on the day.  That amount can translate into lots of food for those in need.

This was the penultimate drive-thru donation day for 2025.  Two took place in May, with two others organized in July.  The last donation day of the year will be held on September 27.

The Taylorville Food Pantry, the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, and The Hart Media group thank all those who contributed to the drive-thru donation day.

Randy Miller and Bruce Dawson appeared as guests on the Retro Request Show on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR.  Dawson also appeared on the Saturday Request Show on Groovy 97.3 WRAN. 

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

A Danville man has been sentenced to life in federal prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of murder, drug trafficking, and multiple firearms offenses. Kevin Marshall, 35, was sentenced on September 8, 2025, following a federal jury’s decision to convict him on four serious charges. He also received an additional ten-year sentence for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The case centered around the 2020 murder of Daniel Walter, who was shot and killed in Danville in the early morning hours of April 25. Investigators say Marshall lured Walter from his truck to a secluded area between a house and a detached garage, where he shot him four times at close range. After briefly leaving in Walter’s vehicle, Marshall returned and fired five more rounds into Walter’s head and face, even though he was already dead. He then took Walter’s phone and wallet.

Marshall was arrested later that summer during a drug investigation. At the time, he was actively selling methamphetamine. A Taurus handgun recovered during his arrest was later linked through forensic testing to Walter’s murder and several other shootings in Danville earlier that year.

A grand jury initially indicted Marshall in 2021 on a gun charge. In 2023, prosecutors added charges for murder, carjacking, drug trafficking, and carrying a firearm during a drug crime. At trial in August 2024, prosecutors presented evidence showing not only Marshall’s violent actions, but also efforts to obstruct justice. That included trying to delete social media records and coercing witnesses to take the blame for his crimes.

Marshall has been in federal custody since his arrest in 2021. He was already known to law enforcement for a 2013 conviction in the second-degree murder of Latifah Cross, also in Danville. In handing down the sentence, the judge pointed to both murders, as well as a broader pattern of violence, manipulation, and lack of remorse.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including local police, state authorities, federal law enforcement, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with support from the Vermilion County State’s Attorney.

The Taylorville Park District is preparing for a variety of events as temperatures decrease.  The Falling Leaf Festival is the soonest item on the calendar from now.  Christimas In The Park is just under three months away, but logistical steps as part of it are just around the corner.  These events and the many others the Park District organizes give community members and businesses many ways to get involved, whether by attending, volunteering, or even sponsoring.

The 2nd annual Falling Leaf Festival is set for September 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Recreation Director Jessica Franks says they are looking to bring in more vendors than last year and add new fun activities for kids. 

Only a few days after the Falling Leaf Festival does the build-up to Christmas In The Park begin.  It includes the Jingle Bell Walk the night of Wednesday, December 3, with the Jingle Bell Roll on golf carts the night after.  Registration for these events begins on October 1.  There is also a bake-off as part of Christmas In The Park, and organizers are ready for more competition than in previous years. 

The Taylorville Park District is partnering with other area parks departments which also have holiday lights displays.  This setup, called the Twinkle Light Tour, promotes the displays together so visitors can experience as many of them as they want. 

There are opportunities for community members and businesses to sponsor the Park District’s many events.  Sponsoring a portion of an event is a lighter lift than some may realize. 

More information on the Taylorville Park District is available at www.taylorvilleparkdistrict.com.  You can also reach them by calling (217) 824-3110.

Jessica Franks appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Women age 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured can take advantage of free breast cancer screenings this October at all five Memorial Health hospitals. The screenings are part of Memorial’s annual Mammogram Mondays program, held each year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Appointments are required, as no walk-ins will be accepted. In addition to the screenings, women will receive educational materials on breast health, including guidance on performing self-exams.

Screenings will be available at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Each location is supported by its local hospital foundation, and women can call their nearest hospital to schedule an appointment.

According to the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, women age 40 and older should receive mammograms every year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S., and health experts stress that early detection saves lives.
 

Peoples Bank and Trust is giving back to the community while supporting local 4-H youth.
At the Christian County 4-H Auction in July, the bank purchased two market hogs from Taylor and Mason Wemple of Taylorville. Taylor is a 4th grader and Mason is in the 6th grade. Both are members of the Mt. Auburn Rustlers 4-H Club.

The hogs were processed at the Oconee Chop Shop, producing more than 225 pounds of sausage and ground pork, which was donated to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

Peoples Bank and Trust says it’s proud to support both local 4-H programs and families in need through the food pantry.
 

The Christian County Emergency Management Agency has issued a temporary suspension on all open burning due to ongoing dry weather and a heightened risk of fires.

Effective immediately, residents across the county are prohibited from burning natural debris, yard waste, leaves, brush, or other combustible materials. The suspension applies to both residential and agricultural burning activities. Officials say the ban will remain in place until weather conditions improve and the fire danger subsides.

Emergency Management Director Jeff Stoner says the unusually dry weather and low humidity levels over the past several weeks have created dangerous conditions for fire spread. Even small, controlled burns can quickly get out of hand, threatening lives, property, and natural resources.

Stoner notes that recent reports have highlighted just how dry farm fields are, meaning it doesn’t take much for sparks to escalate into dangerous wildfires or field fires. He says the suspension is a proactive step to reduce the risk of accidental fires during this period of extreme dryness.

While the suspension is in place, residents are encouraged to use alternative disposal methods for yard waste, such as mulching or composting, using local waste collection services, or safely storing debris until conditions improve.

The Christian County Emergency Management Agency will continue monitoring weather patterns and fire danger levels in coordination with local fire departments and the National Weather Service. Updates will be issued as conditions change.

September is National Atrial Fibrillation or ‘AFib’ Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the most common form of heart arrhythmia in the United States. AFib affects millions of Americans and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart failure. AFib occurs when the heart beats irregularly, disrupting the normal flow of blood between the heart’s upper and lower chambers. Although the condition can sometimes go unnoticed, early identification is critical to managing symptoms and preventing long-term damage.

Common symptoms of AFib include heart palpitations, chest pain or pressure, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Because these symptoms may develop gradually or be mistaken for less serious conditions, regular checkups and attention to even subtle health changes are important.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition. In many cases, lifestyle changes like improved diet and increased physical activity are recommended alongside medications to control heart rate or rhythm. More advanced treatments include electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation procedures, and other newer technologies.

Prairie Cardiovascular and HSHS hospitals across Illinois offer a range of atrial fibrillation treatments and services, using advanced technology and a personalized approach to care. AFib services are available at locations in Carbondale, Decatur, Effingham, O’Fallon, and Springfield.

Healthcare providers encourage anyone experiencing symptoms or at risk of heart conditions to take action during Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.hshs.org/heart.
 

The first full week of October is National 4-H Week, and the 4-H team at the University of Illinois Extension is ready to celebrate.  Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific activity meant to reinforce the benefits of participating in 4-H and instill good habits and positive values in its members.  As always, the Extension is looking to attract new youngsters to participate in 4-H and its programs, as well as improve what they already have. 

Jessica Jaffry, the 4-H Youth Development Coordinator at the Extension’s Christian County office, is playing a major role in organizing 4-H Week activities.  The first three days are focused on the pride of being involved in this program and the growth members can experience.

The final four days are all about values and habits.  This includes personal wellness, service, and fellowship.

The “4-H year” runs from September 1 to August 31 of the next calendar year, so a new 4-H year has only just begun.  This means the organization is finalizing enrollment, and clubs are figuring out their plans for the coming year

The Extension office now has a new name helping lead their 4-H endeavors.  Cheralee Vohlken is now a 4-H Program Coordinator, who will serve the programs in Christian and Montgomery Counties.  

More information on the University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H involvements is available at 4h.extension.illinois.edu. 

Jessica Jaffry appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Shelby Electric Coop Along with CoBank donated a check for $9,500 through the sharing success program to several area groups.  The Christian County YMCA received $9,500 to complete their capital campaign fund.  YMCA Executive Director Bruce Blanshan says that this gave the little push that the YMCA needed. 

Blanshan says he is excited to see the original vision come to life for the project. 

Board Member Adam Vocks says that the ask was daunting, but the YMCA is appreciative of all of the support they have received from the public and from businesses as well. 

Find out more information about the Christian County YMCA is located at 900 McAdam Drive.  Call 217-287-7271. 

Taylorville Christian Church and VisionWay School will hold a community blood drive in partnership with ImpactLife on Friday, September 26th. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at ‘The Hub,’ located at 1124 North Webster Street in Taylorville. The donation process typically takes 45 minutes to one hour, with your choice of reward upon successful donation.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed parental permission form. All donors must weigh more than 110 pounds and bring a valid photo ID. Individuals who last donated blood on or before August 1st, are again eligible to give at this event.

ImpactLife supplies blood components to hospitals across the region. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by visiting www.bloodcenter.org and using code 61296 to locate the drive. Appointments can also be made by calling Steve Basham at 217-824-6621 or by contacting ImpactLife at 800-747-5401.

ImpactLife is a nonprofit organization that provides blood products to more than 100 hospitals and emergency service providers across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. It also supports medical research and resource sharing nationwide.

More information about donation eligibility, current blood supply levels, and donor programs can be found at www.bloodcenter.org. 

Dog dancing is coming to central Illinois.  Yes, you read that right.  The Cirque Du Canines show is taking their act to the Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University.  They have a performance scheduled for Saturday, September 20 from 2-4 p.m.  On the human side, two lifelong performers lead the charge, bringing about surprises of all kinds at their shows.  Some dogs in the shows have appeared on America’s Got Talent, and they all perform wacky routines which are enjoyable for both the audience and themselves. 

Michelle Harrell is one of the human performers.  She ran her own dog dancing shows for close to 20 years before beginning a collaboration with Gail Mirabella.  Mirabella previously toured with the original Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus until it closed in 2017.  Harrell hopes the performance at Millikin will not only entertain spectators but also inspire them.

The show lasts around an hour and 15 minutes and includes a 15-minute intermission.  No two tricks during the show are the same. 

So what exactly is dog dancing?  Harrell says her routines are centered around dances that humans do, while incorporating tricks for the dogs.

These performances leave the crowd awestruck, but there also is a good cause tied in with the Cirque Du Canines endeavor.  Some dogs they have used are rescues.  Other dogs they have rescued but not featured in the show have found loving homes thanks to their good deeds.

More information on Cirque Du Canines is available at www.cirqueducanines.com.

Michelle Harrell appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Christian County Health Department is feeling the weather change and are preparing for what comes with it: sickness. Vaccines are the most effective way of keeping yourself protected this flu season. The CCHD will hold multiple drive-thru flu clinics, one in Pana and two in Taylorville, offering flu vaccines from the convenience of your vehicle. Additionally, the staff has RSV vaccines available to the community; they will soon have COVID vaccines on hand as well. The local health department is looking to drum up support for the Medical Reserve Corps, helping with events like the flu clinics that are coming up.

Ellen Jackson, Emergency Response Coordinator for the CCHD, gives the dates for the flu clinics in both Pana and Taylorville. These are set for Friday, October 3rd at the Pana Fire Department, and October 17th and November 3rd will be at Taylorville Fire Department.

Chelsey Davis is the Director of Nursing at the Christian County Health Department and shares the recommendations she has when it comes to the flu shot.

Davis also stops to talk the COVID and RSV vaccines. RSV is not limited to children and can affect the elderly population just the same. COVID shots are coming soon and require just one dose to boost immunity.

The Medical Reserve Corps in Christian County is looking for additional volunteers. Jackson gives some background on the group while sharing that anyone is welcome to support their efforts.

Find out more about the Christian County Health Department at www.cchdil.org.

Chelsey Davis and Ellen Jackson appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The new school year has begun, and students who have experienced high stress for that reason are not alone.  New routines, environments, teachers, and classmates can cause anxiety for students in many ways, and this can affect how they function at school and at home.  Their families can also be directly impacted, but fortunately, there are ways to address this and ensure that minds go to school and come back home healthy and refreshed. 

Ed Lacheta is the Clinical Director of Shelby County Community Services’ mental health division.  He says many fine elements of the start of a new school year can trigger stress in students. 

So what can families do to mitigate stress and its consequences?  There are many ways to respond, and Lacheta encourages families to keep an open mind while finding what works for them. 

Another component families can work into their routines is mindfulness.  This can include deep breathing, journaling, and doing grounding exercises. 

More information on Shelby County Community Services is on their Facebook page. 

Ed Lacheta appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club reminds other local non-profit organizations that next Monday, September 15th is the deadline for applications for funding local non-profit organizations and activities that benefit children and youth in the Taylorville community, to be accepted.  

These grant applications focus on the goals of the Kiwanis Club by assisting other non-profit organizations whose work focuses on children and youth.  

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

Non-profit organizations wishing to apply, can go to taylorvillekiwanis-dot-com to find the application form.   Those given Kiwanis Foundation grants will be notified after the club’s October board meeting.

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

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for the 15th Annual Youth Firearm Deer Hunt at Lake Shelbyville, scheduled for October 11 and 12, 2025.

Young hunters under the age of 18 can apply to take part in the event, but applications must be submitted by 8:00 a.m. on September 22. Forms are available at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office during business hours or online through the Corps of Engineers website.

Once applications close, a public drawing will be held on September 22 at 9:00 a.m. at the project office. Ten participants will be selected and notified by phone. Those chosen will hunt in closed recreation areas with guidance from Corps staff and volunteers.

Hunters will need to provide their own meals and lodging. For more information, contact Natural Resource Specialist Cory Donnel at (217) 774-3951, extension 7001.
 

Shelby Electric Co-op Along with CoBank, donated a check for $9,500 through the sharing success program to several area groups.  Moweaqua in Motion received a $9,500 donation towards their Central Park bathrooms, which are in serious need of remodeling.  Moweaqua Mayor Shawn Conlin, along with Theresa Toler and Janet Simmons from Moweaqua in Motion, talked a little about the donation and what it means to Central Park and to the village.  Simmons says the project was started a couple of years ago. 

Toler says the project wouldn’t have happened without the help of Shelby Electric Coop and CoBank.

Mayor Conlin says that Central Park has a special place in the heart of Moweaqua. The Park District only receives a little money every year and needs help to be able to achieve the goals that they have for the parks in the village. 

The Mayor says she was motivated to update the bathrooms after a 6-year-old told her they were “disgusting.” Conlin says that it feels good to be able to make the repairs that are needed. 
Find out more information about Moweaqua in Motion on their Facebook page. 

When powerlines are constructed, they often cause issues with wildlife habitats and animal injuries, not to mention unnecessary power outages. Ameren Illinois’ Kyle Maxwell, the superintendent of Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois, spoke to Regional Radio News about one initiative that Ameren is undertaking to help wildlife, known as the Ameren Avian Protection Program. The program started 15 years ago. 

One way that Ameren is helping is through something known as flight diverters. Flight diverters are one of the protective measures Ameren is taking to protect birds from dangerous encounters with power lines.

Birds are not the only animals that Ameren has to worry about.  Squirrels, Raccoons, and even snakes can cause havoc with power lines, including such things as spinners on power lines and protective fences. 

Maxwell says that above all else, if you see an injured bird, don’t go into the substation to rescue it. 

To report a power outage, visit www.ameren.com or call 800.755.5000.

The Christian County CEO program has brought on their newest batch of students, 11 of which hail from the Taylorville area, and 5 students from surrounding school districts. They have already started on another year of job shadowing, new businesses, and networking opportunities with area businesses. This invaluable experience shines light on how businesses function and what it takes to manage a successful operation. Four of these new students in the CEO program discussed their goals for the program and what they hope to achieve following high school.

Charley Craggs and Josie Heberling, Seniors at Taylorville High School first share why they wanted to be involved with Christian County CEO.

Craggs, Heberling, Angelina Ippolito and Rhylie Allen, all discuss what they hope to get out of the program.

As for what businesses they are considering creating, Craggs shares she’s already started her own small outfit called ‘Wick’d.’ The CEO group still has plenty of time to settle on what idea they’d like to transform in to a business.

Lastly, all four discuss their plans for after high school. Craggs, Allen, Ippolito, and Heberling all have different ideas for their future.

Find out more about the Christian County CEO program by visiting them at www.christiancountyceo.com.

Rhylie Allen, Josie Heberling, Angelina Ippolito, and Charley Craggs appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Newkomis is taking the next step in their work to attract visitors and investment to the town of Nokomis.  The proposed setup, called Farmers Station, brings in local vendors to open markets and other shops for people to visit for fresh foods and other goods.  This helps satisfy one need identified from the local community.  Newkomis is also spearheading a new daycare in town, along with other efforts to beautify the area and bring the community together for fun events. 

Trevor Loafman is a member of Newkomis.  He says three vendors have signed on to join Farmers Station, enough to fill the new location

Another community need which Newkomis is set to deliver on involves childcare.  That’s because a daycare is in the works, in partnership with the local First Baptist Church. 

With the many new businesses coming to town, Newkomis wants to be sure they arrive at a beautiful area.  They are bringing in new planters to help spruce up the greenery.

Newkomis is also helping organize and promote several fun events in the coming months.  Canines and Cars is the first such event.  It’s scheduled for September 20 and combines a car show with a good cause.

More information on Newkomis can be found by contacting Newkomis at newkomisevents@gmail.com or visiting their Facebook page.

Trevor Loafman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

The Taylorville CUSD #3 Board of Education sat down for their regular monthly meeting for September on Tuesday night. All board members were present except for Dr. Ron Mizer. Budgets and bonds continued to dominate the meeting agenda, with the proposed budget being passed by a 6 – 0 vote. This time the conversation around bonds shifted to ‘working cash bonds,’ the Board of Education would be able to use these dollars in any established fund. All members were in agreement on a 3.5 million amount, and voted to approve the motion 6 – 0. This item was only the intent to issue the working cash bonds, further discussion will take place in the coming months.

Kendall King, CPA for King’s Financial Consulting, broke down the working cash bonds for board members and their possible plans for them.

After further discussion, the financial committee is looking at shorter terms and less money utilized rather than taking the full lump sum in one payout.

The budget saw minimal changes as expected and received a 6 – 0 vote in favor of approving the motion. Bruley explains those changes made and where the approved budget must go from here.

Bruley would share her superintendents report before the meeting adjourned. She shared that a very special guest will be making an appearance at the district at the end of the month.

Find out more about the Taylorville School District at www.tcusd3.org.

The next Taylorville School Board of Education meeting will be on October 14th, 2025.

The Taylorville High School Class of 1975 is reuniting this month and celebrating in some style.  As part of their plans, they are holding a gathering called the Old Farts Festival.  It’s scheduled for Friday, September 19 from 7-10 p.m. at The Backyard on East Vine Street.  The Pat Dailey Dog Band, a group consisting of several THS alumni, will perform live at the event.  It precedes the more formal class reunion, set for the following day. 

Pat Dailey, Rick Penz, and Don Kauffold are all part of the Pat Dailey Dog Band.  They say that combining their 70s-style music and covers with drinks and the company of their classmates should make for an exciting evening all around. 

While the event is called the Old Farts Festival, people of all ages are welcome, subject to any age restrictions the venue has at that time.  There will be no cover charge. 

The band got together when its charter members were in eighth grade.  They took inspiration from more well known groups they had listened to and seen. 

Rick Penz – sometimes known as Chicago Rick – wears multiple hats in the Pat Dailey Dog Band.  He brings the vocals and can also play guitar and keyboard.  He says his biggest influences inspired him not just to take up music, but to strive for excellence. 

All three of them recall plenty about life in Taylorville in the 1970s.  They even remember a local performance by Ted Nugent, which some in the community did not view highly. 

More information on the Old Farts Festival is available on the Taylorville Illinois Class Of 1975 Reunion Facebook page. 

Pat Dailey, Rick Penz, and Don Kauffold appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.  During the segment, they even did a live performance in-studio of some of their music. 

Taylorville CUSD #3 Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, at the district office boardroom located at 1100 North Sportsman Drive in Taylorville. The evening will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a public hearing on the proposed 2025 - 26 district budget. The hearing will include a presentation on any changes made since the original proposal and will provide time for public comment before the hearing is formally closed. The regular board meeting will follow immediately afterward at 6 p.m.

Communications will be shared, including a card of appreciation for a staff member. Committee reports and a consent agenda will be reviewed, with action items including: the approval of minutes from the August meetings, claims, the treasurer’s report, overnight trips for FFA students, and personnel considerations. A financial presentation will be delivered by Kendall King, CPA.

Discussion items will cover updates from Lori Wemple on the NPT, an IASB update from Ann Chandler, and information regarding the district’s ExceleRate Circle of Quality rating for the fiscal year. In new business, the board will vote on the final adoption of the 2025 to 2026 budget and consider a resolution to issue three and a half million dollars in working cash fund bonds. 

Additional items include the approval of facility use agreements for the Chamber of Commerce Chili Fest and the Taylorville Junior Football League, a first reading of several policy updates, and actions regarding district certificates of deposit. The board will also review an updated cardiac response plan and a proposal to establish a Play the Music activity account. The superintendent will deliver a report before the meeting is adjourned.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of tonight’s meeting.
 

Taylorville is a busy city this fall.  Road work around the Taylorville Food Center continues, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  The same is true with the Safe Routes To School project, which hopes to make the commute to school smoother in more ways than one.  The city is also facing head-on some controversy over its plans to demolish old buildings.  This all comes as Chillifest is less than a month away.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry has heard many of the questions over the construction near the Taylorville Food Center.  He predicts it will be completed before Chillifest. 

The Safe Routes To School project is underway, as well.  The purpose of the effort is to repair roads and sidewalks which are a heavy part of school commutes.  As one might expect, much of the construction is happening in the vicinity of certain area schools. 

At last week’s city council meeting, the body voted to approve the demolition of multiple buildings in the area.  Some on the council and throughout the city have opposed this effort, citing – among other reasons – the costs involved.  Mayor Barry says the city is more equipped to finance these demolitions than the property owners and adds that the aesthetic improvements justify the costs. 

Mayor Barry also references what has come of the properties where buildings have previously been demolished.  Some have been used for educational programs, while others are waiting to have new homes built. 

Find out more about the City of Taylorville by visiting www.taylorville.net.

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

Lake Land College’s TRIO Student Support Services program recently took students on an educational trip to Nashville.

The group visited Vanderbilt University and Middle Tennessee State University, where they toured the campuses and learned about academic programs, transfer options, and student life.

TRIO Director Lori Ohnesorge says the trip is designed to help students plan their next steps after graduating from Lake Land. She says opportunities like this set students on pathways for continued success.

Along with the college visits, students also explored some of Nashville’s attractions, including RCA Studio B, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and a live show at the Grand Ole Opry.

TRIO is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and provides support to students in need to help them reach their academic goals.
 

The Taylorville Fire Department has issued a burn ban effective immediately and lasting until further notice.

Fire officials say the decision comes as dry conditions and high fire risk make open burning unsafe. Even small fires, such as burning brush or yard waste, can quickly spread out of control, especially when combined with wind or low humidity.

The department says uncontrolled fires not only threaten homes, fields, and property, but also put first responders in danger. Smoke from burning can also cause breathing problems for people with asthma or other respiratory issues.

Residents are urged to avoid all outdoor burning until the ban is lifted. The Taylorville Fire Department will continue monitoring conditions and will announce when it is safe to resume burning.

The annual 4-H Horse Show brought together youth from Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties last week in Gillespie. Riders competed in a variety of events, from halter and showmanship to speed contests, showcasing their training and horsemanship.

Christian County was represented by Abby Erlenbush of the Youth Leadership Team, who earned top A ratings in multiple classes, including halter, showmanship, trail riding, equitation, and speed events like pole bending and barrels.

Organizers say the event not only highlighted the skills of the riders but also the dedication and sportsmanship of local 4-H members. Judge Kelly O’Hara praised the competitors and provided feedback to help them continue developing their talents.

The 4-H Horse Show remains a cornerstone event, celebrating youth development and the values of 4-H: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
 

The Illinois State Police is reminding drivers and farmers to keep safety in mind on the roads this fall. With harvest season underway, farmers across Illinois will be moving equipment between fields, which means more slow-moving tractors and wide vehicles on highways and rural roads.

State Police say drivers should allow extra travel time, slow down when they come across farm equipment, and give plenty of space before passing. They add that flashing amber lights mean “caution,” and orange and red reflective triangles are a signal that the vehicle is moving at slower speeds. Passing in no-passing zones, or too close to intersections, bridges, or railroad crossings, is illegal and can be deadly.

Police also remind farmers to do their part by avoiding busier roads when possible, staying off roadways in bad weather or low-visibility conditions, and making sure warning lights and reflectors are clean and easy to see. Farmers are also encouraged to pull over when it’s safe to let traffic clear.

ISP says by working together and making safety a priority, motorists and farmers can help prevent crashes and keep Illinois roadways safe this fall.
 

The season is changing at Lake Shelbyville.  The Opossum Creek and Lone Point campgrounds are now closed, and other facilities are reducing their hours and services for the year.  There is still plenty to look forward to.  A mountain biking event is on the horizon, and hunting seasons of multiple kinds will soon be here.  Groundskeepers are working hard to keep the property in good condition so visitors of all ages can enjoy what’s coming up. 

The Dirt Works Mountain Bike Fest is scheduled for September 19-21.  Ashley Florey with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says registration is still open. 

As for hunters, archery season starts on October 1 and runs until January 18.  There are limits on tree stand usage; they must be set within two weeks of the season beginning and taken down at least two weeks before it ends. 

Also coming in October is the youth deer hunt.  This one runs over Columbus Day weekend, which is October 11 and 12.

Florey says the youth deer hunt program has seen lots of success over the years.  This is true not just in terms of participation but also when it comes to hunters finding and capturing deer.

More information on Lake Shelbyville is available at www.lakeshelbyville.com.

Ashley Florey appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

September 15th is the deadline for applications for funding local non-profit organizations and activities that benefit children and youth in the Taylorville community, to be accepted by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club Foundation.

These grant applications focus on the goals of the Kiwanis Club by assisting other non-profit organizations whose work focuses on children and youth.  

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

Non-profit organizations wishing to apply, can go to taylorvillekiwanis-dot-com to find the application form.   Those given Kiwanis Foundation grants will be notified after the club’s October board meeting.

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

The Hoskins family, owners of Better Newspapers, Inc. (BNI), has sold 15 newspapers in Illinois and Missouri to Paxton Media Group. The transaction was handled by John Cribb of Cribb & Associates. Financial details were not disclosed.

The Illinois publications involved in the sale include The Morning Sentinel in Centralia, Union Banner in Carlyle, Washington County News in Nashville, Greenville Advocate in Greenville, Salem Times-Commoner in Salem, The Breeze Courier in Taylorville, The Daily Record in Robinson, and Daily News in Robinson.

In Missouri, the sale covers The Daily Journal in Park Hills, The Democrat News in Fredericktown, The Farmington Press in Farmington, Wayne County Journal Banner in Piedmont, Reynolds County Courier, The Mountain Echo in Ironton, and The Ste. Genevieve Herald in Ste. Genevieve.

BNI was founded in 1991 by Greg Hoskins and grew to more than 40 publications and radio stations across Illinois and Missouri. After Greg Hoskins’ death in 2024, his son Scott Hoskins became president. The company will continue to operate several other publications and radio stations not included in the sale.

September is National Food Safety Education Month.  It’s an initiative run by the Food and Drug Administration to educate people on how to prevent foodborne illnesses.  There are simple steps people can take to keep themselves and others safe when preparing meals.  While foodborne illnesses often come from meat, it can happen from other foods, as well. 

Lisa Peterson is a nutrition and wellness educator with the University of Illinois Extension.  She says foodborne illnesses are more common than one might think.

The appearance of food to the naked eye is not an indicator of its safety to consume.  The same goes for surfaces uncooked or raw food has come into contact with. 

When it comes to canning, there are steps to take for that process, as well.  In addition, it’s necessary to apply some sort of acid to the product. 

FDA guidelines recommend freezing meats after they sit for a few days in the refrigerator.  When it’s time to use the meat, there are ways to thaw it and ways not to do so. 

The University of Illinois Extension will hold a class called “Cooking From The Cabinets.”  It’s scheduled for Friday, October 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Pana Community Hospital.

More information on the University of Illinois Extension is available at extension.illinois.edu. 

Lisa Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Time is running short for Taylorville families to verify their children meet the school district’s health requirements.  These specifications cover a variety of areas, including primary care, vision, and dental.  In addition, the requirements change as students progress through the years of school, and keeping up with the changes can be difficult.  Most records and forms are due to the child’s school on October 15.

Susie McClure is the nurse at North Elementary School.  She says the school district begins students’ health files at kindergarten.

Jenny Moats is the nurse at Memorial Elementary School.  She says new requirements are introduced for students entering sixth, ninth, and twelfth grades. 

More information on Taylorville Community Unit School District #3 is available at www.tcusd3.org.

Susie McClure and Jenny Moats appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our monthly Taylorville Schools Good News Segment.
 

The Taylorville Public Library has greatly expanded their services and programs over the last year with an exciting announcement shaping up in just the last 90 days. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is coming to Christian County. This will not require a library card and is completely free to families, offering a new children’s book every month that’s delivered right to your doorstep. The Taylorville Public Library also has plans for their Annual Chillifest Book Sale, Halloween Night, days of trick or treating, and more, already in the works. Not to mention loads of regular programming, making for something exciting happening nearly every day.

Lorachelle Eck, Director and Erin Crommett, Program and Outreach Manager for the Taylorville Public Library, couldn’t be more excited to share the news on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Eck was driven to bring this initiative to Christian County when taking this position just months ago.

Plenty of other opportunities for community engagement are had in the month of September. Crommett shares just some of the many programs and special events.

This continues in to October, highlighted by Halloween celebrations and pumpkin painting.

During Chillifest, the Taylorville Public Library will hold their Annual Book Sale. This is set for Saturday, October 4th, and will see content from books to movies at heavily discounted prices.

Find out more about the Taylorville Public Library at www.taylorvillelibrary.org. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Erin Crommett and Lorachelle Eck appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Taylorville schools are doing their part to help students prepare for the next phase in their lives and careers.  This fall, students will have the chance to explore potential career paths as well as universities, trade schools, and military branches.  A “career exploration day” is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29.  The next day, a college fair will take place at the THS gym from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  These events will help students make informed decisions regarding their educational and professional careers. 

Kaila Archibald and Jeb Odam are involved in the organization of these events.  They say the college fair will include helpful presentations on the college application and financing processes, but the experience for students is otherwise unstructured. 

In addition to universities, representatives from other post-secondary institutions will be on hand for students to talk to.  They include multiple branches of the military along with trade schools. 

As of the writing of this story, just over 20 institutions are registered to be at the fair.

Archibald and Odam are also preparing the career exploration day, set for October 29.  They say this excursion is just part of their wider initiative to instill career readiness in students. 

The work the counselors do at Taylorville High School has done its part in guiding students to success after graduation.  Data from the Class of 2025 show students pursued a diverse set of paths after retrieving their diplomas.

More information on Taylorville High School is available at ths.tcusd3.org.

Kaila Archibald and Jeb Odam appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our monthly Taylorville Schools Good News Segment.

A boil order has been issued for 27 customers in the Village of Edinburg following a water main break, according to an Illinois Incident Report filed with the Christian County Health Department, on Wednesday, September 4th, 2025.

The affected area spans from South Curtis Street between Franklin Street and Harrison Street. Village officials say there is no critical infrastructure impacted by the break. The boil order is expected to remain in effect through Thursday, with updates to follow pending water quality tests.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and National Response Team Program (NRTP) were notified of the incident. You may contact the Edinburg Water Treatment Facility for additional questions and information at 217-623-4213.

Lincoln Land Community College will host a live honey extraction demonstration on Wednesday, Sept. 24, beginning at 10 a.m. at the school’s West Lake Nature Grove in Springfield.

The event will be led by LLCC biology professor Dave Cox along with members of the Prairie State Beekeepers Association. Visitors will see the process of removing honey supers from the hive and later watch the extraction take place.

Protective clothing is required for those near the hives. Long pants and long sleeves are the minimum, while a limited number of bee suits and veils will be available on a first-come basis. Attendees without gear can still observe from a safe distance.

After the hive activities, the honey supers will be taken to A. Lincoln Commons, where the extraction process will begin around noon. Participants will be invited to assist and taste freshly harvested honey.

The event will also include educational activities such as bee anatomy exploration with microscopes, marigold planting, demonstrations on honeybee reproduction, and interactive sessions on pollination and honey production.

The program is free and open to the public.
 

Taylorville Community Unit School District 3 says it is working with local law enforcement after a possible threat against the junior high was posted on social media.

In a letter sent to parents, Superintendent Brandi Bruley said district officials immediately began an investigation and turned the matter over to their Student Resource Officer and local police. Bruley noted that any student who makes such threats will face consequences and disciplinary action.

At this time, school officials say they do not believe there is any imminent danger to students or staff.

Bruley assured parents that the well-being of students remains the district’s top priority and emphasized that schools are safe for students to attend. The district says it will continue to work closely with law enforcement as the investigation continues.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital will host a community blood drive with ImpactLife on Thursday, September 18th, 2025. Donations will be collected from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the ImpactLife donor bus, which will be parked behind the hospital.

Appointments are requested and can be scheduled by calling ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401 or by visiting www.bloodcenter.org. Donors can use code 60050 to locate the drive online. Blood donation is a simple process that typically takes less than an hour. Individuals with conditions such as diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may still qualify to give.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed parental consent form, and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo ID is required at the time of donation. Those who last gave blood on or before July 24th are eligible to donate at this drive.

ImpactLife provides blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Successful donors at the Taylorville drive will receive a reward of choice, including a $20 eGift card, a $20 donation to a selected charity, or bonus points for the ImpactLife rewards store.

The state of Illinois is facing a complaint from the U.S. Department of Justice over higher education costs.  The complaint challenges state laws which allow undocumented immigrants living in Illinois to receive in-state tuition and state-financed scholarships.  The DOJ filed the notice in the Southern District of Illinois against the State of Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker, State Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and the state’s public universities’ boards of trustees. 

State Representative Regan Deering, who represents the State House’s 88th district, praised the DOJ’s move, saying it will prevent undocumented immigrants from accessing tuition benefits more easily than U.S. citizens.  The complaint came shortly after Deering introduced similar legislation in the State House.  House Bill 4097 has seven co-sponsors but, as of Wednesday, has not been brought to the floor of the State House. 
 

Property tax bills for Sangamon County are due by Friday, September 5th, marking the final deadline for the 2025 payment cycle. Bills were first mailed out in April, giving residents several months to complete the process. Any payment that arrives or is postmarked after the due date will face late fees, making it important for taxpayers to complete their payments on time.

Residents have several options for making payments. The county encourages taxpayers to use the free e-check service available at www.tax.sangamonil.gov. Payments can also be mailed to the Sangamon County Treasurer at P.O. Box 19400, Springfield, IL 62794.

In-person payments are accepted at any ‘INB’ (Illinois National Bank) lobby or drive-thru location in Sangamon County. Taxpayers should bring the payment stub to receive a receipt. For those paying by credit or debit card, a link to the Illinois e-pay system can be found on the Treasurer’s website. Payments can also be made by phone at 888-834-3729. It is noted that card payments will include a convenience fee.

More information is available at www.tax.sangamonil.gov or by emailing treasurer@sangamonil.gov. Questions about assessed values, multipliers, or exemptions should be directed to 217-753-6805.

The American Red Cross is urging people to be prepared for natural disasters.  It’s part of National Preparedness Month, which runs throughout September.

The Red Cross reminds community members to know where to go and how to contact loved ones and emergency services if needed.  Households should also organize two emergency supply kits: one for staying at home and another to bring if evacuating.  The kits should include food, water, medicine, backup batteries and chargers for devices, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and personal records.  Other items necessary for young children and pets should also be included as appropriate.

Community members are encouraged to download the free Red Cross Emergency App to their smartphones.  The app provides weather alerts, safety tips, and other advice in English and Spanish.  The Red Cross also runs classes in lifesaving skills like CPR and always welcomes volunteers.  More information on these initiatives, emergency preparedness, and many other topics is available at www.redcross.org or by calling 1 (800) RED-CROSS.

Kemmerer Village in Assumption, Illinois is home to over 120 foster children and many more stay on the residential side. This massive undertaking requires hours of work and community support, both of which Kemmerer Village is fortunate to have. An excellent way of supporting their mission is this Friday, September 5th for the Annual Kemmerer Village Golf Outing at Oak Terrace Golf Course in Pana. The need for help continues into the holiday season when Christmas comes around. Staff members are working to gather sponsors to bring needed gifts to the children that are spending the holidays on their campus.

Schales Nagle, Executive Director of Kemmerer Village, first starts by sharing about their ‘therapeutic riding programs.’ She states that horses have been in use at Kemmerer Village for various reasons for many years, now their focus is on therapy.

One of these programs is ‘RIDE,’ where community members can even ride one of their many horses. Kemmerer Village now touts three riding instructors, leading to more class availability.

The other side of these equine services revolves around the “Horses and Heroes” program. Designed for mentally or physically disabled children, the horses provide a meaningful relationship geared towards the need of each child in the program.

Coming this Friday at Oak Terrace in Pana will be the Annual Kemmerer Village Golf Outing. Starting at 8 a.m., registered teams will kick things off following the raffle drawing that morning.

And although may be a ways off, community members interested in donating gifts to the many children Kemmerer Village supports, is now underway.

Find out more about Kemmerer Village at www.kemmerervillage.org.

Schales Nagle appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Taylorville Food Pantry continues to see an increase in traffic.  New data for August show 67 new households began turning to them for food.  This has happened amid a continued rise in grocery prices, uncertainty over tariffs, and fewer job openings across the country.  The trends underscore the need for donations of food and money, but also the compassion the volunteer staff show towards those who come in.

Dick Breckenridge has been volunteering with the Taylorville Food Pantry for five years.  He says as the number of visitors has increased, so too has the gathering of food to give out. 

The most recent census data for Christian County shows the average household size is 2.36 people.  That’s only slightly below the national average of 2.5 people.  Especially for larger households, rising costs of living are playing their part in the increase of visitors at the food pantry. 

The food pantry is always willing to accept donations of food and money from the public.  Outside of that, much of their food supply comes from centralized foodbanks from other hubs in the state.

Dick Breckenridge has seen the Taylorville Food Pantry evolve drastically in his time there.  He says some changes have made the location more inclusive of visitors’ needs than some might expect of a food pantry. 

The Taylorville Food Pantry is located at 1429 East Main Cross.  They are open Tuesdays from 8:30-10 a.m., Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m.  More information is available at www.taylorvillefoodpantry.com or by calling them at (217) 820-2651.

Dick Breckenridge appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The University of Illinois Extension has a new face in Christian and Montgomery Counties.

Cheralee Vohlken is the new 4-H youth development program coordinator, based in the Christian County office in Taylorville. In her role, she’ll be working with local 4-H clubs and special interest groups to create hands-on learning programs that help kids build leadership skills and explore new opportunities.

Vohlken is a lifelong Greenville resident and previously served as the 4-H coordinator in Bond County. She also brings experience from working in daycares, as a special education paraprofessional, and as the owner of a small business.

Extension leaders say they’re excited about the ideas and energy she’ll bring to the program. For more information, you can reach Vohlken at vohlken@illinois.edu or by calling the Christian County Extension office.
 

The Pana Police Department is on a positive run.  The Tri-County Fair and Labor Day parade are complete, with no major issues for the department to address.  The most recent crime numbers are down overall, albeit with increases in certain categories.  Pana Police also are continuing in their efforts to help those in the community suffering from drug addiction get help and recover. 

Meanwhile, the department has noticed new trends in thefts from storage units and other suspicious activities, especially at night.  Police Chief Daniel Bland urges anyone who witnesses any kind of action like this to report it, day or night. 

The Pana Police Department works with several organizations and initiatives on combating drug abuse.  Their goal is to steer community members to the resources they need rather than incarcerate them.  This allows these individuals to focus on getting better and – in the case of one recent example – pay it forward. 

New incident data for July shows calls and other related statistics fell.  This is a contrast to typical summer patterns, where numbers usually rise. 

Chief Bland was involved in the security preparations for the fair and parade last weekend.  The events typically draw around double the number of visitors compared to other large happenings in the city.  This meant many people in the police department and other agencies had to step up. 

More information on the Pana Police Department is available at www.cityofpana.org/police-department.

Police Chief Daniel Bland appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

A man was rescued Tuesday evening after becoming trapped in a grain bin near Illinois Route 16 and Ohlman Road.

The Nokomis Area Fire Protection District says the man was surrounded by corn and unable to free himself. Others at the scene attempted to help but were unsuccessful.

Multiple fire departments and emergency agencies responded, including teams from Witt, Pana, Fillmore, Farmersville-Waggoner, and Springfield’s Technical Rescue Team. Air Methods Helicopter and Montgomery County EMA also assisted.

Rescuers spent about an hour and a half cutting relief holes in the bin to remove grain before finally freeing the victim. He was first taken by ambulance, then airlifted for medical treatment.

No emergency personnel were hurt during the rescue. The Nokomis Fire District thanked all agencies and local farmers who assisted.

The Taylorville City Council met on Tuesday evening for about 45 minutes to discuss business, review ordinance, and hear from the public at their first meeting of September. Alderman Steve Dennis was on zoom and Alderman Megan Bryant was absent. First things first, the council approved the Mayor’s appointment of MaryAnn Lowry to the library board. Jeff Stoner was promoted to fire captain and Luke Millan was given the oath of office for the fire department. 

Luke Millan takes the oath of office. 

Jeff Stoner gets promoted to Captain.

Ordinances that were approved include execution of the first amendment to the business district agreement and  city of Taylorville and Central Illinois Optometric Associates, the city of Taylorville and the Christian County Historical Society, and the city of Taylorville and the Christian County YMCA. Two resolutions authorizing real estate leases with Rick and Lisa Champley and Jake Heberling were approved.  

Special events permits for the St. Mary’s Fall Festival on September 12th, 13th, and 14th, and Sports Boosters for Faith Bible Christian Academy on September 27th and 27th were both approved. A motion for approval for the replacement of the current heating system at the cemetery passed as did a motion approving payment for the Route 104 sidewalks out of the TIF fund.  

A motion was approved to hire Sikich as the Auditor for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit.  Alderman Larry Budd informed the board that they have not received the 2023-2024 audit.  Rocci Romano encouraged the board to do its due diligence to find a company to do audits and not wait until the last minute.  The motion passed 5-2 with Aldermen Steve Dorchinecz and Kathy Driskell voting no. Finally under ordinances, a motion to recommend approval of the 2025-2026 Gas firm price contract with Central Commodity in reference to purchasing propane.  

Under committee reports, a motion to submit an overhang easement proposal to Commonwealth Edison for $44,300 for the 2.2155 acres owned by the City of Taylorville was approved for the lake. The council also approved a motion to amend the city code and applicable ordinance to increase the water reconnection fee up to $50 for residents and up to $85 for non-residents as fees for restoration of service.  Discontinue shut off notices as of November 1st, 2025 and remove Parage L in the city code 8-4-9. The motion passed unanimously. 

A motion to create an ordinance for a handicapped parking space for the United State Postal Service was approved as was a motion to update the city code to change residency requirements from 6.5 mile radius to 20 mile radius.  A motion concerning grandfathering current superintendents and non-bargaining members in with their current health insurance coverage was tabled.  

A motion to sign a change order with Illinois Valley Paving for the amount of -$52,446.88 for work performed at the Taylorville Food Center was approved with that money coming back to the city.  A motion for a pay request concerning work performed at the Taylorville Food Center for $286,531.18 was approved. 

A motion was approved 4-3 to approve the demolition of structures at 1133 East Elm Street, 902 E Thompson Street, 809 E. Lewis Street, and 625 N. Cheney Street with the property owner responsible for all dumpster fees.  An attempt to table by Alderman Chris Skultety to able failed 4-3 with Aldermen Steve Dorchinecz, Kathy Driskell, and Chris Skultety voting Yes on the table.  The motion passed 4-3 with Aldermen Dorchinecz, Driskell, and Skultety voting no. 

A motion to recommend to the City Council to approve turning off the power in Industrial Park failed 6-1. There were concerns over liability. Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says that roadwork continues around Taylorville Food Center, and he encourages everyone to be safe around the school now that it’s open. 

During public comments, Aldermen Chris Skultety said that he was not going to bring discussion of demolition to structures back to committee. 

The next city council meeting is set for 9/18/25

The Ace Hardware in Shelbyville is bringing out new products as the year’s warm days become numbered.  Representatives from the location at Johnstowne Mall attended the chain’s annual convention in Chicago to see learn about new products and ideas.  Even as the season winds down, there is still plenty for homeowners to know to care for their yards. 

Kelly Marrs is a manager at Shelbyville Ace Hardware.  He says customers can see some products for sale whose inspiration came from the convention. 

Ace Hardware and their suppliers occasionally bring on celebrities to endorse and help advertise their goods.  Former NFL offensive tackle Orlando Pace, who won Super Bowl XXXIV with the St. Louis Rams, was among those in attendance this year.

As for what exact products are available for the fall, the store is stocking up on gardening equipment.  They are taking evolving weather patterns in Central Illinois into account. 

While temperatures have been cooler in the last week than in the days prior, the dry stretch has made caring for lawns more difficult.  During dry spells like this, Marrs recommends using a sprinkler or other layers over grass seeds to keep the lawn healthy. 

The Ace Hardware in Shelbyville is located at 2114 West Main Street, Suite D.  More information is available at www.acehardware.com.

Kelly Marrs appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show.
 

Taylorville City Council is set to meet this evening at 7 PM.  Ahead on the agenda includes promotion of Jeff Stoner to Fire Captain, potential approval of the Mayor’s appointment of MaryAnn Lowry to the Library Board, the oath of office for Luke Millan to the fire department, and ordinances concerning approval and authorization of the BDD and the City of Taylorville with Advanced Ey Care, Christian County Historical Society, and the YMCA. There are two resolutions that will be discussed concerning real estate leases with Rick and Lisa Champley and Jake Heberling. 

Also going in front of the board are several motions for special events, including the St. Mary’s Church Fall Festival and Faith Bible Christian Academy, a motion for replacing the heating at the cemetery, and paying for the Route 104 sidewalks out of the TIF fund and not the BDD Fund. 

Under committee reports, there are several motions being brought to the floor, including a motion to submit an overhang easement proposal to Commonwealth Edison for $44,300 for the 2.2155 acres owned by the City, an ordinance to increase the water reconnection fee up to $50 for residents and $85 for nonresidents.  Discontinue shut-off notices as of November 1st, 2025, and remove Paragraph L in the City Code 8-4-9 (which establishes rates).

Other motions include a motion to create an ordinance for a handicapped parking space for the USPS, change the residency requirements from a 6.5-mile radius to a 20-mile radius, and grandfather current Superintendent and non-bargaining members in with their current health insurance coverage.  Any/all future superintendents and Non-bargaining members will be offered a base-level health insurance plan provided by the city.  There are also several pay orders on the table, including an authorization to seek proposals on the Adams Street Construction Project. 

Demolitions were approved for 1133 E. Elm Street, 902 E. Thompson Street, 809 E. Lewis Street, and 625 N. Cheney Street, with property owners responsible for all dumpster fees.  There is also a motion to recommend to the City Council to approve turning off the power in the Industrial Park.  As always, there will be Mayoral updates, city attorney updates, and much more.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of the event. 

The Findlay Police Department is bringing back a well known program to keep young people off drugs.  While today’s adults may be familiar with the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) initiative, the department wants to take it a step further.  Their aim is not just to eliminate youth drug use but also for their lessons to help people make good decisions in all kinds of life situations.  This is a notable undertaking for a village with a three-figure population and a police department with just one full-time patrol officer. 

As Findlay’s Police Chief, Josh Ekiss is spearheading the effort to restart the D.A.R.E. program in the village.  He says this iteration will be much less lecture-based and more practical for kids who take part. 

Chief Ekiss will be the D.A.R.E. officer and will be the one visiting fifth-grade classes to run the sessions.  The course and instructor training are both drawn-out processes to ensure they meet their goals. 

The program has been fully funded.  Donations from the public – including through fundraising events – will allow the police department to run the courses.  In addition, a grant has helped finance the two-week training program. 

The D.A.R.E. program is not the only one the Findlay Police Department is involved in.  They also help those who are battling drug addiction and find fun ways to connect with the community they serve. 

More information on the Findlay Police Department is available on their Facebook page.