Central Illinois is digging out today after a major winter storm dumped nearly a foot of snow across much of the region on Saturday.

Pana saw the highest total, topping the list at 12 inches of snow. Close behind were Morrisonville with 11.8 inches, Rochester at 11.5, and an early-morning report Sunday from 2 miles west of Riverton showing 11.4 inches.

Several other communities reached or crossed the 10-inch mark. Reports came in of 10.5 inches near Paradise, 10.2 north of Decatur, and 10 inches in Mount Sterling, Rushville, Chatham, Pittsfield, and Jacksonville.

Areas just below that line still saw significant accumulation. Measurements included 9.9 inches near Bluff Springs, 9.8 in Athens and Southern View, 9.7 near South Jacksonville, and 9.5 inches near Windsor and east of Chatham. At Springfield’s Capital Airport, the storm left 8.9 inches. Parts of Taylorville reported 7.3 at the airport, and 5.5 towards the north part of the city.

Farther east, totals included 8.5 inches near Urbana and Tuscola.

The National Weather Service says the system moved quickly but packed enough moisture to blanket the region with heavy, wet snow—leading to hazardous travel, scattered power outages, and a lengthy cleanup effort today.

Illinois State University will close its campus on Saturday as a powerful winter storm moves into much of the state, including the Bloomington–Normal area. That closure is forcing major changes to this weekend’s IHSA Football State Finals.

Hancock Stadium will still host the Class 1A through 4A championship games today, as scheduled. But the Saturday games—Classes 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A—are being postponed.

IHSA officials say they’re working with ISU to determine new dates and times for the remaining title games, but they will not be played on Sunday.

Executive Director Craig Anderson says the postponement is unprecedented in the 51-year history of the state football playoffs. He says teams have been notified that their games will be rescheduled in the coming days, and thanked schools and communities for their patience as officials work out the safest plan moving forward.

Friday’s results include Lena-Winslow defeating Brown County 58-13 to win the Class 1A title. Wilmington and Maroa-Forsyth continue to battle in the 2A game, with Byron and Tolono Unity set for the 3A matchup at 4 p.m., followed by Montini and Rochester in the 4A game at 7 p.m.

The postponed matchups include St. Francis vs. Providence Catholic in 5A, Fenwick vs. East St. Louis in 6A, St. Rita vs. Brother Rice in 7A, and Mount Carmel vs. Oswego in 8A.

As winter weather arrives, safety officials are reminding drivers to make sure they’re prepared before heading out on the roads. One of the best ways to stay safe during snow and ice season is by keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.

Experts say your kit should start with the basics:
A flashlight with extra batteries, blankets, warm clothing, a first aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Drivers should also keep jumper cables, a small shovel, an ice scraper, and sand or cat litter to help with traction if you get stuck.

It’s also important to pack items that can help you stay visible and connected. Officials recommend carrying a phone charger, reflective triangles or flares, and a whistle to signal for help if needed.

If you take prescription medications, keep a small supply in your kit, along with gloves, hats, and hand warmers in case you’re stranded for an extended period.

Emergency personnel say these items can make a big difference if your vehicle breaks down, you slide off the road, or weather conditions suddenly worsen. Preparing now ensures you’re ready for whatever winter brings.

A major winter storm is expected to impact central Illinois this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of the region, including Sangamon, Christian, Macon, Logan, Morgan, Cass, Menard, DeWitt, and surrounding counties. The warning goes into effect at midnight tonight and continues through 6 a.m. Sunday.

Forecasters say heavy snow is expected, with total accumulations likely to exceed five inches, and in some areas could reach 5 to 9 inches by Sunday morning. Snow may mix with rain at times Saturday, but periods of heavy snowfall are expected to continue through Saturday evening.

The storm will bring hazardous travel conditions, with slick and snow-covered roads, especially on bridges and overpasses. Strong winds combined with the weight of the snow could also lead to downed tree limbs and sporadic power outages across the region. The Weather Service says travel could become very difficult to impossible, and motorists are urged to delay travel if possible.

If you must be on the roads, officials recommend carrying a winter emergency kit, including jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, warm clothing, water, and a first-aid kit.

Once the storm clears, much colder air moves in. Wind chills in the single digits are expected Sunday and Monday nights, and another round of light snow is possible on Monday.

Stay tuned for updates from us and as always visit gettingaroundillinois.com for all the latest road conditions. 

An instructor at Lake Land College is celebrating a top state-level honor.  Lisa Earp, an instructor in business, was named the Post-Secondary Educator of the Year by the Illinois Business Education Association (IBEA).

Earp has taught at Lake Land for 22 years.  She has run a number of business courses and also helped develop the college’s Court Reporting & Captioning program, which she now directs. 

Beyond the classroom, Earp serves on multiple committees at Lake Land, focusing on curriculum, employment development, strategic planning, and recruitment of new faculty.  She is an active member of the IBEA and the Eastern Illinois Business Education Association (EIBEA).  Last year, Earp received the Teacher of the Year award at the EIBEA.

Lake Land College also highlights how Earp’s dedication to her students goes above and beyond.  She regularly hosts the college’s men’s basketball team for a back-to-school cookout as well as for Thanksgiving dinner.  She has also welcomed international students to her home for Christmas, ensuring they have a place to enjoy the holiday.

Josh Bullock, President of Lake Land College, praised Lisa Earp for the award and for going above and beyond to prepare her students for their future careers.  Bullock described Earp’s teaching as a model for ensuring students reach and exceed intended outcomes. 

Earp is the second instructor at Lake Land to be named Post-Secondary Educator of the Year by the IBEA.  The previous such winner came one year ago, as her former business program colleague Cindy Phipps received the honor.  Phipps – among other instructors – wrote a letter to the IBEA recommending Earp for this year’s award. 

More information on Lake Land College is available at www.LakeLandCollege.edu.  More information on the Illinois Business Education Association is available at www.ibea.org. 

Local food pantries are receiving over 20,000 pounds of food thanks to a food drive led by employees at Ameren.  This year’s haul is a 25% increase from the 2024 drive.  This is the fourth straight year the energy provider has run this drive.

The company turned this drive into a friendly competition, with its various locations aiming to donate the greatest amount of food.  The Robinson Operating Center led the way with 2,872 pounds of food, with Fleet Services only slightly behind.

Luke Wollin, Vice President of Electric Operations at Ameren, praised employees for taking the initiative.  He adds that the cause is meaningful to them. 

The food donation drive comes less than a month after the shutdown of the federal government ended.  The shutdown affected access to benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for millions of Americans. 

State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging her constituents to spread holiday cheer for residents in local care homes.  It’s part of her annual holiday card drive, meant to provide comfort for care home residents who may feel isolated during the holidays.  State Senator Turner says this is a way to spread joy to those who need it and says it is the most important part of the holiday season.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the drive can write hand-made or store-bought cards.  These cards should be mailed or delivered to either of Turner’s office.  The addresses are: 401 S. Spring St., Section F, Office B, Springfield, IL 62706, and 1210 S. Jasper St., Decatur, IL 62321.  Cards will be accepted through December 17. 

More information on the drive is available by calling State Senator Doris Turner’s office at (217) 782-0228.

As holiday shopping ramps up, state officials are reminding consumers to keep their spending in check and to stay alert for scams.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says it’s easy to get wrapped up in finding the perfect gifts, but overspending now can lead to serious financial stress after the holidays. National forecasts back that up — the National Retail Federation expects holiday sales to rise again this year, and a recent Debt.com survey found two-thirds of shoppers anticipate going into debt because of their holiday purchases.

To help keep budgets under control, experts recommend setting a spending limit before you shop and tracking what you buy. Don’t forget additional holiday expenses like decorations, travel, and gift exchanges. Shoppers are also encouraged to compare prices, take advantage of legitimate Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. And starting early can help avoid costly last-minute shipping fees.

Consumers are also urged to watch for scams. Officials say to stick with well-known retailers, avoid suspicious links in emails and texts, and make sure any shopping site uses a secure “https” address. Strong passwords and using credit cards instead of debit cards can also help protect your financial information. Shoppers should monitor their bank accounts throughout the season and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Comptroller Mendoza says the holidays are stressful enough without unexpected debt or falling victim to a scam. More tips on smart shopping and the psychology behind holiday spending can be found in the latest episode of the “Mind Over Markdown” podcast.
 

As holiday tables start filling up with familiar favorites, many families are thinking ahead to how they can enjoy the season without feeling weighed down afterward. It’s a time of year when good food is everywhere and it can take only a few minutes of celebrating to forget your healthy eating habits. The trick isn’t to avoid the foods you love, but to come into the holidays with a plan that helps you enjoy the meal, while keeping your body and weight goals top of mind.

Registered dietitian Sara Umphfleet with OSF HealthCare encourages people to start making those decisions early in the day. She notes that the first meal of a holiday morning plays a bigger role than most folks realize. A simple breakfast with protein and carbohydrates can help prevent hunger that leads to overeating later. Options like eggs or whole-grain toast with peanut butter offer enough balance to keep energy steady while still leaving room for the main event. If the ‘big meal’ isn’t until that afternoon or evening, Umphfleet says that a small snack of yogurt, nuts, and fruit can help people avoid arriving at the table overly hungry.

Umphfleet also encourages a thoughtful approach to filling your plate. In a season full of casseroles, desserts, and traditional dishes, it can be tempting to load up on items that aren’t genuine favorites simply because they’re available. She suggests taking a moment to look over everything before serving and focusing on the foods that truly bring enjoyment. Umphfleet also reminds people that moderation extends beyond the food itself, since alcohol tends to sneak into celebrations as well. Keeping intake modest and alternating with water can help avoid dehydration and other holiday-related discomforts.

Once the last plates are cleared, the focus turns to the leftovers that can sometimes linger too long in the refrigerator. Umphfleet notes that while many families rely on the “smell test,” it’s safer to stick to guidelines that limit leftovers to three or four days. With foodborne illnesses affecting millions of Americans each year, a little extra care can make sure the days after Thanksgiving are just as enjoyable as the holiday itself.

To learn more about healthy eating habits this holiday season, visit www.osfhealthcare.org.

Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies assisted the FBI in a court-authorized operation Tuesday morning in rural Shelby County near Oconee. According to the sheriff’s office, the activity was carried out alongside agents from the FBI’s Springfield office. Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

No additional details about the operation have been released. Anyone seeking more information is being directed to the FBI office in Springfield. The update came from Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the Christian County State’s Attorney at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Moose Lodge.

John McWard was elected in 2022, and re-elected to a full term in 2024.  McWard told Kiwanis members that over the 3 years he’s been in office, he’s continued to save the taxpayers money.   For the last fiscal year, his office was some 150-thousand dollars under budget while continuing to handle cases.  

McWard said that meth addition continues to be a problem in Christian County, with 85-percent of the cases he prosecutes involving cooking or using meth.  

McWard told the Kiwanis Club he was proud of the fact that the length of time it’s taken to prosecute a case has declined to 9 months.   He added that due to the number of cases that have been prosecuted and those found guilty sentenced to other correctional facilities, the number of prisoners in the local county jail has dwindled from 75 to 27.

McWard credits his staff for helping him get cases prosecuted in a timely manner.   That staff includes first assistant Skip DePappe, civil prosecutor Mary Barry, victim witness coordinator Erica Nation, and 4 administrative staff members.  

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.

Illinois State Police have arrested a Springfield man following an investigation into child sexual abuse materials.

ISP Division of Criminal Investigation agents say the case began back on October 8th of last year, when investigators with the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force gathered digital evidence identifying 68-year-old Merle Monroe as a suspect.

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney filed charges on November 19th, including five Class 2 felony counts and three Class 3 felony counts of possession of child pornography. Monroe was taken into custody on November 24th and is currently being held in the Sangamon County Jail.

Illinois State Police remind families that resources are available to help keep children safe online. Anonymous tips about child exploitation can be submitted through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline. Resources for online safety and support for survivors of abuse can be found through the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and NCMEC.
 

Students in the Christian County CEO program are getting their businesses up and running.  Each student has a mentor who helps advise them in their entrepreneurial journeys, and they have been able to tour local businesses.  The students also are working together on joint endeavors and are looking to bring in profits through an event expected to take place in late December. 

Charley Craggs, Ella Reiss, and Josie Heberling are among the CEO students.  Their individual businesses involve candles, charcuterie, and décor.

The trio’s mentors are all well-known names in the area.  They are involved in such organizations as the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, CTI, and the Taylorville Food Pantry.

The students have been given tours of a variety of businesses.  These trips typically happen in the morning as part of their schedule.  Without the distraction of customers, this allows them to interact more closely with the owners.

The CEO class is looking to hold a Bingo night to raise funds.  It’s expected to happen on December 20.  The students say dinner will be provided, but specifics on the catering and location are still to be determined.

More information on the Christian County CEO program is available at www.christiancountyceo.com. 

Charley Craggs, Josie Heberling, and Ella Reiss appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

With the December holidays around the corner, it’s time to think not only about gift shopping but also how said gifts will arrive to their recipients.  This is especially relevant when shipping items to another part of the country.  Different providers have different timelines, and items’ origins and fragility also play a factor.

Larry Peterson is the owner of Taylorville Pack n’ Ship.  He says it is wise to allow at least a week for “standard” shipping options. 

For shipping fragile items, Peterson recommends at least two inches of padding around the item in the box. 

Typically, if an item is damaged in shipment, as long as it is insured, the carrier will reimburse the sender for the retail value of the item.  Peterson warns that homemade items will be valued accordingly to the most equivalent retail good.  This may be much lower than the value the sender or recipient would assign, given the sentimental connection to the item.

Carriers normally do not, by their own doing, charge more for shipments near the holidays than they do for other times of the year.  Those who wait too long to ship items, though, may be compelled to order the faster shipping options and therefore pay higher prices.

More information on Pack n’ Ship is available at www.taylorvillepacknship.com. 

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

The arrangement of equipment use for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony highlighted Monday’s meeting of the Taylorville Park Board. 

Ted Chapman, who has organized 9/11 remembrance ceremonies in Taylorville in the past, spearheaded this effort.  He requested the use of park bleachers for the next ceremony, which will mark a quarter-century since the terrorist attacks. 

The board voted to approve the proposal. 

The board also voted to accept and sign the Manners Park pool contract with Landmark Aquatic.  Discussion took place during the executive session, with the vote coming afterwards.  Park District staff told Regional Radio News the discussions focused on insurance matters and establishing a phased timeline for the project.

Between the aforementioned matters, the board discussed details on annual bonuses.  They planned to award $250 to full-time Park District employees and $100 to those working part-time.  

The board voted to approve the bonuses. 

Recreation Director Jessica Franks spoke regarding the many holiday events set to take place at local parks.  She says from sponsors to volunteers, many of the arrangements have now been made. 

The Park Board canceled its regular December meeting due to the many events taking place that month.  Therefore, the next regular meeting is tentatively set for January 26 of the coming year. 

A new walking trail is coming to Shelbyville, and it’s expected to make traversing the city by foot safer.  The city was awarded a state grant to cover the trail, which will run along West Main Street from Hickory Street to Boarman Drive.  Construction has already begun, and the trail is expected to be ready in the spring.  This project, when completed, will give pedestrians a place to walk along West Main other than the breakdown lane, making for a safer experience. 

Shelbyville Mayor Jeff Johnson has played his part in securing the grant money and overseeing the project.  He looks forward to its completion and says people and businesses throughout the city will benefit. 

The mayor adds that the city’s significant economic growth has led to heavy car traffic on the road.

Mayor Johnson says this project could be the first step towards stretching this trail or others even further, much like the Lincoln Prairie Trail between Taylorville and Pana.

Away from the trail, another construction project will get underway soon, as well.  This one is on South Morgan Street.  The city had received TIFF grants years ago for this effort.

More information on Shelbyville is at www.shelbyvilleillinois.net. 

Mayor Jeff Johnson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

A Danville man faces life in prison after a federal jury returned eight guilty verdicts this week in a major drug distribution case.

Federal prosecutors say 49-year-old Marcus “Slim” McKinney was found guilty on November 19th of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine, maintaining drug-involved properties, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.

Jurors also concluded that McKinney distributed drugs that caused serious injury to one woman and the death of another, identified as Maggie Avelar. Sentencing is set for March 23rd at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana.

During five days of testimony, prosecutors outlined McKinney’s alleged drug operation, which they say began shortly after he was released to home confinement at a residence on South State Street in Danville in April of 2023. Evidence showed McKinney distributed meth, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl for more than a year, oftentimes exchanging drugs for sex.

According to the government, multiple overdoses occurred that first weekend, including a woman who survived only after being treated with Narcan, and the death of Christopher “RS” Fields. Investigators say McKinney later moved his operation to a home on Kentucky Avenue, where Avelar died in August of 2023 after being given what McKinney allegedly called a “hot shot,” a mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Prosecutors say McKinney and his brother then lied to police about the circumstances of her death.

McKinney was later transferred to a halfway house in Springfield, but prosecutors say the drug activity continued. In June of 2024, investigators recorded McKinney distributing more than a pound of meth to a confidential DEA source. Days later, agents seized more than two pounds of meth and over five kilograms of cocaine from storage lockers tied to McKinney.

Prosecutors also presented evidence that McKinney attempted to tamper with a witness in early 2025 by urging her to contact his attorney and provide false statements. McKinney has been held by the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest in June of 2024. With two prior federal drug convictions, he faces a mandatory life sentence.

The investigation involved the Danville Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Springfield Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugene Miller and Timothy Sullivan handled the case for the government.

The Manners Park pool, event requests, and more 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. 

In new business, the board will hear a request regarding a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, along with matters pertaining to the skate park and a Christmas Party.  The Manners Park pool project will feature in old business, when the board will discuss a contract.  This is expected to relate to Landmark Aquatic, with which the board voted in October to proceed for the project.

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.  The board will then potentially go into executive session.

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

With Thanksgiving just days away, the American Red Cross is reminding families to stay safe in the kitchen. Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days of the year for home cooking fires in the U.S. Cooking is responsible for more than 158,000 home fires each year, about 44 percent of all home fires nationwide.

The Red Cross says most cooking fires happen because food is left unattended, and they’re urging everyone to stay close to the stove while preparing their holiday meals.

They’re offering several safety reminders: stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food… use a timer… avoid loose clothing while cooking… keep kids and pets at least three feet away from hot surfaces… and keep anything that can burn away from the stove. They also recommend cleaning cooking surfaces regularly, keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, and double-checking that all appliances are turned off before going to bed or leaving home.

The Red Cross is also stressing the importance of working smoke alarms. Families should have alarms near the kitchen, on every level of the home, and inside and outside bedrooms. They recommend testing alarms monthly and changing the batteries at least once a year. For households that can’t afford smoke alarms or can’t install them, the Red Cross may be able to help.

Red Cross volunteers have been busy locally as well. In the past week, they responded to eight home fires in Sorento, Louisville, Virden, Gillespie, Carlinville, Centralia, Walnut Hill, and Springfield. Volunteers assisted 20 people, including families and children, providing emergency supplies, emotional support, health services, and help securing temporary shelter. They’ll continue working with those families as they recover.
 

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is working to keep people safe on the Thanksgiving holiday and the surrounding days.  They are warning of “Blackout Wednesday,” a growing trend where people excessively consume alcohol the night before Thanksgiving.  The Sheriff’s Office is combining clear messaging beforehand with extra enforcement the night of, in an effort to prevent accidents before the holiday.  They are also working towards bolstering emergency response efforts in Christian and surrounding counties.

Chief Deputy Jim Baker is preparing his team for Blackout Wednesday.  In addition to the extra enforcement, he urges people to treat the night like New Year’s Eve and stay home if possible.

Chief Deputy Baker says he has noticed an increase in these incidents in the county over the years and adds that the day’s various nicknames are also indicative of the added concern.

Outside of Blackout Wednesday, an initiative is underway to facilitate law enforcement agencies throughout central and southern Illinois to collaborate during notable emergency situations.  Agencies would be able to devote resources and clearly communicate what they can provide. 

Baker says the team is working on protocols to ensure calls for backup clearly communicate what is needed.

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.

A Jingle Bell 4K and Little Elf’s Dash will begin at Taylorville Memorial Hospital for runners of all ages from 8 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30.

The TMH Auxiliary is sponsoring the holiday-themed run, which will include a festive atmosphere with holiday music, a coffee/hot chocolate bar, prize giveaways and a Santa Claus photo op. Registration and sign-in begin at 8 a.m. The 4K starts at 9 a.m. with the Little Elf’s Dash at 9:30 a.m.

Awards will be presented to the Top Male and Female in each age group: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.

The 4K entry fee is $25 in advance and $30 on day of the event. The Little Elf’s Dash is free for all participants. Proceeds go toward Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary scholarships for continuing education in healthcare fields.

The staging area for the event will be at the Plant Operations building on the northeast side of the TMH campus. This location can be accessed off Pawnee Street. Parking is also available in the lot off Pawnee St., next to the Plant Operations building.
 

Page’s Collision Center in Taylorville welcomed hundreds of people Wednesday evening for an open house celebrating the grand reopening of the longtime local business—just five months after sustaining a fire that destroyed their auto repair facility.  Page’s owner Rick Champley, and his wife Lisa, made the decision to rebuild and to invest in the community that has meant so much to them.

Champley told Regional Radio News that the community’s outpouring of support played a major role in helping the business recover so quickly after the fire.

Friends, customers, and local businesses stepped in to offer help, resources, and encouragement as rebuilding began.  With that support, and with the work of many excellent local contractors, Page’s Collision Center was able to rebuild quickly and reopen in an impressively short timeframe.

The Champley family looks forward to continuing to serve Taylorville for many more years to come.  The open house served not only as a celebration of the new facility, but also as a testament to the commitment of a family-owned business and to the community that stands behind them.

In the only instance where people are openly encouraged to ‘vote early and vote often,’ Taylorville Community Credit Union has announced that voting has begun to determine the eight student winners of $1000 awards in its 12th annual ‘Stop. SHOP. VOTE!’ scholarship program.

Twenty five senior students from Taylorville High School are registered in this year’s program.  TCCU will present a total of eight $1000 financial awards – two each at Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield and Pana High Schools -- to students who plan to continue their education after high school graduation at a trade school, two-year community college or a four-year university.    

TCCU President Will Perkins says the eight winners are determined by votes cast in participating businesses in the four communities and Tri-County residents have through February 27, 2026 to vote for their favorite student(s) at participating businesses. For every $10 they spend they can cast one (1) vote for a registered student with no limit on how many votes they cast. A total of 80 locally owned businesses between the four communities are participating this year, giving people numerous options and opportunities to shop and vote.

Taylorville High School students participating in the 2025-26 program are:
Gabriella Appel, Rye Bliler, Hudson DeMichael, Cash Dye, Brody Garrett, Colton Gatton, Maxx Grieme, Josie Heberling, Kaylie Hendrickson, Ella Hohenstein, Selena Johnson, Madelyn Lamb, Mia Lyons, Ellee Mateer, Emlyn Mateer, Owen Mateer, Gabby Mireles, Olivia Mizeur, Carleigh Owens, Ella Reiss, Karlee Rexroad, Meadow Shinneman, Jaylee Smith, Meredith Spears and Charlotte Stickel.

The complete list of participating businesses in each of the four communities is on TCCU’s web site (www.TCCU.org). Businesses also are displaying large posters featuring the registered students’ photos and a list of all participating businesses in their front windows or inside.

TCCU is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution, serving its members’ needs since 1956. Its membership is open to everyone who lives or works within the tri-county region of Christian, Montgomery and Shelby Counties. For more information about the credit union’s range of financial services and products, or how to join, visit www.TCCU.org, or stop in or call any of its local branch locations: Taylorville: 422 W. Main Cross Street (217-824-9658); Hillsboro: 138 E. Wood Street (217-532-5300); Litchfield: 801 W. Union Avenue (217-324-7496); Pana: 101 E. Fifth (217-562-2516).    

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the holiday shopping season.  Several events and other opportunities will give local residents ways to check off their shopping lists while supporting local businesses.  The Chamber is also promoting the ways they encourage younger entrepreneurs to pursue their business goals and the incentives they provide.

GTCC is organizing and promoting a number of shopping events in November and December.  Board President Krystal Baker says these events factor in Black Friday and Small Business Saturday the following day. 

GTCC also began a “giving season” drive, in which residents can donate essential items to those in need as cold weather sets in.

The Chamber offers a student membership level, meaning student-owned businesses which join the Chamber can enjoy special benefits.  This is part of the organization’s collaboration with the Christian County CEO program. 

One business which has taken advantage of these incentives is Wicked Candles & Melts.  This business, founded by local student Charley Craggs, joins Leadership DNA as the Chamber’s newest members.

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.

Anyone looking for exercise to work off Thanksgiving dinner can take part in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Foundation’s “Jingle Bell 4K and Little Elf’s Dash.”  It’s scheduled for Sunday, November 30 at the hospital.  This event is just one of many the Foundation and its Auxiliary group organize to raise money for the healthcare organization to ensure it can continue to provide top-quality care to patients. 

Same-day registration for the event opens at 8 a.m.  The 4K starts at 9 a.m., and the Little Elf’s Dash begins a half-hour later.  Katie Champion Williams, the director of the TMH Foundation, says prizes are on offer for the top performers in the various age groups.

Interested participants can also register in advance here.

The race is returning after a brief hiatus.  Cheryl McKavetz, a TMH Auxiliary member, says the post-Thanksgiving desire for a workout is what inspired the race. 

The Auxiliary organizes several over events every year as well.  One of them – a trivia night – proved immensely successful.

The money the Foundation raises goes towards a variety of purposes.  In the case of the 4K and Dash, they look to invest in their employees to increase morale, which can in turn improve patient care.

More information on the Memorial Health system is available at memorial.health. 

Katie Champion Williams and Cheryl McKavetz appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new mobile app designed to give residents easier access to information and services. The free “Sheriff’s App” is now available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The app offers several features, including inmate search, sex offender information, jail details, records requests, news updates, and a way to submit non-emergency tips. Users can also find program information, upcoming community events, court security details, and even view or apply for open positions within the Sheriff’s Office.

The platform includes push notifications, weather updates, and quick links to contact the Sheriff’s Office. Officials emphasize the app should not be used for emergencies and residents should still call 911 for any urgent or life-threatening situation.

The new tool also gives the Sheriff’s Office another way to share critical information during severe weather, major incidents, or other public safety concerns, sending alerts directly to users’ phones.

Sheriff Paula Crouch says the goal is to keep residents connected and informed by putting key resources in one place. She’s encouraging both residents and visitors to download the app and take advantage of its features.
 

Three employees at the Christian County Sheriff’s Office are being honored for saving a life at the Christian County Jail.  Deputy Sergeant Alan Bailey, Court Security Deputy Robert Campbell, and Correctional Officer Malorie Bergschneider received Lifesaving Recognition Awards from the Sheriff’s Office and have been nominated for similar state-level awards.  The three were recognized at the Christian County Board meeting on Wednesday.

Chief Deputy Jim Baker says on October 27, they leapt into action on two separate occasions when an inmate attempted to take their own life.  The first of these took place at the courthouse as the inmate was being transferred.  Chief Deputy Baker describes the incident in the following audio; some listeners may find the description disturbing. 

The second incident happened later that day in a jail cell, when the inmate made a second attempt at suicide.

Chief Deputy Baker offered his own praises for the employees, saying their actions not only saved a life but upheld the Sheriff’s Office’s values.

The three employees involved had a combined 32 years of service.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Wolf Creek State Park will hold the 35 th Annual Lake Shelbyville Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities during the first firearm deer season on November 21-23, 2025. The hunt will be conducted in portions of recreation areas at Lake Shelbyville that are closed for the season. As a safety precaution, Lone Point and Lithia Springs Campgrounds and all of Wilborn Creek, Whitley Creek, Coon Creek, and Opossum Creek Recreation.

Areas will be closed to all automobile and pedestrian traffic from 2 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025 to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2025. This temporary closing includes boat ramps located within Wilborn Creek, Coon Creek, and Opossum Creek Recreation Areas. Boat ramps remaining open to serve lake users during this time period are Dam West, Lone Point, Lithia Springs, Wolf Creek and Eagle Creek State Parks. All primitive ramps will remain open as well.

For more information contact Lake Shelbyville’s Natural Resources Specialist Taylor Finks at (217) 774-3951 Ext: 7028.

The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation will begin accepting scholarship applications for the 2026–2027 school year starting November 15. Students planning to attend LLCC in the fall of 2026 can apply online at llccfoundation.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2026.
Foundation scholarships are available for both new and returning students enrolled full or part time. Many are open to any program of study, with the average award around $1,500 per year.

New scholarships this year include the Ameren Illinois Clean Energy Scholarship, the Kimberly Jean Brandis Scholarship, the Matthew Suchomski Culinary Scholarship, and several others supporting students in a wide range of fields.

Students only need to fill out one application to be considered for all available scholarships. Those applying should first complete a college admission application at llcc.edu/apply.

For more information, contact the LLCC Foundation at 217-786-2343 or email Jill.Siebert@llcc.edu.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital has earned a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, placing it among the highest-rated hospitals in central Illinois. CMS evaluates hospitals nationwide on patient experience, readmission rates, timely and effective care, safety, and mortality.

In addition to the overall rating, Taylorville Memorial Hospital received a five-star mark for cleanliness—an achievement reached by only 13 hospitals in the entire state.

Hospital leaders say the strong ratings reflect the staff’s focus on safety, quality, and creating a positive experience for patients. They also note that the recognition highlights the dedication and experience of the healthcare professionals serving the Taylorville community.

Investigators have charged 43-year-old Arnold Rivera of Vandalia in connection with the death of Kylie Toberman. Vandalia Police found the teen’s body Friday at a home in the 1100 block of West Gallatin Street and called in the Illinois State Police and the Child Death Investigation Task Force.

Authorities say an extensive investigation quickly identified Rivera as the suspect. Vandalia Police located him within a few hours and took him into custody. ISP says it’s also aware of a social media post related to the case, which remains under review as part of the investigation.

On Monday, the State Police presented their findings to the Fayette County State’s Attorney, who filed multiple charges, including first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault, and concealment of a homicidal death. Rivera is being held pending trial.

State Police say no additional information is being released at this time. Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Fayette and Effingham County Sheriff’s Offices, the FBI, the county coroners, the Department of Natural Resources, and St. Elmo Police.
 

State Representative Regan Deering is bringing DMV services directly to the community with a Mobile DMV event on Friday, December 5th. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Forsyth Public Library in the Community Room.

Residents will be able to take care of several Secretary of State services in one location. That includes renewing or correcting a driver’s license or state ID, applying for a Real ID, purchasing vehicle stickers, registering as an organ or tissue donor, and completing motor voter registration.

Driver’s tests will not be offered, and seniors age 78 and older will still need to visit a DMV facility to renew their licenses. The Secretary of State’s office will only accept personal checks or major debit and credit cards—cash will not be taken.

Anyone attending will need to bring the required forms of identification. A full list is available on the Secretary of State’s website.

Appointments are required. Those interested can sign up online at RepDeering.com by clicking the Mobile DMV Event link, or by calling 217-876-1968.
 

South Fork’s eight-man football team reached new heights in the 2025 season.  They suffered just one defeat, which came in the state playoff semifinal.  Making a deep run in the playoffs was the goal, and this season’s outcome is part of the growth the program has experienced in recent years.  It began with a strong contingent of junior league players joining the team four seasons ago.  Now as seniors, they can look back on how far they and the team have gone. 

The coaching staff has played its part as well.  They include head coach Zach Hanlon, offensive coordinator Grant Graham, and defensive coordinator Chris Clark.  Clark also serves as the superintendent of South Fork Schools.  They credit the players, especially the seniors, for galvanizing each other and pushing for a better finish this season than in previous ones.

The Ponies had ten seniors on the team, many of whom received major accolades for their performances.

The team is in fact a co-op with Edinburg and Morrisonville.  The coaches say the combination of the smaller communities has created one strong, united group of supporters.

As happy has the coaching staff has been with the team’s success on the field, they want the South Fork football experience to carry a deeper meaning for the players than just wins.

More information on South Fork School District 14 is available at www.southforkschools.com.

Chris Clark, Grant Graham, and Zach Hanlon appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Schools in Central A&M schools are seeing consistent success when it comes to academics and extracurriculars.  The district received another generally positive academic evaluation from the state.  Students have had the opportunity to explore STEM-related fields and take part in high-level speech and musical experiences.  In addition, the Moweaqua campus is getting a needed facelift after months of planning. 

The facelift involves the exterior building doors.  Sacha Young, Superintendent of Central A&M schools, says the work with replacing the doors has now begun. 

In October, the Illinois State Board of Education released its report cards for every school.  The middle school received a rating of “targeted,” which means a subset of students require extra support.  The other schools in the district were classified as “commendable.”

The school district is doing its part to prepare students for bright futures and show them what it may entail.  They organized a trip for every high school sophomore to visit Heartland Technical Academy and explore the school’s programs.  It’s part of a partnership with Heartland, which allows students to take their courses while still in high school.

In terms of extracurriculars, a middle school speech team recently took home a top prize in a state competition.  They will present it again at an upcoming school board meeting.

Finally, in music, a group of choral performers will take part in a district music festival with singers from other schools in the area.  The performance is this Saturday at Eastern Illinois University. 

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.

In Springfield, the fall veto session is in the books.  General Assembly members debated and voted on several bills for which support and opposition largely ran along party lines.  They now sit at the desk of Governor JB Pritzker, but despite the same party controlling both the legislative and executive branches, whether every such bill receives his signature remains to be seen. 

One bill which has raised considerable controversy is the End-Of-Life Options Act.  It would allow eligible patients with a diagnosis of six months or less to live to be prescribed lethal medication to take at home.  The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, among other organizations, has backed the bill.  State Senator Steve McClure, a Republican, is opposed to it on grounds of safety and health-related ethics.

The senator also pointed to testimony from officials in other states which already have similar laws in place.  He says they do not have the resources to carry out oversight of physician-assisted suicides.

Another bill concerns federal immigration enforcement in Illinois.  House Bill 1312 would allow Illinoisans who claim immigration agents have violated their due process rights to sue said agents.  Senator McClure believes the law is an overreach of authority and says even supporters of the bill predict it would not withstand challenges in court. 

General Assembly Democrats support the bill, saying it will increase accountability of ICE agents.

The “Clean Slate” Act is also among the bills passed during the veto session.  This measure would require law enforcement agencies to automatically seal certain criminal records twice a year.  This would happen in lieu of the person in question having to apply to have the records.  Proponents argue the bill would make it easier for people accused or convicted of minor offenses to participate in society.  Senator McClure opposed the bill, saying in part that it weakens efforts to avoid recidivism.

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

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

A chance to come together for a morning of cars, coffee, and conversation at Brewin’ Hope Coffeehouse, is set for November 29th in Pana. The coffee shop is preparing to host an ‘Autism Awareness Car Show,’ scheduled from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., offering plenty of time for visitors to stop in before beginning their day. 

The car show will take place outside Brewin’ Hope Coffeehouse, where guests can grab warm drinks as they walk through the lineup of vehicles. Volunteers will be on hand to welcome families and share information about the groups benefitting from the event. Cash donations collected that morning will support ‘I Am Limitless,’ a program connected to the Autism and Awareness Movement Project in Pana, that provides opportunities for individuals with autism. Organizers note that these funds help expand activities and resources throughout the year.

The event will also accept toy donations for ‘Angel Trees’ and the ‘Toys for Tots’ program. New, unwrapped toys are encouraged, and all items collected will go toward helping families locally this holiday season.

For more information, visit Brewin’ Hope Coffeehouse at their Facebook page.

Bourbon enthusiasts have the opportunity to win a highly valued bottle while supporting the Lake Land College Foundation and their beneficiaries.  The Foundation is sponsoring a raffle of the Old Rip Van Winkle Collection, and today is the last day to enter.  Proceeds go towards Lake Land students facing financial hardships.  This is just one of many fundraisers the Foundation holds to support their various causes.

Christi Donsbach is the Executive Director For College Advancement at Lake Land College.  She says they have already raised the equivalent of the collection’s value. 

If you are interested in entering, you can do so here. 

Last year, the Lake Land College Foundation began offering sustaining sponsorships to interested businesses and individual donors.  This supplements their golf outings and other annual one-day fundraisers. 

One year into the Community Partner Program, the Foundation raised over a million dollars.  Much of it came from that specific effort.

Donsbach says funds raised through the program go directly to students in need, who can earn the funds via scholarships. 

More information on the Lake Land College Foundation is on their Facebook page and also available by calling (217) 234-5363.

Christi Donsbach appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the new Taylorville Junior High School Principal, at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Moose Lodge.

Stile Smith became principal at T-J-H-S at the start of this school year.   After graduating from college, he began his career in 2012 as a teacher and assistant coach at Taylorville High School.   He then became Assistant Junior High Principal at Pana, then this school year he accepted the position of Principal at Taylorville Junior High School.

Smith then shared with Kiwanis members some highlights of great things happening at T-J-H-S.

Other new programs Smith shared at the Junior High include STEM projects in the Science Department; and new creativity in learning in the Social Studies Department.

Smith added morale at T-J-H-S has improved dramatically this school year, and his progressive discipline program allowing consistency has shown positive results.

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 Taylorville man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting to soliciting child pornography.
In Christian County Court this week, 22-year-old Jacob Semerau of Taylorville pleaded guilty to one count of solicitation of child pornography as part of a negotiated plea agreement with prosecutors. The court accepted the plea and dismissed the remaining charges that had been filed against him earlier this year.

Court records show Semerau was sentenced to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by three years to natural life of mandatory supervised release. He will be required to serve the sentence at 50 percent, and was given 240 days of credit for time he has already spent in the Christian County Jail.

The sentencing order also addressed fines and fees. The court reduced the statutory fine to zero based on Semerau’s pretrial incarceration credit and determined that the remaining assessments were uncollectible, vacating those costs.

Semerau was first arrested in March of 2025 after an investigation by Taylorville Police. According to earlier reports, officers alleged that Semerau had been communicating with a 13-year-old and had solicited the minor to send sexual videos. The arrest resulted in multiple charges, including aggravated criminal sexual abuse and child pornography counts, before the negotiated plea resolved the case with a conviction on the solicitation charge.

With the sentencing now complete, Semerau will be transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections to begin serving his term.
 

When Matt Williamson graduated from LeRoy High School just a few years ago, he didn’t picture himself working alongside actors he had only ever seen on screen. That’s exactly where he has found himself as a senior at Eastern Illinois University, gaining experience on professional film sets across Central Illinois. What began as a fascination with movies, has grown into the kind of opportunity most young filmmakers only dream about, thanks in large part to EIU and their programs.

Williamson says movies were a constant part of his life growing up, and he even worked at his hometown theater to stay close to what he loved. EIU wasn’t originally his plan after high school, but one campus visit shifted that. He was drawn in by how quickly students could get involved in real production work and how much time they were able to spend behind the camera rather than just reading about it. That early exposure helped set the stage for everything that followed.

Through Eastern Illinois University’s School of Communication and Journalism and its student-run media programs, Williamson built a set of skills that led him to a paid job as “camera utility” on ‘Chili Finger,’ a feature film shot around Central Illinois in 2025. The role put him in the middle of a professional crew, handling equipment, supporting the camera department, and seeing the pace and coordination required to keep a film set moving. For a student who grew up studying movies for fun, stepping into that environment felt like a milestone that connected his past interests with a future career.

Along the way, Williamson points to several EIU faculty members whose guidance made a big difference. Of the faculty that supported him, Drew Britton, Kelly Goodwin, and Joe Astrouski. Today, Williamson’s story serves as an example of how a regional public university can open doors for students who come ready to learn.

More information about EIU’s programs and services is available at www.eiu.edu or through the Public Information Office at 217-581-7400.

We now have a clear picture of who will be on the ballot in Illinois’s primary elections on St. Patrick’s Day.  Candidates were required to file the appropriate paperwork to the state’s Board of Elections by November 10.  With longtime U.S. Senator Dick Durbin retiring and state comptroller Susana Mendoza not seeking re-election, the Democratic primaries for those two positions could be competitive.  The same is expected to be true for the Republican primary for governor.  The other primaries and their subsequent general elections, however, appear to only have one serious candidate running.

Dr. Kent Redfield is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield.  He says the Republican party is in a difficult position to rebuild its representation in office in Illinois due to the sizes of their current delegations, droughts from key positions, and lack of key fundraising sources.

By contrast, the Democratic party has had more success bringing in funds for their campaigns.  This is especially true regarding Governor JB Pritzker, who self-funded his previous two campaigns to nine figures.

Dr. Redfield says these trends have happened over multiple decades as the parties and key issues have evolved and as people have moved between cities, suburbs, and rural areas.

As for elections limited to certain geographic areas, only a small subset of these, as well, are expected to be competitive.  Dr. Redfield says the drawing of the state’s congressional districts for the U.S. House is part of the reason. 

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. 

Heartland CASA is kicking off the holiday season with its Annual ‘Home for the Holidays Gala,’ an evening to support children in foster care while raising funds. The event will be held on Saturday, December 6th, at Osbern Acres in Blue Mound. Guests attending the gala will have two options for the evening. A VIP cocktail hour will be held inside the Osbern Mansion beginning at 6 p.m.. Tickets for the VIP portion are available as single, double, or table packages. The main event will follow at 7 p.m. in the Osbern Acres Event Hall, where guests can enjoy dinner before the evening’s activities get underway. Tables of eight are also available for groups who want to reserve seating together.

The night will continue with a baked goods auction at 8 p.m., giving those in attendance a chance to bid on homemade holiday treats. After the auction wraps up, the room will open for karaoke and dancing, adding to a nice finish to the fundraiser. Organizers are encouraging early ticket purchases as the event typically draws strong numbers each year.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals, families, and businesses interested in supporting Heartland CASA’s mission. Levels range from $100 to $5,000, each offering varying levels of recognition at the event and in promotional materials. Higher-level sponsors receive reserved seating and expanded visibility throughout the gala, including stage acknowledgements and placement on event signage. All proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales will help Hearland CASA’s work in advocating for local children in foster care.

More information on the Heartland CASA ‘Home For The Holidays’ Gala is available by contacting Shyler Kraus at 217-791-0006. You can also reach her by email at shylerk@iheartcasa.org. Tickets and sponsorship details are also available through Heartland CASA’s website at www.maconcountycasa.org/gala.

The end of the fall semester at Lincoln Land Community College is around the corner.  Spring registration has begun, and tuition for it is due at the start of December.  That all comes before this term’s finals.  The Taylorville campus is looking to increase its connections with the local community, whether through volunteer work or attracting high school students to its dual credit and college exploration programs. 

The dual credit program is known as College Now.  Elizabeth Fines-Workman, director of LLCC’s Taylorville campus, says students who take part can earn their associate’s degree before their high school diploma. 

Fines-Workman says the nature and setting of this pathway for students makes it an economically friendly pursuit. 

In the more immediate future, students can now register for spring courses.  While registration does not close for just shy of two months, waiting is not wise. 

A small subset of core classes are available at the Taylorville campus.  Fines-Workman says the most popular ones are in nursing and philosophy 

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. 

The Taylorville School District Cross Country team was recognized at the Taylorville City Council meeting on Monday evening in Taylorville.  Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry praised the team, and the council reviewed ordinances and committee reports Monday evening.  Mayor Barry praised the cross country team and their many honors this year, from the junior high all the way to the senior high.

The Mayor listed off their many accomplishments on the season, including setting multiple school records.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry named this week as Taylorville Cross Country Week. In regular agenda news, all Aldermen were present except for Megan Bryant. All motions that were brought in front of the board passed, including a resolution concerning property at 305 East Poplar Street, Taylorville City Code concerning delinquent bills, ordinances for 123 E. Main Cross, 100-102 N. Main Street, 104 S. Main Street, and a farm lease. Several pay requests were approved as well. 

Under committee reports, a motion to bid/advertise for the Heavy Equipment Operator A position in the street department was approved. A motion to approve Lieutenant Ben Toberman for a task force officer position was approved.  This task force was through the US Marshals which would be paid for by the city of Taylorville.  The motion passed 5-,2 with Aldermen Kathy Driskell and Aldermen Larry Budd voting no. 

The council also approved sending one sergeant to the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command in Peoria, along with paying for a K9 bite suit.  This item was listed in the agenda as a lawsuit, but it is not a lawsuit, rather a bite suit for $1,550. Some motions concerning the fire department, including work at the Fire Station Grounds, and some new no-parking signs were all approved.  

The next Taylorville City Council meeting is set for December 1st. 
 

The Regional Office of Education #3 says Aspire High School and TriStar Academy in Effingham have been awarded two major grants to help expand student opportunities in the arts, emotional regulation, and leadership development.

Funding from the Bill and Jacquelyn Jordan Anderson Fund for Visual Arts will supply essential art materials, giving students the chance to strengthen their creativity while using art as a positive outlet to build peer connections and emotional balance.

The 2025 Siemer Milling Company Fund for Youth Leadership Development will provide tools and resources to enhance leadership programs. That includes new technology for multimedia projects and Neurologic workbooks to help students build resilience and manage stress.

Together, administration says, these grants will help ROE3’s Aspire and TriStar programs continue their mission of developing the whole student encouraging creativity, confidence, and leadership both inside and outside the classroom.

ROE #3 serves Bond, Christian, Effingham, Fayette, and Montgomery counties, offering alternative education programs designed to meet the unique needs of students through individualized learning and personal growth.
 

State Representative Regan Deering of Decatur joined Representative Amy Elik of Alton last week to express concern over what they describe as a lack of action from the Governor’s Office regarding Executive Order 2025-05.

The order, issued in September, directed state agencies to identify immediate spending reductions and submit their plans to the Governor by October 23. So far, no findings or updates have been released by the Governor’s Office or any state agencies.

Deering, a first-term lawmaker, said she is frustrated with the state’s budgeting process, pointing to increased spending in the most recent budget and a lack of fiscal restraint. She has introduced legislation that would require Illinois to pass a balanced budget each year, though that measure remains in committee.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has also filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking documents related to the required budget cuts. That request was denied by the Governor’s Office, citing internal deliberations as the reason the information was not made public.
 

The University of Illinois Extension of Christian County held its first Taste of Extension event on Friday, October 24th, giving residents a chance to see — and “taste” — what Extension programs are all about.

Visitors took part in several hands-on pop-up activities, including Dress for Success, Pumpkin Trivia, Herbal Experience, and Pumpkin Arrangements Make & Take. Guests also learned how to multiply houseplants, care for them, and even made their own macrame plant hangers.

Extension County Director Sara Marten said the event helped connect the public with the wide range of programs the Extension offers — from agriculture and horticulture to youth and community development.

The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also brought its Mobile Science Learning Lab, where participants learned about bats with real specimens and 3D-printed skulls.

The Christian County Master Gardeners and Stacey Shanks from Locust Creek Flower Farm also helped lead activities, while the Edinburger’s food truck was on site serving supper.

Marten says more Taste of Extension events are planned for the future. To learn more about upcoming workshops or events, you can visit go.illinois.edu/cjmm or call the Christian County Extension office at 217-287-7246.
 

The Taylorville City Council is set to meet Monday evening at 7 PM.  The Taylorville Cross Country team will be recognized.  Minutes will be approved, and several resolutions, including 305 E Poplar Street, changes to the city code on delinquent bills, and discontinuance of services, 123 E Main Cross, 100-102 N. Main Street, 104 S. Main Street, and Commercial Industrial Park Property, will all be discussed. 

The council will discuss some pay requests, along with advertising for a heavy equipment Operator A Position in the street department.  Under emergency services, the council will review potentially approving a new Task Force Officer Position for Lieutenant Ben Toberman, send one sergeant to the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command in Peoria, approve the payout for a K9 Bite lawsuit of $1,550.00, allow for fire station grounds improvements, and add additional no-parking signs to the fire department lot. 

Under the Lake and Airport Committee, the council will potentially discuss and approve replacing the flag pole at the airport, 2 Kenwood digital radio purchases, approve some low bids, and pay requests. The council will hear from the public, the city attorney, and Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of the meeting. 
 

The Pana Community Hospital Foundation is celebrating a successful year of fundraising and already on their way towards their goals for next year.  Renovations to the hospital’s second floor, rooms for sleep studies, and plenty of other outcomes highlight the work done in 2025.  These projects were possible thanks in large part to the Foundation’s efforts to bring in the funds needed.  The overall goal is to further support Pana Community Hospital’s work in improving patient outcomes. 

Melissa Rybolt is the Executive Director of the Pana Community Hospital Foundation.  She says a year-end appeal and other campaigns at the start of 2026 will go towards a new 3D mammography machine.

Rybolt says the machine costs around $475k, and the Foundation has pledged $125k.  As for how they will raise the funds, their first campaign involves a pecan sale. 

Another fundraising plan is something the Pana Community Hospital Foundation has done before: the Memorial Angel Tree.  It’s a way those interested can pay tribute to loved ones they have lost while also helping the Foundation raise funds. 

The Foundation’s goals for 2026 go well beyond just raising money.  They want to further educate the community on what they do and how people can help. 

More information on the Pana Community Hospital Foundation is available on the hospital’s website, www.panahospital.com, or by calling (217) 562-6340. 

Melissa Rybolt appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

It’s the time of year to get vaccinated, and the Christian County Health Department wants to make it easy for community members to do so.  They are setting up multiple ways for people to receive their shots before the winter and before the sicknesses that come with it.  Vaccines for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are available and reflect the ways these viruses and their spread have changed. 

On November 21, the CCHD will host pop-in clinics in towns throughout Christian County.  Chelsey Davis, Director of Nursing, says this initiative helps them reach people throughout the county, not just in and around Taylorville. 

Those who are not available for the pop-in clinics can visit the department’s office anytime they are open to receive any needed vaccines.  The Christian County Health Department is located at 730 North Pawnee Street and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of the noon hour.

Visitors in either case should bring their health insurance information.  Anyone being vaccinated against COVID-19 will be asked if they have contracted the virus in the last three months. 

RSV is a virus which has become more prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study at Northwestern University.  That’s why the CCHD is promoting the vaccine to keep families protected. 

Separate from viruses and vaccines, the end of the year also means it’s time for restaurants to renew their permits with the CCHD.  Joe Torres, Environmental Health Director, urges establishments to begin the process early to avoid heavy late fees. 

More information on the Christian County Health Department is available at https://cchdil.org/. 

Chelsey Davis and Joe Torres appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

You can’t predict when or if cancer may strike, but being aware of when something is off and going to the doctor could help save your life and for one Taylorville resident, knowing something felt off started her down the road she never expected to go down.  Jennifer Heimsness, a Taylorville resident who is more known for being on the sidelines or in a gym watching her kids play sports than sitting in a doctor’s office.  Jennifer said that she had been cramping really bad when the issues started. 

Jennifer says the support from her husband Brad and their family has helped her really push through the treatments and the pain.

Jennifer is hopeful that there will be some positive signs in her future. A benefit was held this last Sunday to help with expenses and with other things the family needs. She encourages people to listen to their bodies. 

Jennifer Heimsness continues her fight with two more treatments ahead, supported by family, friends, and the community. She hopes her story serves as a reminder to pay attention when something doesn’t feel right and to seek medical care early.

For Nokomis, snowy weather around the corner means the same is true for Snowkomis.  Now in its third year, the winter festival is scheduled for December 12 and 13.  As with the previous two editions, there will be games and activities for people of all ages.  This year’s Snowkomis comes as the city looks to highlight an influx of businesses to the city and the employment and economic opportunities that come with it. 

Trever Loafman is a member of Newkomis, which has taken the lead on these efforts and many more.  He says Snowkomis will occupy a large part of Route 16.

Friday is when the lighted Christmas parade will take place.  Visitors can also expect plenty of happenings at the local businesses along the road. 

There’s another parade on Saturday, along with more vendor activity and the Clauses for everyone to enjoy. 

Separate from Snowkomis, Newkomis is celebrating the opening of Farmers Station.  Businesses are setting up there and already seeing high levels of traffic.

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

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

The calendar of holiday events at Taylorville’s parks is even more packed than it was only a month ago.  In fact, an eight-day stretch in the early part of December has park events on all but one day.  The schedule includes activities for people – and pets – of all ages.  Meanwhile, registration for some previously scheduled calendar items remains open, but only until they reach capacity. 

The first of the later additions is the Sleigh Ride With Santa.  It runs on December 3 and 4, in parallel with the Jingle Bell Walk and Roll.  Recreation Director Jessica Franks says the sleigh ride is free and first-come-first-serve.

On December 5, the Park District will host its Paint Night.  Participants will be able to take home what they create.

Next up is the pets’ time to have their moment in the sun.  That’s because Paws With Claus is set for December 8 from 6-8 p.m.

The following night, Santa Claus turns his attention back to the humans for Soup With Santa.  There will be plenty of other activities there as well, including balloon animals and face painting. 

Franks also shared updates on the previously scheduled events: 

• Registration for the Snowflake Pageants is still open.  The pageant takes place on November 30. 
• Those who register for the Jingle Bell Walk on December 3 will receive a pail of cookies courtesy of Happy Baked Goods. 
• The six-seat golf carts for the Jingle Bell Roll on December 4 are almost entirely booked, while a larger share of four-seat carts remain. 
• The Grinchmas Breakfast on December 13 is full.  Anyone else who expresses interest in attending will be placed on a waiting list. 

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.

4-H and the University of Illinois Extension constantly put on workshops for area youth which continues now into the Winter months. Upcoming events are open to 4-H members and some expand to the greater community. If a workshop fits your interest and you’re not a member, open enrollment is available to join the organization through April. Taylor Sinclair, 4-H Youth Program Development Coordinator with the University of Illinois Extension, has several classes planned before the year ends. The first such course comes with a seven week sewing club with projects like pillows, pillow cases, tote bags, and more to make.

On November 25th from 3 to 4 p.m., at the Kitchell Memorial Library in Morrisonville, is an embroidery workshop with a focus on beginners and simple stitches.

Going further into the holiday season, area youth will have a chance to create an ‘evergreen porch pot.’ This course will be held December 9th starting at 5 p.m., at the Christian County Extension Office.
 

Lastly in December for 4-H, is their ‘Cook and Connect’ workshop. On December 16th through the 19th, food kits for delicious family cooked meals to make at home, will be passed out. The fee for this is $10.

Find out more about the 4-H program and the University of Illinois Extension at www.go.illinois.edu.

Taylor Sinclair appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

An early opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit is just around the corner in Taylorville.  It’s called the Candy Cane Lane Christmas Party, and it’s this year’s themed title for the Taylorville Township’s annual Festival Of Lights.  The festivities are scheduled for Saturday from 1-7pm at the Township’s headquarters on West Spresser Street, next to the fairgrounds.  The occasion will bring the community together with sweet treats, performances, and a way to help those in need. 

Billie Heberling is a supervisor with the Taylorville Township.  She says this year’s theme should make for a different-looking festival compared to that of last year’s.

Throughout the event, there will be a silent auction.  This year, the Township is donating all proceeds to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

Heberling says she hopes to surpass last year’s donation to the food pantry, despite the Taylorville Township having less to work with this time around. 

Separate from the festival, the Taylorville Township – among other services – provides financial assistance to community members in times of need.  Heberling says the contribution to the food pantry is just one example of their services throughout the year to the community. 

More information on Taylorville Township and the Candy Cane Lane Christmas Party is on their Facebook page.

Billie Heberling appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Shelby County Coroner’s Office has identified a man who died after being found unresponsive in the county jail earlier this week. Officials say 49-year-old Brian L. Reed of Neoga was pronounced dead Tuesday after being taken to a local hospital.

According to Illinois State Police, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday for a death investigation involving an inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell.

Reed was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. State Police say the investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been released.
 

November has been designated as ‘National Diabetes Awareness Month,’ bringing additional attention to a disease that nearly 12% of Americans deal with daily. At roughly 34 million individuals with either type 1 or 2 diabetes, those that don’t have it will likely have a family member or friend that does. Monica Nyman, Registered Dietitian and Senior Nutrition Educator with the St. Louis Dairy Council, first explains what diabetes is. Whether type 1 or 2, the pancreas is not producing any or enough insulin to break down the carbohydrates from your food.

Nyman shares what kinds of foods can help manage your diabetes. When shopping for food, she tells that the carbohydrates on the label are your first focal point.

Dairy products are an excellent way to get necessary proteins. When eating foods packed with protein or those that are fiber-rich, you can slow down the digestion process giving your body more time to break these foods down into sugar.

If you need help or even resources, plenty of options exist to find how best to take care of yourself following a diabetes diagnosis.

Find out more about the St. Louis Dairy Council by visiting www.stldairycouncil.org.

Monica Nyman appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Master Gardeners with the University of Illinois Extension recently gave community members a “taste” of what it’s like to be a part of Extension. During their ‘Taste of Extension’ event, participants got to learn about their work while identifying herbs and pumpkins while putting together decorative displays and macrame plant hangers. Now with winter weather looming, Master Gardeners are looking to get you Spring ready next year. Gwen Podeschi and Linda Smith are Master Gardeners with the University of Illinois Extension; both tell of their involvement at their most recent event.

Say you missed the ‘Taste of Extension’ and everything that came with it, plenty of other opportunities are coming about next year. Those looking to become Master Gardeners will have three different courses offered to them in 2026.

With most to all gardens being decommissioned for the season, Podeschi and Smith talk about a photography editing course held in October. Those that attended learned how to edit your photos to provide more pops of color and more. Smith shares that the photos you seen online are far from what that original picture might have been.

Holiday decorations have now begun to line store shelves and so too have holiday cacti. These can be displayed for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas typically but are not actually the same plant. Podeschi and Smith share that when that cactus blooms will tell you what holiday it was truly intended for.

Learn more about the University of Illinois Extension and the Master Gardeners at www.extension.illinois.edu.

Gwen Podeschi and Linda Smith both appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

It’s the end of an era for one of America’s most recognizable coins. After more than two centuries in circulation, the United States Mint has officially stopped making the penny. The penny, first introduced back in 1793, is finally being phased out. The U.S. Mint produced its final batch of one-cent coins this week, ending a 232-year run.

Officials say the move comes down to cost. It takes nearly four cents to make a single penny, and with inflation and metal prices on the rise, the government says continuing production just doesn’t make sense. Ending the penny could save taxpayers more than 50 million dollars a year.

But don’t worry, those jars of loose change on your dresser aren’t worthless. The Treasury Department says all existing pennies will remain legal tender, and they’ll stay in circulation for years to come.

For now, most stores will keep taking them, but eventually, cash transactions may round to the nearest nickel, something other countries like Canada and Australia have already done. So while the penny isn’t disappearing overnight, its days jingling in your pocket are officially numbered.

Taylorville School District was honored with four ‘commendable’ scores from the Illinois State Board of Education but staffing, budget concerns, and rising insurance premiums, were again a topic of discussion. On Wednesday night, the Taylorville CUSD #3 Board of Education heard seven presentations and one public comment during their regular monthly meeting for November. Taylorville School District is currently facing a budget deficit of over $950,000 this year and Board members voted to approve ‘taxable general obligation limited tax school bonds’ in the amount of $983,500, to make up for this shortfall.

Budget concerns are far from over when considering the next three years. Superintendent Brandi Bruley shared that the school district expects most sources of revenue to remain ‘flat.’ The cost moving forward for the district will only continue to climb however. Bruley’s budget projection is only an estimate, but by the 2028-29 school year, Taylorville School District could find themselves nearly $6.5 million short on their expected operating costs.

Bruley stated that she is looking into everything she possibly can to find where money could be saved. The most difficult way of cutting costs comes with the issue of potential over-staffing. For reference, in 2018, TCUSD #3 had 2,488 students and 129 teachers. Today, the district is down to 2,051 students currently enrolled, but has 16 more teachers now with 145 total across the schools.

All four schools: North, Memorial, Junior High and High School received commendable designations from ISBE. Each of the school’s principals presented the Board with the results of the surveys, noting there is always room for growth.

During public comments, Steve Walters, Taylorville Cross Country head coach, talked success his teams had over the season.

Walters went on to talk about two student athletes in particular, both Elayna Harker and Liam Bettis enjoyed high placements at the state finals.

The Board moved to new business and approved the beginning fund balance disclosure and proposed tax levy hearing for December 9th, 2025. A 6 – 0 vote in favor of new Workers Comp Insurance and an ISBE school maintenance grant application were also heard. Approval of the district’s safety plan and procedures and local wellness policies was also garnered.

The meeting would last 1 hour and 29 minutes. The Taylorville School Board of Education will meet next for the tax levy hearing on December 9th, 2025, prior to their regular monthly meeting for December that same night.

Many Central Illinois residents were treated to a rare sight in the sky this week — the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The colorful display of greens, purples, and pinks could be seen across much of the Midwest, and conditions tonight could bring another chance to spot them.

So what causes this natural light show? The Northern Lights happen when particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. Those particles, carried here by solar winds, hit oxygen and nitrogen high above the Earth, creating glowing colors that ripple and dance across the sky.

Scientists say increased solar activity,  known as a geomagnetic storm, is what’s making the lights visible much farther south than usual. Normally, the aurora is only seen in places like Canada or Alaska.

There are plenty of apps available that you can download to tell you when to see the Northern Lights and you can also visit https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/  The best viewing is usually away from city lights, facing north, and between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.  
 

With colder days settling in across Central Illinois, the American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to take a few simple precautions to stay warm this Winter season. As furnaces kick on and space heaters come out of storage, the risk of home fires tends to rise sharply during the colder months. The Red Cross says heating equipment remains one of the leading causes of house fires nationwide, but a few mindful steps can go a long way towards keeping families safe.

Kellie O’Connell, CEO of the Red Cross of Illinois, says now is a good time to look around your home and make sure heating equipment is being used correctly. Keeping at least three feet of space around heaters and fireplaces, testing smoke alarms each month, and practicing a two-minute home fire escape plan can all make a big difference. The organization also reminds families that most home fires start when heat sources are left too close to something that can burn like furniture, curtains, or bedding.

If you’re using a space heater this winter, it’s important to place it on a level, non-flammable surface like tile, and to plug it directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord. Never leave it running when you leave the room or go to sleep. Fireplaces should always be covered with a glass or metal screen to keep embers from escaping. Any heating systems, furnaces, or chimneys, should be inspected by a professional each year to prevent buildup or malfunctions. The Red Cross also reminds residents that stoves and ovens should never be used as a heat source claiming this is a dangerous habit that can quickly lead to tragedy.

In just the past week, Red Cross volunteers responded to three separate home fires in Decatur, Philadelphia, and Macomb, providing emergency assistance to seven people who lost their homes or belongings. Volunteers helped with immediate needs like shelter, health support, and supplies, as well as ongoing recovery guidance.

To learn more about home fire safety or to find tips on creating a family escape plan, visit www.redcross.org/fire. 

Sometimes a warm meal is more than just a plate of food, it’s the company it brings together and the conversations that come with. That’s exactly what ‘Dinner Seasoned With Love’ is striving for with their monthly and Holiday dinners, served the third Saturday of every month. While the eating experience feels much more like a sit-down restaurant, with drinks and meals served to your table; Dinner Seasoned With Love is really hoping to provide a real family feel. Each dinner is brought about by their many volunteers, as well as donations provided by others in our community. The best part? Anyone and everyone is welcome.

Suzy Traughber, President of ‘Dinner Seasoned With Love,’ starts by talking the monthly meals that come about every third Saturday of the month. Traughber also shares just some of what they hope to achieve through the organization’s work.

Now with Thanksgiving just weeks away, ‘Dinner Seasoned With Love’ has made their plans for a community meal. On Saturday, November 15th, volunteers will have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more. Also on Saturday, a coat drive is taking place collecting any donated coat, for those in need.

Following that and coming up quick is Christmas. Traughber gives an idea on the December 20th date and the food that will be on hand.

None of this is possible with the support of generous community members. The best way to get involved with ‘Dinner Seasoned With Love’ is to find them at their Facebook page or by just showing up.

All ‘Dinner Seasoned With Love’ dinners are served on the third Saturday of every month at Calvary Baptist Church. Doors open at 10 a.m. and meals are served starting at 11:30 a.m. To learn more about their work, visit them at their Facebook page.

Suzy Traughber appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

On a cold Veteran’s Day, several Taylorville residents gathered to recognize the many local veterans along with dedicating part of the Memorial Wall and raising the brand new Space Force flag at a dedication ceremony at the Lake Taylorville Veterans Point Memorial.  Pastor Chad Zueck, of Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorville, spoke at the ceremony.  A Navy Veteran, Zueck recognized that every single person there, regardless of job, had an important mission, even if they didn’t serve. 

The Lake Taylorville Veterans Point Memorial has plans in place for future updates, including stones in the middle that will mark each of the conflicts that the USA has been involved in, including a fountain that will symbolize the many tears that have fallen to mark those wars. For more information on the Lake Taylorville Veterans Point Memorial, visit this story at www.taylorvilledailynews.com. 

Officer Chaz Dees, a Taylorville native, was appointed as a police School Resource Officer midway thru the school year last year.  He served on the police force as a patrolman the past 4 years.  He told Kiwanis members it is a big honor for the community to trust him with the safety of Taylorville school students at the high school and Memorial Elementary School.

He shared what a typical day is for him, which includes making sure all external doors to Taylorville High School are locked upon the school day starting.  He also told Kiwanis members he’s found students every open and wanting to converse with him on problems they face.

Officer Dees added the biggest challenge at Taylorville High School at the moment is the vapor pandemic. 

He stressed the importance of building connections and trust with the students he comes in contact with at both buildings.

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 Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office will hold a job fair on Saturday, November 15th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Atrium of the Sangamon County Building at 200 South Ninth Street in Springfield. The job fair is designed to help candidates explore careers in public safety and understand what it takes to join the Sheriff’s Office team. Staff will be available throughout the day to answer questions, share information about training and benefits, and assist with next steps in the application process.

The event will showcase a range of career opportunities within the Sheriff’s Office, including positions in law enforcement, corrections, and support services. Visitors will be able to meet with department representatives, learn about the hiring process, and take part in on-site testing and job-related assessments.

Sangamon County Court Services will also take part in the event, providing information on openings for probation and detention officers.

More details about current job openings and application requirements are available at www.sangamonil.gov/departments/s-z/sheriff or by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 217-753-6855.

The Taylorville CUSD #3 Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 12th, due to Veterans’ Day the day prior. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. with time for public visitors to address the board. Communications for the evening will include a report on the Illinois State Board of Education’s official ‘Summative Designation.’

The consent agenda features approval of minutes from the October 14th meeting, financial claims, the treasurer’s report, and considerations involving overnight trips, personnel, and facility usage requests. Several presentations are planned, including a three-year budget forecast, a review of the district’s tax levy and operational fund balance, a state assessment report, and a presentation from Dimond Insurance.

Under new business, board members will consider fund balance requirements and disclosure of cash reserves ahead of the tax levy adoption process. Additional agenda items include a reminder of the upcoming superintendent evaluation, review of the proposed tax levy, and a motion to set the annual tax levy hearing for Tuesday, December 9th, at 5:45 p.m. The board will also review a resolution authorizing $983,500 in taxable general obligation limited tax school bonds to help increase the district’s working cash fund.

Other topics include approval of a state maintenance grant application for roof work at the Taylorville High School West Gymnasium and renewal of the district’s workers compensation insurance.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for updates following the conclusion of Wednesday night’s meeting.

Communities across the area will pause on Tuesday to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces as part of Veterans Day observances.

In Taylorville, a special Veterans Day ceremony will take place at one o’clock Tuesday afternoon. The event will include the dedication of Wall Number Seven and the new Space Program Flag. The wall was purchased by Gold Star Families in honor of their loved ones who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Pastor Chad Zueck, who is also a veteran, will be among the speakers, along with members of the Gold Star Families group, who will share what it means to be part of that community.

Organizers are inviting the public to attend and help pay tribute to all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The Shelbyville community has a number of holiday-related events to look forward to this month and next.  Some of them are more focused around getting into the holiday spirit, while others provide ways to support local businesses.  The latter purpose also benefits shoppers as the gift shopping rush kicks in. 

The Christmas parade on November 21 at 4 p.m. is first up.  Katalyn Dragovan, director of the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce, says the parade route runs from the high school to Forest Park. 

Anyone interested in being in the parade can register by calling (217) 774-2221 or emailing kdragovan.chamber@gmail.com. 

Next up is a pair of events on December 5.  They are known as the Holly Jolly Date Night and A Night With Santa.

Directly after that, the Roxy Theater brings out the holiday favorites in film.  They have showings on December 6, 13, and 20, all free of charge. 

Also during the holiday season, albeit not directly related, the Chamber is looking to bring in new members and keep its current ones on.  They have a special promotion for new members and look to make the enrollment process as easy as possible. 

More information on the Greater Shelbyville Chamber Of Commerce is at www.shelbyvillechamber.com. 

Katalyn Dragovan appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

Lincoln Land Community College will host its Annual ‘Giving Day’ on Friday, November 14th, an event that brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members to help raise funds. The day serves as a reminder of the generosity that helps continue LLCC’s mission to provide access to higher education in our area. Funds raised through ‘Giving Day’ help meet a range of student needs, from scholarships to emergency assistance.

Many scholarship recipients at LLCC come from many backgrounds, brought together by their commitment to education. Students often go on to pursue four-year degrees or careers in high-demand fields, carrying with them the support that was made possible by donors. ‘Giving Day’ contributions also support programs like the General Scholarship Fund and the Emergency Fund, providing direct aid to students who might otherwise be unable to continue. LLCC President Dr. Charlotte Warren has pledged to match all ‘Giving Day’ donations up to $10,000, doubling the impact of every gift made during the campaign.

Community members, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to visit www.llccfoundation.org and click “Donate” to participate. The LLCC Foundation, a nonprofit organization, oversees these efforts and provides financial support for the college’s educational programs, facilities, and student services.

The various hunting seasons are coming and going at Lake Shelbyville.  The youth season is over, while duck season and several others are coming up.  Officials want to be sure hunters and those enjoying the area for other purposes stay safe.  This is especially important regarding water activities as temperatures begin to dip.  There are also ways for community members to lend their time to these efforts and many others relating to the lake. 

Brock Key is a natural resources specialist with the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, which oversees the lake.  He says certain trails will be closed in line with hunting periods. 

Key also talks water safety.  He says people should wear a life jacket if nothing else, as not wearing one often plays a role in preventable water deaths. 

Anyone looking forward to exploring the lake’s trails can expect new bridges on the Illini trails.  They came about thanks in part to federal funding. 

Staff are looking for volunteers to help keep operations running.  Volunteers can be assigned to a particular portion of the lake, or the visitor center.  Those who volunteer are provided free use of a campsite as a show of gratitude.

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

Brock Key appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

A newly discovered letter written by Abraham Lincoln is shedding light on the racial and social dynamics inside the White House at the start of his presidency.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield has received a letter Lincoln wrote just 12 days after taking office in 1861. In it, the president asked Navy Secretary Gideon Welles to help find work for William Johnson — a Black man who had served the Lincoln family in Springfield and followed them to Washington.

Lincoln said he wanted to give Johnson a job in the White House, but other staff objected because of his race, writing that “the difference of color between him and the other servants is the cause of our separation.”

Lincoln eventually found Johnson a job at the Treasury Department later that year. Despite the discrimination he faced, Johnson continued helping Lincoln, even traveling with him to Gettysburg in 1863. Johnson died the following year of smallpox, and Lincoln personally saw to it that his wages and burial costs were paid. The letter was donated to the museum by private collector Peter Tuite and is now on display in the museum’s Treasures Gallery.

For more information, visit www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.
 

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the University of Illinois Extension wants to do its part to educate the community on this disease.  A report by the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention showed just over 11% of people in the United States had diabetes in 2021.  Extension leaders are looking to spread awareness on the specifics of diabetes, what to look out for, and how to best make adjustments for those with the condition.

Lisa Peterson is an educator in nutrition and wellness with the University of Illinois Extension.  She says simple food swaps can help prevent certain forms of diabetes and mitigate the effects of the condition for those who already have it.

Peterson believes the campaign – and the Extension’s involvement in it – will help people be more comfortable talking about diabetes. 

With Thanksgiving and the December holidays approaching, now is the time to begin thinking about what will be served.  There are nutritional benefits to different kinds of meat, and the order in which we eat certain foods in the meal plays a factor as well. 

One way to learn about providing nutritious appetizers for guests is at the Extension’s upcoming charcuterie class.  It’s scheduled for Thursday, December 11 at 10:30 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. 

With holiday shopping soon to begin, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce wants to do its part to ensure area shoppers support local businesses.  They are continuing to promote their Chamber gift cards as well as sales events member businesses will hold.  In the meantime, Business After Hours events and new membership show no signs of slowing down. 

The holiday shopping campaign kicks off this coming weekend.  The Chamber’s Board President Krystal Baker says a combination of special offers, Small Town Taylorville’s involvement, and gift cards stand to help members receive lots of business this season.

Those gift cards can be purchased on the Chamber’s website, www.taylorvillechamber.com. 

The Hart Media Group is set to host the next Business After Hours event, which takes place on Wednesday, November 12.  The next such event after that is on December 3.  Kemmerer Village and Cozy Grind Gaming Parlor are teaming up to host that networking session.  (“Jackie”) Jacque Rogers, co-owner of Cozy Grind Gaming Parlor, says the event will include networking games and a way to help those in need ahead of the holidays. 

The Chamber has one new member in SK Walker Photography and Imaging.  The owner, Sharon Walker, already has a local connection through Ameren. 

Krystal Baker and Jacque Rogers appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

This year, Anderson Jewelers is celebrating 150 years of creating one-of-a-kind accessories for their customers.  As locations like them are few and far between in central Illinois, they attract customers from a wide reach.  In the same way that ownership of the business has been passed down multiple generations, so too have the jewels customers have bought from them.  Anderson Jewelers has greatly evolved over the years, with changes in location, interior design, and even their digital presence. 

Shanda Courtaway is the manager at Anderson Jewelers.  She says 150 years in business goes hand-in-hand with how the company’s customers pass down their creations to ensuing generations. 

Anderson Jewelers is the only such business with an in-house jeweler in a wide area in central Illinois.  This greatly helps their sales, though Courtaway admits she would prefer that jeweling be more widely practiced. 

The business has updated their website to show some of their offerings.  You can visit it at www.andersonjewelers.com. 

Away from their products, Anderson Jewelers is stepping up to help those in need in the community.  They are partnering with the Taylorville Food Pantry to accept donations of non-perishable food.  This campaign comes amid the reduction of benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the expected increase in need at the food pantry.

Shanda Courtaway appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Taylorville Head Start children this week were given coats, hats, and gloves by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, as its annual “Coats for Kids” presentation.    The items were purchased at the Taylorville Wal-Mart Super Center with monies the Kiwanis Club raised this year thru its various fund-raisers such as the pancake and sausage breakfast, WRAN Radiothon, and Kids’ Days collecting cash at Harrison Corner last month.

Kiwanis Priority One chair Bruce Blanshan presented the items to Taylorville Head Start children.

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 Memorial Hospital is able to care for patients thanks in part to the work of the Taylorville Memorial Foundation.  The goal is to raise funds for the hospital to provide new equipment, programs, and services.  The foundation also extends its support directly to the local community through events and scholarships.  They are able to stretch every dollar for maximum impact for those the hospital serves. 

Kate Champion Williams is the director of the Taylorville Memorial Foundation.  She says the end goal is the best care possible for the patient. 

Much of the support they receive comes from endowments.  By accumulating interest, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. 

Donations of all kinds are frequently used for healthcare equipment.  Kim Bourne, president and CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital, says the equipment they have acquired can make a difference in life-or-death situations. 

The hospital has also sponsored a scholarship for local students looking to pursue the healthcare field. 

The Foundation’s annual Jingle Bell 4K helps raise funds for the scholarship.  This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, November 30.  Registration is available here.

More information on the Memorial Health system is available at memorial.health. 

Kim Bourne and Katie Champion Williams appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

During the Federal Government shutdown, one key issue continues to loom for millions of Americans: SNAP benefits. Following a court ruling put in place to force the Trump administration to allocate funds, several questions are still left unanswered. SNAP benefits have been said to be fulfilled through the use of “contingency” funds to the tune of $4.65 billion dollars. Is this for a month? Will all SNAP recipients see this money? Looking to navigate this issue and keep families fed within our community is the Taylorville Food Pantry, area foodbanks, and more.

Pam Moses, Co-Coordinator of the Taylorville Food Pantry, first discusses what the lack of funding entails.

Moses would then tell of the month of October’s stats while speaking to the first days now in November. The total households served is expected to spike as it does every years during the holidays but this year comes with an added wrinkle.

The Taylorville Food Pantry has been active in recent days with social media posts asking for necessary donations, volunteer help, and more.

As for the specific food items needed most? Moses tells of those and notes that any donation is appreciated.

For the Taylorville Food Pantry, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time to help put a meal on the table of those less fortunate. Moses calls for community support to help bring this endeavor together.

Find out more about the Taylorville Food Pantry by visiting them at their Facebook page. You can also learn more at www.taylorvillefoodpantry.com.

Pam Moses appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

ILSportsWire is preparing for the winter high school sports season, with hopes for even more success than in the fall season.  The digital media initiative operates as part of this website’s parent company, the Hart Media Group.  ILSportsWire’s team members cover sporting events of local high school teams.  They capture highlights of what’s happening on the field as well as other components of the gameday atmosphere and interview players, coaches, and other people involved.  The aim is to leverage new media, supplement the already-existing radio coverage of sports, and support the wider goals of the Hart Media Group. 

Jack Hart is the founder of ILSportsWire.  He says the fall sports season was a major success and expects similar outcomes in the winter, which will focus on basketball.

Matt Hart is the owner of the Hart Media Group.  He says ILSportsWire is a way to cover sports outside of what radio broadcasts are able to present. 

The Hart Media Group’s slogan is, “connecting people.”  Matt Hart says ILSportsWire does just that, through local sports.

With central Illinois consisting of many small towns, Jack Hart wants to be sure their sports teams and overall communities receive the coverage he feels they deserve.

ILSportsWire is still seeking sponsors for the winter sports season.  Businesses wishing to take part can email contact@ilsportswire.com.  More information is available at www.ilsportswire.com. 

Matt and Jack Hart appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

A Pana man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following an investigation by the Illinois State Police into the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

31-year-old Braxton D. Schaffenacker was sentenced Tuesday in Christian County Court after pleading guilty to one count of child pornography — reproducing or moving depictions. As part of the plea agreement, counts two through eight were dismissed. Schaffenacker will serve 18 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with credit for 263 days already served. He must serve 50 percent of his sentence and will be on mandatory supervised release for three years to life following his prison term.

According to the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation, the case began in January 2025, when agents with the ISP Zone 4 Major Crimes Unit in Springfield learned that a subject was possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse material.

During the investigation, ISP investigators assigned to the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force gathered digital evidence indicating that Schaffenacker possessed the material at his residence in Christian County.

On February 13, 2025, state police, along with the Pana Police Department and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, executed a search warrant at Schaffenacker’s home and took him into custody. He was initially charged by the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office with dissemination of child pornography, a Class X felony, and possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony.

The Illinois State Police encourage anyone with information about crimes against children to report tips anonymously through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com

Resources for parents and survivors can also be found through the Illinois Attorney General’s website at illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe

The Taylorville Fire Department has received a $5,000 grant from Norfolk Southern through the company’s ‘Safety First Grant Program.’ The funding will be used to improve the department’s communication systems by helping purchase new portable radios and pagers. These upgrades are expected to enhance needed coordination during emergency responses.

The department said the additional equipment will bolster its ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, ensuring firefighters can stay connected during intense scenes. The donation also supports efforts to modernize more of the tools first responders use every day to protect Taylorville and surrounding communities. Launched in 2023, the company’s grant programs provide assistance to organizations working in the areas of safety and workforce development. Through the Safety First Grant Program, Norfolk Southern says the effort intends to recognize those who serve to keep others safe.

Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann shared his department’s appreciation for the support and noted that the new equipment will make a difference in protecting local residents.

Events in Pana are beginning to reflect the remaining months of the year.  After two events not directly related to the holidays, the Kitchell Park lights come on.  All three plans have room for further involvement from the public, whether by registration, volunteering, or setting up as a vendor.  The series of events have come about and evolved thanks to public input, and organizers hope this will contribute to added success. 

First up is the Pana Market.  It’s scheduled for this Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pana High School.  Pana Pride is the organization responsible for this event and the others.  Their president, Melissa Miller, says 51 vendors have signed up, which is around the typical number.

Anyone who is interested in signing up as a vendor can email the organization at panapride2015@gmail.com.  

A week later, Pana Pride will host a Mother-Son Night.  This event, set for Saturday, November 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Pana Christian Church on 6th Street, is meant to compliment the customary Father-Daughter Dance.

After that, attention turns to Kitchell Park for the holiday lights.  November 28 is when the lights will be turned on.  Setup has already begun and will continue on the remaining weekends, and more volunteers are needed to help with the work. 

Pana Pride is accepting donations of displays for the park.  They encourage community members to contact the organization to avoid any duplicates in the course. 

More information on Pana Pride is available at www.panapride.org. 

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

The Christian County Health Department has shut down the Pana Dairy Queen after inspectors confirmed a roach infestation inside the restaurant.

According to the department, a complaint was received on November 4th. During the inspection that followed, health officials verified the presence of roaches on several surfaces — including the ice cream machine, fryers, shelves, floors, walls, and even tables in the dining area.

Under the Christian County Food and Sanitation Ordinance, the severity of the violations required an immediate closure of the establishment. The Dairy Queen will remain closed until the violations are corrected and the facility passes a re-inspection.

A $75 non-compliance fee will be due at the time of re-inspection, and additional follow-up inspections will be required at 10, 30, and 60 days to ensure the pest issue has been resolved. The department also says an administrative hearing will be held, which could carry an additional $200 fee.

Inspector Jacob Christner and the Director of Environmental Health were on site during the inspection.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about club projects for local children and youth, at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Moose Lodge.

It was the club’s monthly business meeting where committee chairs reported on the many activities it’s involved in to raise money locally and turn those dollars into making the lives of local kids better.

Kiwanis Student Leadership chair Will Perkins reported on a recent visit by 4 members of the club, to the Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club.   Will, along with president Tim Sutton, Spiritual Aims Chair Dick Wamsley, and Public Relations Chair Randy Miller, visited with the 25 Key Club members at the meeting.

Kiwanis Priority One chair Bruce Blanchan shared via text that this year’s distribution of winter coats, hats, and gloves, was taking place this week for Taylorville Head Start students.   The club provided some 13-hundred dollars in purchasing the items as a result of its on-going fund-raising.

Kiwanis treasurer Blain Cornwell reported that 21-hundre 32-dollars was raised during October’s 2-day “Kids Day” monetary donation drive; and club members volunteering to man selected gates at the Illinois State Fair netted the club 14-hundred 85-dollars.

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

The Christian County Health Department and the Taylorville Public Library are teaming up to host Family Mental Health Night on Wednesday, November 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. The free, family-friendly event is designed to encourage open conversations about mental wellness and provide practical tools to support emotional health for all ages.

Attendees will have the chance to take part in hands-on activities and hear from Payton Langen, a mental health case manager with the Christian County Health Department. Langen will discuss common mental health conditions, resilience, stress management, healthy communication, and the effects of screen time and social media. The presentation will conclude with an open question-and-answer session.

Activities will include a mindful coloring station, a do-it-yourself stress ball station, a mindful craft kit for kids, and a resource bulletin board where visitors can share kind or encouraging messages.

“Talking about mental wellness is something that benefits the whole family,” Langen said. “This event creates a welcoming space to learn, express creativity, and build connections that strengthen mental health for everyone. We hope to see you there.”

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

For more information, contact the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113 or visit the Taylorville Public Library Facebook page.

Mandy Goss, with Environmental Services at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for October.

Goss comes to work every day with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and compassion for others, according to her nominator. She welcomes new colleagues and helps train them on evening shift processes.

Managers and colleagues from other areas describe her as pleasant, easy-going, and hardworking. She regularly celebrates her teammates and helps them succeed. Despite the demanding nature of her housekeeping role, especially during the evening shift, she remains self-motivated and resourceful.
Goss has worked for Taylorville Memorial Hospital since 2022.

Taylorville Christian Church and VisionWay School will host a community blood drive in partnership with ImpactLife on Friday, Nov. 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will take place inside The Hub at 1124 North Webster Street in Taylorville.

The drive will help support hospitals and emergency medical providers across Illinois and neighboring states by ensuring an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Donors can schedule an appointment by contacting Steve Basham at 217-824-6621 or by visiting www.bloodcenter.org using sponsor code 61296. Appointments are encouraged, and walk-ins will be accepted as time allows.

Anyone who last gave blood on or before Sept. 26 is eligible to donate at this event. Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission), weigh more than 110 pounds, and bring a photo ID. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may also qualify to give blood.

ImpactLife, a nonprofit community organization, provides blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals and emergency providers across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Each successful donor will receive an ImpactLife reward of their choice, including a $20 e-gift card, a $20 charitable donation, or bonus points for the organization’s rewards store.

For more details on donor eligibility, call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org.

Dirt is moving in Taylorville, and future projects will ensure it will continue to do so.  Recent work around the Taylorville Food Center will be followed by a repaving project on West Main Cross.  Other construction-related wishes are running into roadblocks, but the city hopes to resolve them in due course.  

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry is watching over all of these developments and many more.  He says new incentives for businesses on the Taylorville Square are helping them improve the area aesthetically. 

The city had been hoping to pave over some of the brick roads to make them easier to drive over, but they require consent from the historical preservation office first. 

Away from construction, Mayor Barry had the opportunity to travel with the Christian County CEO students on their trip to Chicago.  His brothers work there and helped add to the fun and valuable experience and insights the students took in on the trip.

The Mayor also spoke on some of Taylorville’s fall sports teams.  At a city council meeting seven years ago, he invited the unbeaten junior league team to be honored.  Those players – of whom many are on the high school’s varsity team – are now seniors.

More information on the City of Taylorville is available at www.taylorville.net.

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

Central Cremation Center will again host their annual Veterans Breakfast on Wednesday, November 12th, at the Mt. Zion Convention Center. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m., and breakfast will be served starting at 9 a.m.. Now in its third year, the gathering has become a time for bringing local veterans and their guests together to share a meal and reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Diamonds Family Restaurant is donating breakfast, and this year’s breakfast will also feature coffee and donuts from Big Hungry’s Daylight Donuts. The Maroa-Forsyth High School Honors Choir will perform patriotic songs as part of the morning, adding a special touch to the meal. The event is made possible through the generosity of sponsors like Prairie State Bank & Trust, Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy, and Colee’s Corner Drugs. Many other local businesses are helping to support the Veterans Breakfast as well, with sponsor tables set up for guests to visit, with door prizes donated as well.

Veterans planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 217-859-8100. Each veteran is welcome to bring a guest. For more details, contact Brett Zerfowski at Central Cremation Center at 217-859-8100 or email brettz@centralcremationcenter.com.

Taylorville families with young children will have the opportunity to pick up fun, valuable reading materials ahead of the upcoming school vacations.  It’s happening at the Title 1 drive-thru night on Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. at North Elementary School.  Title 1 is a federally-funded program intended to help kids who are behind grade-level in reading get back on track.  The drive-thru night is a way not only to get books in kids’ hands but also to encourage parents to get involved in their kids’ learning and progress. 

Angela Browne, Christine Crane, and Tierr Thomason are among the Title 1 educators at Taylorville’s elementary schools.  They say the event will provide books along with other reading-based activities and supplies. 

Wednesday’s event is one of two the school district regularly holds as part of the Title 1 program.  The other one takes place in the spring, and that event itself is more interactive for the students. 

As for how students are referred to the program, the schools test students in various ways.  They include how well the students read the words out loud and how well they comprehend the content. 

The Title 1 educators use an approach known as “authentic learning.”  This means students are taught to apply what they read to the real world.  The goal is to show them why reading skills are important.  Parents play a key role in facilitating the authentic learning. 

More information on Title 1 is available at www.isbe.net.  More information on Taylorville CUSD #3 is available at tcusd3.org.

Angela Browne, Christine Crane, and Tierr Thomason appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our monthly Taylorville Schools Good News Segment.

Several members of the Taylorville community were honored at Monday night’s City Council meeting. Alderman Chris Skultety was absent. Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann, Larry Barry, and Shawna Withrow were all honored for various awards. Chief Adermann was named 2025 Responder of the Year by the Optimist Club. Larry Barry was honored as the FFA Alumni of the Year for 2025. Shawna Withrow was also honored by Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry, who named November 5th as Shawna Ortman day. Trevor Wagahoft took the oath of office for the position of Home and Building Officer for the city. 

Chief Adermann says he’s honored to be recognized as the 2025 Responder of the Year. 

Under ordinance, several business district agreements were approved, including agreements with the City of Taylorville and Lindsey E. Reese at 200 W. Market Street, David Brummer at 137 E. Main Cross, the Taylorville Public Library at 121 W. Vine Street, and Austin Wilhour at 104 West Poplar Street.  A motion to approve a special events permit for the 4K Jingle Bell Run on November 30th was approved.  A motion to approve a computer for the Heights Lift Station was approved. 

Under committee reports, a motion to sign the amended contract with Waste Management as proposed and waived the bidding process failed 1-6 with only Aldermen Larry Budd voting yes.  Aldermen Steve Dorchinecz says it was a five year deal with a huge increase in cost.  

In other street and sewer reports, the council approved multiple paving orders for the Taylorville Food Center and for work at the Lift Station Pump. Mayor Bruce Barry says they are working on multiple projects, including West Main Cross and the Marina. 

The next Taylorville City Council meeting is set for November 17th. 

Taylorville Memorial Hospital is teaming up with ImpactLife to host a community blood drive Thursday, November 13, to help support local hospitals and patients in need of blood donations.
The drive will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the ImpactLife donor bus, which will be parked behind the hospital at 201 East Pleasant Street in Taylorville.

Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process. Donors can schedule a time by calling ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or by visiting www.bloodcenter.org and using code 60050 to find the Taylorville drive.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo ID is required at the time of donation. Those who last donated blood on or before September 18 are eligible to give again.

ImpactLife provides blood components and services to more than 100 hospitals across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, helping ensure local communities have the blood supply needed for surgeries, treatments, and emergencies.

As a thank-you, successful donors will receive their choice of a $20 e-gift card, a $20 donation to charity, or bonus reward points through ImpactLife’s donor rewards program.

For more information about blood donation, donor eligibility, or upcoming drives, visit www.bloodcenter.org or follow @impactlifeblood on social media.

An Illinois State Police squad car was hit Friday morning on Interstate 57 in Douglas County while a trooper was directing traffic around an earlier crash.

State Police say around 5:50 a.m., the trooper was parked across the northbound lanes near milepost 203, with emergency lights activated, directing drivers to exit onto Illinois 133. A Chevrolet Trailblazer failed to move over and hit the front passenger side of the squad car.

The trooper was outside the vehicle at the time and was not hurt. The driver, 68-year-old Donald Morecraft of Robinson, was cited for failure to reduce speed and violating Scott’s Law, also known as the Move Over Law.

So far this year, State Police have reported 12 Move Over Law crashes. That’s compared to 27 last year, which left 12 troopers injured and one dead.

Illinois law requires drivers to slow down and move over for any vehicle with flashing lights. Fines start at $250 and can go as high as $10,000.
 

Moulton Middle School in Shelbyville is preparing for their annual Veterans Day program and inviting community members – especially those who have served – to attend.  With school closed on the holiday itself, the event will take place on November 10.  The veterans’ breakfast begins at 8:30 that morning, with the main ceremony commencing an hour later.  The tradition has lasted nearly a quarter-century, and organizers find meaningful ways every year to pay tribute to veterans, of whom there are many in the area. 

Russ Tomblin is the principal at Moulton Middle school.  He says from the food to the performances, everything is put together in-house.

Regarding the performances, choral groups from schools throughout the district will sing a variety of songs.  For some, it’s the most moving part of the ceremony. 

While the ceremony is meant to honor veterans, it’s also a way to teach students about the sacrifices that are made every day for their freedom.  For students, class projects ensure the learning is not limited to an hour-long ceremony once a year.

There is a dedicated committee responsible for organizing the Veterans Day program every year.  The committee was started thanks in part to the strong effort in the early days of this event. 

More information on Veterans Day program is on the Shelbyville School District’s Facebook page. 

Russ Tomblin appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning show.