Lake Land College is now accepting submissions for its fifth annual Spring Art Show, set for April 20 through April 24.

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are all invited to take part, with artists of all ages encouraged to submit their work. The show is open to all art mediums, including painting, photography, graphic design, video, writing, sculpture, fabric and clothing, glass and metalwork, makeup, nail art, and more.

Submissions must be entered through the online form on the Lake Land College website. All submitted artwork will be displayed in the Luther Student Center throughout the week of the show. A special public viewing event will be held Wednesday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in partnership with the Lake Land College Student Activity Board. Admission is free, and attendees will be able to vote for their favorite pieces.

The Spring Art Show wraps up Friday, April 24, with a closing awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Top-voted artists will receive prizes, refreshments will be provided, and artists may pick up their submissions at that time. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

More information is available at LakeLandCollege.edu, or by emailing idec@lakelandcollege.edu

Local seniors and veterans are invited to enjoy a free meal while learning more about their health next month.

Senior Education Ministries and the Shelby County Senior Center will host their next Dine with a Doc® event on Monday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Shelby County Senior Center in Shelbyville.

The free community program brings seniors together for lunch and a relaxed conversation with a healthcare professional. This month’s featured speaker is Dr. Jaclyn Jansen, a board-certified audiologist with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System.

Dr. Jansen will share information on hearing health, age-related hearing changes, and ways seniors can maintain independence and cognitive well-being. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Lunch will be provided at no cost, courtesy of Sarah Bush Lincoln, a 2026 key supporter of the Dine with a Doc® program.

Organizers say the monthly event is designed to help seniors and veterans stay healthy, connected, and informed in a friendly, social setting — without the pressure of a traditional medical appointment.

The Shelby County Senior Center is located at 325 East North 9th Street in Shelbyville. Seniors interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by calling 217-774-2251.

Hospital Sisters Health System is being recognized as one of the nation’s top places to work in healthcare.

Becker's Healthcare has released its 2026 list of the 165 Best Places to Work in Healthcare, and Hospital Sisters Health System, headquartered in Springfield, made the cut.

The honor highlights organizations that prioritize employee wellbeing, professional development, and work-life balance. HSHS was recognized for offering strong benefits, inclusive work environments, and opportunities for career growth, while also maintaining a strong commitment to community service.

This marks the third consecutive year HSHS has been named to the list, earning recognition every year from 2024 through 2026.

HSHS President and CEO Damond Boatwright says the recognition reflects the people behind the mission. He says the organization works hard to ensure colleagues and physicians have opportunities to grow professionally while also supporting their health and wellbeing.

HSHS employs more than 10,000 colleagues, providing care across 14 hospitals, as well as home health and hospice programs in Central and Southern Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin.

Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Thomas Ahr says Becker’s recognition highlights the system’s focus on safe, supportive work environments — including leadership programs, tuition assistance, and clinical career advancement opportunities.

More information about careers, benefits, and workplace culture at HSHS is available at careers dot h-s-h-s dot org.

WTIM and People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their students of the month for February. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes. Students of the Month for February are: Bently Heimsness, Colby Boykin, Dalton Long, and Jasmine Murphy.

L - R:  PBT Representative Adriana Allen; Freshman Bently Heimsness; Sophomore Colby Boykin; Junior Dalton Long; Senior Jasmine Murphy; PBT Representative Sophie Robinson

Peoples Bank and Trust and 94.3 WMKR are proud to present the Pana High School for February 2026. Students of the Month for February are Parker Durham, Riley Gorenz, Parkir Woolard and Brianna Mathis. 

L - R:  Freshman Parker Durham; Sophomore Riley Gorenz; Junior Parkir Woolard; Senior Brianna Mathis; PBT Representative Jennifer Mathis

A new proposal at the Illinois State Capitol aims to expand access to suicide prevention resources and strengthen mental health education statewide.

State Senator Christopher Belt has introduced legislation that would increase visibility of the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and improve prevention efforts for both students and those reentering society.

The measure would require many public buildings across Illinois to prominently display information for the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, making sure residents know help is available when they need it most.

The legislation would also expand mental health education for students in grades six through twelve by adding evidence-based suicide prevention curriculum. In addition, the Illinois Department of Corrections would be required to provide suicide prevention resources to individuals preparing for release.

Mental health advocates say the changes are long overdue, especially as suicide continues to be a leading cause of death among young people.

Senate Bill 2771 is now awaiting a hearing before the Illinois Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee.

Illinois lawmakers are reintroducing legislation aimed at strengthening consequences for sexual assaults in schools.

The measure is sponsored by Steve McClure, Jil Tracy, and C.D. Davidsmeyer. It would require a minimum one-year expulsion for any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault on school grounds or at school-related activities.

McClure says lawmakers continue to hear troubling reports of schools failing to properly respond to sexual violence.

The proposal, known as Senate Bill 2991, is modeled after existing Illinois law that mandates a one-year expulsion for students who bring weapons into schools.

Davidsmeyer says the goal is to protect victims and create clear standards for administrators.

The legislation was introduced following an incident in McClure’s district, where a young girl was sexually assaulted at school, but the attacker was not expelled. The victim’s mother, Ashley Peden, says her family repeatedly sought court orders of protection to keep their daughter safe.

Supporters say similar cases have occurred elsewhere, including Cook County, where another family says their daughter had to continue seeing her alleged attacker at school.

The bill has received backing from the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which says the measure would help schools better support survivors and hold offenders accountable.

Senate Bill 2991 is currently assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Committee.

Edinburg’s FFA chapter is using National FFA Week as an opportunity to pitch itself to potential new members and bring them into the chapter.  Mini-classes, activities, and more are used to show younger students what the organization is all about.  Chapter President Wade Beck says the activities within the school include a scavenger hunt and a food drive.

The recruitment and advertising continue outside FFA Week as well.  Chapter Vice President Paisley Swinger says monthly meetings and themed parties highlight these efforts.

Beck and Swinger hope to recruit as many new members as possible so they may grow in the same ways the two have in their time with the FFA.

Samantha Siemer is the chapter’s advisor.  She says she’s seen the chapter grow in both numbers and involvement in her nine years as advisor.

More information on Edinburg’s FFA chapter is on their Facebook page.  You can also learn more at www.ilaged.org.

Wade Beck, Paisley Swinger, and Samantha Siemer appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week. 

Colon cancer screening is getting easier this month.

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is offering free at-home colorectal cancer screening tests to eligible community members.

Hospital officials say colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are combined, according to the American Cancer Society.

Adults age 45 and older, or those with an immediate family member who has been diagnosed with colon cancer, are eligible to receive a free InSure ONE at-home screening test. Tests will be available March 1st through March 31st, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the outpatient registration desk at Good Shepherd Hospital, while supplies last. Completed tests must be returned by April 1st.

Hospital officials stress the test is simple to use and can help save lives through early detection, but note it is not a substitute for a colonoscopy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 90 percent of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an early stage survive at least five years. While overall death rates have declined due to increased screening, the American Cancer Society reports death rates among adults under 55 have been rising by about one percent per year since the mid-2000s.

For more information about the screening event, call 217-347-1858.

The Taylorville FFA chapter has placed an increased focus on community service this school year.  Members have volunteered for the Taylorville Food Pantry, the Fair Board, and more.  Co-Presidents Ryker Beckmier and Olivia Mizeur, along with Co-Vice Presidents Ella Reiss and Rye Bliler, see the honor in being able to serve those in need. 

The officers use the service opportunities as part of their pitch to new members to join. 

At the start of March, chapter members will take part in proficiency award interviews.  The preparation for this event began three years ago. 

The officers all cite a variety of experiences they say have helped them gain important skills ahead of the next stage of their lives.

More information on Taylorville’s FFA chapter is on their Facebook page.  You can also learn more at www.ilaged.org.

Ryker Beckmier, Rye Bliler, Olivia Mizeur, and Ella Reiss appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week. 

Federated Bank has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Michaels as its new Controller.

Michaels brings more than twenty years of experience in accounting operations, compliance, lending support, and financial management. Bank officials say her background in leadership, regulatory oversight, and accurate financial reporting will strengthen the organization as it continues to grow.

Most recently, Michaels served as the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Officer for First Secure Bank Group. In that role, she led compliance efforts, managed audits, conducted risk assessments, and provided regular reporting to multiple bank boards.

She has also held senior accounting and officer roles at Municipal Trust and Savings Bank and Farmers State Bank of Danforth, overseeing daily accounting operations, cash management, loan support, budgeting, and regulatory filings.

Michaels holds an MBA with a concentration in accounting from Maryville University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Olivet Nazarene University. She also served in the Illinois Army National Guard and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.

David Albin, chairman of Longview Capital Corporation, says Michaels brings disciplined financial leadership and a strong focus on accuracy and controls. Federated Bank President Matt Clark added that her experience across accounting, audits, and regulatory reporting will help improve efficiency and support the bank’s strategic goals.

Michaels says she is honored to join Federated Bank and looks forward to contributing to the bank’s long-term stability and continued growth.

Federated Bank operates five branches in central Illinois and is one of four banking subsidiaries owned by Longview Capital Corporation.

The Christian County Health Department has installed a new harm reduction vending machine aimed at preventing opioid overdoses in the community.

The machine is located outside the health department building and provides free, 24-hour access to lifesaving supplies. Items available include naloxone, also known as Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and other public health and safety materials. The machine can be accessed anonymously at any time, day or night.

Funding for the project came from the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office using resources from the Opioid Settlement Fund.

Dr. Chad Anderson, Public Health Administrator for Christian County, says the goal is to remove barriers to care and make sure help is available when it’s needed most. Anderson notes that both naloxone and fentanyl test strips have been proven to save lives and reduce overdose deaths.

Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, while fentanyl test strips help identify the presence of fentanyl in substances, reducing the risk of accidental overdoses. Public health officials say increased access to these tools also leads to greater engagement with treatment and recovery services.

The vending machine is part of the health department’s broader effort to address substance use disorder through education, evidence-based strategies, and community partnerships.

For more information, residents can contact the Christian County Health Department.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital will see a change at the position of director of hospitality.  Kristina Ray will assume the role on March 1, replacing Becky Morrow who is retiring after 45 years at Memorial Health.  Ray will oversee teams focused on environmental services, food, pastoral care, volunteers, and patient experience.  She has worked at TMH for 27 years.  She currently serves as a manager of health information, medical staff services, and patient experience.

Emily Bailey, interim president and CEO, says Ray’s dedication and innate familiarity of the hospital’s operations will help her perform well as hospitality director. 

Becky Morrow’s final day is March 7.  She has been part of Memorial Health since 1980, when she joined the food and nutrition services team at the Springfield location.  She took over as director of hospitality in Taylorville in 2017, overseeing the build of the new kitchen, cafeteria, and dining room.  She supervised multiple similar projects while in Springfield, as well.  Morrow says the highlight of these endeavors – especially that of the Taylorville location – is the relationships she has built.  She adds that finishing her career in Taylorville is meaningful to her. 

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

Illinois State Representative Regan Deering says she plans to take part in a rally at the State Capitol this week tied to the national Convention of States movement.

Deering announced she will participate in a public gathering Wednesday, February 25, beginning at noon at the Illinois Capitol. The event is organized by Convention of States Action, a group that supports calling a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

The rally is scheduled to take place at the Illinois Capitol Rotunda and is expected to include remarks from several Illinois state legislators. Organizers say the event is intended to raise awareness and encourage lawmakers to consider legislation related to a potential convention.

Supporters of the effort point to recent action in other states. Kansas recently became the twentieth state to adopt an Article V Convention of States resolution. Under the Constitution, 34 states must pass identical resolutions before Congress is required to call a convention to propose amendments.

In Illinois, proposed legislation includes House Joint Resolution 15 and Senate Joint Resolution 27. If approved, the measures would place Illinois among the states requesting a convention focused on fiscal restraint, limits on federal authority, and term limits for federal officials.

Advocates are also promoting a separate framework resolution that outlines how commissioners would be selected and instructed if Illinois were to participate in a convention. Those commissioners would be appointed by the Illinois General Assembly.

Any constitutional amendment proposed through an Article V convention would still require ratification by 38 states before taking effect.

The rally at the Capitol is scheduled to run from noon until 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Area fifth grade students will put their engineering skills to the test this weekend during a hands-on competition at Lincoln Land Community College.

The college will host the 19th annual Springfield Area Engineer in the Classroom Rube Goldberg Showcase on Saturday, March 7. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. and will take place in the Student Union on the lower level of Menard Hall at the LLCC Springfield campus on Shepherd Road. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s challenge requires student teams to design and build a small car that moves 18 inches along a track, including traveling up a three-inch incline.

Seventeen classrooms of area fifth graders are participating in the competition. Each team has been working on its own Rube Goldberg-style device with support from volunteer engineers. Those volunteers visit classrooms to provide instruction on basic machines and engineering concepts and to offer guidance during the design process.

Organizers say the goal of the program is to introduce students to engineering and other science, technology, engineering, and math related career paths through hands-on learning.

Schools participating this year include Ball Chatham, Dubois Elementary, Graham Elementary, Little Flower, Morrisonville Elementary, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Riverton Middle School, Rochester Intermediate, Springfield Christian, Trinity Lutheran, and Beckemeyer Elementary School in Hillsboro.

Last year’s competition challenged students to build a device that could open a book. The winning entry locally came from a fifth grade class at Springfield Christian School.

An agriculture teacher at Central A&M High School is being recognized for her work in the classroom and with student leadership.

Betsy Burgener was surprised Wednesday with the Golden Owl Award for Top Agriculture Educator in East Central Illinois District 4 of the Future Farmers of America, also known as FFA.

Burgener, who serves as the school’s agriculture teacher and FFA coordinator, was selected from a field of 113 agriculture teachers across the district. As part of the award, she received a five hundred dollar check.

Organizers say the Golden Owl Award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in agricultural education and a strong commitment to student development.

Burgener says the recognition belongs as much to her students as it does to her.

She also says the award came as a complete surprise.

School officials and students gathered for the presentation, which took place during the school day. District leaders say Burgener’s impact can be seen both inside the classroom and through the school’s FFA program.

The Golden Owl Award is presented annually to honor outstanding agriculture educators across Illinois.

The FFA chapter at Pana High School is busy with several events as part of National FFA Week.  The events are meant to be fun while also showing what they do, highlighting the importance of agriculture, and inspiring younger peers.  Adrianne Perry and Hailie Jo O’Rourke are the chapter’s reporter and treasurer, respectively.  They say the event schedule began with a pajama day on Monday and a “dress-up-like-a-farmer” day on Tuesday.

Chapter President Waylan Pauley – like Perry and O’Rourke – will be busy with FFA duties for the rest of the year.  They will have competitions, digital marketing, event planning, and more.

All three officers say being involved in the FFA has helped them gain confidence and leadership skills, all in an area they hope to pursue in the future. 

The chapter will soon be looking for its next set of members.  O’Rourke, Perry, and Pauley pitch the introductory coursework along with the organization’s engaging and broad experiences when encouraging new members to join. 

More information on Pana’s FFA chapter is on their Facebook page.  You can also learn more at www.ilaged.org.

Hailie Jo O’Rourke, Waylan Pauley, and Adrianne Perry appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week. 

The FFA chapter at Nokomis High School is busy with several events as part of National FFA Week.  The chapter is also celebrating a successful school year so far with respect to competition results, higher-level officer positions, and special initiatives.  Levi German and Kinley Stolte are the chapter’s president and vice president, respectively.  They say the action began with a community breakfast on Saturday.

German also serves as president of the FFA section his school belongs to.  The section serves as a way to connect nearby chapters geographically. 

Every chapter member keeps their own “record book” about their livestock.  These documents are then used in competitions.

The chapter is also involved in an initiative known as Race Across America, in which participants lay wreaths on late veterans’ monuments. 

Marissa Carlock is one of the FFA chapter’s advisors.  She says FFA is about more than just farming, which allows more students to grow from their experience with the organization. 

More information on Nokomis’s FFA chapter is on their Facebook page.  You can also learn more at www.ilaged.org.

Marissa Carlock, Levi German, and Kinley Stolte appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show during National FFA Week. 

The Taylorville Park Board met on Monday evening and terminated the Recreational Director at their monthly meeting. Jessica Franks, who has been the recreational director for the last two years, was unanimously terminated by the Park Board.  Park Board President Marlane Miller did not give a comment but did say that Franks was an "'At Will' employee, like all Park Board employees." 

Jessica Franks gave a statement to Hart Media Group, “I am disappointed in the entire boards decision and lack of transparency in their decision.  I have proudly served our community at hte Park District for almost two years and I am saddened to see things come to this.” Franks took over the recreational director position in April of 2024. 

The budget for FY2026-27 was filed. John Falduto with Sawyer Falduto Asset Management discussed finances and money markets with the Park Board. Under the pool rebuild, Marlane said that she has not heard much concerning the pool rebuild.  Evan Mitchell gave an update on the skate board park, saying that new equipment had been donated. 

Franks says the Farmers Market is ready to go and announced some updates for the concerts this summer.  

The parkboard then went into executive session where they deliberated for nearly 25 minutes before announcing the unanimous decision to terminate Franks.  Hart Media Group also learned that Park Board Member Blake Heimsness had also resigned from the park board as well. The next park board meeting is set for March 23rd.  

Moweaqua is facing a change in leadership following Wednesday night’s village council meeting.

Mayor Shawn Conlin has resigned from her position. The resignation came after the conclusion of the meeting and follows several months of concerns surrounding village finances.

Village Trustee Sean Hayes has stepped into the role of Mayor Pro Tempore. Hayes will serve in that capacity while the village board determines its next steps, which are expected to be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.

Financial issues have been a recurring topic in Moweaqua in recent months, including questions about budget shortfalls, overtime and comp time expenses, and overall spending practices. Those concerns have prompted budget cuts and ongoing discussions with auditors.

At this point, village officials have not announced a permanent plan for filling the mayor’s seat.

More details are expected as the village board meets again and outlines how it plans to move forward.

A new sports-oriented family entertainment center in Shelbyville is now open.  Game On held its grand opening on Friday and is ready to welcome central Illinois to its space.  They are located at 1984 Illinois Route 16 East and offer sports simulators for golf, darts, baseball, and more, as well as inflatables. 

Jake Metzger is one of the founders of Game On.  He says the simulators carry several games, including different adaptations of certain sports. 

Metzger says while many places like his have sports simulators, he believes the selection at his location rivals others’.

Game On has a rotation of inflatables at their site.  They also rent the inflatables out to be used elsewhere. 

The location also has an area for making stuffed animals, which they call Par-Tee Pals.  Staff do the sewing right in front of customers. 

More information on Game On is available at gameonshelbyville.com. 

Jake Metzger appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

The next fiscal year’s budget, pool, and more are set to take center stage at the Taylorville Park Board’s monthly meeting tonight.  As always, it will take place at 7 p.m. in the Manners Park Dining Hall. 

The only item in new business is the budget for fiscal year 2026/27, which is to be put on file.  In old business, the board will discuss the rebuild of the Manners Park pool, along with improvements to Zaydin Dudra Memorial Skatepark.  They will also hear from Sawyer Falduto Asset Management, LLC, who spoke with the board at this time last year regarding bonds.  A report from Midwest Environmental Consulting (MEC) Services is expected to follow up on their correspondence reported at last month’s meeting regarding previous findings of lead at Manners Park.  New business will conclude with the topic of new membership cards for the Illinois Association of Park Districts. 

Before new and old business, the board will consider correspondence from CNB Bank and Trust.  The board will also hear the treasurer’s report at that point, as is customary.  After the business sections, the maintenance superintendent, recreation director, and office administrator will make their reports.  The board is then expected to go into executive session for matters surrounding personnel and litigation.

Stay tuned for updates following this meeting.

Taylorville Police recovered two stolen vehicles and arrested a suspect following a series of incidents reported Tuesday evening.

According to the Taylorville Police Department, officers were first dispatched after receiving a report of a stolen Chevy Suburban, including a direction of travel. Within 30 minutes, a second report came in for a stolen 2026 Chevy Tahoe taken from the parking lot at St. Mary’s School. Police alerted the community through social media as the investigation unfolded.

Multiple Taylorville officers, detectives, and command staff responded, along with two deputies from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.

K-9 Officer Priddy later located the stolen Suburban at Manners Park, while the police chief found the Tahoe on Webster Street. Both vehicles were still running when discovered. Investigators obtained surveillance video from St. Mary’s School and the Park District, with police thanking both for their quick cooperation.

Authorities say both vehicles were recovered undamaged and that nothing was taken from inside.

Police report the suspect was quickly identified due to previous encounters and was taken into custody without incident. The suspect, is being identified as 35-year-old Brandon Rhodes of Taylorville.

Court records show Rhodes has been involved in multiple alleged vehicle thefts in recent weeks. On February 12, he allegedly stole a vehicle in Taylorville and drove it to Springfield, where he is accused of stealing another vehicle before being arrested in Peoria. He was later released. After returning to Taylorville, police say he allegedly stole another vehicle and was arrested again on February 16 after the vehicle ran out of gas. He was booked on two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle and released on February 17.

Police noted that under current Illinois law, stolen vehicle offenses are not detainable. However, officials say the State’s Attorney may be able to argue at a future hearing that the suspect poses a safety risk to the community based on his history and the circumstances of the case.

Taylorville Police praised the teamwork involved in the investigation.

Two Taylorville High School students are part of the 2026 IHSA All-State Academic Team.  Alex Davis and Lillie Jones were honored this month for their combination of academic, athletic, and civic performances.

To qualify, seniors must have a GPA of at least 3.50 through seven semesters, competed in at least two IHSA-sanctioned sports or activities in the last two years, and show “strong citizenship.”

Davis and Jones join 259 other students across the state who were named to the All-State Academic Team.

City employee compensation and a budget update highlighted the Taylorville City Council’s second monthly meeting of February.  With President’s Day on Monday, the meeting took place on Tuesday night instead. 

Part of the meeting was spent discussing how pay increases would be decided regarding non-union employees.  Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry said the city would change the ordinance which stipulates how the decisions are evaluated and made.

Members of the city council passed a motion to update the city budget to include costs relating to construction on West Main Cross.

The council also approved funding for work at the airport.

During the meeting, the council recognized the Taylorville High School bowling team and the Emergency Response Team members who responded to the February 2 standoff that took place in the area of Illini Drive.

The next meeting of the Taylorville City Council is expected to take place on Monday, March 2.

An update on the Christian County jail took up a significant part of the Christian County Board’s monthly meeting for February.  Board Chair Bryan Sharp says there is considerable progress on renovations at the jail despite additional issues that were discovered as time went on.

The board addressed a cyber liability renewal, which Sharp believes is necessary despite the high cost due to modern-day cybersecurity threats.

The board also approved expenditures relating to courthouse renovations as well as the clock tower.

Finally, Sergeant Alan Bailey was honored at Tuesday night’s meeting.  He had retired from the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, having served there for 27 years.  Sharp spoke on his strong personal relationship with Sergeant Bailey.

The next meeting of the Christian County Board is set for Wednesday, March 18.  It is a day later than usual due to the primary elections taking place the Tuesday of that week.

Finding the right gym can be the biggest hurdle for people trying to get fit — and it’s not always about motivation. For many, the challenge comes down to logistics: location, cost, hours, and comfort. Clare Spires, an exercise physiologist with OSF HealthCare, says choosing the right gym starts with figuring out what actually fits into your daily routine.

Spires says distance from home is one of the most important factors. While a gym with more equipment or amenities might be appealing, she says convenience often matters more — especially for people with mobility concerns, childcare responsibilities, or unpredictable schedules.

Equipment is another consideration. Some people only need basic cardio machines, while others want free weights, classes, or specialized equipment. Spires says more amenities usually mean a larger facility — and a higher monthly cost.

Gym hours can also play a role. Spires says people who work odd hours should confirm a gym’s schedule before signing up, but notes that 24-hour access can sometimes backfire.

Comfort level is another key factor. Spires encourages people to ask about locker rooms, storage options, and peak crowd times, especially if privacy or large groups cause anxiety.

Cleanliness is also important. Spires says members should take note of how often equipment is cleaned and whether staff regularly sanitize common areas, since illness or infection can quickly derail a fitness routine.

Price is often a deciding factor. Spires recommends researching memberships ahead of time and asking about discounts for seniors, students, military members, or low-income residents. Some gyms offer free trial periods, but she cautions against relying on day passes for long-term use.

Before signing up, Spires says it’s important to understand cancellation policies and contract terms. She adds that smaller, locally owned gyms or community recreation centers may offer simpler month-to-month options compared to large national chains.

Jim Baker, the Chief Deputy of the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, is leaning on his experience with the agency in his candidacy for Christian County Sheriff.  He is running as a Republican, with the primary election scheduled for Tuesday, March 17.  He has served in the department for 27 years, with four-and-a-half of those in his current role.  Chief Deputy Baker says he sees crimes against children and mental health as the biggest issues for the department to address.

Regarding mental health, he says his agency’s work is the first step through resources secured in his time on the job but believes there is more to do.

Chief Deputy Baker says he has sought transparency in his current role, citing his relationships with members of the press along with the CCSO IL App.

The candidate concluded by touting his experience and accomplishments in his current role and broader law enforcement career. 

More information on elections in Illinois is available at the Illinois State Board of Election's website, elections.il.gov.

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

A resolution led by State Senator Doris Turner is calling for a review of school policies statewide to ensure students with service animals are protected under the law.

Turner introduced the measure after meeting with a local student who can no longer bring her service animal to school due to reported harassment from other students. Turner says unclear or inconsistent school policies can lead to disability discrimination when accommodations like service animals are not properly supported.

The resolution, Senate Resolution 542, encourages Illinois schools to review their policies to ensure compliance with disability rights laws governing service animal access. Under federal law, service animals are permitted to accompany students at all school activities, both inside and outside the classroom.

The measure follows a recent incident involving a student at Rochester High School who uses a medical alert dog to help manage Type 1 diabetes. The student reported repeated harassment, including other students stepping on the dog, pulling its tail, throwing food, and barking in hallways.

The student also shared her experience on social media, saying the school district had not taken action to protect her service animal.

Turner says no student should feel isolated at school because of a medical necessity, adding that the situation highlights the need for stronger policy awareness and enforcement to ensure student safety and inclusion.

Senate Resolution 542 was adopted by the Illinois Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.
 

Politicians on both sides of the aisle are reacting to Governor JB Pritzker’s state budget proposal and his State of the State address on Wednesday.  Republicans have called out the governor for what they consider to be excessive spending, while Democrats are calling for making the governor’s proposals reality. 

Republican State Representative Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville says he views this year’s budget proposal as another instance of property tax increases as opposed to other methods of reform.

As for state senators, Springfield-based Steve McClure believes Governor Pritzker has the wrong priorities and accused him of deflecting blame for the state’s fiscal challenges on President Donald Trump.

From the Democratic side, Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth from Peoria described the budget as one that would help communities and lead to brighter futures for Illinoisans.  State Senator Celina Villanueva, who is from Chicago, praised the plan for addressing what she views as top priorities but acknowledged that it is only a first step. 

The full budget proposal can be read here.  Lawmakers and Governor Pritzker will have to come to an agreement on a spending plan by the end of May.

The Taylorville Fire Department is hosting a paramedic training program.  The School of EMS is running the program.  The organization provides training for emergency responders of a variety of classifications across most U.S. states and around the world.  This collaboration with the Taylorville Fire Department is the organization’s first involvement in Illinois.

Taylorville Fire Chief Matt Adermann is overseeing his department’s involvement in this collaboration.  The first day of the course is on June 22.

Chief Adermann adds that the presence of a good number of certified first responders makes a major difference when responding to incidents where injuries happen. 

The fire chief also spoke on the burning schedule implemented in September.  It expires at the end of March, at which point the department and other city officials will re-evaluate. 

More information on the Taylorville Fire Department is available at taylorville.net/fire-dept. 

Fire Chief Matt Adermann appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

State standardized testing will soon begin in schools across Illinois, and Central A&M is looking for better outcomes than in recent years.  The district is in a “school improvement process,” in which it takes steps to identify and address academic shortcomings.  This spring’s tests could serve as an indicator of whether or not there has been progress. 

Sacha Young is the superintendent of Central A&M schools.  She says she and consultants have been combing through the data to determine next steps.

Young says the data is just part of the process.  She also hears from teachers and other school and district colleagues on how instruction is delivered.

Away from testing, the school district has seen a number of their students and faculty members achieve success in recent months.  On the teaching side, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Betsy Burgener received the 2026 ISBE Award of Excellence. 

As for the students she oversees, five of them finished in the top two in a variety of categories at a proficiency judging competition.  It took place earlier this month at Maroa-Forsyth.

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.

Governor JB Pritzker has unveiled his budget proposal for the next year as part of his State of the State address, which he delivered on Wednesday.  It comes as federal pandemic relief funds are set to run out for Illinois and other states.  The governor said there would be a slight increase in discretionary spending but also cuts to programs he began while in office.

Governor Pritzker highlighted some new programs his administration would implement.  They include the Building Up Illinois Development (BUILD) Plan, which he says will streamline new housing development and lower costs for buyers and renters.

The new budget calls for continued funding for its partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  The administration’s goal is to bring the program to every county; it currently fully reaches all but 14 counties.

The full budget proposal can be read here.  Lawmakers and Governor Pritzker will have to come to an agreement on a spending plan by the end of May.

Construction continues on Taylorville Community Credit Union’s new office building in Taylorville. Credit union President Will Perkins says the facility could be ready for occupancy as early as mid-summer.

The new building, located at 820 North Webster Street, will span just over 6,300 square feet and feature two drive-up lanes, an ATM, and a night depository to improve convenience for members.

The facility will include teller stations, staff offices, and private offices for loan applications and opening new accounts. It will also feature a conference room and a multi-purpose community room designed for training and community events.

Taylorville Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution that has served the area since 1956. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Christian, Montgomery, or Shelby counties.

More information about services or membership options is available at TCCU dot org or at any local branch location.
 

The Illinois General Assembly will soon begin considering the state budget presented to them by Governor JB Pritzker and his administration.  The governor announced the budget plans during his State of the State address on Wednesday.  The process this time is expected to be more difficult.  Pandemic-era federal relief will soon expire, requiring officials to either make cuts or find revenue elsewhere.  With differences in priorities among party lines, legislators may struggle to come to agreements on certain terms. 

State Senator Steve McClure cites early census data which shows that in 2024, 80,000 more people moved out of Illinois compared to moving into the state.  He believes tax increases in the state have contributed to the higher levels of out-migration, and vice versa.

The state senator says despite his party’s minority in the General Assembly, policy differences among Democrats in the legislature could help Republicans gain leverage.

Separate from the budget, State Senator McClure has been involved in drafting multiple pieces of legislation relating to domestic violence.  He says the bills would support survivors and keep their abusers away from them.

State Senator McClure believes the misdemeanor classification for violating orders of protection are too lenient.  His bill in the package would upgrade it to a felony. 

The package includes Senate Bills 3139, 3140, 3141, and 3142.  More information on State Senator Steve McClure is available at www.senatormcclure.com.

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

Community members looking to give blood will have two opportunities to do so in as many months at Pana High School.  They are scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 and Sunday, April 30.  The school’s National Honor Society chapter is hosting the drives as part of their values, in particular that of service.  You can schedule an appointment for the drives here.

Kennedy Bowker and Gwen Clavin are the president and vice president, respectively, of the chapter.  They say the blood drive also contributes to a scholarship initiative.

March is National Red Cross Month, so the timing of the first blood drive was made with that in mind.  In addition, visitors can receive free A1C tests on that day.

The blood drive is personal to Bowker, whose father depended on donated blood after he experienced clots.  Both she and Clavin say the impact of their service work is their favorite part.

Pana High School’s National Honor Society chapter has been busy with other service events.  They include a chuck-a-duck competition at a basketball game and a food drive.

Bowker and Clavin say their desire to take charge in initiatives drove them to pursue officer roles with the chapter.

More information on Pana High School is available on Pana CUSD #8’s website, www.panaschools.com.

Kennedy Bowker and Gwen Clavin appeared as guests on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

Effingham, Pana, and Shelbyville High Schools are celebrating widespread success from their students and Lake Land College’s first ever Laker Academic Invitational.  It took place on Friday, February 6.  The college hosted more than 300 students from 17 area high schools.  Students completed multiple choice exams in the subjects of biology, chemistry, computer science, software applications, English, mathematics, and physics.  Effingham, Pana, and Shelbyville completed in Division B; there was also a Division A level.

Students from Effingham High School who placed in the top three in competitions included:

• Sam Collins: T-1st in software applications,
• Max Greenwood: T-2nd in chemistry, and 2nd in math,
• Maci Hayes: 3rd in biology,
• Maggie Jenkins: 2nd in biology,
• Rece Kinney: T-1st in chemistry.

As for students from Pana:

• Addison Blackwell: 1st in biology – Division B, and T-2nd in math – Division B,
• Toby Holman: T-3rd in software applications,
• Aaron Moss: T-2nd in software applications.

And from Shelbyville:

• Tessa Bowers: 3rd in English,
• Elizabeth Kirkbride: 1st in English,
• Judd Snoke: T-3rd in software applications.

The schools were also ranked as teams.  Mattoon took first place for Division B.  Effingham, Pana, and Shelbyville finished outside the top three.  The full list of top finishers, as well as pictures of some winners, is available here.

Anyone looking to gain skills in Microsoft 365 applications will have the opportunity to do so at Lincoln Land Community College’s Taylorville campus.  The college will host three day-long courses related to these programs at that campus.  It’s part of the school’s Professional Development Institute, which hosts courses to support career advancement. 

The first Microsoft course is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  It will focus on the essentials of Microsoft Excel, including data entry, formatting, formulas, and making chart.  It serves as a precursor for the second course, set for Friday, April 10, also from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The second part focuses on advanced formatting along with more complex functions such as those used for looking up and referencing values in other tables.

The final class is on Friday, April 10, also from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This one turns to Microsoft Word and teaches the ways to create a variety of professional documents and use visual elements and mail-related features. 

Diana Heeb Bivona, director of continuing education and business solutions at LLCC, says the skills learned in these courses are relevant in modern-day professional settings.  She adds that the course series contributes to the college’s broader goal of helping people advance their careers and helping organizations strengthen their teams and work. 

Registration is available at www.llcc.edu/tech&computer.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from Elizabeth Fines Workman at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Workman is the new Director of the Taylorville Lincoln Land facility having filled the position the past six months.  Workman began her career as an instructor of Public Speaking having earned her degree in Communications from Southern Illinois University  Carbondale and continued  her education at SIU Carbondale receiving her Masters in Communications.

As Director at Taylorville’s’ LLCC campus Workman informed the Kiwanis of the many offerings available to assist students in their pursuit of higher education.  The “College Now” program allows high school students to take introductory college level classes while the “Dual Credit” program allows for students to take classes at the high school and receive college credit.  

The latest offering is a program called “Rise Room” where there are several large screen T.V. screens in a room providing instruction to students from an instructor who is located at a different Lincoln Land campus or location.

Workman is also working with the area youth creating programs to introduce students to the college educational system.  One of those programs included inviting 8th grade students from South Fork and Morrisonville schools to visit the Taylorville campus for a “college day” to help prepare these students for future educational opportunities.

Lincoln Land Community College has a student enrolment of 7,000 students over several campus locations.  The Taylorville facility currently has an enrolment of 400 students.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club also welcomed new member Elizabeth “Liz” Hager during their meeting.  

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 or email the club at TaylorvilleKiwanis@gmail.com

State Representative Brad Halbrook is calling on Governor JB Pritzker to cut spending and consequently also taxes on Illinoisans.  The state representative blames the governor’s budget policy on the state’s out-migration rate.  He cites early census data which shows that in 2024, 80,000 more people moved out of Illinois compared to moving into the state.  Halbrook also points to efforts by neighboring states like Indiana and Iowa to attract Illinois residents and also discussions of the Chicago Bears moving to Indiana.

State Representative Halbrook argues Illinoisans are not getting the results Governor Pritzker has promised in his budgets and overall policy plans. 

Halbrook says he believes higher taxes and more spending are not the answer, also citing the debt at the federal level.

The comments came before today’s State of the State Address.

Gas prices across Illinois are holding steady this week.

According to a new survey from GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Illinois is $2.99, unchanged from last week. That’s about 10 cents higher than a month ago, but nearly 26 cents cheaper than this time last year.

GasBuddy reports prices across the state ranged widely, with the cheapest station at $2.39 a gallon and the most expensive at $4.29, a difference of nearly $1.90 per gallon.

Nationally, the average price of gasoline rose 2.6 cents in the past week to $2.87 a gallon, while the average price of diesel increased slightly to $3.62 per gallon.

Looking around central Illinois, prices in Peoria average $2.93, Champaign sits at $2.82, and drivers in the St. Louis area are paying about $2.76 a gallon.

GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan says gas prices could continue to inch higher in the coming weeks as refineries begin seasonal maintenance and transition to summer fuel blends. However, increased oil production and global supply conditions could help limit sharper increases at the pump.
 

Lincoln Land Community College’s Taylorville campus is focusing on bringing in its next waves of students.  They are investing heavily in raising awareness of the College Now program, which allows high school students to also take their classes and get a head start on college.  Upcoming information sessions will allow prospective College Now students to learn more about the program and many others offered at LLCC. 

On February 5, the school will host a Workforce Institute Showcase and College Now Night.  Elizabeth Fines-Workman, director of LLCC’s Taylorville campus, says the event will serve as a comprehensive introduction to both programs.

Fines-Workman says College Now helps students not only get ahead but also transition to the college experience.

As for current students, Fines-Workman is launching a new monthly social gathering with students called Foodie Fridays with Fines and Company.  She intends to bring unique food items to each event.

The event is designed to better connect students with campus administrators in a fun way and ensure students receive the support they need.

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. 

Eastern Illinois University’s Booth Library is inviting the campus and community to take part in the 2026 Children’s Literature Symposium, featuring two free public presentations in late February.

Eastern Illinois University’s Mary J. Booth Library will host two nationally recognized voices in children’s literature, offering discussions on creativity, representation, and the impact of books on young readers.

The symposium begins Wednesday, February 25, with a presentation by EIU alumna Dr. Jan Spivey Gilchrist. Her talk, titled “Making Books for ALL Children: A Celebration of My Life’s Work,” will share insights from her career as an award-winning illustrator of more than 100 books and author of five children’s titles. The event begins at 5 p.m., with a reception to follow at 5:30.

A documentary screening titled “Colors of Love: The Jan Spivey Gilchrist Story” will also be shown Monday, February 23 at 5 p.m. at Booth Library’s Center for Student Innovation.

The symposium continues Thursday, February 26, with a presentation by Dr. Suzan Alteri, Assistant Director of the Center for Children’s Books at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her talk, “Racism and Representation in Children’s Literature,” examines how children’s books influence ideas of identity, belonging, and difference. That event also begins at 5 p.m., followed by a reception.

Each presentation includes a question-and-answer session, and parking is free and open to the public after 5 p.m. On Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m., Booth Library will also host Children’s Literature Research Lightning Rounds, highlighting faculty research in the field.

The two-day symposium celebrates the importance and history of children’s literature and reflects strong partnerships between EIU, local schools, and the surrounding community. All events are free and open to the public.
 

Taylorville City Council is set to meet at 7 PM on Tuesday evening.  The THS Girls Bowling Team will be recognized as will the ERT team.  Under ordinance, City leaders will discuss an ordinance that would update the city’s budget to account for additional or unexpected expenses during the current fiscal year, which runs from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. Work at the Taylorville Airport will also be discussed concerning multiple projects. 

Under committee reports, the council will vote on hiring 24 summer/seasonal help employees, there is also a proposal that would change city rules so the mayor, human resources manager, and personnel committee chair review non-union employee salaries once a year and decide whether to recommend pay increases. City Council would still have the final say on any raises.

Under Emergency Services, there are several motions on the floor including approving the continuity of Government Plan, approving an AI Virtual Training Course for Chief Dwayne Wheeler to attend, accept a memorandum of understanding for the ERT Team, approve the sale of surplus tasers and equipment.  Under water/environmental, the council will discuss several pay orders.  Under lake/airport, the council will look at approving and ratifying the current Lake Lot Lease Agreement and Campground Lease Agreement. 

The council will hear from the city attorney, Mayor Bruce Barry, and the public. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News following the conclusion of the event to find out more about the meeting. 

The Christian County Board is set to meet Tuesday evening at 6 PM at the Christian County Courthouse.  Among items on the agenda include, recognizing Alan Bailey, announcing multiple appointments including Jeff Waterman to the Mental Health Board, Central Illinois Economic Development Authority Appointment for Christian County, and a Department of Health Appointment.  There will be a Treasurer and Sheriff 2025 summary, and real estate taxes will be explained.  

Under highway, building, and grounds, here will be a jail update, along with courthouse and building business.  There will also be a look at funding for retention of delay survey documents in the county. Under executive personnel, there will be a jail personnel request, salary adjustment discussion, and an EMA update.  Under audit and finance, the board will look at a Cyber Liability Renewal. 

There doesn’t appear to be any new business on the agenda to discuss during the meeting.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more following the conclusion of the event. 

A boil order is in effect in Taylorville following water main repairs.

According to the Taylorville Water Department, the boil order applies to the 500 block of West Main Cross and 615 West Main Cross. Restaurants are not included.

Residents in the affected area are urged to boil all water used for drinking or cooking for at least five minutes before using it.

The boil order will remain in place until bacteriological testing confirms the water is safe. Residents will be notified once the order is lifted.

Anyone looking for tips to improve their metabolic health can attend free seminars on the topic later this week.  The sessions are expected to present practical ways to improve this area of health and introduce attendees to lifestyle tips.  The topic is of particular relevance in the United States; a study at Tufts University in 2022 shows just 7% of American adults were in good health in this area, though other similar studies produced slightly different conclusions.

The seminars are scheduled as follows: 

• Friday, February 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Destiny Fellowship Church in Moweaqua (2500 North Main Street),
• Saturday, February 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Decatur (4855 Evergreen Court),
• Saturday, February 21 from 6-8 p.m. at 230 Country Place, Springfield
• Sunday, February 22 from 1-3 p.m. at Ken’s Dog House in Taylorville

Ralph Falconbury and LuAnne Stone organized the talks.  Falconbury runs – and serves as a health mentor with – an initiative known as Feel Great System.  They say the talks are focused on helping fight insulin resistance.

Stone says her work in this area was inspired by her health challenges and a coincidental interaction with Falconbury.

Falconbury says he lost around a sixth of his weight following the protocols to be discussed at the seminars. 

Stone continues her story, saying she believes following this process saved her life after she became stricken with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2012.

More information on the seminars is available on Falconbury’s and Stone’s Facebook pages.

Ralph Falconbury and LuAnne Stone appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

The bi-weekly farmer’s markets in Moweaqua and Assumption are returning this summer.  The location alternation will remain in effect, so each individual town is expected to host a market every four weeks.  Organizers saw some success with this format last summer and hope it will continue to bring in high traffic in terms of both visitors and vendors. 

Derek Page is the president of Assumption Community Pride, which organizes the farmer’s markets.  He says the first market is set for Saturday, June 13 in Assumption, with Moweaqua’s first day happening on June 27.

Assumption Community Pride is hosting multiple fundraisers as part of this.  The first one is scheduled for Friday, April 24 at the 1905 Brewing Company and is meant to raise funds for scholarships.  The second is a farm-to-table dinner on September 19 to benefit the farmer’s market efforts.

Outside of the farmer’s market, Assumption Community Pride has other events scheduled for the community to participate in.  The first is the Easter egg hunt, set to take place either April 3 or 4 at the middle school.

Later that month is a puzzle competition on Sunday, April 26 from 1-3 p.m.

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

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

Sparklight is rolling out the next generation of home Wi-Fi, announcing the launch of its new intelligent Wi-Fi service powered by eero Wi-Fi 7.The company says the upgrade brings faster speeds, lower lag and more capacity for today’s connected homes, where Wi-Fi is used for everything from streaming and gaming to remote work, video calls and smart home technology.

With the addition of several new eero Wi-Fi 7 devices, Sparklight customers can now get stronger, more reliable coverage not just throughout the home, but also in outdoor spaces like patios, garages and backyards.

Tony Mokry, Senior Vice President of Residential Services at Sparklight, says Wi-Fi has become essential to daily life, and this upgrade is designed to keep up as technology and household demands continue to grow.

The new Wi-Fi 7 technology is built to support more connected devices at the same time, helping reduce buffering, lag and dead zones through eero’s mesh networking system. Sparklight’s intelligent Wi-Fi also includes built-in security features, automatic updates and parental controls, all managed through the eero mobile app.

The eero Wi-Fi 7 lineup is now available to Sparklight residential customers across the company’s U.S. service areas.For more information, you can visit sparklight.com/Wi-Fi.

True crime and painting continue to be leading event topics at the Shelbyville Public Library.  The coming month’s schedule features events in those areas and more.  With Valentine’s Day now in the past, organizers are now thinking in terms of St. Patrick’s Day for event themes.

Paige Coventry is a circuit clerk at the library and also handles promotions and programming.  She says the next paint night is scheduled for this Thursday, February 19 from 5-7 p.m. 

It is not necessary to have a card with the Shelbyville Public Library to take part in the paint night.  Applying for a card is easy, and it’s free for Shelbyville residents. 

The next true crime talk is set for Tuesday, February 24 from 6-7:30 p.m.  It follows the recent Midwest Cold Cases talk by Bob Cyphers.

March’s schedule is full of events.  Logically, some are St. Patrick’s Day-themed, including the leprechaun gnome craft event scheduled for March 5 from 5:30-7 p.m.  

Coventry also reminds community members that the library is part of a network of others in central Illinois and beyond.  If a book – or any other item that can be borrowed – is not in stock at the Shelbyville location, the library can connect with others to make it available for you.

More information on the Shelbyville Public Library is available at www.shelbyvillelibrary.org.

Monica Cameron appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show.  

A boil order is now in effect for the entire area of Langleyville.

The Taylorville Water Department issued the order Saturday afternoon at around 3 o’clock due to system repairs. Officials say the boil order applies to the entire community, including Burton’s Tap. Residents are being urged to boil all water used for drinking and cooking. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least five minutes before use.

The boil order will remain in place until bacteriological testing can be completed to ensure the water is safe. Residents will be notified once the boil order has been lifted. Anyone with questions can contact the Taylorville Water Department.

The Macon County Conservation District is kicking off its sixtieth anniversary with the return of a longtime community favorite — the Pancake Breakfast.

The Sixtieth Anniversary Pancake Breakfast is set for Saturday, February twenty-eighth, from eight to eleven a.m. at the Rock Springs Nature Center on Nearing Lane in Decatur. The ten-dollar, all-you-can-eat breakfast will feature pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee, served by Conservation District staff and volunteers.

In addition to breakfast, guests can attend free maple syrup education programs scheduled at eight-thirty, nine-thirty and ten-thirty. The programs highlight the history and process of maple syrup production, a tradition long tied to the Conservation District.

The pancake breakfasts began in the mid-1990s and quickly became a winter tradition, featuring real maple syrup harvested and boiled at local conservation areas. The events were eventually retired in 2010, making this year’s breakfast a special nod to the past as part of the District’s anniversary celebration.

This year’s event will be held in the Nature Center’s new indoor-outdoor classroom, with maple syrup programs taking place in the Greenberg Auditorium. Tickets will be available the day of the event, but advance purchase is encouraged. More information and tickets are available at MaconCCD.org.
 

February is National Canned Food Month, and HSHS Home Care is once again asking the community to help “Cram the Car” for local families facing food insecurity.

The annual food drive teams up with HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur to collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations. The Shelbyville drive takes place Wednesday, February 18th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the west patient entrance at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, with donations going to the First United Methodist Church food pantry.

In Decatur, donations will be accepted Thursday, February 19th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the main entrance of HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital. Those items will benefit Catholic Charities. Suggested donations include boxed meals, cereal, pasta sauce, canned fruits and vegetables, pancake mix, and oatmeal. Donors are reminded to check expiration dates.

More information is available through HSHS Home Care’s Cram the Car website or by contacting Valerie Engelbart with HSHS Home Care.
 

The Palmer Post Office is closed effective immediately due to safety concerns with the condition of the building. Village officials say the closure will remain in place until further notice while repairs are prioritized to ensure the facility can safely reopen.

Despite the closure, home mail delivery will continue without interruption for Palmer residents. However, PO Box access and retail postal services have been relocated to the Morrisonville Post Office at 601 Ricks Street.

The Morrisonville Post Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m. Village officials say they apologize for the inconvenience and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and its many members have a number of upcoming events.  They are involved with a fundraiser by the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation.  The Chamber is also working with Heartland CASA on a fundraiser for that organization.  This comes amid Valentine’s Day sales at member businesses and the always-continuing Business After Hours events.

Heartland CASA’s fundraiser is known as Coffee Crawl, and it runs February 27 and 28.  The event is meant to raise money towards their efforts to provide support and guidance to children in foster care and the child welfare system.  Interested participants can pick up a “passport” which is then stamped at coffee shops and bakeries taking part in the cause.  Blaine Smith, executive director of Heartland CASA, says the campaign has been expanded to include more shops in and around Christian County

Another purpose of the promotion is to raise awareness for Heartland CASA and their mission.  Recruitment Manager Lori McDaniel says there is an urgent need for volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates, from which the “CASA” acronym comes.

Separate from Heartland CASA, the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation’s spring fundraiser is set for Saturday, March 14 at 5 p.m. at The Pillars.  Mark Wolfe, member of the GTCC’s executive board, says Judge Brad Paisley and Bernie Salisbury will also be honored.

There is another Business After Hours event on the horizon, as well.  It’s scheduled for this Wednesday at the Black Pug, and FurLove and LeadershipDNA will co-host it.

The Chamber is also celebrating the addition of one new member: Small Town Custom T-shirts & More.

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

Lori McDaniel, Blaine Smith, and Mark Wolfe appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Experts in nutrition are emphasizing the importance of making dairy a regular part of one’s diet.  Federal guidelines continue to recommend three servings per day of dairy.  There are a number of ways of incorporating these products into customary meals.

Monica Nyman is a senior nutrition educator with the St. Louis District Dairy Council.  She says milk consists of no fewer than 13 key nutrients, and cheese and yogurt provide essential nutrients, as well. 

Breakfast meals and baked goods are where dairy products are often added.  The same is true for soups.

For entrees, pasta sauces and casseroles can include milk as an ingredient.

The St. Louis District Dairy Council publishes a “recipe of the month.”  This month’s recipe is baked oatmeal with yogurt.  Nyman says it can be pre-baked with minimal prep time and then cut into “bars” as a quick, nutritious, and satisfying breakfast. 

In a broader sense relating to cooking/baking at home, Nyman cites research showing that it increases the quality of the food served, as well as affordability.

Research also shows that cooking with others is good for building relationships.  For kids, it also helps them build resilience and self-esteem and can even lead to greater academic success.

More information on the St. Louis District Dairy Council is available at www.stldairycouncil.org. 

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

The Bo Wood Recreation Area in Lake Shelbyville will be closed February 17 through February 20. This closure includes the entire area, including the entrance road, dog park, and boat ramp. Access will not be permitted for either vehicle or pedestrian traffic during this time. 

The temporary closure is necessary to allow maintenance teams to safely complete required maintenance work within the park.

The Corps of Engineers recognizes the inconvenience these closures may cause and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as this work is completed. For additional information, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951.

Students interested in a career in meteorology have a hands-on opportunity this summer with the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service Lincoln Office is now accepting applications for its Summer 2026 Student Volunteer Program. The unpaid position gives students a behind-the-scenes look at daily operations inside a weather forecast office, including forecasting, outreach, and a small research project.

The program runs from late May through mid-August, with students averaging about 10 to 15 hours per week and a goal of completing at least 120 total hours.

Eligible applicants include undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students, or recent graduates pursuing degrees in meteorology, atmospheric science, hydrology, or related fields. All volunteers must pass a security background check.

Applications must include a resume, a one-page cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and at least one faculty reference. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on February 17th.

Selections will be based on coursework, references, and application materials, with interviews possible.

Time is running out to gift flowers for Valentine’s Day for those who wish to do so.  Certain flowers work better than others, and some will last well into the warmer weather with the right care.  On the topic of warmer weather, although it has not arrived in a consistent way yet, now is also the time to begin thinking about what seeds to buy for your garden.  This is especially true for “newer” seeds, as seed producers typically have lower quantities of these products compared to others.

Kathi Knope and Gwen Podeschi are Master Gardeners with the University of Illinois Extension.  They say roses, tulips, and hyacinths are among the go-to flowers for Valentine’s Day.

The pair also spoke about “floriography,” which means “the language of flowers.”  Types of flowers and their colors can mean different things. 

There are a host of events coming up for gardening enthusiasts.  Macon County’s Master Gardeners will host their Gardening Insights series of classes and panels on Saturday, February 28 from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.  It will take place at Life Foursquare Church in Decatur.  Registration is required and must be completed by February 22.  You can register here.

After that, Wednesday, March 4 will be the Gateway Green Conference at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville.

More information on these events and others – as well as on the Master Gardeners in general – is on the University of Illinois Extension’s website, extension.illinois.edu.

Kathi Knope and Gwen Podeschi appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

With a reduced amount of event activity in the first three months of 2026, the Taylorville Park District is focused on what’s to come afterwards.  It starts with the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the beginning of April, with the concerts to follow throughout the summer.  In a change for this year only, the farmer’s markets are also moving to Manners Park, adding extra activity to the space.

Recreation Director Jessica Franks is overseeing all of these plans.  She says the Easter Egg Hunt – set for Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m. at Jayne’s Park – will have multiple areas set up for different age groups. 

After that, is the summer concert series.  The concerts are paired with the car cruises and scheduled for the first Friday of every month.

New this year, the farmer’s markets will take place at Manners Park instead of the Taylorville square due to construction on the square this summer.  They will be held Saturdays beginning May 2.

Franks also reminds the public that they can reserve spaces at Taylorville’s parks for special events and competitions.  Several organizations already do so on a regular basis.

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.

Sparklight is launching its 2026 “Dream Bigger” contest, offering thirty-thousand dollars to support science, technology, engineering and math education for K-through-12 students.

The fiber-based internet provider will award twenty-five hundred dollars each to twelve winning schools or organizations in communities Sparklight serves. The goal is to help educators bring hands-on STEM learning into classrooms through projects like robotics, science competitions, and classroom equipment.

Sparklight Vice President of Communications Strategy Trish Niemann says STEM education plays a key role in preparing students for an increasingly digital world, and the contest allows the company to invest in programs that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Eligible schools and organizations must submit a photo and written summary explaining how the funds would be used and how the project would benefit students.

Entries will be accepted February seventeenth through March tenth at sparklight dot com slash contest. Finalists will be selected by Sparklight, with winners chosen through public voting March twelfth through March eighteenth.

Since the program began, Sparklight has awarded nearly two-hundred-thousand dollars to STEM programs across its service area.
 

Illinois lawmakers are debating another proposed fee that could hit shoppers at the checkout line. A Chicago-area Democrat has introduced legislation that would create a statewide tax on grocery bags. Downstate Republicans say it’s the latest example of lawmakers adding new costs. Dean Abbott has more.

Access to Narcan – more formally known as Naloxone – is set to increase within Christian County.  It’s thanks to a grant the Christian County Health Department received from the equivalent agency in Sangamon County.  The department will now receive greater quantities of the life-saving medication meant for those experiencing the effects of an opioid overdose.  New training mandates and opportunities will also help ensure more lives can be saved.

Ellen Jackson is the emergency response coordinator at the Christian County Health Department.  She says anyone in the county who wants to be trained to administer Narcan can receive the training.

The Health Department will provide Narcan sprays at their location.  They also have a map of other locations where it is available. 

Jackson is also helping oversee the recruitment of volunteers to their Medical Reserve Corps.  They are holding an information session on Saturday, February 21 at 10 a.m.  It will take place at the Christian County Health Department’s main location at 730 North Pawnee Street.

The Health Department will also host its food safety workshop on Wednesday, April 22.  Joe Torres, director of environmental health, says they will discuss the most frequent health-related violations so attendees can learn how to avoid the same mistakes.

The workshop will also feature discussion surrounding water safety and boil orders.  It comes amid a number of boil order instances in recent months.

More information on the Christian County Health Department is available at www.cchdil.org. 

Ellen Jackson and Joe Torres appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

Peoples Bank and Trust and WTIM Your Information Station have announced their students of the month for February. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes.

Students of the month are as follows: 5th Grade Raelyn Reber, 6th Grade Olivia Hankla, 7th Grade Truman McKenzie, 8th Grade Annabella Blue. Congratulations!!!

L - R:  PBT REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANA ALLEN; 5TH GRADE RAELYN REBER; 6TH GRADE OLIVIA HANKLA; 7TH GRADE TRUMAN MCKENZIE; 8TH GRADE ANNABELLA BLUE; PBT REPRESENTATIVE SOPHIE ROBINSON 

Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR along with People's Bank and Trust are recognizing the Pana Students of the Month for February . The February Pana Students of the Month are Samantha Collins, Carter George, MacKenzie Perry, and Ryleigh Casner. 

L - R:  PBT REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANA ALLEN; FRESHMAN SAMANTHA COLLINS; SOPHOMORE CARTER GEORGE; JUNIOR MACKENZIE PERRY; SENIOR RYLEIGH CASNER; PBT REPRESENTATIVE JENNIFER MATHIS

WTIM and People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville have announced their students of the month for February. The program recognizes one outstanding student from each of the four classes. Students of the Month for December are: Carsen Corzine, Dayshaun Baird, Kaylen Tucker, and Charlotte Stickel.

L - R:  PBT REPRESENTATIVE SOPHIE ROBINSON; FRESHMAN CARSEN CORZINE; SOPHOMORE DAYSHAUN BAIRD; JUNIOR KAYLEN TUCKER; SENIOR CHARLOTTE STICKEL; PEOPLES BANK AND TRUST REPRESENTATIVE MASON CROWE

Research from a University of Illinois graduate student hopes to better understand crop-beef cattle operations.  A key goal is to find the right balance in grazing and harvesting cereal rye made in a rotation between corn and soybean crops and what can impact these plans.

Grady Gullickson, a graduate student in the Department of Animal Sciences, is leading the project.  He says it involves experiments with livestock on farmland which has corn and soybean plants.

This methodology puts the project at the mercy of weather, which requires adjusting just like in the real world. 

Gullickson says finding the right balance between grazing and harvesting is complex but important for producing good yields. 

More information is available at extension.illinois.edu.

Dr. Luciano Alves de Oliveira appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our coverage of the Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting.

The Taylorville School District Board of Education focused heavily on safety and future building projects during its regular meeting Tuesday night, along with approving a bid package. During public comment, Bill Chapman addressed the board about gym safety, specifically the possible addition of railings.

The board approved meeting minutes and gave the green light for the Taylorville girls' bowling team to take an overnight trip for the IHSA sectional competition. Several major facility projects were discussed, including potential work at Memorial, Industrial Arts, and the possible construction of a Fine Arts building, and what the focus of that fine arts building, including seats, orchestra pit, storage areas, should be.  

As part ofthe  presentations, board members received an update on Memorial School, which included several discussions as well.  Dr. Ron Mizer says that there were several options for what they wanted to do, but of course, the discussion came to the auditorium. 

The board also recognized the Taylorville FFA, which recently traveled to Denver and took first place in the 2026 National Western Round Up Livestock Judging FFA Champions, Denver.

In new business, the board unanimously approved the donation of land near the industrial park to the FFA on a 7–0 vote.

Much of the discussion on the evening centered on the proposed Fine Arts building, particularly seating capacity and cost. Lori Wemple said she is comfortable with a 250-seat facility, while Tom Finks emphasized the importance of planning for the next 30 to 50 years rather than the next decade. Carla Mickey raised concerns about the overall cost, and Dr. Mizer stressed that the project should be built correctly if it moves forward. Ann Chandler added that careful consideration is needed to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. It seemed most board members were supportive of a fine arts center, but cost concerns were a big part of the discussion.

The bid package for North School, based on the O’Shea presentation, was approved 7-0. The board noted three FOIA requests and indicated that a formal vote on the building projects, including the Fine Arts facility, is expected to take place in March.

The meeting concluded with the superintendent’s report before adjournment.  One such bill concerns Election Day and whether or not it will be a holiday.  If it is, the calendars will need to be adjusted.  They will be reviewed next month.  Superintendent Brandi Bruley also noted that some other financial expenditures may be on the way. 

The next school board meeting is set for March 10th, 2026. 
 

Research from a University of Illinois assistant professor hopes to spearhead innovations in water recycling on farms.  The volatility of weather conditions in central Illinois is what inspired the research.  Droughts can wreak havoc on plants, while heavy rains may provide more water than what is ideal.  Part of the research is understanding how excess water runs off through the soil, while another goal is to determine the best methods of recycling water. 

Dr. Luciano Alves de Oliveira of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is leading the project.  He says plants can lose essential nutrients based on how water runs through the soil.

As for one way to conserve the water, Oliveira proposes taking advantage of the surrounding land composition, including ponds and wetlands. 

For farms without those options currently available, the study looks to uncover other possibilities such as constructing new wetlands.

More information is available at extension.illinois.edu.

Dr. Luciano Alves de Oliveira appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our coverage of the Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from Rod Carls, manager of the Edinburg Sloans Implement dealership at their Tuesday noon meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Carls stated that their Taylorville store was relocated to the new facility in Edinburg in July of last year.  Currently the Edinburg store employs 22 and has a footprint of 52,000 square foot.  The new shop area is large enough to house 10 combines.  Currently sales are holding between 20 to 22 million dollars per year.

Carls went on to inform the Kiwanis club that Sloans started their business in 1931.  Currently there are 26 locations located in three states allowing the company to maintain over 200 million dollars in inventory along with a parts inventory of over 25 million dollars.  The company employs 280 service technicians company wide. 

Technology is the focus with today’s business of farming.  Carls explained a system called AMS or Ag Management Solutions connecting farming functions tied to a satellite system to assist with recording keeping.  Sloans has 35 employees dedicated to support of the AMS system.  

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 or email the club at TaylorvilleKiwanis@gmail.com

The University of Illinois Extension brought researchers and industry professionals together for a day of education and networking at the Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting.  It took place on Tuesday at the Extension’s Christian County office.  This year’s edition focused on the cattle market, and presentation topics included cattle production, profitability, and market outlook. 

Micah Pope is the program manager for the Dudley Smith Initiative.  He says the program not only helps spearhead ag-related research but also ensures it will make a positive difference in the industry.

The Dudley Smith Initiative also has an advisory committee which provides guidance on how to allocate funding for research. 

Research projects which the Dudley Smith Initiative funds require careful coordination regarding land, equipment, and people.  That’s what Pope’s job is. 

More information is available at extension.illinois.edu.

Micah Pope appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our coverage of the Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting.

With Morrisonville High School baseball coming back home, the school’s homecoming festivities will take place in the spring instead of the fall.  The student council organizes the events and looks to bring the entire community – not just the students – together.

Zarah Guzman and Mason Tryon are members of the council.  They say dress-up days and a parade are a major part of the week.

Outside of homecoming, the council organizes other events and activities, with something happening every week.

Other events and initiatives the council organizes are meant to serve their younger peers as well as the community as a whole. 

Amy Schmedeke is the student council’s faculty sponsor.  She says she wants council members to view the experience as something that helped them grow and develop important life skills. 

More information on Morrisonville Community Unit School District #1 is available at www.mohawks.net. 

Zarah Guzman, Amy Schmedeke, and Mason Tryon appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show as part of the WTIM High School Road Tour’s visit to Morrisonville.

Lawmakers in Springfield are considering legislation to change regulations on campfires in Illinois. New proposed legislation would allow communities to charge a permit and fee for any open burning. That includes backyard campfires and leaf burning.  Dean Abbott, Senior Radio/Audio Communications Manager with the Illinois House Republican Caucus has more on the bill that everyone is talking about.

HB 4459 has been filed with the Clerk but has not yet been assigned to a committee, which is the next step in the legislative process.

A small group of just 70 staff members run the Morrisonville School District.  For context, in Taylorville, the high school itself has 96 staff members.  School and district administrators in Morrisonville appreciate the small-town desire their staff brings to the district and look to provide the freedom to allow them to do their jobs effectively. 

Data from the National Education Association, among other sources, shows a stark and growing teacher shortage across America.  Megan Hanlon and Tim Chapman are the elementary and junior/senior high school principals, respectively.  They say the shortage means incoming teachers can typically easily find work anywhere in the country.  The principals see special meaning in teachers choosing Morrisonville over another location. 

Teachers are not the only ones helping students succeed.  Hanlon also credits local organizations for stepping up to donate money and supplies for those in need. 

While the term “co-op” is often used in the context of sports, this applies also to academics.  Morrisonville co-ops with Raymond for certain classes, and dual-credit networks exist, as well. 

Both principals say the combination of efforts from all aforementioned parties are what help students succeed.

More information on Morrisonville Community Unit School District #1 is available at www.mohawks.net. 

Tim Chapman and Megan Hanlon appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show as part of the WTIM High School Road Tour’s visit to Morrisonville.

During Winter Storm Fern, Ameren Illinois’ natural gas storage system helped protect customers from extreme wholesale market price spikes that impacted other regions.

The company says natural gas storage played a critical role in keeping homes heated, businesses operating, and communities safe during the severe winter weather. Ameren Illinois officials say customers benefited from the company’s storage capabilities and recent improvements made to strengthen underground storage fields.

As national natural gas prices surged to as high as $70 per million British thermal units during the storm, Ameren Illinois was able to deliver gas it purchased during the summer months at prices between $3 and $4 per million British thermal units. The company says that strategy protected customers from price volatility in the energy sector from January 23 through February 2, 2026.
Through optimized storage operations, leased storage, and strategic hedging, Ameren Illinois estimates it and its customers avoided $78.2 million in market exposure during the severe weather event.

Ameren Illinois also reports its natural gas system performed at peak efficiency throughout the cold snap. From January 23 through January 29, the storage system operated without outages or performance issues, despite sustained subzero temperatures and heavy demand.

January 23 ranked as the 14th highest natural gas usage day on record for Ameren Illinois customers. Over the six-day period, 2.46 billion cubic feet of natural gas were withdrawn from storage, accounting for more than 10 percent of the company’s total gas inventory for the winter heating season.

Company officials say the performance of underground storage and price hedging during Winter Storm Fern demonstrates the value of long-term planning and investment in energy infrastructure during extreme weather events.

HSHS Medical Group has added a new provider at its Good Shepherd Rural Health Clinic in Shelbyville. Jordan Handlin, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, has joined the clinic located at 207 South Pine Street, Suite E. Handlin is now seeing patients of all ages.

Handlin provides care in family practice, women’s health, and pediatrics. She also brings experience in emergency and acute care settings. HSHS Medical Group says her approach to care emphasizes preventive medicine, early intervention, and patient education, with a focus on involving patients in their health decisions.

Handlin holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a family nurse practitioner. She also maintains multiple professional certifications, including Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Trauma Nursing Core Course, Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course, and Neonatal Resuscitation Program. She is an active member of several professional organizations.

Appointments with Handlin can be scheduled by calling 217-774-4400. New HSHS Medical Group patients can also contact the HSHS Medical Group Patient Advocate at 844-520-8897 for assistance with setting up an initial appointment.
 

Baseball at Morrisonville High School is returning to town this coming season.  The school will continue its co-op for the sport with Lincolnwoods, but the move makes baseball Morrisonville’s only outdoor team sport played within the town limits.  For a town with a three-figure population, athletics administrators hope the change will lead to higher turnout from the community at games. 

Lela Ferrill is the athletic director at Morrisonville.  She looks forward to the geographical return of baseball in large part to her connections to the sport.

She also looks forward to the participants feeling a sense of ownership and local identity in the experience of playing baseball at home.

Ferrill credits the community for showing up to sporting events, whether filling the gym to near-capacity or traveling to other schools within their co-ops. 

With fewer facilities of their own, holding the job of athletic director carries the additional task of coordinating logistics with other schools, especially for last-minute changes. 

Most of the sports teams’ coaches are not otherwise affiliated with the school but are nonetheless present in the athletes' lives even off the field. 

More information on Morrisonville Community Unit School District #1 is available at www.mohawks.net. 

Lela Ferrill appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show as part of the WTIM High School Road Tour’s visit to Morrisonville.

The Taylorville Police Department is celebrating progress in 2025 in terms of their efforts to prevent and handle local crime.  Officials are pointing to new staff and initiatives making that happen, and they believe the changes will set them up well for the future. 

Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler surveyed local citizens on what they hoped to see from local law enforcement.  The top calls came for increases in traffic patrolling and overall police presence.

Mental health calls are still trending upward, but certain subsets have decreased. 

Chief Wheeler credits the positive trends to his staff for their work and the people of Taylorville for their input.

Separate from his year in review, Chief Wheeler also spoke on the February 2 standoff that took place in the area of Illini Drive.  He says he was alerted immediately and was on hand for the latter half of the standoff.

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

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

Even in the winter, Lake Shelbyville is still active.  Events, outside initiatives, and other general activities are happening in and around the lake.  Albeit to a reduced extent, staff are on hand to assist visitors and keep them safe.  The latter point has become relevant as temperatures have fluctuated at this point in the season. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – which oversees the lake – recommends that people not ice fish on Lake Shelbyville.  For those who do, the Corps’ Ashley Florey says slushy areas on the ice are more likely to collapse under one’s weight. 

Florey also urges those who go out onto the ice not to do so alone and to take equipment such as a rope and an ice pick.

Florey says a field day and the Dacey Trail Candlelight Walk highlight the schedule of forthcoming events. 

The visitor center is running on its winter hours; it’s open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

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

The Christian County Health Department is inviting food service operators to take part in its Fourth Annual Food Workshop later this month.

The workshop will focus on food safety and regulations, with presentations from the Christian County Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and other county agencies. Organizers say the event is designed for both long-time food establishments looking to learn what’s new, and new or prospective operators who want a better understanding of food safety requirements.

The interactive workshop will be held Wednesday, April 22, with two sessions available — 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the Illinois Extension Office, located at 1120 North Webster Street in Taylorville.

Health officials say high-risk food establishments that attend may be eligible to waive their final inspection of the year, provided they are in good standing from previous inspections.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to register by April 17th by contacting the Christian County Health Department at 217-824-4113.

Organizers of Shelbyville’s annual fireworks show for the Fourth of July are looking to put on a show fit for the United States’ 250 years of independence.  The endeavor requires extra fundraising, so the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce and its many members are stepping up to help.  A number of them will donate a portion of their profits during specified periods to the fireworks efforts. 

Katalyn Dragovan is the director of the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce.  She says Monical’s is the first such participant.  Their donation day is Tuesday.

Other scheduled fundraisers are as follows: 

• March 21: Rhodes Show Catering
• April 11: Wade’s Quality Meats
• April 25: Possum Lodge
• June 13: Pit Boss BBQ

There is another fundraiser, albeit not related to the fireworks show, which one of the Chamber’s newest members is organizing.  Healthcare provider Sarah Bush Lincoln is hosting an event on March 7 to raise funds for scholarships for local students. 

The Chamber is also preparing for the second edition of its “Shop the Lake” event.  Dragovan says last year, businesses from other towns came to set up and sell their goods to shoppers. 

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. 

Lake Land College recently welcomed more than 120 high school students from across the region for its annual High School Leadership Conference, a day focused on building skills students can use both in school and beyond. The event was hosted by the college’s Student Government Association, with support from the Student Activity Board.

Students attended from Neoga, Dieterich, Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT), Stewardson-Strasburg, Cowden-Herrick, Effingham, Beecher City and Mattoon high schools, giving the conference a broad mix of perspectives from communities throughout the area.

The day began with a welcome from Vice President of Student Services Heather Nohren, who greeted students and introduced them to the campus. Participants then rotated through leadership-focused sessions covering topics such as building confidence, professional dress, communication skills and career planning.

The conference keynote was delivered by comedy magician Josh McVicar, who blended humor and interactive magic with lessons on leadership and effective communication. His presentation kept students engaged while reinforcing the importance of clear messaging and teamwork.

Students also shared lunch and a question-and-answer session with current Lake Land student leaders, offering a firsthand look at college life and leadership opportunities on campus. The day wrapped up with a campus-wide scavenger hunt and a closing ceremony featuring prize drawings.

Five students received grand prize giveaways of tuition waivers worth three credit hours at Lake Land College. The recipients were Isabella Davis of Beecher City High School, Austyn Shaffer of Cowden-Herrick High School, Brooklynn Redfern of Mattoon High School, Brooklynn Douglas of Neoga High School, and London Carter of Mattoon High School.

For more information, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu.

The Knights of Columbus are inviting businesses, schools, organizations, and community members to take part in Decatur’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, set for Saturday, March 14th, at 11 a.m. in downtown Decatur.

The parade is open to all types of entries, including community groups, emergency vehicles and festive displays. Participants are encouraged to bring their festive spirit and help continue a long-running local tradition.

This year’s parade will honor Vicki Wrigley as Grand Marshal in recognition of her late husband, Jim Wrigley, who organized the Decatur St. Patrick’s Day Parade for more than two decades. The community will be able to join in on celebrating his lasting impact on the parade.

After the parade, the celebration will continue at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 520 E. North Street in Decatur, with food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment. Those interested in joining can contact Kate Wrigley Pletsch at 217-855-4874 or by email at decaturstpatsparade@gmail.com.
 

February is American Heart Month, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital is using the initiative to spotlight its services in cardiac rehab.  The process – which typically lasts three months – is meant to help people recover from certain cardiac events.  Careful supervision from qualified nurses is necessary to avoid potentially catastrophic consequences as patients look to regain full function in their heart. 

Michele Kilduff is one of two registered nurses certified to work with cardiac rehab patients.  She has worked with patients recovering from events like heart attacks and bypass surgery.
 

Patients typically come in three times per week for three months.  The consultations and overall process are covered by most health insurance policies, as long as the rehab begins within six months of the cardiac event. 

A rehab stint consists of three phases.  Generally, the aforementioned consultations are part of the second phase.

Kilduff and her fellow cardiac rehab nurse, Kim Kersey, may monitor multiple exercising patients at a time.  They keep a close eye on the EKG of each one and will jump into action if the technology shows that a patient’s heart is overworking for its condition. 

Kilduff also took the time to share some common risk factors of heart disease, which include high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking.  She adds that cardiac rehab patients discuss these factors in groups as part of their recovery regimen. 

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

Michele Kilduff appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is pushing for greater transparency in state government this legislative session.

The Savanna Republican has filed legislation that would require audio and video recordings of all General Assembly committee hearings to be made available to the public for 30 days. McCombie says the goal is to rebuild trust in state government.

McCombie says transparency becomes especially important during the final weeks of the spring session, when major legislation — including the state budget — is often debated late at night and out of public view.

She calls the proposal a commonsense step, noting that 44 other states already provide public access to legislative hearings.

Support for the idea appears to be bipartisan. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon recently signaled their backing in written letters to the Better Government Association. Welch called the proposal “not only a reasonable request, but also a transformative one.”

McCombie’s bill, House Bill 4383, will now move through the legislative process. The Illinois House is scheduled to return to session on February 17th.
 

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Springfield man following a child sexual abuse material investigation.

Sheriff’s investigators say the case began January 14th and involved coordination with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office. As a result of that investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for 35-year-old Ryan Atkinson of the 5700 block of North Walnut Street Road.

Atkinson is charged with three counts of child pornography, a Class X felony, along with three counts of unauthorized video recording, a Class 3 felony.

Authorities say Atkinson was taken into custody at his residence Thursday morning around 8:20 and was transported to the Sangamon County Jail, where he is awaiting arraignment and a detention hearing.

Investigators also executed a search warrant at the home and on Atkinson’s vehicle. Multiple electronic and recording devices were recovered and will be examined for additional evidence.

Sheriff Paula Crouch thanked partner agencies for their assistance and praised investigators for their work on the case.

No further information is being released at this time.

Eastern Illinois University’s Doudna Fine Arts Center is featuring a full slate of music, theatre, and student performances throughout the month of February.

The schedule opens Friday night with the 66th Annual Jazz Festival, welcoming Grammy-winning bassist and arranger John Clayton. Clayton is known for his work with some of the biggest names in music and for arranging Whitney Houston’s performance of the national anthem at the 1990 Super Bowl. That concert gets underway Friday at 7:30 in the Dvorak Concert Hall.

Valentine’s Day brings EagleMania to the Doudna on Saturday, February 14th. The nationally recognized tribute band recreates the sound of The Eagles and will perform many of the group’s greatest hits, along with select solo works. The show begins at 7:30.

EIU students take the spotlight Tuesday, February 17th, with the Singer-Songwriter Showcase in the Black Box Theatre. The free concert features original music written and performed by EIU students.
The Wind Symphony and Faculty Showcase follows Thursday, February 19th, featuring a collaborative performance by students and faculty, while the Eastern Symphony Orchestra performs Friday, February 20th.

Choral music highlights the weekend on Sunday, February 22nd, as EIU’s choral ensembles perform in the Concert Hall. Jazz returns Tuesday, February 24th, with the EIU Jazz Combos performing classic standards and original student compositions. That concert is free and open to the public.

The month wraps up with the musical Bright Star, running February 27th and 28th and March 6th and 7th, with Sunday matinee performances on March 1st and 8th. The show features music by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell and tells a story of love and redemption set in the American South.  Tickets for all performances are available through the Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office and online at eiu.edu/doudnatix.

Anyone looking to spread birthday cheer to a neighbor in need will have the chance to do so thanks to an initiative from Taylorville High School’s National Honor Society chapter.  It’s called the Birthday in a Bag drive, and it’s scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, during the boys basketball team’s home game against Effingham.  They are collecting birthday cake makings to load into bags and donate to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

Ella Reiss and Josie Heberling are students in the NHS chapter; Heberling serves as the chapter’s president.  They say this is an annual tradition and are aiming for a record-breaking haul this time. 

The Taylorville Food Pantry and local assisted living facilities are frequent beneficiaries of the NHS chapter’s service work.  They also hold events for other current and future high school students.

This event and the many others the chapter organizes follow their four pillars of scholarship, character, leadership, and service.  Members not only uphold the values while part of the organization but must also demonstrate them beforehand to be recruited. 

For chapter advisor Christine Rivecco, she says these values demonstrate to the members how to live their lives not just while in the National Honor Society, but afterwards, as well.

Birthday in a Bag comes as the chapter is preparing to search for its next set of members.  The process begins this month, with the new members inducted in April. 

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

Josie Heberling, Ella Reiss, and Christine Rivecco appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show as part of our monthly Taylorville Schools Good News Segment. 

A new partnership is bringing expanded palliative care training to rural Illinois healthcare providers.
The HAP Foundation and the Education in Palliative and End of Life Care Program—known as EPEC—based at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, have teamed up to offer a one-year clinical training program focused on adult palliative care in home and community-based settings.

The program will allow participants to learn from leading palliative care experts from Northwestern Medicine and other medical centers with experience serving rural communities. Organizers say the goal is to better equip clinicians to support seriously ill patients and their families closer to home.
The project will be directed by EPEC leaders Doctor Joshua Hauser and Doctor Gordon Wood, along with Sara Dado, Executive Director of Clinical Programs at The HAP Foundation.

The year-long program will begin and end with in-person, daylong conferences in central Illinois, with monthly virtual sessions in between for continued education and coaching. Topics include advance care planning, communicating difficult information, pain and symptom management, teamwork in palliative care, and care during the final hours of life.

The program is open to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, social workers, community health workers, certified nursing assistants, and emergency service personnel. Continuing education credits will be available for nurses and social workers.

Doctor Hauser says no seriously ill patient or family should suffer without access to palliative care, adding that the partnership will help ensure rural communities receive expert support when facing serious illness.

The program begins April 17th. A reduced launch rate is available through March 17th, with group rates also offered.

More information and enrollment details can be found on the program’s website.

The Taylorville Police Department has named Officer David Peddycoart as its 2025 Officer of the Year.

Police officials say Peddycoart was selected for consistently demonstrating excellence in all aspects of policing throughout the year. From proactive traffic enforcement to impactful narcotics arrests, the department says his work reflects a strong commitment to public safety and professional standards.

The department also praised Peddycoart’s dedication, initiative, and attention to detail, saying his efforts have positively influenced both his fellow officers and the department as a whole.

Officials say Peddycoart approaches each shift with integrity, professionalism, and a clear focus on serving the Taylorville community, always placing the safety and well-being of residents first.

Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler congratulated Officer Peddycoart on the honor, thanking him for his outstanding service and commitment to the department and the community.
 

With the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots set to meet on Sunday to decide the destination of the Lombardi Trophy, local businesses are set to take advantage.  Places like supermarkets, meat processors, butchers, bars, restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores stand to benefit greatly.  It’s also a mere part of how businesses look to tourism – and in particular within small towns – to gain an edge. 

Valerie Belusko is a Community and Economic Development Educator at the University of Illinois Extension.  She says while Santa Clara – the host city – will reap most of the benefits, they are not alone.
 

Belusko adds that a major reason for the economic boosts – especially for bars and restaurants – is the desire people have to gather.  Sporting events like this one provide a major opportunity for gatherings.

Many people connected to small businesses advocate for shopping local first.  Belusko says this means staying ideally within one’s zip code – or if necessary, only within the county – when shopping. 

The way businesses handle events like that of Sunday is similar to their overall hospitality strategies.  This is how tourist destinations in small towns like those in central Illinois bring in their money, and it adds to the value in doing business locally.

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

Valerie Belusko appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Extreme winter weather in January put a number of public agencies in central Illinois on high alert.  For counties’ Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs), this means tracking information from the National Weather Service and other bodies.  In addition, they initiate their own contact with sheriffs departments and even each other.  Preparedness and planning are key to ensuring EMAs can keep the people they serve informed and safe. 

Dan Hough is the director of the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency.  He says in addition to informing people, they work with large organizations like schools and hospitals to help them prepare for emergencies. 

The EMA also has several volunteer teams to help carry out search-and-rescue missions and assess damage.

During major weather events, the Montgomery County EMA and equivalent agencies in other counties and jurisdictions use information from “storm spotters” to track weather activity.  Storm spotters report what they see from these weather events to said agencies.  Anyone can become a spotter, and the EMA is hosting a class on how to spot.  It’s scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m at Lincoln Land Community College’s Litchfield campus.

The Montgomery County EMA jumped into action during the heavy snowfall in the latter part of January.  Hough admits they got lucky with the storm happening on a weekend but also thanks people for staying home to allow emergency crews to easily do their work. 

More information on the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency is available at montgomerycountyil.gov/ema. 

Dan Hough appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

With an increase in the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), medical experts want to educate the public on this form of treatment.  There are a variety of risks and side effects, and the timing with which HRT is used is important.  Regular consultations with doctors, along with taking the precise amounts in each dosage, will ensure the treatment is effective in improving the patient’s health. 

How exactly is HRT administered?  Kate Cervi, a nurse practitioner at Springfield Clinic Taylorville, says it is usually taken topically but may instead come in capsule form.

Brenda Hemann is another nurse practitioner at Springfield Clinic Taylorville.  She says irregular bleeding – albeit only temporary – is a notable side effect of HRT.

As for how long the treatment takes, there is no explicit time limit.  For this reason, experts recommend that patients see their doctor every three to six months while on HRT. 

There is a common misconception that HRT can help with weight loss.  While such patients generally do not lose weight through the treatment, it can help manage body fat distribution. 

For those looking for effective alternatives to hormone replacement therapy, supplements, antidepressants and other FDA-approved drugs may help alleviate unwanted symptoms.

More information on Springfield Clinic is available at www.springfieldclinic.com.

Kate Cervi and Brenda Hemann appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Four Memorial Health hospitals have earned recertification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation — recognizing high-quality cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs with strong patient outcomes.

Decatur Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital, and Taylorville Memorial Hospital all received the designation in 2025. A fifth hospital in the system, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, will be eligible for recertification later this summer.

Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs help patients recover and return to daily life following heart attacks, illnesses, or other serious health conditions. Memorial Health says the programs play a key role in improving quality of life and helping prevent future complications.

The hospitals offer both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. To earn recertification, programs must reapply every three years and submit detailed data on patient outcomes, staff competencies, and overall program quality.

Memorial Health leaders say the recognition reflects the dedication of their care teams and the positive results patients continue to see across the system.

With February serving as American Heart Month, the Taylorville Food Pantry is promoting its availability of heart-healthy food to those in need.  They aim to keep the shelves stocked with fresh produce and meats to serve their community.  This is a vital component of their services, as people who are food-insecure may prioritize having any food available over aiming specifically for healthier options.

Pam Moses is a co-coordinator with the Taylorville Food Pantry.  She says the pantry has worked for years to bring in a steady supply of fresh produce and similarly nutritious goods. 

In addition, through the USDA, they receive other healthy foods like beans and seafood.

Amy Hagen is another one of the Taylorville Food Pantry’s co-coordinators.  While American Heart Month is focused on the human circulatory system, Hagen acknowledges the “heart” of the food pantry: their volunteers.

The food pantry is always happy to accept volunteers.  They welcome all ages and even have some local high school students helping out currently. 

Moses says the food pantry saw a decrease in traffic during January.  She believes the severe winter weather was a large part of the reason. 

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

Amy Hagen and Pam Moses appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show. 

Curt Oldfield has been selected as the next president of Lincoln Land Community College.

The LLCC Board of Trustees voted to hire Oldfield this week, with formal confirmation expected at the board’s February meeting. Pending approval, he will officially begin his duties July first.

Oldfield currently serves as president of Spoon River College, a position he’s held for nearly 14 years. During that time, he’s focused on boosting student retention, expanding workforce development programs, and building partnerships tied to community and economic growth.

LLCC Board Chair Wayne Rosenthal says Oldfield brings strong Illinois community college experience and a clear commitment to student success.

Oldfield is a fellow in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and has held leadership roles with national and state community college organizations. His background in education began in the classroom, teaching agriculture and coaching at Roseville High School, before moving into higher education leadership.

He holds a doctorate from Ferris State University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. He also began his own college career at Spoon River College.

Oldfield will succeed Dr. Charlotte Warren, who announced last year she will retire at the end of June. Warren has served as LLCC president since 2006.

Lincoln Land Community College serves all or parts of 15 counties across central Illinois.
 

An avid local hunter is preparing for another year of organizing international hunting trips.  Multiple groups of participants, following a staggered schedule, spend a period of time in an area of Africa to hunt.  Owaneco resident Denny “The Deer Hunter” Steiner runs the expeditions.  Having been hooked on hunting from a young age, he looks to inspire the passion in others. 

Steiner says the Africa trips are inspired from his visits there in his early hunting days. 

Within Africa, Steiner has traveled to such countries as South Africa, Namibia, and Congo.  During a visit to Congo, his camp had an unexpected guest… in a gorilla.

Growing up, Steiner did not have much in hunting gear.  However, a Christmas present and an increase in game to hunt combined to provide the spark for his passion. 

He then became widely known in the hunting scene when, in 1993, he pulled off one of the largest recorded buck captures at the time.

Denny “The Deer Hunter” Steiner appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show. 

Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center is expanding support for young people struggling with mental health challenges through its Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescents.

The program is designed for youth ages 12 to 17 who need additional help managing concerns such as depression, anxiety, and anger. Officials say the program offers structured support while allowing participants to continue living at home and attending school.

The Intensive Outpatient Program provides multiple services tailored to individual needs. Participants receive bi-weekly individual therapy and family therapy sessions. Medication management is also available when needed on a case-by-case basis.

The program includes daily group therapy featuring psychoeducation, psychotherapy, recreational therapy, life skills training, meditation, expressive art, music therapy, and physical activity focused on motor skill development.

Sessions are held Monday through Friday for four hours each day. The average program length is two to three weeks, depending on each participant’s needs.

Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center is located at 5230 South Sixth Street Road in Springfield. Program staff say drop-off and pick-up for participants takes place at the rear entrance of the facility behind the playground.

Families interested in scheduling an initial assessment can contact the Assessment and Referral Department at 217-585-4707. Additional program questions can be directed to Clinical Services Manager Daniel Janssen at 217-585-5664.
 

With the recent snow storm that came through questions about energy have hit the forefront of conversations.  The recent winter storm and cold temperatures raised the political temperatures over the past several days with one question: Can renewables be trusted to keep the heat on?

During the recent intense winter snowstorm and a week of extreme cold temperatures in Illinois, MISO, a regional grid operator, called on utility customers to “conserve electricity due to high demand and weather conditions.”  It was a position a couple of downstate Republicans said Illinois never should have been in.

Representative Charlie Meier of Okawville said it was a situation that has been created by a lack of leadership and a lack of concern about what Illinois residents have to pay for their electricity.

"We've pushed green energy policies forward without guaranteeing us a base load. If you wanna pull up and look at your solar use the last 10 days and see how much energy they've put out, until yesterday, they were still covered with snow. They weren't putting out energy. Now we're going to pay  more of Illinois' taxpayer dollars into battery storage, which can maybe store energy for up to four hours, or a few thousand people is ridiculous."

Meier said he is not against wind, and he is not against solar, but the state needs a base load as well.

"We need everything. We need coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, and solar. Until the state of Illinois realizes that, we will continue to watch our electric price skyrocket, and we will continue to see a shortage of electric in the state of Illinois."

Representative Dave Severin of Benton has been giving the MISO report on the House floor for the past year, letting his colleagues know where Illinois is getting it’s energy, and he says the new Green deal approved by statehouse Democrats makes no sense.

"Here we've had enough power in the past where we could actually sell energy to other surrounding states. Now we're having to import it.  There's a shortage.  It just proves that this initiative that the other side of the aisle is trying to push makes absolutely no sense. The price of the utilities are skyrocketing and people are trying to figure out, you know, how do I pay my bills?  We can be efficient with what we have on our power grid now if we'll use some common sense."

The energy legislation was approved during the veto session in October and was signed by the governor in early January.  Republicans and business groups criticized the bill for its reliance on a ratepayer charge to fund new battery storage and for yielding what they said was too much power to the ICC.

Pana Pride is looking to raise funds for its demolition work.  They are holding a raffle, for which tickets are rapidly selling.  The organization is also preparing for the annual father-daughter dance.  It comes on the heels of their first ever mother-son dance, which took place in December.  

Melissa Miller is the president of Pana Pride, the organization which works with the city to organize and fund demolitions of buildings no longer fit for use.  She says $900 in local restaurant gift cards are up for grabs in the raffle. 

The father-daughter dance is scheduled for Saturday, March 7 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club.  As with before, there will be music, photo booths, and crafts at the event. 

Pana Pride has also revamped their website, www.panapride.org.  It now has a more modern layout with a blue-and-orange color set to match the local schools.

Staff and volunteers have finished taking down the holiday lights displays at Kitchell Park.  Miller says the lights tour was a success, though the weather did hamper their efforts.

Miller also took some time to commend the winners of Pana Pride’s “Volunteers of the Year” honors.  They are part of the beautification committee and holiday lights team.

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

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

The Christian County Historical Society is working to plan and promote multiple events in the early spring.  Their annual Earth Day celebration highlights the plans and is expected to feature many of the same fun activities as before.  They also have a fundraiser later this month, which will help them finance their busy schedule in the warmer months to come. 

The fundraiser is their annual drive-through chicken and noodles dinner.  It’s scheduled for Sunday, February 22 from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. or when the food runs out.  Jodi Heberling, Christian County Historical Society co-president, says this is typically one of their biggest fundraisers of the year.  Proceeds help cover their operating costs.

Every spring, the Historical Society hosts a “cleanup day” to help prepare the grounds for future events and general visitors.  This year’s cleanup day will take place on Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The first major community event thereafter is the Earth Day celebration.  It will happen on Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Historical Society will continue to host school tours as well.  They had a number of schools visit, with their own staff and volunteers on hand to educate the students about the various exhibits.

The organization is always accepting volunteers.  Those interested in volunteering or learning more about doing so can visit the Historical Society at 1791 Morrison Drive in Taylorville or email ccgs28@gmail.com.

Find out more about the CCHS at www.christiancountyhistorical.com.  More information is also available at their Facebook page.

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

The City of Taylorville Water Department is alerting customers about a delay in receiving their February 15th utility bills.

According to the department, bills were delivered to the post office on the morning of January 23rd, following their normal monthly schedule. However, city officials say they began receiving numerous calls from customers who had not yet received their statements.

After contacting the post office on February 2nd, the Water Department was informed that local mail is sent to an out-of-town sorting center and that the bills have not yet been returned for delivery.
Despite the mailing delay, officials say water bills are still due on February 15th.

Customers who need to verify their balance can contact the Water Collections Office at 217-824-2919, where staff can provide account information.

The city is also reminding residents that there are multiple ways to pay their bill. Customers can make a one-time payment online through the E-Pay option at Taylorville.net, enroll in automatic bank draft, or use one of two 24-hour drop boxes.

The department says it accepts cash, check, or card payments, though card transactions include a 2.3 percent processing fee.

Construction projects in Taylorville continue to make headway.  The city is tracking multiple such efforts, from West Main Cross to the Taylorville square and other side streets surrounding them.  This is not new for Taylorville, with the Taylorville Food Center project having recently been completed.  The goal has been to improve the aesthetics of the city.

West Main Cross is where the current stage of work is happening.  Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry says multiple sources of funding are helping with projects like this one.

Mayor Barry adds that the process of securing the funding has taken years to arrange. 

The city will also begin work on the airport runways.  Funding for that work comes from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Meanwhile, work on the Taylorville square is set for the fall.  Mayor Barry says it will be staggered so the entire square is not blocked off at once. 

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

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

State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging local food processors to apply for a new Illinois Department of Agriculture grant aimed at strengthening the state’s food supply chain.

The grant program provides funding to support food processing, aggregation, and distribution projects. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 are available for collaborative projects, while individual projects can receive between $1,000 and $75,000.

Turner, a Democrat from Springfield, says investing in local food systems benefits both farmers and communities.

She says strengthening the food supply chain helps support Illinois farmers, expand access to fresh local foods, boost the local economy, and reduce food insecurity.

To be eligible, applicants must be Illinois residents or organizations involved in storing, processing, packaging, aggregating, or distributing value-added agricultural products — or planning to do so. Eligible applicants include farms, cooperatives, and slaughter or processing facilities with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois food businesses, food hubs, nonprofit organizations, and units of local government.

Grant funds must be used for infrastructure related to processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution, including purchasing, leasing, renting, building, or installing equipment and facilities.

Those interested are encouraged to prepare by pre-registering with SAM.gov and the GATA Grantee Portal. Additional information and application guidance is available through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Tri-county residents are reminded they have through Saturday, February 28 to shop and vote in Taylorville Community Credit Union’s 12th annual “Stop. SHOP. VOTE!” program.

Through the program, eight graduating seniors from Taylorville, Hillsboro, Litchfield, and Pana high schools will each receive $1,000 scholarships this spring to use toward continuing education, including trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities.

Two winners from each high school will be selected based on votes cast by shoppers at participating local businesses. Shoppers earn one vote for every ten dollars spent at those businesses.

TCCU President Will Perkins says the program benefits both students and the local economy, encouraging residents to shop local while helping students pursue their educational goals.

There is no limit to how many participating businesses shoppers can visit or how many times they can shop and vote before the deadline. Participating locations are identified by program posters, with ballots and ballot boxes available inside.

Voting results will be collected and tabulated by an independent agency, with awards presented later this spring.

More information about the Stop. SHOP. VOTE! program — as well as Taylorville Community Credit Union membership — can be found at TCCU.org. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Shelby, Christian, or Montgomery counties.

Taylorville Community Credit Union is celebrating 70 years of service throughout 2026.

Prospective students who are thinking about starting college, returning to school, or training for a new career will have a chance to check out Lincoln Land Community College during a Campus Visit Day next month.

The free event is set for Monday, February 16th, from 1 to 4:30 in the afternoon at Lincoln Land’s Springfield campus on Shepherd Road.

Visitors will be able to customize their experience by choosing from a variety of breakout sessions and tours. Topics include choosing a major or career path, paying for college, general education classes, what to expect in college, and the benefits of earning a degree. Tours will also be offered for workforce training facilities, health professions, transfer programs, and the Kreher Agriculture Center.

Prospective students can also apply for admission, talk with faculty and staff, learn about financial aid, and explore the college’s programs. Refreshments will be available.

Registration is encouraged at llcc.edu/campus-visit-day, but walk-ins are welcome. Anyone who can’t attend and wants to schedule a tour for another day can call 217-786-2292 or visit llcc.edu/visit-llcc.

Taylorville Schools will once again take part in the Illinois State Board of Education’s statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey, giving students, teachers, and parents a chance to share feedback on school climate and learning conditions.

Beginning February 3, students and teachers will be invited to complete the research-based survey, which takes about 30 minutes to finish. A parent survey supplement will also be available during the same survey window. District officials say the survey helps schools identify strengths, address challenges, and measure progress since the last statewide survey.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey evaluates five key areas shown to be critical to school success: effective leadership, collaborative teachers, involved families, a supportive environment, and ambitious instruction.

According to more than 30 years of research conducted by the University of Chicago, schools that score strongly in at least three of the five areas are significantly more likely to see improvements in student reading and math performance. Strong results have also been linked to higher teacher retention, better attendance, increased graduation rates, and higher college enrollment.

Participation in a school learning conditions survey is required annually for all Illinois school districts under the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act plan. Taylorville Schools have consistently participated in the 5Essentials Survey and will continue using it this year to track progress and guide improvement efforts.

Principals and superintendents are expected to receive their individual school reports in May. Results will be made public on the UChicago Impact reporting website in June and on the Illinois State School Report Card later this fall. Parent survey results will be included only in individual school reports.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey is administered statewide by UChicago Impact on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education and is completed online. More information is available at 5-essentials.org/illinois.

State Representative Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville is warning Illinois taxpayers to brace for possible new taxes. During his first floor speech of the 2026 legislative session, Halbrook criticized Democratic leaders for what he says is another attempt to push a new income tax.

He says the state keeps following the same pattern of borrowing money, raising taxes, and promising reform, which he says has led to people leaving Illinois, empty storefronts, and a shrinking middle class.

Halbrook also raised concerns that lawmakers could eventually look at taxing retirement income to pay for state spending. He urged lawmakers to respect the will of voters, who already rejected a progressive income tax, and instead focus on making Illinois more affordable and competitive.
 

Heavy drinking habits that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t gone away — and health experts say the trend is still raising serious concerns. A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows alcohol use among adults increased four percent from 2018 to 2020, while heavy drinking jumped by 20 percent. Researchers say that increase continued into 2022.

Doctors say the pandemic created the perfect storm for unhealthy habits; with stress, isolation, and major lifestyle changes pushing many people to drink more. Dr. Jessy Mathew, a primary care physician with OSF HealthCare, says COVID took a heavy emotional toll on many families.

The study defines heavy drinking as five drinks in a day or 15 in a week for men, and four drinks in a day or eight in a week for women. The increase was seen across nearly every age group, gender, and region of the country — with adults in their 40s showing the biggest jump. Dr. Mathew says how alcohol affects someone can vary widely.

Health experts warn heavy drinking increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, anxiety, depression, accidents, and a wide range of social and behavioral problems. Dr. Mathew says alcohol impacts nearly every part of the body.

She says the earlier someone starts drinking, the higher their risk of serious health problems later in life; and women are especially vulnerable.

Dr. Mathew also says alcohol can increase the risk of infertility, menstrual problems, and osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures.

For those trying to cut back, she recommends avoiding triggers, finding healthy ways to deal with stress like exercise or walking, limiting alcohol at home, and finding hobbies that don’t involve drinking. She adds if you start feeling guilty about drinking, become easily agitated, or find yourself drinking at unusual times of day, it may be time to seek professional help.

The Christian County YMCA is preparing for several fundraising efforts in the early part of the year.  It’s part of their mission to ensure everyone who wishes to take part in their programs is able to do so.  Speaking of programs, they are in full swing in the new year, including in the form of sports they had not provided for some time. 

In the next fundraiser, the Y is raffling off a grill.  Executive Director Bruce Blanshan says drive-through dinners are also in the works. 

For the drive-through dinners and dine-to-donate campaigns, Blanshan is also looking to increase the geographical reach of the restaurants that take part. 

As for sports programs, they have started a program for the sport of futsal.  Futsal is a five-a-side variation of soccer which is played on a hard surface.  The Y uses its existing facilities to host the program.

The Christian County YMCA is able to host groups, from small birthday parties to entire school grades.  Their location has hosted schools from longer distances thanks to the many offerings available. 

A number of maintenance projects are either in progress or planned for later.  They include indoor painting and an entrance awning. 

More information on the Christian County YMCA is available at www.ccymca.org.

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

Kaci Devore was honored at the Taylorville City Council meeting, Amy Hagen was sworn in as Alderman for Ward II, and the city approved a proposal that would allow the city to borrow up to 18 million dollars through waterworks revenue bonds. The funding would be used for improvements to the city’s water system.

Kaci Devore was recognized as the dispatcher of the year, and February 3rd was named Kaci Devore Day by Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry.  Devore was quick to praise her other dispatcher,s saying that it isn’t her but everyone that makes things work.  We congratulate Kaci Devore on being named the Dispatcher of the Year. 

Amy Hagen was sworn in as Alderman of Ward II.  Hagan says she’s excited to be on the council. 

Hagen talked about some of the goals that she hopes to see for the city and says that while she is there for Ward II, she is there for everyone in Taylorville. 

The council approved ordinances on an agreement between the City of Taylorville and the YMCA, purchasing a John Deere tractor and deck, the issuance of waterworks revenue bonds not to exceed $18,000,000 for improvements to the waterworks system, and a loan application document for lead service line replacement funding. 

Several motions concerning the airport were tabled, but a motion to sign a joint funding agreement between IDOT and the city concerning downtown rehabilitation, and a motion to establish a business license and software implementation were all approved. 

Under committee reports, the council approved in a 6-1 motion to remove some stop signs from Cheney and Adams and Cheney and Vandeveer, a purchase of an excavator a warranty plan for the lift station, and approval of a dedication to the city for the Ridge Minor Subdivision. 
Mayor Barry gave his comments.

The next city council meeting is set for 2/16/26.
 

Taylorville police responded to a report of shots fired early Monday morning in the area of Illini Drive.

According to police, officers were called to the area around 1:47 a.m. on February 2 after a woman reported hearing seven gunshots. Officers arrived within minutes and began checking the area on foot.

While doing so, officers heard a door open and a male voice make a statement, followed by a single gunshot. Police say the shot was not fired at officers. Officers immediately moved to a safe position and contacted dispatch.

Command staff, the Taylorville Emergency Response Team, and a certified crisis negotiator were called to the scene. A perimeter was established, and nearby residents were advised to remain inside their homes.

At approximately 3:43 a.m., the crisis negotiator made contact with the occupants of a residence using a loudspeaker and issued commands for those inside to exit. About 15 minutes later, one person exited and was taken into custody without incident. Two additional individuals later exited the residence and were also taken into custody without incident.

A search warrant was obtained, and the Emergency Response Team searched the residence. No additional suspects were found. Crime Scene personnel processed the scene and recovered several weapons.

Two individuals were charged in connection with the incident:

• Matthew Crowder, of Taylorville, charged with reckless discharge of a firearm.
• Michael Gonzales, of Taylorville, who is currently on parole, charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

The Taylorville Police Department thanked the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office and Christian County Sheriff’s deputies for their assistance.

Organizers for the annual Dacey Trail Candlelight Walk in Shelbyville are preparing for a second attempt at putting the event on.  It’s set now for Saturday, February 14 from 6-8 p.m.  The original date was January 17, but cold weather forced them to postpone the event.  The candlelight walk is renowned for its pure beauty on a well known trail in Shelbyville.  In addition, the rearrangement of the walk to Valentine’s Day is expected to add extra significance this year.

Bob Niestradt helps orchestrate the Dacey Trail Candlelight Walk.  He says every part of the path has enough light to keep visitors on track.

One way in which the trail is lit up is through “candlelight globes.”  These are ice spheres with lights inside.

In addition to the lights, the usual sounds of nature are present, as well.

Niestradt speaks highly of the overall aesthetic of the experience.  He says a marriage proposal even took place at last year’s walk, and with this year’s edition now set for Valentine’s Day, there’s no telling what may happen this time.

More information on the Dacey Trail Candlelight Walk is available on Dacey Trail’s Facebook page.

Bob Niestradt appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show. 

The Taylorville City Council meets Monday night, with several major infrastructure, airport, and water system items up for consideration.

Council members are expected to act on a proposal that would allow the city to borrow up to 18 million dollars through waterworks revenue bonds. The funding would be used for improvements to the city’s water system. A related resolution on the agenda would authorize the mayor to sign loan application documents for lead service line replacement funding.

The council will also consider a number of airport-related projects, including design and planning services for the rehabilitation of Taxiway A at the Taylorville Airport, approval of a $200,550 contract for hangar roof repairs, and steps toward updating the airport’s layout plan through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Other items include approval of a business district agreement amendment with the Christian County YMCA, the purchase of a John Deere garden tractor, and a proposed downtown rehabilitation funding agreement with IDOT.

The agenda also includes a recommendation to establish a business license program with an annual fee of $100, acceptance of the low bid for trash service, and several street and sewer matters, including the possible removal of stop signs at two intersections and the pursuit of equipment for city operations.

In addition, the council will recognize Kaci Devore as Dispatcher of the Year, swear in Amy Hagen as Alderman for Ward Two, and vote on appointments to city boards.

The Taylorville City Council meeting begins Monday night at 7:00 at City Hall, and is open to the public.