Two people are dead after a RV struck a train on Thursday afternoon.  On April 25th, 2024 at 12:37 PM, Christian County 9-1-1 received a call for a RV versus train crash.  The crash was located on 2300 North Road just west of IL Route 48.  The Christian County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash, and they along with the Blue Mound Fire Department, N/S Railroad Police, Illinois State Police and the Christian County Coroner's Office responded to the call.  

Initial indications show that the RV was eastbound on 2300 North Road and the train was traveling northbound.  The RV crossed onto the tracks and was struck by the train.  

The Coroner's Office has scheduled an autopsy to be held in Bloomington.  Names will be released pending the notification of family members. 

The stage is set, the instruments tuned, and voices harmonized as Taylorville gears up to present its much-anticipated annual Spring Music Festival. On Friday evening, April 26th, at 7:00 p.m., music aficionados of all ages are invited to gather at the THS West gymnasium for an evening brimming with talent and tradition.

A cornerstone of the community, this long-standing tradition showcases the musical prowess of students ranging from 4th grade to High School, embodying the district's commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and fostering a love for music among its students.

The festival will kick off with enchanting choir performances, each ensemble promising to enchant the audience with their melodic renditions. The 4th and 5th-grade choir will lead the way, inviting attendees to embark on a musical journey as they "move through music," while the combined 6th, 7th & 8th-grade choirs will illuminate the stage with their radiant voices in the "Sunshine Medley.” Closing the choir segment will be the combined THS choirs, paying homage to the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, with arrangements by the talented Dorian Chase, a proud graduate of the THS class of 2020.

Following the choir performances, the instrumental section of the event will commence, promising a symphonic delight for all in attendance. The 5th-grade band will set the stage with "The Lost Tomb," showcasing their musical talent. The 6th-grade band will then take the audience on a nostalgic journey with music from Journey, including hits like "Anyway You Want It / Don't Stop Believin'." Meanwhile, the 7th & 8th-grade band will transport listeners to the electrifying world of the movie "Grease" with their lively renditions. Bringing the instrumental segment to a crescendo will be the THS band, enthralling the audience with "Imaginarium," a musical masterpiece that promises to stir the imagination.

As the evening draws to a close, attendees will unite in a stirring finale, as the combined ensembles come together to perform the timeless classics "God Bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic," a fitting tribute to unity, patriotism, and the enduring power of music to inspire and uplift.

With anticipation building and melodies echoing in the air, the Taylorville community eagerly awaits the arrival of April 26th, when the THS West gymnasium will be transformed into a veritable symphonic oasis, resonating with the harmonious strains of the Spring Music Festival.

Taylorville Police Department is urging you to come out to the 3rd annual Cops, Coffee, Cold Scoops event! The event will be taking place Friday evening from 5 PM to 8 PM. Join them at LP Coffee and Creamery to enjoy a free coffee or ice cream cone/cup courtesy of the TPD. The police department will be taking cash, check, or credit card donations to benefit Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. 

Taylorville Police say they have such a blast at this event. TPD is keeping it as a yearly fundraiser to help them reach their goals. They will also be selling LETR merchandise at the event as well. TPD encourages you to grab your friends, and family and have some fun while raising money for a great cause!

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and save lives! The American Red Cross, in collaboration with local organizations, is hosting a series of blood drives throughout Shelbyville, Bond, Christian, and Fayette Counties during the month of May.

Shelbyville Blood Drives:
   

• On May 16th, the First Baptist Church Shelbyville will host a blood drive from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the fellowship hall, sponsored by the Shelbyville Lions Club and co-sponsored by Shelbyville Manor.

Bond County Blood Drives:
   

• Join us on May 2nd at the VFW Post 1377 Greenville from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the VFW Post 1377 hall.
   

• St. Nicholas Church Pocahontas will hold a blood drive on May 14th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the St. Nicholas Church Pocahontas hall.

Christian County Blood Drives:

• Pana High School invites you to their blood drive on May 3rd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Pana High School multipurpose room, sponsored by the Pana High School NHS.
Fayette County Blood Drives:
   

• Brownstown Community will host a blood drive on May 8th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Brownstown Elementary School cafeteria, sponsored by the Brownstown High School NHS.
   

• Join us in Ramsey on May 9th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Ramsey Grade School cafeteria.
   

• Dutch Prairie Community will hold a blood drive on May 14th from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Heartland Carriage.
   

• The Vandalia Moose Lodge will host a blood drive on May 14th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Vandalia Moose Lodge hall.
   

• Don't miss the YMCA Vandalia blood drive on May 29th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Family YMCA of Fayette County gym.

Special May Promotions:
   

• From April 29th to May 19th, donate blood and receive a free haircut coupon via email, plus a chance to win race tickets from Sport Clips. Visit rcblood.org/win for more details!
   

• Be sure to donate blood between May 20th and June 9th to receive an exclusive Red Cross shirt, available while supplies last!

Mark your calendars and join us in making a difference in our communities. Your donation can help save lives! To schedule an appointment or for more information, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Larry and Terry Schlabach are two members of the Mackville Bluegrass Band and will play host at this year's Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Shelbyville. Appearing on May 10th and 11th at the Forest Park Chautauqua Auditorium, many bands will perform, like a multiple-time Grammy-nominated headliner, traditional local bands, and Terry and Larry's Mackville group.

Workshops will also be in the mix of events during the Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival with one focusing on songwriting.

Food vendors will also be on hand at the festival.

Find more information about the Chet Kingery Memorial Blue Grass Festival by clicking here.
 

New legislation proposed by State Senator Steve McClure,  would help children facing removal from their homes after an abusive situation. When children are taken from their homes by DCFS, they sometimes end up living in a different place, far away from where they used to live. This can mean they have to switch schools, too. But Senator McClure is pushing for changes. That's why he introduced a new law to help these kids stay in the same school they were in before.

Senator McClure's new law, called Senate Bill 2824, wants to change that. It will make sure that every child who has to leave their home because of DCFS can keep going to their old school if it's best for them. This includes situations where a student is moving from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school.

The law has already passed the Senate and now moves to the Illinois House.

For more information on Senate Bill 2824 and other legislation, you can visit the Illinois Senate website or contact Senator Steve McClure's office.

The Macon County Conversation District is set to hold its 43rd annual Festival of Spring, this Saturday, April 27th from 12:00 pm. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rock Springs Nature Center in Decatur. Alysia Callison, Director of Program Services says the day will be full of fun and education for families, as groups and activities will be on hand like canoeing, homestead tours, and an appearance from some animals from Scovill Zoo.

The itinerary may say events begin at noon this Saturday but Callison notes that programs for various educational opportunities will start in the morning.

A fishing expo will take place with a professional from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says Callison.

Find more information about this weekend's Festival of Spring by clicking here.

Rock Spring Nature Center is located at 3939 Nearing Lane in Decatur.

Alysia Callison appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Operations are moving forward for Heartland Development Partners and President and CEO Cindy Frisina as multiple new projects are close to completion with others well on their way. On the west side of the Taylorville Square, The West Side Tavern and the new Legendary Small Town Trading Co. have been enjoyed by the community and are continuing to upgrade.

Frisina was very pleased with the community acceptance of the business on the Taylorville Square, saying the coffeehouse, restaurant, retail, and tasting room have attracted new individuals into the city.

Jack’s On Main is another Heartland Development undertaking that Frisina says should be completed this summer. The historic northwest corner of the Taylorville Square where Rene’s Drug Store has sat vacant will soon be transformed into the only rooftop bar in Christian County, says Frisina.

The final development that Frisina is bringing to the city is the Lincoln Hall/ Pavilion Performing Arts Center.

Frisina and the Heartland Development Partners are focused on the execution of these many developments, revitalizing Taylorville and attracting more citizens to boost the economy and social life. Find more information at heartlanddevelopmentpartners.com/about.

Cindy Frisina appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.  

Taylorville Memorial Hospital is set to host a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, April 30, shining a spotlight on the critical need for organ and tissue donation. Scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the hospital's main entrance flagpole, the event aims to raise awareness about the nearly 5,000 Illinois residents currently awaiting life-saving organ transplants, as reported by the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, serving Illinois and Northwest Indiana.

Recognizing April as National Donate Life Month, Eli Heicher, Chief Nursing Officer at TMH is honoring organ and tissue donors who selflessly provide the gift of life to others. The ceremony will not only serve as a tribute but will also feature addresses from officials representing Memorial Health, Saving Sight, and Gift of Hope.

The public is encouraged to participate in this meaningful event, with hospital staff on hand in the lobby to facilitate new donor registrations. Similar ceremonies are also slated to take place at the other four Memorial Health hospitals across Central Illinois.

Another Scott’s Law violation is the 13th ISP Move Over Law-related crash of 2024. ISP investigated a traffic crash south of Litchfield in Macoupin County on April 20th at 9:02 PM, when an ISP trooper’s squad car was hit by a motorist who failed to move over. 

The ISP squad car was parked and blocking a lane of traffic on I-55 northbound near milepost 45. 8 with emergency lights activated handling a previous crash.  The trooper was outside of their car when it was struck by a white Toyota.  The trooper and driver, 76-year-old Fred J. Stewart of Springfield, Illinois were uninjured. 

In 2024, ISP suffered 13 move-over law-related crashes that have seen five troopers injured.  In 2023, there were 21 total move-over law-related crashes with seven troopers injured, and suffered 25 crashes in 2022, leaving 13 troopers injured.  You are encouraged to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle that has its emergency or hazard lights flashing.  

A person who violates the Move Over Law Fines for violating Scott’s Law is punishable by a fine of not less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first violation.  If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for anywhere between six months and two years. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from 7 Taylorville High School students that are on the “Tommy Awards” committee, at their weekly meeting on Tuesday at the Taylorville Moose Lodge. 

The “Tommy Awards” was an idea conceived by local entrepreneur Adam Vocks in 2021 to recognize deserving staff and students in the Taylorville School District.

Nominations are accepted by the Tommy Awards committee, made up of students in the Tommy TV video production class at Taylorville High School.   Thru a thorough review process, the selections are then made.

The event is a gala the committee holds at the Taylorville High School Cafeteria, and according to the students, is a first-class social event with a catered meal. 

Anthony Ravecka is this year’s producer and told Kiwanis members the event is produced as an awards show that is telecast on the Tommy TV youtube and Facebook channels.

15 “Tommy Awards” were given to deserving Taylorville School District staff and students last year.

Student Mylie Sims said the committee’s seniors are working with underclassmen to train them for future shows.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club’s biggest fund-raiser of the year takes place this Saturday at the Moose Lodge from 6:30 til eleven.  The annual Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast offers you a delicious meal, fellowship, and all proceeds benefit Kiwanis projects for children and youth in the Taylorville community including Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, YMCA and high school scholarships.  Tickets are available from Kiwanis members or at the door.

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

The Autism and Movement Project in Pana is continuing to create opportunities for people with disabilities like the Brewin’ Hope Coffeehouse, a place of employment for those in the AAMP. Erica Matthews, Owner and Lead Instructor of the non-profit gives thanks to the community reception of the group and their support through donations and fundraising.

The AAMP is set to host a trivia night fundraiser on Saturday, May 4th at 6:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 213 South Locust Street in Pana.

The unique experiences offered by AAMP cause participants and their guardians to travel across counties to be involved. Matthews says that the monthly fee and fundraising efforts bring in sensory materials and scholarships to the AAMP members.

A recent purchase of a hanging walker now allows one wheelchair-bound member to move about the space with ease, joining his fellow AAMP peers on their feet. Matthews says this purchase was made possible by supportive area donations.

An uptick has been seen in doctor and school referrals to the AAMP group as positive results are seen time and time again, says Matthews.

Learn more about the Autism and Movement Project by finding them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMPTheAutismAndMovementProject.

Erica Matthews appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show, live from the lobby of Peoples Bank and Trust in Downtown Pana.
 

Sunday’s Christian County C-E-O Trade Show at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall was well attended with several hundred people from across the area buying goods or services from the 21 C-E-O students that introduced their businesses for the first time.

Several C-E-O board members worked the Board booth, visiting with folks about the program and asking them to vote for their “People’s Choice Award”.  For board member Amy Hagen, who also heads up the Investors’ Committee, it’s a labor of love.

Hagen visited with WRAN listeners during our live coverage Sunday afternoon, and added the fund-raising effort to keep C-E-O going in Christian County is an important one.

McKenzie Sneed is the mom of one of the C-E-O students and told us it prepares students for the future.

Sneed added her son being in the C-E-O program helped him be more outgoing.

Get more information on the Christian County C-E-O program by going on-line to christiancountyceo.com.

The Taylorville Park District Board Of Trustees met on Monday night for their regular board meeting. It was a brief meeting that was the first for Recreation Director Jessica Franks and Administrator Carolyn Morse. 

The Board Approved Minutes and the Treasurer's Report. They also approved the new administrator Carolyn Morse as the IMRF representative. 

The board then heard from the maintenance superintendent and then the new recreation Director Jessica Franks.

The board then approved bills and adjourned.

The next park board meeting is scheduled for May 28th. 
 

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is urging vehicles to slow down and move over when approaching vehicles, as one of their squad cars was sideswiped by another vehicle.  On the morning of April 21st, deputies were in the area of Willey’s handling an incident.  Both squad cars were pulled off the side of the highway, with their emergency lights activated.  A vehicle was traveling northbound on IL 48 and struck one of the squad cars.  The deputy and no other individuals were around the squad car at the time.

Scott’s Law, or the “Move Over Law” requires that drivers move over and reduce speed when passing an emergency vehicle.  Fines for violating Scott’s Law are punishable by a fine of not less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first violation, a 90-day license suspension if the violation results in property damage, 180 days to 2-year license suspension if the violation results in the injury of another person, and a 2-year license suspension if the violation results in the death of another person. 

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office is urging you to slow down, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution. 

It is unknown what happened to the individual who struck the Sheriff’s vehicle.

Litchfield gained a significant boost in emergency response capabilities as the Litchfield Fire Department has been awarded a grant from the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The grant, totaling $19,811, is earmarked for the acquisition of essential rescue equipment.

The funds will be utilized to receive Turtle Plastic Cribbing and the Apex Deluxe 4-point Rescue Jack System, both are important tools that enhance the department's capacity to handle complex rescue scenarios efficiently and safely.

Captain David Rogers played a large role in securing the grant, investing considerable effort and expertise in the application process. His dedication and strategic approach have been instrumental in guiding the competitive grant landscape and securing this vital funding for the department.

The grant represents not only a financial increase but also a testament to the department's ongoing commitment to excellence in emergency response.

A new piece of legislation will soon be up for decision that prohibits law enforcement and intelligence agencies from obtaining information from cell phones and laptops. The law would also block such records and information from being used in a trial, hearing, or proceeding. House Representative Bill 4639 will not allow law enforcement to gather evidence from technology, taken by a search warrant for crimes such as terrorism, grooming, drug-related offenses, and possible school threats.

Chief Deputy Jim Baker of the CC Sheriff’s Office expresses concern over this legislation, in line with the National Sheriffs’ Association, strongly opposing the bills. Law enforcement agencies now call on the community to get in touch with their Illinois U.S. Senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to vote “No” on House Representative Bill 4639 and its companion in the Senate S. 2576. 

Multiple search warrants have been carried out by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office in the past weeks that have found evidence of child pornography, weapons, and grooming.

Visit www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4639 for information on this piece of legislation and to get in touch with the two US Senators for Illinois, go to www.duckworth.senate.gov/connect or www.durbin.senate.gov/contact.

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

Taylorville Police Chief Dwyane Wheeler expressed much appreciation for the valuable assistance provided by Ford Motor Company and the Emergency Response Team in the wake of a recent derailment incident south of Taylorville.

Ford Motor Company donated a Ford F-150 to the Taylorville Police Department, a move that Chief Wheeler says symbolizes a commitment to community safety. This gesture not only fulfilled the department's vehicle fleet but also showed Ford's dedication to ensuring the well-being of local residents.

Chief Wheeler highlighted the ERT's decision to utilize the donated vehicle for training purposes as a move towards enhancing preparedness in emergency response scenarios. The versatility of the Ford F-150 will strongly augment the team's training capabilities, enabling them to simulate diverse situations and better equip themselves for real-world emergencies.

Acknowledging the collaborative effort, Chief Wheeler extended special thanks to the Stonington Police Department for facilitating the connection with Ford Motor Company, a partnership that made for the donation. 

Chief Wheeler commended Lieutenant Toberman, the ERT's Commander, for championing principles of safety and meticulous training within the organization. Recent investments in advanced equipment, such as grant-funded helmet-mounted cameras, further enhance the department's safety capabilities by providing total footage for analysis and training purposes.

Chief Wheeler expressed pride in the growth and readiness of the ERT, recognizing the crucial role of trained officers in safeguarding the community against unforeseen tragedies.

A record crowd attended Sunday afternoon's Christian County C-E-O Trade Show at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.  The event, broadcast live on WRAN groovy 97-point-3, was the culmination of the school year for the 21 students from across the county that enrolled in the program which focuses on learning entrepreneurial skills.

C-E-O Facilitator Neil Hohenstein told WRAN listeners during the live broadcast he was elated with the response from the public.

Hohenstein said the students learned how to work together.

Any Christian County high school senior should consider applying for next year’s class since the local C-E-O program will expand to 2 classes for 2024-25.

To apply or to get more information, go to christiancountyceo.com.

The Bluegrass Festival is making a return to Shelbyville on May 10th and 11th in the Chautauqua Auditorium in Forest Park in Shelbyville. The Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival made its debut in May of 2013 in Arcola, IL, in honor of a then recently deceased artist from the region, Chet Kingery, who performed for years with his group, the Knights of Bluegrass.

Performances will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday of the festival and on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Larry and Terry Schlabach are members of the Mackville Band and will host and perform on both days.

Forest Park in Shelbyville is located at E North 9th Street.

More information about the event can be found at www.mackvillebluegrass.com.

Larry and Terry Schlabach appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show, live from our studios in Downtown Shelbyville.
 

Kaufman Realty and Auctions held a ribbon cutting on Friday morning, opening a wide range of services up to the community, located on the Taylorville Square at 121 South Washington Street. Matt Corso will be leading the operations at Taylorville's Kaufman Realty and Auctions and has been in the realty and auction game for over 20 years.

Corso’s vision was to bring in realty and auction services that were not available to citizens in Taylorville and Christian County.

Anthony Kaufman, President of Kaufman Realty and Auctions says that with Corso’s experience and an opportune location in Central Illinois, the partnership makes for a great fit between Kaufman and Corso.

Now, Corso wants the community to know that he is here to help with services that can meet the wide variety of needs that the community might have.

Find more information on Kaufman Realty and Auctions Taylorville location by visiting kaufmanrealty.com/office/taylorville-il.

Saying there needs to be better help for juvenile offenders, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading a measure to bring emerging adult programs to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

Standing alongside advocates, experts, and fellow lawmakers, Murphy outlined her proposal at a press conference Thursday.

Senator Murphy says we should do something for our emerging adults to give them a chance. 

The measure would allow the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21-year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services. These services include individual or group therapy, case management, vocational training, and higher education opportunities.

Program participants would have to qualify based on eligibility criteria set up by the DJJ and IDOC. Transfer policies and procedures would be established by an intergovernmental agreement set by the two agencies.

Senate Bill 426 awaits further consideration from the Senate. 

Law enforcement agencies across the United States are recognizing and honoring the unsung heroes that ensure safety is on the way to people in need. The Week of April 14th is National Telecommunications Week and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office looks to highlight the dedicated staff behind the phone that

connects citizens often dealing with high-trauma scenarios to the first responders that will bring a resolution.

Chief Deputy Jim Baker of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office calls these dispatchers the glue holding precarious situations together.

The dispatchers are not only connecting people in an emergency with the first responders, Chief Deputy Baker describes that these dispatchers also understand when officers are in high-stress environments.

Chief Deputy Baker took the opportunity to read all the names of area dispatchers who complete life-saving work daily.

We here at Regional Radio News salute all first-responding dispatchers during National Telecommunications Week.

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

When thunderstorms and high winds are predicted in the forecast, Ameren Illinois recommends creating or restocking the family's home emergency preparedness kit in preparation for the spring and summer storm season. Nikki Cobb, Customer Experience for Ameren Illinois says it’s a good idea to have a kit ready to go. 

Plan ahead and organize items you may need in the event of a storm or emergency. Make sure all family members know where the kit is located. 

Ameren Illinois recommends an emergency preparedness kit stocked with the following essential items and supplies and stored in a dry area.

Ameren Illinois offers other home preparedness tips should the lights go out:
      

For more information, follow Ameren Illinois on Facebook and Twitter. 

Avoid the sticker shock and get your spring planting started off right with the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners Plant Sale, appearing on Saturday, May 4th at the Christian County Extension Office, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and staying open while supplies last.

Master Gardener, Gwen Podeschi says the plant sale is one of the biggest fundraisers for the group and helps provide services of gardening knowledge, like the help desk, to citizens.

The plant sale can also provide knowledge of the plant and its characteristics. Podeschi says the Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions for new and returning gardeners.

Podeschi says that, unlike many large plant nurseries, the plant sale will have a pricing limit of $5 per plant.

The Christian County Extension Office is located at 1120 North Webster Street in Taylorville and more information can be found at extension.illinois.edu/events/2024-05-04-master-gardener-plant-sale.

Gwen Podeschi appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.