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. 

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.

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.

You get the opportunity to see the businesses that 21 Christian County C-E-O students have created, during this Sunday’s trade show from 2 til 5 at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

The students, who come from various high schools in Christian County, have spent the last 8 months learning entrepreneurial skills, touring county businesses, and learning from mentors.

C-E-O facilitator Neil Hohenstein told Regional Radio News the students the trade show is a culmination of several months’ of learning what it’s like to be an entrepre

Again you’re welcome to attend this Sunday’s Christian County C-E-O Trade Show from 2 til 5 at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

Online training is becoming a much bigger trend and the University of Illinois Extension program is extending that into gardening. Master Gardeners are encouraging you to take your love of gardening to the next level in 2024 by joining an online training course. Whether you are interested in the Master Gardener Certification process, want to volunteer, or simply want to become a better gardener, Illinois Gardener Training is for you. 

The training includes videos, a manual, reading materials, and quizzes. The course can be completed in 14 weeks with four hours of weekly work. A strong internet connection is highly recommended. This course is aimed at exposing participants to in-depth horticulture content through 13 modules including soils and fertilizers, plant diseases, entomology, pest management organic gardening and more. For more information, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/mg/become-master-gardener.  The course costs $300 and registration is open until May 20, 2024. Local fees may also apply.

After finishing training, participants have the option to put their newfound gardening knowledge to use by applying to become an Illinois Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. To become a Master Gardener, you must fill out and submit an application by contacting your local county Extension office. After the local coordinator reviews the application, applicants will be asked for an interview. Acceptance of trainees will be based on an established need for local Master Gardener volunteer activities. Please note that different counties have different periods for accepting applications and applying does not guarantee acceptance, as some units receive more applications than spaces available for training. 

Master Gardener volunteers participate in education programs in their communities. Those opportunities may include speaking at garden clubs, civic groups, or schools; answering calls or emails at garden help desks; establishing demonstration gardens that serve as educational tools; and educating citizens on how to establish community gardens.  For more information, contact your local Illinois Extension Office at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice. 

The Christian County C-E-O Investor Relations Committee held their annual breakfast this (Thurs) morning at the Pillars Event Center in Taylorville, to honor those who have contributed to the program which enables high school seniors in the county to learn entrepreneurial skills.

Committee chair Amy Hagen told Regional Radio News the event was a way to say thanks to those who give money to keep the program going in the county.

Christian County C-E-O President Doctor Bill Beyers told Regional Radio News the annual breakfast is an important occasion to honor those give the money to keep the program going.

Doctor Beyers added the dollars raised are even more important next year with a 2nd class being added in the county.

Don’t forget you’re invited to help this year’s 21 C-E-O students launch their businesses, by attending this Sunday’s trade show from 2 til 5 at the Taylorville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.  

Get more information on the Christian County C-E-O program on-line at christiancountyC-E-O-dot-com.

Memorial Health is accepting applications for a free three-day healthcare careers summer camp for junior and senior high school students to be held June 10-12th from 10 AM until 4 PM at the Memorial Learning Center Campers will participate in hands-on learning activities and informative learning opportunities will include interactions with Memorial colleagues, college faculty, and undergraduate students.  

Career assessments, guest speakers, simulated work environments, career networking, a suture skills lab, and other activities will be included.  College prep activities will be utilized to prepare for a variety of healthcare education pathways. The camp is offered free of charge and will include lunch and snacks daily.  Registration is open until April 30th at 5 PM and selected applicants will be notified by May 6th.  Parent or guardian consent is required.  You can learn more and register, by calling 217-788-0034 or visiting memorial.health/health-careers-camp. 

Multiple constituent-driven pieces of legislation have passed through the Illinois Senate after being coordinated and fought for by Senator and Republican Floor Leader Steve McClure. Senator McClure has moved 6 bills successfully through the Senate with one awaiting further consideration after being given an extension.

McClure states that this session has seen bipartisan support on many of the bills, a dynamic that he says is not shared in the Illinois House of Representatives.

A resident of Chatham IL,  brought issues to Senator McClure that involved the Illinois Department of Transportation spraying pesticides along roadways that were contaminating residential property. Upon Further investigation, Senator McClure uncovered the dangerous cocktail of chemicals that was being spread into backyards and pools.

After a dangerous, multiple-vehicle crash that spilled anhydrous ammonia in Teutopolis, killing five people, Senator McClure seeks to add more education into the driver’s ed classes that teach students the importance of safety around these tankers.

More information on Senator McClure's legislation can be found at senatormcclure.com.

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

The lottery for available boat docks, lake lots, and campgrounds in Taylorville will be held on Monday, April 22nd, at 5 PM at the Lake Shop.  If you are signing up, bring a photo ID along with proof of residence like a water or electric bill for in-town residents.  If you show up without those items, you may not be able to sign up.  

If you currently have a lot and want to try for another, you must sign paperwork to give up your current lot if your name is drawn.  Lake Taylorville says this will apply to everyone that is wanting to sign up for the lottery, whether you now have a lot or not.  The limit is one lot per household.  

For Campgrounds, it’s $857 plus $300 security deposit, for Lake Lots, $600 plus $300 security deposit, and for boat docks, $250. Lists and maps will be available at the Marina and the City Clerk’s Office. 

Taylorville Junior High School fifth-grade students might only be in the first year of their middle school careers, but they are setting the tone for future generations of young learners. Two recent initiatives have ignited the student's passion for learning and relationship building with the Tornadoes Together Program and the recent participation at the STEM Fair in Rochester.

Students Amber Achenbach and Ally Koniak explained that Tornadoes Together extends a friendly hand to FACeS (Functional Academic and Communication Skills) students or students with disabilities. Amber and Ally hope that the program eventually becomes normalized and implemented for future learners.

Keagan Heimsness and Truman McKenzie have ventured into the world of computer software and coding. The fifth graders were up to the task when fielding questions from STEM fairgoers and have future plans to continue their interests in technology.

There are many opportunities to become a well-rounded student while at TJHS. Principal Eric Bruder spoke on the many clubs offered such as office assistance, student council, jazz band, media assistance, drama club, and a popular Dungeons and Dragons Club, and more.

Matt Peabody, Student Services Coordinator, works with the Tornadoes Together Program and says it was completely student-driven, Peabody calls the initiative inspiring.

TJHS Dean of Students, Jodi Acree says that attendance rates are going up and students are present to enjoy the many academic and extracurricular opportunities available to them.

Students Amber Achenbach, Ally Koniak, Keagan Heimsness, and Truman McKenzie along with administrators, Principal Eric Bruder, Matt Peabody, and Jodi Acree appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.

A Taylorville Junior High School student has been selected as a student leader for the Abe Lincoln Region of the Illinois Principals Association.  Madison Krachum has been selected and Junior High Principal Eric Bruder made the announcement saying that Krachum represents the very best of the student body at TJHS.  He says, she is kind, takes the time to encourage her peers, and engages in meaningful ways with both students and staff. 

Bruder says Krachum is involved in many community activities and organizations.  She is a leader in the Student Council, Scholastic Bowl Team, Band, and TJHS Student Library Assistants.  

She will be honored on May 8th, 2024 at the University of Illinois Springfield.  Breakfast will begin at 9 AM with a small program beginning at 9:30 AM.  Dr. Lindsay Hall will be the keynote speaker.  We here at Regional Radio News salute you Madison Krachum!

The Villas of Holly Brook Shelbyville, an assisted living community located in Shelbyville, IL, has achieved a deficiency-free annual survey administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Meridian Senior Living Regional Director of Operations, Shannon Paden, says that this survey is a testament to the excellence in care provided by the senior living community. 

Nicole Perry, Executive Director, expressed her excitement, saying that receiving this news was thrilling and that the dedicated staff works tirelessly, delivering meticulous care to residents and families. 

Achieving a deficiency-free survey in Illinois requires meeting or exceeding all state and federal standards across all services provided at the facility. According to a 2023 KFF analysis, only about 2% of Illinois senior communities—approximately 24 out of 1,200 long-term care facilities—were deficiency-free.

Assisted living communities in Illinois undergo regular inspections without prior notice to ensure compliance with state regulations. These inspections encompass interviews, physical premise inspections, observation of operations, and record reviews, covering various aspects such as care quality, safety measures, residents' rights, and confidentiality.

Located close to the popular destination Lake Shelbyville, The Villas of Holly Brook Shelbyville is currently accepting new move-ins. Residents enjoy inclusive amenities and a pet-friendly environment. The community’s dedicated staff provides essential support, including bathing, dressing, medication management, and crisis response. They also organize engaging daily activities such as holiday-themed events, games, gardening, crafts, and music sessions to ensure residents remain active and connected. To learn more about The Villas of Holly Brook Shelbyville, visit www.villashollybrookshelbyville.com or call (618) 526-0100.

Wright’s Furniture is offering a zero-tax sale for the rest of April on all in-stock inventory at their locations in Taylorville, Robinson, and Dieterich. In honor of summer approaching, Saleswoman, Sandy Carter speaks on the wide range of home and outside furniture options available, the long-lasting quality of the items, and the delivery services.

Carter says buying furniture is not a reoccurring event for many, so individuals and families might have some “sticker shock” when venturing out for a new couch or recliner. The No Tax Sale looks to ease the financial burden of purchasing an investment in one's home.

Wright’s features brands such as Lazy Boy, Flex Steel, and Country Woodworking. Carter notes that Wright’s Furniture features their own line of mattresses that can not be found anywhere else.

Purchasing a piece of furniture is half the battle, delivery and move-in end up becoming a sticking point in the process. Wright’s is here to help you with all of the details including, delivery, set-up, and even removal of the furniture that is being replaced.

Find Wright’s Furniture in Taylorville at 400 North Webster Street, in Dieterich at 113 North Main Street, and in Robinson at 1317 East Main Street. You can also call 217-824-9123 for more information.

Sandy Carter appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

The Taylorville Fire Department purchased a new Freight-Liner Tanker Fire Truck to add to their fleet of vehicles and was approved at a city council meeting to receive $107,000 from the Business Development District for needed repairs to their facility.

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry wants the community to understand the importance of the 1% sales tax placed on Taylorville retailers and hotels, the funds gathered are used to help in any project that benefits the district. New equipment and building upkeep for the Taylorville Fire Department make for efficient and reliable first responders.

Taylorville will soon see the $5-million redevelopment in the downtown area as BDD funds look to create the infrastructure suitable for more businesses and living arrangements on the second floors.

For more information on Taylorville developments or BDD contact 217-824-2101.

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

Christian County Board met on Tuesday evening for their regular monthly board meeting.  After roll call and minutes, the board approved appointments for Joe Dorr to the Owaneco Fire Protection District and Ron Verardi to the Taylorville Fire Protection District.  The board approved some ordinances including zoning variance applications.  Chairman Bryan Sharp says the first one was for Sloan Implement Company at 2050 North Road and Illinois Route 29.  

The next zoning variance application was for Central Commodity FS on Vandeveer in Morrisonville.  

The next zoning variance application was for Warren Elder at 1871 East 2850 North Road in Blue Mound. 

All zoning variance applications were approved. Under agenda items, it was approved to move committee meetings to 6 PM instead of 6:30 PM. A resolution was adopted in the migrant asylum seeker resolution. Chairman Sharp said that the Board does not intend to seek funding from Illinois to fund migrants or asylum seekers. 

The board adopted salaries for the circuit clerk and coroner. Under new business, the board tabled a motion on the Taylorville-Christian County Enterprise Zone. There was a little discussion on the Kincaid Ash Pond. The board waited to send a letter until they got further information on what is actually taking place there. 

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

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

Sergeant Alan Mills, a 20-year-veteran of the Taylorville Police Department, is the School Resource Officer at Taylorville High School and Memorial Elementary School.  Sargent Mills gave an outline of why more and more school districts around the country have law enforcement officers in their buildings as a deterrent to gun violence in schools.

Sergeant Mills said the Columbine, Colorado High School shootings changed the landscape for schools nationwide.  Today, over 65-percent of the country’s schools have a School Resource Officer, with over 50-thousand in schools across the United States. 

He complimented the Taylorville School District and Administration for the great cooperation he’s received.   In addition to having a presence in the 2 schools, he serves as crossing guard at the busy Springfield Street crosswalk at the high school, and speaks to classes on law enforcement.

He told Kiwanis members it was thru a combined effort between he and school officials, that made the discovery of a look-alike pistol in a student’s possession. He showed the club a picture of the gun and described the events that unfolded:

You can help the Taylorville Kiwanis Club raise money for their many projects benefiting children and youth, by purchasing tickets for their annual Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Saturday, April 27th at the Moose Lodge.   Advance tickets are available from Kiwanis members, at Taylorville Community Credit Union, People's Bank and Trust Taylorville branch, and the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce office on the square.   They can also be purchased the day of the event at the door.  Proceeds benefit such Kiwanis projects as Coats for Kids, Kiwanis Park, high school and Y-M-C-A scholarships, and helping fund other local non-profit organizations with similar goals.

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

Illinois State Police are warning of a dust storm on I-72 between mileposts 80 – 85.  This is impacting I-72 travel in both directions, motorists speed and visibility are severely diminished.  Take your time and get to where you need to go.  GIve yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination and remember conditions can change rapidly.  

Update:  We are now being told that I-72 is closed for that section of highway. We will provide updates when they are released. 

An Assumption man accused of 20 counts of child pornography under the age of 13 will have to stay in jail until his trial. Nicholas Vaughn was in Christian County Court on Monday afternoon and detention was found appropriate. After arguments were heard, and release was denied, Vaughn waived arraignment, pleaded not guilty, and demanded trial by jury.  He also asked for time to hire private counsel. A request for the public defender was denied after a look at Vaughn's financial circumstances. Vaughn's first appearance with counsel will be on April 22nd, at 10 AM. 

A growing business in Pana is also finding success in its partner stores in Decatur and Lincoln. Dali Bliss Boutique is located at 39 South Locust Street in Pana and Owner, Jody Suey says she is excited to bring more local shopping options to the community. Suey explains that the Decatur location is a salon and boutique which is where she got her start five years ago.

Suey gives the breakdown of the three locations, saying that the Pana store is the result of good timing and Jody’s husband being a native of Pana.

Suey looks to bring more events to the Pana location. Thursday, April 18th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., nurses will be on hand providing services like permanent jewelry and lip filler.

Starting a business was scary at first, says Suey. She says she started with only a salon where she was the sole operator, which grew into a multiple-store operation in 2019.

Dali Bliss in Decatur is located at 159 West Main Street in Decatur, in Lincoln, 604 Broadway Street suite 2, and in Pana, 39 South Locust Street.

Check them out online at dalibliss.com.

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

The Taylorville City Council gathered for a regular meeting on Monday, April 15th, at 7:00 p.m. The topics discussed included motions to approve road closures for the Memorial Day Service, the Taylorville Fire Department receiving funds from the BDD, and the status of the bent flag pole at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Alderman, Randy Mitchelson spoke on the bent flag pole, stating that he believes the pole should be moved to a new location and preserved as a historical monument. No motion was made and Mayor Barry says he looks to continue the conversion in upcoming meetings.

The Taylorville Fire Department Trustees gave a presentation to the City of Keys for the new Pierce Freightliner Dryside Tanker fire truck, passing off the keys to Mayor Bruce Barry.

Under ordinances, the GSI Group was approved for a time extension to install and make a functioning subject solar energy facility. Limiting cigarette and tobacco licenses to 20 and increasing fines to $750 carried unanimously. The Taylorville Fire Department was approved to receive $107,000 from BDD for needed repairs on their building. Road closures were approved for Cherokee Street going south to Gandy Street, to Second and First Streets on Monday, May 27th, for the Memorial Day Service from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Taylorville Girls Track Team was honored as athletes Emma Althoff, Ella Goodman, Ava Odam, Olivia Woodward, Alyssa Andreatta, Sydney Lowis, Lyla Repscher, and Liliella Vail accepted the mayor's proclamation to mark April 15th, 2024 as 2024 Taylorville High School Girls Track Team day. 

The City Attorney, Rocci Romano, and Mayor Bruce Barry gave their reports. Mayor Barry gave updates on golf cart regulations and city property.

All members of the board were present except for Kathy Driskell and omnibus votes were all approved for previous meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

The next Taylorville City Council meeting is set for May 6th.
 

Altamont Police Department is investigating after a body was found in water in Altamont on Sunday.  Effingham County Dive Team, Sheriff's Office, and Coroner's Office investigated a body that was found in a pond just south of Interstate-70 in the 100 block of South Frontage Street in Altamont around 7 PM. The identity of the man is being withheld, pending notification of the family. The investigation is being led by the Altamont Police Department.

Route 185 has closed a portion of the road between Hillsboro and Coffeen, after a sinkhole opened up in a field nearby.  According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the sinkhole has shut down a portion of Route 185 for an indefinite amount of time. The road is closed while a geotechnical consultant evaluates the situation.  The sinkhole has slightly increased, making the area unsafe for travel.  

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced two separate road construction projects that will be taking place in both Effingham and Mt. Zion.  In Effingham, construction of the turn lanes on Fayette Avenue through the Raney Street intersection in Effingham begins today. This closure is part of the Fayette Ave reconstruction project. 

Resurfacing on Illinois 121 through Mount Zion, from U.S. 36 to the south limits of Mount Zion, will also resume today. The upgraded traffic signals and sidewalk ramps included in this $11.9 million project have been completed, with the milling, resurfacing and striping remaining. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction with traffic control signs, arrow boards and barricades directing traffic. Benefits from this project include a smoother driving surface and safer intersections. The project is expected to be completed by mid-June.

In Effingham, through April 29, Fayette Avenue you will not be allowed to turn left onto Raney Street, but one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained on Fayette Avenue through the intersection. Only right turns onto Fayette Avenue from Raney Street will be allowed, and through traffic is prohibited. The northbound traffic on Raney Street wanting to turn left will be detoured utilizing Grove Avenue and Henrietta Street. Eastbound traffic wanting to access the Speedway gas station will use their east entrance. Signs and message boards will be posted to direct traffic during this partial closure.

If you are traveling through the area you can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, the use of alternate routes should be considered. You are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Four of Rebuild Illinois included approximately $12.1 billion of improvements statewide on 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges, and 762 additional safety improvements.

For IDOT District 7 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict7 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com, which you can find on www.taylorvilledailynews.com.