Car Wash City has been operating in Taylorville since 1970 and has grown into a multiple-store operation with three locations in Taylorville and two in Springfield. Owners Bob and Kathy Goeckner have made the expansion announcement for their location at 800 North Webster Street in Taylorville, introducing a new, efficient tunnel car wash and membership opportunities at all locations.

Krystal Baker, President of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce describes the current location and the self-serve dog washing factor that can be found at the 204 North Main Street location, and incoming to 800 North Webster.

The work looks to be completed at Car Wash City’s 800 North Webster location this month, says Baker.

There are two ways to gain membership with Car Wash City. One way is to download the Touch4Wash app, select your desired car wash, and find the options that suit your needs. Another way is to sign up for a membership at the car wash to receive a sticker for your vehicle that will keep membership information.

Employment is also open at Car Wash City for 800 North Webster Street, ranging from full-time to part-time and a managerial position.

Stay current on the operations at Car Wash City By following them on Facebook at Car Wash City.

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

The Lincoln Land Community College Choir and Band are inviting the public to some upcoming free concerts that will be taking place this spring on campus. The theme of LLCC’s Choir performance is “Glory”.  The choir will perform on Friday, May 3rd at 1 PM in A. Lincoln Commons.  The performance is said to include uplifting music across different styles including American Spirituals, jazz, pop, choral classics, and folk songs.  Justin Johnson, LLCC vocal music instructor is also set to perform. The choir is directed by Dr. See Tsai Chan, an instructor of music.  

The LLCC Jazz Band is set to perform in concert on Monday, May 6th at 7 PM,  in the A. Lincoln Commons.  The performance will feature “St. James Infirmary,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “That Old Black Magic,” and more.  The band is directed by Jason Waddell, LLCC professor of music.  Soloists include Dustin Suits of Loami, Miriam Carter, Colin DeFord, Aerwyna Eastvold, Ryan O’Neal of Springfield, and Nick Horn of Mason City.  

Find out more information by visiting LLCC’s website. 

There will be two separate blood drives that will take place on May 16th and 17th. On Thursday, May 16th from 10 AM until 3 PM, Taylorville Memorial Hospital will be holding a blood drive at the ImpactLife Donor Bus at TMH. On Friday, May 17th, there will be the Taylorville Christian Church & Visionway School Community Blood Drive from 11 AM until 6 PM at the Hub at 1124 N. Webster Street in Taylorville.  

To donate at the TMH blood drive contact ImpactLife Springfield at 800-747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60050.  To donate to the Taylorville Christian Church and Visionway Blood Drive contact Steve Basham at 217-824-6621 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 61296 to locate the drive. 

Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission) and weigh more than 110 pounds.  A photo ID is required to donate.  For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at 1-800-747-5401.  Donors who last gave blood on or before March 22nd are eligible to give at the drive.  

ImpactLife is the provider of blood products and services to more than 125 hospitals and Emergency Medical Services in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.  Locally, they provide to Pana Community Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital. 

Illinois House Democrats Wednesday passed legislation out of the House which Republicans say was filed at the last minute and completely lacking in transparency. 

An amendment was filed on Senate Bill 2412 Wednesday morning and it was assigned to the House Executive Committee.  A hearing was held shortly there after and on Democrat votes, it passed out of committee.   Two hours later, the bill was brought forth for a vote on the House floor.

The measure would put three questions on the statewide ballot.  Illinois currently limits the number of questions that can appear on a statewide ballot to three.  That means any other questions advocates would like to see on the ballot, have been squeezed out.   Earlier this year, advocates were in Springfield collecting signatures and discussing a possible advisory question, asking whether parents should have to grant approval for their children to receive gender-affirming care.  With the three questions approved by House Dems; the parental question, or any other planned proposal, could not be put on the fall ballot. 

State Representative Brad Halbrook says it’s an effort to freeze out Republicans.

One of the referendum issues put forth by House Dems, adds questions about a property tax relief package that Illinois Republicans say Democrats would never consider passing through the legislature to give Illinoisans the tax relief they deserve.

Senate Bill 2412 was originally about placing children in adequate homes, but the amendment has turned it into an election bill. The bill passed with 67 Democrat votes.   House Republicans all voted present as a protest vote.

The Illinois State Comptroller's Office, responsible for distributing approximately 2.9 million checks annually, is expressing concern over a proposed change in mail distribution by the US Postal Service. The change would mean redirecting state mail from a facility in Springfield, Ill., to a distribution center in St. Louis, Mo., before reaching recipients, potentially causing delays.

In a release sent by Susana Mendoza, Illinois State Comptroller, these payments are said to be crucial for providers of home service programs, emergency child support, and various human and social service entities across Illinois and neighboring states. Timely delivery is important, as even a one-day delay can significantly impact vulnerable populations served by these providers.

The Comptroller's Office is seeking assurances from USPS that the proposed change will not compromise delivery timelines. Specifically, they request a thorough impact analysis to assess potential risks and ensure plans are in place to handle any adverse effects on performance. Several Illinois Congressional delegation members have also voiced similar concerns, explaining the need for a comprehensive evaluation before implementing the distribution network shift.

The Comptroller's Office is available to discuss any questions regarding this switch and contact information can be found here. 

The City of Taylorville has seen lowered instances of crime in an offense report presented by Taylorville Police Chief, Dwayne Wheeler. The report looks at crimes from 2022 to 2023, varying from simple assault, destruction of property, theft, drug offenses and more. Chief Wheeler says numbers in almost all categories have decreased since 2022 and places much of the cause on the sobriety that is being found and the dedicated forces that guide those towards clean living.

Chief Wheeler describes the relationship between his police department and Judge Brad Paisley along with Christian County States Attorney John McWard as strong. The entities remain on the same page of arresting drug dealers while working to rehabilitate drug addicts.

Attendance has grown at local Narcotics and alcoholics anonymous meetings and Chief Wheeler is proud to often see recovering addicts helping others in need.

For information pertaining to addiction services like Safe Passage click here.

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

Lake Land College Business Division and IT Club recently welcomed 14 local high schools to the annual Business and Computer Contest. The event saw students competing in categories like accounting, general business, current events, MOS Word, MOS PowerPoint, and MOS Excel, with tests ranging from written exams to hands-on computer tasks. 

Winners were rewarded with a 3-credit-hour tuition waiver from Lake Land College, with Flora High School clinching first place in the team event. Participating high schools included Centralia, Champaign Centennial, Charleston, Dieterich, Monticello, Mt. Zion, Neoga, Oblong, Paris, Shelbyville, and Shiloh. 

Area winners include Landon Woolery of Mt. Zion, taking 2nd place in general business and current events. Elena Lockart, of Shelbyville, won 2nd place in MOS Word, and Andrew Henderson, of Neoga, took second in the same category. Aiden Hardy of Shelbyville takes 1st overall in MOS Powerpoint and Edward Davis of Dieterich places 3rd. And finishing 1st place in MOS Excel was Dieterich’s Ryan Rich and in 3rd place, was Madelyn Kendall of Mt. Zion.

Tynia Kessler, Business Division Chair, expressed delight at the turnout, speaking on the importance of students showcasing their skills and fostering interaction with area business teachers.

For more information about the event visit here. 

The 100th Annual Christian County Agriculture Fair is nearing and organizers want the public to be aware of new aspects this year that hope to remember and recognize the historic fair. New this year, opportunities for citizens to get their name engraved on a Christian County Fair plaque, CC Fair-themed license plates, and words from Illinois State Representative Brad Halbrook.

Angela Ohl-Marsters, Marketing and Promotions Director for the fair describes how to get involved in these initiatives and is excited for members of the community to bring Christian County memorabilia to put up on display.

To add to the momentous week, opening ceremonies will begin with IL Representative Brad Halbrook setting the stage for the 100th year.

The wine gala will make a return for the second year in a row and Ohl-Marsters says local music performances are planned for every night.

Tickets for the Rodney Atkins and Allie Colleen concert are available now and can be purchased here.

All Christian County Fair information can be found here.

Angela Ohl-Marsters appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

You can help children and youth in the Taylorville community that have food insecurity, by donating non-perishable food and monetary donations during this Saturday’s Taylorville Kiwanis Club Drive-Thru Donation Day this Saturday from 9 til noon at the Miller Media Group front parking lot, 918 East Park in Taylorville.

Kiwanis members will be on hand to collect your donations of non-perishable food or money.  At the end of Saturday’s effort, all food and money will be donated to the Taylorville Food Pantry to assist in their ongoing efforts to provide for children, youth, and families that have food insecurity.

This is the 5th consecutive year that the Taylorville Kiwanis Club are assisting the Taylorville Food Pantry to provide food for those in need.

 One of the largest single-day food collection initiatives is already underway and the Central Illinois Food Bank wants the community to be looking out for a donation notice in the mail. Brooke Dunn, Public Relations Manager for the Central IL Food Bank describes Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, an annual initiative that makes donation of non-perishable food items as easy as leaving the bag of goods in your mailbox.

Dunn says the selection of homes is determined by the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Such food drives supply the Central Illinois Food Bank warehouse, to begin preparing distributions for the 140 partner agencies, like the Taylorville Food Pantry that receive these donations and supply communities with a variety of items.

Learn more about the Central IL Food Bank by clicking here.

Brooke Dunn appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

The Federal Election Commission has fined the campaign for Rodney Davis after it was revealed that they filed to refund excess contributions.  In a letter that the FEC sent to Thomas Datwyler, Treasurer for Rodney for Congress, it is revealed that the civil penalty is $43,475.  It is due by May 17th.  The negotiated settlement was approved by the Commission on April 15th. 

The fees come from the 2022 campaign. According to the letter that was sent, a candidate must refund excessive contributions within 60 days if they don’t redesignate it for a campaign.  The FEC found one contribution of $3,625 and general election contributions of $479,783.82 were not refunded in the timeframe allotted.  The FEC says that all contributions have been remedied, but they weren’t done in the time required. 

The Committee states it intends to terminate its political status upon resolution. To see the letter that was sent click here. 

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the City of Taylorville’s Building and Zoning Officer, who is also the Manager of Taylorville Municipal Airport, at their weekly Tuesday meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Club president Chuck Martin (left) presided at the meeting.  Andy Goodall (center) wears multiple hats and told Kiwanis members how to research City of Taylorville City Codes, Animal Control issues and Tax Assessor information.   

He also shared information on the Taylorville Municipal Airport, telling Kiwanis members the airport property includes 292 acres including buildings, three runways and leased ground for grass to feed livestock.   Goodall added there were some 186-thousand dollars in self-serve aviation fuel sales in 2023, with about a thousand flights per year.

Club secretary Martin Vota (right) was Tuesday's program chair.

Kiwanis Membership Chair Adam Jeffrey (right) inducted new member Trisha Phillips (left), manager at Spurling Title in Taylorville.

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

The Taylorville Police Department has announced its Officer of the Quarter. Officer Matthew Nichols was named the recipient of the award for his performance this cycle.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says Officer Nichols, a valued member of Platoon A, has demonstrated unwavering dedication and outstanding commitment to his duties, particularly in the area of apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants. Wheeler says his relentless determination has made a significant impact on ensuring the safety and security of our community.

In addition to his exemplary work in the field, Officer Nichols has displayed a strong commitment to professional development. His enrollment in sniper school and continuous pursuit of self-improvement as a sniper highlight his dedication to enhancing his skills and expertise for the betterment of the department and the community.

Chief Wheeler continued by commending Officer Nichols for his positive attitude, willingness to collaborate with colleagues, and eagerness to embrace learning opportunities exemplify the values and principles of the Taylorville Police Department.

We here at Regional Radio News salute you Officer Nichols!

When Robin Williams passed away in 2014, one of the last things he said was “I just want to reboot my brain.”  An autopsy showed Williams suffered from Lewy body dementia or LBD.  LBD is still relevant for over 1.4 million Americans says Courtney McFarlin, PA, an OSF HealthCare provider who specializes in geriatrics.  It’s the second most common type of dementia behind Alzheimer’s disease. 

McFarlin says LBD is associated with Parkinson’s disease in that they both have Lewy bodies as a medical finding.  This is usually in an autopsy.  If the person is living, McFarlin says an LBD diagnosis is one of exclusion after providers have ruled other things out.  A Lewy body is an abnormal protein clump that forms in the brain’s neurons.  It’s named for Frederic Lewy, the neurologist who discovered it. 

McFarlin says that he symptoms start in conjunction with Parkinson’s type features.

The National Institute on Aging says LBD symptoms include things like visual hallucinations, changes in concentration and alertness, loss of thinking abilities, movement issues, sleep issues, behavioral changes, changes in body temperature, sensitivity to heat and cold, a poor sense of smell, and urinary incontinence. 

Treatment for LBD includes medication like Namenda, Aricept, and Exelon.  Since it’s related to Parkinson’s, Sinemet can help as well.  Patients and their caregivers must also commit to changing daily habits to make the person comfortable. There are also support groups, whether online or in person, for those who help loved ones with dementia. 

Learn more about LBD, by talking to your primary care physician. 

Soon there might be no excuse to send your child off to college without a college savings fund, as new legislation is pushing for these savings to roll over into a Roth IRA if the money is not used. Illinois State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs began this initiative in late March and says accounts like Illinois 529 savings funds, if not used, would be transferred into an IRA to kick start that student's career post-college.

Parents often think for their child's future before the child can, Frerichs says these funds can ultimately lead toward retirement savings.

Frerichs says getting this higher education is important, but many graduated students feel the looming pressures of acquiring income before things like student debt kick in.

For more information about Illinois college savings funds and the legislation click here.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.

Lincoln Land Community College’s Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach has recently received the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Loyalty Award for his dedicated service to the program since 1997 with 33 baseball seasons under his belt.

Ron Riggle has earned the NJCAA Loyalty Award for 2024, a recognition that goes to one junior college athletic director per year. Kyla Kruse, Chief Communications Officer at LLCC says Riggle’s focus on the student-athlete's success on and off their respective playing fields was the difference.

Kruse speaks on the loyalty award that Riggle received and how his consistent dedication to the students' success made the award very deserving.

The team average GPA sits at a number of which the athletes, the athletic director, and the administration are proud of, says Kruse.

More information about NJCAA Loyalty Award Winner Ron Riggle can be found here.

Kyla Kruse appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.
 

In recognition of her outstanding dedication and compassionate care, Cheyanne Renek, RN, has been named the Colleague of the Month for April at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  Renek works in the Emergency Department (ED). Renek, has been a part of the hospital since 2021 and the hospital says she has exemplified excellence in nursing, earning praise from grateful parents whose child received care under her watchful eye.

Renek's nomination for this recognition came from the parents of a young patient who required urgent care in the ED. They commended Renek for her exceptional nursing skills and her unwavering commitment to keeping them informed and supported throughout the entire process.

Her nominator expressed gratitude, saying that she was adamant about advocating for us when we had questions and concerns about how to proceed with the workup. Her nominator says that Renek always had her daughter’s best interest at heart, and never wavered. The nominator further highlighted Renek's thoughtful gesture of providing a handmade doll to comfort their daughter during a difficult time.

Renek's colleagues and hospital staff alike have applauded her dedication to patient care and her exemplary professionalism. Renek has worked for Taylorville Memorial Hospital since 2021. 

The Lake Land College Center for Business and Industry welcomed 41 students from Effingham Junior High School to campus on Friday, April 26 for “Flex Tech Friday.”

During the event, students attended four sessions to explore campus, view demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities. They also met with faculty from the Lake Land College Technology Division and learned about the many opportunities available in trades, technology, and manufacturing.

Director of the Center for Business and Industry, Bonnie Moore says it was great to share programs and resources with eager students.  She says it was rewarding to see the students take an interest in technology and learn about high-demand careers at such a young age. 

“It was great to be able to share our programs and resources with so many eager students,” Director of the Center for Business and Industry Bonnie Moore said. “It’s rewarding to see the students take an interest in technology and learn about these high-demand careers at such a young age.”

To learn more about the trades and technology programs available at Lake Land College, contact Counseling Services at 217-234-5232 or counsel@lakelandcollege.edu.  

Last fall, HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville was designated a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the Shelbyville community.

To celebrate this momentous achievement, Good Shepherd Hospital plans to hold a community celebration for all ages on Thursday, May 16 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on the hospital campus. The event will feature food, fun and a short program highlighting efforts made that supported the hospital’s journey toward being named a Critical Access Hospital.

The CAH designation is given to facilities that play a crucial role in ensuring access to healthcare services in rural areas. It signifies the hospital's dedication to meeting the unique needs of the local community and providing essential medical care to those who need it most.

Good Shepherd Hospital will continue to offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency and inpatient medical care, outpatient services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and specialized clinics. This new designation enables the hospital to focus on its mission of providing accessible and quality health care to the local community whether preventative, routine or emergency.

For more information about HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, visit hshsgoodshepherd.org.

A Knox County man has drowned in Lake Shelbyville from a boating accident.  The incident occurred at Lake Shelbyville on Sunday afternoon.  Shelby County Coroner Brad Phegley reported that 32-year-old Tanner D. Alvarado was alone in a boat near the 9th Street Beach and Boat Ramp when the accident happened.  Phegley says the water was choppy and when the boat hit a wave, it threw Alvarado into the water.  Phegley reported the boat continued operating until it could be recovered and shut down. The dive team, through witness interviews and the use of side scan sonar were able to locate Alvarado’s body.

The Shelby & Effingham County Dive Teams, Shelbyville Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, IL Department of Natural Resources, US Army Corp of Engineers, Shelby County Coroner and Abbott Ambulance. all assisted with the incident.  The Shelby County Dive Team thanked the Effingham County Dive Rescue Team for their support.  The Shelby County Dive Team is still working on getting back to full operational status.  
 

New attorney services are being offered in Shelbyville that focus on the three F’s, food, farm, and family law. Cari Rinker, a Shelbyville native, has a Master's Degree in Beef Cattle Nutrition from the University of Illinois. With a background in science and agriculture in conjunction with her vast knowledge of the state, Rinker says she is prepared to provide services for a variety of needs for local citizens.

Cari Rinker is the Owner of Rinker Law PLLC and has authored stories that have appeared on the Top 100 Blog of the American Bar Association. Rinker was also a Past-Chair of the American Bar Association's General Practice, Solo & Small Farm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee.

Rinker Law Office can be found at 229 East Main Street in Shelbyville, visit here, for more information.

Cari Rinker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in Downtown Shelbyville.
 

A new project outside of Taylorville will be bringing solar to the Ameren Grid. The Skyline Solar Project will be built on Route 48 right off McAdam. According to Angeli Chandler, Director of Communications, with Cypress Creek Renewables says that, as a benefit of being a community solar project, local Ameren Customers can sign up to receive a discount on their electric bills.  Construction began on the project at the beginning of April and is expected to be completed by the end of August. 
 

All five Memorial Health Hospitals will host flag-raising ceremonies on Tuesday, April 30th, signifying support during National Donate Life Month. Attending the event will be hospital officials and representatives from Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network and Saving Sight, they will share words for those in the public who wish to attend.

Locations and times for each flag-raising ceremony are as follows:

Decatur Memorial Hospital, 2300 North Edward Street at 11:30 a.m.

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, 1600 West Walnut Street at 3:30 p.m.

Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 200 Stahlut Drive at 4:00 p.m.

Springfield Memorial Hospital, 701 North First Street at 2:00 p.m.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital, 201 East Pleasant Street at 9:00 a.m.

April serves as National Donate Life Month, Memorial Health looks to honor donors and their families who have provided life-saving care in the form of organ and tissue donation.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has released rain totals from last night's storms that came thru the Regional Radio listening area.

Portions of Christian, Montgomery, and Macoupin Counties received between one-point-5 and 2 inches of rain overnight Sunday into Monday morning.

7 day rain totals from the National Weather Service shows between 4 and 5 inches of rain has fallen the past 7 days in portions of Sangamon County, while 3 to 4 inches were received in portions of Christian, Montgomery, and Macoupin counties.   Elsewhere, between 2 and 3 inches of rain has fallen.

Forecasters are predicting off-and-on rain showers and thunderstorms for the coming week.

The Shelby County CEO class has prepared all year for their CEO Trade Show, which appears on Wednesday, May 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Foxmore Venue in Shelbyville.

County CEO classes gain entrepreneurial skills through various group-based activities that venture inside businesses to understand what it takes to become a successful business owner. Once the students have these foundational skills they each begin their own business surrounding a passion of theirs.

CEO Members, Lizzie Reed and Jack Jokisch went on the WTIM Morning Show in Shelbyville to announce the trade show and describe their personal business that will be on display.

Lizzie Reed describes her business, Boat-Dash, a play on the popular food delivery service, Door-Dash, which will end the trouble of needing to get off of the water when people get hungry.

Jack Jokisch is starting up JJ Athletics, an agility program for young athletes who want to sharpen their skills.

Reed speaks on learning the soft skills of business, like proper handshakes and public speaking, and how those aspects have prepared her for the real world.

The Foxmore is located at 222 East Main Street in Shelbyville. Find more information about the Shelby County CEO class by clicking here.

Lizzie Reed and Jack Jokisch appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.