LLCC Students Hold Food Drive in Taylorville

4/04/2009

TAYLORVILLE -- Students in Lincoln Land Community College’s Introduction to Human Services course recently held a class food drive to benefit the Taylorville Food Pantry.

According to instructor Tara Jacobs, “During the semester we examine human service organizations, their history, philosophy and methods of operation. The students are required to complete 12 hours of community service within their community at three different locations.”

Once the service hours are completed, students must complete a personal reflection paper for each community service site. “My goal is for students to better understand the populations in need of services as well as what it takes to deliver these services,” said Ms. Jacobs. “To be a true asset to your community, I believe you must give back to it. Ideally the students will continue to engage in volunteer opportunities even when the class is over.”

The project came about after student Kevin Clarke volunteered his time at the pantry. He brought the idea of a food drive to the class. Students then donated food items for Mr. Clarke to deliver to the pantry.

Jim Brubaker, executive director of LLCC’s Eastern Region Education Center in Taylorville, said, “College is much more than going to class. I am pleased that Ms. Jacobs has chosen to incorporate service learning into her classroom.”

Quinn Signs Two Bills

4/04/2009

Governor Pat Quinn signed two major bills Friday designed to reform the state’s pension systems and put people to work.

The first bill revamps the boards that run the pension systems for state employees, teachers, and others. Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon says those changes are in response to the scandals that have recently plagued the systems.

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Governor Quinn says a larger plan is expected to come later, but for now this should help start getting Illinois back on track.

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The second bill creates a three billion dollar capital program to get road and mass transit projects underway this spring and get people working. The governor and lawmakers say they’d like to see a larger infrastructure plan passed later this session.

Lawmakers Busy Friday: Mortgage Legislation Passes

4/04/2009

Lawmakers in the Illinois House Friday passed legislation to help those who want to pay off their mortgages early.

The bill, sponsored by representative Chuck Jefferson of Rockford, prohibits mortgage prepayment penalties from being assessed to homeowners.

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But critics, like representative Chapin Rose of Mahomet say this bill will just mean higher interest rates in the long run.

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The measure now moves to the senate.

Eddy Legislation Helps Two Local Schools

4/04/2009

Legislation sponsored by state representative Roger Eddy that will come to the aid of two school districts in the state of Illinois that have been hit by natural disasters, has been approved by the Illinois House of Representatives. It now moves on to the senate for their consideration.

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The bill authorizes Martinsville community unit district 3C to issue up to 4 million dollars in bonds to rebuild a school, damaged during the floods of 2008. It also authorizes Gillespie Community unit school district 7 to issue bonds not to exceed the amount of 22 million dollars, to deal with a recent mine subsidence event that resulted in structural damage to an elementary school. In addition, the bill also provides that bonds saw under this legislation must be repaid within 25 years.

19 Count Indictment Pins Blago On Corruption Charges

4/03/2009

(Chicago, IL) -- Federal prosecutors say former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich plotted and schemed from before his first election til his arrest last December to use his office as a way to get rich and abuse his power. A new, 75-page, 19-count indictment charges Blagojevich with 16 felonies including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and making false statements to federal agents. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald says Blagojevich "engaged in a wide-ranging scheme to deprive the people of Illinois of honest government." The charges replace a complaint filed against the former Governor after his December 9th arrest.

Second Annual Blues Fest Set For May 30th

4/03/2009

(Taylorville) Building on the success of last year’s event, the Taylorville Main Street Board is working on plans for the 2nd annual Barbeque Blues and Cruise Festival, set to come to the Christian County Fair Grounds Saturday May 30th. Main Street Executive Director Michelle Merker says the group is working hard to include local businesses on this year’s event, in hopes of drawing even more people than last year.

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Aside from the Kansas City Barbeque Society cook-off, the day’s festivities will also include an amateur cook-off, classic car show and three blues bands.

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For more information on the Barbecue Blues and Cruise Festival, check out Taylorville Main Street’s web-site, Downtown-Taylorville.com.

Trout Released Into Manner's Park Pond

4/03/2009

Taylorville is starting to gear up for what some speculate to be one of the busiest starts to the Spring Trout fishing season since the state began this program.

On Thursday, Clear Lake Fish Hatcheries of Ava, MO released 230 pounds of trout into the south pond at Manners Park. Most of the fish released were rainbow trout, however there were some speckled trout throw into the mix. As Ross Hutzel explains, the fish stocked in Manners Park can weigh up to three pounds.

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To ensure the safety and equal opportunity to harvest the trout, Manners Park has posted signs notifying anglers that the pond is off limits for fishing until the official kick off of Spring Trout season which begins at 5 AM this Saturday, April 4th.

Jim Lindsey of Lindsey’s Baitshop offers up some advice for anglers trying to land the ‘big one’ this weekend.

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In order to harvest the fish legally, anglers must have a valid Illinois fishing license, as well as an in-land trout stamp. Children 16 and under are not required to have a fishing license or trout stamp to participate. For more information on the Spring Trout season, visit I-fish-illinois.org or visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at www.dnr.state.il.us/

Fourth Of July Planning Underway In Shelbyville

4/03/2009

(Shelbyville) Summer may still seem like it’s an eternity away, but one local town is already laying the groundwork for their Fourth of July celebration. The Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce released preliminary details this week about the annual event, which will include festivities on Friday and Saturday July 3rd and 4th in Forest Park. Tad Mayhall with the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce explains what folks can expect to see this year.

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Several meetings will be held in upcoming months to finalize plans for the event. Mayhall says donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

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Again the number for the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce is 774-2221.

Mitchell's ICC Bill Moves To Floor

4/03/2009

Legislation calling for better downstate representation on the Illinois Commerce Commission has advanced to the floor of the Illinois House.

Representative Bill Mitchell who represents part of Christian County, is the sponsor of the Bill, which calls for at least two of the Commission's five members to reside within Ameren service territory. There are currently no commissioners representing customers served by Ameren, and Mitchell says it's only fair downstate have representation on a board that has continually approved rate hikes for the utility.

Rep. Mitchell believes having ICC commissioners from Ameren territory will make them think twice before "rubber stamping" rate increases for the utility. He says the board, as it currently exists, is out of touch with how the hikes are effecting downstate residents.

ICC commissioners are appointed by the Governor. Currently, four of the members reside in ComEd served northern Illinois, while one resides in Springfield, which is served by a city-owned utility. Mitchell's legislation would require that the next two upcoming vacancies be filled by appointees from Ameren territory. The next term expiration is in January of 2010.

The ICC approved a 161-million dollar rate increase for Ameren last September, and the company announced earlier this year it plans to seek another multi-million dollar rate hike this summer.

Rep. Mitchell's measure was approved in the House by unanimous vote, and will now head to the Senate for their consideration.

Senate Green Lights "Mini Capital Bill

4/03/2009

The Illinois senate is moving forward with what lawmakers are calling a “mini” capital bill.
The nine billion dollar plan contains just a sampling of what officials want to achieve, but Senator John Sullivan of Quincy says Illinois can’t wait.

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The nine billion plan is funded with both state and federal dollars. Senator Christine Radogno says this is just a small portion of what they hope to pass, but says it’s a good start.

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The capital bill also includes money to re-open state historic sites…pay overdue Medicaid bills, and improve mass transit. The measure still must be approved by the House and Governor. Lawmakers will likely tackle a larger plan later this month.

LLCC To Host Obama Discussion

4/03/2009

The public is invited to a discussion Tuesday afternoon, April 14, entitled “Obama: The First 100 Days,” presented by three political science professors at Lincoln Land Community College.

The presentation will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Robert H. Stephens Room of Menard Hall and is co-sponsored by LLCC’s Political Science Department and the Academy of Lifelong Learning.

Analyzing the beginning of the Barack Obama presidency will be professors Chris McDonald, Ph.D., Mark Roehrs, Ph.D. and John Vinzant, Ph.D.

Local Farmers Could Begin Planting Next Week

4/02/2009

(Christian County) After a historically late planting and harvest season for farmers in Central Illinois, wet and cold conditions are expected to again delay most farmers from getting their corn and beans in the ground locally. U of I Extension Christian County Natural Resources Educator Gary Letterly says while seeds are expected to go in sooner than last year, a cold and wet early spring will keep farmers out of the fields until at least next week.

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While the conditions aren’t right for planting just yet, Letterly says there is still plenty of prep work for farmers to do.

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Recent reports have indicated that corn acreage across the state is expected to grow in 2009, while bean acreage could taper off a bit. Letterly says he doesn’t expect much movement either way over last year’s numbers locally.

Taxes Due In a Fortnight

4/02/2009

Along the start of baseball season, Easter and the fabled showers that will hopefully bring May Flowers, April also marks the tax-filing deadline, Wednesday April 15th. With under two weeks to go, Laurie Henry from H & R Block has a few things you should keep in mind before you square up with Uncle Sam.

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The earned income tax credit and the first time home buyers rebate are two things that Henry says could confuse some filers this year.

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H& R Block in Taylorville is offering free ‘second look’s this weekend for people who prepared their own taxes this year or had someone else do it. The office is Located at 926 W. Spresser in Taylorville.

LLCC To Host Patent Workshop

4/02/2009

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Lincoln Land Community College is hosting a new workshop for business owners and prospective business owners. “Patent, Trademark and Copyrighting” will be held Monday, April 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at LLCC’s Springfield East Campus, 1507 E. Cook St., Springfield. Registrations for the workshop are currently being accepted.

This workshop will provide participants with accurate information and details as to how they can achieve the status that better serves their business’s needs. Information will be provided regarding a business’s intellectual property protection needs including the process or application copies for the inventor, criteria or information about the registration process for a “source of goods owner;” and authorship definitions or the required forms for those designing original works.

“Some people confuse the purpose or may misunderstand patents, copyrights and trademarks. Although there may be some similarities among these kinds of intellectual property protection, they are different and serve different purposes. In their own respective way, each of these processes is intended to protect a business owner’s efforts in their business and its future,” according to Linda Dillon, small business specialist with the ISBDC.

The presenter for the workshop is Margaret J. Collins, library program specialist at the Illinois Library’s Patent and Trademark Depository Library. Ms. Collins has worked in this capacity for more than seven years and trains inventors and entrepreneurs to conduct patent and trademark searches. The Illinois State Library became a United States Patent and Trademark Depository Library in 1984 and is one of only two patent libraries in the state.

There is no cost for the workshop; however, registration is required. To register, call the Illinois Small Business Development Center at 217.544.7232.

House Saddled With Horse Slaughter Bill

4/02/2009

House lawmakers are voting against legislation that overturns the ban on horse slaughtering in Illinois.

A few years ago, state legislators passed a ban on horse slaughtering for human consumption, shutting down the country’s last plant in Dekalb. But representative Jim Sacia of Pecatonica says that ban has actually hurt horses, because people don’t know what to do with their old and unwanted animals. He says some are abused or abandoned, or sent to Mexico for slaughter.

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Critics argue the practice is barbaric no matter where it’s done. Sacia says he may try again to get the measure passed this session.

Lawmakers Shoot Down Primary Overhaul Bill

4/02/2009

A bill allowing open primary elections in Illinois was easily defeated in the state senate Wednesday.

Some lawmakers have tried for years to change how primaries are run in Illinois, so voters can cast a ballot without having to declare a political party. Supporters say that would increase voter turnout, but opponents, like senator Terry Link of Lake Bluff, argue the current system is fine.

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The measure failed on a 17 to 37 vote.

Social Security 'Recovery' Checks To Be Sent Starting May 1st

4/02/2009

People on fixed incomes relying on social security benefits can expect an extra check in the mail later this spring. As part of the American reinvestment and recovery act sign into law earlier this year, the Federal government begin doling 13 million dollars to those relying on social security. That breaks down to a one-time payment of $250 dollars to most SSI beneficiaries. Public affairs Specials Jack Meyers with the Springfield Social Security office explains exactly who is available for the extra scratch.

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Meyers says the payments will go out starting May 1st, but everyone may not get their check right away.

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More information on the payments is available at the website: Social Security dot gov. Again the phone number for the social security office in Springfield is 1-800-772-1213.

Minor Injuries Caused In Fender Bender

4/01/2009

(Taylorville)An Assumption man was hospitalized following an accident in Taylorville Saturday. According to a report from the Taylorville Police Department filed Wednesday, 17 year old Kayla K. Stephens of Edinburg rear ended a vehicle driven by 49 year old Kellee L. Weimer of Assumption, as she attempted to turn into a parking lot on South Webster. Neither Stephens nor Weimer reported injuries, but a passenger of Weimer's vehicle, 34 year old Brian Waller, was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Mayoral Candidates Weigh In On 'Open Line'

4/01/2009

(Taylorville) With just days remaining until the Taylorville city elections, the race garnering the most attention continues to be the one to determine the next mayor of the city. What started as a crowded pool with incumbent Frank Mathon originally indicating he would seek re-election, and 23-year-old Dave McCoy throwing his hat into the ring, has shrunk to two candidates as both Mathon and McCoy have withdrawn their bids. This Tuesday, voters will decide between current Ward 4 Alderman John Podeschi, and Taylorville Police Lieutenant Greg Brotherton to take over the city's top job. During the homestretch of their campaigns that have spanned over the past several months, both candidates recently appeared on the WTIM-Open Line program. During their respective interviews, both candidates discussed what drove them to seek the office. Podeschi says he felt as the candidate field thinned, the city needed a Mayor with experience in managing municipal finances and personnel.

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Brotherton says he is looking for a new challenge following a two decade career in law enforcement, and feels he can bring fresh ideas to the office of Mayor.

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An ongoing issue throughout the campaign is the perceived need to remedy the city’s crumbling infrastructure, including and aging storm and sewer water system that often leaves flooded front yards after sizable storms. Brotherton says the improvements are vital to city in terms of attracting new businesses and citizens to Taylorville.

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Podeschi agrees that the need for improvements are eminent, and says that the health of area citizens are at stake if nothing is done.

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Steve Butera and Matt McLemore conducted the interviews for Brotherton and Podeschi respectively, which aired March 27th and March 31st.
Voters will choose the next Mayor, along with a host of other city and township officials next Tuesday April 7th.

Main Street Secures Farmer's Market Grant

4/01/2009

(Taylorville) The Taylorville Main Street Organization expects this year’s Farmers Market in downtown Taylorville to grow significantly from last year, in terms of both the number of vendors and customers. ‘Main Street’ recently obtained a matching grant from the Illinois Ag Department, which could further catalyze the market’s growth. As Michelle Merker explains, the grant will be used solely to promote this year’s farmers market, and should result in an increase in customers and producers.

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Merker says a number of upcoming ‘Main Street’ events will be linked to the Farmers Market. In essence, one could call the Farmers Market the nucleus of Main Street’s schedule.

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The Taylorville Main Street Farmer’s Market kicks off May 16th, and will be open for business every Saturday from 9am ‘til 1pm, until October 24th.

Chamber Accepting Outstanding Citizen Nominations

4/01/2009

(Taylorville) The Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is poised to present the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award at their upcoming annual banquet on May 1st. As Chamber CEO Fred Ronnow explains, the award is given to those who have showcased extraordinary service to their fellow citizens.

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Nomination and criteria forms are currently available at the Chamber office. Ronnow says an undisclosed committee of five chooses the citizen of the year.

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Last year’s winner was Taylorville Main Street Executive Director Michelle Merker. For more information on the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award contact the Chamber Office at 824-4919.

Shelbyville Industrial Development Committee Hosts Shelbyville School Board Election Forum

4/01/2009

(Shelbyville) Continuing with the Shelbyville Industrial Development Committee’s series of candidate forums, the Lion’s Club Public Building in Forrest Park was host to the Shelbyville School Board Election Forum.

Like the SID’s election forum the night before, Gary Crowder served as the moderator, dishing out questions as written by Bill Duckett’s high school history class. Among the questions were concerns about the school’s possibility of consolidation with other area schools in the future.

Two candidates attending the forum were Mike Wheeler and Tony Hammond.

Tony Hammond says that the school is doing well fiscally that the thought of consolidation isn’t something they need to think about currently.

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The other candidate participating, Mike Wheeler, feels that the town might end up isolated and unable to consolidate with other schools.

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The School Board has four openings this year, and there are a total of four candidates in the running. The other two candidates running for the school board positions are Matt Beyers and Toby Koonce.

St. Mary Hopes To Re-Open For Class Wednesday

3/31/2009

St. Mary Catholic School in Taylorville hopes to re-open for classes tomorrow morning after repairs are made to the schools boiler. Kindergarten through sixth graders will stay home again today (Tuesday.). St. Mary Pre-schoolers are in class today.

A+;A-;O-; On Wish List For Upcoming Blood Drive

3/31/2009

Central Illinoisans have the opportunity to save a life or two in the coming weeks. The Central Illinois Blood Community Center will be hosting a blood drive at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital on Wednesday April 15 and Thursday April 16th, from 1230-6pm each day. Donor Relations Manager Jessica Becker says the Center is looking primarily for ‘A positive’, ‘O negative’, and ‘A negative’ blood types.

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The fear of needles thwarts many people from becoming blood donors. Becker offers some comforting advice for all hesitant first-time donors.

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The upcoming blood drive is essentially the last chance for schools to boost their chances of winning the Springfield Clinic’s 8th annual high school blood challenge. As far as the challenge standings go, Becker says Taylorville High School is right in the thick of things.

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As Becker alluded to, the winning high school will award a 1,000-dollar scholarship to a graduating senior. To sign up for any upcoming blood drive, call the Central Illinois Community Blood Center at 1-866-GIVE-BLD.

'Dancing With Local Star's' Set For April 17th

3/31/2009

Local Celebrities in Taylorville will dust off their dancing shoes next month all in the name of benefiting area students. The Taylorville Public School Foundation’s second annual ‘Dancing With the Local Star’s fundraising event is set to take place Friday April 17th at the Stonington American Legion. Foundation member Scott McClure explains that following last year’s successful fundraising event, “Dancing With the Local Stars is back by popular demand, and

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McClure explains proceed from the event will go toward funding in classroom projects for teachers throughout the district

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Tickets for the event are 40 dollars and include a social hour at 5:30, followed by dinner and the dancing competition. Tickets can be purchased by calling the school district office at 824-4951. Those wishing to participate in the dance competition can contact Scott McClure for more information at 287-2568.

Shelbyville City Candidates Square Off In Forum

3/31/2009

As April 7th nears, city council forums become a local hot topic for many towns, and last night Shelbyville’s Lions Club Building proved to be another well-attended debate style candidate forum, as hosted by the Shelbyville Industrial Development Committee.

At that forum, Gary Crowder served as moderator, asking questions as submitted by Bill Duckett’s Shelbyville High School’s history class. Candidates participating in the forum included, Joe Beck, Charles Johnston, and David Young, all of whom are running for the position of finance commissioner.

Also participating was Brent Fogleman who is running for Shelbyville police commissioner, Tim McConnell, and Noel Bolinger who are running for public buildings and grounds commissioner.

Along with this forum, the Shelbyville Industrial Development Committee will host a Shelbyville School Board Election forum tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm at the Lions Club Public Building located in Forrest Park. Gary Crowder will again serve as moderator for the event.

IDNR To Release Trout In Manners Park Pond Thursday

3/31/2009

In tough economic times like the ones we are currently facing, finding fun,
family oriented activities on a budget isn't an easy task, but there is
some relief coming in the form of a good old fashioned fishing trip.

In cooperation with Manners Park, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will release Rainbow Trout into the ponds later this week in celebration of the beginning of Spring Trout Season. Districts Fisheries Biologist for the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources Dan Stephenson reports the trout are brought to the state from Clear Lake Fish Hatchery located in Southern Missouri.

The Illinois Spring Trout season officially begins at 5:00am on Saturday
April 4th. Stephenson explains, the program is made possible by selling inland trout fishing
stamps required to harvest any trout caught as.

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To legally participate anglers must have a valid fishing license and the
inland trout fishing stamps. Children under the age of 16 are permitted to fish
without a fishing license or inland trout stamps.

Each year, the IDNR in conjunction with Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery,
release roughly 60,000 Rainbow Trout into local city ponds and state
park fisheries for anglers to have a chance at catching a different type
of game fish from the normal sport fish such as bass, crappie, and other
fish available in lakes and other bodies of water in Illinois.

As an added bonus, Stephenson offers some tips for catching trout
including using floating trout bait such as Berkely's Powerbait, salmon
eggs, or even good old pieces of white or yellow corn.

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Other local ponds that will receive trout are the Wyman Lake at
Wyman Park in Sullivan, the EIU Pond at Eastern Illinois University in
Charleston, the Illinois Department of Transportation Lake in
Springfield, and Washington Park Pond in Springfield. For a
complete list of fisheries where trout fishing will be made available,
visit www.IfishIllinois.org or visit the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources website at www.dnr.state.il.us.

City Set For Friday's Hearing Against Lively Electric; Names Vance Fraley as Hearing Officer

3/30/2009

(Taylorville) The Taylorville City Council held a brief special meeting Monday night, to appoint an officer for an upcoming hearing this Friday against Joe Vonck and 'Lively Electric'. The city named retired attorney Vance Fraley as the hearing officer. The city was victorious in a lengthy hearing against Lively Electric in 2007, giving Vonck's business a citation for unkempt property. The city feels that Vonck is once again not taking care of his property, and wants to give him a citation for violating a local 'property upkeep' ordinance. Vonck has the opportunity to tell his side of the story, which he will do at this Friday's hearing. Lively electric is located on the corner of Washington and Route 29. The hearing takes place this Friday at 10am in the city council chambers.

St. Mary Catholic School Closed Monday & Tuesday

3/30/2009

(Taylorville) School has been canceled for Monday and Tuesday for Kindergarten through sixth grader attending St. Mary Catholic School in Taylorville, due to an issue with the building’s boiler system. Preschool is still in session.

Tenaska Hires Engineering Firm For TEC FEED Study

3/30/2009

Tenaska, the managing company of the proposed coal gasification plant the Taylorville Energy Center, made a major stride towards bringing clean coal technology to central Illinois. The Nebraska based Power Company in charge of the Taylorville Energy Center, announced last week that it has retained the construction firm Kiewit Energy Co., and the engineering firm Burns & McDonnell to conduct a Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) study. The two companies will also conduct a facility cost report. Tenaska Vice President Bart Ford says the study and cost report will likely take up to ten months to complete.

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Ford says the FEED study will consist primarily of cost and performance information.

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Once completed, the facility cost report will be submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois General Assembly for approval. Ford adds that Tenaska is excited to finally get the study in motion.

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Essentially the completion of the FEED study and the approval of the facility cost report are the final hurdles to clear, before construction can begin on the Taylorville Energy Center. Ford adds that Kiewit, and Burns & McDonnell are already pushing forward on the study, and have agreed to complete the facility cost report by January. Initially it was estimated that it would take up to 5 months longer to complete the report.

The Taylorville Energy Center will create 1500 construction jobs and hundreds of permanent mining and plant operation jobs. Tenaska estimates that the plant would ultimately reduce CO2 emissions by approximately one million tons per year.

Registration Dates Set For Taylorville Kindergarteners

3/30/2009

The Taylorville Community Unit School District #3 holds their kindergarten registration for the 2009-2010 school year this Wednesday, from 7:30am to 6:30 pm at each of the district’s elementary schools. The district is asking parents to register at the school their child is attending next year. Children enrolled in the P.R.E.P. program register today (Monday) or tomorrow (Tuesday) from 6:30pm to 8:00 pm in the cafeteria at the Taylorville High School. As Taylorville Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau explains, the district is registering ahead of time in order to get a more accurate count of the number of kindergarteners they will have.

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No fees will be collected during the registration process. Registration forms are available on line at taylorvilleschools.com.

GTCC Getting Ready For Annual Banquet

3/30/2009

The Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is quickly approaching; the banquet takes place a month from this Wednesday. Chamber CEO Fred Ronnow provides a lineup of the evening’s festivities.

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The banquet takes place Friday May 1st. According to Ronnow, tickets sales for the 10,000-dollar raffle are ahead of last year’s pace. This year the Chamber implemented a cap, and will only sell a maximum of 200 tickets. For more information on the banquet, or to get in on the raffle action, call the Chamber at 824-4919.

Local Cancer Society Chapter Seeking Volunteers

3/30/2009

The American Cancer Society is gearing up for a busy spring in Central Illinois. April 19th kicks off the Society’s National Volunteer Week. Steve Turner, of the American Cancer Society, says there are limitless ways to help out. Turner adds that the 140,000 volunteers statewide are the backbone of ACS.

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Turner says the ACS currently has a big need for drivers, who are willing to transport patients to and from their treatments. The ACS also has an array of support programs that are fueled by the help of volunteer counselors. Turner highlights two programs in particular.

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The Society’s eventful spring is capped by Central Illinois’ 10th annual Relay for Life, which takes place June 19th and 20th at the Don Bragg Athletic Complex in Taylorville. Turner shines light on the origins of Relay For Life.

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The American Cancer Society will continue to plot out this eventful spring during their monthly meeting April 14th at the Manner’s Park Dining Hall. For more information on Relay For Life, or to sign up as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, call their Springfield office at 523-4503.

FNB President Combs Retiring After 43 Years

3/30/2009

(Taylorville) After more than 43 years of service, a leader in the Taylorville community is retiring. President of First National Bank in Taylorville Dave Combs is in the midst of his final weeks on the job. A reception was held yesterday at the VFW post in Taylorville to honor Combs’ 43 years as President. Combs was thrilled with the turnout, and says he will miss the people of Taylorville the most when he retires.

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Combs says his replacement, Blain Cornwell, will fit right in with the community.

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When asked, Combs says he has not set an official date for his last day at First National. He plans on spending the next few weeks to “wind things down”.

Shelbyville Forums Scheduled For City; School Board Candidates

3/30/2009

(Shelbyville) The people of Shelbyville will have the opportunity to hear from their candidates tonight (Monday) at a City Council Election Forum. The Shelbyville Industrial Development Committee is hosting the forum at the Lion’s Club building in Forest Park. The forum’s moderator, Gary Crowder, will ask the candidates questions from a Shelbyville High School history class, and Industrial Development Committee members. The forum commences at 7:00pm. The SID Committee is also hosting a School Board Election Forum tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 7:00pm.

IDFPR Orders First Farm Credit Services to Cease and Desist Patronage Program

3/29/2009

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s (IDFPR) Division of Insurance last week ordered First Farm Credit Services to cease and desist its Patronage Program.

The action resulted from a Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois request in 2007 seeking an opinion on whether First Farm Credit Services’ proposed “Patronage Program” would violate 215 ILCS 5/151 of the Illinois Insurance Code.

Following an administrative hearing, Illinois Director of Insurance Michael T. McRaith ordered First Farm Credit Services to discontinue the program noting that it constituted an improper rebate under the Illinois Insurance Code because it would distribute a portion of its 2006 earnings to clients as an “inducement to do a larger amount of business” with First Farm Credit Services.

“Rebates can be a financial enticement but are anti-competitive and disrupt the marketplace to the detriment of other market participants,” McRaith said. “Arrangements like the ‘Patronage Program’ are prohibited by law and will result in appropriately stern regulatory action.”

First Farm Credit Services testified that its clients would be eligible for payments from the company, called “patronage,” if they had a loan, lease or crop insurance policy with the company. The exact amount would be determined based on the volume of business an individual had with First Farm Credit Services. Since each client’s payment was determined by the amount of business conducted with First Farm Credit Services, including insurance purchases, the Director found these payments to be rebates in violation of Section 151 of the Insurance Code.

The Division of Insurance’s Findings of Fact and Order are available at the Division of Insurance Web site, which can be found at www.idfpr.com .

Under the Illinois Administrative Review Law, First Farm Credit Services has the right to appeal the decision and request a stay of the order.

Illinois Student Athletes May Be Subject To Random Drug Testing

3/29/2009

Student athletes may be subject to random drug testing for steroids.

Right now, random tests are conducted only on athletes competing in the state playoffs. But representative Jack Franks of Woodstock wants to expand that to all kids playing sports at IHSA sanctioned events.

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Representative Roger Eddy is on the same page.

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The house approved a bill making the change, and it now heads to the senate for a vote. It also requires coaches to take a course on how to prevent the use of performance enhancing drugs.

Collision Claims Life Of 25-Year-Old Jerseyville Man

3/29/2009

A fatal crash occurred just outside of Carrollton in Greene County early Saturday morning. A semi-truck carrying anhydrous ammonia struck 25 year old Andrew Bishop just after 5 AM on Saturday. Bishop, of Jerseyville, was transferred to a Greene County EMS ambulance, but was pronounced dead while awaiting the arrival of a medical helicopter. 60-year-old Mark Koltkamper, the driver of the truck, says Bishop was standing stationary in the driving line on route 67 when the collision occurred. Koltkamper says he did not have enough time to evade Bishop. The truck was towed from the scene, and no hazardous materials were released. No citations were issued to Koltkamper. The Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is currently investigating the fatal accident.