Chamber Awards Scholarships
4/10/2009
The Taylorville Chamber of Commerce announced their 2009 college scholarship winners at the Chamber’s board meeting on Wednesday. Three Taylorville High School Seniors, Kayla Matheny, Mason Becker, and Timothy LeVault, will receive college scholarships beginning with the 2009 fall semester. Chamber CEO Fred Ronnow says the recipients will also be presented at the upcoming annual banquet.
Click here for audioIn other news, Ronnow says the Chamber inked three new members this past week; Olivia Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Glacial Energy, and Infinity Financial Group.
Click here for audioApril’s ‘Business After Hours’ program takes place next Wednesday (April 15th). Ronnow says Northside Vet and Taylorville Food Center are teaming up to host this month’s program.
Click here for audio90 tickets still remain for the Chamber’s 10,000 dollar raffle. The drawing takes place at the Chamber’s annual banquet, on May 1st.
Lake Shelbyville Meeting
4/10/2009
The 2008 Dam Safety Study for Lake Shelbyville, Current lake level conditions, and Budget impacts on this year’s programs and services will be among the topics discussed at a meeting (Thursday Morning) held by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Shelbyville Staff.
Park Ranger Gary Shea says the Water Safety Task Force Initiatve, a new, unprecedented plan to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that occur on Lake Shelbyville, will also be presented.
Goose management initiatives and recreational activities are also on the agenda. The meeting, which is open to the public, will start at 10am (Thursday Morning) at the Lions Club Shelter in Forest Park in Shelbyville.
Cutting Off Blago's Money
4/10/2009
Lawmakers are moving forward on a plan to cut off former governor Rod Blagojevich's ability to make money off of any criminal actions. The Illinois House passed a plan that would stop elected officials convicted of misconduct from cashing in on their notoriety. The plan now heads to the Senate. Blagojevich's name isn't in the proposed law, but his six-figure book deal lead lawmakers to consider it. House Democrat Jack Franks says the plan could affect Blagojevich, but could also prevent future corruption.
Click here for audioThe law would let the attorney general go to court to get any money an official like Blagojevich gets in connection to their crime, but only after they are convicted. Republican State Representative Roger Eddy says he wishes lawmakers could go after Blagojevich's book deal.
Click here for audioThe House overwhelmingly supported the proposed law, but Representative Franks has yet to find a sponsor to take up the bill in the state
Quinn To Make Government More Open
4/10/2009
Governor Pat Quinn is taking another step towards making state government more open to the public.
Governor Quinn says many people don’t know anything about state boards and commissions, which often take actions affecting them, such as setting utility rates. His office has launched a website with that information.
Click here for audioYou can even report suspected misconduct on the website, which can be found at appointments.illinois.gov.
Quinn Wants Open Primary
4/10/2009
Governor Pat Quinn says he’d like to see lawmakers pass an open primary law.
The senate recently voted down a bill that would let voters cast a ballot in Illinois primaries without having to declare a party. Quinn says that’s a disappointment, and doesn’t think voters should have to go on record with their party affiliation.
At least 17 others states have some sort of open primary law.
"Hold Harmless" Legislation
4/10/2009
The purpose behind ‘hold harmless’, which began about 10 years ago was to ensure that school districts receive at least as much state funding as they did in the 1997-1998 school year. But the idea of phasing out the payments recently came up. State Representative Roger Eddy says he believes the elimination of ‘hold harmless’ should take place over five years, not three. That’s why he has passed a bill out of the Illinois house that will continue to work on agreeable ‘hold harmless’ legislation.
A total of 261 school districts received the first batch of hold harmless payments in 1999. In the current fiscal year, 86 districts have received the payments. Only 23 of those were from the original 26
Safe Digging Month
4/10/2009
Planting trees and shrubs to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day is a great idea, but before you plant, be aware of various safety hazards. Ameren Illinois Utilities is reminding Illinoisans that April is ‘Safe Digging Month’. Leigh Morris, of Ameren Illinois, says before you stick the shovel in the ground call ‘JULIE’.
The National Arbor Day Foundation recognizes Ameren as a ‘Tree Line USA’ utility. Morris says that label is given to companies who follow the highest standard in tree trimming.
Throughout ‘Safe Digging Month’, Ameren is offering up a plethora of safety tips for Illinoisans. The usage of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) is one safety measure Ameren heavily endorses. 70% of all residential electrocutions could be prevented if all homes had GFCI’s. Morris explains what GFCI’s are, and how they can keep you safe.
If you are thinking about planting a tree, visit the website MySafeTrees.com. The site identifies the kind of trees you should plant, and the ones you might want to avoid planting.
Lake Shelbyville Opening Up
4/10/2009
The 2009 Central Illinois camping season has arrived. The US Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville recently announced their campground and beach opening dates. Annie Hickman, of Lake Shelbyville Interpretative Services, says two campgrounds will be open within the next week.
Click here for audioHickman reminds campers to, when on the lake, always wear their life jackets. She also urges central Illinoisans to take advantage of Migratory Bird Day, which takes place in early May.
Click here for audioFor more information on camping season or Migartory Bird Day, call the Lake Shelbyville offices at 774-3313.
Teen Injured In Three Car Crash
4/09/2009
(Taylorville) A Taylorville teen was hospitalized following a three car accident in Taylorville Wednesday evening. According to a report from the Taylorville Police Department, 16 year old Casaundra N. Neff of Taylorville was driving west on Springfield road when she rear ended a car driven by 17 year old Andrea Gatton of Taylorville. Gatton then rear ended a stopped car in front of her. Gatton was taken to St. John's Hospital in Springfield for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Neither of the other drivers nor any passengers reported any injuries.
Mayor Pleasantly Surprised With Sales Tax Hike Passage
4/09/2009
In what came as a surprise to some, voters in Taylorville approved a referendum question Tuesday night that will allow a city sales tax increase of ¾ percent, bumping it from 61/4 to 7%. After a similar referendum failed by a 3-1 margin four years ago, 53 percent of voters gave it the green light this time around. Taylorville Mayor Frank Mathon says when the council orinally agreed to put the referendum on the ballot, he felt it would be an uphill battle to get it passed.
Click here for audioThe added tax will not go into effect until after the next administration is seated next month. Mathon estimates that the tax could generate up to 750 thousand dollars in added revenues.
Click here for audioMathon feels that ultimately the key to getting the referendum passed was the added support of city leaders that did not exist the last time the question was on the ballot.
Click here for audioMany felt the tax was more fair than other revenue raising options because it applies to everyone conducting business in Taylorville, not just residents. The added tax will not apply to licensed vehicle, food packaged for later consumption, drugs or medical materials.
Lawrence Defeats Merker In Contentious Race
4/09/2009
(Taylorville) John Lawrence defeated Gary Merker Tuesday night by nearly a 2-1 margin, to become the new Ward I Alderman in Taylorville. Lawrence has lived in Taylorville for over 40 years, and has served as treasurer and accountant for the Taylorville Industrial Development Corporation, the Christian County Economic Development Corporation, and the Taylorville Development Association. Lawrence says he spent election night monitoring the results online, and was happy to see the sales tax referendum pass.
Click here for audioLawrence says he’ll spend the next few weeks becoming familiarized with some of the city’s pressing issues.
Click here for audioThe race for Ward one evoked the most controversy out of all the races in Taylorville during election season, when Gary Merker challenged the validity of Lawrence’s election packet. After all was said and done, Lawrence defeated Merker decisively, garnering nearly 65% of the vote.
Heberling Emerges Victorious In 3-Way Ward II Race
4/09/2009
(Taylorville) Rob Heberling came out victorious in the Ward II aldermanic race Tuesday night. Taylorville’s lone three-way race arguably turned out to be the tightest one. The victor says he spent most of election night in bed nurturing a lingering cold.
Click here for audioHeberling says his schedule over the next couple weeks will include touching base with Taylorville’s newly elected Mayor, Greg Brotherton. Heberling adds that there are three specific issues on his radar.
Click here for audioIn Taylorville’s Ward II race Heberling received 43% of the vote, narrowly defeating Amy Hagen, and Aaron Allen. Allen finished second at 30%, and Hagen was a close third with 27% of the vote.
Door Knocking Pays Off For Burtle In Ward IV
4/09/2009
(Taylorville) Shawn Burtle will be Taylorville’s new Ward IV Alderman, after coming out on top over Myrna Hauser Tuesday night. Burtle spent election night with friends and family, monitoring the results online as they poured in. Burtle went ‘door to door’ in Ward Four throughout his campaign. Burtle says the positive feedback he received during his ‘door to doors’ engendered a sense of confidence heading into Tuesday.
Click here for audioBurtle says he will spend the next few weeks attending city council meetings. He adds that the passage of the sales tax referendum will contribute heavily towards fixing road and sewer problems.
Click here for audio Burtle, a Ward IV resident for over 20 years, defeated Myrna Hauser by nearly a 2-1 margin, 63% to 37%.
TRS Head Bauman Out; Search On For New Replacement
4/09/2009
The head of the Illinois teachers retirement system resigned Wednesday and Governor Pat Quinn says a search for his replacement should begin now.
TRS Executive Director Jon Bauman hasn’t been accused of any wrongdoing, but the teachers pension fund has been linked to recent scandals under his tenure. Quinn says a nationwide search should begin to fill the spot.
Click here for audioQuinn says a final hiring decision probably won’t be made until July, when a new state law takes effect letting him overhaul state pension boards.
Quinn Touting Need For Military Family Assistance
4/09/2009
Governor Pat Quinn is asking Illinoisans to donate to the state military family relief fund, and to show support for a similar national effort.
You can already donate to the Illinois relief fund on your state income tax form, but Governor Quinn would also like taxpayers to be able to give on their federal return as well. He’s supporting a bill in congress creating a national military family relief fund. Congressman Bill Foster is the sponsor of that measure.
Click here for audioThe state fund helps the families of soldiers who are struggling to get by while their loved one is serving. Since it was created in 2003, eight million dollars has been distributed to military families in Illinois.
Brotherton Reacts To Mayoral Victory
4/08/2009
* ALL CHRISTIAN AND SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.LIBERTYSYSTEMSLLC.COM*
Taylorville Police Lieutenant Greg Brotherton last night was elected to become the city of Taylorville’s next Mayor. Brotherton defeated his opponent, city Alderman John Podeschi, by a nearly 2-1 margin. Brotherton will replace Mayor Frank Mathon, who decided not to run for re-election. Brotherton says he is excited to begin serving the people of his community, and is happy to have the help of increase sales tax revenue resulting from the approval of a referendum question.
Click here for audioThe sales tax will jump from 6 ¼ % to 7%, after voters okayed the referendum question by a 53.5% to 46.5 margin. A similar referendum failed four years ago by a nearly 3-1 vote. The proceeds, which some say could be in the 9 million dollar range, will be used for infrastructure improvements in the city, something Brotherton says is a top priority.
Click here for audioIn other local races, Incumbent Pam Peabody won reelection as Taylorville City Clerk, defeating challenger Phyllis Wilson.
In aldermanic races in Taylorville, John Lawrence won election to Ward I, Rob Heberling was the winner in Ward II, while Shawn Burtle was elected Ward IV Alderman.
In Pana, incumbent Steve Sipes won reelection as Mayor. In Ward II, Glenn Schneider was elected Alderman. Steve Scott won a seat on the board from Ward III, while Debora Dust won election as Alderman in Ward IV. Clarence Wafford was elected Pana Township Highway Commissioner.
Bio-Grass Harvest Produces Good Yields
4/08/2009
(Christian County) Universtity of Illinois Ag Scientists are continuing to monitor the progress of a program that could potentially provide a renewable alternative fuel source to someday heat homes on a wide spread level. For several years, researchers have been developing miscanthus and switchgrass at the Dudley Smith Farm near Pana, two breeds of grass that can be harvested an processed into burnable pellets to use for fuel. U of I Extension Christian County Natural Resources educator Gary Letterly say a recent harvest of the two grasses showed higher than expected yields for the established experimental grasses.
Click here for audioLetterly says crop scientists have considered using different chemicals and nutrients to alter the soil in hopes are producing even higher yields.
Click here for audioCurrently, the biomass pellets processed from the grasses are being used to heat the Christian County Extension Building. Letterly says a new processor in Indiana has agreed to process the current harvest of grasses to be used throughout the rest of this year.
Taylorville Kiwanis Holds Monthly Business Meeting
4/08/2009
The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly business meeting, at their weekly luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.
At the meeting, new Kiwanis member Joe Antal was inducted. Antal is the new general manager at Landmark Automotive in Taylorville, and has over 25 years in the car business.
During the business meeting, it was announced that the Kiwanis Club netted just over $1500 from its recent Pancake and Sausage Day. Carol Chandler chaired that committee.
Priority One Committee chair Kristine Lecocq reported to the Kiwanis Club, that teddy bears are being purchased to present to Taylorville Memorial Hospital, to be given to children patients. She added that a car seat safety day is also being planned.
Kiwanis Park committee chair Jerry Woodard reported that trenching is ready to be done for water and electrical circuits at the new restrooms at the park.
And, Kiwanis Club Spiritual Aims committee chair Reverend Dick Wamsley reported that the club’s annual prayer luncheon will take place May 12th.
The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.
Quinn Inks Laws To Help Families Avoid Foreclosure
4/08/2009
Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law Sunday to help families facing home foreclosure.
The law gives homeowners who haven’t been paying their mortgage a little extra time to get back on track. Governor Quinn says keeping people in their homes will help prevent blighted neighborhoods.
Click here for audioMany people are having a hard time keeping up with their mortgage payments. Home foreclosure is forcing them out of their homes, and turning neighborhoods into a mess of boarded up empty houses. But Senator Jacqueline Collins of Chicago says this law aims to help stop that.
Click here for audioThe law gives families who may lose their home to foreclosure a grace period of up to 90 days to get into financial counseling and make a plan to get their mortgage payments back on track.
Ad Campaigns Help Keep Teen Auto Deaths Down
4/08/2009
Teen driving deaths are down in Illinois, and the Illinois Department of Transportation is honoring those who helped make that happen.
The number of teens who died on Illinois roads dropped by about 40 percent from 2007 to 2008, and 2009 is on par to be an even better year. IDOT Traffic Safety Director Mike Stout attributes that decrease in part to the Operation Teen Safe Driving program. He says participants came up with ad campaigns to get their friends to be more careful.
Click here for audioState officials says Illinois’ tough laws for new drivers are also helping, which require teens to get more practice time with their parents and limits distractions when they first get their license.
EPA Seeking Input On Stimulus Plans
4/08/2009
Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott has announced that the draft Intended Use Plans (IUP) for federal stimulus funds have been posted on the Agency’s web site at: www.epa.state.il.us for public review and comment.
As expected, the needs far exceed available funding. The list submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency includes 746 projects totaling $3.24 billion for wastewater projects, and 895 projects totaling $1.46 billion for drinking water projects. The Illinois EPA will receive $180 million for wastewater projects and $80 million for drinking water projects. However, Gov. Pat Quinn’s proposed capital bill would enable an additional $260 million to be used for these projects, increasing the number of projects that can be funded.
The Agency’s goal is to provide funding to all eligible projects, to the extent that applications are completed and funds are available.
The Illinois EPA will accept public comments on the draft IUPs through April 24.
Work Zone Deaths Down Across State
4/08/2009
Work zone deaths are down in Illinois, but the state department of transportation is still reminding motorists to slow down in those construction areas.
The number of people killed in highway work zones in Illinois has fallen nearly 30 percent since 2003. Still, 31 people died in such areas in 2008, including two IDOT workers. Karen McClane is a flagger in the Chicago area.
Click here for audioTough laws slap large fines on work zone speeders, and the state police use photo enforcement in some spots to catch those driving too fast through road construction areas.
BROTHERTON ELECTED CITY MAYOR
4/07/2009
Taylorville Police Lieutenant Greg Brotherton won election as the city's Mayor Tuesday. Brotherton defeated his opponent, City Alderman John Podeschi, by a nearly two to one margin. Brotherton will replace Mayor Frank Mathon, who decided not to run for reelection.
Incumbent Pam Peabody won reelection as Taylorville City Clerk, defeating challenger Phyllis Wilson.
In aldermanic races in Taylorville, John Lawrence won election to Ward I, Rob Heberling was the winner in Ward II, while Shawn Burtle was elected Ward IV Alderman.
A referendum proposing to increase the Taylorville sales tax rate from six and a quarter percent to seven percent won approval by a 53.5% to 46.5% margin.
In Pana, incumbent Steve Sipes won reelection as Mayor. In Ward II, Glenn Schneider was elected Alderman. Steve Scott won a seat on the board from Ward III, while Debora Dust won election as Alderman in Ward IV. Clarence Wafford was elected Pana Township Highway Commissioner.
In Mt. Auburn, Bette Rankins was elected Village President. A contested race in Assumption saw Pamela Olmstead elected City Clerk. In Stonington, Frank Paulek was elected Village President.
In Kincaid, Douglas Thomas won election as Village President over Mark Wolfe. Nancy Roggero defeated challenger Jack Hanlon to retain her position as South Fork Township Supervisor.
A tie vote has the question of who will be the next Mayor of Tovey up in the air. Dillard Lutrell and William Davis each tallied 95 votes there.
In Edinburg, David Luttrell defeated two opponents in the race for Village President.
For other races and complete vote tallies, log on to libertysystemsllc/results.com
TFD Investigating Hewittville Fire
4/07/2009
(Taylorville) Firefighters aren’t sure what caused a fire that destroyed a home in the 1200 block of west South Street in Hewittville late (Monday) evening. According to a report from the Taylorville Fire Department, a passer by called in the blaze shortly after 11 o’clock.
Crews arrived to find smoke billowing out of the house, and battled the blaze until about 2:30 Tuesday morning. The report says the fire caused a floor to collapse in the home. It is not clear if anyone was home at the time of the fire, although the report indicates there were no injuries caused to any civilians. One firefighter, Matthew Aderman, suffered a minor injury to his foot while battling the blaze, when something fell on it. Aderman refused medical treatment. The home was deemed a total loss resulting in an estimated 100 thousand dollars in structure and property damage.
Polls Open In Central Illinois
4/07/2009
Voters in Central Illinois are heading to the polls today to select new city, township, park district, fire district, school board and a host of other elected officials. The polls opened at 6 this morning, and will remain opening until 7 this evening. Local races include Taylorville City Mayor, Alderman and a sales tax referendum question. Taylorville is broken up into eight precincts, with 2 at each polling center. Precincts 1 and 2 will vote at the Christian County extension office, 3 and 4 at the VFW Post, 5 and 6 at the Davis Memorial Church, and 7 and 8 at the Manner’s Park Dining Hall. For more voting information in Christian County, call the County Clerk’s office at 824-4969.
Newstalk 97.3 WTIM will begin election coverage at 8 o’clock tonight, an hour after the polls close, continuing until all elections have been decided. Results in Christian and Shelby county will also be available as the come in at the web-site libertysystemsllc/results.com
Pre-Aps Approved For Stimulus Project
4/07/2009
(Taylorville) The Taylorville City Council rolled up their sleeves and got down to business last night, in what was the second to last meeting for Mayor Frank Mathon, and Aldermen Tom Bozarth, Jack Brown, and possibly Alderman John Podeschi. Many key issues were addressed, including the sales tax referendum, clean water projects, and the stop signs at Cheney and West Main Cross Street.
The council approved a motion to allow the engineering firm Benton and Associates to submit IEPA pre-applications, for federal stimulus money for clean water projects in Taylorville. If obtained, the money would be used on lift station sites and storm water separation projects. Ward II Alderman and Street/Sewer Committee Chairman Jack Brown highlighted the importance of adding lift stations in Taylorville, specifically on Elm Street.
Click here for audioAlderman Tom Bozarth chimed in by heavily endorsing the sales tax referendum; emphasizing the significance it will have on these clean water projects.
Click here for audioShortly after discussing the city’s sanitary sewer storm water separation problems, the proposal to remove stop signs at the Cheney/West Main Cross intersection was brought to the table. That’s when things got interesting. After recognizing heavy opposition from Taylorville residents, including a 100-signature petition against the stop sign removals, the council approved a motion to table the decision until their next meeting. Alderman Bozarth expressed concern over the current council’s decision to not make a final decision on the issue.
Click here for audioWard III Alderman Ernie Dorcinecz said the council has a responsibility to do what their constituents want. Dorcinecz then pointed out, that on this particular issue, the constituents have spoken loud and clear.
Click here for audioAfter realizing that strong opposition exists within the community, the council finally approved a motion in unanimous fashion to not remove the stop signs.
During last night’s (Monday) meeting, the council also agreed to boost the Fire and Police Departments, by approving a motion to hire a new fireman and policeman in October. The current City Council will hold its last meeting on April 20th, before introducing its new members on May 4th.
Sen. Demuzio; Local Mayors Unveil South Fork Storm Sirens
4/07/2009
(Kincaid) The next time rough weather is headed for South Fork Township, residents should have plenty of warning. A 50 thousand dollar grant secured through member initiatives with the help of State Senator Deanna Demuzio has allowed for the installation of a severe weather warning system that will be heard throughout the area. The sysem includes three tornado sirens, one each in Kincaid, Tovey and Jeiseyville that will sound during a severe weather event. The sirens, which will be tested for the first time (Tuesday), were unveiled during a press conference at the Midland Fire Protection District Firehouse (Monday.) Kincaid Mayor Doug Thomas says he has worked for years to obtain the warning system, and expects they will make it much easier to notify residents of potentially dangerous situation.
Click here for audioForty Ninth District Senator Deanna Dumuzio says public safety is a top priority of hers, and says it was about time that area residents had a system in place that will help keep them out of harm’s way.
Click here for audioDemuzio says some may characterize the initiative to bring the sirens to Kincaid as ‘Pork’ or ‘Earmarks,’ but Demuzio says it is simply local citizens taxdollars working, locally.
Click here for audioThe severe weather warning system was installed over the winter by Global Technical Systems.
Grant To Foot Brush Fire Equipment For Pana FD
4/07/2009
(Pana) Thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, The Pana Fire Department will be able to purchase equipment to compliment a recently purchased brush truck that will help them fight grass fires. The fire department will match the more than 55 hundred dollar grant from DNR, to help the volunteer department fight fires that could threaten crops, livestock, farmsteads or other resources in rural areas. Pana Fire Chief Rod Bland explains what the department hopes to buy with the grant
Click here for audioBland says brush and grass fires make up a significant portion of the fires that Pana firefighters respond to, and that proper equipment is imperative in successfully battling those blazes.
Click here for audioThis is the second grant that the Pana Fire Department has received in the last 30 days. Last month they received a grant from Department of Homeland Security – Federal Emergency Management Administration for 10 sets of personal protective turn out gear for the firemen and an institutional washer for the firehouse That Grant with the local match total of more than 24 thousand dollars. The two grants, with local match will total more than 35 grand.
Bill Could Allow Vets To Transfer Scholarhips
4/07/2009
Veterans who receive college grant money would be able to share the benefit with their family under a bill that recently passed the Illinois House.
The measure, sponsored by representative Mike Bost of Carbondale, lets vets who receive a college grant or tuition waiver, transfer that benefit to their child or spouse if they do not use it.
Click here for audioThe bill will be up for debate next in the state senate.
Lawmakers Look To Open Government Through Internet
4/07/2009
Lawmakers are considering legislation to make state government more accessible and transparent to the public.
The Illinois House recently passed a bill creating a special web portal, containing lots of information about state government. It’s sponsored by representative Michael Tryon of Crystal Lake, who says the portal will be accessible to anyone with a computer and internet access.
Click here for audioThe measure still needs to be approved by the state senate.
Mail Boxes Fall Victim In String Of Property Damage Complaints
4/06/2009
(Christian County)Christian County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a series of criminal damage to property complaints that left several mail boxes and mail box posts damaged on the south side of the Bertinetti area, just outside of Taylorville. At least two of the incidents occurred in the 3800 block of Lake Drive in May Township late Saturday or early Sunday. Deputies say they do not believe the mail boxes were hit by a vehicle, but rather ripped from their posts manually. There are currently no suspects in any of the cases.
New Senator McCarter Sounds Off On Blago Indictment
4/06/2009
Local legislators are still reacting to former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s indictment. The ‘19-count indictment’ charges Blagojevich with 16 felonies including racketeering and extortion conspiracy, wire fraud, and making false statements to federal agents. 51st District Senator Kyle McCarter says the indictment comes as no surprise to the people of Illinois.
Click here for audioWith all the corruption that’s gone on in Illinois politics recently, McCarter believes that the common Illinoisan can no longer afford to be politically dormant.
Click here for audioMcCarter was appointed the 51st District Senator in mid February, replacing the retired Greenville Republican Frank Watson.
ISAC Providing 100 M In Loans For Illinois Students
4/06/2009
More low interest student loans are now available for Illinois college students.
Thanks to a partnership between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and credit unions in Illinois, about 100 million dollars in affordable loans are up for grabs. ISAC Executive Director Andrew Davis says the joint effort came at a time when the agency was having trouble finding money to help kids go to college.
Click here for audioStudents can get more information and apply for the loans at the website, IDAPP.com.
Candidates Discuss Sales Tax Question
4/06/2009
The non-home rule sales tax increase referendum on tomorrow’s (Tuesday) ballot is certainly a topic that has sparked heated debate ever since it was announced back in December. The current sales tax sits at 6.25% in Taylorville, and would increase to 7% if the referendum passes. Ward II Aldermanic candidates recently addressed the issue on WTIM’s Open Line. It appears that all three candidates are harmonious in believing the increase would help improve city infrastructure. Aaron Allen was not shy in showcasing his support for the referendum.
Click here for audioAmy Hagen says if the referendum does indeed pass, City Council needs to be open about how they spend their newfound cash flow.
Click here for audioAccording to Rob Heberling, when it’s all said and done, the referendum could generate up to 12 million dollars.
Click here for audioThe people of Taylorville will voice their opinion on the referendum when they hit the polls tomorrow (Tuesday). Ward II houses the only three-way race in this year’s city elections.
Voters Head To The Polls Tomorrow
4/06/2009
(Christian County) Voters will hit the polls tomorrow from 6 am to 7 pm, and by the end of the day the city of Taylorville will have a new Mayor. Many voters may look to steer clear of ‘peak times’, when polls are the busiest. Christian County Clerk Linda Curtin explains how to avoid those peak times.
Click here for audio25-30% of all voters are expected to show up when polls open at 6 am. Curtin reminds people of a few rules to follow when arriving at their respective polling centers.
Click here for audioCurtin says Election Day gives people the opportunity to have an impact on the horde of issues facing their respective communities.
Click here for audioIn Taylorville there are eight precincts, with 2 at each polling center. Precincts 1 and 2 will vote at the Christian County extension office, 3 and 4 at the VFW Post, 5 and 6 at the Davis Memorial Church, and 7 and 8 at the Manner’s Park Dining Hall. For more voting information in Christian County, call the extension office at 824-4969.
Local Fishermen Take To Manner's Pond
4/06/2009
(Taylorville) Like Ahab and his white whale, angler’s in search of their own fishing tale ventured to Manners Park this weekend to take part in the opening weekend of Illinois’ Spring Trout Season.
Taylorville resident, and Regional Radio fishing enthusiast, Eddy Cross was one of the anglers that could be seen this weekend at Manners Park. He reports on the activity of the fishing program this weekend.
Click here for audioCross goes on to explain why success was hard to come by this weekend with the fish.
Click here for audioThe trout will be active during the cooler water conditions that will be here until around the middle of May. For more information on Illinois’ trout fishing program, visit I-fish-Illinois.org.
Chamber Reports Busy March; Expects Same For April
4/06/2009
(Taylorville) This past month was ‘choc full’ of activity for the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. Chamber CEO Fred Ronnow says over 190 phone calls rained into the Chamber office during March.
Click here for audioWith a great number of phone calls, comes great responsibility. The Chamber is working on bringing the FBI to Taylorville to educate people on cyber safety. Ronnow explains.
Click here for audioOn another note, the annual 10,000-dollar raffle is rapidly approaching. Fred Ronnow has the numbers on how many tickets have been sold thus far.
Click here for audioSpecial guest Joe Crane will draw the winning raffle ticket during the Chamber’s annual banquet on May 1st.
SIU Study Suggests African Americans More Prone to Various Diseases
4/05/2009
According to research from the Southern Illinois School of Medicine in Springfield, African Americans have more problems with disease than other ethnic groups do.
A number of diseases affect African Americans more than the majority population. Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at SIU Dr Wesley McNeese says diseases such as obesity, hypertension, coronary vascular disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer are more prevalent in minorities.
Click here for audioDr. McNeese says African Americans have higher incidences of certain cancers including prostate cancer and breast cancer. And the cancers are generally discovered in a more advanced stage in minorities. In addition, Dr. McNeese says minorities are subject to health disparities.
Click here for audioDr. McNeese encourages African Americans to be more proactive in their health care. He says they need to see their primary care physician on a regular basis and take advantage of various health screenings offered in their communities.
Madigan Says Last Week Should Be a Model for Lawmakers
4/05/2009
House Speaker Mike Madigan says lawmakers' work this past week should be a model for the rest of the year. Both the Illinois House and Senate approved a mini roads plan and law to remove Rod Blagojevich's appointments to the state's pension systems. Governor Pat Quinn has already signed both proposals into law. Speaker Madigan says that plans to clean up government are just as important as new spending projects.
Click here for audio Madigan says the new law that dramatically overhauls how retirement benefits in the state are managed is "needed." The pension system changes are just the first proposals to come out of Madigan's government reform panel. The roads plan will provide thousands of construction jobs this summer to help maintain roads and bridges. The plan will also give money to reopen shuttered state historic sites. Governor Quinn says he shares the same goals with lawmakers for economic recovery and government reform.
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4/19/09 - 4/26/09
4/26/09 - 5/3/09
5/3/09 - 5/10/09
5/10/09 - 5/17/09
5/17/09 - 5/24/09
5/24/09 - 5/31/09
5/31/09 - 6/7/09
6/7/09 - 6/14/09
6/14/09 - 6/21/09
6/21/09 - 6/28/09
6/28/09 - 7/5/09
7/5/09 - 7/12/09
7/12/09 - 7/19/09
7/19/09 - 7/26/09
7/26/09 - 8/2/09
8/2/09 - 8/9/09
8/9/09 - 8/16/09
8/16/09 - 8/23/09
8/23/09 - 8/30/09
8/30/09 - 9/6/09
9/6/09 - 9/13/09
9/13/09 - 9/20/09
9/20/09 - 9/27/09
9/27/09 - 10/4/09
10/4/09 - 10/11/09
10/11/09 - 10/18/09
10/18/09 - 10/25/09
10/25/09 - 11/1/09
11/1/09 - 11/8/09
11/8/09 - 11/15/09
11/15/09 - 11/22/09
11/22/09 - 11/29/09
11/29/09 - 12/6/09
12/6/09 - 12/13/09
12/13/09 - 12/20/09
12/20/09 - 12/27/09

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