Winners Announced in LLCC Lincoln Bicentennial Essay Contest

4/18/2009

SPRINGFIELD – Winners have been announced in the Lincoln Bicentennial Essay Contest sponsored by Lincoln Land Community College for students throughout the 15-county LLCC district.

A recognition ceremony was held April 14 for finalists and their families and featured comments from LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D. and presentations by Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln as portrayed by Mary Wheeler, LLCC professor of English, and Greg Bergschneider of Jacksonville. Professor Wheeler also served as coordinator of the essay contest, which was open to elementary, middle school and high school students, with a separate contest for LLCC students.

Thirty schools participated in the contest with 165 students chosen as finalists. These finalists then qualified to enter an essay review by a panel of judges. All finalists received a special Bicentennial certificate and poster, with artwork by Leslie Stalter, LLCC assistant professor of art.

Winners, who received monetary awards and U.S. Savings Bonds, were:

2nd – 3rd grade division

1st Place – Brandon Kyle Morris, Rochester Elementary School

2nd Place - Caleb Cartwright, Carl Sandburg Elementary School

3rd Place –Will Reiser, Blessed Sacrament School

4th – 5th grade division

1st Place – Justin Espe, Pleasant Plains Middle School

2nd Place – Christopher Stevens, Glenwood Intermediate School

3rd Place – Nate Skaggs, Glenwood Intermediate School

6th – 8th grade division

1st Place – Krista Duncan, Pleasant Plains Middle School

2nd Place – Alex House, Pleasant Plains Middle School

3rd Place – Ryleigh Taylor, Blessed Sacrament School

High School Division

1st Place - Samuel Stowell, New Berlin H.S

2nd Place - Andrew Koch, Glenwood H.S.

3rd Place - Ashleigh O’Reilly, Glenwood H.S.

Honorable Mention - Peter York, Litchfield H.S.

LLCC Division

1st Place: Caitlyn Barnes

2nd Place: Nora O’Hara

The essay contest, which was endorsed by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission, was held in conjunction with the college’s ongoing observance of the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Other events included the inaugural lecture in the LLCC Lincoln Lecture series, “A Lincoln Art Showcase,” featuring works by 22 Central Illinois artists, and “The Trutter Connection to Lincoln,” the current exhibit in the college’s Trutter Museum.

Four Seasons Spring Series Features Upcoming Seminars

4/18/2009

The Four Seasons spring gardening program, from the University of
Illinois Extension, continues with a session on Buy Local, Eat Healthy. The
program is offered twice-on Tuesday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m. and again on
Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Learn when Illinois produce is at its peak so that you can mark your
calendar for shopping at local farmers' markets and roadside stands. The
seminar features a color slide presentation accompanied by the voice of the
instructor as people from all over the state participate.

The spring series concludes with a session titled Building a Basic Water
Garden. The program is offered on Tuesday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m. and again on
Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m.

This session offers step-by-step instructions on how to build a backyard
water garden. The seminar features a color slide presentation accompanied by
the voice of the instructor as people from throughout the state participate.

All sessions will be presented via teleconference at the University of
Illinois Extension Christian County, 1120 N. Webster St. in Taylorville, IL.

All interested participants can call 287-7246.

IDES Activates Extended Benefits Program

4/18/2009

As the state unemployment rate is registering at nine point one percent, Governor Pat Quinn says there is additional help for those out of work.
Illinois Department of Employment Security spokesperson Greg Rivara says in light of the hard times, the state has activated the extended benefits program.

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Those being enrolled in the program will receive a notice from the state with instructions on how to proceed. Last month’s unemployment rate was the highest in Illinois since 1985.

Mitchell Legislation Gives Priority to Areas Struggling With Unemployment

4/18/2009

State Representative Bill Mitchell filed legislation Friday that would make sure that areas of high unemployment would be given priority when it comes to road-projects under any capital bill. Mitchell says the road projects would assist those counties with their unemployment problems.

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Saturday Circus in Shelbyville Moved to New Location

4/17/2009

(Shelbyville) The American Legion in Shelbyville is bringing the circus to Central Illinois on Saturday. Due to wetness however, the show has been moved from the County Market parking lot to the 9th street boat ramp in Shelbyville. Two shows will run tomorrow; one at 2 pm, and the second at 5:30 pm. According to Lynn Blankenship, of the American Legion, over 1,000 tickets have been sold. Tickets can still be purchased tomorrow; 14 bucks for regular admission and 7 bucks for children. Blankenship says the show will feature elephant rides, tigers, and various other surprises.

Republican Kettelkamp Announces Sheriff Candidacy

4/17/2009

(Taylorville) Bruce Kettelkamp has thrown his hat into the ring of candidates for Christian County Sheriff. Unlike the other candidates, Kettelkamp will run as a republican. Kettelkamp, a Taylorville native, has been involved in law enforcement for over thirty years now. The retired Illinois State Police Mater Sergeant began his career in 1974 with the Nokomis Police Department. Kettelkamp joins the following Democratic nominees in the race for Christian County Sheriff: Dave Mahan, Thomas Strawn, Gary Slovic, Mike Molliske, and Morrisonville Police Chief Don Broaddus.

Three Injured In Three Car Taylorville Crash

4/17/2009

(Taylorville) Three people were hospitalized following a three car accidnet in Taylorville Wednesday afternoon. According to a report from the Taylorville Police Department, the crash happened near the intersection of Adams and Silver streets just before three o'clock. Police say a driven by 18 year old Codi Hasquin of Taylorville failed to yield at the intersection and hit a pickup truck driven by 52 year old Ricky L. Sneddon of Taylorville. The crash caused Sneddon's truck to spin out of control, hitting a parked car on Adams Streets. Hasquin and A passenger, 17 year old Stevie L. Staten of Blue Mound were taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. Sneddon suffered minor injuries in the crash, and was taken to TMH as well. In second passenger in Hasquin's car reported no injuries.

Staunton Man Identified In Lake Yaeger Drowning

4/17/2009

(Litchfield)The drowning victim in an apparent boating accident was pulled from Lake Lou Yaeger near Litchfield just before noon yesterday, after falling in the lake for unknown reasons Wednesday. According to the Department of Natural resources, the victim has been identified as 49 year old Mark D. Manscholt of nearby Staunton. DNR Spokesperson Stacy Solano says the investigation into what caused Manscholt to fall into the lake is ongoing. He was located using Sonar equipment after a 21-hour search involving responders from Montgomery and Sangamon counties. Emergency Personnel was notified when Mansholt’s boat was spotted circling near an area of the lake where he was seen boating earlier. An autopsy has been scheduled for today through the Montgomery County coroner’s office. Coroner Ricky Broaddus says an inquest will be held at a later date.

Whoppers In Plenty In Area Waters

4/17/2009

Anglers in the Regional Radio listening area can rejoice at excellent fishing surveys this week at area lakes including Lake Taylorville and Sangchris Lake. During District Biologist for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Dan Stephenson's recent surveys, good size bass, crappie, and bluegills were showing up in good numbers despite cooler than normal water temperatures and murky water conditions.

Stephenson did express some concern for the lack of saugers showing up in the survey however. Stephenson and the IDNR have been trying to stock the lake in recent years with the hopes of giving fisherman a different type of sport fish to go after. According to Stephenson, water clarity is a main contributing factor as to why the sauger might not survive in a lake such as Lake Taylorville. He also states that more often than not, the sauger have a tendency to swim over the north spillway. Although the numbers for the sauger were low in the survey, anglers and bait shop owners report that there has been success fishing for the toothy fish beneath the north spillway and in the South Fork Creek.

Stephenson also conducted a survey on the Sangchris Lake recently as well. During this survey, Stephenson was primarily trying to survey striped bass, also known as "stripers"to most anglers. And although the power plant isn't active right now limiting the water circulation, several young stripers were surveyed weighing roughly in at the ten pound range. Stephensons states that they stock the lake every other year with the striped bass, and that on average each year, the fish will gain three pounds. Also showing up in the survey were common carp, buffalo, channel catfish, and a monsterous fifteen pound flathead catfish.

Stephenson adds that fishing success will pick up once the water
temperatures rise, and the fish begin to get into their prespawn and
spawning conditions. For more information on Lake Taylorville, or
Sangchris Lake, visit ifishillinois.org or the IDNR's website at
www.dnr.state.il.us.

Landmark Ready For Their Close-Up

4/17/2009

(Taylorville) Staff at Landmark Chevy Buick Cadillac in Taylorville are prepping their showroom to serve as movie set this weekend. . The movie, a short film called ‘Coming Home’ will be produced by Peoria Based 747 productions and Stage Left Films, and will feature Doug Berry, Anne Butler, Justin Leuba and Fiona Whitson. Few details are available regarding the plot and premise of the movie. Landmark Sales Manager Joe Antal says the producers have asked him to feature a car from his lot in the movie.

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Antal encourages people to stop out to Landmark Saturday to Check out this rare glimpse of Hollywood in Taylorville.

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Shooting is expected to Take place at Landmark from about 10am until 5pm Saturday.

Local 'Y' To Join In On Healthy Kids Day

4/17/2009

(Taylorville) At a time when American families face mounting tumultuous economy, YMCAs continue to provide options for parents and kids to live happier and healthier lives. On YMCA Healthy Kids Day, YMCAs from across the country will open their (Saturday) doors to nearly 800,000 children, parents and community members for an event that celebrates healthy living, encourages families to embrace a more active lifestyle and introduces tools and strategies for making changes as a family.
The Christian County YMCA will participate in Healthy Kids Day. As Executive Director B.J. Wilken explains, Families will be able to take a dip in the ‘Y’s’ acquatic center during the event.

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In conjunction with Healthy Kids Day, Wilken explains the ‘Y’ will also hold a childrens membership promotion Saturday as well.

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Healthy Kids day runs (Saturday) from 8:30 til 11. The ‘Y’ is located at 900 McAdam Drive just off of Route 48.

Citizens Workshop Looks To Link Area Residents To Their Pasts

4/17/2009

(Taylorville) People looking to learn a little more about their family histories can attend a workshop this weekend at the Christian County extension office that aims to put them in touch with the pasts. The Christian County 4-H foundation will host a citizens workshop Saturday morning from 9-11, the will help people research their roots. 4-H Community Worker Jodi Heberling says this is a good opportunity for people to learn why knowing where they came from can help improve their quality of life.

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The cost to attend the workshop is $5, and people wishing to attend are asked to register by calling the U of I extension Christian County at 287-7246.

BREAKING NEWS: Bomb Scare Shuts Down Taylorville High School

4/16/2009

A bomb scare forced Taylorville High School students out of school (Thursday), prompting school officials to cancel remaining classes for the day. Taylorville Police say school employees found a note this morning indicating a bomb or explosive device was inside the school. Police chief Dave Herpstrieth says a bomb-sniffing canvassed the area and found nothing, but says authorities will continue to investigate.

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Herpstrieth declined to say exactly what was said in the letter, nor did he say if he believes a student wrote it or if he thinks it was a hoax. He added police have been in contact with several people regarding the incident, but say no suspects or persons of interest have been identified

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Upon evacuation, students were sent to two nearby churches where they were held for about two hours before being dismissed. Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says the district has an emergency evacuation policy in place, which administrators put into action (Thursday morning)

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Fuerstenau says school will re-open as scheduled (Friday), but baseball and soccer games scheduled at Taylorville High School this afternoon have been cancelled. Track and tennis contests played away from Taylorville will go on as Scheduled.
Fuerstenau says district officials will work with local law enforcement as the investigation continues.

Taylorville Kindergarten Registration Produces Disappointing Results

4/16/2009

(Taylorville) District officials say fewer than expected incoming Taylorville Kindgergarten students registered for the upcoming school year, following a change in procedure for placing their respective classes. In previous years, students underwent a screening process before entering the district, but now, parents simply registered kids at their respective buildings during a registration period held earlier this month. District assistant superintendent Dave Hixenbaugh told the school board this week what he feels attributed to the poor turnout.

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Hixenbaugh explains why the district chose to go with registration over screening kids.

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As Hixenbaugh stated, 125 kindgergarten students were registered for the upcoming year. Twenty one students at North School; 37 at South School; 33 at Memorial and 34 at Stonington.

Landmark To Serve As Makeshift Studio For Short Film

4/16/2009

(Taylorville) It will be lights, camera action in Taylorville this weekend as residents will have the rare opportunity to witness the filming of a movie this Saturday on the lot of Landmark Chevy, Buick Cadillac on Route 29. The movie, a short film called ‘Coming Home’ will be produced by Peoria Based 747 productions and Stage Left Films, and will feature Doug Berry, Anne Butler, Justin Leuba and Fiona Whitson. Few details are available regarding the plot and premise of the movie. 747 Productions President Charlie Young says the public is invited and encouraged to come out and watch as Taylorville Plays Hollywood for a day.

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Young explains some of the elements that go into filming a movie that onlookers will be able to witness.

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Young says filming will take place at landmark from around 10am until 5pm. Young says he doesn’t expect that any onlookers would be used as extras, but added that “You never know.”

Flooding Wabash Delays Pipeline Completion

4/16/2009

Rockies Express Pipeline Officials say continuing flooding problems on the Wabash river along the Illinois-Indiana border have preventing the flow of natural gas into Illinois through the 16 hundred mile pipeline that stretches through Central Illinois from Colorado to Ohio. Rockies Express spokesperson Allan Fore says the company hoped to have had gas flowing to the area by mid- April, but now pushed their target date back to mid- May.

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Fore says crews finished up construction in Central Illinois a few weeks ago, and are now preparing the line for gas to begin pumping into it.

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Construction on the 6 Billion dollar pipeline began in Central Illinois last summer, and is expected to bring enough natural gas into the area to heat about 4 million homes.

Rep. Flider Hosts Hearing On Capital Plan

4/16/2009

State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mount Zion) welcomed local residents, elected officials, and labor and business leaders Wednesday morning to a public hearing aimed at discussing the need for a comprehensive statewide capital construction plan. It also provided an opportunity for local residents to voice their opinions on what they believe spending priorities should be for infrastructure repair and improvement in the Decatur community and the surrounding areas.

“Our roads and bridges are falling apart,” Flider said. “The capital plan that the General Assembly passed a few weeks ago was a great start to improving the state’s infrastructure. However, there’s much more work to be done and we need to pass a more comprehensive statewide capital construction program to fix dilapidated roads, bridges, and other infrastructure across the state.”

The capital construction hearing was co-hosted by state Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), who began the meeting by giving a presentation on previous capital programs in Illinois and how they were funded. Two weeks ago, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a “mini-capital” bill, which will fund approximately $3 billion in road and mass transit projects across the state over the next year. Prior to that measure becoming law, the last capital plan implemented in Illinois was a decade ago. Infrastructure spending since then has not been enough to keep pace with the demands that Illinois’ motorists and commuters place on the state’s roads, rails, highways and bridges. In fact, vehicle travel on Illinois’ highways increased by 28 percent from 1990 to 2006 and the state’s population grew by 12 percent between 1990 and 2006.

“The capital plan we passed a few weeks ago is a giant step in the right direction,” Bradley said. “It will help to get Illinois on the road to economic recovery. However, this was just the beginning. We need to pass a comprehensive plan to rebuild, repair, and improve the infrastructure in this state and ensure that we don’t find ourselves in this same situation a decade from now.”

Rep. Flider Hosts Hearing On Capital Plan

4/16/2009

Illinois Congressman Split On Tax Protests

4/15/2009

Protestors around the state and country are expected to turnout to ‘Tea Parties’ today, to protest increased taxes and government spending. The tea parties, paying homage to the infamous Boston Tea Party of 1773 will feature protesters drinking tea and listening to various speakers. Tea Parties in Illinois are planned in Effingham; Springfield; Vandalia. Bloomington; Champaign/Urbana; Chicago; Dixon; Lisle; Marion; Nauvoo; Oswego; Peoria; and Rockford. Nineteenth District Republican Congressman John Shimkus issued a statement today congratulating those who protest the expansion of government, including the passage of several bail outs in recent months.
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Seventeenth District Democratic Representative Phil Hare issued a statement as well expressing his belief that recent actions by congress have laid the groundwork to help the country’s economy get back on track. He says policies will provide tax relief to working families who desperately need it and ask the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share once again, all while protecting the economy. He added that the shift should be celebrated, rather than condemned.

After Hours Filers Must Head To Springfield

4/15/2009

Tax filers who waited for the last minute to file their 2008 tax returns will surely flood post offices around the country (Wednesday) to make sure they don’t get hit with a late fee from Uncle Sam. Last minute filers should keep in mind however that Taylorville’s post office will not have extended hours, and the nearest place to drop off taxes after 4:30pm is Springfield. Customer Relations manager for the post office Sue Litterly explains that even then, filers must have their taxes sealed and stamped, and can only drop them into a box outside the office until Midnight.

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Litterly says it is important to know much postage is required to ensure your taxes are properly sent and received.

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Litterly says typically 4 standard letter sized sheets of paper can be mailed for 42 cents, with postage costs of 17 cents for each additional ounce. The Springfield post office that will accept taxes until midnight is located at 2105 East Cook Street.

CICBC Kicks Off Two Day Blood Drive At TMH

4/15/2009

(Taylorville) The Central Illinois Community Blood Center is hosting a blood drive today and tomorrow at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital. The drive kicks off at 12:30 in the afternoon, and ends at 6 pm each day. This particular drive is essentially the last chance for local schools to boost their chances of winning the Springfield Clinic’s 8th annual high school blood challenge. As far as the challenge standings go, Donor Relations Manager Jessica Becker says Taylorville High School is right in the thick of things.

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In addition, Becker says the Center is looking primarily for ‘A positive’, ‘O negative’, and ‘A negative’ blood types.

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Meanwhile, the fear of needles may thwart many people from becoming blood donors. Becker offers some comforting advice for all hesitant first-time donors.

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To sign up for any upcoming blood drive, call the Central Illinois Community Blood Center at 1-866-GIVE-BLD.

County Recieves Tax Equalization Factor Of '1'

4/15/2009

(Christian County) Property Assessments in Christian County appear to be right on target according the Illinois Department of Revenue. The IDR has issued Christian County a tentative property assessment equalization factor of ‘One.’ That means during the past three years, the assessment value of property has been close to one- third of the market value based on home sales.

The Department of Revenue shows that assessments in the county are currently at 33 point 73 percent of the market value, based on home sales in 2005 through 2007.

Christian County Supervisor of Assessments Ron Finley explains what this means to local property owners.

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The equalization multiplier is not an indicator of whether property taxes will go up or down, Finley explains that is determined by local taxing bodies.

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The last day of hearings for property owners who filed a complaint concerning their assessment is April 27th. Finley says generally there’s no reason to dispute an assessment equalization factor of one, and the factor will generally be accepted.

Casey's Set To Re-Open After Remodel

4/15/2009

After closing up shop more than for months ago for a store re-model, the Casey’s General Store on East Park Street will re-open for business (Thursday). The store will celebrate its re- grand opening all weekend with special deals on subs, pizza and coffee. Casey’s will welcome back most of it’s employees from the old store, as well as feature some new faces. Assistant Manager Dani Esswein says the crew is excited to get back to work in Taylorville.

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The store will open at 6-am (Thursday) and 5am after that. Newstalk 97.3 WTIM’s Steve Butera will Broadcast Live from Casey’s from noon until 2pm as part of the grand re-opening celebration.

Olivio's Brings Chicago Feel To Taylorville

4/15/2009

(Taylorville) The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce’s newest member adds a little taste of Chicago to Central Illinois. The Chamber welcomed ‘Olivio’s Chicago Dog & etc.’ with a ribbon cutting (Wednesday Morning), before they opened their doors to a hungry crowd waitng outside. Owner Ken Olivio’s new Beef Stand-esque restaurant on East Main Cross just off the Taylorville Square features Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Maxwell Street Polish and other traditional Chicago favorites. Olivio, who is originally from Chicago, says a struggling economy and a lack of work drove him to open up shop in Taylorville.

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Olivio says he is excited to join the Chamber and start serving the people of Taylorville.

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While he doesn’t encourage it, Olivio says ketchup is available on the hot dogs upon request. Olivio’s Hot Dogs & etc. is located at 137 East Main Cross in Taylorville.

Quinn Projects Schools To Receive 3 Bil. In Stimulus Funds

4/15/2009

Governor Pat Quinn says federal stimulus money coming to the state will help improve schools in Illinois.

Governor Quinn says Illinois is set to receive about three billion dollars over the next few years as part of the federal stimulus plan. US education secretary Arne Duncan says the funding will be put to good use.

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Duncan says the money will also support reforms to the education system. Schools should start receiving some of the funds in the next two weeks.

'Sexting' Prompts Discipline Code Change In Taylorville Schools

4/14/2009

The Taylorville School Board unanimously accepted a slightly amended version of the Jr. High and High School district discipline code for the upcoming school year during their monthly meeting last night. High School assistant principal Matt Hutchinson presented the changes to the board, highlight one brought on by a new trend among high school students nationally known as ‘Sexting.’ Sexting involves sending pornographic images via a cell phone from one student to another, which in some cases get spread around the school. Hutchinson says Taylorville High School has had a handful of ‘sexting’ incidents over the past year, prompting a modification to the disciplinary code that now includes language prohibiting pornographic materials or images through magazines, photographs, movies, cell phone pictures and other electronic images.

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In other business, on the recommendation of Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau, the board rejected the bids of three bus companies to provide bus service to the district for the upcoming school year through the 2011-2012 school year. The board will re-bid the service, allowing all three companies; Illinois Central School Bus, First Student Bus Service and Beck Bus to re-submit bid with a single dollar projection cost for a three year contract, rather than itemizing bids to separate extra curricular and special trips.

Flider To Host Legislative Update In Sullivan

4/14/2009

State lawmakers will not return to Springfield until next week, but some are busy pounding the pavement in their districts during the spring break layoff.

Among them, Mt. Zion Based State Rep. Bob Flider who represents part of Shelbyville will host a Legislative Update at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24th at the Senior Center, located at 114 East Jefferson Street, in Sullivan.

Flider has pledged to keep lines of communication open with local residents and remain accessible to all of the constituents of the 101st representative district. Along with legislative updates, Flider has held coffee shop stops, senior listening tours, satellite office hours, visits with local small businesses and several other district-wide events to remain accessible to his constituents. Flider has also formed several citizen advisory committees in the areas of education, senior issues, labor issues, agriculture, sportsmen, and utility issues.

If you need more information about this event or please contact Flider’s constituent service office at (217) 428-2708 or toll free at (866) 453-2066.

LLCC Accepting 'College For Kids' Applications

4/14/2009

Lincoln Land Community College’s College for Kids program is accepting registrations for the 2009 summer session.

College for Kids will be held Monday through Thursday mornings July 6 through 9 and July 13 through 16 from 9 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Students in first through seventh grades will have their choice of many exciting course selections. Courses will be offered for grades 1 through 3 and grades 4 through 7. Students may register for one or both weeks of classes.

Classes are available in computers, science, art, crafts, languages and much more. Classes being offered include Sticky Science, Yoga for Kids, Mummies/Tombs/Treasures, Be Cybersmart, Puppetry and Storytelling, Be an Author, Music Makers at the Seashore and many more. Classes will be taught by area elementary and middle school teachers.

Cost for College for Kids is $75 for each week’s morning session, which includes three classes. Many courses have limited enrollment and early registration is advised. Parents can receive a brochure with course descriptions and registration information by calling the LLCC Community Learning Office at 217.786.2432 or visiting www.llcc.edu and clicking on Community Learning under “Quick Links.”

Crimestoppers On The Lookout For Car Vandals

4/14/2009

This week CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a criminal damage that occurred in Taylorville.

Sometime between Wednesday April 8, 2009 and Thursday April 9, 2009 person or persons unknown used an object to flatten all 4 tires on a vehicle parked at the Christian County Mental Health Workshop, located at 707 McAdam Drive. There have been several incidents at the address of windows and vehicles being damaged that have occurred recently. It is unknown if all the incidents are related.

Please call CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.

You can contact CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, 1-800-568-TIPS, or at our website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org.

IEMA Urges Preparedness As Earthquake Anniversary Approaches

4/14/2009

As we approach the one year anniversary of the earthquake that shook Central Illinois to the tune of a 5.4 magnitude trembler, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is reminding people of that event and encouraging them to be better prepared for earthquakes during Earthquake Awareness Week, which runs (this week) April 13-19.

IEMA Spokeperson Andrew Velasquez III says while it is impossible to accurately predict an earthquake or prevent it from occurring, there are many actions people can take to stay safe both during and after an earthquake.

Earthquake Preparedness Tips
· Plan to hold earthquake drills for your family and business.
· Develop a family reunification plan.
· Make your home and business earthquake safe with such actions as:
o Strapping water heaters and large appliances to wall studs
o Anchoring overhead light fixtures
o Fastening shelves to wall studs and secure cabinet doors with latches
· Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged.
· Assemble a disaster kit with supplies that will last at least 72 hours, with such items as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlight, battery-operated radio, batteries and other necessities to sustain your family for at least 72-hours.
Safety Tips During an Earthquake
· Stay calm and expect an earthquake to last for a few seconds up to a few minutes.
· If inside a building, stay there until the shaking stops (drop, cover and hold). If outside, move away from buildings since bricks from chimneys or other ornamental stone or bricks may be shaken loose.
· When driving, stop safely as soon as possible. Stay in the vehicle until shaking stops. Do not stop vehicles under overpasses or on bridges.

Tips for After an Earthquake
· Check for injuries and render first aid.
· Avoid other hazards (fire, chemical spills, etc.).
· Check utilities (gas, water, electricity). If safe, shut utilities off at the sources.
· Turn on a battery-powered radio and listen for public information broadcasts from emergency officials. Stay tuned for updates.
· Do not use matches, candles or lighters inside.
· Do not use vehicles unless there is a life-threatening emergency.
As part of Earthquake Awareness Week, IEMA is developing public information materials that will soon be distributed to libraries, local emergency management agencies and IEMA’s regional offices in Marion, Collinsville and Flora. Earthquake information is also available through the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

Prairie Lawyers Discuss 'Legal Do's'

4/14/2009

Continue our annual series “Ask The Prairie Lawyer’s” on Newstalk 97.3, Taylorville attorney’s Bob and Quinn Broverman from the Broverman Law Offices in Taylorville discussed “Legal Do’s” on this week’s program. The Broverman’s say that a must for everyone over 18 year’s old, is to have an updated Last Will and Testament at their disposal. Quinn and Bob discuss several things that should be included in the will.

Ask1 Key Z :53 cue: document

Another important set of legal documents the Broverman’s say should you should have ready in case of an emergency are a Healthcare Power of Attorney, and a Property Power of Attorney.

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While it sounds simple, the Broverman’s say another ‘Legal Do’ that should be adhered to is to simply have your outstanding bills paid to avoid falling into bankruptcy.

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‘Ask the Prairie Lawyer’ can be heard every Thursday morning from 9:30 until 10 on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM. The Broverman Law offices are located at 113 East Main Cross in Taylorville.

Strawn Joins Sheriff's Race Primary

4/13/2009

The field of candidates vying to become the next Sheriff of Christian County became a little more crowded this week and Christian County Deputy Thomas Strawn announced he will seek the democratic nomination in next year’s primary election.
Strawn, a 41-year-old Taylorville native, is a 19 year veteran of the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, having worked as a correctional officer, DARE officer and patrolmen.
Strawn is a Taylorville High School Graduate and has an associates degree in law enforcement from Lincoln Land Community College.
Strawn joins Chief Deputy Dave Mahan, Deputies Gary Slovic and Michael Molliske and Morrisonville Police Chief Don Broaddus in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Current Sheriff Bob Kinderman announced earlier this year he would not seek a fourth term.

Stacy Bishop To Be Released From Jail; Ordered To Leave Town

4/13/2009

(Taylorville) A Taylorville man with a violent past will be released from Christian County Jail this week, but don’t expect to see him in the area any time soon. Fifty seven year old Stacy Bishop plead guilty last month to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, stemming from an incident last October when he admitted to shooting at car full of people that tried to run him over during a heated altercation. Bishop, who had been held in jail since his arrest, was sentenced to six months in jail and 30 months probation. The jail term is set to expire this week. In addition, Bishop was ordered to leave Christian County within 30 days. State’s Attorney Tom Finks, who recommended the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, says a ruling of this kind is pretty rare.

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Finks says there is some concern over the enforceability of the ruling, saying it isn’t clear if Bishop is allowed to return to the area for any reason, and whether Bishop can live in the area once his probation expires

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Bishop was cleared of unlawful discharge of a firearm charges brought on during the same altercation, when a jury ruled he acted in self defense. Bishop was also found to have acted in Self Defense when he shot and Killed 25 year old Willie Alberts on his property during an altercation last year. Bishop does have a 1998 conviction against him for unlawful possession of a gun.

Still Time To Enter 'Taylorville Stars' Dance Competition

4/13/2009

The Taylorville Public Schools Foundation’s main fundraiser of the year, Dancing With the Taylorville Stars is set to take place this Friday (April 17th). The Stonington American Legion Hall will host the 2nd annual event. Foundation member Amy Hagen says the proceeds from the event last year amounted to roughly 16,000 dollars.

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Before the highly anticipated competition kicks off, Hagen says there is a social hour at 5:30, followed by a prime-rib dinner at 6:00.

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The ‘Wall of Wine’ will also take place during Friday night’s event. The foundation is teaming up with Kroger, Market Street Wine Emporium, and First Class Liquors, for this year’s ‘Wall of Wine’. Hagen has the details.

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Currently there are three couples booked to compete in this year’s Dancing With the Taylorville Stars competition. A few couples had to bow out due to injury. Foundation member Scott McClure says adding couples to the competition is still a definite possibility. If interested in competing, or for more information on Friday’s event, contact Scott McClure at 287-2568.

Important Dates For Lake Shelbyville Visitors

4/13/2009

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.

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Hickman 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.

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For more information on camping season or Migartory Bird Day, call the Lake Shelbyville offices at 774-3313.

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

4/13/2009

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.

Parents Can Protect Kids With Immunizations

4/13/2009

This week, our ‘SIU School of Medicine Feature’ focuses on childhood immunizations.
Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against serious diseases.
Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases, so it is critical they be protected through immunization. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at SIU Dr. Craig Batterman says Vaccines have been one of the most important breakthroughs in medicine. He explains the first vaccines given to infants.

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Some of the other diseases that children are vaccinated for include meningitis, polio, whooping cough, chicken pox, mumps and measles. Dr. Batterman says that vaccines given to infants are very safe.

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If patents have questions about vaccines, they should talk to their child’s pediatrician or family physician, who can explain why infant vaccinations are so important. More information is available on-line from the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org.