(Taylorville)—New rest rooms at Kiwanis Park on Lake Taylorville, is the latest project being undertaken by members of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club.

Kiwanis Park project chairman Jerry Woodard reports that the foundation for the new structure has been backfilled, doors have been painted, and the concrete floor is being poured this week.

Woodard expressed his thanks to the many Kiwanis members who have contributed their time to assist, as well as the Lincoln Land Community College Taylorville construction class for their assistance in erecting the building.

Funds for the new building, have come from various Kiwanis Club fund-raisers over the past few years. The new Kiwanis Park rest room structure has a price tag of around $40,000.

Pictures of construction can be found at the club’s web site, taylorvillekiwanis.com.

State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion) will meet with several local businesses and human services agencies over the coming spring and summer months to hear the viewpoints of Central Illinois’ merchants. Flider kicked off his tour on Friday, April 17 by visiting with businesses and human services agencies in downtown Decatur. Flider says his visits have engendered positive comments thus far.

Click here for audio

Flider will continue to visit businesses and agencies throughout the spring and summer months. Business owners who would like to schedule a visit with Flider, can call his district office at (217) 428-2708.

Republicans in the Illinois House were unsuccessful this week in trying to block their own pay raises from taking effect.

Legislators and statewide officials are due a nearly three percent cost of living increase on July first if they don’t turn it down first. Representative Bill Black of Danville pushed to reject the raise.

Click here for audio

Representative Ed Sullivan of Mundelein agrees that a pay raise for statewide officials should be rejected.

Click here for audio

Democrats say the argument is just a political ploy, and have blocked the GOP’s efforts to reject the pay raise.

(Taylorville) When Taylorville City Alderman Jack Brown steps down from the council after completing his term next month, it wont be the last you see of him. Brown has been named the community representive for the Taylorville Energy Center, a proposed coal gasification plant that could be on its way to Christian County. Brown will work out of TEC’s community relations office, which will open in Taylorville in the coming weeks.
In addition to serving on the city council, Brown has served as coordinator for the Christian County Economic Development Corporation, after serving for more than three decades in the Taylorville School District as a teacher and administrator. Brown says he is excited to be part of a project that could put Taylorville on the map as a leader in clean coal technology.

Click here for audio

Brown describes what he expects his day to day duties to be, as a liaison between the community and the TEC.

Click here for audio

Brown says he is most excited about the anticipated 1500 construction jobs that the TEC would create, and the economic boom that could come along with it.

Click here for audio

The community relations office will be located at 215 South Washington Street on the Taylorville Square. In the mean time, anyone with questions regarding the project can contact Brown at 824-8873.

(Taylorville) When Taylorville City Alderman Jack Brown steps down from the council after completing his term next month, it wont be the last you see of him. Brown has been named the community representive for the Taylorville Energy Center, a proposed coal gasification plant that could be on its way to Christian County. Brown will work out of TEC’s community relations office, which will open in Taylorville in the coming weeks.

In addition to serving on the city council, Brown has served as coordinator for the Christian County Economic Development Corporation, after serving for more than three decades in the Taylorville School District as a teacher and administrator. Brown says he is excited to be part of a project that could put Taylorville on the map as a leader in clean coal technology.

Click here for audio

Brown describes what he expects his day to day duties to be, as a liaison between the community and the TEC.

Click here for audio

Brown says he is most excited about the anticipated 1500 construction jobs that the TEC would create, and the economic boom that could come along with it.

Click here for audio

The community relations office will be located at 215 South Washington Street on the Taylorville Square. In the mean time, anyone with questions regarding the project can contact Brown at 824-8873.

Click here for audio

(Farmersville) Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative (RECC)’s GobNob wind turbine in Farmersville was praised by Governor Pat Quinn as a needed source of clean, American-made energy, at a dedication ceremony this week. Gov. Quinn introduced representatives of several organizations that helped make the project possible, from funding to the location of the turbine itself.

The 900-Kilowatt turbine churned in the gusting wind as the ceremonial ribbon was cut by the Governor and other officials. The generator has already produced more than 300,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, and the turbine is expected to produce about 2.5 million kilowatt-hours annually. RECC spokesperson Dana smith says the company is excited to be a part of such a groundbreaking accomplishment.

Click here for audio

RECC has scheduled an open house at the site of the turbine for this Saturday, for people to come out and see the new clean energy technology.

Click here for audio

The turbine is located about a half mile off route I-55 in Farmersville.

(Taylorvile) Several area organizations will come together this weekend to take part in a long standing Taylorville this weekend. The annual Earth day celebration is this Sunday from 2 until 4pm at the Boy Scout Pavillion in Taylorville’s Manner’s Park. Several educational displays are activities are planned for the event, including a ‘rain barrel’ construction demonstration, and a hands on Fish Station. Deb Levault with Christian County Solid Waste Management company says the theme of this years celebration is ‘water conservation.’

Click here for audio

As for the rain barrels, they are placed under downspouts to collect rain water to be re-used to water gardens and lawns.

Click here for audio

LeVault explains that one of the highlights of the event will involve the Taylorville High School’s environthon’s team, which will investigate a watershed model.

Click here for audio

The event is free and open to the public. Sponsors for the event include Waste Management, Christian County Solid Waste Management, U of I extension, Christian County Ag-Literacy, Taylorville Park District Wal-Mart and Pepsi.

Governor Pat Quinn is re-opening the 11 state historic sites that were closed last year.

Sites like the Dana Thomas house in Springfield…and Fort Kaskaskia in Ellis Qrove were closed in late 2008 by Quinn’s predecessor. Quinn says the sites need to open back up, to help stimulate tourism in Illinois, and to preserve history.

Click here for audio

Other sites now re-opening include Apple River Fort in Elizabeth… Bishop Hill, and the David Davis mansion in Bloomington.

Retiring Lincoln Land Community College Trustees Roger Rutherford, Carl Oblinger, Ph.D., Gordon Smith, Ed.D, and Dan Austin, along with Student Trustee Liz Blackburn, were honored for their service prior to last night’s April board meeting.

Board Chair Andy Ramage and LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., presented the retirees with plaques and framed resolutions acknowledging their dedicated efforts.

Mr. Rutherford, of Springfield, has served on the board since 1998 and held offices of chair, vice chair and secretary. He was also a national advocate for community colleges through active participation and leadership roles with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). Dr. Oblinger, of Springfield, is another long-serving trustee, joining the board in 1998. He served as secretary of the board and liaison to the LLCC Foundation during his tenure.

Dr. Smith, of Springfield, was elected to the board in 2004, serving as secretary for several years. He was noted as a strong advocate for underrepresented students and the issue of closing the education gap. Mr. Austin, of Taylorville, filled a vacancy on the board in 2007 and will continue his service to the college as a member of the LLCC Foundation Board.

Ms. Blackburn, of Beardstown, completed a one-year term highlighted by her advocacy for student issues including online instruction and student activity fees. Her replacement is Mary Beth Clark of Virginia, (Ill.), who was recently elected by the LLCC student body as its representative on the board. Mr. Ramage issued the oath of office to Ms. Clark, who will serve a one-year term.

Also honored last night were three LLCC professors, recognized for their excellence in teaching and leadership. Receiving the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) awards were Jason Dockter, assistant professor of English; Ryan Roberts, professor and librarian; and Tony Rothering, associate professor of biology.

In action items, the board approved revisions to the Board Policy Manual as recommended by LLCC administration, with several amendments on policies relating to non-discrimination, reimbursement of expenses, and posting of board meeting minutes. The board also approved recommendations from the college’s insurance committee, with one amendment, for employee insurance coverage, and an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Sherman regarding a 12-year extension of its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.

Dr. Warren told the board that plans for major construction projects, including a new student center and workforce careers center on the main campus, a new classroom building in Taylorville, and interior improvements in Jacksonville, are proceeding to the design phase. And, LLCC Police Chief Brad Gentry presented an overview of the new campus emergency notification system, which will be ready for implementation following final tests Friday.

(Taylorville) A local Tavern had it’s liquor license revoked yesterday, after the State’s liquor Commission ruled the owner bounced the check for its licensing fee. Effective Immediately, Bailey’s Pub on West Main Street on the Taylorville Square will no longer be able to purchase or sell liquor from the establishment. The commission held a hearing yesterday indicating Bailey’s Owner, Chris Biondolino wrote a 525 dollar check to liquor commission, which was dishonored. Taylorville Mayor Frank Mathon, who also serves as the city’s liquor commission says he was informed of the charge by the state, and local law enforcement served the order of revocation to Biondolino.

Click here for audio

The state’s report indicates Biondolino did not attend the hearing, which Mathon says Biondolino was given advance notice of. Mathon added if the payment is brought up to date the Pub would be allowed to re-open and sell liquor.

Attempts to reach Biondolino for comment were unsuccessful. The State’s report indicates he can petition for a rehearing with the liquor council within 20 days.

(Taylorville) Two Taylorville High School driver's education students were hospitalized after an accident in Taylorville Tuesday afternoon. According to a report from the Taylorville police department, the crash happened just before 3:30 near the intersection of Spresser and Cheney streets. Police say the student driver, 15 year old Patrick I Simpson of Taylorville slowed to stop at a traffic light on Spresser, when his vehicle was rear ended by 20 year old Andrew J. Gunther of Taylorville. Simpson, and a pasenger, 15 year old Alex C. Driskell of Taylorville were taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver's education instructor, 27 year old Lee Mateer of Taylorville was not injured in the crash, nor was Gunther.

(Taylorville) The Taylorville School District will welcome its newest board members during a special meeting set for next Tuesday evening. Pending official canvas result certification from the Christian County Clerk, the board will seat Kathy Fergin and Seth McMillen, who will replace outgoing School Board President Fred Curtin and Board Secretary Wayne Swigert. Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau explains once the new members are seated, they will undergo a training process to familiarize them with issues central to the school district as well as board procedures.

Click here for audio

Fuerstenau explains that with the seating of the new members, new board officers will be selected, and new committee assignments will be given.

Click here for audio

The special meeting is scheduled for 7 o’clock Tuesday night at the School District office. In addition to Fergin and McMillen, current board member was re-elected to her seat during the April 7th election.

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias’ office wants to return lost, forgotten and abandoned funds to Taylorville-area residents. A representative from Giannoulias’ office will conduct Cash Dash searches on the state’s online database from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at theChristian County Treasurer’s Office. The Cash Dash program reunites Illinois residents with hidden wealth legally known as “unclaimed property.” Treasurer’s spokesperson Katie Phillips explains the process for tracking down your lost cash may be simpler than you think.

Click here for audio

Phillips says cash can be lost for a variety reasons from forgotten bank accounts to unclaimed cash left in wills.

Click here for audio

Phillips says records show that funds in excess of 1 billion dollars are owed to more than 10 million people and business across the state, including more than 1.2 million dollars owed to 6,420 Christian County residents.

Lincoln Land Community College journalism students earned 12 awards at the Illinois Community College Journalism Association’s 35th annual spring conference held April 10 in Springfield. Approximately 150 community college students and advisors from around the state attended the conference.

Those from LLCC earning awards included:

· 1st place: Feature story-Lisa Mayes, Springfield
·1st place: Freehand cartoon-Whitney Steskal, Springfield
·1st place: Single photo-Julia Fruchtl, Springfield
·2nd place: Single photo-Joseph Coplen, Springfield
·2nd place: Coverage of the arts-Chris Noel, Springfield
·2nd place: Sports news coverage-Mike Maziarz, Pana
·2nd place: Sports feature-Mike Maziarz, Pana
·2nd place: Editorial writing-Ryan Mahan, Springfield (Formerly of Taylorville) ·
3rd place: Sports feature-Mike Dahmane, Springfield
·3rd place: Computer graphic-Ryan Griffith, Springfield
·3rd place: Freehand cartoon-Aaron Savage, Raymond
·Honorable Mention: Sports photo-Chris Izatt, Springfield

The event, hosted by LLCC and held at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center, featured an address by the Chicago Tribune’s statehouse bureau chief Ray Long, as well as workshops taught by professionals from the Illinois Times and the State Journal-Register.

Other LLCC journalism students who took part in the conference included Tony Compton and Halea Peters, both of Litchfield; Whitney Stuva, Auburn; Allie Ladage, Pawnee; Amee Lee, Taylorville and Robert Stocker, Litchfield.

The LLCC journalism program celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008 and publishes a newspaper, The Lamp, twice monthly. The paper plans an online version during the fall semester and the journalism program, under the direction of Assistant Professor of Journalism/Speech Brenda Protz, will continue to offer traditional writing classes in addition to multimedia offerings.

Another cool wet week across much of the state has continued to keep farmers from making significant progress in fields. As USDA state crop statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, some corn has been planted so far, but farmers are still considerably behind schedule.

Click here for audio

Tune in for weekly crop reports from the Illinois field office during Regional Radio Newscasts, and look for them on Taylorvilledailynews.com through harvest in early November.

As much of the nation observed earth day Wednesday Governor Quinn said he is working to ensure state government is more environmentally friendly, starting with the executive mansion in springfield.

Governor Quinn says they are installing l-e-d lights in the mansion, which use 90 percent less electricity than regular light bulbs. The executive mansion is now also using rain barrels to catch water that can be used to water the grounds.

Click here for audio

In addition, Quinn is ordering state agencies to significantly reduce their electricity and natural gas consumption, and solid waste output over the next two decades.

About 1.5 million individuals sought treatment at hospital emergency departments last year as a result of brain injuries. This type of injury can affect anyone, but a high percentage of brain injuries are the result of sports and vehicle accidents. Dr. Dennis Mollman, associate professor and chair of the neurosurgery division at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains brain injuries.

Click here for audio

Dr. Mollman says individuals with even minor head injuries may experience headaches, lack of concentration, dizziness and nausea. More serious injuries include paralysis or being in a coma. He explains some treatment options.

Click here for audio

Dr. Mollman says surgery may be required for very severe brain injuries. He recommends that anyone who may have a brain injury should see their personal physician or go to a hospital emergency department immediately. He says helmets should always be worn when riding a bicycle or all-terrain vehicle as well as other sports activities to protect individuals from head injuries.

(May Township) Christian County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating the theft of a backhoe bucket from the May Township Building, that occurred sometime last week. According to a report from the Sheriff's Department, the theft was reported Tuesday by May Township road commission David Daigh. The bucket, valued at 750 dollars, was sitting outside the building at 1550 North and 1800 East Roads. There are currently no suspects in the case.

(Taylorville) Christian County board members passed a resolution during their monthly meeting last night that could help bring more money to local communities for much need infrastructure upgrades. The resolution urges lawmakers in Springfield to pass a comprehensive capital infrastructure bill this year. Christian County Board Chairman John Curtin says the resolution is meant to serve as word of encourage for lawmakers.

Click here for audio

The board also approved a motion last night to proceed with phase two of the third floor restoration project at the courthouse. Curtin says he expects the project to be finished in June

Click here for audio

In other business, the board approved a zoning ordinance that will allow a Kentucky based mining company to use a portion of land near Stonington for the construction of a coalmine facility.

(Taylorville) The Taylorville Sertoma Club held their annual awards ceremony this past Sunday at Krieger’s Sports Grille. Gary Fry was recognized as the Sertoman of the Year. Taylorville Sertoma President Larry Peterson says Fry stands out in a number of different ways.

Click here for audio

Betty Harryman took home the Service to Mankind Award. Fry says Harryman has helped over 400 students through the Memorial School Mentoring Program.

Click here for audio

Peterson says the Sertoma Club serves Taylorville through a number of different charitable activities.

Click here for audio

The Sertoma Club is a not-for-profit organization that stands by the slogan 'SERvice TO MAnkind’. For more information about the Sertoma club, visit the website sertoma.org.

(Edinburg)As temperatures rise, farm safety becomes a top priority in central Illinois. A recent donation to the Edinburg Fire Protection District will work towards ensuring the safety of farmers. The Department received a 3,500-dollar Grain Rescue Tube, courtesy of the Mechanicsburg Farmers Grain Co-op. Edinburg Fire Portection DistrictPublic Relations Officer Hobie Woolen explains how the tube saves lives.

Click here for audio

Woolen says although farmers don’t get trapped often, the rescue tube will enhance the Department’s chances of saving someone if a grain emergency does occur.

Click here for audio

Edinburg Fire Chief Charles Gribbins says members of the department will need training on how to best use the rescue tube. The Mechanicsburg Farmers Grain Co-op has also donated a Grain Rescue Tube to the Morrisonville and Mechanicsburg Fire departments.

The state senate may be voting soon on a bill allowing the use of medical marijuana in Illinois.

There’s been a push for years to let those suffering from chronic pain use marijuana for relief. Senator Bill Haine of Alton, who is sponsoring the measure, says support seems to be building for the idea this time around.

Click here for audio

Supporters say this may be the year the measure passes. Representative Lou Lang of Skokie says the use of medical marijuana to treat pain and nausea just makes good sense.

Click here for audio

The bill may be voted on in the full senate this month. Those who would be able to use medical marijuana include patients suffering from cancer, crohn’s disease, alzheimer’s and hiv and aids.

(Taylorville) Taylorville businessman and Shrine member Danny Coker, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Coker, who was potentate of the Central Illinois Shriners in 2001, talked about the many services provided free of charge to children, at the 22 Shriners Hospitals in the United States.

Coker said the hospitals were originally meant to help children with polio, and have evolved into today helping treat children with orthopedic and burn ailments. The 22 hospitals have a yearly budget of some 800-million dollars.

Coker told the Kiwanis Club that a long-standing trust fund established years ago, plus Shriner fund-raising efforts, have enabled the Shriners to offer children medical treatment at no charge, but with the change in the economy, the trust fund can’t be relied upon to fund the hospitals and some may close as a result.

Click here for audio

Coker is a board member of the St. Louis Shriners Hospital, and says his service as a Shriner has been extremely rewarding since it benefits children.

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 the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

A staple in the Taylorville banking industry is hoping to pack up and leave it’s current location, but don’t worry they wont be going far. Palmer Bank In Taylorville officials confirm the bank is in the planning stages of relocating from their current facility at 620 North Webster, to the southwest corner of the Jensen’s Furniture Parking Lot near the intersection of Webster and Spresser. Palmer Bank executive vice president Jim Hahn says the move is needed because the current facility can no longer facilitate the bank’s growing customer base. While the move will only take them a few hundred yards south, Hahn says the facility will nearly double in size.

Click here for audio

Hahn says the new facility, which is expected to be between 12 and 15 thousand square feet, will offer additional services to customers, and make the bank easier to access.

Click here for audio

Hahn says pending approval from the city, he hopes to break ground on the new facility this summer, and be open for business early next year.

(Christian County) A Palmer woman was badly injured after a one vehicle crash in rural Christian County Monday evening. According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, 22 year old Kyra L. Oller was headed north on 2300 East Road near 1600 North, when she told police she blew a stop sign a drove off the road, hitting a utility pole. Oller was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur for treatment. There were no passengers in the vehicle. Deputies say the utility pole, which is owned by Ameren, did not appear damaged.

(Pana) Christian County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating the theft of some lumber from the Pana Tri-County fairgrounds. According to a report from the Sheriff's Department, several treated deck boards were stolen between Saturday evening and Monday morning. The missing lumber is valued at about $500 dollars. The lumber was stored under a grandstand, and was being used to put new flooring in the grandstand. Currently no Suspects have been identified in the case.

(Taylorville) Taylorville will soon have a new power supplier for city owned facilities, and some say it could help the city save money in the long term. The city council last night approved the switch from Glacial Energy to Direct Engergy by a 7-1 vote, which will take place in early May. Direct Energy, which is regionally based in Oak Brook Illinois, will provide electricity to city buildings for at least six months, at which time the city will have the opportunity to re-consider it’s contract. Direct Energy Development Manager Ted Bailey, who formerly worked with Glacial, told the council summer electricity rates are comparably higher than at other points during the year, and come fall the city will have an option at that point to stay with Direct Energy or seek another provider.

Click here for audio

In one of the more odd moments during recent council meetings, several current council members expressed concerns over making a decision that won’t begin to take effect until the next council is seated during the upcoming May 4th meeting. While discussing the option to approve the switch, some council members even sought input from the mayor and councilmen elects in attendance, as to whether they felt the motion should be approved

(Taylorville) Local School Officials are still waiting to determine exactly how their portion of the recently pass stimulus bill will shake out, but slowly details are becoming available. The Taylorville school district is expected to receive about 189 thousand dollars over the next two years, minus some administrative costs. Taylorville School Assistant Superintendent Dave Hixenbaugh told the School Board Last week that once the money comes into Illinois, the Governor will secure the state’s portion before divvying it up on the district level.

Click here for audio

Taylorville School’s stimulus money is mandated to be used for ‘Title One’ and special education funding. The district was given the option to use the money this district year, but declined in favor of taking some time to determine how to spend it most effectively.

Click here for audio

No word yet on exactly when the stimulus money will start flowing into the state.

(Christian County) Non Profit agencies across Central Illinois will soon know if they will be among the beneficiaries of funding from the Christian County United Way for the 2009-2010 funding year. A series of allocation hearings are scheduled for (Wednesday,) as a six member committee will hear presentations from non profits to determine if they will be eligible for money. United Way of Christian County Executive Director Joanie Beyers explains 22 agencies will go before the committee.

Click here for audio

Beyer explains what the committee will look for from agencies when they decide who will receive funding.

Click here for audio

Beyers says the committee will announce which of the 22 area agencies were deemed eligible to receive funding, after the United Way board meeting next month Twenty one agencies will divvy up funds from the United Way for the current funding year, made possible mostly due to a successful fundraising drive last fall that saw the United Way raise more than 133 thousand dollars.

(Taylorville) The dates for the 2009 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the Taylorville square, were announced at an organizational meeting Monday afternoon at the Community Room of U-S Bank.

Those dates will be October 17th and 18th. Kevin Flynn and D-J Kennedy will again be the co-chairs for the event.

It was announced that New Wave Communications will again be the major event sponsor for this year's Chillifest.

The event will again include 2 days of International Chilli Society chilli cooking competition, lots of entertainment on the both the main stage on the south side of the square, and the north kids' stage. Junior and Senior High Cheerleaders and pom pom squad performances will again take place, along with the favorite Little Miss and Little Mister contests.

Larry Barry will again chair the 2nd annual Chillifest Tractor Show.

Chamber President and CEO Fred Ronnow said the 2-day event will again be full of food and entertainment.

The committee's next meeting is Monday, May 18th. For more information on the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, log onto the event's web site, chillifest (with 2-L's)-dot-info.

(Shelbyville) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the Lake Shelbyville Visitors center will open for the season this Saturday, in conjunction with the 6th annual Spores-n-more event. The visitor center will be open from 9am until 3pm, with a tour of the Lake Shelbyville dam scheduled for 11am. Lake Shelbyville Interperative Services director Annie Hickman explains what the visitor center has to offer.

Click here for audio

The Spores-N-More event is expect to attract some of the area’s premier mushroom hunters.

Click here for audio

Tours of the Lake Shelbyville dam will be conducted every Saturday and Sunday Starting May 23rd through September 16th. Anyone interested whould meet at the Lake Shelbyville Vistor Center. For more information, contact Lake Shelbyville at 774-3313.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking for applicants for conservation police officers.
Illinois conservation Police Deputy Chief Chuck Redpath says there are a few qualifications candidates must meet.

Click here for audio

DNR isn’t currently hiring, but testing will get underway soon, and they want to have a pool of candidates ready when spots open up. Visit the department’s website for more information.

(Taylorville) When the new mayoral regime takes office on May 4th, they will have the opportunity to build upon the improvements made to the Taylorville Fire and Police departments during the Frank Mathon administration. Throughout Mathon’s four years in office, the Fire Department made progress in various areas; including equipment upgrades, a brand new building, and increased manpower. Taylorville Fire Chief Jeff Hackney reflects on those improvements.

Click here for audio

Often times, Mathon says his administration’s biggest accomplishment was improving the city’s fire and police departments. Among all the issues faced during his four years as Mayor, Mathon says perhaps the most significant one was the need for police and fire upgrades.

Click here for audio

In Mathon’s final month in office, the two departments received news of another enhancement. During an April 6th City Council meeting, the council approved a motion to hire a new fireman and police officer in October.

(Stonington) The Taylorville Public Schools Foundation’s primary fundraiser is in the books. The Stonington American Legion Hall hosted ‘Dancing With the Taylorville Stars’ on Friday night. The evening kicked off at 5:30 with cocktails, and was followed by a prime rib dinner at 6:30 pm. Foundation member Scott McClure says close to 200 people showed up for the festivities. Taylorville High School students Travis Norville and Dani Sheeley danced their way to the 2009 ‘Dancing With the Taylorville Stars’ championship.

Click here for audio

McClure says that all the bottles donated for the evening’s ‘Wall of Wine’ fundraiser were sold very quickly.

Click here for audio

Although the numbers aren’t in quite yet, McClure says Friday night was a successful one for the foundation. When asked if there would be a third annual ‘Dancing with the Taylorville Stars’, McClure says the foundation will weigh their options.

Click here for audio

The foundation hopes to match or surpass the money raised during last year’s Dancing with the Stars, which was estimated to be roughly 16,000 dollars.

It will be all sunshine and rainbows at the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet. Chamber CEO Fred Ronnow explains.

Click here for audio

The banquet will take place this Friday May 1st, and on top of Joe Crane and prime rib, the banquet will feature a 10,000-dollar raffle. Ronnow says the chamber receives calls virtually everyday regarding the raffle, and tickets still remain available. Last year, 24 tickets were sold on the day of the banquet. To contact the Chamber call 824-4919, or stop by their offices at 108 W. Market Street in Taylorville.

(Taylorville)Central Illinoisans had the opportunity to get a taste of Hollywood this weekend. Peoria-based 747 productions shot a portion of their fifth short film, ‘Coming Home’, at Taylorville’s Landmark car dealership on Saturday. Production kicked off at 9 o’clock, and wrapped shortly after 5:00 pm. 747 Productions CEO and co-owner Greg Berry says people can expect to see ‘Coming Home’ at the Route 66 film festival in Springfield this fall.

Click here for audio

Greg’s brother Douglas is the other owner of 747. Douglas plays the lead role in ‘Coming Home’. The two have strong ties to the city of Taylorville. Greg and Doug are cousins with Landmark General Manager Joe Antal, and their parents currently live in Taylorville. The cousins recently teamed up to produce a Landmark commercial. Berry says plenty of people came out to sneak a peak at Saturday’s shoot.

Click here for audio

After finishing up at Landmark, the 747 crew headed to Buckeye Prairie Cemetery on the outskirts of town, where they continued filming until 9 pm. This wasn’t the first time the Berry brothers have filmed in Taylorville. Back in 2007, 747 shot portions of their ‘zombie movie’ at various locations across Taylorville, including the Mayor’s office. The brothers, who are also both experienced pilots, grew up in Springfield. When they went away to college, their parents moved to Taylorville to take care of their Grandma, and have remained there ever since. On top of producing their fifth short film, the multi-talented brothers are currently working on launching an online television station. 747 wrapped up the final shooting of ‘Coming Home’ in Peoria on Sunday. For more information on 747 Productions and the new movie ‘Coming Home’, visit their website: 747productions.net.

Although the legal drinking age in most states is age 21, many young people start drinking several years before, according to the U.S. surgeon general. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Substance Abuse Counselor at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield Ron Kanwischer says the consequences of underage drinking can be serious. He explains the beginning drinking age for many teens.

Click here for audio

Kanwischer says earlier drinking can cause alcohol problems later in life. Among adults that started drinking before age 15, about 40 percent have signs of alcohol dependency. Kanwischer also explains that young people drink differently than adults.

Click here for audio

Kanswischer encourages families to have open conversations about drinking and the medical and legal consequences of it. If someone has a drinking problem and is dependent on alcohol, they should talk to their family physician or a substance abuse counselor.

SPRINGFIELD – “Celebrating People in Action.” is the theme for National Volunteer Week taking place from April 19-25, 2009. The week will feature service projects and special events to bring awareness to the important work of volunteers nationwide and in Illinois.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to give thanks to the volunteers who dedicate their time and/or resources to helping others in their community and beyond,” said Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Carol L. Adams, Ph.D. “Illinoisans can find a volunteer opportunity or to learn more about how to recognize your volunteers by visiting the Serve Illinois Commission website, www.Serve.Illinois.gov.

Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed National Volunteer Week in Illinois and the week is dedicated to serving others in need and honoring those who volunteer all year.

The event is a service of Points of Light Institute and is being sponsored by Target. This annual week- long event has taken place since 1974, when it was created by President Richard Nixon. President Nixon established this week for the celebration of volunteers. Every year since, mayors, governors, elected officials, and each U.S. President has promoted National Volunteer Week by signing a proclamation.
Service projects and special events will take place across Illinois and throughout the nation.

A few of the events taking place in Illinois include:

• ABC AmeriCorps will be attending the “Living the Challenge Weekend” in Rock Falls, Illinois to assist families of children with disabilities.
  
  
• Aunt Martha’s AmeriCorps will be holding a literacy event called “Springing into Reading” at Forest Trail Junior High in Park Forest, Illinois. The event will supply free books and have games and craft activities for 3 to 12 year olds.
  
  
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley will be helping clean up the Humility of Mary shelter for homeless and unemployed people in the Quad Cities metropolitan area.
  
  
• Illinois Public Health Association’s AmeriCorps Members will hold a Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Appreciation Reception to honor and thank volunteers for all their hard work throughout the year.
  
  
• University of Illinois-Chicago’s AmeriCorps Project MORE will be participating in the Dome Day event in Springfield on Wednesday, April 22 to inform people about the benefits of enrolling AmeriCorps members and gaining valuable experience serving communities in need.

Governor Pat Quinn hopes the new head of the state health facilities planning board can restore integrity to the scandal-ridden group.

Quinn appointed Doctor Quentin young to serve as chairman of the board, which approves hospital construction projects in Illinois.

Click here for audio

The board is in charge of approving hospital construction and expansion projects in Illinois, and has been plagued with corruption in recent years. Dr. Young says he’ll do everything he can to ensure the board’s effectiveness.

Click here for audio

The board has been wrapped up in a federal investigation of the use of political influence and kickbacks, and a former board member has plead guilty as part of the probe.

Governor Pat Quinn says so far, Illinois is a leader in receiving federal money to repair roads and put people to work.

State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Marisa Kollias says this money will get several road and bridge projects going, and sustain an estimated nine thousand jobs in Illinois.

Click here for audio

Each state has until mid June to use the first half of their highway funds for these projects or they risk losing the money. Additional funds will come later