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Local Car Dealer Bob Ridings on the news that Chrysler was forced into filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy this week, after months of struggling to improve it’s financial shape with the help of a government bail-out. Ridings, who owns several dealerships in Central Illinois including Chrysler stores in Taylorville and Pana, says he would have preferred Chrysler executives consult with dealers before making the decision.

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For now, Ridings says it will be business as usual for his dealerships and employees. However, with the closure of production plants along with the filings, Ridings says he may be vulnerable to layoffs sometime in the future. Ridings added the decision to align with Italian automaker ‘Fiat’ may prove successful in some parts of the country, but fears it won’t translate locally.


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The filing will reportedly allow Chrysler to receive up to $8 billion in additional federal money to back its warranties. President Barack Obama this week was quoted as saying "It's a partnership that will give Chrysler a chance not only to survive, but to thrive in a global auto industry."

Carl Niemann, who was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at their annual meeting and installation banquet Friday night, said that it was because the community was so accepting to him when he came to town 17 years ago, that caused him to get involved in community efforts.

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Niemann was accompanied by his family at the Friday night Chamber gathering.

Over 140 people attended Friday night’s Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce annual installation banquet at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Several awards were given following dinner. Linda Smith representing the Chamber’s College Scholarship Committee, presented 2 semester scholarships to Mason Becker, a Taylorville High School senior who will attend the University of Illinois at Springfield next fall; Timothy LeVault, a T-H-S senior attending Richland Community College in Decatur next fall; and Kayla Matheny, a T-H-S senior attending Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield next fall. The 3 seniors benefited from almost 13-thousand dollars in scholarships provided to the Taylorville Chamber by those 3 institutions.

Smith was then presented by the Chamber, with a special award for her work over the past several years on the Scholarship Committee.

The Taylorville Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Len Hempen, and the Chairman’s Award was awarded by outgoing president D. J. Kennedy, to Doctor Greg Fuerstenau.

Co-Volunteer of the Year awards, for their efforts during the Taylorville Chamber’s annual Chillifest, went to Amy Winans and Kent Richardson.

The Citizen of the Year Award went to Carl Niemann for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Chamber, the Christian County YMCA, the Taylorville Chillifest, and numerous other civic activities during his 18 years in Taylorville.

Outgoing board members were recognized for their service to the Greater Taylorville Chamber. They included Michelle Coady, Lori Funderburk, Linda Crawford and Brad Jensen.

Incoming Taylorville Chamber board members were also recognized. They include Eric Kahle, Don Broaddus, Carol Chandler, and Patty Hornbuckle.



Outgoing president Kennedy thanked all those who made the Chamber year just ended so successful, then passed the gavel to new president John Gardner.

Guest speaker for the evening was Channel 20 weatherman Danny Russell, who began his radio career after college at WTIM Radio in Taylorville. Russell has been in radio and tv broadcasting over 30 years, including the last 15 as a weathercaster at Channel 20. Russell talked about his career, and his love for music. He started playing guitar in grade school, and in later years has formed his own band. Russell continues to live in Taylorville.

The 10-thousand dollar Chamber raffle winner was then drawn….the lucky winner was Helen Hensen of Ramsey. Don Broaddus won 185-dollars in the 50/50 raffle, and he gave it back to the Chamber.

(Christian County) A Pana man has been arrested after more than a month on the lam, according to Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks. Pana Police picked up Twenty Seven year old Jared R. Bartimus this week in connection to a Meth Conspiracy case that netted five other arrests last month. Bartimus is facing charges of a single count of unlawful particpation in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Finks says Bartimus appeared in Christian County Court (Thursday), and told the court he would seek to hire a private attorney.

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The others arrested in that Case include 38 year old Michelle R. Dunmeyer of Tower Hill and 34 year old Jimmy D. Abberley; 41 year olds William H. Baker and Bobbie J. Abberley; and 26 year old Rodney L. Green, all of Pana. All cases are in the pre-trial stages, except for Baker who was released from custody without being charged. Finks says the state is determining whether more charges can be brought against Bartimus for avoiding authorities for more than a month.

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The initial arrests were made after the Christian County Sheriff’s Department received information about the theft of ahnhydrous ammonia, a meth making material, from the fertilizer plant in Millersville. Responding deputies discovered a suspicious vehicle in the cemetery, containing five people authorities believe were involved in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Kinderman says the suspects attempted to flea the area on foot but were caught and arrested a short time later.

(Taylorville) Two men were hospitalized following a three car accident in Taylorville Tuesday afternoon. According to a report from Taylorville Police, 64 year old Elmer M. Ray of Palmer was headed south of Spresser, when he crossed over the center line and struck head on, a truck driven by 38 year old Carey J. Driskill of Taylorville. Both men had to be pulled from their vehicles, and were both taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital, where they were treated and released. A third car was struck by flying debris, but the driver of that vehicle was not injured. There were no passengers in any of the vehicles.

Lake Shelbyville is among the beneficiaries of more than 300 million dollars in federal stimulus money for Army Corps of Engineers projects in Illinois, according to Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, who announced the funding this week. Of that money, Lake Shelbyville will receive about 11 point 2 million dollars for maintenance to recreation and environmental areas. Lake Shelbyville Spokesperson Maria Shafer says the biggest chunk of that money will be used to consolidate the visitor center with the current administration building.

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Some of the money will be used to repair flood damage caused by floods from earlier this decade.

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Overall, Shafer says the Army Corps of Engineers is happy with the amount of money allocated for these projects.

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Overall the projects are expected to 2,400 jobs and indirectly create 6,144 jobs across the state.

(Taylorville) Fellas will have a chance to treat their dames to a blast from the past as Manner’s Park Dining Hall will be transformed into ‘The Cotton Club,” a 1920’s style speak easy this weekend. The annual ‘Cotton Club Dance,’ is put on by the Taylorville Park District, and will feature an evening of Dancing to big band music, hors d oeuvres , and some ‘Manner’s Park Moonshine.” Organizor Sue Phillips explains she expects the dance to be ‘the bees knees.’

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The Mike Whithrow All Star Jazz Band will provide the entertainment for the evening, and as organizer Kay Champley explains, you may recognize some of the faces in the band.

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The 20’s style ‘Cotton Club Dance’ is from 7 until 9 Saturday evening, and is five dollars to attend. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the Park District Office.

Pana area residents now have a more convenient option to receive colon cancer checks. Pana Community Hospital this week unveiled its new endoscopy equipment for use in the Operating Room. Hospital officials say the upgrade marks another step in the hospital’s on-going commitment to provide the highest quality of care for patients in the community. PCH Marketing Coordinator Missy Rybolt says the equipment will give doctors at PCH a better view of the colon, essential in their quest to detect and prevent colon cancer.

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Rybolt explains that colon cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer, if it is detected early.

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The equipment was purchased from Life Systems, Inc., a metro-St. Louis firm that Pana Community Hospital has worked with for many years. Founded in 1992, Life Systems specializes in the purchase, sale, and maintenance of endoscopes and related equipment.

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) voted against the federal budget resolution for fiscal year 2010. This is the outline for spending, not the actual appropriations of funds. There is no legal obligation to follow this budget, but it does give guidelines as the appropriations process begins.

Shimkus released a statement saying: "This budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much," Shimkus said. "This budget increases spending to historic levels not seen since World War II." The budget resolution not only outlines this year's budget but gives a blueprint for the next five years.

"This budget estimates a $1.2 trillion deficit next year and adds over $5 trillion to the federal debt over the next five years," added. "The Democrats' proposal also includes $423 billion in tax increases over the next five years.”

Oral, head and neck cancer is one of the most common, yet preventable cancers. It includes a variety of cancers in the head and neck area. Dr. James Malone, assistant professor of otolaryngology at SIU School of Medicine and a member of the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute in Springfield, says symptoms can be subtle. But he suggests some warning signs to watch for.

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Dr. Malone says two major risk factors for head and neck cancers are tobacco and alcohol use. And, when used together, the two substances have a synergistic effect and can greatly increase a person’s chances of getting these cancers. Family history and previous radiation treatments to the head and neck area are also risk factors for the disease. He urges individuals who are at risk to be screened and he describes the screening process.

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Several locations in Illinois offer free head and neck cancer screenings each Spring. Check with your primary care physician to find a location near you or ask for a head and neck exam during your next office visit. You also can check online at /www.headandneckcancer.org

A warm up and high winds were a welcome sign for Illinois farmers last week, but higher than normal rainfalls continued to frustrate. As USDA state crop statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, its deja vu all over again for many farmers.

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Brad Schwab reporting. Tune in for weekly crop reports from the Illinois field office during Regional Radio Newscasts through harvest in early November.

Christian County Sheriff's Department Reports the arrest of:

20 year old Angie M. Rogers of Taylorville for an ordinance violation on 4/30

30 year old Stephanie S. Miller of Taylorville for forgery on 4/29

38 year old Shane A. Collins of Springfield for an ordinance violation on 4/29

23 year old Todd F. Kennedy of Springfield for driving on a suspended license on 4/29

24 year old Amber D. Ginger of Pana for theft on 4/29

22 year old Brittanie N. Baker of Pana for Theft on 4/29

25 year old Jared R. Bartimus of Pana for Meth Manufacturing on 4/28

20 year old Noah B. Sanders of Stonington for possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of liquor on 4/27

28 year old Amber D. Rule of Taylorville for an ordinance violation on 4/27

48 year old Shirley D. Frost of Edinburg for domestic battery on 4/26

49 year old Timothy Clements of Pana for domestic battery on 4/26

35 year old Grady G. Horton fo Pana for an ordinance violation on 4/26

47 year old Carl A. Castle of Taylorville for an ordinance violation on 4/25

35 year old Michelle L. Smith of Kincaid for deceptive practice on 4/25

19 year old Brock A. Drockton of Tower Hill for aggravated battery on possession of liquor on 4/25

Taylorville Police Report the arrest of:

25 year old Justin P. Oller of Taylorville for driving on suspended/revoked license on 4/30

26 year old Brandon L. Rathbone of Taylorville for criminal damage to property on 4/26

34 year old Gray G. Horton of Taylorville on an outstanding warrant on 4/26

35 year old James Skinner of Taylorville for driving on a suspended license on 4/24

(Christian County) A Michigan Man was hospitalized after a one vehicle crash in Christian county Wednesday Morning. According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, 33 year old Garry A. Younker of Lake Leelanau Michigan was driving north on highway 22 near 1800 north, when he missed a curve and ran off the roadway, hitting an embankment. The driver left the scene before authorities arrived, but received treatment for non-life threatening injuries at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

(Christian County) A Decatur man totaled his Truck Tractor and Trailer, before walked away unharmed in a rollover accident in Christian County (Wednesday Afternoon). According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, 37 year old Jason B. Cecil ran off the road while traveling north on County Highway 1 near 650 North road. Cecil overcorrected back onto the road, lost control and hit a culvert before traveling over a private drive overturning the trailer, which was loaded with rock. Cecil was checked at the scene for injuries but refused treatment, there were no passengers or other vehicles involved.

(Taylorville)—Two representatives from the Taylorville Main Street Committee, shared their slate of upcoming events for this season, with the Taylorville Kiwanis Club, during their noon meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Steve Craggs, who is also a Kiwanis Club member, and Gary Merker shared a full slate of events taking place on the Taylorville square as well as at other locations thru-out the community.

Craggs said that the committee’s goals are two-fold: To promote the downtown Taylorville area thru attracting people with various events, and secondly to raise the money needed to hold such events.

Craggs told the Kiwanis Club that the Main Street Committee’s promotional season kicks off May 16th with the start of another year of the weekly Farmers Market on the east side of the square, taking place thru mid-October.

Craggs said the event that attracted over 5,000 people to Taylorville and is expected to draw some 7500 this year, is the Committee’s BBQ, Blues and Cruise Festival at the Christian County Fairgrounds on May 30th. The event will include national and amateur barbecue contests, 3 blues bands, festivities for the entire family, and of course lots of barbecue to enjoy.

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Merker outlined a series of musical events that the Main Street Committee will be sponsoring over the summer. The 5 events are entitled “The Great American Music Series” and will feature varied styles of music, again to attract people to Taylorville.

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The Taylorville Main Street Committee is a group of local volunteers dedicated to helping promote the downtown area and the community as a whole.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium, and is part of a global organization dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

Nine suspected cases of Swine flu have cropped up in Illinois, according to the State Health Department. All nine cases are in Cook and Surrounding Counties in the Northeastern part of the state. CNN reports there are now 91 confirmed cases of Swine Flu across the country, and at least one death linked to it. Regional Radio spoke with Christian County Health Department Administrator Gerry Grigsby Wednesday, who says the state has a plan of action in place to counteract Swine Flu.

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Grigsby says the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of typical influenza, and can largely be prevented by taking the same precautions

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Swine Flu has made its way to ten States in the U.S. The possible swine flu related death is in Texas, where a 22 month old child died Monday. Mexican Health Officials say 159 deaths in Mexico have been linked to Swine Flu.

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And with that oath, the Taylorville School District officially welcomed in its newest trustees, Kathy Fergin and Seth McMillan, along with returning member Katie Fraley, during a special board meeting last night (Tuesday). McMillan and Fergin are replacing outgoing School Board President Fred Curtin and Board Secretary Wayne Swigert.

As soon as Fergin and McMillan took their seats, the board selected new officers. Dave Driskill was selected as Board President, Jim Andruch was named Vice President, and Katie Fraley was appointed the new Secretary. The board also issued new committee assignments; most notably, new member Seth McMillan will be chair of the athletic committee.

Immediately following the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau led an in-depth orientation for the new board members. The entire board sat in for the orientation. The first regularly scheduled meeting for the revamped school board will take place on Monday May 11th.

Taylorville Mayor Frank Mathon recently appeared on WTIM’s ‘Open Line’ for the final time before handing over the gavel to Mayor-elect Greg Brotherton. When asked if he had any concerns for the future administration, Mathon told ‘Open Line’ that he worries about how the extra sales tax money will be used.

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Mathon also told ‘Open Line’ that the city could’ve used the money spent on the Taylorville Airport for more important projects.

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Mathon will hand over the reigns as Taylorville Mayor to Greg Brotherton during the monthly city council meeting, next Monday.

Governor Pat Quinn says he expects state lawmakers to consider the recommendations released by the Illinois Reform Commission this week.
The group came up with several ideas for improving state government and preventing corruption, including campaign contribution limits and changes to state purchasing and hiring rules. Governor Quinn says people are tired of the ethics problems in Illinois, and that it's time to start voting on these proposals.

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Other suggestions from the commission include requiring hearings on bills backed by multiple legislators, and letting a computer, not politicians, re-draw legislative districts every 10 years.

Kevin Clarke of Taylorville is the first place winner at Lincoln Land Community College in the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Paul Simon Essay Contest. His winning essay was entered in the statewide contest where the top prize will be a scholarship for the fall 2009 semester and an invitation to ICCTA's awards banquet.

All entrants were asked to write on the topic of how community college has changed his or her life. Mr. Clarke’s winning essay was titled “What My Community College Has Done for Me.” He was awarded a $75 gas card, LLCC portfolio, flash drive and pen/letter opener set.

Second place at LLCC went to Amanda Arnett of Athens, who was awarded a $25 gas card, LLCC portfolio, flash drive and pen/pencil set. The third place winner was Jackie Kestner of Springfield, who won a $25 gas card, LLCC lunch bag, travel mug and flash drive.

As the weather warms up and more motorcycles are out, the Illinois Departments of Transportation and state police are urging both bikers and motorists to share the road.

The number of people killed on motorcycles dropped from 157 in 2007, to 135 in 2008. To help keep that number down, District 9 State Police Capitan James Wolf has this advice for motorcycle riders.

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State officials say one of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents is because drivers can’t see them. Carleen Grant with Abate Illinois agrees.

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Drivers are urged to do their part too, and be on the lookout for motorcycles. That’s the basis of the public service campaign being launched by the state, called “start seeing motorcycles.”

(Taylorville) A skydiver suffered minor injuries this weekend after high winds apparently carried him from his jumping point at the Taylorville municipal airport, to the Christian County Fairgrounds up the road. According to a report from the Taylorville Fire Department, the accident happened around 9:30 Sunday morning. The skydiver, whose name was not released, told officials he bounced off of a roof south of the grandstand on the fairgrounds, and fell to the ground. He complained of back injuries, but refused treatment at the scene, and told officials he would seek medical attention on his own. The airport is located about a mile south of the fairgounds, on the west side of Taylorville. Attempts to reach the Mid-America Parachute club, of which the skydiver was reportedly not a member, were unsuccessful. This is the second accident involving a skydiver at the airport within a year. A skydiver was killed during a jump last July.

The Midwest Crush semi-professional football team is looking for a new home field for their upcoming 11-on-11 season, and they are targeting Taylorville. Currently the team plays their games in Assumption. At last night’s monthly Taylorville Park District Board Meeting, Assistant Head Coach for the Crush Nick Kima asked the board if they could use the district’s facilities for their 2009 home games.

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Kima says 400-500 people consistently show up for the team’s games in Assumption. That’s nearly half of the entire Assumption population. The team charges 5 dollars for admission and runs concessions, which various board members believed could serve as road bumps in bringing the team to Taylorville. The board agreed to have representatives for the Crush come back for a recreational committee meeting on May 7th, in which further discussion on the proposal will take place.

Also during last night’s meeting, the board heard from a local Aikido instructor, Bruce Wells. Wells is proposing to teach a self-defense class at the Manner’s Park Dining Hall.

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The board seemed overwhelmingly receptive to the idea, and will look to finalize plans for an Aikido class when they hear from Wells during the May 7th committee meeting.

Also during last night’s meeting, Board Director Marlane Miller announced that she has received official word that the Taylorville Park District is not eligible for any federal stimulus money. Miller says she has repeatedly tried to get in touch with Senator Dick Durbin to find out why the district is not eligible, but he has been unresponsive.

Last night the board also approved a motion to hire Courtney Treboniak as the new Park Recreation Director. Treboniak, who hails from Ohio, is scheduled to begin work on May 4th.

There are currently no reported cases of swine flu in Illinois, but state officials say that will likely change.

So far the 40 confirmed cases of swine flu have been limited to other states. But state public Health Director doctor Damon Arnold says the outbreak will probably reach Illinois, and when that happens, they will be ready.

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Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of human influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. Arnold says you should contact your doctor if you do get sick about whether or not you should be tested for the swine flu.

(Taylorville) Next Monday (May 4th), the Taylorville City Council gets their makeover. Greg Brotherton will be sworn in as the new Mayor of Taylorville, and three new alderman will be sworn in as well; Rob Heberling, John Lawrence, and Shawn Burtle. Taylorville Mayor Frank Mathon says he’s trying to make the transition into office for Brotherton as smooth as possible.

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Mathon and Brotherton have enjoyed a rocky past. Brotherton lost his position as chief of police, when Mathon appointed Ron Shipp in 2007. According to Mathon however, the two have put their differences aside.

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Mathon says the new alderman will be on a learning curve for at least their first six months in office.

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The new city officials will be sworn in during the Taylorville City Council meeting on May 4th at 7pm.

Members of the Lincoln Land Community College Animal Evaluation Club recently competed on the livestock judging team at the North Central Meat Animal Evaluation Contest held in Champaign. LLCC was recognized as the high team in the contest, out of a total of 12 institutions that participated.

The North Central Meat Evaluation Contest requires a great knowledge of the numerous aspects of the animal industry. The contest is divided into three separate events. Overall in the competition, Blake Lehman of Eureka was the high individual, The final results showed LLCC placing first followed by Kansas State University, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, Iowa State University and South Dakota State University.

In the individual team events, LLCC was recognized as the best team in the category of calculating the live value of an animal’s weight and basic composition. LLCC freshman Steve Niemeier was the high individual in this category. Blake Lehman placed third and Alex Mahoney finished in 12th place. The teams rounding out the top five were the University of Illinois, Joliet Junior College, Kansas State University, and Illinois Central College.

The second event was breeding animal selection. The LLCC team finished in second behind Iowa State University.

In the final event, students evaluated carcasses and determined the value similar to what a USDA meat grader would do to determine the value of meat one would purchase at the grocery store. Blake Lehman finished second in this contest. Alex Mahoney finished in ninth place and Matt Ewing placed 25th. The LLCC team placed fourth in this division behind Kansas State University, Colorado State University and South Dakota State University.

The LLCC team is coached by LLCC Assistant Professor of Agriculture Craig Beckmier. The team is continuing competition throughout the spring. For more information about the LLCC livestock judging team, contact Craig Beckmier at 217.786.2401.

A new alert system from the Illinois environmental protection agency gives detailed information about the air quality in certain areas.
IEPA spokesperson Kim Kuntzman says it’s easy to sign up for ‘enviroflash’.

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Kuntzman says the alert system can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory diseases. To sign up for the alerts, visit the website: illinois.enviroflash.info.

(Christian County) Several tools were stolen from a shed in the 100 block of Garrison over the weekend. According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, an Air compressor, impact gun, grinder, pneumatic metal cutter and air hose were take from the shed between Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. The total value of the items stolen is estimated at 325 dollars. The incident remains under investigation, there are no suspects.

Sheriff's Deputies are looking for a driver involved in a hit run run accident in near Pana early Saturday morning. According to the Sheriff's Department, the unknown suspect hit a parked Chevy Cobalt in the Victory Tavern parking lot, causing damage to the front bumper and grill.

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That’s the voice of a new face at one of Taylorville’s most prominent locally owned banks. Quincy’s own Blaine Cornwell is the new president at First National Bank in Taylorville. Since coming to First National in January, Cornwell says he has enjoyed the small town aura of Taylorville.

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Cornwell replaces Dave Combs as president. Combs is retiring after over 43 years of service. Cornwell says he is still getting comfortable with the everyday routine at First National.

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Cornwell says he looks forward to meeting more people in the community at First National’s upcoming ‘Annual Customer Appreciation Day’.

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Cornwell grew up on a farm near Quincy, Illinois. He obtained a degree in economics from the University of Illinois. Before coming to Taylorville, Cornwell was President of the State Bank of Niantic for 15 years.

The first ‘Economic Recovery Reinvestment Act’ 250-dollar checks are scheduled to start shipping out on May 4th. Jack Meyers, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration Office in Springfield, urges people to be aware of a potential scam that could emerge once the checks start going out.

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Meyers tells people what to do if they are targeted in this potential scam.

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Meyers says the Reinvestment checks will be issued the same way regular social security checks are issued. He also explains how people qualify for the checks.

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Meyers says all qualified beneficiaries should receive their checks by June 4th.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor the recent swine flu outbreak.

To date, the CDC has found 11 human cases of ‘swine influenza A’ in the United States; seven cases in California, two in Texas and two in Kansas. There are no known cases in Illinois at this time.

Swine influenza, swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Typically, humans are not infected with swine flu but infections can occur. Human cases typically involve people who have had direct contact with pigs, but the CDC has established human-to-human transmission among these recent cases.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told NBC's "Meet the Press" that the White House is keeping a close eye on the swine flu problem.

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The CDC has confirmed swine flu in patients in Mexico and is working with health officials there. Mexico’s Minister of Health believes some of the people who were infected with swine flu have died.

CDC has created a web page with information and updates. Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/swine or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Free power meters are now available for checkout at public libraries in Illinois.
Ameren has donated several kill a watt e-z power meters to libraries in downstate Illinois. Governor Quinn’s spokesperson Katie Ridgway says the meters can help consumers check the efficiency of their home appliances.

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For more ways to make your home more energy efficient this summer, visit the website, keepcoolillinois.gov

Just a few days are left in the latest enrollment period for the state’s college Illinois program, and officials are offering those who sign up now a special deal
The first 300 families who sign up for college Illinois before the April 30th deadline will get a 57 dollar credit towards their account. The program lets parents lock in future tuition prices at today’s rates. Student Assistance Commission Executive Director Andrew Davis says it’s an easy and safe way to start securing your child’s future.

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Several payment options are available. For more information visit the website: collegeillinois.com

With Illinois facing a 12-billion dollar deficit, and a likely tax increase, the Department of Natural Resources is having to defend its budget increase. DNR is in-line for an 18-percent bump in the new budget, more than any other in state government. DNR boss Marc Miller says they need the money because they will now be in charge of hunting, fishing, parks, and historic sites. And he says they want to keep all of them open. Miller is telling lawmakers some of his 282-million dollar budget will come from the people who use the outdoors.

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But Miller says DNR will also have to hire 150 new people, which will eat-up most of the new money. DNR was a favorite target of budget cuts under the Blagojevich administration. Downstate lawmakers say they understand, and want to help. Cicero's Martin Sandoval wonders if parks, and park users, should be asked for more given the desperate state of Illinois’ economy.

State Representative Chapin Rose sponsored a House Resolution this past week. The resolution seeks to ensure that the heirs, executor or administrator of an estate receive notice of the value of services provided by a Medicaid covered individual. Rose talks about the experience of one of his constituents in relation to the resolution.

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According to Rose, the resolution will help to ensure that any lien placed on the estate reflects the actual value of services provided.