Swine Flu Continues to Spread in Illinois; 393 Confirmed Cases

5/09/2009

(Springfield, IL) -- The swine flu continues to spread across Illinois. The latest flu count shows new cases in southern and central Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public says 393 people are now confirmed sick, and just one person is a "probable" case. But a new case has been found in Franklin County in southern Illinois, and health officials have confirmed the probable case from Sangamon County. IDPH boss Dr. Damon Arnold says "We knew we would see cases of swine flu across Illinois, so the case from Franklin County is not a surprise." Arnold says the increase in flu cases is still a product of better testing, and not a spread of the virus. But the CDC is saying it may soon no longer count individual cases of the flu. Illinois officials are not saying if they will follow suit, but do say they will stay vigilant. The latest updates on all swine flu are available at the state's website ready.Illinois.gov

Thousands Lose Power in Southern Illinois

5/09/2009

It could be a long weekend for thousands of people in southern Illinois. A massive wave of thunderstorms and flooding rains cut across the region Friday afternoon. Downstate Illinois’ largest utility says no one knows when power will be returned to the southernmost part of the state. As of 4:45 Friday evening some 62-thousand people were in the dark. Utility officials say those numbers will fluctuate, and could go up. The hardest hit area stretches from the Mississippi River near Chester to the Ohio River on the other side of the state, and reaches down to Cairo and includes Marion and Carbondale. There are reports of serious damage across the area, but no report of any serious injuries. State official say they are watching the situation and will send any help they can.

Taylorville Correctional Center Celebrates 150th Habitat For Humanity Home

5/09/2009

(Taylorville) The construction trades class at the Taylorville Correctional Center celebrated a milestone Friday afternoon, finishing construction on walls for their 150th Habitat For Humanity home. Since 1998, through a program with Habitat for Humanity, inmates in the construction trades class have built housing components for homes across Illinois. On Friday, the class showcased their work to local media and Habitat for Humanity representatives. Lake Land College instructor of the construction trades class, Dave Sharp says inmates in the program learn career-oriented skills that translate directly into the real world.

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Sharp has been with the class for seven years. Sharp says today’s milestone is a mammoth one for the program.

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Sharp says he has 3 TA’s (teacher assistants) in the class. Dave Campbell is one of those TA’s. Campbell says the program not only helps pass the time, but also allows him to impact the lives of others.

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Campbell says the class cranks out components for two to three houses per week. The 9-month program meets twice a day, beginning at 8am, and usually concludes around 3 pm. The 150th home is being erected in Bloomington, Illinois. According to Sharp, the class will complete work on their 151st home by Tuesday afternoon.

Upcoming Conference To Explore Opportunities for Seniors

5/09/2009

(Springfield) The state Department on Aging is holding a conference Monday to further explore volunteer opportunities for seniors in Illinois.

The conference will also explore other topics like seniors who pursue second careers, and learning new job skills. But with two million seniors in Illinois over the age of 60, Department on Aging Director Charles Johnson says they really want to look at what opportunities and civic activities are available for older people.

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If you’d like to attend, you can register online at the Illinois Department on Aging’s website. The conference will be held in the Illinois capital and run from nine thirty to four thirty.

Lawmakers Pass Legislation To Protect Student Athletes

5/09/2009

(Springfield) Illinois lawmakers passed legislation this week that aims to help detect cancer early in young athletes.

The bill is sponsored by Representative Patrick Verschoore of Milan. It requires schools to teach students about the risk factors and warning signs of cancer. And it lets schools make sure male athletes have a testicular exam before they can play in sports.

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The measure has since been dubbed Brandon’s law after the young man who passed away last year. It still needs the governor’s signature for it to take effect.

Rockies Express Donate 20K In Unused Pipe To THS

5/08/2009

(Taylorville) Earlier this year, students from Taylorville High School’s Ag mechanics class had the opportunity to watch professional welders at work, during a tour of the compressor station for the Rockies Express Pipeline. Now, they’ll have an opportunity actually weld, using some of the same materials. Rockies Express Pipeline (Friday) donated more than 20 thousand dollars worth of unused pipe from the recently completed pipeline project to the high school, which will allow students to get first hand welding experience in class. Spokesperson Allen Fore says its all part of being a good neighbor for Rockies Express.

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Ag Machinics Teacher Lee Matier says since the visit to the compressor site, students have been anxious to learn more about the lucrative field of large scale welding.

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While Fore says the Rockies Express Pipeline is the largest in the country, there are more than a dozen other currently under construction, and just as many more proposed projects that will provide thousands of good paying jobs.

Outgoing Mayor, Aldermen Honored For Service

5/08/2009

(Taylorville) The City of Taylorville said goodbye to three Aldermen, along with outgoing Mayor Frank Mathon this week. During this week's city council meeting, a Plaque of appreciation were presented to the former Mayor, who served a city alderman from 1985 until 2005, before serving one term as mayor. Plaques were also presented to the outgoing aldermen including ward one’s Tom Bozarth (2005-2009) ward four’s John Podeschi (2005-2009) ward two’s and Jack Brown (1995-1997, 2001-2009).

New Regulations To Stick At Lake Shelbyville

5/08/2009

(Lake Shelbyville) After a string of fatal boating accident in recent years, the Lake Shelbyville Water Safety Task Force tweaked lake policies, in hopes of making it safer for boaters. Since the policy went into effect on a trial basis last summer, there have been no boating accidents or fatalities on Lake Shelbyville, prompting lake officials to adopt the changes on a permanent basis. Army Corp of Engineers Natural Resourses Specialist Pam Doty explains what policies are in effect this boating season.

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Doty says curbing drinking on the lake is a major concern for the task force, since most of the boating accidents did involve alcohol.

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Overall, Doty says the response from boaters has been positive regarding the new policies.

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There were five deaths on Lake Shelbyville between December of 2006 and June of 2008. The most recent involved 32 year old Troy Newcomb of Charleston, who died while swimming form one boat to another last June 21st. The new safety provisions were instituted shortly after Newcomb’s death.

Sheriff's Department Taking P.A.C.T Camp Registrations

5/08/2009

For the ninth year in a row, disadvantaged children in Christian County will have the opportunity to attend a camp that will help them build trust and confidence, as well as development a positive relationship with police. The week long P.A.C.T summer camp is sponsored by the Christian County Sheriff’s department and will be held from June 29th through July 3rd. P.A.C.T, or Police and Children Together, is designed to reach at risk kids ages 9-12 through positive activities with law enforcement officers serving as counselors. Christian County Sheriff Bob Kinderman says there will be plenty of activities available for the kids, to help them spend their summers constructively.

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The camp is funded in part by the Law Enforcement Foundation of Illinois, and is free for Christian County boys and girls ages 9-12 to attend. Space is limited to 20 campers and applications will be reviewed on a ‘first come first serve basis.’
Applications are currently available at the Christian County Sheriff’s department, or they can request one mailed to them by calling the Sheriff’s office at 824-4961.

Nokomis Student Wins 'Soberfest' Contest

5/08/2009

Lincoln Land Community College’s Student Life Office has announced the winners of this year’s Soberfest activities. This year’s activities included the second annual Battle of the Bands sponsored by and a Soberfest essay contest.

Six student bands participated in Battle of the Bands held on LLCC’s campus Saturday, May 2. The top three student bands as voted by audience members include: Dub Tones, first place ($300); World on Fire, second place ($200); and Tèbe Zalango, third place ($100).

LLCC student Lisa Bybee of Nokomis was the winner of the Soberfest essay contest. LLCC students are invited to submit essays describing the dangers of drunk driving/substance abuse and/or how it has affected their life. Bybee received $100 for the winning essay. The contest is sponsored by the LLCC Foundation through a contribution from a community member.

The LLCC Student Government Association sponsors Soberfest each year. Soberfest is a program that includes activities and events to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse and encourages students to live a healthy lifestyle.

Insurance Fraud Heads Up Arson Motives

5/08/2009

It’s arson awareness week in Illinois and the state fire marshal says the crime is of particular concern in these tough economic times.
Whether someone over insures a home or building, or their business isn’t doing well, Fire Marshal Dave Foreman says some people who wouldn’t normally consider committing a crime are turning to arson.

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Foreman says forensics has greatly improved in recent years, and investigators have gone through special training, making it easier to detect and prove cases of arson.

Rep. Flider To Observe National Nursing Home Week

5/08/2009

State Rep. Bob Flider will be stopping by nursing homes in Sullivan on Monday, May 11th in honor of National Nursing Home Week. He will be visiting Eastview Terrace at 9:00 a.m. and Mason Point at 10:00 p.m. to tour the facility and meet with residents and staff.
American Health Care Association announced that for the 2009 National Nursing Home Week, which will take place starting on Mother’s Day, will be themed “Nurturing a Love that Lasts.” National Nursing Home Week is designed to remind communities of the parents and grandparents who nurture future generations of life and family traditions, to support the continued growth and learning that is cultivated within nursing homes, and to honor the staff, caregivers and volunteers who are providing support to nursing home residents.
While National Nursing Home Week is only May 10-16, Flider will continue to visit nursing homes and senior centers throughout the spring and summer months. The lawmaker is currently scheduling visits in other communities throughout June, July and August. If you would like to schedule a visit with Flider, please contact his district office at (217) 428-2708.

Work Progresses on New Rest Rooms at Kiwanis Park

5/07/2009

(Taylorville) Work is progressing on new rest rooms at Kiwanis Park on Lake Taylorville. Kiwanis members have raised money and donated labor for the project, as well as donated labor from students at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville. Kiwanis member Jerry Woodard, is chairman of the Kiwanis Park committee and spearheading the construction project.

Farmers Markets To Begin Next Saturday

5/07/2009

(Taylorville) Taylorville Main Street is gearing up for another summer of Farmers Market’s to be held on the Taylorville Square each Saturday, starting May 16th and running through October 24th. The events will feature fresh produce and other specialty items from local growers, as well as music, crafts are other festivities. Taylorville Main Street Executive Director Michelle Merker says there is still room to sign up to become a vendor at this year’s farmer’s Markets.

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Merker explains that the annual weekend extravaganzas are a way to help the local economy by putting money in local producers pockets, as well as drumming up business for downtown shops.

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The Farmer’s markets run from 9am until 1pm each Saturday rain or shine. Vendor registration forms for the farmers market are available at the web site : WWW.DOWNTOWNTAYLORVILLE.COM to sign.

'Cash Dash' Tour Stops In Taylorville'

5/07/2009

The dash for cash was on in Taylorville Wednesday, as representatives from the State Treasurer’s office visited the Christian County Courthouse in hopes of re-uniting area residents with lost money and assets. Christian County Treasurer Colleen Hadley says all accounts are that the ‘Cash Dash’ produced a good turnout.

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Hadley says money can be lost or forgotten for a variety of reasons, including unclaimed bank accounts and property left in wills. She says the if the County can’t find the rightful owner, it is then turned over to the state.

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Officials from the State Treasurer’s office say prior to the ‘Cash Dash’, more than 1.2 million dollars in unclaimed assets is owed to 6,420 Christian County residents. If you weren’t able to make it out to the event, you can track your unclaimed assets by visiting the State Treasurer’s website WWW.TREASURER.IL.GOV

Wet Fields Still Hampering Illinois Farmers

5/07/2009

Warmer than normal temperatures weren’t enough to overcome the heavy rains that drench much of the state last week, keeping farmers out of the fields for the most part once again. As USDA state crop statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, corn inputs are crawling along, and are even behind last year’s numbers.

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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.

Sen. McCarter Looks To Level Field For Defense Students

5/07/2009

Another effort is underway to give Illinois students who attend Department of Defense schools the same access to accredited education and recognition as students who attend traditional community-based school. As Ray Watt tells us, the latest push is headed up by newly appointed 51st District Senator Kyle McCarter.

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Cig Tax Opponents Fear Hike Could Send Customers Out Of State

5/07/2009

The Illinois house is gearing up to vote on a cigarette tax hike…but opponents are offering some final arguments to try and stop the increase.
Opponents of the tax hike, like Bill Fleischli of the Illinois association of convenience stores say it will drive customers looking for cheaper smokes to the internet, illegal vendors, and other states.

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Those calling for the tax hike say it will generate new money for the state…and get more people to quit smoking.

IDPH Urging Schools To Stay Open

5/07/2009

The state is issuing new guidelines for schools trying to deal with the H1N1 outbreak.
While some schools with cases of the swine flu have been closing, state public health care director doctor Damon Arnold says that isn’t necessary. Instead, those who get sick need to stay home and limit contact with others.

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Arnold recommends students and faculty stay home for a week if they have flu symptoms. And school administrators should check in with their local health department regularly to get the latest information on the swine flu threat.

Pre-Teen Bicyclist Hospitalized After Being Struck By Car

5/06/2009

(Taylorville) A 12-year-old boy was hospitalized with serious injuries Tuesday after he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle in Taylorville. According to Taylorville Police, the crash happened just after 4pm near the intersection of Cottage and Elm in Taylorville. The driver of the car, 63 year old Carmeline Skinner of Taylorville, told Police she did not see the boy, 12 year old Dustin Benedict, ride into the intersection until it was too late to stop. Benedict was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Suspicious Fire Destroys Rural Shed

5/06/2009

(Christian County) The Office of the State Fire Marshall has been called in to investigate a suspicious fire that leveled a shed in rural Christian County Tuesday. According to a report from the Taylorville Fire Department, crews responded to the fire near 1375 East 1600 North Roads just before six o'clock Tuesday evening. The owner of the shed told firefighters on the scene that this was the second time in a matter of months that someone set fire to the shed, and asked that they allow it to burn. The wooden framed shed with tin siding collapsed while firefighters were at the scene. There was no power to the buiding, and no one was injured in the blaze.

Single Vehicle Crashes Send Two To Hospital

5/06/2009

(Christian County) Two people were hospitalized after separate one car crashes in Christian County This week. According to reports from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, the most recent happened (Tuesday Morning) near township road 1500 East and County Highway 2. The driver, 42 year old David Kline of Niantic told Sheriff's Deputies his freightliner left the road before he overcorrected slamming it into a ditch on the west side of the road, turning the vehicle on its side. Kline reported minor injuries, but refused treatment at the scene, indicating he would seek medical attention on his own.

The other crash happened Saturday evening, involving 47 year old Leslie W. Brun. Accoring to the Sheriff's department, Brun was traveling east on 2000 North road, when she ran through a stop sign, losing control of her vehicle, hitting a ditch and flipping the car. Brun had to be pulled from the vehicle and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Go Kart, Bikes Stolen From Pana

5/06/2009

(Pana)Christian County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a Pana theft that netted several bicycles and a go-kart. According to a report from the Sheriff's Department, the items were stolen form the 'Pana Sale Barn,' located at 1101 S. Poplar Street. The items were reported missing Tuesday night, but were said to be stolen sometime between April 20th and April 30th. The total value of the items stolen is estimated at about $465 dollars. There are no suspects in the case.

New Aldermen Anxious To Begin Conducting Business

5/06/2009

(Taylorville) As part of the makeover of the Taylorville city Council, the community welcomed three new aldermen along with a new Mayor this week. In Ward One John Lawerence will assume the seat left by Tom Bozarth, who decided not to re-run after one term. Lawerence is a Certified Public Accountant who has served as the treasurer for the Taylorville Development Association and the Christian County Economic Development Corporation. In Ward two, Rob Heberling will replace Jack Brown, who served on the council from 1995-97, and again from 2001 until 2009. Shawn Burtle will assume the seat left behind in Ward four by John Podeschi, who ran for mayor and lost to Greg Brotherton.

Burtle says his top priority is to make sure that added revenue created by the recently passed sales tax increase referendum is put to good use.

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Heberling says he is anxious to begin conducting the city’s business, and points to infrastructure improvements as a top concern

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Heberling will serve as the chair of the Public Facilities committee, and will also serve on the Emergency Services, street and sewer and personnel committees. Burtle will head up the ordinance committee, and also serve on the Emergency services, Finance and personnel committees. Lawerence is the chair of the Finance committee, and is also on the Lake/Airport committee, Water/Environmental Committee, and the Ordinance Committee.

Annual Health Fair Coming To Pana H.S.

5/06/2009

(Pana) Call it one stop shopping for healthy living. This Saturday, Pana High School will be the sight of the Health Fair put on by Pana Community Hospital and Prairie Rose Health Care in Pana. PCH Marketing Coordinator Missy Rybolt explains, several free health screenings, including oral screening and hearing exams will be available at the Health Fair.

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In addition to the screening, informational booths will be set up at the fair from area hospitals and health care providers.

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The health fair runs from 9am until 1pm at Pana High School Saturday. Lunch will be available at a nominal charge, with lunch proceeds going towards St. Jude Children’s Charitys. In addition games and a performance from the ‘Pana Kitchen Band’ will be featured during the Health Fair.

Althoff; Maltby Receive Kiwanis Scholarships

5/06/2009

(Taylorville) The Taylorville Kiwanis Club awarded 500-dollar scholarships, to two Taylorville High School seniors at their weekly meeting Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Ashley Althoff will be attending Illinois State University in Normal this fall, majoring in business administration. Christopher Maltby will be attending Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield this fall, majoring in welding and carpentry. The 2 were selected from a host of applicants, by a committee of Kiwanis members.

Also during today’s (Tuesday’s) business meeting, Kiwanis Park chairman Jerry Woodard announced that the foundation is in, and walls are being erected, at the new restrooms at the park. Students from Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville are assisting in the construction.

Priority One chairperson Kristine Lecocq announced that teddy bears for child patients at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, have been purchased and will soon be presented to the hospital. She added that the program will also be extended to local law enforcement agencies.

And, the Taylorville Kiwanis Club will hold their June 2nd meeting at Kiwanis Park, as a cookout, to honor the hard work of Kiwanis members who have donated labor and helped raise money, for the continuing improvements at the Park.

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. Meetings are held weekly every Tuesday at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Pictured L to R: Brad Davis, Chris Maltby, Ashley Althoff and Brenda Spurling.

SIU Medical Feature: Swine Flu Not Unlike Common Flu

5/06/2009

As expected, this week’s SIU medical feature focuses on the H1N1 influenza.
H1N1 influenza, initially called Swine flu, has recently been confirmed around the U.S. The virus spreads from person to person and can infect anyone. It may become more serious in frail populations such as young children and the elderly. Dr. Michelle Miner, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says symptoms are similar to regular flu.

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H1N1 flu is very contagious so anyone with the flu should stay home from school and work. Dr. Miner urges parents not to panic, but to use common sense and do these simple things.

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Dr. Miner also recommends frequent hand washing to help prevent the spread of any influenza. If someone has symptoms they should call their family physician or pediatrician. Medication can ease the illness if started within 48 hours of the beginning of symptoms.

Quinns Pushing Ethics Reform before Session Adjournment

5/06/2009

Governor Pat Quinn says he wants lawmakers to pass ethics reform before the end of the spring session.
Just a few weeks are left in the official legislative session, and Quinn wants to start seeing some votes on proposed reforms.

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Quinn is also looking for improvements to state purchasing and hiring practices, and wants to make state government more open to the public.

Aldi Agrees To Purchase For Route 29 Re-Location

5/05/2009

(Taylorville) After months of negotiation, it appears the discount grocery chain Aldi will move from it’s current store to a new location on Route 29 just north of Cheney street in Taylorville. Aldi Spokesperson Tina Marie Adams says the chain has reached an agreement with the landowners and the city to purchase the land to build the new store, but the sale has not yet been finalized. Adams says the agreement was a result of a combined effort between Aldi and the city, as well as Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks, who owns part of the land to be purchased, and served as a mediator in the process.

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Adams says the company hopes to complete the sale sometime this year, and be open for business in the new location in 2010.
Last year, Aldi purchased the land of the former Beer Belly’s Tavern just east of the new location on Route 29. Efforts to re-locate to that location were stymied however when the Illinois Department of Transportation refused to approve construction plans that included an entrance from Route 29. No word on what Aldi plans to do with that property.

$10,000 Raffle Winner Makes Generous Donation To Taylorville Chamber

5/05/2009

Citing her respect and admiration for the city of Taylorville, this years Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce 10 thousand dollar raffle winner, Helen Hinshaw of Ramsey, generously donated a thousand dollars of it back to the Chamber. Mrs. Hinshaw said she learned that she won the raffle through Regional Radio announcer Matt McClemore, when she called in for the Saturday request show on WRAN. Mrs. Hinshaw says she was surprised to a point of disbelief when she learned that she had won, and felt it would only be right to donate a portion back to the Chamber.

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Mrs. Hinshaw was born and raised in Ramsey, and has spent a good portion of her life in the area. She says one of her favorite things about Taylorville is listening to Matt McClemore on the radio.

4-H Foundation Fund Drive Underway

5/05/2009

(Christian County) Fresh of the heels of a successful mostacholi dinner and bake sale fundraiser that raised more than a thousand dollars to benefit 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, the Christian County 4-H Foundation Board has kicked off its annual fund drive. 4-H Christian County community worker Jodi Heberling says money is pouring in already.

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This year, the drive’s goal is to raise 10,000 dollars. The funds will go towards camps, leadership conferences, scholarships, and various other 4-H programs. Checks can be made payable to the Christian County 4-H Foundation, and can be sent to the U of I Extension office at 1120 North Webster Street.

Man Jumps Out Window To Escape Fire

5/05/2009

(Stongington) A Stonington man escaped with minor injuries after a fire broke out in his home early this morning. According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, the fire broke out in the 200 block of South Delmar in Stonington around 2 am. According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, the man inside, Timothy Klay woke up to heavy smoke in the house, and was forced to jump out a bedroom window. He reportedly suffered minor cuts on his leg, but was otherwise uninjured. There was no one else in the home at the time of the fire. No word on the cause of the fire or the extent of damage to the home.

Mitchell Tours District Touting Zero-Tolerance Welfare Bill

5/05/2009

(Taylorville)87th District Representative Bill Mitchell was in Taylorville yesterday (Monday) to discuss his zero tolerance legislation aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars. According to Mitchell, one of the most shocking statistics in the state of Illinois, is that in 52% of the cases of childbirth, the taxpayers of the state pay for the delivery. That is one of the reasons he is introducing legislation that would require public aid recipients to undergo mandatory drug testing before receiving welfare benefits at taxpayer expense. Monday, Mitchell toured several cities within his district to discuss what he calls ‘common-sense legislation.’

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Mitchell said six other states have this requirement, while 8 other states are working on the idea. Mitchell added that the general assembly owes it to the taxpayers of the state to take a hard look at where their tax dollars are being spent. Before arriving in Taylorville Monday afternoon, Mitchell made stops in Decatur, Clinton, and Lincoln.

Brotherton Officially Seated As Mayor; Alderman, Other Officials Assume Posts

5/04/2009

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And with that, the Greg Brotherton Mayoral Administration begins in the city of Taylorville. Brotherton, along with newly elected ward one Alderman John Lawerence, ward two Alderman Rob Heberling and ward four Alderman Shawn Burtle were sworn into their respective offices during Monday night’s city council meeting. Brotherton says he was a bit nervous, but is glad the wait is over.

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Prior to seating the newly elected officials, the city bid farewell to the former administration including outgoing Mayor Frank Mathon and Aldermen Jack Brown, Tom Bozarth and John Podeschi. Mathon spoke briefly in with gratitude to the alderman and other officials with whom he served over his past two decades as an alderman and later as mayor

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Also at the meeting,City Treasurer Terri France and City Clerk Pam Peabody were re-sworn in to their respective postitions. Appointments of city department superintendents were also made. All current position holders retained their posts including George Calvert as Health and Building officer; Bill Newberry as Airport Superintendent; Elizabeth Schaefer as Human Resources manager; Dave Herpstreith as Chief of Police and Dave Speagle as Water Superintendent.
David Fines was re-sworn in as City Attorney and Joe Green as City Engineer.

Accidents Continue At Springfield Road- Cheney Intersection

5/04/2009

(Taylorville) A Taylorville woman was hospitalized after a one car accident in Taylorville Saturday afternoon. According to Taylorville Police 74 year old Janice L. Brown told police she swerved to avoid a collision and hit two concrete islands at the Springfield Road Cheney intersection. Brown was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The particular intersection has been the site of dozens of crashes over the past several years. Recently, the Illinois Department of Transportation removed mounted traffic nights on the concrete islands in favor of lights hanging over the intersection. The lights were reportedly involved in about 20 crashes in the past two years.

One-Car Rollover Sends Man To Hospital

5/04/2009

(Christian County) A Mattoon Man suffered serious injuries in a one car crash in Christian County early Saturday morning. According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, 43 year old Melvin Himes was headed east on County Highway 6 when he lost control of his car on wet pavement. Himes went off the road, hitting a ditch and rolling the vehicle on its side. Himes was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Weatherman Russell Shares Broadcasting Memoirs At Chamber Banquet

5/04/2009

Channel 20 weathercaster and Taylorville resident Danny Russell, was Friday night’s guest speaker at the annual meeting and installation banquet of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce.

Russell was pitch-hitting for weathercaster Joe Crain, who unexpectedly ended up in the hospital on Friday.

Russell gave the over 140 in attendance, a review of his career in radio and television. Russell began his career right out of college, at WTIM Radio in Taylorville, which brought him to town over 20 years ago. Russell talked about his love for radio and how it ultimately got him into the business.

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Russell has been the weekend weatherman for Channel 20 for the past 15 years, plus he does free-lance voice work for radio stations in Springfield, and also has his own band.

Brotherton; Aldermen To Assume Seats Tonight

5/04/2009

A new chapter in the city of Taylorville begins, as Mayor-Elect Greg Brotherton will be sworn in as the new Mayor at tonight’s city council meeting. In preparation for tonight’s transition, Brotherton says he’s spent the last few weeks meeting with various city and state officials, including current Mayor Frank Mathon.

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Brotherton admits to being a bit nervous for tonight’s changing of the guard.

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Brotherton adds that tonight’s meeting is primarily ceremonial, and will feature little business.

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Newly elected aldermen, Shawn Burtle, John Lawerence, and Rob Heberling will also be sworn in tonight. The book closes on Aldermen John Podeschi, Tom Bozarth, Jack Brown, and Mayor Frank Mathon. Tonight’s meeting takes place at 7 pm in the City Hall council chambers.

Chamber; LLCC To Team Up on Business Seminar

5/04/2009

Central Illinois’ aspiring entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn from the best at an upcoming seminar in Taylorville. The seminar, “How to Start a Successful Business”, takes place May 19th, and is lead by Lincoln Land Community College Small Business Development Center Director Kevin Lust. Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Fred Ronnow says Lust’s seminar is a fruitful resource.

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For more information on “How to Start a Successful Business”, call the Chamber office at 824-4919.

Prairie Lawyers Wrap Up Year Advice Series

5/04/2009

On the final edition of this years “Ask the Prairie Lawyer” series on WTIM, Taylorville attorneys Bob and Quinn Broverman dished out an array of legal tips for the ‘everyday Illinoisan’. One of Bob Broverman’s tips was to always be wary when co-signing for a family member or friend.

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The Brovermans also reminded people to never leave the scene of an accident. Bob points out that leaving the scene of an accident could result in a felony.

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The Broverman law offices are located at 113 East Main Cross in Taylorville.

Cancer Society Looking For Study Participants

5/04/2009

As the 25th ‘Annual Relay for Life’ approaches, The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to enroll in their latest Cancer Prevention Study, known as ‘CPS III’. Shane Squires, of the American Cancer Society, says the goal of the study is to gain a better understanding of what causes cancer and what prevents it.

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Interested participants can sign up for the study at one of 8 enrollment sites throughout the state of Illinois during ‘Relay for Life’, including June 20th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Sangamon County, and June 27th at Centennial High School in Champaign. Squires says that anyone between the age of 30 and 65 that has never been diagnosed with cancer can enroll in the study.

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For more information about the Cancer Prevention Study Three, visit the website cancer.org/cps3. The Christian County Relay For Life takes place June 19th and 20th. The Relay Committee will hold their next meeting Tuesday May 12th at 6pm in the Manners Park Dining Hall.

State Police Release Public Records After Two Months

5/03/2009

(Springfield, IL) -- The Illinois State Police are releasing a disputed report days after Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office told them to. State Police Director Jon Monken had said releasing the arrest report of a local government official in Springfield might be a crime. A spokesperson for Monken and Governor Pat Quinn said a letter from Madigan's office persuaded police to turn over the report to a local newspaper. Governor Pat Quinn appointed Monken in March, touting his record in the armed forces. But lawmakers have blasted the 29-year-old for his lack of police experience and have yet to confirm his appointment to lead the state police. Quinn has championed open government for years, but the state police are slow in following the Freedom of Information request for the arrest records. Back in February, a Springfield journalist requested all police papers connected to the city's parks district director getting a DUI. That request should've been filled within weeks, but took more that two months.

ISU Study Shows 'Thanks' Goes A Long Way With Troops

5/03/2009

(Normal, IL) There are two words that can make a soldier's return home much smoother, "Thank You." That's a finding in a reintegration study two professors and two students at Illinois State University conducted. Psychology professor Mark Swerdlik says his survey of 250 National Guard soldiers from Chicago and Springfield showed that more than 90 percent of them received kind words from strangers. Swerdlik says hearing those words of appreciation greatly improved their outlook. But he also says his study showed that many returning National Guard members become thrill seekers who struggle to find a higher calling. ISU received a 55-thousand dollar grant from the Illinois National Guard to conduct the study.

Swine Flu Hotline In Place

5/03/2009

The state is setting up a special hotline for questions about the H1NI flu virus.
Illinois Emergency Management Director Andrew Velasquez says since the swine flu outbreak has been dominating the news lately, there are likely many concerns about the virus.

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The hotline will be open from six 6 am until 10 pm daily. The number is 866-848-2094. You can also find lots of information about the swine flu virus on the website, ready.illinois.gov.

Medical Marijuana Proposal Hits Hurdle

5/03/2009

(Springfield, IL) -- Illinois’ medical marijuana proposal is stuck as lawmakers look for support. But a new group making itself heard on the issue may make finding that support a lot harder to find. The coalition of religious leaders, doctors, and cops all say medical marijuana isn't what it's being billed as. Dr. Andrea Barthwell says marijuana sold on the street is a drug, that wouldn't change if sick people could grow it at home.

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Police officers say having some legal pot, and a lot of illegal pot at the same time would make enforcement tougher. The group also says kids could get their hands on the "medicine" and begin a drug habit. But medical marijuana supporters say the proposed rules are strict and would do little to put more drugs into a community. Lawmakers will vote on the plan, but only if supporters can find the votes in Springfield. The legislature has one month left to pass any proposed laws.

Historic Sites Open Week-Long This Summer

5/03/2009

Several state historic sites will be open seven days a week starting this month.

Illinois historic preservation agency spokesperson Dave Blanchette the sites will be open more days to help accommodate the busy summer tourist season.

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Sites to be open all week include the Lincoln Herndon law offices in Springfield, Lincoln’s new Salem, the Vandalia statehouse…and Cahokia mounds in Collinsville. For specific dates and times visit the website, illinoishistory.gov