Storm Clean-Up Claims a Life

5/23/2009

(Carbondale, IL) -- The storm clean-up in southern Illinois has now claimed a life. Police say a tree trimmer died Thursday when the tree he was trying to clear fell on him. Doctors pronounced Samuel Casey dead at a local hospital a short time later. He'd come from Florida as part of the massive response to the storms that blasted southern Illinois. Thousands of trees and tree limbs still litter the area, local officials say it could be the end of the summer before everything is cleaned-up. The storms themselves also claimed a man's life. Police say 87-year-old George Arbeiter died when a tree fell on his home in Murphysboro during the May 8th storm.

No New Casinos in Illinois For Now

5/23/2009

A plan to expand gaming in Illinois instead of raising taxes failed in the state senate Friday.

Supporters offered the plan as an alternative to a proposed income tax hike. It would have added three new casinos, all in northern Illinois, allowed for more gaming positions at existing casinos, and let racetracks have slot machines. Senator Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale says that’s just too much.

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Senator Kwame Raoul of Chicago agrees.

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The bill fell just a few yes votes short of passing, but could come up again next week. Even if it does end up passing the senate, passage in the house isn't likely.

Quinn Turns Down Capital Plan

5/23/2009

Governor Pat Quinn says he will not approve the capital plan until lawmakers pass a state budget and significant ethics reform.

The house and senate this week sent Governor Quinn a nearly 30 billion dollar capital program. But Quinn says he wants to see the legislature finish other business before he signs off on that.

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Part of that hard work includes passing an income tax increase to help balance the state budget. There are also several reforms Quinn would like to see to help clean up state government.

Illinois Senate Votes Down DNA Bill

5/22/2009

The Illinois Senate has voted down a bill requiring more DNA sampling of suspected criminals.

Currently, only those who have already been convicted have to give a d-n-a sample. But legislation expanding that to include anyone arrested for a felony crime is being considered. Chicago Senator Kwame Raoul opposed the measure, saying it’s an invasion of privacy.

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Supporters say DNA sampling not only helps convict criminals, but can also clear the innocent. The house already passed the measure and it could still come up for another vote in the senate.

Illinois Jobless Rate Jumps to 9.4%

5/22/2009

(Springfield, IL) -- The number of people without a job in Illinois continues to grow. The state says the unemployment rate for April jumped to nine-point-four-percent. It was nine-percent in March. In real terms, that means another 24-thousand-500 people lost their job last month. Over 619-thousand people in the state are now without work, most of the job losses have been in the manufacturing sector. That is the largest number of people seeking employment since the summer of 1983. Illinois employment officials say the numbers may get worse for May, they're bracing for a ten-percent jobless rate before things are all over. Nationally the unemployment rate is eight-point-nine-percent.

Illinois Senate Agrees on Two Reform Plans

5/22/2009

(Springfield, IL) -- The Illinois Senate is joining the House in support of two plans that will open up government to more sunshine. But lawmakers still have more reform plans in the works before the end of the legislative session at the end of May. The Senate overwhelmingly passed a plan that would rewrite how state government buys things and bids out big contracts. One central procurement officer would look over all state agency contracts to make sure everything runs properly. The other measure Senators said yes to would unseal reports from government inspectors into ethical wrongdoing by state officials. Both plans sailed through the House earlier this week and have clear links to the scandal surrounding impeached governor Rod Blagojevich. The Senate has yet to sign off on the House plan to "fumigate" hundreds of government officials. Reformers are still calling on both chambers to put in tighter campaign finance laws and easier access to government records. Lawmakers have until the end of the month to iron out those plans and come to terms on the state budget.

Despite Dry Week, Farmers Still in Woods

5/22/2009

(Taylorville) After a historically wet start to the 2009-planting season, it looks as if the change in warm and dry weather this week will finally allow farmers to get into the finds to make significant planting progress. But Farmers aren’t out of the woods yet. As U of I extension Natural Resources Educator Gary Letterly explains, its not just water that’s making it difficult on farmers.

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As the rain continued to fall earlier this month, speculation arose that some area farmers would have to forgo some of their corn acreage in favor of lower maintenance beans. However, Letterly says that if the weather holds out long enough, most farmers shouldn’t have to unexpectedly rotate crops too much.

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One thing weighing in the farmer’s favor is the rich, high yielding soil that Christian County and other area farmers are working with

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Letterly says he believes that to date, less than 10 percent of corn is planted in Christian County, at a point in the season when more than 80 percent should be in the ground.

Countdown to 2nd Annual BBQ Blues and Cruise Begins

5/22/2009

(Taylorville) We’re just over a week away from the second annual Barbecue Blue and Cruise Festival in Taylorville. The all day event will be held Saturday May 30th at the Christian County Fairgrounds from 10 am until 10:30 pm. Taylorville Main Street Executive Director Michelle Merker explains the featured attraction will be the Kansas City Barbecue Society Cook-off, featuring professional Barbecue-ers from across the country vying for the top prize of 75 hundred dollars.

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Gary Merker explains the day’s entertainment will feature some of the most prominently known blues bands in the region.

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Plenty of sweet rides will be on display next Saturday as well, as a Classic Car and Motorcycle cavalcade will originate downtown and make its way out to the fairgrounds.

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The event also features an amateur cookoff for Backyard Barbecue-ers competing for cash prizes. Registration forms to participate are available at DowntownTaylorville.com.

Also, Arts and Crafts, a Family Zone and Skydiving Show will all take place during the event at the fairgrounds next Saturday.

State Police 'Staying Alive on the I's' for Memorial Day Weekend

5/22/2009

As the Memorial Day Holiday weekend approaches, the Illinois State Police are re-instituting a program they believe will help save lives. Illinois State Police, District 9, will continue to participate in the “Stay Alive on the I’s (Interstates)” enforcement campaign during the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend. As District 9 Safety Education Officer Trooper Cristi Pullen explains, The “Stay Alive on the I’s” enforcement initiative will kick off (Friday) at noon.

This enforcement initiative is in conjunction with the Combined Accident
Reduction Effort (CARE) and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s
“Click It or Ticket” campaign. During this campaign troopers will
maintain high visibility and will stop and arrest those individuals who
fail to obey traffic laws. Pullen says State Police will continue the program during all major holiday’s this year.

Special emphasis will be placed on the “fatal five,” which have proven to be the leading cause of serious injury and death.

Statewide figures from the 2008 Memorial Day Weekend reported 14 people
died in traffic crashes. Locally, District 9, which encompasses Cass,
Christian, Logan, Mason, Menard, Morgan and Sangamon counties did not
report any fatal crashes.

Route 29 Not Included In IDOT Multi Year Plan; Funds Could Come From Capital Bill

5/20/2009

Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig (Wednesday) unveiled an $11.25 billion Multi-year Highway Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2010-2015 that focuses on maintenance of the current road system.
There was no money included in the bill to complete the widening of the six-mile long two lane portion of Route 29 in Christian County. Hannig says any money for ‘new lane’ projects would have to be approved through a capital spending bill that is currently pending in the legislature.

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There is some money is the plan to continue the engineering phase for the widening of Route 51 from Pana to Centralia. However, Hannig says none of the money allocated will actually be used for construction and would also rely on the passage of a capital bill for further funding.

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The issue of how state funds should be divided among Chicago area and downstate has caused a stir in the capital lately. Hannig says he expects the current ratio that allows 45 percent of funds to be used in Chicago and 55 percent to be used downstate to remain as-is.

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Lawmakers are currently considering passage of a 26 billion dollar capital spending bill that would be used to fund road and school construction projects across the state. Some speculation arose this week that money for the completion of Route 29 would be removed from the plan, however Route 29 coalition Vice President Mike Bell says that was a quote ‘rumor’ and that the project does still remain in the bill.

Man Hospitalized After Striking Deer

5/20/2009

(Christian County) A Pawnee man was injured after striking a deer in Christian County Tuesday. According to Christian County Sheriff's Deputies, the crash happened just after 4:30 am, on township road 200 East. The driver, 41 year old Michael J. Wright was headed south when he struck the animal that had entered the roadway. Wright was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of non- life threatening injuries.

Windows Shot Out of Vacant Home

5/20/2009

(Christian County) Sheriff's Deputies are investigating an incident that left several windows of a vacant house broken in Christian County. According to the Christian County Sheriff's Department, the incident, which was reported Monday, happened sometime between May 10th and May 18th. Someone apparently shot out two windows of the house at 1398 600 East Road in rural Taylorville with a .22 caliber rifle, and broke out several others. There are no suspects in the incident, which remains under investigation.

Man Charged With Animal Cruelty After Allegedly Killing Dog

5/20/2009

(Taylorville) A man accused of killing his girlfriend’s dog appeared in Christian County court this morning. Twenty Four year old Ralph Smith of Taylorville is charged with aggravated animal cruelty and domestic battery after he was arrested Tuesday morning, after allegedly striking a Yorkie Terrier repeatedly and throwing it against a concrete floor in a garage. Local animal control was called to the scene, who reported the animal died a short time later. Smith is also accused of pinning his live in girlfriend to a bed and destroying her cellular phone as she attempted to call authorities. Smith was detained in the Christian County jail before posting a five thousand dollar bond. Smith indicated in court that he would hire a private attorney, and is next scheduled to appear June 23rd. The aggravated cruelty to animals charge is a Class 4 felony, and carries a possible penalty of up to three years in prison.

Courthouse Facelift Nearing Complete

5/20/2009

(Taylorville) Phase two of the Christian County Courthouse third floor restoration project is nearing completion. Construction workers have encountered a number of unknowns during phase two, including the replacing of bricks and more extensive plaster repairs. Christian County Board Chairman John Curtin says those obstacles were expected, and really did not provide any major hiccups. This weekend will be a busy one on the third floor; Curtin says the floor demolition will be completed this Saturday.

Curtin gave an update on the restoration project during the Christian County board meeting Tuesday evening. Also during the meeting, Curtin announced that an open house at the new Animal Control building will take place June 13th, from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm.

City Survey On Display at Area Filling Stations

5/20/2009

(Taylorville) Frustrated with a lack of information available regarding what Taylorville voters want from their elected officials, one resident took it upon himself to gather the information on his own. Adam Johnson of Taylorville recently conducted a survey, polling voters on what they would like to see done in the city as the new council takes hold. Johnson polled roughly 75 people, mostly from wards three and four, and explains what the results show.

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Johnson presented his findings to Taylorville’s elected officials on an individual basis, and says he largely received a positive response.

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All research was collected and processed by Johnson, who received no compensation for his efforts. Johnson says the findings of his survey are available for view at Casey’s General Story, Amity Food Mart, and FS Fuel in Taylorville. In addition, copies can be obtained through PS Printing for $1, or free of charge by calling Adam Johnson at 825-9898.

Kiwanis Educated On This Year's Horticulture Concerns

5/20/2009

(Taylorville) Gary Letterly with the University of Illinois Extension Service Christian County office in Taylorville, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Letterly shared what he called “The Top 10 Horticulture Concerns for 2009.” Letterly talked about such topics as trying to control the Japanese beetle, controlling weeds in your lawn, and what kind of grass to plant under trees. For the majority of his speech, Letterly addressed the ‘ever so pesky’ Japanese beetle.

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Letterly said there are multiple ways to eliminate Japanese beetles.

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Letterly added that with this spring’s wet weather, it has brought a host of bug and weed problems to lawns, flowers and trees.

Among guests attending today’s (Tuesday’s) Taylorville Kiwanis Club meeting were Jackie Foil and Suzanne Beckley, co-advisors for the Taylorville Junior High School Kiwanis Builders Club. Foil reported on a host of community activities the Builders Club was involved in, during the past school year.

Also a guest at the meeting was Cathy Coker, who submitted an application for membership in the local Kiwanis Club.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

House To Consider Banning Cell Phones In Work Zones

5/20/2009

The Illinois senate is cracking down on the use of cell phones while driving.
The Senate passed a bill sponsored by Senator Pamela Altoff of Crystal Lake, which prohibits the use of cell phones in construction or school zones. She says drivers could still use hands free devices in those areas.

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A second bill bans reading or writing a text message while driving. Senator Dave Syverson of Rockford says the law does not apply to someone pulled over or stuck in traffic with their car in park.

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Both measures still need approval from the House and the Governor to become law.

Railroad Camera Bill Heads To Governor's Desk

5/20/2009

A bill letting communities put up cameras to catch violators at railroad crossings is headed to the governor’s desk.
It would be up to local authorities to decide if they wanted to use automated enforcement at railroad tracks in their communities says Senator Sidney Mathias of Arlington Heights.

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If a driver were caught on camera going around the gates, they would be slapped with a five hundred dollar fine. The measure must still be signed into law by the governor for it to take effect.

Suspect Hospitalized After Edinburg Home Invasion

5/19/2009

(Edinburg) Authorities in Christian County are investigating a reported home invasion, criminal damage to property and battery incident that occurred in Edinburg early Tuesday morning. According to a press release from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, authorities were called to the 300 block of North Eaton, where two men were reportedly fighting inside the apartment. Deputies and Edinburg Police arrived to find 35 year old Jeremy M. Wicks of Taylorville lying on the floor with injuries. Wicks allegedly broke into the apartment and began fighting with 25-year-old Robert Page of Edinburg. Wicks was taken to St. John's Hospital in Springfield for treatment of his injuries. Deputies say they don’t believe the two men knew each other, but believe Wicks may have had a previous relationship with the woman who called in the incident, Rebecca Price. No arrests have been made yet, as the suspect remains in the Hospital. The incident remains under investigation by the Christian County Sheriff's Office and the Edinburg Police Department.

Man Hurt In Motorcycle Vs. Deer Accident

5/19/2009

(Taylorville) A motorcyclist is hospitalized following a crash involving a deer that occurred in Taylorville early Tuesday morning. According to Taylorville Police the crash happened just before 3am on Route 29 near Kennedy Drive. The driver, 50 year old Dennis E. Gideon of Rochester was riding north on 29 on the, when he told police a deer entered the road and he couldn’t avoid hitting it. Gideon dumped the bike and came to rest in a turn lane. He was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital and later transferred to a Springfield Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The deer was killed in the collision.

Brotherton Delivers Mayoral Update Address

5/19/2009

(Taylorville) The second city council meeting under the Greg Brotherton mayoral administration lasted just under an hour Monday night. In his mayoral update address, Brotherton said he’s learned a great deal since being sworn in May 4th.

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Brotherton also informed the council that the city has secured a grant that could improve communications between departments.

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Also during Monday night’s meeting, Jeff Hackney was sworn in as the Taylorville Fire Chief, after being re-appointed by Brotherton.

The council also accepted the bid of $112,986 from Laker Petroleum for the installation of two aboveground fuel tanks at the Taylorville Municipal Airport. In other business, the council approved a motion to allow the Edinburg High School to hold a fishing tournament at Lake Taylorville on May 30th.

The council also agreed to pursue a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which could benefit the lake greatly. Lake/Airport Committee Chairman Martin Vota and Working foreman Alan Jackson believe the grant could be used for boat docks as well as for sidewalks at Kiwanis Park.

The next city council meeting takes place June 1st.

Chillifest Committee Discusses Event Entertainment

5/19/2009

(Taylorville) The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest committee met Monday afternoon (May 18th) in the Community Room of the U-S Bank Building on the Taylorville square, to continue their planning for the fall event which takes place October 17th and 18th on the square.

The main topic of discussion was entertainment for this year's event. Two stages present entertainment during both days, and entertain chairperson Suzanne Beckley said that some favorites will be coming back such as the Little Miss, Little Mister, Junior High cheerleaders and the Oldywed Game, but some new acts will also be performing such as the Great Pumpkin contest, the Christian County Fair talent contestants, and others.

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The 2-day event is also a sanctioned chilli cookoff by the International Chilli Society.

For more information on the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, go to chillifest (with 2-L's)-dot-info.

Beck; School District To Fine Tune Transportation Plans

5/19/2009

(Taylorville) Beck Bus will continue to transport students to and from school in Taylorville for the foreseeable future. Last week the Taylorville school board accepted Beck’s bid to provide the district with transportation services for the next three years. Taylorville superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says school officials will now meet with Beck to discuss the transportation needs of the district.

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Among the three companies being looked at, Beck did provide the cheapest bid. Fuerstenau says the board considers more then just the price however when choosing a bid.

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Fuerstenau also says that the district’s restructuring plan played a role in the bid process.

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The three-year grand total of Beck’s bid rounds out to $ 2,881,057. That’s over $400,000 less then Illinois Central’s bid, and over $585,000 less then First Student’s bid.

Ridings Looks For Silver Lining Amidst Chrysler Closures

5/19/2009

Last week Bob Ridings dealership in Taylorville received news that it was among the nearly 800 dealerships nationwide that will stop selling Chryslers. The move came as part of Chrysler’s restructuring plan following their filing for bankruptcy in April. Before the move was announced, Ridings says his dealership was actually doing quite well with Chrysler sales.

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Ridings remains confident that the move will have a minimal impact on his dealerships. He says its ‘business as usual’ at Bob Ridings.

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As far as the dealership’s remaining Chrysler inventory is concerned, Ridings says let the fire sale begin.

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According to Ridings, Chrysler only made up about 15% of total sales at his Taylorville location. The closure of 789 dealerships represents nearly 25% of Chrysler dealerships currently operating. Before the weekend two other local car dealers, Gordon and Landmark had to sweat it out, as GM announced the closing of 1100 dealerships nationwide. Fortunately for Gordon and Landmark, they appear safe from the mammoth cuts.

Truckers Speed Increase Bill In Quinn's Hands

5/19/2009

Truckers may soon be able to drive a little faster in Illinois.
State lawmakers have sent a bill to the governor’s desk raising the speed limit for trucks on rural interstate highways to 65 miles per hour. Senator John Sullivan of Quincy is sponsoring the measure, which the legislature has tried to pass for several years.

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Supporters say roads will be safer if trucks and cars are traveling at the same speed, but opponents argue trucks need to go slower since it takes them longer to stop. The bill now heads to the governors desk for final consideration.

'Annie's Project' Educates Wives On Farm Business

5/19/2009

A program designed to teach women the in’s and out’s of farm life and farm business will kick off in Taylorville next month. U of I extension Christian County is sponsoring ‘Annie’s project’, which as Extension Director Linda Smith explains, is named after Annete Fleck, a woman who married into a farm family without knowledge of the industry, and empowered herself with knowledge of all things farm related.

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Smith says the classes will offer a different perspective for women looking to learn different aspects of running the farm

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The classes will be taught by farm manager Ruth Hambleton, the daughter of ‘Annie Fleck’.

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With a start-up grant from the USDA, "Annie's Project" was launched in 2002 and the first group completed training in February 2003. Since then, the project has continued not only in Illinois but spread to Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
The classes start June 2nd and will be held each Tuesday from 6-9 pm at Lincoln Lands EREC campus in Taylorville. For more information of Annie’s Project, contact the extension at 287-7246

Minor Injuries Caused In Friday Crash

5/18/2009

Two people suffered minor injuries in an traffic accident that occurred in Taylorville Friday evening. According to a report from Taylorville police, the accident happened at Route 104 just west of Route 29, when 71 year old Lloyd L. Cagle of Edinburg turned in front a car from a private drive and was struck by 50 year old Mary D. Morris of Kincaid. Morris and a nine year old passenger were taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment. Cagle reportedly admitted fault in the accident, and was issued a citation for failure to yield.

Computer; Accessories Stolen From Rural Mowequa Home

5/18/2009

A residential burglary netted several hundred dollars in computer equipment Wednesday morning. The theft occurred around 10:30 at 1537 North 2600 east road near Mowequa. The victim told Christian County Sheriff's Deputies deputies she was in the upper level of the home, when the unknown suspect took a laptop computer, printer and computer case. There are currently no supsects in the case, which remains under investigation.

Two Men Face Meth Charges After Friday Arrest

5/18/2009

(Christian County) Two men arrested last week for possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine manufacturing materials appeared in Christian County Court this morning. Thirty Four year old Justin Bland and 35-year-old Travis Hartman, both of Pana made their first appearances before Judge James Roberts. Bland and Hartman were arrested by Taylorville Police Friday, both accused of possessing less than five grams of Methamphamine, and possessing Meth Manufacturing materials including lithium Batteries, plastic tubing, salt, filters and lighter fluid. The Charges, class 3 and 2 felonies respectively, carry possible penalties of up to 7 years in prison. Hartman is eligible for an extended sentence of up to ten years, due to a prior felony conviction. Both Defendants had bond set at 25 thousand dollars, and were appointed public defenders. Bland is next scheduled to appear in court (Tuesday), and Hartman Thursday. Both defendants remain in the custody of the Christian County Jail.

GTCC Golf Outing Tees Off June 5th

5/18/2009

The annual Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing is just a couple weeks away. Chamber CEO Fred Ronnow says participants in the event get treated to a hearty lunch and dinner.

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Throughout the outing, golfers will have the opportunity to win mammoth prizes, including free cars. Ronnow adds that everyone in the event will also have the chance to sink a hole-in-one for 10,000 dollars.

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The golf outing takes place on Friday June 5th. For more information call the Chamber office at 824-4919.

Army Corps. To Offer Boating Refresher Course

5/18/2009

Weather permitting, Memorial Day will be a busy day for boaters in Central Illinois, and Lake Shelbyville is making safety the number one priority. In conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary, the US Army Corps of Engineers is offering a boating safety course this week free of charge. Lake Shelbyville representative Ken Pierson says the course is open to anyone over the age of 12 looking to brush up on their boating safety skills.

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Pierson says this week’s course can even help out experienced boaters.

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Other then the presence of fisherman, traffic on Lake Shelbyville has been slow thus far. Pierson expects that to change on Memorial Day.

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The boating safety course will be held Tuesday through Thursday at the Lake Shelbyville visitor’s center from 6 to 9 pm each night. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a boating safety education certificate. The certificate allows persons from the age of 12 to 17 to operate a motor driven watercraft without adult supervision. To register call Lake Shelbyville at 774-3313.

'Walk Days' Promotes Active Community

5/18/2009

‘Walk Day’ became a household concept for a number of Christian County families this spring. In conjunction with the Christian County U of I extension, Taylorville Memorial Hospital, the Taylorville School of nurses, and the Christian County YMCA, 5 local schools participated in a ‘walk day’. A ‘walk day’ is a basic activity that consists of parents, kids, families, and friends getting together in a large group and walking outside. Family Nutrition Program Coordinator for the Christian County U of I extension Nancy Briggs is at the helm of the ‘walk days’. Briggs says 2009 was a big year for the concept.

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Briggs says the purpose of ‘walk day’ is to promote physical activity. Briggs was especially impressed with her hometown of Stonington during this year’s walk season.

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Briggs is optimistic that ‘walk days’ will be back in 2010.

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For more information on ‘walk days’, call Briggs’ office at 287-7246.

Eddy's Bill Tweaks School Emergency Funding

5/18/2009

State Representative Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) sponsored legislation this session in response to a situation in which a school district experienced a gas leak. Due to the emergency nature of that leak, the school district sought state board approval for reimbursement from the fire prevention and safety fund, after the repairs were made. They were denied because current law requires that approval must be gained prior to any repairs.

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Illinois statewide school management alliance and regional school superintendents have supported Eddy’s measure that was approved last week in the state senate. The bill now moves on to the Governor for his approval.

Taylorville School's Super Confident In New Coaches

5/18/2009

With last week’s hiring of Jim Novar, the two major head coaching vacancies at Taylorville High School are now both filled. Former Taylorville Quarterback Jeb Odam was named Scott Alberssen’s replacement as the head football coach in February, and exactly one week ago Jim Novar was named Brent Bond’s replacement. Taylorville superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says the two coaches have more then just X’s and O’s on their agenda.

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Both Odam and Novar were a significant part of the previous coaching administrations at Taylorville. Odam was an assistant varsity football coach for eight years. Novar coached the sophomore basketball squad last year. Fuerstenau says the school district advertised both openings at the state and national level, before ultimately deciding to stay ‘in house’.

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Taylorville football has gone 98-62 over the past 16 seasons; Odam will look to build upon that mark. Novar has the bigger challenge; he’ll try to snap the basketball team’s 39 game losing streak in the Central State Eight Conference.

Brady Legislation Defends Large Retailers

5/17/2009

Illinois Senator Bill Brady is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit local officials from blocking large retailers from setting up shop in their communities. Ray Watt has the story.

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Accident Claims Life of 21-Year-Old Woman in Macoupin County

5/17/2009

A 21-year-old woman was killed in a fatal crash in Macoupin County early Saturday morning (12:52 am). 21 year old Nathan Crays and four passengers were traveling westbound on Nine Mile Rd, when their vehicle slid off the roadway and turned over. 21-year-old Abni Jackson, the front side passenger, was ejected from the car. Jackson was pronounced dead on the scene. The three other passengers suffered non-life threatening injuries, and were taken to St. Johns Hospital. According to a report from the Illinois State Police District 18 Jackson was not wearing her seat belt. The driver, Crays, is being charged with driving under the influence, illegal transportation of alcohol, driving too fast for conditions, improper lane usage, and failure to wear a seat belt.