Christian County Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week
5/30/2009
The following report is the Christian County Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week:
This week CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a series of criminal damage to vehicles that occurred in Taylorville.
Over the past 2 weeks there have been a number of vehicles in the Taylorville area that have had tires damaged. During the incidents an object is used to puncture the side of the tires. These incidents have occurred in various areas of town. It is not known if these incidents are related. The total amount of damage is not known at this time.
Please call CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.
You can contact CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, 1-800-568-TIPS, or at our website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org.
This week CRIME STOPPERS is seeking information about a series of criminal damage to vehicles that occurred in Taylorville.
Over the past 2 weeks there have been a number of vehicles in the Taylorville area that have had tires damaged. During the incidents an object is used to puncture the side of the tires. These incidents have occurred in various areas of town. It is not known if these incidents are related. The total amount of damage is not known at this time.
Please call CRIME STOPPERS if you have any information about this crime or any other crimes or wanted persons. CRIME STOPPERS will pay cash rewards up to $1,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest and you DO NOT have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay double the normal reward for information leading to an arrest for the crime of the week.
You can contact CRIME STOPPERS at 824-9100, 1-800-568-TIPS, or at our website ChristianCountyCrimeStoppers.org.
Quinn Positive About Passing Tax Increase
5/30/2009
Despite a lack of support from lawmakers, Governor Pat Quinn is trying to remain optimistic about getting an income tax increase passed over the next few days.
Quinn says the hike in the Illinois income tax is needed to help reduce the nearly 12 billion-dollar budget deficit the state is facing. He says if that isn’t passed, he’s willing to take the legislative session into overtime to get it done.
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Other options include passing a tax hike that would only last for two years. There’s also talk of approving a temporary state budget for now. Other bills could also come up this weekend, including campaign contribution limits, recall, and an expansion of gaming.
Quinn says the hike in the Illinois income tax is needed to help reduce the nearly 12 billion-dollar budget deficit the state is facing. He says if that isn’t passed, he’s willing to take the legislative session into overtime to get it done.
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Other options include passing a tax hike that would only last for two years. There’s also talk of approving a temporary state budget for now. Other bills could also come up this weekend, including campaign contribution limits, recall, and an expansion of gaming.
New Law Helps Young Adults With Insurance
5/30/2009
Young adults will have more options for health insurance beginning June 1st.
A new law will let unmarried young adults stay on their parent’s health insurance plans up to age 26. Illinois Department of Insurance Director Michael McRaith says this will be a big benefit for many.
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The law also lets veterans stay on or be added to their parent’s health plan up until age 30. All policies will have to offer a 90 day enrollment period for dependents, and in most cases, pre-existing conditions must be covered.
A new law will let unmarried young adults stay on their parent’s health insurance plans up to age 26. Illinois Department of Insurance Director Michael McRaith says this will be a big benefit for many.
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The law also lets veterans stay on or be added to their parent’s health plan up until age 30. All policies will have to offer a 90 day enrollment period for dependents, and in most cases, pre-existing conditions must be covered.
Blues And Cruise In Store For The Weekend
5/29/2009
The smell of barbecue and the sound of great live blues music will emanate from Central Illinois this weekend as Taylorville Main Street hosts the second annual BBQ- Blues and Cruise Festival at the Christian County Fairgrounds Saturday. After a successful inaugural festival last spring that saw more than 5 thousand people flood to Taylorville, officials expect this year’s attendance will grow even larger. The featured event of the day’s festivities is the Kansas City Barbecue Society professional cook-off, and a daylong slate of live entertainment from some of the region’s most prominent blues acts. Phil Brazier of the Barbecue Society explains the cook off is one of the stops on this year’s KCBS circuit, and could earn the winner a trip to the national barbecue championship later this year.
Main Street’s Gary Merker explains the entertainment will kick off at noon Saturday with the first of three live blues bands.
In addition to the Barbecue and Blues, the event will also include a classic car and motorcycle parade from downtown Taylorville to the fairgrounds, where the vehicles will be put on display. The event also features an amateur cook off for Backyard Barbecue-ers competing for cash prizes. Registration forms to participate are available at w-w-w-dot- DowntownTaylorville dot com. Also, Arts and Crafts, a Family Zone and Skydiving Show will all take place during the event at the fairgrounds Saturday. The festival runs from 10am until 10:30 pm and admission is five dollars for adults and free for children under 12.
Main Street’s Gary Merker explains the entertainment will kick off at noon Saturday with the first of three live blues bands.
In addition to the Barbecue and Blues, the event will also include a classic car and motorcycle parade from downtown Taylorville to the fairgrounds, where the vehicles will be put on display. The event also features an amateur cook off for Backyard Barbecue-ers competing for cash prizes. Registration forms to participate are available at w-w-w-dot- DowntownTaylorville dot com. Also, Arts and Crafts, a Family Zone and Skydiving Show will all take place during the event at the fairgrounds Saturday. The festival runs from 10am until 10:30 pm and admission is five dollars for adults and free for children under 12.
Texting Bill Heads To Governors Desk
5/29/2009
Illinois lawmakers have sent the governor two bills that address the problem of distracted driving.
The first measure, sponsored by Representative John D’Amico of Chicago, prohibits drivers from talking on a cell phone while they are passing through a school or construction zone. The bill was tweaked to make one exception.
The second bill bans reading or writing a text message while driving. Exceptions are made for those pulled over to the side of the road…or stuck in traffic with the car in neutral. Both still must be signed into law by the governor.
The first measure, sponsored by Representative John D’Amico of Chicago, prohibits drivers from talking on a cell phone while they are passing through a school or construction zone. The bill was tweaked to make one exception.
The second bill bans reading or writing a text message while driving. Exceptions are made for those pulled over to the side of the road…or stuck in traffic with the car in neutral. Both still must be signed into law by the governor.
Spears Named President Of Illinois Judges Association
5/29/2009
A fixture in the Central Illinois justice system will now preside over a statewide organization of magistrates. Judge Ron Spears, who has served in the Fourth Judical Circuit that oversees nine counties including Christian, will be installed as the new president of the Illinois Judges Association during the groups yearly meeting in Chicago this afternoon. Spears, who has been a part of the organization since becoming a judge in 1993, talks about the road to the top of the group which includes 12 hundred Illinois judges.
Spears says one of the organizations goals is to educate teens about staying on the right side of the law.
Spear’s Presidency will last for one calendar year beginning with his swearing (Friday) at the Chicago Bar Association headquarters
Spears says one of the organizations goals is to educate teens about staying on the right side of the law.
Spear’s Presidency will last for one calendar year beginning with his swearing (Friday) at the Chicago Bar Association headquarters
Congressmen Express Concern Over 'Cap And Trade'
5/29/2009
As new ‘Cap and Trade’ legislation makes its way through the legislative process, local congressmen are expressing concern that regulations could prevent economic in Central Illinois. The bill introduces new regulations for reducing emissions for power plants, including the proposed Taylorville Energy Center. 19th District Illinois Republican Congressman John Shimkus fears the strict environment standards could end up making the construction of the plant cost prohibitive.
Shimkus says the geographical location of the Taylorville Energy Center allowing large amounts of carbon emissions to be stored underground could allow the construction of the plant despite new Cap and Trade regulations.
The legislation (HR 2454), passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee earlier this month despite a no vote from Shimkus, and will now move to other committees for further consideration.
Shimkus says the geographical location of the Taylorville Energy Center allowing large amounts of carbon emissions to be stored underground could allow the construction of the plant despite new Cap and Trade regulations.
The legislation (HR 2454), passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee earlier this month despite a no vote from Shimkus, and will now move to other committees for further consideration.
LLCC Construction Updates Discussed At Monthly Meeting
5/29/2009
The Lincoln Land Community College Board of Trustees heard an update on major upcoming construction projects at its monthly meeting this week. The projects are part of a nearly 39 million dollar building program that will include upgrades on the main campus in Springfield as well as the Taylorville and Jacksonville satellite campuses. As LLCC Spokesperson Lynn Whalen explains, the main campus project is in the schematic design phase, will bids are expected to go out soon for the Taylorville upgrade.
Whalen explains the 3 million dollar Taylorville upgrade will feature a brand new facility with 7-8 classrooms, replacing the trailers where classes are currently held.
If all goes as scheduled, Whalen says the Taylorville facility should be available for use by the Spring 2011 semester. All current classes currently offered at the Eastern Region Education Center will remain part of the curriculum, although some classes may have to be moved to another location in Taylorville during construction.
Whalen explains the 3 million dollar Taylorville upgrade will feature a brand new facility with 7-8 classrooms, replacing the trailers where classes are currently held.
If all goes as scheduled, Whalen says the Taylorville facility should be available for use by the Spring 2011 semester. All current classes currently offered at the Eastern Region Education Center will remain part of the curriculum, although some classes may have to be moved to another location in Taylorville during construction.
Kiwanis Bathrooms Nearing Complete
5/28/2009
Construction Continues on the new restrooms at Kiwanis Park This project is being funded by the Taylorville Kiwanis Club and labor donated by the club and the building trades class at Lincoln Land Community College. There will be a dedication of the new bathrooms at Kiwanis Park next Tuesday, June 2nd. The dedication is part of a cookout at the pavilion at the park; replacing the regularly scheduled Tuesday Kiwnais Meeting at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.
High Waters Continue To Delay Pipeline Completion
5/28/2009
Rockies Express Pipeline Officials say continuing flooding problems on the Wabash River along the Illinois-Indiana border, and the Illinois river have prevented the flow of natural gas into Illinois through the 16 hundred-mile pipeline that stretches through Central Illinois from Colorado to Ohio. After already being forced to push back the expected gas delivery date several times, Rockies Express spokesperson Allan Fore says the company hoped to have had gas flowing to the area by the end of May, but have now pushed their target date back to mid to late June..
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Construction on the 6 Billion dollar pipeline began in Central Illinois last summer, and is expected to bring enough natural gas into the area to heat about 4 million homes.
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Construction on the 6 Billion dollar pipeline began in Central Illinois last summer, and is expected to bring enough natural gas into the area to heat about 4 million homes.
Pana Farmers Market Returns After Three Decade Layoff
5/28/2009
(Pana) The Pana Chamber of Commerce ‘Farmer’s Market’ is returning to town after an absence of more than 30 years. The farmer’s markets will run each Friday between June 5th and October 23rd between 4:30 and 7pm. Illinois Producers will feature in season vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants during the Farmer’s Market. Pana Chamber of Commerce President Jim Deere says local growers are excited to return to Pana.
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In addition to the produce; Baked goods, arts and crafts, demonstrations and entertainment will be a part of this year’s Farmer’s Markets. Deere says the chamber is still taking applications from vendors wishing to participate.
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A grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture to help promote the farmer’s markets and the efforts of Pana Chamber of Commerce members helped make the return of the Friday Farmer’s Markets possible.
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In addition to the produce; Baked goods, arts and crafts, demonstrations and entertainment will be a part of this year’s Farmer’s Markets. Deere says the chamber is still taking applications from vendors wishing to participate.
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A grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture to help promote the farmer’s markets and the efforts of Pana Chamber of Commerce members helped make the return of the Friday Farmer’s Markets possible.
Update: Shelbyville Manor 'Spring Fling' Canceled
5/28/2009
The Shelbyville Manor Spring Fling scheduled for this Saturday has been canceled due to inclement weather. No make up date has been given
Finally! Farmers Take Advantage of Warm; Dry Week
5/28/2009
A warm dry week finally allowed Illinois farmers to make significant planting progress as they took advantage of nearly 5 suitable days for fieldwork. As State Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener tells us in this week’s crop report, the charge bolstered corn to about two-thirds completely planted across the state.
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Mark Schleusener reporting. Tune in for weekly crop reports from the Illinois field office during Regional Radio Newscasts through harvest in early November.
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Mark Schleusener reporting. Tune in for weekly crop reports from the Illinois field office during Regional Radio Newscasts through harvest in early November.
Park District Ready To Repair Pond Dam
5/27/2009
(Taylorville) Local contractor Temco Inc. has been awarded a nearly 10 thousand dollar contract to repair a leak in a dam between the North and South ponds in Taylorville’s Manner’s Park. The Taylorville Park District Board unanimously approved the $9,728 dollar low bid from Temco last night, who won the nod over several other local contractors. Taylorville Park Board President Marlane Miller explains what the project entails.
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Also during last night meeting, the board discussed the need for officials from several recreational sports leagues that play in Taylorville Parks, to become compliant with a new state law that will go into effect July 1st, requiring automated external defibrillators to be available at all ball fields. However Miller indicated (Wednesday) that she has learned that the new law going into effect only applies to indoor facilities in park districts, making outdoor fields exempt. She says that the Illinois Association of Park Districts has indicated that a revised law may be passed in the future, which would include outdoor facilities.
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Also during last night meeting, the board discussed the need for officials from several recreational sports leagues that play in Taylorville Parks, to become compliant with a new state law that will go into effect July 1st, requiring automated external defibrillators to be available at all ball fields. However Miller indicated (Wednesday) that she has learned that the new law going into effect only applies to indoor facilities in park districts, making outdoor fields exempt. She says that the Illinois Association of Park Districts has indicated that a revised law may be passed in the future, which would include outdoor facilities.
Kiwanis Learns Of 'Gowin Parc's' Mission
5/27/2009
(Taylorville) Roger Paul and Jean Wietekamp from the new Gowin Parc Alzheimer’s and dementia facility opening next month in Pana, were today’s (Tuesday’s) guest speakers at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.
Paul and Wietekamp outlined how the new facility came into being. Jason and Theresa Gowin of Mattoon, opened their first Alzheimer’s facility in Mattoon a few years back, and last year expanded that facility. They purchased the former Rock Rose Assisted Living facility at Pana in December of last year, and have been doing extensive remodeling of the building to prepare it for the early June opening.
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Paul said the Pana facility will have 16 beds, and their goal at both Mattoon and Pana locations is to simulate a home environment for the comfort of their residents. Patients come from home, other facilities, and referrals from medical doctors.
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A public open house at Gowin Parc’s Pana facility takes place on Thursday, June 4th from 5 to 7pm.
Taylorville Kiwanis members approved next year’s officer slate, at their Tuesday meeting. Taking the reins in October will be Steve Milling, with Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau serving as president-elect, Diane Beaty continuing as secretary and Dan Sneed continuing as treasurer.
Officers will be formally elected at the dedication of the new bathrooms at Kiwanis Park next Tuesday, June 2nd. The meeting will be a cookout at the pavilion at the park; there will not be a meeting at the hospital auditorium that day.
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.
Paul and Wietekamp outlined how the new facility came into being. Jason and Theresa Gowin of Mattoon, opened their first Alzheimer’s facility in Mattoon a few years back, and last year expanded that facility. They purchased the former Rock Rose Assisted Living facility at Pana in December of last year, and have been doing extensive remodeling of the building to prepare it for the early June opening.
Click here for audio
Paul said the Pana facility will have 16 beds, and their goal at both Mattoon and Pana locations is to simulate a home environment for the comfort of their residents. Patients come from home, other facilities, and referrals from medical doctors.
Click here for audio
A public open house at Gowin Parc’s Pana facility takes place on Thursday, June 4th from 5 to 7pm.
Taylorville Kiwanis members approved next year’s officer slate, at their Tuesday meeting. Taking the reins in October will be Steve Milling, with Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau serving as president-elect, Diane Beaty continuing as secretary and Dan Sneed continuing as treasurer.
Officers will be formally elected at the dedication of the new bathrooms at Kiwanis Park next Tuesday, June 2nd. The meeting will be a cookout at the pavilion at the park; there will not be a meeting at the hospital auditorium that day.
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.
Illinois Attorneys Getting Long In the Tooth
5/27/2009
The legal profession is graying in Illinois.
Jim Grogan with the state attorney registration and disciplinary commission says the percentage of lawyers between the ages of 50 and 74 in Illinois has grown to nearly 40 percent over the past 15 years. He says that’s likely the result of so many new people joining the legal profession during the 1980’s, and less doing so now.
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Grogan expects the percentage of older attorneys in Illinois to continue to climb over the next five to 10 years.
Jim Grogan with the state attorney registration and disciplinary commission says the percentage of lawyers between the ages of 50 and 74 in Illinois has grown to nearly 40 percent over the past 15 years. He says that’s likely the result of so many new people joining the legal profession during the 1980’s, and less doing so now.
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Grogan expects the percentage of older attorneys in Illinois to continue to climb over the next five to 10 years.
SIU Medical Feature: Various Asthma Treatments Available
5/27/2009
Thousands of people in the U.S. suffer from asthma, which causes them to miss work and school and sometimes even make emergency room visits. It is a condition in which the lungs are or become sensitive to irritation, causing them to be inflamed, clogged and constricted, says Dr. Kent Kapitan, associate professor of pulmonary medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. He describes some symptoms of the disease.
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Dr. Kapitan says asthma can develop in individuals of any age. One of the fundamental aspects of asthma is inflammation in the lung. The foundation of treatment begins with an inhaled steroid medication, suppressing the inflammation and making it less sensitive to environmental stimuli. Dr. Kapitan describes additional treatments.
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Dr. Kapitan says anyone who suffers from symptoms of asthma should see their primary care physician. They may be referred to a pulmonologist for evaluation and possible treatment.
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Dr. Kapitan says asthma can develop in individuals of any age. One of the fundamental aspects of asthma is inflammation in the lung. The foundation of treatment begins with an inhaled steroid medication, suppressing the inflammation and making it less sensitive to environmental stimuli. Dr. Kapitan describes additional treatments.
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Dr. Kapitan says anyone who suffers from symptoms of asthma should see their primary care physician. They may be referred to a pulmonologist for evaluation and possible treatment.
Congressmen Show Support For Route 51
5/26/2009
Representatives from Capitol Hill were on hand in Pana (Tuesday afternoon) to help support the push for the completion of expanding Route 51, a project that has been in the works for several decades. Seventeenth District Congressman Phil Hare spoke at the Route 51 coalition meeting, urging Governor Quinn to sign the recently passed capital construction bill, which contains 30 million dollars in funding for the completion of Route 51. Hare says it’s imperative that state officials act quickly, to ensure federal funds set aside five years ago are included in the project as well.
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Several members of the Route 51 coalition spoke on behalf of the project, citing safety concerns and the possibility for economic develop as a the main reasons for the push to widen the remain 60 mile stretch from Assumption to Centralia. Project Engineer Phil Hazenfield of Homer L. Chastain and Associates gave an update on what still needs to be done to get construction underway.
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A representative from Congressman John Shimkus’ office spoke at (Tuesday afternoon’s) meeting as well. Governor Quinn is expected to take action on the Capital bill before the Illinois legislature adjourns at the end of this month. In addition to capital money, extra funding is included in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s multi- year construction plan for project engineering.
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Several members of the Route 51 coalition spoke on behalf of the project, citing safety concerns and the possibility for economic develop as a the main reasons for the push to widen the remain 60 mile stretch from Assumption to Centralia. Project Engineer Phil Hazenfield of Homer L. Chastain and Associates gave an update on what still needs to be done to get construction underway.
Click here for audio
A representative from Congressman John Shimkus’ office spoke at (Tuesday afternoon’s) meeting as well. Governor Quinn is expected to take action on the Capital bill before the Illinois legislature adjourns at the end of this month. In addition to capital money, extra funding is included in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s multi- year construction plan for project engineering.
State Fire Marshall Investigating Taylorville House Fire
5/26/2009
The Illinois State Fire Marshall has been called in to investigate a fire that broke out at a house in rural Taylorville Sunday evening. According to the Taylorville Fire Department, crews responded to a call to 1347 North 940 East road just after 9 o’clock to find the home filled with smoke. A fire was identified in a closet of the upper level of the home, and was put out. There was no one at home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported to firefighters. The house sustained about 40 thousand dollars in damage, mostly due to smoke and water.
Teen Hospitalized In Crash Following Chase
5/26/2009
Two Taylorville teens are facing reckless driving charges after a car chase through town that ended in a crash. According to Taylorville Police, 17 year old Arleenah S. Smith hit a car while turn onto Long St. from Ash St Saturday afternoon. Smith told police she could not stop at the stop sign at the intersection, and could not avoid hitting the car. Witnesses told police they saw Smith and another vehicle speeding and blowing stop signs throughout town prior to the crash. The driver of the other vehicle was identified as 18 year old Jeremiah S. Krueger, who told Police that Smith, his girlfriend, was chasing him. Both Krueger and Smith were cited for reckless driving. Smith was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The other driver involved in the crash was not hurt.
Authorities Investigating Edinburg Burglary
5/26/2009
Christian County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a burglary to an Edinburg home Friday. According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, someone stole several thousand dollars worth of good from the home at 603 East 2225 North Road. Topping the list of items stolen was a computer and camcorder. Several DVD’s, tools, a shotgun and sword were also reported stolen. There are no suspects in the case.
Two Motorcyclists Hurt In Separate Crashes On Same Road
5/26/2009
(Christian County) Two motorcyclists were injured within a half hour of each other while traveling the same road in Christian County Sunday morning. According to a report from the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, the first incident happened just before 5:30 am when 26 year old Jacob Sinclair of Taylorville was traveling north on Township Road 960. Sinclair told deputies he began to skid and was thrown from his bike. Just before 6am, deputies were called to nearly the same location, when 21 year old Luke Holthaus of Tower Hill told deputies he skidded on gravel and was thrown from his motorcycle. Both Sinclair and Holthaus told deputies they would seek medical treatment on their own for minor injuries.
Ford To Appear In Pre-Trial Hearing
5/26/2009
(Taylorville) A Taylorville Man accused of having sex with a girl as young as 14 years old is expected back in Christian County Court for a pre-trial hearing (Tuesday). Thirty eight year old Douglas A. Ford was arrested last August 1st and charged with one count each of criminal sexual assault to a minor and criminal sexual abuse to a minor. Ford allegedly engaged in the sexual relationship with the minor between 2006 and 2007.
Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks says he expects Ford to waive his right to a jury trial and request a bench trial. If that happened, the current trial date of June 1st would be likely moved back to sometime later in the month. Ford is currently out on 250 thousand dollars bond.
Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks says he expects Ford to waive his right to a jury trial and request a bench trial. If that happened, the current trial date of June 1st would be likely moved back to sometime later in the month. Ford is currently out on 250 thousand dollars bond.
Local 'Y' To Offer Multiple Summer Camps
5/26/2009
During the summer months, when school is out, parents may be asking themselves how to keep their children occupied. The Christian County YMCA is providing parents and kids with a number of options this summer. The Lady Tornado basketball camp is one of those options. Christian County YMCA Executive Director B.J. Wilken says the camp is the only one offered by Lady Tornado Head Coach Carey McVickers.
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Basketball is not the only sport featured at the ‘Y’ this summer. The Christian County YMCA has teamed up with Challenger Sports to create a soccer camp. Wilken says the camp will feature professional soccer instructors from Britain.
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And last but not least, the annual summer day camp provides parents and kids with yet another option. Wilken says this year’s day camp features numerous field trips.
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Those interested in registering for these camps can call the YMCA at 287-7271.
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Basketball is not the only sport featured at the ‘Y’ this summer. The Christian County YMCA has teamed up with Challenger Sports to create a soccer camp. Wilken says the camp will feature professional soccer instructors from Britain.
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And last but not least, the annual summer day camp provides parents and kids with yet another option. Wilken says this year’s day camp features numerous field trips.
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Those interested in registering for these camps can call the YMCA at 287-7271.
08-09 Schoolyear Drawing To A Close
5/26/2009
The 2008-2009 academic calendar is winding down for area students. The end of the academic year means significantly more to graduating seniors, as it represents a significant transition in their lives. Taylorville Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says seeing those seniors walk across the stage is one of his proudest moments.
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As graduation approaches, Fuerstenau says this time of the year is full of activity for the school district.
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Graduation Ceremonies for the class of 2009 will take place at the Taylorville High School on Sunday June 7th, at 2:00 pm.
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As graduation approaches, Fuerstenau says this time of the year is full of activity for the school district.
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Graduation Ceremonies for the class of 2009 will take place at the Taylorville High School on Sunday June 7th, at 2:00 pm.
Master Gardeners Offer Insight As Summer Approaches
5/26/2009
Gardeners and farmers have been chomping at the bit throughout the wet spring in central Illinois. As last week proved however, something’s got to give, and sooner or later a string of dryer days will occur. Deb Lahey and Gwen Podeschi are the Master Gardeners; they represent the U of I Christian County Extension, and they have a surplus of tips for gardeners as summer approaches. Among Podeschi's tips- move plants from indoors to outdoors.
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Lahey says now is the time to start pinching off the tops of your chrysanthemums.
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According to Lahey, May is a top month to give your grasses a boost
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For more information on the Master Gardener’s program, call the extension office at 287-7246.
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Lahey says now is the time to start pinching off the tops of your chrysanthemums.
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According to Lahey, May is a top month to give your grasses a boost
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For more information on the Master Gardener’s program, call the extension office at 287-7246.
Motorcycle/Car Crash Leaves Two In Serious Condition
5/25/2009
A Motorcycle crash early Sunday afternoon has left two Litchfield residents in serious condition. The driver of the cycle, 45 year old Mike T. Tabaka and his 39 year old passenger, Kelly J. Tabaka of Litchfield were traveling west on Rt. 3 near Burton Lane in Southern Jersey county at 1:49pm when they attempted to pass a car. According to State Police, Tabaka didn’t see the oncoming traffic and attempted to get back into the westbound lane but was unable to do so. He laid down his 2006 Harley Davidson in front of an oncoming car driven by 72 year old Eric Kassler of Grafton, Illinois. Kassler’s 1997 Mercury struck the motorcycle head on and both Mike and Kelly Tabaka were thrown from the cycle into the roadway. Kassler’s vehicle veered into the ditch after hitting the cycle. The Tabaka’s were airlifted to St. John’s Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. Kassler and his passenger, Judy Kassler, were treated for minor injuries at Alton hospital. The crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.
Taylorville Pool Opening Delayed
5/25/2009
A Memorial Day tradition in Taylorville will be put off for a couple of weeks. The Taylorville Park District generally opens the Manner’s Park Pool during Memorial Day weekend, but do to some ongoing repairs to the bottom of the pool, the opening will be delayed. Taylorville Park Board President Marlane Miller says that the rough spring weather prevented the repairs from being made sooner.
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Miller says workers will begin filling the Pool (Monday,) a process that could take a few days to complete. After that, the water will have to warm up before anyone can jump in.
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Season passes for the Manner’s Park pool are currently being sold through the Park District office. Call 824-3110 for more information.
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Miller says workers will begin filling the Pool (Monday,) a process that could take a few days to complete. After that, the water will have to warm up before anyone can jump in.
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Season passes for the Manner’s Park pool are currently being sold through the Park District office. Call 824-3110 for more information.
More Travel Expected This Holiday
5/25/2009
Auto group Triple-A expects nearly 32-and-a-half-million people to travel 50 miles or more this Memorial Day weekend. Spokesman Troy Green says it's a rise of one-point-five-percent from last year and it's due primarily to lower gas prices.
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Green also says travel bargains galore also are helping to increase Memorial Day trips. Eighty-three percent of Memorial Day travelers are expected to travel by car. Seven percent will travel by air, and the other ten percent will take some other mode of transportation. Gas prices are averaging around two-dollars-24-cents a gallon, down from more than three-dollars-70-cents a gallon a year ago.
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Green also says travel bargains galore also are helping to increase Memorial Day trips. Eighty-three percent of Memorial Day travelers are expected to travel by car. Seven percent will travel by air, and the other ten percent will take some other mode of transportation. Gas prices are averaging around two-dollars-24-cents a gallon, down from more than three-dollars-70-cents a gallon a year ago.
No Gameshows, No Books, No Money For Blago
5/25/2009
I’m a Central Illinoisan, Get Me Out of Here
Illinois lawmakers want to make sure former governor rod Blagojevich doesn’t profit off the allegations against him.
The house and senate have passed a bill that would prohibit Blagojevich, and other elected officials from making money off any book or movie deals if they are convicted on corruption charges. Senator terry link of Waukegan says this would not likely apply to spouses.
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Patti Blagojevich has signed on to the show, ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ which begins airing next month. The bill now heads to the governor desk to be signed into law.
Illinois lawmakers want to make sure former governor rod Blagojevich doesn’t profit off the allegations against him.
The house and senate have passed a bill that would prohibit Blagojevich, and other elected officials from making money off any book or movie deals if they are convicted on corruption charges. Senator terry link of Waukegan says this would not likely apply to spouses.
Click here for audio
Patti Blagojevich has signed on to the show, ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ which begins airing next month. The bill now heads to the governor desk to be signed into law.
Plant Sale
5/25/2009
Next weekend’s Barbecue Blues and Cruise festival at the Christian County fairgrounds now features a little something for local herbivores. The Master Gardeners of the U of I Christian County Extension will host a plant sale on Saturday at the festival. Master Gardener Deb Leahy has details on the festival’s green addition.
Click here for audio
The 2nd annual Barbecue Blues and Cruise festival takes place next Saturday from 10:00 am until 10:30pm.
Click here for audio
The 2nd annual Barbecue Blues and Cruise festival takes place next Saturday from 10:00 am until 10:30pm.
Become Osteoporosis Aware
5/25/2009
As May winds down, Osteoporosis awareness and prevention month winds down as well. Throughout May, nutritionists have been working to raise awareness about the disease that affects nearly 10 million Americans.
There are several factors to consider when determining if someone is at-risk for developing osteoporosis.
While Osteoporosis generally affects older people, what you do in your youth could affect your risk factor for the disease later in life.
In addition to Calcium, vitamin D also plays a crucial role in bone health. One of the first signs of osteoporosis is a loss of height and slumping posture.
There are several factors to consider when determining if someone is at-risk for developing osteoporosis.
While Osteoporosis generally affects older people, what you do in your youth could affect your risk factor for the disease later in life.
In addition to Calcium, vitamin D also plays a crucial role in bone health. One of the first signs of osteoporosis is a loss of height and slumping posture.
Illinois Senate Approves 29.9 Billion Dollar Construction Plan
5/24/2009
(Springfield) A multi-billion dollar public construction program is edging closer to reality. The Illinois Senate overwhelmingly approved a $29.9 billion plan Wednesday afternoon. Ray Watt has the story.
Click here to listen to story
Click here to listen to story
Shelbyville, Taylorville Set for Memorial Day Services
5/24/2009
(Taylorville) As the nation takes a day to remember those who have served our county, several local ceremonies will take place to honor those brave men and women. Taylorville’s annual Memorial Day Service will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery beginning at 10 am. The service will begin with a performance of the national anthem by the Taylorville Municipal band, followed by an invocation. Master of Ceremonies for the event Jack Brown explains the rest of the program will pay homage to participant in several wars and conflicts that have taken place over the past century.
Click here for audio
A similar tribute will take place in Shelbyville Monday Morning as well. That event kicks off Monday at 10 am at Glenwood Cemetery. Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks will serve as the keynote speaker during those festivities.
Click here for audio
Again, services in both Taylorville and Shelbyville begin at 10 am, at Oak Hill and Glenwood Cemeteries respectively.
Click here for audio
A similar tribute will take place in Shelbyville Monday Morning as well. That event kicks off Monday at 10 am at Glenwood Cemetery. Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks will serve as the keynote speaker during those festivities.
Click here for audio
Again, services in both Taylorville and Shelbyville begin at 10 am, at Oak Hill and Glenwood Cemeteries respectively.
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