Several longtime Illinois political leaders are coming together on a new report recommending reforms for public schools. The report from Advance Illinois bills itself as a bipartisan step forward in the education debate. Their report calls for higher standards on student as well as faculty performance that could make it easier for bad teachers to be out of a job. Republicans such as former Governor Jim Edgar and Congressman Denny Hastert collaborated on the report with Democrats like Chicago City Clerk Miguel Del Valle and former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley. Edgar says some of the proposed reforms won't cost anything.

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The debate over education reform in Illinois is taking a backseat to the state budget, but lawmakers will likely take a look at the full report since it's coming from Edgar, Daley, and others.

Prosecutors in Illinois’ capital city are closing their investigation into Senator Roland Burris. Sangamon County State's Attorney John Schmidt says after a four month probe, there is not enough evidence to support perjury charges against the embattled junior Senator.

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Illinois lawmakers asked Schmidt to look into Burris' ever-changing story about how, and why, he was named to replace Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate after the former Governor was allegedly caught on tape trying to sell the seat. Burris is still facing a Senate ethics investigation into the same question.

Severe weather once again pounded Northern and Central Illinois Friday night, causing damage and flooding.

Numerous streets were flooded in Taylorville and Lincoln, as a result of between one and two inches of rain that fell between 6 and 7 o'clock Friday night.

Tree limbs were causing numerous power outages in Peoria and Fulton Counties, in the Peoria area.

And, a tornado was reported near Monmouth at about 5:30 Friday afternoon.

Locally, the severe weather caused the Christian County Relay for Life to be moved from the Don Bragg Sports Complex on Taylorville's south side, to the West Gym of Taylorville High School.

The National Weather Service is calling for no more rain until the middle of next week.

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Christian County area residents are losing sleep over cancer, and that’s a good thing. The 10th annual Christian County Relay for life event to raise money and awareness for cancer is tonight at the Don Bragg Sports Complex in Taylorville. The event kicks off with a reception at five o’clock followed by the first lap of the all night walk-a-thon at six. Taylorville resident, cancer survivor and ‘Relay’ participant Steve Turner says the all nighter is as much about honoring those who’ve lost their fight with cancer, as it is about celebrating those who’ve won theirs.

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The event will run until 6 o’clock Saturday morning at the Don Bragg Sports Complex. To donate to the cause, go to Relay for life Christian dot com, or call the American Cancer Society at 523-4503.

After months of preparation,the new ‘Gowin Parc’ memory care facility has officially opened its doors in Pana. Gowin Parc provides residential care for people suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia related ailments. Gowin Parc Coordinator Roger Paul explains the staff objective is to help neighbors maintain the quality of life they had before coming to Gowin Parc, and he says they do it on their terms.

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Gowin Parc is located at 340 Route 29 next to the Victory Tavern in Pana, with a second location in Mattoon. Space is available for residents, to schedule a tour of Gowin Parc, call 234-3003 or check out www.GowinParc.com.

A new Ameren Illinois Utilities program is helping residential electric customers who are dealing with unemployment. The AIU Residential Unemployment Program provides one-time grants of up to $300 for residential electric customers who have experienced layoffs since December 2008 and remain unemployed. Ameren Spokesperson Leigh Morris says a total of $2.2 million is available for grants. The funds are part of the Illinois rate relief package adopted by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law in 2007.

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In order to qualify, a residential electric customer must provide documentation of unemployment, such as confirmation of an unemployment insurance claim. There is a limit of one grant per household.

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In addtion to the grant program, the AIU Act On Energy (ActOnEnergy.com) initiative has become a primary source of energy savings information, as well as significant financial incentives for residential and business customers. Individuals and businesses alike are learning and applying the principles of energy efficiency and conservation. The Ameren Illinois Utilities deliver energy to 1.2 million electric and 840,000 natural gas customers in more than 1,200 communities within a 43,700-square-mile service territory. Again the number for AmerenCIPS is 1-888-789-2477.

A Taylorville tradition more than two decades in the making will continue next week. It’s the 22nd annual Senior Citizens of Christian County Variety Show, to be held Friday evening at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium. Senior Center Executive Director John Heldman says this year’s event will feature several acts put on by both humans and dogs.

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This year’s event will be put on in the honor of Former Senior Center Executive Director Alice Benton who passed away earlier this year.

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For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Senior Center at 824-4263.

Advance Illinois, a group co-chaired by former Governor Jim Edgar and former Secretary of Commerce Bill Daley is calling for radical change in Illinois education in the face of an alarming decline in student performance. Christopher Michael has the story.

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Work continues to progress on the new rest rooms at Kiwanis Park on Lake Taylorville. Taylorville Kiwanis Club members have raised the money, and donated labor, for the new structure. Donated labor has also come from the building trades class at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville. It's hoped the new rest rooms will be open around the 4th of July.

(Pana) Pana Community Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week to celebrate the purchase of a new 32 Slice CT scanner. This upgrade from a single slice scanner to a 32 slice machine will increase the quality of the imaging and digital reconstruction capabilities provided by the Diagnostic Imaging Department. Diagnostic Imaging manager Cindy Miles explains how the new equipment will help technicians gain a better view of a bone or organ.

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Miles explains that the new CT Scanner will help speed up the process of having a scan, while reducing the amount of radiation patients are exposed to.

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Miles adds the new equipment will now allow some patients to be treated in Pana whereas previously, they would have had to be referred to another hospital.

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The scanner was purchased in part through contributions from the Pana Community Hospital foundation.


Pictured for the ribbon cutting of the new 32 Slice CT Scanner are:
(L to R): John Hagmann of GE, Vickie Holthaus, PCH Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Virgil Dycoco of the Pana Medical Group, Dr. Asuncion, PCH Emergency Physician, Dr. Carmel Soller of the Community Medical Clinic, Cindy Miles, PCH Diagnostic Imaging Manager, Dr. Ted Gleason of Springfield Radiologists, S.C., Mayor Steve Sipes, Steve Neece, PCH Board Chairman and Bob Smith, Pana Chamber of Commerce, President.

Christian county area Residents will pull an all nighter (Friday Night) in an effort to raise cancer awareness and education. The American Cancer Society’s Christian County Relay for Life will kick off at the Don Bragg Sports Complex in Taylorville at 5 o’clock (Friday.) This is the silver anniversary for Relay nationally, and the 10th year for the even in Christian County.
As Relay For Life Co-Chair Lisa Sims explains, even if you are not a member of team for Relay, you can still participate.

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Sims explains the event will kick off with a survivor reception, before the all night walk and other festivities begin at six.

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New this year at relay is the ‘caregiver garden’ honoring those who assisted a loved one during a battle with cancer.

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The event will run until 6 o’clock (Saturday) morning at the Don Bragg Sports Complex. To donate to the cause, go to Relay for life Christian dot com, or call the American Cancer Society at 523-4503.

Illinois Farmers overcame cool wet weather conditions last week to just about finish up this season’s corn planting, with beans not fair behind. As USDA chief crop statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, corn emergence is well behind the five year average.

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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.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporations Executive Committee heard updates on several ongoing projects during their meeting Wednesday. CCEDC Executive Director Mary Renner explains two proposed coal projects in the county are progressing.

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The committee also heard updates on two wind farm projects progressing in Christian County. Renner explains the Tradewinds Energy project just north of Pana is preparing to install another meteorological tower to gather information on the proposed project.

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The full CCEDC board is scheduled to meet Tuesday in Pana, with Tenaska official Dan Culver expected to attend.

(Christian County)A Carbondale woman suffered serious injuries after a one car crash in Christian County early Sunday. According to reports from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, 45 year old Anita L. Beyk was headed south on Route 51 near the route 16 intersection when she reportedly did not realize the intersection was approaching, and crashed into a tree. She was taken to Pana Community Hospital for treatement. There were no passengers in the vehicle. Sheriff's Deputies says the flashing stop lights at the intersection were working at the time of the crash.

Two motorcyclists were injured after a crash involving a deer that happened in Christian County Saturday morning. According to reports, 38 year old Herbert L. Palmer of Assumption was headed east on county highway 12 when he struck the deer. Palmer's passenger on the bike, 34 year old Angela Palmer of Assumption was knocked off the motorcycle on impact, before the bike skidded for about 180 feet and came to rest in the eastbound lane. Both Herbert and Angela Palmer were taken to Pana Community Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

(Christian County) The Christian County Board approved a resolution to change the boundaries of some election precincts in the county, during their monthly board meeting last night. The Wildwood point subdivision is in the boundary of precinct three in South Fork Township, but voters in parcels of land that have been annexed into the village of Tovey will now register in precinct two for matters involving the village. Christian County Clerk Linda Curtin explains this will help maintain anonymity for voters.

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Also during the meeting, board chairman John Curtin told the board about a letter he received from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, urging the county to use money granted to the county for a low interest loan to a person or group looking to start in business in the county by the end of the month.

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Curtin says if the county can’t find a person or group to take the loan, the money may have to be returned to the state. Curtin says it doesn’t have to be any specific type of business, but certain qualification must be met for eligibility. People interested are encouraged to contact Curtin at the Christian County Courthouse.

(Taylorville) Taylorville’s water quality report for 2008 was released this week, with one water violation reported. Each year the drinking water is tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the report summarizes the quality of water including where it comes from, what it contains and how it compares with standards set by regulatory agencies. Taylorville water Superintendent Dave Speagle explains that violation stemmed from the city’s failure to properly submit samples for specific containments, but the water poses no threat and is safe to drink.

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There are no sanctions imposed for the violation, providing the city furnishes adequate samples with an allotted amount of time.
Speagle says all other tests showed the water is in compliance with standards.

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A copy of the water quality is available through Taylorville’s water treatment plant, and can be obtained by calling 287-1441.

Governor Pat Quinn plans to soon call state lawmakers back into session to hammer out a better budget plan.
Weekly meetings with legislative leaders have been amicable, but have yet to produce any big solutions. Quinn says before vital programs and services are cut, and people are laid off, the legislature needs to get back to work and come up with a reasonable budget plan.

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Quinn says the budget lawmakers approved doesn’t come close to funding the state’s needs. The new fiscal year begins July first.

One in five children in the U.S. suffers from mental health problems, but there are effective treatments available.
Mental illnesses can affect children as well as adults, and when properly diagnosed, they can be treated effectively. Dr. David Decker, assistant professor of psychiatry and chief of the child psychiatry division at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield says the most common mental condition in children is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder followed by depressive disorders. He explains some signs of mental problems that parents should watch for.

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Dr. Decker suggests parents first discuss their concern with teachers, other caregivers and the child’s physician. He says once the condition has been diagnosed there are some treatment options.

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After a child has been diagnosed with mental illness, Dr. Decker advises parents to accept the situation and work with teachers, the child’s physician and mental health counselor to help the child with the treatment.

WTIM Newstalk 97.3 Radio in Taylorville, held a 2-hour Radiothon to benefit the SHADOW Home for Homeless Women and Children in Taylorville, this (Tuesday) morning raising 26 hundred dollars for the shelter.

SHADOW Home provides a shelter for homeless, abandoned, or abused women and their children where they have the opportunity to break the cycles of hopelessness and dependencies through spiritually-based teaching and care. The home opened on Market Street in Taylorville in 2003 thru the effort of many volunteers in the Christian County community.

WTIM president Randal J. Miller co-hosted the Radiothon with SHADOW Home Board president Carol Spracklen, and former resident and now SHADOW Board member Stacey Shallenbarger. Shallenbarger, a former drug addict says she found refuge in the SHADOW home, which helped her get back on her feet as she battled her demons.

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WTIM listeners were asked to make pledges to support the home, which receives no government funds. Several local businesses issued challenges to listeners and matched pledges called in. Spracklen says SHADOW home would not exist if not for the generosity of the community.

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SHADOW volunteers Judy Clawson, Cindy Shanks, and Cathy Miller assisted on the phones at the station during the radio-thon.

(Taylorville) A project that began essentially 6 years ago took a big step towards materializing last (Monday) night, during the Taylorville City Council meeting. The council unanimously approved a motion to tentatively award construction contracts to two companies for the high school water tank project. A 2.68 million dollar contract was awarded to CB & I Constructors, Inc. for a 1.5 million Gallon Elevated Water Storage Tank. A 1.3 million dollar contract was awarded to Central Subsurface Contracting of IL, Inc. for the Water Transmission Mains. The contracts are both tentative, because the project hinges on the IEPA’s low interest SRF (State Revolving Fund) loan program. Reggie Benton, of Benton and Associates, explains that gaining approval from the IEPA is a process that could take up to 90 days.

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The council received two bids for the water storage tank contract, and six bids for the water transmission mains contract. Alderman Shawn Burtle pointed out that the bids are significantly lower then the initial estimates of the project; initial estimates were upwards of 6 million dollars. As a result, the city could have extra money in its pockets for other water projects down the road.

Also during Monday night’s meeting, the council unanimously agreed to resurrect the city tree board. Mayor Greg Brotherton introduced Ronda Kraft as the board’s chairwoman.

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In other business, the council decided that a repair of the lake’s gas dock is a priority. Aldermen agreed that the dock’s weak 24-foot walkway is an accident waiting to happen. A Motion was approved to allow C & J Boat Docks and Lifts, Inc. to install a ramp with handrails and to re-float the existing dock with black encapsulated floats, for a total of just over 7,000 dollars. A motion was also approved to allow Laker Petroleum Services to install new piping and electric to the new boat ramp at a cost not to exceed 3,750 dollars.

Monday’s meeting lasted just over 45 minutes, adjourning at 7:45. The next scheduled city council meeting is Monday July 6th.

Taylorville attorney Michelle Coady has thrown her hat into the ring to replace the retiring Judge John P. Coady as the 4th judicial circuit judge. Michelle Coady says she is a ‘distant’ relative on John Coady, and will oppose Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks in the democratic primary next February. Coady, a Nokomis native currently living in Taylorville has been practicing law since 2003, and currently works in the private law office of David R. Fines. She says her extensive education and experience qualifies her to preside over the district.

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Coady says she feels he specialization in mediation will serve her particularly well on the bench if she is elected judge.

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Coady says she takes pride in being active in the community.

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The 4th judicial district includes Christian, Montgomery, Effingham, Shelby, Fayette, Clay, Clinton and Marion counties.

Lawmakers will be seeking public input over the next few months on how to re-draw legislative districts in Illinois.
A series of hearings will be held at four locations around the state to see if a fairer way of dividing Illinois into legislative districts can be found. One suggestion has been to use a computerized system, but senator Kwame Raoul of Chicago says they will review all their options.

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In the past, the political party drawn first from a hat gets to put together the new legislative map. Critics say that favors incumbents, and leads to strangely shaped districts. Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon says it’s critical to get a better system in place.

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Public hearings will be held in four locations throughout the state, with the first scheduled for July 15th in Chicago. Redistricting will have to be tackled after the next census in 2010.

(Christian County) The fifth wettest spring on record in the history of Illinois has not only left farmers shaking their heads, but gardeners as well. Nearly 16 inches of rain this spring has presented numerous problems for local gardeners. U of I Extension Christian County Master Gardener Gwen Podeschi explains some of the problems local gardeners might be facing.

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Podeschi says gardeners need to be patient throughout wet weather. Although many of the problems with plants right now are short-term, Podeschi adds that sometimes too much water can mean the death of a shrub or tree.

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Podeschi says the lack of snowfall this winter meant Illinois was behind in soil moisture, until the floodgates opened this spring.

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For more information on how to tend to your garden this summer, contact the U of I extension office at 287-7246.

Disgraced ex-governor Rod Blagojevich may be under indictment on federal corruption charges, but he still found time to be on hand for this weekend's performance of "Rod Blagojevich Superstar." Blagojevich took the stage after the performance to do a little improv of his own.

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He joked that one of the things he missed most about executive office was giving coaching advice to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry. One audience member told the "Sun-Times" he couldn't help himself and scrutinized Blagojevich for his reactions, adding, quote, "I think he's hilarious, but unintentionally so." The satirical take-off on "Jesus Christ Superstar" was slated to close last week but the run's been extended to August 9th at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

–State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion) joined efforts with Operation Enduring Support, and the non-profit organization “Cell Phones for Soldiers,” to conduct a cell phone drive beginning on Flag Day, June 14, and running through the end of July. Locations throughout the 101st district will have boxes where residents can donate their old cell phones and electronic communication devices, which will be recycled to provide calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.

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***Local residents can support the collection drive anytime between June 14 and July 31, by donating their old phones and equipment at any of the following locations:

§ Representative Bob Flider’s District Office, 132 South Water, Suite 101, Decatur.

§ Grace United Methodist Church, 901 N. Main St. Decatur.

§ Macon County Office Building, Room 210, 141 S. Main St, Decatur

§ Decatur YMCA, 220 W McKinley Ave, Decatur

§ Marrowbone Public Library, 216 W. Main St, Bethany.

§ Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St, Decatur.

§ Lovington Public Library, 110 W. State Street, Lovington.

§ Moweaqua Public Library, 600 N. Putnam St, Moweaqua.

§ Mt. Zion Public Library, 115 W. Main St, Mt. Zion.

§ Argenta-Oreana Public Library, 100 S. Rt 48, Oreana.

§ Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, 2 W. Water St, Sullivan.

§ Windsor Public Library 102 S. Maple, Windsor.

§ Findlay Village Hall, 101 E. South Second, Findlay.


For more information on the cell phone drive or if you would like to set up a donation box at your location please contact Rep. Flider’s office at (217) 428-2708 or toll-free at (866) 453-2066.

(Taylorville) By July 1st, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton would like to make a decision on what to do with the public works superintendent position; a position that has been vacant since Rocky Moore’s retirement became effective in April. Moore was the first ever public works superintendent in the city’s long history. The position represents the merging of the lakes department and the street and sewer departments.

When speaking with Brotherton on the topic, it appears obvious that he intends to split the position back into two or possibly even three positions. Brotherton believes having one position overseeing all three departments places way too much responsibility on one person’s shoulders, and in effect, hurts the city. Brotherton says the three working foreman are the likely nominees for the position; Dick Wiseman of the street department, Alan Jackson of the lake department, and Randy Green of the sewer department.

Meanwhile, after being dormant throughout the past decade, the Taylorville tree board will be resurrected tonight (Monday) at the Taylorville city council meeting. Brotherton says Ronda Craft will be named chairman of the board. The Mayor says if Taylorville is going to be a ‘tree city’, the board needs to be re-established. The meeting takes place tonight (Monday) at 7 pm in the council chambers.

Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Fred Ronnow recently praised the 2009 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Outing as a success. Ronnow says 84 golfers participated in the June 6th event, and they were blessed with nearly perfect weather conditions.

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Ronnow says the top three finishers were given chamber of commerce gift certificates.

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The Chamber now focuses their attention on the upcoming ‘business after hours’ program. This month’s program takes place at New Wave Communications on Wednesday. Ronnow says the staff at New Wave has plenty of surprises in store for the event.

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Wednesday’s event kicks off at 4:30. New Wave Communications is located at 1176 E. 1500 North Road in Taylorville. For additional information, contact the chamber office at 824-4919.

Riding the heels of what turned out to be a popular third annual ‘Dog Daze’, the Taylorville Main Street Organization is set to mix things up at the weekly Farmers Market yet again. ‘Whistlin Dixie’ takes place in downtown Taylorville this coming Saturday. The Dixieland themed event represents the 2nd of 6 installments in the Great American Music Series. The musical band Dixieland Daredevils are scheduled to perform, and local dining establishment Gambinos will be on hand with some of its finest southern-style grub. Taylorville Main Street Executive Director Michelle Merker says the farmers market is all about hyping up downtown Taylorville, and events like ‘Dog Daze’, and ‘Whistlin Dixie’ help accomplish that mission.

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The third Great American Music Series event takes place July 18th at the Lakeshore Golf Course. The event is called ‘Swing Under the Stars’, and will feature a performance from the Bob Markum Swing Band.

The national switch from analog to digital television happened on Friday. Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland is doing their part to ensure everyone over the age of 60 makes the transition smoothly. The agency received a small grant funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to participate in the ‘Digital TV: Keeping Seniors Connected’ Campaign. ‘Aging for Lincolnland’ Executive Director Julie Hubbard says the purpose of the grant is to lend a helping hand to older adults attempting to make the digital transition on their own.

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As Hubbard explains, the agency will use the grant to offer three specific services to older adults.

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Hubbard says the 20-thousand dollar grant will allow the agency to help up to one thousand people.

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According to reports, Nielsen estimated that nearly 2.8 million homes were not prepared for Friday’s switch. As a result, the FCC fielded a record number of over 300,000 calls on Friday.

The Area Agency on Aging, located in Springfield, serves 12 counties throughout central Illinois, including many in the regional radio listening area. For more information contact the agency at 787-9234, or visit their website AgingLinc.org.

(Taylorville) The area’s best canines were on display at the Taylorville Farmer’s Market Saturday afternoon. A vast range of dog breeds and their owners took part in the third annual ‘Dog Daze’. The event featured a dog show, dog training, and various contests including ‘best tail wag’. Main Street Executive Director Michelle Merker says the third annual event enjoyed a big turnout.

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With the help of ‘North side Vet’, Merker says this year’s event has grown significantly from last year’s. As a result, she expects ‘Dog Daze’ to become an annual event for years to come.

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With all the attention and traffic brought to the square Saturday afternoon, Merker says ‘Dog Daze’ accomplished Main Street’s mission of promoting Taylorville.

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Next week the Taylorville farmer’s market will feature a Dixieland theme. The day will be highlighted by a musical performance from the band ‘Dixie Daredevils’.

(Taylorville) Area residents poured in at a steady pace to check out the new Christian County Animal Control Shelter during an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday afternoon. The day was a celebration of the 285 thousand dollar expansion of the facility, which was made possible through a trust fund left by the deceased Annis ‘Bertha’ Willey. County Animal Control Warden Joelynda Conrad was thrilled with the amount of people who came out for the ceremonial day. Conrad was even more thrilled with the number of people who ended up adopting dogs and cats.

The ribbon cutting ceremony began at 1:00 pm, and an open house followed until 3. The event featured an onslaught of entertainment, including hot dogs, popcorn, prizes, and an appearance by a local clown. An artist’s sketch of Mrs. Willey was also unveiled during the event. The Animal Control Facility is located at 300 Baughman Drive in Taylorville.