(Chicago) The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is reminding Illinois workers that the state’s new minimum wage is $8.00 an hour, effective July 1. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the increase in the minimum wage stands to help over 390,000 workers cope with the rising cost of living and pay for basic necessities like groceries, gas, rent, childcare and medicine.

Illinois raised its minimum wage to $7.50 an hour in July 2007, with automatic increases of 25 cents built in over the next three years to $7.75 on July 1, 2008; $8.00 on July 1, 2009; and $8.25 on July 1, 2010.

“The increase in the minimum wage helps full-time workers meet their family’s basic needs. As of July 1, the Department will be enforcing a higher minimum wage of $8.00 an hour in Illinois, and will continue to ensure that workers receive the wages they’ve earned,” said IDOL Director Catherine Shannon.

Raising the minimum wage to $8.00 an hour generates an additional $520 in annual wages for a full-time minimum wage worker – up to $16,640 per year. The increase ensures that Illinois workers receiving the minimum wage will stay above the 2008 federal poverty level of $10,400 a year. Based on research done by the EPI, nearly 80 percent of minimum wage workers in Illinois are working adults, not teenagers. Approximately 99,000 of the workers who would benefit directly from the minimum wage increase are working parents, and nearly 60 percent are women. Increasing the minimum wage will help boost the standard of living for 181,000 Illinois children, according to the EPI.

Research also shows that raising the minimum wage not only aids minimum wage workers and their families but it also helps to stimulate the American economy. A study done by economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago found that recent increases in the federal minimum wage (July 2007 and July 2008) will have created an estimated $4.9 billion of spending to date, and that the final federal increase in July 2009 will produce another $5.5 billion over the next year.

When the final rate of $8.25 per hour takes effect in 2010, the state will have helped boost the pay for minimum wage workers in Illinois by $3.10 per hour, or 60 percent in seven years. This makes Illinois a national leader in raising wages for low-income workers.

(Mattoon, IL) -- Two power companies are backing out of the proposed FutureGen plant near Mattoon, but organizers say the clean coal project will be fine. Power companies in Ohio and Georgia will be pulling their financial support from the multi-billion dollar plant. Those companies say high costs and other energy projects convinced them to put their research dollars elsewhere. This move comes just weeks after the Department of Energy restored its support for the clean coal power plant that will cost billions but could help the struggling southern Illinois job market and coal industry. Nine power companies from across the globe remain committed to FutureGen.

(Springfield, IL) -- New numbers show the swine flu isn't leaving Illinois and kids could be more susceptible to the virus. Children and teens make up more than half of the confirmed cases of the swine flu in Illinois. Illinois Department of Public Health officials are now reporting 12 deaths linked to swine flu and more than 28-hundred cases of the flu in the state. Over half the cases are in Chicago and Cook County, but 27 other counties all over Illinois have positive cases of swine flu. Across the country, there are 127 deaths connected to the swine flu pandemic and over 27-thousand cases of the virus. A state public health spokeswoman says the virus isn't acting like other seasonal illnesses because new cases are still being reported during the summer. That may mean people are in for a summer full of washing hands and covering coughs.

After opening in March, the Shelbyville Home source officially announced its presence with a grand opening celebration (Thursday afternoon.) Shelbyville Home Source, the second franchise of the Taylorville Home Source in the Marsango plaza, features flooring, countertops cabinets and kitchen and bathroom fixtures. During a live broadcast on our sister station 98.3 Wran, owner Phil Champley said he is excited to become a part of the Shelbyville Community.

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During the grand opening open house, Shelbyville Home source awarded 4 200 dollars gift cards good at SHS. The fun continued into the evening as the store hosted a Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce business after hours. Shelbyville Home Source is located at 242 East Main Street in Shelbyville.

SPRINGFIELD, IL- State Representative Bob Flider announced this week that several pieces of his legislative agenda aimed at increasing resources to veterans were sent to the Governor.

Flider, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee said four pieces of legislation have been sent to the Governor, since the end of May, that deal with veterans and veterans issues. That legislation includes:

· House Bill 52 allows veterans who have a certified service-connected disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to qualify for registration plates or decals to a person with disability.

· House Bill 516 provides that a funeral director must make every effort to determine whether a diseased person was a veteran, the spouse of a veteran, or the dependent child of a veteran. If the funeral director is unable to determine that information, the act provides veterans organizations the ability to have access to the remains in an effort to determine their status.

· House Bill 2536 provides that any Veteran who is a resident of Illinois and a former Prisoner of War to be exempt from all admission fees in museums that received state funds.

· House Bill 706 requires an evaluation regarding the availability of and access to healthcare for veterans who reside in Illinois. The act also provides that if there are barriers, limitations, or gaps in the available healthcare services for veterans, they should be overcome to provide the best possible care.


In addition to his legislative agenda, Flider has partnered with Operation Enduring Support to sponsor a cell phone drive called Cell Phones for Soldiers. This effort encourages local residents to help soldiers who are serving overseas, and their families communicate without incurring the cost of an overseas phone call. For every cell phone donated, an hour long calling card is given to a soldier.

For more information on Rep. Flider’s legislation or the Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive, please contact his office at (217) 428-2708. The 101st District includes all or portions of: Decatur, Long Creek, Mount Zion, Oreana, Allenville, Arthur, Bethany, Dalton City, Gays, Lovington, Sullivan, Findlay, Moweaqua, Westervelt, Oakley and Windsor.

Lincoln Land Community College’s Capital City Training Center is still accepting registrations for its point and shoot photography course to be held July 13 and 20. “Make Your Point and Shoot Camera Work for You,” will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at LLCC’s Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason, Springfield.

In this workshop, participants will learn tips on how to make the most of their point and shoot camera. John Evans of Photographic Communications will discuss key settings on the personal digital camera and also will help students explore the modes and menus to develop their photography skills. As the class advances, students will receive pointers, tips and hints on posing and framing the point of focus or subject.

Cost of the course is $45. Participants must bring their point and shoot digital camera and the camera manual.

Class size is limited. Register in advance by calling the LLCC Capital City Training Center at 217.524.6749.

A Taylorville man will face prison time after he was found guilty of two counts of criminal sexual assault in Christian County Court this week. After a two day bench trial, a Christian County Judge ruled that 38 year old Douglas Ford had sex with an under aged girl multiple times between 2006 and 2008. Ford, a former corrections officer and youth group sponsor, served as a mentor to the girl during to sexual relationship. Ford, who was arrested last August, faces up to 15 years in prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced in August.

Farmers hoped that above average temperatures last week would help dry out Illinois fields, but no such luck as heavy rains late in the week created standing water on many farms across the state. As USDA Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, farmers are still looking to finish up their planting for this season.

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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 Pana Fireworks Committee has a lot of work to do if they plan on meeting their fundraising goal of 6,000 dollars before their July 4th fireworks show. Jim Hicks, of the Pana fireworks committee, says the fundraising campaign has currently yielded a total of only 2400 dollars. However, Hicks says the committee has always met its fundraising goal in the past, and the current lack of funds will have no effect on the overall quality of this year’s show.

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Hicks explains how people can donate money to the campaign if interested.

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Despite not having 6,000 dollars from the fundraising campaign secured, the committee recently purchased fireworks from their longtime partner, the Central State Fireworks Company. Hicks says if the fundraising goal is not met by July 4th, the campaign will continue after the holiday.

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The Pana 4th of July celebration will take place at the Tri-County fairgrounds. For more information, or to contribute to the fundraising effort, call Jim Hicks at 562-2645.

The 2009 ‘Assumption Fest’ runs this week from Thursday until Sunday in the city of Assumption. The event opens up with the Little Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss Assumption pageants at 6:30 pm. Assumption Fest Vice President Angela Marsters says day one of Assumption Fest features an array of entertainment for people of all ages.

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Everything on the main stage this year is free of charge. As a result, Marsters expects a large turnout.

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Marsters says the festival means a great deal to the city of Assumption and all surrounding communities.

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Assumption Fest has been entertaining central Illinoisans for over a half century. This year’s festival takes place in downtown Assumption. For more information call 820-1156.

A Taylorville Man facing drug, harassment, assault, and criminal damage to property charges heads up a list of ten people indicted by a Christian County Grand Jury this month. Twenty six year old Jamal Shehadeh could face up to a thirty year prison term if he’s convicted of charges alleging he tried to sell cocaine to a confidential source within 1000 feet of a church on August 13th of 2008. A second charge alleges he attempted to do the same on August 27th. Shehadeh was also indicted on charges alleging he kicked out the window of a Taylorville Squad car during an arrest on May 26th. The arrest stemmed from an incident alleging harassment by telephone and aggravated assault that occurred between May 24th and May 26th. The drug charges are class one and two felonies respectively, while the others are class 3, 4 and ‘A’ felonies respectively.

Twenty one year old Brad Stimac of Edinburg was indicted on a single count of Aggravated assault for allegedly firing a gun in the presence of another person on May 16th in Edinburg. The charge is a Class 4 felony.

Fifty one year old Loren D. Heitz of Bradenton Florida was indicted on charges of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver cannabis, after he was arrest last month in Stonington. If convicted of the Class one felony, Heitz will face up to 15 years behind bars.

Seventeen year old Koty A. Cook was indicted on one count of residential burglary and two counts of thefts for allegedly breaking into a house in Owaneco and attempting to steal two guns on March 15th. The burglary charge is a class one felony, while the two theft charges are class three felonies.

Also indicted was 23-year-old Ralph J. Smith of Taylorville who is charged with Aggravated Cruelty to animals for allegedly killing a Yorkie by punching it and throwing it against a wall on May 19th. The Charge is a class four felony.

Eighteen-year-old Robert Clay of Taylorville was indicted on charges of Unlawful presence of a sex offender in a school zone. Clay, a convicted child sex offender, allegedly unlawfully entered the grounds of Taylorville High School where people under the age of 18 were present on May 19th.

Forty two year old Lydia L. Collins of Taylorville and 17-year-old Denise Dominguez of Assumption were indicted on single counts of aggravated battery, stemming from separate incidents that allegedly happened on June 2nd, and May 29th respectively.

Forty three year old Matthew Johnson was indicted on two counts of unlawful violation of an order of protection for allegedly sending two ‘text messages’ to his estranged wife on June 4th and 5th, while restricted under the said order of protection. Both counts are class four felonies.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Senator Dick Durbin said Sunday he would have no problem housing alleged terrorists now at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba in an Illinois prison. Senator Roland Burris also says he has no problem housing Gitmo detainees in Illinois. That is something that is currently being reviewed; terrorist inmates from Guantanamo being transferred to the supermax prison facility in Marion, Illinois. While the two Democrat U.S Senators from the State of Illinois believe it’s ok, local State Representative Bill Mitchell is filing a resolution suggesting it would be a very bad idea.

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Many who are against the idea say it is not just about highly trained terrorists escaping. It is also about terrorists recruiting the prison population.

The Dudley Smith Farm will be the host site for a Beef Cow-Calf Field Day next Tuesday (June 30). U of I Christian County Extension Director Linda Smith, says today (Wednesday) is the last day to make reservations for the event.

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As Smith explains, all those who register by today will receive a complimentary lunch. The field day will feature the research of University of Kentucky Forage Specialist Dr. Gary Lacefield. U of I Department of Crop Sciences doctoral candidate Mike Vincent will also give a brief update on the development of a tropical maize project for livestock feeding and as a potential bio-energy crop. For more information, or to register call the extension office at 287-7246.

As we prepare to flip the calendar, The St. Louis Dairy Council wants to remind people that June is Dairy Month. Joyce Fickri with the dairy council says that this is a great time to reinforce good eating habits, and to make sure that kids are getting enough dairy.

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National Dairy month is also a good time to show appreciation for dairy farmers. Elizabeth Bliler with the dairy council grew up on a dairy farm near Nokomis, she explains what it’s like bringing milk to America’s grocers.

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Bliler says that it’s important to keep up with the ever changing world of dairy farming.

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This month, the diary council also wants to remind that its not only kids that need to drink milk, Fickri says its also important for adults, especially women to get enough dairy, because it promotes good bone health.

The Christian County Economic Development Corporation held its quarterly board meeting this (Tuesday) afternoon hosted by First National Bank of Pana.

Guest speaker was Dan Culver, project manager for the Tenaska Group, which is proposing to build a 3-point-5 billion dollar plant northeast of Taylorville to turn Illinois coal into natural gas for its proposed power plant, as well as to sell on the open market.

Culver reviewed the status of the project, saying it's awaiting approval on 2 fronts. A rate study to prove to the Illinois General Assembly, its worthiness of state funding, is expected to be completed next spring, and the company has also applied to the U-S Department of Energy for a loan guarantee to build the project. That word is also expected next summer.

Culver said if built, the plant will create some 15-hundred construction jobs, and 120 permanent jobs.

Regional Radio News spoke with Pam Chrisman, Director of Development at Lake Land College in Mattoon, about the project's possible impact on the college and the area. Chrisman stated Lake Land is up to the challenge of providing training for those who would build and run the plant.

Similar comments were echo'ed by Lincoln Land Community College president Doctor Charlotte Warren, who also attended the meeting.

Culver also took questions from board members in attendance.

Culver also introduced Jack Brown of Taylorville, who Tenaska has hired as their community representative. Brown is a former Taylorville alderman and former economic development director for the county.

Also at today's (Tuesday's) meeting, Christian County Economic Development Corporation president Jeff Copley presented a plaque to outgoing president Jim Brubaker of Lincoln Land Community College, for his service to the board and the county.

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(Montgomery County) A Harvel man is dead after a car hit him early (Tuesday) morning in Montgomery County. According to Illinois State Police, 36 year old Derrick M. Wey was standing in the middle of the road when he was struck by a car driven by 20 year old Timothy M. Ellis of Litchfield shortly before 2am. The crash happened on US Route 66, about 500 feet south of 1st road. Wey was pronounced dead on the scene and Ellis was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield where he was treated for minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed. No word as to why Wey was standing in the road or if alcohol was involved.

The Taylorville Park District verbally agreed to extend their contract with DMI Enterprises, the company that manages and operates Lakeshore Golf Course. David Impastato, of DMI Enterprises asked the park board for the extension during Monday night’s monthly meeting.

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DMI’s current contract ends January 28th of 2010. The District extended DMI’s contract for the maximum of three additional years.

The Illinois Department of Human Services recently informed the Christian County Mental Health Association that they are in line to lose 565,000 dollars in state funding for the fiscal year beginning next Wednesday July 1st. Members of the Association are working tirelessly to urge lawmakers to pass a balanced budget as soon as possible, so the cuts in funding won’t happen. President and CEO of the Christian County Mental Health Association Ralph Antle says the effects of losing 565,000 dollars in state funding would be catastrophic.

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Antle says members of the Christian County Mental Health Association have taken plenty of action to thwart the drastic cuts from happening.

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Antle explains that the only remedy is a balanced state budget.

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Governor Quinn’s special session for Illinois lawmakers begins today (Tuesday). When asked if he believes lawmakers will pass a budget, Antle said “I don’t know if they’re going to do it, or not”.

The Christian County Mental Health Association provides services to people with mental health and developmental disabilities.

Governor Pat Quinn is ramping up his rhetoric about reworking the Illinois state budget as lawmakers return to Springfield. Quinn says he wants to see legislators vote on Wednesday for an income tax increase that would offset cuts to social services. Yet Quinn and top Republicans and Democrats have little to show for their meetings since the spring session wrapped up at the beginning of the month. Quinn says everyone knows something has to happen by the end of June.

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Top Republicans say Quinn won't make good on his promise to slash funding to certain programs if the budget picture doesn't change by July 1st. So far they have yet to agree with Quinn's plan for a temporary income tax increase.

Local residents will have the opportunity to interact with one of the area’s more elusive creatures this Sunday, as the Illinois Audubon Society hosts their second hummingbird festival of the summer. The event kicks off at 1 pm at the Okaw Valley Orchards near Sullivan, and runs until 4 pm. Janet Hawes-Davis, of the Illinois Audubon Society, says attendees will have the opportunity throughout the event to operate traps, record data and assist in releasing the fascinating creatures.

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Hawes-Davis also says people can adopt a hummingbird for 5 dollars.

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Hawes-Davis says the humming birds at the Okaw Valley Orchards come from all over the continent.

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Established in 1897, the Illinois Audubon Society is an independent non-profit organization. The mission of the Illinois Audubon Society is to promote the perpetuation and appreciation of native plants and animals and the habitats that support them. Hawes-Davis says there will be 13 more hummingbird festivals throughout Illinois this summer.

“When thunder roars, go indoors” is a simple phrase, but it’s one that officials with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) believe could save lives. During Lightning Safety Awareness Week, IEMA and the NWS are spreading the word about the simple steps people can take to stay safe when a thunderstorm approaches. IEMA communications director Patti Thompson says Lightning Safety Awareness Week kicked off with a press conference Monday morning in Springfield. Thompson says representatives from the Illinois Little League youth baseball organization were in attendance.

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Thompson explains some of the basic safety precautions to take when skies light up.

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Lightning-related deaths appear to be declining, and Thompson hopes this year’s Lightning Safety Awareness Week campaign will help save even more lives.

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On average, 60 people die from lightning strikes per year. Last year lightning claimed the lives of 28 people, the lowest total since 1940.

During the Shelby Electric Cooperative’s 71st annual meeting earlier this month, co-op members were encouraged to voice their concerns to congress about legislation that could create a ‘tax’ on carbon dioxide emissions. Members were warned that the legislation could increase the cost of electricity by 101 to 129 percent by 2030. Kevin Bernson, of the Shelby Electric Cooperative, says if the legislation passes, consumers can expect to see their utility bills increase significantly.

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Through a campaign called ‘Our Energy Our Future’, cooperative members across the country are voicing their opinions on the legislation. Bernson explains how people can participate in the campaign.

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According to President/CEO of the Shelby Electric Co-Op James Coleman the new tax would hit the economy hard with a loss of 3 to 7 million jobs, as well as drastic cost increases for all fossil fuel energy sources including gasoline, diesel, natural gas and coal. Bernson says only 20% of the money raised by the legislation would go towards renewable energy solutions.

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When asked, Bernson says he is not aware of any timetable for when legislators plan to vote on the bill. The Shelby Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy, an alliance of more than 685 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country.

Downtown Taylorville turned into Dixieland on Saturday, as the farmer’s market hosted the ‘Whistlin’ Dixie’ jazz music festival. The event, which featured a musical performance from the Dixie Daredevils, marked the 2nd of 6 installments in Taylorville Main Street’s Great American Music Series. During the event, Regional radio caught up with Main Street contributor Gary Merker. Merker, who was instrumental in bringing Dixieland to Taylorville on Saturday, says the Dixie Daredevils have toured all over the globe.

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Merker says the next Great American Music Series event will be July 19th at the Lakeshore Golf Course.

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During one of the Daredevils’ breaks, regional radio heard from lead singer Johnny Slew. Slew was excited to be a part of the Taylorville farmers market.

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The farmer’s market takes place every Saturday until October in downtown Taylorville from 9am to 1:00pm. For more information on upcoming Main Street events, including the Great American Music Series, visit the website downtowntaylorville.com.

Some Illinois growers are starting to sell directly to consumers at area farmers' markets. That follows a national trend that's seeing more farmers setting up stands and more people seeking fresh and locally-grown food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says there are twice as many farmers markets today as there were 15 years ago. One of the new vendors is Ropp Farms in Normal. Ropp's Emily Watterson says the farm has been around for generations, but only recently started selling at open-air markets.

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Andy Heck grows vegetables to sell at a Springfield farmers market. He says some people prefer his produce to stuff they can find in a grocery store.

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Champaign-Urbana is adding a second farmers market to keep up with the appetite from residents. Most Illinois farmers markets, including Taylorville’s, are at their busiest during the summer months before closing up shop toward the end of October.

Legislation sponsored by State Representative Jim Watson dealing with American Sign Language and school credits has been sent to Governor Pat Quinn for his approval. Dean Abbott has the story.

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The Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is prepping for Hometown Pride Day at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday August 15. This marks the third year Taylorville is partaking in the event. Chamber President and CEO Fred Ronnow says Taylorville will be well represented this year.

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As always the chamber is juggling multiple tasks at once. The chamber has begun planning for the 24th annual Chillifest. Ronnow says this month’s Chillifest committee meeting is in the books.

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For more information on Taylorville Hometown Pride Day, and the Chillifest, contact the Chamber office at 824-4919.

(Taylorville) Landmark Chevy Buick Cadillac in Taylorville gave back to the community this Saturday, by holding a canned food drive. The drive is part of the ‘Goodwrench for Goodwill’ campaign. Those who showed up to donate were treated with hot dogs, Pepsi, and popcorn. Landmark General Manager Joe Antal says the drive will continue throughout the week.

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Landmark is located at 1531 Springfield Road in Taylorville.

(Taylorville) The Taylorville high school cafeteria was home to the Christian County Quilt show Saturday afternoon. Over 175 quilts were on display. Joyce Cullerton, of the Christian County Quilters Guild says the event also featured 11 local vendors.

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There were some bumps in the road in the planning of Saturday’s quilt show. Cullerton, who has spent over a year developing the event, says it was originally slated to take place in October.

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The Christian County Quilters Guild has approximately 50 members. Cullerton says it’s a small group, and as a result the quilt show only takes place once every two years.

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8 specially chosen judges, including Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton, showed up Friday evening to take a peak at all 178 quilts, and vote for their favorites. During the show on Saturday, those in attendance had the chance to pick their favorites. The winners were awarded first and second place ribbons.