(Springfield) Saturday was Hometown Pride Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and Taylorville was well represented. During live coverage of the festivities on Newstalk 97.3 WTIM-FM, Miller Media Group President Randal J. Miller caught up with Taylorville Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Fred Ronnow. Ronnow, who was instrumental in bringing Taylorville to Springfield on Saturday, says this is the third year Taylorville participated in Hometown Pride Day.

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Lincoln Land Community College was one of many local representatives in Springfield Saturday. Former Lincoln Land Professor David Andrews highlights the school’s growth in Taylorville.

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Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton was on the scene as well. Brotherton says Hometown Pride Day is a tremendous opportunity to promote the city of Taylorville. He adds that Taylorville's immediate economic future looks like a bright one.

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The event kicked off at 10 am, and wrapped up at 4 pm. The Illinois State Fair runs through next Sunday, August 23rd.

(Springfield) The Illinois State Fairgrounds was full of action Friday as it hosted a number of livestock shows, including the 2009 Jr. Grand Champion Meat Goat Competition and the Jr. Champion Market Lamb Show.

An exhausted, yet happy showman left the ring as his Boer goat was chosen as the 2009 Illinois State Fair Grand Champion. Chris Curry, the 17-year-old son of Mike and Patty Curry of Dawson, walked away knowing his 76-pound goat will be sold in the Governor’s Sale of Champions on Tuesday evening. He plans to put the money he raises at the sale towards a new Chevy truck. Chris is an active 4H and FFA member. He attends Tri-City High School, where he also plays soccer and baseball. Curry has five siblings and says showing goats runs in the family. He looks forward to helping and watching his little brother, Zach, show in the future. After high school, Chris plans to join the Air Force.

Coming in second as the Reserve Grand Champion was Brady Fleming’s 88-pound Boer goat. Brady is the 14-year-old son of Chris and Linda Fleming of Roseville. He is an active, Happy Hustlers 4H member and will attend Monmouth-Roseville Jr. High this fall. He plays basketball, baseball and football and says he began showing at the age of four, so he has several years of experience under his belt.

“This is exciting, and it feels pretty good. I’ll be back next year,” Fleming commented.

Spectators also watched with baited breath as the judge looked over the champions in the 2009 Illinois State Fair Junior Champion Market Lamb show.
Sarah DeSchepper walked away with the purple ribbon as her Crossbred wether was named Grand Champion. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Rich and Beth DeSchepper of Altona.

A student at ROWVA High School, Sara serves as the FFA Vice President for her chapter as well as the Cloverleaf 4H President. She’s been showing since the age of seven, and has both a brother and sister following in her footsteps. She showed the Grand Champion wether in 2006 and the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln wether in 2007. Sarah plans to save a bit of her money from the Sale of Champions and use the rest to buy more lambs.

As if showing a grand champion were not enough, Sarah’s Hampshire wether was named the Reserve Grand Champion overall and the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln market lamb.

“You always hope for one, but it’s a dream to have two winners!” exclaimed the beaming, yet shocked DeSchepper after the show. Her Hampshire wether was shown by her friend, Luke Stuaan of Bushnell.

Luck must have run from friend to friend as Luke’s Hampshire wether was chosen as the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln market lamb. He is the 18-year-old son of Kim and Dave Stuaan and will attend Spoon River College to become a collegiate livestock judge. He believes that this is a great experience for children of all ages, and he loves watching young people succeed in the show ring.

(Springfield, IL) -- Illinois isn't going to count probable and confirmed swine flu cases any more. Instead the state's Department of Public Health says it is adopting the national model of tracking diseases. Illinois will only report hospitalizations and deaths. Public Health officials say "counting individual cases has become time consuming and takes valuable resources" from fighting the flu. The state also says counting confirmed and probable cases likely under count the true impact of the disease. In the latest report, using the new counting system, 388 people in the state have been hospitalized with the swine flu and 17 have died. Public Health managers across the state say your best bet to not get sick is to follow the Three C's: clean, cover, and contain.

State Rep. Bob Flider’s (D-Mount Zion) legislation, which increases penalties for selling or giving a firearm to a convicted felon and makes the use of a stolen firearm in the commission of crime a felony, was signed into law on Monday. Flider says the legislation ultimately is one important step towards making Illinois safer for children.

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Under current state law, if a person sells or gives a firearm to a convicted felon, it is a Class 4 felony. Flider’s legislation would increase the penalty to a Class 3 felony. Additionally, this legislation makes using a stolen firearm in the commission of a crime a Class 2 felony. It also stipulates that anyone convicted of this new offense would be required to serve the sentence consecutively with the sentence for the primary offense in which the stolen firearm gun was used.

This legislation was proposed by the family of 18 year-old Decatur resident Brandon R. Read who died in April 2007 as the innocent victim of a drive-by shooting. The individual responsible used a stolen handgun in his slaying.

Area seniors will have a chance to learn about prescription drug programs, health insurance coverage, get free health screenings and much more on Wednesday, August 19 in Effingham.

State Senator Kyle McCarter is inviting all seniors to stop by the knights of Columbus hall at 1501 West Fayette.

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McCarter says the states treasurer office will assist people with searching the state’s database of unclaimed assets. There will be information available about avoiding financial fraud and identity theft as well. The senior health and information fair is sponsored by McCarter, along with senators Dale Righter, John Jones and Representative David Rice.

(Springfield) Governor Pat Quinn officially opened the Illinois state fair this morning.

Quinn says he hopes the state fair becomes a tradition for many families that is handed down over the years.

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The state fair runs through august 23rd in Springfield. Tickets are still available for grandstand concerts, car races, and the demolition derby. Plus there is plenty of free entertainment. Visit the website: Illinoisstatefair.info for more information.

Christian County Sheriff's Deputies are looking into a vandalism incident that happened this month in Edinburg. According to reports, a person or multiple people used black spray paint to deface four crude oil tanks at 2550 North 725 East Road, and two more at 2550 North 750 in Edinburg sometime between August 1st and 10th. Reports say the vandalism including profane racial slurs written in spray paint on the oil tanks, as well as the spraying of the number '420.' There are currently no suspects in the case.

Two Blue Mound teens suffered minor injuries after a crash in Christian County that occurred Tuesday afternoon. According to reports from the Sheriff's Department, 16 year old Paige E. Foster was headed south on township road 2100 East near township road 2500 North when she ran her car off the road while adjusting the air conditioning in the car. The car continued in a ditch before hitting an embankment. Foster and a passenger, 13 year old Kaitlyn M. Foster, indicated they would seek private treatment for possible injuries.

The spotlight will shine brightly on the City of Taylorville Saturday, all the way from the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce will once again sponsor the ‘Taylorville Hometown Pride Day’ At the Fairgrounds, with a day full of activities set to take place between 10am and 4pm. Chamber President and CEO Fred Ronnow explains what’s in store for folks making the trek this weekend.

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While your out at the fairgrounds checking out Taylorville Hometown Pride Day Saturday, Ronnow says you’ll have a chance to pick up some pretty cool swag.

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Again the Taylorville Hometown Pride Day runs from 10am until 4pm Saturday at the fairgrounds, culminating with a parade through the fairgrounds Saturday afternoon. If you can’t make the event, you can listen to live reports on the Miller Media Group of Radio Stations throughout the day.

With summer winding down the 2009-2010 school is just around the corner, but before kids strap on their bookbags and sharpen the pencils, there are a few tasks parents must take care of first. Starting Monday, students attending Taylorville Schools will begin registering for the upcoming year at the building that their child will attend. Taylorville School’s Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau explains when parents should report to register students.

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Fuerstenau says all the forms needed to register students for the upcoming school year are available at the school district’s web-site –www.Taylorvilleschools.com. In addition, Fuerstenau says there are certain medical and health checkups that students must receive before the school year begins.

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Once registration is complete, the first day of school is scheduled for Tuesday August 25th. Fuerstenau explains the schedule for the first week.

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Any parents unable to make the registration times allotted to them are encourage to call the administration of the school that their child will attend to make arrangements. Again, more information is available at www.Taylorvilleschools.com.

–Lincoln Land Community College will host New Student Welcome Day for first-time students Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with check-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. The event will be held in Menard Hall on LLCC’s main campus at 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield.

Students who are new to LLCC for the fall 2009 semester can take a campus tour and learn about Learning Lab services available to assist with student success. The event will also feature an information fair with representatives from various offices and programs available to answer students’ questions.

LLCC’s Financial Aid and Advising and Counseling offices and LLCC’s Bookstore will be open to assist students with issues or concerns. A prize drawing will be held, which includes a $100 gift certificate to the LLCC Bookstore.

There is no cost for the event; however, reservations are required. To reserve a seat for the event, go to www.llcc.edu and click on New Student Welcome Day under events, or contact the LLCC Student Life Office at 786.2241.

Governor Quinn this week signed into law legislation sponsored by 109th District State Representative Roger Eddy which assists school districts facing emergency situations. The bill provides that in an emergency situation requiring immediate repairs to a school building, school districts may proceed without prior approval of the State Superintendent of Education. The bill also provides mechanisms for bidding contracts, conformity with current Health, Life, Safety Code, and reimbursement.

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Eddy says the measure was in response to a situation in which Tolono Unity School District experienced a gas leak. Due to the emergency nature of the leak the school district sought State Board approval for reimbursement from the Fire Prevention and Safety Fund after the repairs were made; current law requires that approval must be gained prior to any repairs and thus disqualified the school district from accessing such funding.

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The legislation takes effect immediately.

State Rep. Bob Flider’s (D-Mount Zion) legislation, which increases penalties for selling or giving a firearm to a convicted felon and makes the use of a stolen firearm in the commission of crime a felony, was signed into law on Monday.

Under current state law, if a person sells or gives a firearm to a convicted felon, it is a Class 4 felony. Flider’s legislation would increase the penalty to a Class 3 felony. Additionally, this legislation makes using a stolen firearm in the commission of a crime a Class 2 felony. It also stipulates that anyone convicted of this new offense would be required to serve the sentence consecutively with the sentence for the primary offense in which the stolen firearm gun was used.

This legislation was proposed by the family of 18 year-old Decatur resident Brandon R. Read who died in April 2007 as the innocent victim of a drive-by shooting. The individual responsible used a stolen handgun in his slaying.

House Bill 1032 was supported by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois State Police and the Illinois State Rifle Association. It passed the House in March by a vote of 113-1 and passed the Senate with a vote of 56-0-1. The legislation was signed into Public Act 96-0190 on Monday, August 10.

For more information on Rep. Flider’s legislation, please contact his office at (217) 428-2708.

Governor Pat Quinn is signing a package of new laws designed to improve public safety in Illinois.
One law raises the penalties for someone caught disarming a corrections or peace officer. Another gives stalking victims more options when it comes to getting an order of protection. Governor Quinn says all three will help keep people safe.

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The third law creates penalties for the unlawful manufacture…delivery and possession of a drug known as b-z-p, which is similar to ecstasy.

Emergency personnel are clearing the scene of an accident that happened at the Route 48/29 intersection in Taylorville just after 10:30 (Thursday) morning. The head on collision involved a 4 door Nissan Altima and a Semi Tractor Truck and Trailer. It’s not clear what caused the accident and the extent of any injuries. Taylorville Police and Fire Fighters along with Sutton’s Ambulance were called to the scene. Regional Radio will continue to follow the story and bring more information as it becomes available.

(Taylorville) As the jubilation continues over the recent completion of the new restrooms at Kiwanis Park on Lake Taylorville, city officials indicate that more improvements may be on the way for the area. During Tuesday restroom dedication ceremony, Taylorville Alderman Earl Walters told the crowd the city is currently pursuing a grant that would be used to add a wheelchair accessible floating dock and a new walkway leading to the commodes, as well as repave part of the Kiwanis Park parking lot.

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The restroom project took 2 years to complete, and is part of the local Kiwanis Club's goal of serving children and youth in the Taylorville community. Tuesday’s dedication included a cook-out and ceremony attended by area dignitaries.

Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

A bill signed into law this week by Governor Pat Quinn will help clear up gray areas about dual credit course taken by high school students in Illinois. The bill is sponsored by 109th district State Rep. Roger Eddy who says there are major discrepancies regarding the operation of dual credit programs from school to school, community college district to district. The 109th District State Rep says a need has been identified for a streamlined dual credit program in Illinois. Eddy explains the Dual Credit Quality Act requires the Illinois Community College Board and the Board of Higher Education to develop policies to permit multiple appropriate measures using differentiated assessment for granting eligibility for dual credit to students.

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An amendment to the bill removed the provision that institutions must adopt policies to protect the academic standing of students who are not successful in dual credit courses to include switching to traditional high school course credit.

A bill signed into law this week will allow landowners who fall short of the 40 acre requirement to still be granted free wild turkey and/or landowner deer hunting permits. In the past, landowners have been denied the permit, even though their land was within a half acre of the requirement. 110th District State Rep. Chapin Rose sponsored the bill, and explains that under the new law, landowners who fall just short will now simply be able to round up, and become eliglble for the permit.

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The personal property hunting permits are administered through Illinois’ Department of Natural Resources.

A heat wave late last week drove average temperatures to just about normal after a cool start across the state, with rain fall slightly below average. As USDA State Crop Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener (Shloy-zenner) tells us in this years crop report, Illinois corn is just about all silked, but much less than normal has reached the dough stage.

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Mark Schleusener reporting. Tune in for weekly crop reports from the Illinois Field Office during regional radio newscasts and on Taylorvilledailynews.com through harvest in early November.

As parents prepare to send their kids back to school, The St. Louis District Dairy Council wants to remind folks of the importance of making sure that kids get the proper nutrition necessary to allow them to reach their full potential in School. Joyce Fikri of the Dairy Council says proper nutrition starts before a student ever steps into the classroom.

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For many families, the morning is a hectic time and that means skimping on making sure your child has a good breakfast. Fikri shares some tips on how to make sure the kids start the day on the right foot, even if time is at a premium.

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Fikri says it’s also important that kids have some healthy options available to them after their school day is complete.

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For more tips on back to school nutrition, visit the website stldairycouncil.org.

(Pana) The 76th annual Pana Labor Day Parade takes place in downtown Pana on September 7th. The parade committee is in the process of naming the parade marshal. For the 36th year in a row the public has been asked to help in the nominating process. Pana Labor Day Parade Chairman Jim Downs says all nominations should be sent to the Pana News-Palladium.

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The parade is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 am on Labor Day. Jim Deere, of the Pana Chamber of Commerce told regional radio that the parade usually lasts up to 2 hours. Deere also said that the parade draws upwards of 25,000 people each year.

After 4-H participants from around the state finish up showing livestock and other products at the Illinois State Fair, it will be curtains on another year of 4-H activities. There wont be much time for rest however, as the new 4-H year is set to begin September 1st. Christian County 4-H Director Jodi Heberling says perspective 4-Her’s can learn more about the program at an open house at the Christian County Extension Building September 15th.

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Despite conventional beliefs, Heberling explains all youth between the ages of 8-18 can benefit from the programs and activities offered through 4-H, not just those who grew up on a farm.

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Heberling explains the time commitment for participating in 4-H is less than what some would think.

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Again the 4-h open house is set for Tuesday September 15th from 3:30 until 7:30. For more information call the extension office at 287-7246.

Taylorville Kiwanis Club members, and a host of local dignataries formally dedicated new mens' and womens' restrooms at Kiwanis Park on Lake Taylorville yesterday (Tuesday). The noon event also featured a cookout hosted by the Kiwanis Club, as the club's weekly meeting.

City officials from past and present administrations, including former Mayor Frank Mathon, spoke about how the new facility will be an asset to the park.

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Taylorville Kiwanis Club members credited the city, and a host of local businesses, for assisting in donating either money, supplies, or labor, to the construction of the facility.

Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor Patty Fletcher, a member of the Raymond-Harvel Kiwanis Club, also attended and complimented Kiwanis on the new facilities, and for all the work they've done since the late 1990's on Kiwanis Park.

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The project took 2 years to complete, and is part of the local Kiwanis Club's goal of serving children and youth in the Taylorville community.

Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Bullying can have harmful emotional, psychological and academic effects for children, which could last a lifetime.
It is estimated that more than five million children are bullied each year in the U.S. and as many as one hundred sixty thousand children miss school each day because of bullying. Dr. Mary Dobbins, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, describes a typical bully.

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Dr. Dobbins explains that there is a psychological component to bullying. Although, boys tend to use physical forms such as pushing and hitting, girls are more likely to use psychological bullying -- embarrassing someone, starting rumors and excluding others from a group. Cyber bullying with threatening messages being sent by cell phones and computers also is becoming a concern. She advises parents about cyber bullying.

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Dr. Dobbins urges parents to use techniques that will help victims of bullying cope with the situation. She suggests helping increase the child’s social skills so they have more friends and support, teach the child how to stand up to the bully, and encourage them to report the bullying to another adult.

A new law signed Tuesday by Governor Pat Quinn aims to protect college students from getting into too much credit card debt.
Illinois treasurer Alexi Giannoulias helped draft the law, and says credit card companies prey upon struggling students with giveaways and freebies just for applying. The law bans that tactic.

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The law also prohibits schools from selling student contact information to credit card companies, and requires colleges to offer consumer finance education to freshmen if credit cards are being marketed on campus.

A new law just signed by Governor Quinn aims to protect the environment and our drinking water.
The law prohibits health care facilities from flushing or dumping unused medications into a public wastewater or septic system. It was sponsored in the house by representative Karen May of Highwood; She says the law outlines proper disposal methods.

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The new law does not apply to individuals, although state environmental officials warn everyone against flushing unused medications down the toilet.

(Shelby County) Two Decatur men face prison time after pleading guilty to recklessly shooting a gun into the ground during a confrontation in Shelby County earlier this year. 18 year old Dustin Boyd plead guilty in Shelby County court Monday to a single count of reckless discharge of a firearm, a class four felony. He was sentenced by agreement to 30 months in prison, according to Shelby County State’s Attorney Allan Lolie who prosecuted the case. Boyd’s Co-defendant, 22 year Levi Brohez plead guilty to the same offense, and was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay 75 hundred dollars in fines. The charges stemmed from a March 28th incident in Cowden, when they along with two others from Decatur came to Cowden to confront an individual. Lolie says Brohez fired the gun into the ground after an argument. Boyd did not fire a weapon, but was charged with the same offense after prosecutors determined he was accountable for Brohez’s actions. Charges are pending against the two others involved, Benjamin Brohez and Emily Grunden.

(Christian County) Christian County Sheriff Bob Kinderman Tuesday announced the promotion of two Christian County Deputies. Sergeant Bruce Engeling has been promoted to the rank of Patrol lieutenant and Deputy Alan Bailey has been promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant. Engeling and Bailey both work overnights for the sheriff’s department, and will now supervise patrol operations. In a statement released by Kinderman he said, “both of these men have the essential character and leadership skills that demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and public service.”

The majority of Monday night’s Taylorville School Board meeting was spent reviewing the district’s 2009-2010 tentative budget.

Taylorville schools superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau told the board that the state of Illinois still owes the district a total of nearly 395,000 dollars. Fuerstenau also announced that the district will be down over 237,000 dollars in revenues as part of the recent state budget cuts. Fuerstenau highlighted the significant cuts in state funding for early childhood education, and the elimination of the textbook loan program.

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Fuerstenau also addressed the district’s incoming federal stimulus funds. This year the district is slated to receive just over 181,000 dollars for Title I programs, and approximately 294,000 dollars for special education. Fuerstenau says 50% of the available money must be used on professional development.

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The tentative budget comes out to 23,831,926 dollars. Fuerstenau reminded the board that the figure is tentative, and is subject to change.

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A final budget hearing date has been scheduled for September 12th, during the board’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

Starting on January 1st it will be illegal to write or read text messages while driving in the state of Illinois. Starting next year it will also be illegal to use a cell phone in a highway construction or school zone. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says the laws will help save lives.

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White says the laws were put in motion by two specific actions.

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White says law enforcement officers across the state are prepared to write tickets for illegal cell phone usage.

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White adds that the General Assembly and the Illinois Department of Transportation will soon begin a 2-year study that could result in the banning of all cell phone usage while driving.

Taylorville native Kent Delay announced on Monday that he will run for the 99th district Illinois house seat. The 44-year-old democrat will attempt for the 2nd time to unseat current Representative Raymond Poe. Although he’s never held office, Delay says he’s a veteran when it comes to grassroots legislation.

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Delay was born and raised in Taylorville, and he graduated from Taylorville High School in 1983. His mother passed away in June; his father, brother, and grandmother still reside in Taylorville. Delay says he’s aware of the looming difficulties that come along with the upcoming campaign.

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Delay says some of the key components of his platform include refunding education, helping state businesses, and addressing environmental issues.

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Raymond Poe has occupied the 99th district seat since 1995. For more information on Delay’s campaign, visit his website: www.kentdelay.com.

Just about a year after breaking ground on the campus of Taylorville Memorial Hospital, the brand new ‘Springfield Clinic’ Taylorville is partially open and providing services to patients. As Springfield Clinic Director of Operations Jodi Stone explains, four doctors and two nurse Practitioners operate with the Memorial Medical System have moved into the new facility and began practicing Monday.

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The 12 million dollar, 40 thousand square foot building is expected to become fully occupied by the end of this month. Hospital officials estimate the new facility will create 40-60 new jobs for the area.

(Edinburg) Authorities are investigating a string of vehicle break in's that occurred in Edinburg early Saturday morning. Seven separate vehicle break in reports were filed at the Christian County Sheriff's Department over the weekend, stretching from East Douglas, South Curtis, South Eaton and East Lincoln Streets. Reports indicate the break in's happened between midnight and 9 o'clock Saturday morning. Items missing range from loose change, cd's and a cd player, a plug in cigarrette lighter and credit cards. There are currently no suspects.

According to Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Fred Ronnow, the field of candidates to replace BJ Wilken as the Executive Director of the Christian County YMCA is down to four. Ronnow says the Chamber has prepared four relocation packs to be sent to each candidate.

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The executive director position became vacant after BJ Wilken’s last day on June 25th. Wilken stepped down after taking a similar position at the ‘Y’ in Bloomington.

The Illinois State Fair begins later this week, as festivities in Springfield kick off on Thursday (August 13th). The Fair gives Christian County 4-H club members the opportunity to showcase their best projects. 4-H Community Worker Jodi Heberling says the first 4-H general exhibits will take place on Friday.

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4-H’ers from all across the state will compete against each other in general exhibit competition. Heberling says 33 qualified Christian County 4-H’ers will partake in general exhibit day on the 14th. On the other hand, unlike the general exhibits, Heberling says anyone can participate in the livestock shows.

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The new 4-H year starts September 1st. Heberling says a 4-H open house for anyone interested in joining will take place at the U of I extension office on Tuesday September 14th.

The Illinois State Fair runs from this Thursday, until Sunday August 23rd.

The University of Illinois Extension Christian County is continuing a nearly decade long horticulture tradition, by hosting two backyard walks this coming September. U of I natural resources educator Gary Letterly says the backyard walk program involves choosing sites throughout the county, and using them as learning tools.

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The first back yard walk takes place on September 21st at 6pm. Letterly says the first backyard walk will highlight a variety of horticulture topics. Letterly adds that the second backyard walk has been booked for September 22nd at a local residence.

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Letterly says the extension will use the residents’ yard as a backdrop of training for homeowners.

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Letterly says interested participants have the option to just show up, but he says the extension prefers people to RSVP by calling the extension office. For more information on this year’s backyard walk series, contact the extension office at 287-7246.

The American Cancer Society now has a way to double your money. A Chicago area family has agreed to match any donations made to the Society’s patient navigation services system. Steve Turner, of the American Cancer Society in Springfield says the family will match every thousand-dollar donation up to five million dollars.

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If that’s not enough incentive to donate already, Turner adds that Coleman camping has announced they will give 50 cents for every dollar donated.

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Turner says one thousand dollars can help up to 25 cancer patients.

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For more information, or to donate, visit the American Cancer Society website- cancer.org.

State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion), his wife Jean, and Operation Enduring Support are meeting tonight (Monday) to collect the cell phones donated through the phone drive. The drive, which started on June 14th, set up collection boxes throughout the 101st district for residents to donate their cellular devices. The donated cell phones are being recycled to provide calling cards for soldiers overseas. Tonight’s meeting is scheduled for 7 pm in the Fireside Room of Grace United Methodist Church, located at 901 N. Main in Decatur.

Flider says he is excited to see how many phones have been collected. He adds that there has been an overwhelming response from the community throughout the drive.

Those wishing to donate phones can still do so, by bringing them to Flider’s Constituent Service Office at 132 S. Water, Suite 101 in Decatur, or to the Greater Decatur YMCA at 220 W. McKinley Ave. in Decatur.

Lincoln enthusiasts were on hand Sunday in Shelbyville to celebrate Shelby County’s recent historical acquisitions. Just two weeks ago the county received six Lincoln wayside exhibits, and over a month ago an Abraham Lincoln statue was erected in front of the Shelby county courthouse. A dedication ceremony for the exhibits and statue was held yesterday afternoon at the courthouse. The ceremony featured a speech by Hal Smith, the executive director of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Shelby County Tourism Director Freddie Fry said the speech was preceded by a free movie at the ‘Roxy’.

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Fry says the acquisition of the exhibits was a process that took over five years. Fry also says bringing the exhibits to Shelby County required a collective effort.

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The exhibits will be placed throughout Shelby County at various historical sites including historic homes at 607 South Broadway, and 321 North Morgan. Fry explains that the wayside exhibits are a way for people to learn unique stories about Abraham Lincoln.

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The dedication ceremony was followed by a meet and greet with Hal Smith and John Lupton at the Shelby County Office of Tourism. All six exhibits are being paid for by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition Grant. Fry says there are over 150 wayside exhibits across the state of Illinois.

Your property tax assessment notice contains a lot of information. Thanks to a new law it will reveal more facts to help you understand the process and assist you should you decide to appeal the assessment.

State senator Kyle McCarter is a sponsor of the measure recently signed into law. McCarter says the law will make property tax notices more understandable, and the assessment process more transparent.

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The new law takes effect January 1st.

Governor Pat Quinn signed a new law Friday that aims to help veterans hoping to go back to school.

The new law requires colleges and universities to create and distribute a guide of services offered on campus, specifically for veterans.

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Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Dan Grant says this should help answer a lot of the questions they’ve been hearing from vets.

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Schools with one thousand or more full time students must also appoint a coordinator to serve as a liaison between vets and college administrators.