U of I Reports Flu Explosion, Over 100 Sick

9/05/2009

(Urbana, IL) -- The University of Illinois told students sick with the flu to stay home. Once students started showing-up on campus with the swine flu bug they sent some home, and quarantined others. But that's not stopping the spread of the flu. The U of I says over 100 students are now sick, and the top doctor on campus says the flu has taken hold at the school. Dr. Robert Palinkas with the McKinley Health Center says he's convinced the most recent flu cases are "campus-acquired." That means students who came to school healthy picked-up the flu while on campus. The U of I is still trying to send sick students back home, but Palinkas says they can't send everyone away. Other students are being sent back to their apartments, with orders to not leave until they are better. Palinkas is also urging any student who thinks they may have to flu to come to the student medical center. Public health officials in Champaign County say that order is for students, anyone not on campus is still being told not to go to the doctor right away. Palinkas says he expects more students to get sick, but says so far the outbreak has been mild. None of the students from the U of I have been hospitalized.

Union Says No to Give-Backs, Quinn Says Layoffs Next

9/05/2009

Thousands of state workers are now facing pink slips after talks between Governor Pat Quinn and the state's largest public employees union broke down. AFSCME's Henry Bayer says in a release sent-out late Thursday that union members have turned down an offer from the Governor's office to swap 11-to-15-percent paycuts for layoffs. Quinn has targeted 26-hundred state workers, and the Governor says the layoffs are necessary to close part of the state's multi-billion dollar budget gap. Bayer says those layoffs threaten basic state services, and could make the workplace a dangerous place for many state employees. The Governor's office says they now have no choice but to move ahead with the layoffs. Some workers have been told their last day will be September 30th. All state workers also face 12-day furloughs, another piece of Quinn's budget balancing plan. But AFSCME is still waiting on their lawsuit in southern Illinois The union wants a judge to block any layoffs till a full hearing can be held, but its unclear when that case will come before a judge.

Happy New Year for 4-H'ers

9/05/2009

Local 4-H members are wishing each other a happy new year. With summer activities all but wrapped up, the Christian County 4-H clubs kicked off their new year this past Tuesday (September 1st). 4-H community worker Jodi Heberling says the countywide sign up night is coming up Tuesday September 14th. Heberling reminds people that 4-H is not just for ‘farm kids’.

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Heberling says being in 4-H provides kids with a boatload of benefits: most importantly, self-confidence.

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Heberling encourages all parents to show up with their kids to September 14th’s
countywide signup day.

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For more information on the 2009-2010 4-H year contact the U of I Christian County Extension at 287-7246.

Quinn Makes Changes to Pay Raise Bill

9/05/2009

Governor Pat Quinn is hoping to get rid of automatic pay raises for state lawmakers.

The legislature voted to forgo a raise this year, in light of the state’s budget crisis. But Quinn, in an amendatory veto, went a step further, saying the yearly increases should be dropped for good.

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Quinn is also pushing to get rid of the state compensation review board which recommends raises on top of the cost of living increases. When lawmakers come back for the veto session in October, they will likely discuss these changes.

Scenes From the Pana Tri-County Fair

9/04/2009

The Pana Tri-County Fair is underway at the Tri-County Fairgrounds! The Fair Kicked of Wednesday Night with the Little Miss, Junior and Miss Tri-County Pageants. The Little Miss Winner was Alexis Nicol of Pana; 1st runner up was Hayliegh Manuel of Pana; and 2nd runner up was Caitlin Clark of Morrisonville. The Junior Miss Pageant Winner was Reagan Vaughn of Pana; 1st runner up was Tasha Ellithorpe of Tower Hill; and 2nd Runner up was Kristen Lenover of Pana. Miss Tri-County was awarded to Kelsey Anderson of Mowequa; 1st runner up was Rachel Vandenbergh of Pana; and 2nd runner up was Kristie Maxwell of Taylorville. Anderson also won the Miss Congeniality Award; Jamie Walter of Tower Hill was crowned with the People’s Choice Award.

9/04/2009

Your chance to help raise funds and awareness for the fastest growing developmental disability in America will come Saturday September 26th, during the 3rd annual Autism Awareness Walk and Fun Day in Washington Park in Springfield. Taylorville Resident and Autism Society of Central Illinois Co-Vice President Teresa Paul explains there is plenty in store for children and adults during the event which provides support and resources for those affected by autism.

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Paul says there is still time to register to take part in the event.

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Again the event is scheduled for Saturday September 26th in Washington Park in Springfield. For more information, visit the website www.asacic.org.

Forrest Park To Host Laptops For Soldiers Event

9/04/2009

(Shelbyville) In an effort to keep area soldiers about to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan in touch with the families while they serve oversees, community leaders in Shelbyville have organized an event to raise money to purchase lap-top computers for soldiers. The event will be held Saturday night at Forrest Park in Shelbyville, and will include dinner, and auction and entertainment. Organizer Tad Mayhall explains the itinerary for the event which kicks off at 3 o’clock Saturday.

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Mayhall says more than 130 local soldiers will be deployed in the next few weeks, including more than 30 from Shelby County.

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Tickets can be purchased at the door for the event and are 12 dollars for adults and 10 dollars for children under 10 years old. Again, the event will begin a 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon at Forrest Park in Shelbyville.

Sen. McCarter Vigilant Of Ag To Local Economy

9/04/2009

51st District State Senator Kyle McCarter joined lawmakers and the Governor this week at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. McCarter, who’s district includes Decatur, remarked on the AG industry’s contribution to the local economy, and says the Farm Progress show is a unique opportunity to spotlight Central Illinois as the latest in Ag. Technology is put on display.

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The farm progress show wrapped up Thursday in Decatur, and will return in 2011, after a one year hiatus when it will be held in Boone, Iowa.

Ameren.Mobi To Provide Outage Info On Mobile Devices

9/04/2009

Ameren companies in Illinois and Missouri are among the first electric utility companies in the nation to offer Mobile Power Outage Information, or “ameren.mobi,” to customers. The unveiling of the new service kicks off National Emergency Preparedness Month for Ameren. Ameren Spokesperson Susan Gallagher says customers can report or check the status of power outages organized by county and ZIP code on their BlackBerries, Palm Pilots, iPhones and other mobile devices.

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Visitors to www.ameren.mobi also may check the status of power outages at specific locations simply by entering the telephone number associated with the location’s account. Ameren.mobi expands on the company’s groundbreaking “Storm Center” Web site offerings, on www.ameren.com, which include maps that display power outage locations in near-real time, plus county and ZIP code outage data.

State Police Targeting Drunk Drivers Over Holiday Weekend

9/04/2009

State and local police are gearing up for the Labor Day holiday weekend, with a special focus on late night drunk drivers.
Recent statistics have found the midnight to three a-m hours are the worst for crashes on Illinois roads. Part of the problem is that’s when motorists are most likely to drink and drive, and least likely to wear a seatbelt. With that in mind…police all over the state will be paying close attention overnight, looking for violators says State Police Captain James Wolf.

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Last year, 15 people died on Illinois roadways over the Labor Day weekend. Ten of those crashes were alcohol related.

SIU Medical Feature: Tips To Lower Cholesterol; Improve Heart Health

9/04/2009

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans and one of the risk factors for heart disease is high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and when it is too high, can cause a build up of plaque in the heart vessels, says Dr. Susan Hingle, associate professor of internal medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. She says several things can affect cholesterol levels.

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Dr. Hingle says cholesterol is measured with a specific blood test, which is done after fasting for 10 to 12 hours. The test results will provide a reading for total cholesterol, HDL which is the good cholesterol, and LDL which is the bad cholesterol. She explains the ideal readings.

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Dr. Hingle advises all adults to see their personal physician and have their cholesterol checked regularly. If cholesterol readings are not in a healthy range, the physician may recommend lifestyle changes as well as medication to lower cholesterol.

Main Street’s Michelle Merker Passes Away

9/03/2009

Michelle Merker, Executive Director of Taylorville Main Street passed away Wednesday night surrounded by family at her home at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer. Mrs. Merker leaves behind her husband of 33 years Gary Merker, as well as her daughter Abigail Merker, mother Lorene Trent, brother James Trent and four grandchildren. In addition to her involvement in numerous local organizations, Mrs. Merker was named the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year in 2008.

Visitation for Mrs. Merker will be held Monday September 7th from 5 until 8 pm at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, with funeral service to be held Tuesday September 8th at 11am at Sutton Memorial Home. Cremation rites for Mrs. Merker will be accorded.

State Board Okays TMH Expansion

9/03/2009

Taylorville Memorial Hospital has cleared the final major hurdle in their quest to begin a 21 million dollar outpatient services facility, which will include a new entrance as well as new emergency, radiology and surgery departments. The state regulatory board approved plans to build the facility during a meeting in Springfield this week. TMH CEO Dan Raab says demolition of the current Christian County clinic will begin soon, with preparation to begin the expansion project to follow.

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Raab says the 21 million dollar project will be completely privately funded with the use of no tax dollars. Part of the bill will be footed from funds raised during the TMH capital campaign fund, with the rest to be secured through loans.

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Some controversy arose surrounding TMH’s application to build the project over the amount of beds that will be included new facility’s emergency room. Raab says the planning board considered reducing the hospital’s request for nine rooms by two, but ultimately agreed to their original proposal.

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The approval of the expansion comes on the heels of the recently completed Springfield Clinic Taylorville on the Campus of TMH. Raab says he expects construction on the new outpatient services building to begin next year and completed in 2011.

Shimkus 'Cautiously Optimistic' On Taylorville Energy Center

9/03/2009

A myriad of community leaders along with 19th District Congressman John Shimkus took a tour of the site of the proposed 2 billion dollar Taylorville Energy Center, a coal gasification plant that will be managed by the Nebraska Based Power Company Tenaska. Project Manager Dan Culver says a cost feasibility for the study is ongoing, and the findings will be presented to the Illinois Commerce Commission and the state legislature next year. Shimkus says is excited about the prospect of the project, but says he will remain cautiously optimistic until ground is actually broken on the facility.

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Shimkus says the underutilization of the nation’s and particularly Central Illinois’ coal reserve is disappointing, and feels the TEC would be maximize the resource by converting it to a clean burning fuel.

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Kiewit Energy along with Burns and McDonnell have been contracted to conduct the cost study, which is expected to be completed by the time the legislature returns to session in January.

Pictured:L-R Tenaska Community Representative Jack Brown; 19th District Congressmen John Shimkus; Tenaska Project Manager Dan Culver; Tenaska Attorney Steven Bender

TouchStone Energy 'Up..Up... and Away' At Farm Progress Show

9/03/2009

Its no secret a large portion of the nation’s agriculture industry’s eyes are fixed on Decatur this week during the annual Farm Progress show; and when look toward the sky, they’ll probably see the Touchstone Energy hot air balloon floating above them. The national alliance, which oversees 660 local consumer owned

electric co-ops including the Shelby electric co-op, is sponsoring a multitude of events at this year’s show, including flying their balloon during opening ceremonies as well as throughout the week. Shelby Electric Spokesperson Kevin Bernson explains folks can also check out the co-op’s energy wall at the varied industries tent this week.

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Bernson says Touchstone Energy’s co-ops primarily serve rural areas; so participating in the Farm Progress Show seemed like a natural fit.

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For tips on how to save on energy costs in your home, check out the Touchstone energy co-op sponsored website: www.togetherwesave.com

Cool, Wet Weather No Help For Farmers... Again

9/03/2009

For the second week in a row, cool temperatures and above average rainfall stymied crop progress across the state, after an already monumentally late planting season already had farmers behind the eight ball. As USDA Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, most of the state’s corn remains in the ‘dough stage,’ but some has actually reached maturity.

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Brad Schwab Reporting. Tune in for weekly crop reports during regional radio newscasts and on Taylorville daily news dot com thru harvest in early November.

New State Site To Help Kids Consider Their Future

9/03/2009

A new website can help students better prepare for college and their careers.
The website has information on everything from career choices, test preparation, processing high school transcripts, financial aid and scholarships. Illinois student assistance commission spokesperson Paul Palian says teens and their families need to be thinking about all of these things.

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The website is: www.whatsnextillinois.org.

Manners Park To Close Roads Thursday For Repairs

9/02/2009

Manners park roads will be closed (Thursday) as work will begin on the six overlay projects in the park at 7am. No word on how long the repairs will take to complete. The Taylorville Park District board approved the bid of 13,500 dollars from PH Broughton and Sons in Springfield for the project during last month’s meeting.

Pana Tri-County Fair Set To Begin

9/02/2009

The annual end of summer tradition more than six decades in the making returns to eastern Christian County (Wednesday,) as the 61st Pana Tri-County fair commences at the fairgrounds in Pana. Food, rides, pageants, truck and tractor pulls and general good camaraderie will again serve as the sticking points of the six-day extravaganza. Pana Tri County Fair Committee Vice-President Tammy Deere runs down the list of what’s in store for the first three days of the fair.

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There is also plenty on the docket for holiday weekend says Deere, including the annual Pana Labor Day parade which will be held Monday.

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While the fair will feature many of the same attraction that have been featured in year’s past, Deere says the fair committee put a special emphasis on including kids into the fair’s activities this year.

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Each day’s admission to the fair is just a dollar, and parking is free for the event. Wristbands for unlimited access to carnival rides will be available for purchase as well. Also, be sure to check out our live coverage of the fair on Genuine Country 94.3 throughout the week, including extended coverage of the annual parade Monday.

Representative Payee Program Helps Manage Social Security Benefits

9/02/2009

While it may be difficult to watch a loved become forced to rely on the help of others as the progress into old age, the thought of their deteriorating mental conditions affects their financial security may be even more unsettling. Jack Meyers of the Social Security Administration Springfield Office explains that the new ‘Representative Payee Program’ allows loved ones of folks unable to manage their social security or SSI payments to receive the payments on their behalf.

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Meyers says that generally social looks for family member to enroll in the Representative Payee programs, although others can receive payment on a person’s behalf as well. In addition, Meyers says social security takes measures to ensure the Payee is looking out for the best interest of the social security beneficiary.

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More information on enrolling in the ‘Representative Payee Program’ can be found at the Website Social Security dot gov.

Kiwanis Holds Monthly Business Meeting

9/02/2009

John Gardner Matt Richardson & Dean Ray kiwanis 026

The regular monthly business meeting was the order of the day for the September meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club. All committee chairs gave their reports.

New member Matt Richardson was inducted into the club by Dean Ray, Membership Chair. Craig Richardson, Matt’s Father, is also a member of the club.

The September 8th program is TBA, on the 15th Will Kunkel, Automatic Fire Sprinkler of Bloomington will be the program. The Annual installation of Officers will be held Tuesday September 29th.

The Club’s Annual Peanut Days will be held Friday and Saturday
October 2nd and 3rd.

Taylorville Kiwanis Club meets each Tuesday at noon in the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. If you would like more information about joining Kiwanis contact Fred Ronnow at 824-4919.

Pictured: Taylorville Kiwanis Members John Gardener, Matt Richardson and Dean Ray

Ridings Promotes Renewable Fuels At Farm Progress Show

9/02/2009

Farm Progress Show file pix Sept 1 09 001

Farm Progress Show file pix Sept 1 09 002

Christian County is well represented at this year’s Farm Progress Showing being held in Decatur through Thursday. The event, which alternates locations between Iowa and Illinois, shines the spotlight on agriculture, which many consider the backbone industry of our nation. Among the events and attractions, Miller Media Group President Randy Miller is filing daily reports on the Hometown Illinois Radio Network. (Tuesday), Miller caught up with Central Illinois auto-giant Bob Ridings, who owns several dealerships in the area, including ones in Taylorville and Pana. Riding was on hand at the fair representing the Ford exhibit tent, displaying the company’s new products. Riding’s told Miller that the auto industry has become more reliant on the agriculture industry in recent years, as increasing cars has been made to run on E-85, a ethanol based fuel made from corn. Ridings also said he feels that renewable fuels have received undue criticism for perceivably driving up the price of food.

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Make sure to listen to reports from the farm progress show on Newstalk 97.3 each day of the farm progress show during the 12, 1 and 5 o’clock hours; on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR during the 12, 2 and 5 o’clock hours, and on the Easy Choice 98.3 WRAN during the 12, 1 and 4 o’clock hours.

Kinderman Throws Support Behind Mahan In Sheriff's Race

9/01/2009

After remaining tight lipped for the first few months of the primary election campaign season, outgoing Christian County Sheriff Bob Kinderman has publicly announced his endorsement of current Chief Deputy Dave Mahan in his bid for the democratic nomination to replace him as the next Christian County Sheriff. In a written statement, Kinderman remarked of the leadership qualifications, sound judgment and work ethic of Mahan.

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Kinderman announced his intention to not seek a fourth term as Sheriff earlier this year. In addition to Mahan, Christian County Sheriff’s Deputies Gary Slovic, Thomas Strawn and Mick Molliske has all thrown their hats into the ring for the democratic nomination, as has Morrisonville Police Chief Don Broaddus.

Pictured: Left- Christian County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Dave Mahan; Right- Christian County Sheriff Bob Kinderman

Voter Registration Cards To Be Sent Wednesday

9/01/2009

Christian County residents may want to keep a close eye on their mailboxes. Voter registration cards will be mailed out to all active Christian County voters tomorrow (Wednesday, September 2nd). The cards will list basic information such as name, address, township, precinct, and polling place. As Christian County Clerk Linda Curtin explains, everyone should check their cards for accuracy.

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Curtin says there’s still plenty of time to register to vote for the next elections.

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By law, voter registration cards must be replaced every two years. Registered voters, who don’t receive a card, should call the county office immediately at 824-4969.

ACS Urges Proactive Prostate Approach

9/01/2009

As we flip the calendar and prepare to say good-bye to summer, the American Cancer Society is urging men to take a more pro-active approach toward preserving their prostate health this month. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and as Steve Turner with the Springfield Chapter of the ACS explains, prostate cancer is very treatable if detected early.

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Turner says that although doctors are still pinpointing the causes of prostate cancer, he says research indicates dietary factors could play a role.

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While the ACS will encourage men to get prostate screening all month, Turner says a particular emphasis will be placed on it during the third week of this month, which has been deemed prostate cancer awareness week.

Sen. McCarter Fighting For Eagle Creek Re-Open

9/01/2009

Lawmakers and community members gathered Friday to discuss the future of the once thriving Eagle Creek Resort and Golf Course in Findlay, which has been shut down since earlier this summer amidst mold problems and a pending foreclosure. Ray Watt explains 51st district State Senator Kyle McCarter is at the forefront of trying to get the tourist destination re-opened.

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LIHEAP Ap Process Starts For Some Today

9/01/2009

Low-income seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating grants on Tuesday.
You may not be thinking about home heating bills yet, but now is the time for some to start applying for state assistance. Marcelyn Love with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says LIHEAP grants can be a life saver.

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LIHEAP grants go directly to your utility to help pay off your home heating bill. Households can earn up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level to be eligible. For more information, visit the website: LIHEAPillinois.com, or call toll free, 1-877-411-warm.

First Human West Nile Case Of '09 Confirmed In St. Clair County

9/01/2009

The first human case of West Nile virus is being confirmed in Illinois.
The first person officially diagnosed with the virus this year in Illinois is in their 50’s, and is from St. Clair county. Human cases typically start popping up in July, but state department of public health spokesperson Melaney Arnold says the weather has likely kept West Nile at bay.

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The West Nile virus has been found in 24 Illinois counties so far this year in either birds or mosquitoes.

Vota Joins Chorus of Undecided Aldermen on Bertinetti Annex

8/31/2009

You can throw Martin Vota’s name into the ring of Taylorville aldermen undecided on the possible annexation of Lake Bertinetti. Alderman Vota says he’s looking at all the angles. Given the amount of information on hand, Vota says if a vote came up today, he’d vote no.

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The annexation would bring an extra 270 thousand dollars in taxes for the city annually. Many Bertinetti residents feel they should receive something in return for their tax dollars, such as the installation of city sewers. Vota, a former Bertinetti resident, says the possibility of an annexation has been on the minds of many for a long time.

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Some Bertinetti residents believe the aldermen have already made up their minds on the issue; Vota says that assumption is untrue.

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Other aldermen have publicly stated their opinions on the issue since Tuesday night’s special city council meeting; Shawn Burtle, Earl Walters, and Bruce Jones all said they are still consuming information, and remain undecided. Jones says he is leaning towards a no vote, and Walters says he is leaning towards a yes.

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says if the city does decide to proceed with the annexation, an additional public hearing would be scheduled to address remaining concerns from residents.

Big Turnout For First Ever 'Farmer's Share' Lunch

8/31/2009

The Taylorville Farmers Market was host to the first ever Christian County Farmers Share Luncheon Saturday afternoon. The event was sold out, with upwards of 400 tickets purchased. Christian County Farm Bureau President Gary Towler says one purpose of the luncheon was to bring the farm community and the general public together.

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Those who purchased a ticket were treated to a complete pork chop or hamburger lunch. Tickets were sold for only 25 cents a pop, to symbolize just how much money a farmer makes from every meal sold.

'Y' Pool Closed During Annual Maintenance

8/31/2009

The Christian County YMCA pool is currently closed for its annual shutdown and cleanup. The maintenance process began last week. Christian County YMCA program director Andrea Nolan explains how this year’s annual shutdown is a little bit different from previous years.

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Nolan says she expects the pool to re-open mid-week at the earliest. However she says its possible the shutdown could continue on throughout next week.

Renowned Motivator Feldman To Visit Taylorville

8/31/2009

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce was hoping to have a big name speaker in Taylorville for Illinois chamber week on September 14th. It looks like they’ll have to settle for the week after. Chamber President and CEO Fred Ronnow says highly touted motivational speaker James Feldman will hold an hour long seminar at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital on Wednesday September 23rd.

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More information on Feldman can be found on the web at shifthappens.com

On another note, Ronnow says the chamber is working with the University of Illinois in an effort to host computer workshops in Taylorville.

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To reach the chamber, call their office at 824-4919.

Flider Discusses Future Of Illinois State Parks

8/31/2009

State Representative Bob Flider hosted a town hall meeting on Friday to discuss issues facing the state’s park and recreational facilities. The meeting took place at the Findlay Community Center in Findlay. Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller was on hand. Flider says over 70 people showed up to the meeting.

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Many concerns surround one state park in particular- The Eagle Creek Resort and Golf Course. Eagle Creek was court ordered to shut down earlier this summer amidst mold problems. Flider says the department plans on meeting soon with organizations interested in managing the Shelby county tourist destination.

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Flider adds that there are a variety of reasons, including economical and recreational, for why state parks are so important to Illinois.

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For more information on last Friday’s town hall meeting, contact Flider’s office at (217) 428-2708

Trucks Speeding Up in Illinois

8/30/2009

Truckers will soon be able to speed it up a bit in Illinois.

Earlier this month, governor Pat Quinn signed a bill creating a uniform speed limit for cars and trucks. Currently, while most vehicles can go 65 miles an hour, semi’s are limited to 55 miles per hour. The new law creates a uniform speed limit says senator John Sullivan of Rushville, with some exceptions.

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Supporters says it’s safer for cars and trucks to be traveling at the same speed. The new law goes into effect January 1st.

Eddy Praises Quinn's Veto

8/30/2009

Governor Pat Quinn Thursday vetoed a campaign finance reform bill he had testified in favor of just a few short months ago. Quinn was joined by all four state legislative leaders including those who passed the bill; All say they realize it is flawed, or at a minimum “could be improved.”

109th District State Representative Roger Eddy said he is very happy the governor has decided to veto HB7 and it was appropriate to do so.

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Quinn says he will work with legislative leaders and reform groups to come up with a better bill that can be voted on during the fall veto session in October.