Delay In Union's Lawsuit To Stop Quinn's Layoffs

9/12/2009

(Springfield, IL) -- Thousands of state workers who've been told their jobs will end at the end of the month will have to wait almost that long to see if a judge is going to step-in in their case. A new judge has been assigned to the lawsuit from AFSCME which seeks to stop Governor Pat Quinn for laying-off 26-hundred state employees. The union rushed to court in southern Illinois earlier this month to try and block Quinn after the governor said contract talks had failed and pink slips became the only option. A new judge in the case means a new court date, the next hearing isn't set until September 23rd. That's one week before the Governor's layoff deadline. AFSCME, which is Illinois' largest public employee union with thousands of members, wants the state to wait on the layoffs, or not fire anyone. Quinn says he asked for furloughs and for the union to give-back scheduled raises. The governor says after AFSCME said "no" to those option, layoffs became the only way to close a piece of the state's multi-billion dollar budget gap.

Quinn, Grant Take Part in 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

9/12/2009

On Friday, Governor Pat Quinn honored those who lost their lives in the September eleventh terrorist attacks.

Quinn was joined by the families of soldiers who died in the war on terrorism after the attacks. Jim Frazier of St. Charles lost his son Jacob in Afghanistan.

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Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Dan Grant was on hand for the remembrance ceremony as well. Grant says it’s important to always remember the nearly three thousand who died eight years ago

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The governor also accepted a five thousand dollar donation to the military family relief fund. The money was given by the skyway concession company and will go to families struggling to get by while their loved ones are on active duty.

Illinois Recognizing Grandparents on Sunday

9/12/2009

Sunday is national grandparents day, and the state is recognizing those raising their grandchildren.

Playing parent again to grand kids is a tough role, but one many find themselves in says Illinois Department on Aging spokesperson Kimberly Parker.

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For more information, grandparents are advised to call the state’s senior help line at 1-800-252-8966.

Local Ceremony Pays Tribute To 9-11 Attacks

9/11/2009

(Taylorville) The ceremonial ringing of the Taylorville firehouse bells as a tribute to the service men and women that lost their lives 8 years ago Friday as they responded to the 9-11 attacks could be heard around town as Taylorville Firemen, Police officers and other city and county leaders gathered at the Taylorville municipal building for a ceremony paying homage to the infamous attacks in New York and Washington D.C. that left more than two thousand people dead. The ceremony included an invocation by Pastor Dick Walmsley, the lowering of the municipal building flag to half staff, and the reading of prayers for Police and Firemen. Taylorville Fire Chief Jeff Hackney says 9-11 is a day that should never be forgotten.

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Taylorville Police Chief Dave Herpstreith says the annual ceremonies held around the nation are a reminder that acts of evil such as those on 9-11 can happen anywhere, at any time.

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At the conclusion of the ceremony, attendees watched a 9-11 tribute video prepared by Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton at the firehouse.

Ameren Begins Quadrennial Tree Trimming In Taylorville

9/11/2009

You may have seen personnel from Ameren on Elm Street in Taylorville working with tree servicemen trimming away overgrown tree branches from power lines (Thursday), and you can expect to see plenty more of them in the coming months. The utility kicked off its once every four year tree trimming cycle in Taylorville this week, a process they expect will run through the end of the year. Ameren vegetation specialist Rick Johnson explains residents should have received notice of the utilities presence in the area, and are urged to call Ameren if they have any questions or concerns.

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Johnson urges against homeowners going out on a limb and attempting to trim branches near powerlines themselves. He says it could result in severe injuries and widespread outages for them and their neighbors.

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Anyone with question regarding Ameren’s tree trimming cycle in Taylorville or concerns about branches near power lines on their property should contact Ameren CIPS at 888- 789- 2477.

United Way Campaign Kickoff Set For Thursday

9/11/2009

The United Way of Christian County is less than a week away from kicking off their annual fundraising drive, with the kickoff dinner at Taylorville Memorial Hospital set for next Thursday, September 17th. The theme for this year’s drive is once again ‘Live United,’ with the fundraising goal set for 128 thousand dollars, to be dispersed between 22 partner agencies throughout the county. UWCC Executive Director Joanie Byers explains the itinerary for next Thursday.

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Byers says the eight week drive will be headed up by four co-chairs including Jeff and John Robinson of Taylorville, Bill Bullard of Morrisonville and Carol Schram of Pana. She says in addition, a multitude of workers and volunteers will tirelessly collect donations to help the United Way reach its goal

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Once again the United Way Fundraising Campaign Kickoff Dinner is set for Thursday September 17th at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Byers says anyone wishing to attend to reserve a space by Monday September 14th by calling the United Way office in Taylorville at 824-8404.

Activities Abound During Annual 'Chamber Week'

9/11/2009

(Taylorville) Communities around the state will take time to honor their local Chambers of Commerce next week during the annual ‘Chamber of Commerce Week’ and Taylorville is no exception. A week’s worth of activities and festivities are planned locally says Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President Fred Ronnow, including the Business After Hours event at Hickory Estates Wednesday.

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Ronnow explains Friday’s events include the Chamber of Commerce member appreciation cookout at Manner’s Park in Taylorville.

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For more information on local chamber week activities, call the GTCC at 824-4919

Quinn: Tax Hike Discussion Likely To Wait

9/11/2009

Governor Pat Quinn says he will wait until next year to push for an income tax increase.
Governor Quinn says now probably isn't the time to take a vote on his proposed income tax hike, especially since it would take more votes to pass during the fall veto session.

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The Governor also says he'll likely wait to push the issue until after the primary election in February as well.

New State Law To Allow Online Horse Betting

9/11/2009

A new law recently signed by governor Pat Quinn will make it easier for Illinoisans to bet on horse racing.
The law allows for advance deposit wagering, where you can place your wager over the phone or the Internet, instead of at the track or an off track-betting parlor. When it was debated on the house floor, Representative Lou Lang of Skokie said Illinois should jump on the opportunity, since many people are doing it illegally already anyway.

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That way, the state can benefit from the increased tax revenue, and tracks in Illinois would see more money coming in. The bets would be placed through companies approved by the Illinois racing board. A-d-w could be up and running in Illinois as early as this fall.

Dean Abbott: Republican Minority Leader To Focus On Reforms During Veto Session

9/11/2009

House Republican Leader Tom Cross met Wednesday with the other legislative leaders and the Governor to discuss the upcoming veto session. As Dean Abbott tells us, Cross’ priorities lie in helping the state pass a campaign finance reform bill

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SIU Medical Feature: Early Detection Key in Overcoming Ovarian Cancer

9/11/2009

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women and is often not diagnosed until it is in an advanced stage of the disease. Approximately 25,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. Dr. Gary Johnson, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and chief of the gynecologic oncology division at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says although no screening tests have been developed, there is now recognition of a combination of warning signs.

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Dr. Johnson says after ovarian cancer is diagnosed, it is usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. When it is detected early, survival rates have improved in recent years. He says the risk increases with age. He explains another risk factor.

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Dr. Johnson advises women who have had symptoms for more than a few weeks to see their primary care physician. They may be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for further evaluation and possible treatment.

Wiettenhiller Takes Over As Local 'Y's' Top Man

9/10/2009

If you see an unfamiliar face at the Christian County YMCA this week, smile and wave. Chris Wiettenhiller has officially assumed his new position at the ‘Y,’s’ Executive Director Tuesday, after he was appointed to the post late last month by the ‘YMCA Board of Directors. Wiettenhiller, a native a Wisconsin and alum of YMCA’s in Schaumburg and Bloomington Illinois, says he is excited to embark on the new challenge.

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Wiettenhiller says he feels that the National YMCA organization is an integral part of improving communities, and he looks forward to continuing that mission in Christian County.

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Wiettenhiller takes over for departed Executive Director B.J. Wilken, who left the post earlier this summer for a similar position with the Bloomington-Normal YMCA.

People's Bank To Host 'Community Shred Day'

9/10/2009

(Taylorville) As the threat of identity theft grows ever nearer, one local bank is hosting an event designed to help area residents keep their information safe. People’s Bank and Trust in Taylorville will hold the first ever ‘Community Shred Day,’ allowing people to bring up to five garbage bags full of sensitive documents to be shredded professionally at the Bank. PB&T’s Karen Yeaman explains the event will run from 10 am until noon on September 19th.

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Yeaman says the idea of ‘Shred Day’ was borne from the media’s over saturation of identity theft stories in recent years, which have many people concerned about their financial safety.

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Again the event runs from 10am until noon Saturday September 19th in the People’s Bank and Trust Parking lot, located at 1221 W Springfield Rd in Taylorville.

Sullivan; Mattoon Among Sites For ING Return Ceremonies

9/10/2009

- Approximately 300 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers who served with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) are scheduled to return to Illinois from a one-year mobilization in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 634th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) in Sullivan; Company A, 634th BSB in Mattoon; Company B, 634th BSB in Champaign; Company C, 634th BSB in Springfield, 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery in Chicago were mobilized in September 2008. Ceremonies are planned for Thursday and Friday. Locally, ceremonies are planned at the Sullivan army at 1400 N. Main Street in Sullivan Friday at 1:30 and at Mattoon High School at 2521 Walnut Ave. in Mattoon Friday at 1 o’clock.

'Snapshot of Hunger' To Illustrate Struggles For Families

9/10/2009

Central Illinois Foodbank and Feeding Illinois, the state’s association of food banks, will launch “Snapshot of Hunger,” a photo campaign designed to demonstrate why many Illinois families struggle with hunger, on Monday, September 14. Throughout the weeklong campaign, participants will take photographs showing $28 worth of food, which is what many families have to buy groceries for an entire week. These photographs, which will come from communities across the state, will then be uploaded to an online gallery which can be publicly viewed at www.feedingillinois.org. Gloria Shanahan with the Central Illinois Foodbank says the campaign is part of ‘Hunger Action Month.’

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Participants can upload photos to the gallery by emailing them to snapshot@feedingillinois.org. Feeding Illinois asks that participants include their first name and city or town in the subject line when emailing photos. More information about Central Illinois Foodbank can be found at www.centralilfoodbank.org.

Crop Report: Illinois Corn Progressing Slowly But Surely

9/10/2009

Continued below normal temperatures and near normal rainfall was the story for Illinois Farmers last week as they continue to play catch up on this year’s crops. As USDA Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, most of the state’s corn crop is rated in good or excellent condition, but still trails the five year average for maturity by a wide margin.

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

Council Okays Belated Davis Plat; Welcomes New Servicemen

9/09/2009

The Taylorville city council green lighted the city’s plan commission’s recommendation to approve the third phase of a local developers plan to expand a subdivision around Lake Taylorville during last night’s city council meeting. Nearly three years after Okaying the first two phases of the subdivision, the council approved the plat of nine lots of Davis Lake Shore estates to be sold for development. Street and Sewer Committee Chairman Earl Walters says the developer, Marty Davis, brought the first two section of the subdivision before the council for approval in November of 2006, but through an error of oversight, omitted to gain approval for the nine east most lots.

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Walters says 8 of the 55 lots of the Davis Subdivision have already been sold for development.

In other business, city leaders officially welcomed two new public service providers to Taylorville. The city clerk swore in newly hired Taylorville Firemen Kyle Romadka, and nearly hired Taylorville Police Officer Anthony Telford. Romadka was hired on and began serving with the department last month, while Telford graduated from the Illinois Police Academy last month and is currently undergoing the city’s field training program.

Pictured: Newly hired TaylorvillePolice officer Anthony Telford (Left) and newly hired Taylorville firefighter Kyle Romadka (right) are sworn in by Taylorville City Clerk Pam Peabody with family by their sides.

YMCA's 'Fall Session 1' Begins

9/09/2009

Labor Day marked the official end of summer for most of central Illinois; including the Christian County YMCA. The ‘Y’ kicked off their fall one session on Tuesday. YMCA Programs Director Andrea Nolan goes over some of the most popular fall programs, including ‘swim team’.

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Nolan says the swim team meets three times a week. She adds that other ‘Y’ swim teams have been around longer then Christian County’s.

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Nolan says the fall’s soccer program used to be huge, but diminished when football became an option for younger kids. As a result the ‘Y’ added a spring program, which Nolan says has become bigger then the fall program.

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For more information contact the Christian County YMCA at 287-7271.

Final Tax Payments Due September 17th

9/09/2009

Christian County Treasurer Colleen (Coh-leen) Hadley wants to remind homeowners their second and final installment of property tax payments is due on September 17th. Hadley says payments must be postmarked by the 17th, or brought to the treasurer’s office or any county in the bank. If payments are late, certified letters will be mailed to homeowners and their names will be published in each of the five county publications. Late penalties will go into effect on September 18th, and late paying property owners will become subject to publication costs if payments are not received by October 2nd.

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Hadley says that if you have not received your tax bill, or if you have any questions you should contact the Treasurers office immediately.

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The county treasurer can be reached at 824-4889

Local Artist Shows Off Work To Kiwanis

9/09/2009

(Taylorville) Denise Blakeman, a local artist that does oil paintings, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club.

Blakeman talked about her passion of creating oil paintings. She said she started doing oil paintings while in high school, and after raising 3 children, decided to take some art classes to improve her skills. She completed her art degree this past spring at the University of Illinois in Springfield.

Blakeman showed several works of her paintings to the local Kiwanis Club, including 3 paintings based on Bob Dylan songs.

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She added that 2 of her 3 children also took up her interest in the art of painting while in college.

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Blakeman hopes to someday make money with her paintings, but in the meantime said that she truly enjoys doing what is her passion.

2 guests attended Tuesday’s Taylorville Kiwanis Club meeting.

Sen. Demuzio Urges Struggling Families To Consider LIHEAP

9/09/2009

State Senator Deanna Demuzio (D - Carlinville) is urging
residents to look into their eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. The program is designed to help low
income residents with their heating bills through the cold winter
months.

LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low
income families, in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of
households. The energy grant applications are processed through a
network of 35 community action agencies around the state. These agencies
have begun accepting applications on a first-come, first served basis
from the elderly, people with disabilities and other priority
households.

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The program is expected to make energy assistance payments
on behalf of more than 300,000 households this winter with an
anticipated $150 million in federal and non-federal funding.

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In order to be eligible, families must meet certain criteria, including
monthly income level. A family of four that collectively makes less
than $2,650 in the month prior to signing up, would be eligible for the
program.

Ex-Gov's Memoir Hits Bookstores Nationwide

9/09/2009

He has a new book, but it's the same old story from disgraced former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. The impeached and indicted former leader is on a national media blitz to promote his new book "Governor." Blagojevich says it's the "real story" about the scandal that landed him on the receiving end of a federal indictment, and out of office in Illinois. He started on NBC's "Today" show to explain why he wrote the nearly 300-page memoir.

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But Blagojevich also needs the cash. He's been out of work since his impeachment in January, and was paid a reported six-figure advance to pen the book. Most of the story is the same story Blagojevich has been telling since he first appeared in the national spotlight last December. He says he was just playing politics in naming a replacement for President Obama, but he says federal prosecutors made it out to look like a crime. The book went on sale in Illinois last week, but is just hitting stores across the country this week.

Man Hospitalized In Alleged DUI Crash

9/08/2009

A Taylorville man was hospitalized after a Saturday evening crash in Taylorville reportedly involving alcohol. According to reports from the Taylorville Police Department, witnesses said 24 year old Jason L. Lawyer exited the Krogers parking lot onto Bidwell street, where he reportedly blew a stop sign before hitting a car driven by 35 year old Autumn J. Long of Taylorville. Lawyer was transported to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Long and a 26 year old passenger were not injured in the crash. Lawyer was arrested for driving under the influence, operation of an uninsured vehicle and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Burtle: Annexation Issue Still Up in Air

9/08/2009

Ward Four Alderman Shawn Burtle says the potential Lake Bertinetti annexation is one of the biggest issues facing the city of Taylorville right now. Burtle says the city council is awaiting additional cost-effectiveness reports that could play a crucial role in determining whether or not they vote no or yes. Burtle also says there’s one factor surrounding the issue that no one is talking about: Bertinetti residents have already signed an annexation agreement.

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When asked which way the council is leaning on the issue, Burtle says for the most part, everything is still up in the air.

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Most aldermen say they are undecided on whether or not to go through with the annexation. When it comes down to decision time, Burtle says the aldermen should base their actions on what’s best for their constituents and the city.

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When asked what his decision would be if a vote came up today, Burtle said he honestly couldn’t say until the cost-effectiveness reports come in. Burtle believes those reports will be on the Mayor’s desk by the end of the month. Burtle also expects another public hearing to take place before the council takes any action on the matter.

Sertoma Says Annual 'Project First Day' Gets an 'A+'

9/08/2009

Project First Day Supplies, a program that provides underprivileged children with school supplies, distributed 230 packets to students across the regional radio listening area this year. At the helm of Project First Day is the Taylorville Sertoma Club. Sertoma Club President Larry Peterson says the VFW Ladies Auxiliary is the latest organization to make a donation.

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As Peterson alluded to, Project First Day was more successful than ever this year. Peterson says that’s partially due to the fact that more and more people are qualifying for the program.

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Contributions can still be made to Project First Day Supplies. Peterson says donations can be sent to the Taylorville Sertoma Club, PO Box 74, in Taylorville.

Flider; McCarter Secure Funds For Local Road Projects

9/08/2009

The Illinois Department of Transportation has authorized $1,270,000 in funding for local infrastructure improvement projects secured by State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion) and state Senator Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon).

In the 101st District, three projects were selected to receive Emergency Repair Program funding.

· In Macon County, the City of Decatur received funding totaling $470,000 for improvements to Brush College Road.
· Moultrie County received $350,000 for Bridge Repair projects.
· Shelby County received $450,000 for the resurfacing of County Highway 19.

The funding is a part of the $150 million Emergency Repair Program that was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in early April. Project selection by the Illinois Department of Transportation was based on a number of criteria including meeting minimum Motor Fuel tax standards, and costing a minimum of $300,000.

For more information about the projects contact Rep. Flider’s office at (217) 428- 2708 or Senator McCarter’s office at (217) 428-4068.

Local 4-H Groups To Emphasise Science This Year

9/08/2009

One of the first major events of the 2009-2010 4-H year is quickly approaching. National 4-H Week kicks off October 4th. 4-H Community Worker Jodi Heberling says the Christian County 4-H club has plenty planned for the special week.

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The Christian County 4-H Club is placing a major emphasis on science this year. Heberling says club members will be showcasing their science projects at schools across the area during National 4-H week.

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4H’s countywide signup day takes place Tuesday September 15th, from 3:30 to 7:30 pm in Christian County at the U of I extension office. For more information call the extension at 287-7246.

Giddyup! South Fork Ponies End Monumental Drought

9/08/2009

It was an extra special Labor Day weekend in Kincaid, as the South Fork Ponies won their first high school football game in four years. The Ponies snapped their 35 game losing streak, defeating the Nokomis Redskins 42-32 in their 2009 home opener Friday evening in Kincaid. Regional radio caught up with Ponies first year head coach Drew Woodruff. Woodruff says there was a wide spectrum of emotions in the locker room following the victory.

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Woodruff says this year’s coaching staff and players are poised to instill a culture of winning at South Fork.

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Woodruff says anyone planning on attending a Ponies game can expect a lot of points. He adds that Friday’s win gets a huge monkey off the players’ backs.

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The last time the Ponies won a game, it was also against Nokomis. South Fork hopes to make it back-to-back wins when they take on Pawnee in Kincaid this Friday.

Ford Van Catches Fire in Taylorville

9/07/2009

(Taylorville) A vehicle fire broke out in Taylorville early Labor Day morning. Taylorville firefighters were called to the 900 block of Sherman just after 1:20 am. Upon arrival they discovered a 1996 green Ford van fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished, with reportedly no injuries or residential property damage occurring. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Deere Expects Big Demo Derby Tonight at TriCo Fair

9/07/2009

(Pana) As expected, it was a busy day at the Pana Tri-County Fair. The famous annual Labor Day parade ran from 10 am to noon. Following the conclusion of the parade, the first of 17 harness horse races began. All races were postponed Sunday due to weather, and rescheduled for today. Perhaps the most anticipated event of the fair, the demolition derby, is set to take place at 7 o’clock. Due to rain outs in other local cities, Tri County Fair Vice President Tammy Deere expects a large turnout for tonight’s demo derby.

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The 61st annual Pana Tri-County Fair kicked off this past Wednesday.

Extension Hosting Violence Seminar

9/07/2009

Family violence affects nearly 1/3 of all women. Children living in abusive
families witness violence 70%-85% of the time. Teens in dating
relationships and even senior citizens are vulnerable to family violence.
In fact, family violence can affect families across the lifespan.

The upcoming U of I Extension seminar, "Violence Across the Lifespan: Who It Affects and How You Can Help" will inform participants about the complex nature of family violence. The seminar explores the dynamics of intimate partner violence and how that
violence affects children, teen dating violence and elder abuse.

Patti Faughn, U of I Extension Family Life Educator, will conduct the
seminar on Thursday, September 24 at 9:30 a.m. at U of I Extension Christian
County office, located at 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville, IL.

The seminar is provided free of charge, but advance registration is needed
by Wednesday, September 23, 2009. To register, call U of I Extension in
Christian County, 217-287-7246, or email your name and phone number to
christian_co@extension.uiuc.edu.

Chamber Week Coming Up

9/07/2009

Illinois Chamber week kicks off next Monday, September the 14th. On Wednesday of that week, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly ‘Business After Hours’ program at Hickory Estates in Taylorville from 4:30 to 6:30. The week will culminate on Friday with a member’s appreciation cookout at Manner’s Park. Chamber President/CEO Fred Ronnow has the details.

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On another note, Ronnow says the Chamber has a lot rumbling in the professional development department.

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For more information on Chamber Week, or the upcoming professional development programs, contact the chamber at 824-4919.

10th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Coming to Central Illinois

9/07/2009

The 10th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is coming to central Illinois this fall. The event will take place in Springfield for the 2nd straight year on October 18th at the White Oaks Mall. Steve Turner of the American Cancer Society says the event is a bit more relaxed then Relay for Life, and will feature a plethora of information about breast cancer.

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Turner says the event will take place in cities all across the state of Illinois.

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Turner says 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and annually upwards of 2000 women in Illinois will die from it. Turner says Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will attempt to reduce those numbers.

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For more information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, or to register a team call 217-523-4751, or log onto MakingStridesIllinois.com. Last year over 600,000 people participated in the event across Illinois.

Local Officials Awaiting More Information From Tenaska

9/07/2009

Following last week’s update from Tenaska officials on the progress of the proposed Taylorville Energy Center, a coal gasification plant that could be on its way to Christian County, community leaders say they’re optimistic, but want to learn more. Christian County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Mary Renner says she feels the project has come along way in the past several months, but is hoping Tenaska officials will sit down with local officials to work out kinks in the infrastructure for the plant’s proposed site, just northeast of Taylorville.

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Renners echoed the sentiments of Congressmen John Shimkus who was along the for the tour of the proposed site for the plant last week, and said he will remain cautiously optimistic until ground is actually broken on the project.

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The cost feasibility study currently underway on the project is expected to be completed by the time the Illinois general assembly returns to session in January, at which time the finding will be presented to lawmakers along with the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Tri County Fair Horse Races Postponed; 17 Races Scheduled for Labor Day

9/06/2009

(Pana) Morning showers and threatening afternoon forecasts teamed up to put a damper on the Pana Tri County Fair on Sunday. All harness horse races were postponed. Tom Latonis, of the fair committee, said a decision had to be made early Sunday morning in order to prevent horses and their owners from making a wasted trip.

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All races scheduled for Sunday will take place Monday. The harness horse racing action kicks off at the Pana Tri County Fair at noon. Latonis says a total of 17 races are on the schedule.

Tri County Fair Ready for Labor Day Parade

9/06/2009

Those looking for one more summer fair experience have their shot this Labor Day weekend. The Pan Tri County Fair reaches its pinnacle Monday with the annual Labor Day Parade. Tri County Fair Vice President Tammy Deere says plenty of activities are scheduled for the hours leading up to the parade.

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Admission to the fair is one dollar. Parking is free. If your homebound, tune into Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR’s live coverage of the Labor Day Parade, which kicks off at 10 am Monday.

Five More Positions Filled at U of I

9/06/2009

Governor Pat Quinn is filling five more positions on the university Illinois board of trustees.

The five being named to the board are all U of I alumni, and include former Springfield mayor Karen Hasara, and Carlos Tortolero, president of the national museum of Mexican art. Thursday, Quinn said he was anxious to move forward.

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The governor also reappointed Edward McMillan, who had previously stepped down from the board. Two other new members were appointed last week. The changes came after claims the university was giving favorable consideration to applicants with political connections.

DNR Launches Easy-To-Use Events Calendar

9/06/2009

A new online calendar helps families quickly look up what outdoor activities and events are being held around the state.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has an easy to use internet calendar, so you can find ways to expose your children to the great outdoors. DNR youth program coordinator Olivia Dorothy says the website is searchable by areas of the state.

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You can even sign up for email updates so you’ll know when the next fishing clinic or bird watching event is being held. To view the calendar, visit DNR’s website.