Local residents packed the grounds of Palmer Bank in Taylorville Saturday afternoon, for a customer appreciation picnic. Lunch was served to all those in attendance from 11 am until 1 pm. The bank moved its headquarters to Taylorville back in 1992. Palmer Bank is located at 620 North Webster in Taylorville.

(Springfield, IL) -- The Illinois Department of Employment Security says unemployment was up in all twelve markets it tracks in the state. The department blames in the recession for the fact that year-over-year unemployment increased for the 27th month in a row. Only two cities in the state, Springfield and Bloomington, have unemployment below eight percent. Five cities have unemployment rates in double digits, led by Rockford's unemployment rate of 15-point-one percent. One of the hardest hit areas is manufacturing. The state says since August of last year, Illinois has lost 80-thousand manufacturing jobs. The state has an unemployment rate of ten-percent.

(Chicago, IL) -- White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel reportedly wanted former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to appoint a "placeholder" congressman. The "Chicago Sun-Times" reports Emanuel wanted Blagojevich to appoint Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool to the Fifth Congressional District seat. Claypool would then reportedly serve at least two terms and be considered for a post in the Obama administration. The arrangement would have given Emanuel the option of returning to Congress and possibly running for House speaker. Claypool says he knew of no such plan, and Emanuel declined to comment. Blagojevich claims in his book "The Governor" he spoke to Emanuel on a "placeholder" shortly after last November's presidential election.

(Decatur, IL) -- The man accused of trying to blow up the federal building in Springfield lived quietly in Decatur before his arrest. Michael Finton, who also went by Talib Islam, lived about a block away from the only mosque in Decatur. Federal authorities say he moved to Decatur to attend the mosque. People that knew Finton in Decatur describe him as quiet and nice and they say they're surprised by the allegations. Finton is accused of a plot to blow up the federal building. The FBI had been watching him for two years and arrested him Wednesday when he parked a van in front of the building and tried to detonate it with a cell phone. He's facing up to life in prison if he's convicted.

Shelby county area residents and families struggling to make ends meet can now take advantage of the brand new Oconee Baptist Church Food Pantry, which celebrated the grand opening of their new facility this week. The Pantry is open each Wednesday from 1 until 3pm, located behind the Oconee Baptist Church. Oconee Pantry Director Neil Oreskovich says the new location makes it much easier to dispense groceries to families each week.

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The Oconee Baptist Church Family is served by the Central Illinois Foodbank, and also receives weekly donations of food from the Shelbyville Super Wal-Mart. Oreskovich says the generosity of those organizations and other donors makes it possible for them to serve a growing number of families.

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Oreskovich says no one is ever turned away from the foodbank. He adds that anyone interested in making monetary or food donations is encouraged to send a check to the Oconee Baptist Church Pantry at 14 N. Locust in Oconee, or call 537-4401.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Welcomed its newest member Thursday with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Chamber office on the south side of the Taylorville square. Billie Johnson has run the Oak Tree Press out of her home in Taylorville for a dozen years, publishing fiction and non-fiction books and e-books. Johnson says she is excited to finally take advantage of all the services the chamber has to offer.

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For more information on the Oak Tree Press, visit their web site, Oak Tree Books dot com

As 2009’s farm safety week wraps up in Illinois, the Christian County Farm Bureau wants to remind area farmers and residents the importance of taking extra precautions when working on or near a farm, or when simply coming in contact with farm Equipment. According to the National Safety Council, farm accidents and other work-related health problems claim as many as 1300 lives and cause 120,000 injuries a year, most of which are preventable. Christian County Farm Bureau Manager Eric Johnson shares some tips for ensuring farmers and their families have a safe harvest season.

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Locally, drivers may encounter slow moving vehicles as the travel on county roads. Johnson says it’s important to demonstrate patience when driving behind these machines, as many accidents tend to occur when hastily attempting to pass them.

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The Farm Bureau along with the Christian County Ag Literacy Program hosted Progressive Ag. Safety Day last Friday at the Christian County Fairgrounds, where area demonstrations and exhibits were set up to teach area 5th graders about farm safety. In addition, Farm Credit Services offices across the state continued their 'Meals in the Field' program during this year's farm safety week, delivering lunch to farmers and the families & staffs as they prepare for their fall harvests.

The state is pushing for new rules for patients who must be sedated during a dental procedure.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation spokesperson Sue Hofer says they would like to see dentists and their staff get more training in the use of anesthesia.


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The new rules were spurred by the cases of two people in Illinois who died after or during dental sedation. A legislative committee will review the state’s proposal.

Swarms of tiny annoying bugs are hitting many parts of Illinois.
They aren’t gnats, but actually soybean aphids that will be around for the next couple of weeks. State Department of Public Health Entomologist Linn Haramis says they are pretty harmless to humans. And while they typically don’t feed on people, Haramis says they might try a little taste.

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Haramis says there isn’t much you can do about the aphids as they migrate from soybean fields to feeding off of buckthorn plants. Regular insect repellants won’t work. Experts says there are probably more aphids this year than usual because of the unseasonably cool summer weather we’ve had.

It could be a decade or more before Taylorville residents are able to reap the benefits of a new water treatment facility, but Mayor Greg Brotherton says the city had to act fast in capitalizing on an opportunity to secure a new site for the plant. This week, the city finalized the purchase of 24 acres of the foreclosed Lincoln Trail Golf Course, across the street from the current water plant on Lincoln Trail Road. Brotherton said in recently touring the current facility, it became clear that the city would soon need upgrades in the form of either a relocation or expansion. Brotherton said water superintendent Dave Speagle came to him with the idea of purchasing part of the golf course, which he and the city council agreed was an ideal location.

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Before construction can begin on a new water plant, cost and design studies must be completed and produce favorable results. Officials estimate that possible construction would not begin until the year 2020 at the earliest. Brotherton says securing the property the city time and options.

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The city purchased the foreclosed property for 240 thousand dollars, or ten thousand per acre. Water Superintendent Dave Speagle says the purchase was covered by money from the city’s water fund.

He had been hyped up for weeks, and Wednesday Motivation Speaker James Feldman delivered. Feldman, dubbed as “The Innovator” held the ears of about 80 members of Taylorville’s business community as he presented “Shift Happens: Thriving On Change,” at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium. Feldman used humor and personal experiences to encourage the attendees to change the way they think about and approach certain situations to produce more favorable outcomes in their professional and private lives. Feldman’s presentation focused on customer service, innovative problem solving, creating meaningful memories and of course, making shifts happen.

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For more information on James Feldman’s motivational presentation, Go to the website: Shifthappens.com.

It’s a name and a face you probably know, but now, Taylorville native Christy Pullen will provide a new service to her community. Pullen, who previously served as the safety education officer for the Illinois State Police, took over as the Shelby County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency Coordinator earlier this month. Pullen is now in charge of preparing Shelby County residents and officials for any natural or man made disasters that occur or appear imminent. Pullen, who previously commuted to Springfield to serve with the ISP, said she felt that the relocation to her current hometown of Shelbyville was right for her and her family, and is looking forward to her new challenge.

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Pullen says she feels her five years of experience with the Illinois State Police will assist her in her new capacity.

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Pullen takes over for the previous ESDA coordinator Gary Bryant who recently resigned from that post.

(Taylorville)—The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the Extreme Makeover Home in Philo, and Fire Safety, from a representative of the Illinois Association of Fire Districts, at its weekly meeting on Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Tom Harnsberger talked with Kiwanis Club members, about his daughter’s experience with the Extreme Makeover TV Show home in Philo, as well as discussing fire safety.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Pictured: Taylorville Kiwanis Club program chairperson Tracy Braye (left) welcomed Tom Harnsberger with the Illinois Association of Fire Districts, as Tuesday’s guest speaker at the weekly Kiwanis Club meeting.

Normal temperatures and below average rainfall helped move along corn and beans progress across the state last week. As USDA Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, some farmers actually began harvesting corn, but not as many as years past.

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Brad Schwab Reporting. Tune in for weekly crop reports from the Illinois Field Office during Regional Radio newscasts and on Taylorville Daily News dot com through the harvest in early November.

During this National Farm Safety Week, Farm Credit Services Offices in the regional radio listening areas are helping farmers take a break as they prepare to begin their fall harvests. FCS is once again sponsoring their ‘Meals in the Field’ program, bring luncheon to the farm of some lucky farmers, their families and Staff. Wednesday’s ‘Meals in the Field’ recipient was Jesse Durbin who has worked on his farm southeast of Shelbyville for 34 years. Durbin says farming is a family tradition, as his father taught him the trade, the same thing he is doing with his son.

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The Farm Credit Services office in Taylorville will deliver lunch to a farm family each day this week in Christian County. In addition, the FCS Shelbyville offices will do the same for Shelby County Farmers. Tune in to Regional Radio newscasts or check out Taylorville Daily News dot com this week to hear from the winners.

Taylorville, IL - Three local Boy Scout leaders were honored on Saturday, September 19 at Manners Park Scout Pavilion for completing requirements for Wood Badge training. The intensive program focuses on a variety of camping and survival skills as well as leadership training. Wood Badge is one of the most advanced training programs for adults in the Boy Scouts of America. Pictured are Former Scout Master and now Assistant Troop Leader Terry Macke of Troop # 68, Assistant Troop Leader Kathy Knope of Troop # 68, and Scout Master Mark Harris of Troop # 68. Following the graduation ceremony, the graduates and guests were treated to a reception.

The Christian County Ag Group held their quarterly meeting this (Tues) afternoon at the University of Illinois Extension Christian County Office on North Webster, to review upcoming events promoting agriculture in Christian County.

Several committee members reported on doings that they are involved in, either with the Ag Group or thru their governmental body or business, that contributes to promoting agriculture in Christian County.

Chairman of the Ag Group Gary Spurling said the group's main focus is to promote agriculture in the county on an on-going basis.

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It was announced at the Ag Group meeting by Christian County board chairman John Curtin, that Main Street Committee executive director Michelle Merker, a member of the Ag Group who passed away recently, would be honored with a tree to be planted on the Courthouse lawn, and a bench to be installed on the east side of the square, both by officials with the State Main Street program.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee held a scheduled meeting Monday night in the board room of the Chamber offices on the square, to finalize plans for the 2-day event on the Square October 17th and 18th.

Various committee chairpersons reported on their areas of responsibility, and all said that "all systems are GO" for the 2009 edition of the 2-day festival.

Both days feature a south main stage full of entertainment, plus a kids stage on the north side of the square, chilli being served by the Chamber both days, and 2 days of competition for chilli cooks from across the country sanctioned by the International Chilli Society.

Event co-chairperson Kevin Flynn told Regional Radio News that all the various committee chairs make the event happen without a hitch, and as a result it brings every member of the family to the square over that weekend.

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The event will also include a tractor show chaired by Larry Berry, for the 2nd consecutive year.

For entry forms for the various contests, and a schedule, visit chillifest (with 2-L's)-dot-info.

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As a prelude to this year Farm Safety Week currently underway in Illinois, The U of I Extension Christian County held the “Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day’ last Friday at the Christian County Fairgrounds, as part of the Extension’s Ag-Literacy Program. Ag. Literacy Coordinator Ann Lupton says the event brought 5th graders from schools around the county out to learn about Farm Safety and other health and safety concerns. Among the presenters, Lupton says the Christian County Health Department presented a program aimed at educated students about the dangers of the feared H1N1 virus.

As a prelude to this year Farm Safety Week currently underway in Illinois, The U of I Extension Christian County held the “Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day’ last Friday at the Christian County Fairgrounds, as part of the Extension’s Ag-Literacy Program. Ag. Literacy Coordinator Ann Lupton says the event brought 5th graders from schools around the county out to learn about Farm Safety and other health and safety concerns. Among the presenters, Lupton says the Christian County Health Department presented a program aimed at educated students about the dangers of the feared H1N1 virus.

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Lupton says several displays were also set up to help demonstrate the importance of farm safety, including knowing the dangers of large farm equipment.

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Lupton says statistics show that 100 children in the U.S. were injured in farm related accidents and emphasized the importance of farm safety locally, and Christian County includes a large sector of people and businesses involved in agriculture.


Lupton says several displays were also set up to help demonstrate the importance of farm safety, including knowing the dangers of large farm equipment.

Lupton2 key W :48 cue: hot dog

Lupton says statistics show that 100 children in the U.S. were injured in farm related accidents and emphasized the importance of farm safety locally, and Christian County includes a large sector of people and businesses involved in agriculture.

(Shelbyville) A Shelby County Family is doing their part to raise money and awareness to combat the number one killer of infants, after their granddaughter tragically died in 2008. Tom Watson is spearheading a weekend of fundraising events in Shelbyville October 9-11 to help reduce the number of children that fall victim to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. Watson and others have teamed up with the American SIDS institute to put on the first annual ‘Kiera’s Cause,” in memory of his Grandaughter Kiera Dawn Watson.

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Watson says he hopes Kiera’s Cause will become an annual event. For now, he says it is less about raising money as it is about educating families about SIDS

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For more information on participating in any of the events slated to take place during the October 9-11th weekend, including the Friday night Bowling Tournament, Saturday 5K run and softball tournament, or the Sunday Golf outing; contact Watson at 821-5879.

Five family members in Beason, Illinois have been found dead. Logan County Sheriff Steve Nichols says Rick and Ruth Gee were found murdered inside their home on Monday afternoon, along with three children 16-year old Justina Constant, 14-year old Dillon Constant, and 11-year old Austin Gee. Another member of the Gee family, reportedly a 3-year old toddler, was airlifted to a Peoria hospital for treatment and is believed to have survived the incident. Nichols says there are No suspects are in custody.

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Nichols urges anyone with information is asked to call 217-732-4159.

WTIM Newstalk 97.3 in Taylorville held its 4th annual Telethon to raise money for the United Way of Christian County, today (Tuesday) raising nearly $2,500 of the $125,000 fundraising campaign goal.

United Way Fundraising campaign co-chairs John and Jeff Robinson as well as United Way of Christian County executive director Joni Beyers, co-hosted the 2-hour telethon with WTIM president Randal J. Miller.

Thanks to the generosity of WTIM listeners from across Central Illinois, $2485 was raised to benefit the 22 member agencies that serve over 10,000 people in Christian County. Many of the donors that called in pledges were first-time donors, which pleased United Way officials. Byers says the money will go a long way toward matching needy people with service providers in the county.

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John Robinson says he has personally seen the United Way grow significantly over the past 2 plus decades, becoming a pillar of the community that people have come to rely on.

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For more information on the United Way of Christian County, click on their icon on taylorvilledailynews.com, or call them at 824-8404.

Pictured: L-R- UW Fundraising Campaign Co-Chair Jeff Robinson; UWCC Executive Director Joni Beyers; UW Fundraising Campaign Co-chair John Robinson; and Miller Media Group President Randy Miller.

Taylorville City Officials are putting the final touches on the purchase of 24 acres of the now defunct Lincoln Trail Golf Course, to be used for the expansion or new construction of the Taylorville Water Plant and Treatment Facility, currently located on Lincoln Trail Road, across the street from the golf course. The Taylorville City Council passed a resolution during last night’s meeting to allow the city to make the purchase. The 24-acre land represents roughly half of the foreclosed golf course, previously owned and operated by Lincoln Trail Golf Course LLC. Taylorville Water Superintendent Dave Speagle says at 240 thousand dollars, or 10 thousand dollars per acre, the deal was too good to pass up for the city, and could end up saving Taylorville money in the long run.

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The city will take ownership of the property in the coming days, with the purchase covered by reserves in the city’s water fund. Speagle says construction of a new plant likely would not begin until the year 2020, once engineering and design studies are complete. For now, he says the city will concentrate on securing funds for the construction of the expansion or new facility, for which cost estimates are not available yet.

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The current water treatment facility was constructed during the 1950’s, and Speagle says while overall it is still functioning serviceably, the need for various repairs and upgrades are mounting.
Pictured: Top: Taylorville's current water treatment plant on Lincoln Trail Road- Bottom: The foreclosed Lincoln Trail Golf Course, of which the City of Taylorville will purchase 24 acres for the construction of a new or expanded water plant.

Taylorville city residents will soon see their additional sales tax dollars at work, as the city council unanimously approved the issuance of up to 7.5 million dollars in General Obligation bonds to fund pending infrastructure projects throughout the city during (Monday night’s) city council meeting. According to Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton, the city will use revenues from the ¾ percent sales tax increase that Taylorville voters approved during April’s consolidated election to pay back the debt owed on the bonds over 20 years.

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Brotherton says there are a myriad of projects that need to be completed in the city, and feels the new revenue source will jump-start construction.

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No timetable has been set for work on any projects to begin, and it remains unclear if the city will use all of the 7.5 million dollars of the money that has been secured. Some estimates suggest the increase in the sales tax from 6 ¼ to 7 percent could mean an additional 9 million dollars a year for Taylorville.

Pictured: Ciy Officials including Mayor Greg Brotherton; City Clerk Pam Peabody; and Treasurer Terri France sign documents to allow the issuance of 7.5 million dollars in bonds for the city. Also pictured; Bond underwriter David Pistorius of First Midstate Inc.

The Lake Land College celebrated the grand opening of their western region education center addition in Pana yesterday (Monday), holding an open house from 4 to 6 pm. Local residents, teachers, and Lake Land board members showed up to check out the brand new 6,000 square foot facility. The expansion features 5 new state of the art classrooms. Lake Land Adult Student Ambassador Vicky Gullion says the new addition will have a huge educational impact on the Pana community.


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Gullion says the new facility will also be home to the nursing program, vocational classes, and adult education courses.

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The expansion was made possible through a partnership from Pana Community Unit School District No. 8 and Lake Land College, as well as a federal earmark, which provided furniture and equipment.

The University of Illinois Extension Christian County continued a nearly decade long horticulture tradition last night, as the first of two backyard walks got underway. Last night’s walk took place on the grounds of the extension office. U of I natural resources educator Gary Letterly says the first backyard walk showcased the work of the master gardeners.

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Letterly says the second backyard walk, scheduled for tonight (Tuesday), will take place off the grounds of the extension office.

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Tonight’s backyard walk is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm.

Ameren Illinois Utilities natural gas customers will see significantly lower natural gas prices when the 2009-10 heating season begins. AIU is anticipating the upcoming heating season prices to be 26 percent less than the prior season, assuming normal winter temperatures. Ameren spokesperson Leigh Morris says the drop in prices can be attributed to the recession and the reduction of worldwide demand for energy.

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Given the anticipated drop in prices, Morris says this is a great time for customers to maximize their savings by adopting energy conservation practices.

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As Morris alluded to, more details about Ameren rebate programs and energy conservation tips can be found on the website ActOnEnergy.com.

Another St. Mary’s Fall Fiesta is in the books, and despite some less than perfect weather on Sunday, the event proved to be a success once again. This year’s annual ‘Fiesta’ was held in conjunction with the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the St. Mary Parish in the community. The three-day event featured games, entertainment, rides and prizes, as well as a ‘Polka Mass’ on Sunday and the annual Chicken Dinner. Fall Fiesta Committee Member Rita Kuntzman says following the success of this year’s party, she and other organizers are already looking forward to next year.


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As part of the event, St. Mary’s gave away Five thousand dollars in raffle prize Money. The top prize of two thousand dollars went to Peggy Vandeventer of Taylorville, 500-dollar prizes went to Don & Judy Atkinson, Sharon Wallace and Anita Daly of Taylorville; and 100-dollar prizes were awarded to Cheryl O’Donnell, Myrtle Milewski and Louis Cirar, all of Taylorville.

During this National Farm Safety Week, Farm Credit Services Offices in the regional radio listening areas are helping farmers take a break as they prepare to begin their fall harvests. FCS is once again sponsoring their ‘Meals in the Field’ program, bring luncheon to the farm of some lucky farmers, their families and Staff. Kevin Kuhn has worked on his family farm near Oconee for nearly three decades, and was the recipient of Monday’s ‘Meals in the Field Luncheon. Kuhn, a second-generation farmer, says agriculture is simply in his blood.

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The Farm Credit Services office in Taylorville will deliver lunch to a farm family each day this week in Christian County. In addition, the FCS Shelbyville offices will do the same for Shelby County Farmers. Tune in to Regional Radio newscasts or check out Taylorville Daily News dot com this week to hear from the winners.

Governor Pat Quinn says releasing some inmates early will not endanger public safety, but will help save the state money.
The approximately one thousand inmates that could get out early are all non-violent offenders, with less than a year left of their sentence. Governor Quinn says even if they aren’t locked up, they will be carefully monitored.

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Inmates released early will also have to report to a parole officer and any misstep would likely send them back to jail. The Governor says releasing the inmates early will save about five million dollars annually.

Local Firefighters aren’t sure what sparked an early morning blaze that damaged a Kincaid home to the tune of 70 thousand dollars. According to Reports, Taylorville Firemen provided assistance to the Midland Fire Protection District for the fire that broke out at 115 Chestnut street in Kincaid just after 5 o’clock Monday Morning. There were people home at the time of the fire, but everyone made it out and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be unintentional and not related to the string of arsons set in Taylorville over the summer.

One of Incentive Magazine’s top 100 motivational speakers will be in Taylorville this week. James Feldman brings his motivational routine, ‘Shift Happens: Thriving on Change’ to the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium on Wednesday. Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Fred Ronnow says Feldman’s hour-long presentation will be followed by a meet and greet lunch.

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For more information on James Feldman and his program ‘Shift Happens’, go to shifthappens.com.

One of the main responsibilities for new Christian County YMCA Executive Director Chris Wiettenhiller will be to oversee fundraising programs. The ‘Y’ is in the midst of preparing for one of its biggest fundraisers of the year- the annual auction. Wiettenhiller says people will be able to purchase tickets for the auction by October 1st.

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Wiettenhiller says fundraisers like the annual auction are crucial to offsetting membership and program costs.

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The Christian County YMCA auction is scheduled for November 13th at the Stonington American Legion.

The Pana Community Hospital’s first annual weight loss competition was so popular, that they’re going to do it all over again in 2010. This year’s winner, David Wysong, took home the grand prize of 100 bucks and a year membership to the Pana Rehab/Wellness center, for losing nearly 17% of his total weight. The newly hired rehab/wellness coordinator Nancy Alexander recently spoke out about how astonished she was at the competition results.

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The 10-week program resulted in 460 people losing over 3,300 pounds. Alexander thinks much of that success can be attributed to the competition’s team-oriented style.

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Alexander says the weight loss competition also provides people with an education that lasts a lifetime.

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Alexander says the weight loss competition will begin in January. The rehab/wellness center is on target to open its doors this December.

A handful of blood drives are coming up across the regional radio listening area. This Wednesday there will be a drive in Nokomis, and a week from today there will be one in Kincaid. Manager of Donor Relations for the Central Illinois Community Blood Center Jessica Becker says the Taylorville quarterly blood drive comes up in early October. Becker also reminds first time donors to avoid activities like drinking alcohol and exercising.

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Last week the 9th annual Springfield Clinic High School Blood Challenge kicked off at Lanphier High School. Becker says the challenge is a good way to encourage people to give blood.

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Anyone with questions about donating blood or upcoming drives, call 1-866-GIVE-BLD

(Shelbyville) The US Army Corps of Engineers would like to announce that the Whitley Creek Recreation Area is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic from now until October 16, 2009. Whitley Creek Recreation Area will re-open October 17, 2009. This closure is necessary to provide safety for workers and the general public while construction is being performed on the county road that leads into the entrance of the recreation area. For more information contact the US Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville Management Office at (217) 774-3951.

CHICAGO – September is Life Insurance Awareness Month and the Illinois Department of Insurance encourages Illinois families to review and understand how lifestyles affect the benefits and needs for life insurance.

“Diet and exercise are the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but a review of life insurance policies and coverage is important during the current economic turmoil in order to maintain a healthy budget,” said Michael T. McRaith, Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. “Balancing your family’s budget and staying healthy go hand-in-hand.”

The Illinois Department of Insurance offers advice on how a healthy lifestyle may both lower your life insurance premiums and reduce your risk of unhealthy conditions:

Your health and lifestyle affect your insurance rates
· When you apply for individual life or health insurance, you provide answers to detailed questions regarding your health. Your answers provide insurance companies with an idea of your overall health. Based on your answers, insurance companies may ask for additional medical information or tests prior to considering your application for coverage.
· The cost of an individual health or life insurance policy takes into account your age, height, weight, medical history, occupation, driving record, your family health history and other personal habits like smoking.
· Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good health habits and seeking regular medical care can be important in lowering your insurance costs. Health and lifestyle information gathered by the insurance company is used to determine whether you get coverage, as well as the premium you are charged.
· For more information about purchasing life insurance and what an insurance company might ask on an individual health insurance application be sure to visit the Department’s Web site (www.insurance.illlinois.gov) or the Web site of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (www.naic.org).

Some personal habits can increase premiums
· Smokers pay higher premiums than non-smokers. Even if you only smoke a few cigarettes a day, an insurance company could charge you the same premium as a heavy smoker.
· If you are a smoker or if you use smokeless tobacco, it may be possible for you to lower your insurance premium by quitting. After you have remained “smoke-free” for a time period specified by your insurance company, you may qualify for the lower, non-smoker premium.
· High-risk activities – You will be asked about your hobbies and activities on your application. Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums if you participate in high-risk activities such as: mountain climbing, horseback or motorcycle riding, flying an airplane, or other aviation-related activities (e.g. ultra light flying, hang gliding, or sky diving). You might be able to lower your insurance premiums by cutting back on your participation in such high-risk activities. Talk with the insurance company or agent about your options.

Your lifestyle may have an effect on the insurance coverage you have through work
· If you have health insurance coverage through your employer, your employer pays a substantial portion of the total health insurance premium. The frequency, severity and duration of health insurance claims filed by you and your co-workers are taken into account every year. This assessment is used to determine the insurance rates the health insurance company charges your employer the following year. If your employer’s insurance premium goes up, the company can choose to absorb the increase or pass it on to you as an increase in the premium you pay as an employee.

Take advantage of free programs
· Some insurance companies provide information regarding lifestyle and good health habits on their Web sites. These tools often include online nurses, health assessment and coaching, symptom checkers, weight-loss and smoking cessation advice, and information about how to improve your overall health and well-being. Ask your insurance company or agent if you have access to these types of programs.

More information
The Department’s mission is to protect consumers by providing assistance and information, by efficiently regulating the insurance industry’s market behavior and financial solvency, and by fostering a competitive insurance marketplace. The Department assists consumers with all insurance complaints, including health, auto and homeowners. Consumers in need of information or assistance should visit the Department’s Web site at www.insurance.illinois.gov or call our toll-free hotline at (877) 527-9431.