Illinois Number One in Pumpkin Producing

10/03/2009

Illinois is tops in the nation when it comes to pumpkins.

State Department of Agriculture spokesperson Stacey Solano says Illinois is the country’s number one pumpkin producing state, and is showing no signs of losing that title anytime soon.

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About 40 percent of the state’s pumpkin acreage is harvested for processing at one of two plants, Libby’s in Morton, and Seneca foods in Princeville.

NRA Banquet Tonight in Taylorville

10/03/2009

(Taylorville) The Christian County National Rifle Association Affiliate annual banquet and fundraiser takes place tonight at the VFW home in Taylorville, from 6pm to 10 pm. Christian County NRA affiliate board member John Peterson says the event features a steak dinner, a 50/50 raffle, and plenty of firearms.

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Tom Shafer (a TV and radio personality in Springfield) is the banquet’s special guest speaker. Peterson adds that most of the Christian County Sheriffs candidates are expected to be in attendance as well.

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Peterson says all funds raised from tonight’s event go to pro gun organizations across the state, and hunter safety programs.

Downstate County Closes Flu Shot Clinic Over Supply Woes

10/03/2009

(Pontiac, IL) -- It may be a sign of things to come for folks across downstate Illinois this flu season. The Livingston County Health Department has temporarily suspended its seasonal flu shot clinics. Health Education Director Linda Rhodes says the department is out of the seasonal flu vaccine. Clinics will be rescheduled when the next shipment of the adult seasonal flu vaccine arrives. Rhodes encourages people to continue practicing the "Three C's" of cleaning, covering and containing. In other words, wash your hands, cough and sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow and if you're sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is less than 100 degrees. Meanwhile, Rhodes says the H1N1 flu vaccine could be coming to the area in the near future, but she's not exactly sure when.

Disturbing Twist in Lincoln Murders: Suspect Attended Victims' Funeral

10/03/2009

(Lincoln, IL) -- There is a new, and disturbing twist in the case of the man accused of murdering a central Illinois family. Suspect Christopher Harris was among those in the crowd at the Gee family funerals earlier this week. Harris is the ex-husband of Nicole Gee, one of Rick Gee's daughters. She was not in the Gee home about two weeks ago when police say Harris killed five members of his former wife's family. The Springfield "State Journal Register" has a photo of Harris standing in the crowd of mourners at the Gee funerals. Harris is now in a jail cell in Lincoln, awaiting formal charges from the Logan County State's Attorney's office and the Illinois Attorney General. Investigators are not saying why they focused in on Harris as their suspect. But Harris does have a criminal history and that unique gray pick-up truck seen at seen the murder scene. Logan County Sheriff Steve Nichols says the investigation into the Gee murders is on-going, but he is not saying if more arrests are likely.

Bertinetti Group Considering Legal Action To Stop Annexation

10/02/2009

Following the Taylorville City Council’s closed session meeting earlier this week to discuss possible litigation that could arise amidst the city’s attempt to annex 260 homes in the Bertinetti subdivision into the city, leaders of a group fighting to stop the move are speaking out. Ed Salisbury helped form the ‘Bertinetti Anti-Annexation Group’ several months ago, after city officials first publicized their interest in a possible annexation, which would mean a tax increase for Bertinetti residents. Salisbury says the group has yet to begin the process of bringing a suit against the city to stop the annexation, but feels the group has enough support to go begin legal proceedings if the city attempts to annex without giving residents certain considerations.

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Most Bertinetti homeowners did sign agreements to allow the city to annex them in exchange for city water service, but some residents feel the city should provide sewer service to the subdivison as well if they’re annexed. Some city leaders have expressed a willingness to consider such infrastructure improvements, but have stopped short of guaranteeing a time-table for their installation. Salisbury says although an annexation would mean added tax revenues for Taylorville, additional expense an annexation would bring to the city would make the move cost prohibitive

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The city council took no action regarding the annexation during the closed session meeting, and Mayor Greg Brotherton has indicated the council will hold a public meeting in the near future to allow the council to express concerns about the annexation to each other and the public.

Suspected Beason Murder Killer Arrested

10/02/2009

Less than two weeks after police found five members of a central Illinois family murdered in their home, investigators say they have the killer. Benjamin Yount has more.

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Court records show Harris was convicted of theft, burglary, and drug charges. He was divorced in 2006. Police found the bodies of Rick and Ruth Gee, along with three of their children, last month in the family's home in Beason. The Gee's three-year-old daughter survived the attack, but has been hospitalized since the brutal massacre.

Pink Shirts; Mammograms; Walk Among October Cancer Events

10/02/2009

While colors most often associated with the month of October tend to be orange and black, you may also see a healthy dose of pink on Fridays this month. That’s because October is Breast Cancer awareness month, and as Steve Turner with the American Cancer Society explains, that means its also time for the ‘real men wear pink’ campaign.

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Also this month, the local chapter of the American Cancer society will hold their second annual ‘making strides against breast cancer’ event, which will be held at White Oaks Mall in Springfield on Sunday October 18th. Turner explains registration begins that day at 7:30 am, with the event to begin at 9.

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Also coming up as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is national mammography day coming up on Friday October 16th.

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Women over the age of 40 are encouraged to have yearly mammograms. For more information on local events planned for national breast cancer awareness month, contact the American Cancer Society Springfield office at 523-4503.

Extension To Host Semi-Monthly Interagency Council Meeting

10/02/2009

The U of I extension Christian County Building in Taylorville will be the site of the first Interagency council meeting of the extension year next Wednesday October 7th. The interagency council allows inndividuals representing agencies serving Christian County to share upcoming programs, discuss issues critical to their needs, and network with other agency representatives. Christian County Extension Director Linda Smith says the meeting could eliminate the need for a lot of legwork for agencies looking to partner on an upcoming event or project.

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Smith says she expects upwards of 25 representatives from area agencies to attend the meeting, and asks that anyone wishing to share information bring enough copies of materials to hand out to the group.

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The interagency council meetings are held on the first Wednesday of October, December, February, April and June, from 11:45 am until 1pm. For more information, contact Linda Smith at the Extension office by calling 287-7246.

Scarecrow Committee Wrapping Up Plans For Annual Shelbyville Fest

10/02/2009

Planning continues for the annual Shelbyville Fall-time festival “Scarecrow daze,” which will feature two days of fun and activities October 9th and 10th in Shelbyville. Event chairperson Terri Whalen says she and the planning committee are putting the final touches on the event, which she says is not to be missed.

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Admission to both days of “Scarecrow Daze” is free, which will feature events at both Forrest Park in Shelbyville as well as downtown Shelbyville. A full list of Scarecrow Daze” events is available at the website LakeShelbyville dot com. Regional Radio will broadcast live from the event Saturday Morning during the Scarecrow Daze parade, which begins at Main Street School at 10 am.

Shelbyville Homecoming Parade Rescheduled; Bonfire Still On

10/01/2009

Due to weather, Shelbyville High School’s Homecoming Parade has been postponed until tomorrow afternoon at 4 o’clock. As of now, the bonfire set for 8:30 tonight will proceed as scheduled.

Hillsboro Attorney Jarman Appointed To Finish Retiring Judge Coady'sTerm

10/01/2009

The Supreme Court of Illinois announced Tuesday the appointment of attorney Douglas L. Jarman as Circuit Judge at Large of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John Coady on October 3, 2009. Jarman, a Hillsboro native and graduate of the Southern Illinois University Law School, currently works as a general practitioner in his Hillsboro private practice. Jarman who plans to run for the permanent seat in next year’s election, says he was humbled to have been named to finish out the remainder of Judge Coady’s term.

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Jarman's new position becomes effective October 19th, with the term ending with the next November’s election. In addition to Jarman, Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks Fayette County State's Attorney Stephen Friedel and Taylorville Attorney Michelle Coady has announced their candidacy for the permanent judgeship both on the Democratic ticket. The Fourth Judicial Circuit is comprised of nine counties: Christian, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Marion, Montgomery and Shelby.

City Council Discusses Bertinetti Annex in Closed Session

10/01/2009

The Taylorville City Council met in a closed session committee of the whole Tuesday night, to discuss litigation concerning the possible annexation of Bertinetti subdivision properties in the city of Taylorville. According to Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton, some members of a citizens group form to oppose the annexation, has threatened to bring lawsuits against the city if they proceed with their attempt to bring them into the city of Taylorville, and in turn raise property taxes. Brotherton stressed that the council did not take any action regarding whether or not the city will annex, and wouldn’t share specifics as to what aspects of the possible litigation was discussed.

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Prior to the meeting, Brotherton asked superintendents to provide preliminary estimates as to how an annexation would affect individual city departments. Taylorville Fire Chief Jeff Hackney indicated in a letter to the council that the department would incur no costs as a result of the annexation, since the department currently provides service to the Bertinetti area. However, his letter did indicate the potential need for a satellite fire station in the Bertinetti/ Lake Taylorville area regardless of the annexation, to help the department meet response time standards.

Brotherton said the council will schedule another meeting of the whole in the near future to allow aldermen to express thoughts and concerns over the annexation to each other and the public.

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The Bertinetti annexation would bring 259 households into the city of Taylorville, resulting in an estimated 270 thousand dollar boost in tax revenues for the city.

Former Clinic Demolished; Cleanup, Sewer Repair Next

10/01/2009

The former Christian County Medical Clinic Building is all but a memory, as clean-up crews are clearing away the remnants of the facility, after it was demolished this week. The building, which was constructed in the early 1970’s, will make way for the new outpatient services building and new hospital entrance for Taylorville Memorial Hospital. TMH CEO Dan Raab says he expects the demolition process should be complete by the end of this week.

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Raab said the next step is to repair a sewer line running beneath the clinic building, before construction can begin on the new building.

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Prior to the demolition of the Christian County Medical Clinic, it was lent out to the Taylorville Fire Department for use in training exercises.

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The multi-phase construction process began with the construction of the new Springfield Clinic Taylorville, which opened last month on the TMH campus.

Taylorville Science Teacher To Take Part In ASM Fellowship Project

10/01/2009

Taylorville High School will be the site of part of an upcoming American Society for Microbiology Teaching Fellowship, that will explore how microorganisms work in the environment. Christopher Crockett from the University of Illinois Springfield is the 2009 award recipient of the ASM Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship and will work with UIS faculty mentor Michael Lemke and Taylorville High School Science Teacher Mary Dawson. Lemke explains it will be a collaborative effort that will be developed for use in a high school science curriculum.

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Lemke says planning for the fellowship is already underway, and will take place in large part at THS as well as surrounding field sites.

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The American Society for Microbiology (ASM), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the oldest and largest single biological membership organization, with over 40,000 members worldwide.

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Each fellow receives up to a $2,000 stipend, a two-year ASM student membership, and travel support to the ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE). Awardees are also encouraged to submit abstracts and applications to attend the 2009 ASMCUE.

Quinn; Others Trek To Denmark To Push For Olympic Bid

10/01/2009

Governor pat Quinn headed to Copenhagen (Wednesday night) to help win Chicago’s 2016 Olympic bid.
Governor Quinn flew overnight to meet others from the Illinois delegation…including the Mayor of Chicago and Oprah Winfrey.

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President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will also be present to make the case for Chicago. The delegation will make a presentation before the International Olympic Committee on Friday. Chicago is up against Tokyo…Madrid…and Rio de Janeiro in the bid for the 2016 summer games.

Crop Report: Illinois Bean Harvest Underway

10/01/2009

Warm temperatures last week gave a boost to crop maturity rates, with a good portion of the state’s corn crop reaching maturity. As USDA Chief Crop Statistician Brad Schwab tells us in this week’s crop report, the first soybean harvest was reported as well last week, but late week rains stopped the process for now.

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Brad Schwab reporting. Tune into 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.

Movin On Up...

9/30/2009

(Taylorville) You’ve probably heard media reports indicating it could be tough to move a house in this tough real estate market; and now no one knows that better than the Younker family. Leading a caravan of law enforcement personnel and others; Steve and Andrea Younker watched their new home literally move from it’s previously location behind Angelo’s Restaurant in Taylorville, to it’s new permanent spot in Sharpsburg. The process tied up traffic on North Webster Street for a time Wednesday, and drew strange looks from passers by as the building was moved in one piece on the bed of a tractor-trailer. Andrea Younker said she learned the house, which was previously used as an office for Marsango Rentals, needed to be moved to create more space for the Angelo’s remodel. The Younker family worked with the previous owners John & Jayne McDonald to arrange the home to be purchased and relocated. Steve and Andrea Younker, who are teachers at Edinburg and South Fork High School respectively, say they will be ready to move into their new house, in its new location, with their two sons Owen and Wyatt in a few weeks.

Shelbyville "Frolic" To Feature Food; Fun

9/30/2009

Shelbyville Manor Nursing Home in Shelbyville will be the site of the first ever Fall Frolic this weekend. The event will run Saturday from 10am until 2pm on Shelbyville Manor’s campus, and will feature food, games, entertainment, and fun. Alma Smart of Shelbyville Manor says it will be a good time for young and old.

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The event is free to get in, and all proceeds will be given to the Shelby County Senior Center.

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Again the Fall Frolic runs 10 am until 2pm Saturday. Shelbyville Manor is located on Route 128 in Shelbyville.

Fall Gardening Tips From Christian County Master Gardeners

9/30/2009

The changing of the seasons represents a busy time for all horticulturalists in the central Illinois region. One of the main questions on every gardener’s mind is what to do with all those leaves? Master gardener Gwen Podeschi says all leaves should be added to a compost pile.

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Podeschi says that houseplants should not be fertilized during the fall and winter seasons. On the other hand, she says now is the time to harvest apples, pears, and other fruits .

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For more on the master gardeners program, call the U of I extension Christian County office at 287-7246.

Quinns Hopes To Restore MAP Grant Funding

9/30/2009

Governor Pat Quinn is hopeful the legislature will work next month to restore funding for a state grant program that helps needy students go to college.
Funds for state MAP grants will run out in January unless a new revenue source is identified. The governor is suggesting an increase in the state tax on cigarettes, and closing some tax loopholes.

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A new website, SaveIllinoisMapGrants.org urges Illinoisans to lobby their local legislator to approve funding during the veto session in October.

IL. Guard Commander Happy To Have Troops Back Home

9/30/2009

Illinois Adjutant General William Enyart says he doesn't have to worry about any more late night phone calls. The top commander for the Illinois National Guard says he is happy to have the last of the almost three-thousand troops who shipped out Afghanistan last year now back home.

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Enyart says he always knew that late night calls brought bad news. He says the deaths of some of his troops will stay with him "for the rest" of his life. But he also says he'll never forget the successes of the Illinois troops in Afghanistan. He says the mission to the war zone has earned the Illinois Guard new respect, both in the military and at home. Most of Illinois’ troops are already back at home, the last welcome home ceremonies are scheduled for Wednesday.

U of I Ag Specialist: Patience A Virtue During Harvest

9/30/2009

Illinois farmers are asking drivers for patience, as they harvest their crops much later in the season than they would like.
Thanks to a wet spring, crops are still maturing, and farmers will be harvesting into the evening hours which seem to get darker, earlier, every day. University of Illinois farm safety specialist Bob Aherin says motorists need to slow down on rural roads and be aware.

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Aherin says about 65 percent of farm equipment accidents occur when a vehicle runs into the back end of a tractor or combine.

Taylorville Kiwanis Hold 55th Annual Meeting and Banquet

9/29/2009

(Taylorville)—The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held its 55th annual meeting and banquet, on Tuesday night at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

The club celebrated its many successes during the past year, all focused on helping children in the Taylorville community and around the world.

Following dinner served the Taylorville Memorial Hospital dietary staff, past officers, committee chairs, and special member awards, all were given.

Herman Altman, a charter member of the club, was honored with a Lifetime membership award, and Jerry Woodard, who has been instrumental in the club’s fund-raising as well as in continued construction at Kiwanis Park, was named Kiwanis Member of the Year.

John Gardner was honored as outgoing president, and Steve Milling was installed as president, while Dr. Greg Fuerstenau was installed as president-elect. Diane Beatty continues as secretary, and Dan Sneed continues as treasurer. Committee chairs include Tracy Braye as program committee chair, Dean Ray serving as membership committee chair, Kristine Lecocq as Priority One committee chair, Ruth Weiser as Builders Club chair, Jerry Woodard as Park and Interclub committee chair, Dick Wamsley as spiritual values committee chair, and Randy Miller as public relations committee chair. All officers were installed by Kiwanis District 30 Lieutenant Governor Patty Fletcher of Raymond.

Guest speaker for the evening was Kiwanis District 30 Governor Gary Heath, who told Taylorville Kiwanis members to give back to the community one child at a time.

HeathaudioSept2909.mp3

Incoming Kiwanis president Steve Milling told the club that he wants to do even more to help local children in the coming Kiwanis year.

MillingaudioSept2909.mp3

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is a 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.

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Girl Hit By Car Friday Night

9/29/2009

A girl was hospitalized Friday night after she was struck by a car in Taylorville. According to a report from the Taylorville police department released (Tuesday), the unnamed girl, who is a minor, ran onto Springfield road near Taylorville High School Friday night along with four other juveniles. The accident happened around 9:30 Friday night, shortly after the Taylorville High School Football game. The driver 50 year old Howard WR Farris of Taylorville was traveling east on Springfield road at the time of the accident, and told police that he was traveling at a low rate of speed and was able to avoid hitting the first four children, but was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting the girl, who was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Rosenthal Announces Bid For 98th District House Seat

9/29/2009

Christian County native Wayne Rosenthal has officially thrown his hat into the ring to become the next 98th District State Representative. Rosenthal announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination in the upcoming primary during a series of campaign kickoff stops in Taylorville, Hillsboro and Carlinville. The Morrisonville farmer is a retired Illinois Air National Guardsmen, and serves as a Lincoln Land Community College Trustee, and member of the Macoupin County Soil & Water Conservation District Board. Rosenthal, self-described as a ‘non-career politician’ says it’s time to change the current culture of government in Illinois.

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Rosenthal says the current legislature and gubernatorial administration has balanced its state budget on the backs of hard working Illinoisans. He says he’ll look to increase state revenues locally by helping to create and maintain jobs in the area, and keep taxes low for citizens and business owners.

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The current 98th district seat is held by Democrat Betsy Hannig, who was appointed to the seat after her husband, Gary Hannig, was appointed to oversee the Illinois Department of Transportation earlier this year, no word yet on whether Hannig intends to run for a second term.

Shelbyville School Board Passes $11M Budget

9/29/2009

The Shelbyville board of education held a special budget hearing Monday afternoon at the Shelbyville High School cafeteria. The board unanimously approved the budget for the 2010 fiscal year. Shelbyville superintendent Robert Verdun describes the budget as tight.

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The budget comes out to roughly eleven million dollars. According to the budget summary, the district will have just more than five million dollars on hand following the 2010 fiscal year.

Taylorville Park District Board Works Light Agenda

9/29/2009

The Taylorville Park District Board of Trustees tackled a short agenda Monday evening during their monthly meeting. Recently hired Recreation Director Bailey Hancock told the board that she’s already begun planning for this year’s Christmas in the Park.

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Hancock says Christmas in the Park (the annual two-week holiday celebration at Manners Park in Taylorville) will kick off on December 11th, and run through Christmas night.

City Leaders Attend IL. Municipal League Conference

9/29/2009

Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton, along with Aldermen Shawn Burtle and Earl Walters recently attended a three-day “Illinois Municipal League” conference in Chicago, where they had the opportunity to network from other elected officials from across the state to gain insight into more effectively governing Taylorville. Brotherton said he enjoyed the experience, particularly having the opportunity to listen to the keynote address of Chris Gardener, who was the subject of the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness.”

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During the conference, the officials learned the intricacies of the new “Video Gaming Act” passed earlier this summer in Illinois, allowing video gaming terminals in specific locations in the state, including bars, restaurants and fraternal organizations. Local Governments have the option to ban video gaming, and while Brotherton says the Taylorville council has not formally considered the issue, he personally is governing against the option of using the machines.

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The state of Illinois will impose a 30% tax on all proceeds gained from video gaming machines, of which municipalities would get 5%.

Lincoln Land Recognizes EREC Advisory Board Members

9/29/2009

The Lincoln Land Community College-Taylorville Advisory Committee recently met and recognized three members for their 10 years of service to the committee. Dan Austin, Tom Campbell and Fred Ronnow received plaques and were thanked for their continued support. Delbert Edwards was also recognized for nine years of teaching and service to LLCC-Taylorville. EREC President Jim Brubaker says he feels the campus has benefited greatly from the service of these four men.

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Brubaker says Cambell, Ronnow Austin and Edwards along with the other members of the committee have played a key role in several of the EREC’s decisions, including the approval of a campus construction upgrade set to begin next year.

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LLCC Trustee Wayne Rosenthal shared information regarding the new Connecting Link Student Center soon to be constructed between Sangamon and Menard Halls on the main campus. Marcy Durbin, registration services representative, reported on upcoming Community Learning classes at LLCC-Taylorville including “Who’s Tweeting in Your Back Yard?,” “My First Kitchen” and a possible Japanese course. The committee concluded its meeting by discussing dual credit and an expanded career exploration program.

Sertomans Hear From Local Senior Center Director

9/29/2009

John Heldman, Executive Director of the Christian County Senior Citizens spoke to the Taylorville Sertoma Club at their Sept. 28 meeting held at Krieger's Restaurant. John told the club about the computer labs, programs, meals, and transportation that the center has.

The club discussed their next events Chilifest and Sertoma's Annual Halloween Parade. Plans are also being made for Sertoma Project Warm Winter in which some children whose families are not able to provide them with appropriate winter wear are able to pick out a new coat. Anyone wanting to help defray the cost of the coats may do so by sending a check in any amount made payable to: Taylorville Sertoma/Project Warm Winter and mail to P.O. Box 74, Tayloville, IL 62568.

LLCC “On the Air – Radio Broadcasting” students visit radio station

9/28/2009

Students in the Lincoln Land Community College Community Learning class titled “On the Air – Radio Broadcasting” visited the studios of WTIM/WMKR/WRAN in Taylorville during their last class meeting Sept. 23. They recorded a “liner” saying their names and the station call letters, which aired on WMKR that evening.

Students learned the skills required to be on-air announcers, newscasters, audio producers and sports announcers, and explored audio production techniques. Station owner Randy Miller reviewed the history of radio, how small market radio clusters work, and Federal Communications Commission regulations.

LLCC is expanding its career exploration opportunities through the Community Learning division. For more information, contact Marcy Durbin at LLCC-Taylorville: 287.7081 or 1.800.572.5448.

Pictured L-R: Bradley Menezes, Autumn Orrison, Jenna Asebedo, Keely Durbin and Community Learning instructor Randy Miller. (Lynn Higgason was unavailable for photo.)

Bill Ealey Day Proclaimed Amidst Cancer Fight

9/28/2009

Friends of Bill Ealey gathered on Sunday September 27, 2009
at the Manners Park dinning hall to raise funds to assist
Taylorville resident William "Bill" Ealey who is fighting
cancer. Proceeds from the event have been directed at the
first project to assist Mr. Ealey with the construction of
a wheel chair ramp at his home.

Attending the event was Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton
who presented Ealey with a proclamation making Sunday
September 27, 2009 William Ealey Day in Taylorville.

Guests were provided chili, and hot dogs for a donation.
persons needing information on assisting Bill Ealey
are asked to contact Doug or Debbie Schnell at 824-4357

Rosenthal To Announce 98th District House Bid

9/28/2009

Lincoln Land Community College Trustee Wayne Rosenthal is expected to announce his candidacy for 98th District seat in the Illinois House of Representatives, during a series of campaign stops (Tuesday,) including one in Taylorville. Rosenthal, a Morrisonville native and farmer by trade, is serving his first term on the LLCC board, after defeating former Taylorville Mayor Frank Mathon for the seat in April. Rosenthal will seek the Republican nomination for the House seat in the upcoming February primary election. In addition to the 9:30 am campaign announcement on the Christian County Courthouse lawn (Tuesday), Rosenthal will make stops in Hillsboro and Carlinville.

The 98th District seat is current held by Betsy Hannig of Gillespie, who took over the post for her husband Gary Hannig, when he was appointed to oversee the Illinois Department of Transportation earlier this year. No word yet on whether Hannig will run for re-election in 2010.

Gary Merker Takes Over As Main Street Director For Late Wife Michelle

9/28/2009

Gary Merker has been named the interim director of the Taylorville Main Street organization. Merker takes over for his wife Michelle, who served as executive director since 2003. Michelle passed away from cancer earlier this month. Merker says he’s been heavily involved in Main Street over the years, and is prepared to take over a long list of administrative duties.

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Merker inherits a heavy agenda, which includes planning next spring’s BBQ, Blues, and Cruise festival.

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Merker says his reign as interim director is scheduled to end following the 2010 BBQ, Blues, and Cruise. When asked if he’ll take over as full time director after the interim period, Merker says he’s not sure if he has the time or energy.

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Before being named interim director, Merker was perhaps the most active Main Street volunteer. He’s been an integral part of the organization’s American Music Series, which included last spring’s BBQ, Blues, and Cruise festival.

Local Teachers Hope To Benefit From 'School Improvement Day'

9/28/2009

Before turning their attention to homecoming weekend, teachers focused on how to step their game up in the classroom. The Taylorville School District held a ‘School Improvement Day’ last Tuesday. Classes were dismissed at 11:45 am; students went home, and teachers geared up for a three-hour training session that began at 1 o’clock. Taylorville Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says elementary teachers focused on reading exercises, whereas high school teachers honed in on how to get students more engaged in classroom activities.

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Fuerstenau says midterm reports and parent teacher conferences are next on the district’s agenda.

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The superintendent adds that the months leading up to winter break are a busy time for the district.

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Roughly five weeks into the school year, Fuerstenau also says elementary students and faculties have adjusted nicely, following the closing of West and Mt. Auburn schools this past summer.

Chamber President Enjoys Think-Tank Session With 'The Innovator'

9/28/2009

Following his presentation at Taylorville Memorial Hospital last week, motivational speaker James Feldman met one-on-one with Taylorville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Fred Ronnow. Ronnow says the two ‘picked each other’s brains’ for roughly an hour. Ronnow believes Feldman’s visit will yield long-term benefits for both the city of Taylorville and Christian County as a whole.

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Feldman, dubbed as “The Innovator”, held the ears of Taylorville’s business community as he presented “Shift Happens: Thriving On Change,” at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium last Wednesday.

Dairy Council Urges Students To Choose 'A+' Lunches

9/28/2009

The St. Louis District Dairy Council’s Springfield office is reminding parents and students that good nutrition is key to a good education. To help students obtain that key to a good education, the council is offering tips on how to throw together a healthy lunch. Nutrition educator Joyce Fickri says a student’s lunch should contain at least 3 of the 5 major food groups.

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An upset stomach can throw a kink into any student’s day. To prevent a packed lunch from spoiling, Fickri says students might want to add a cooling source to their brown bag.

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Fickri also says parents should allow their kids to help plan what’s on the menu.

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For more nutritional tips, visit the council’s website: stldairycouncil.org.

Social Security Website Offers Young People Retirement Resources

9/28/2009

It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. The Social Security Administration believes that’s true, which is why they are introducing a new financial planning tool aimed towards people under the age of 40. Jack Meyers, of the Social Security office in Springfield has the details.

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Meyers says social security by itself is not enough to live comfortably off of when you retire.

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For more information visit the website www.socialsecurity.gov.

CDC: H1N1 More Widespread in South

9/27/2009

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the H1N1 flu is now widespread, particularly in the southern states. Dr. Thomas Frieden says until mid-to-late October when the H1N1 vaccine becomes more available, it could "be a bit bumpy" because each state has a different level of distribution preparedness.

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Dr. Frieden says the good news is that eventually there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants it. Additionally, Frieden is encouraged that the vaccine is likely to be highly effective with just one dose.

McCarter Criticizes Quinn's Prison Plans

9/27/2009

State Senator Kyle McCarter held a press conference last week at the Decatur Correctional Center, to address the Quinn administration’s decision to release convicted felons early and cut prison staff. McCarter characterized the decision to release 1,000 convicted felons and cut front line prison staff at the Decatur and Vandalia Correctional Centers as “short-sighted” and “dangerous”.

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Department of Corrections Director Michael Randle indicated in a conference call with Senate Republicans Thursday that the agency is moving forward with its plans. Randle stated that his agency has already begun the process of screening inmate files and the release of prisoners will begin in the next two to four weeks.

Flider Speaks Out Against Ameren Rate Increases

9/27/2009

State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion) announced Thursday that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will hold a public rate hearing in Decatur, regarding Ameren’s latest request for a utility rate increase. The ICC announced it would be holding a Decatur hearing on November 2nd from 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm at the Madden Auditorium of the Decatur Public Library located at 130 N. Franklin St. Flider requested the hearing to take place.

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In June, Ameren filed a $226 million gas and electric rate increase request for its Illinois utility customers.

Flider is also currently passing petitions opposing Ameren’s latest request for a rate increase.

Changes In Store For Upcoming Deer Season

9/27/2009

Deer hunting season is coming up and a few changes are in store this year.

The new rules are designed to enhance deer hunting in Illinois, and better manage the deer population. State department of natural resources wildlife expert John Buhnerkempe lists a few of the changes.

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The firearm deer season will run November 20th through the 22nd, and December third through the sixth. Another change is that late winter permits will be sold either without limit, or just a single, depending on the deer population in particular counties.