Flider Says People Have 'Had Enough' With Ameren's Rate Increases

11/07/2009

On Monday, Nov. 2 at the Decatur Public Library, approximately 150 people attended a hearing before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) requested by State Representative Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion) to voice their opposition to Ameren’s latest request for a rate increase. Those attending the meeting also included state Representative Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth), the Citizens Utility Board, AARP, and the Attorney General’s office, all with the same message for the ICC opposing a utility rate increase. Flider says people have had enough with Ameren’s rate increases, and chose to speak out Monday night.

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The Illinois Commerce Commission has held 4 public hearings since the beginning of September. Originally only 3 locations were scheduled for hearings, but at Flider’s request Decatur was added to the list of hearing locations. This latest request for a rate increase by Ameren is set to be decided by the beginning of May.

Operation Support Our Troops Kicks Off

11/07/2009

Governor Pat Quinn is kicking off Operation Support Our Troops, in hopes of collecting donations for holiday care packages.

The public is being asked to donate things like canned meat, soups, pasta, lotion, body wash, toothpaste, and aspirin. Quinn says getting a care package of everyday items can really lift a soldier’s spirits.

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State Veterans Affairs Director Dan Grant says a taste of back home, even everyday items, can help soldiers feel a little better.

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Donations will be accepted at first bank locations around Illinois through Friday December 4th.

Library Hosting Cherry Mine Book Signing

11/07/2009

Those interested in the history of the Cherry Mine Disaster may want to stop by the Abraham Presidential Library in Springfield Saturday.

Library spokesperson Dave Blanchette says they are hosting a round table discussion and book signing at 6pm, commemorating the 100th anniversary of one of the worst mine disaster’s in the country.

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The library is also hosting a comprehensive exhibit featuring the mine disaster through the end of March. The tragedy left 259 people dead and inspired the passage of coalmine safety and worker’s compensation laws.

Southern IL. Takes Brunt of October Rain

11/06/2009

As the calendar fipped from October to November over the weekend, so did a unique weather pattern. Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel recaps an October that produced more than 10 inches of rain in Taylorville, and overall was the second wettest on record in the History of the state.

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So far this month, the rain patterns have all but disappeared, leaving a completely dry November to allow farmers to catch up on harvest. Angel says he expects the dry weather to continue at least for a while.

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Rainfall was heaviest in southern Illinois with many places reporting 8 to 12 inches for the month. A few standout reports were recording record-setting amounts of 13.98 inches at Jerseyville, 13.63 inches at Mt. Olive, and 13.31 inches at Riverton. Decatur and Bloomington/Normal set their all-time records with 10.09 and 10.18 inches respectively.

First Presbyterian To Host 5 Course Feast

11/06/2009

Area residents can enjoy a fine dining experience prepared by a locally renowned chef, and help a Taylorville church this week. The first Presbyterian Church in Taylorville Saturday will host a 5-course meal Saturday prepared by Dr. H.L. Chen. First Presbyterian Church Pastor Bob Spurgin says proceeds from the dinner will go to help fund church repairs and upgrades.

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Spurgin explains the Highlights of the gourmet dinner that Dr. Chen will prepare.

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Spurgin says there are a few tickets remain for the 6 o’clock dinner that will be held at first Presbyterian on East Franklin Street Saturday evening. To reserve space, call the church at 824-2253.

Shelby County Lincoln Thornton Debate Set For Next Thursday

11/06/2009

Lincoln enthusiasts can take a trip back in time next week as Shelby County Heritage, Inc. will present the Lincoln-Thornton Debate re-enactment in celebration of the 153rd anniversary of the debate and the 146th anniversary of the Gettysburg address. SCHI member Whit Hardy explains the re-enactment, which is set for next Thursday, will bring to life one of the most historically significant events to occur in Shelby County.

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Hardy explains the debate focused on the Kansas-Nebraska act, which dealt with ending slavery in the United States.

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Proceeds from the event will go toward funding historic plaques and storyboards in Shelby County

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Again, the Lincoln Thornton Debate re-enactment is set for next Thursday November 12th at 7 o’clock. For more information, visit the web site Shelbyfoundation.org.

SIU Medical Feature: Lung Cancer On The Rise

11/06/2009

Lung cancer is increasing in this country, especially among women. More than 160,000 Americans are expected to die from lung cancer this year. Dr. Peter White, professor of pulmonary medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains risk factors for lung cancer.

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Dr. White, who also is a member of the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at SIU, says other risk factors include exposure to asbestos or radon, environmental factors and secondhand smoke. He says there is no widely used screening tool for lung cancer, so most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, usually by a chest X-ray. He explains some of the symptoms.

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Dr. White encourages people to stop smoking to lower their risk of lung cancer. If you or someone you know has a persistent cough and chest pain, a personal physician can provide a thorough exam or make a referral to a pulmonary specialist for further testing.

Quinn Pushing For National Military Relief Fund

11/06/2009

Governor Pat Quinn was in Washington D.C. this week, pushing for passage of a National Military Family Relief Fund.
The proposed national fund is modeled after a similar effort created in Illinois in 2003. It collects money to distribute to families struggling to get by while their loved one is serving overseas. Governor Quinn says such support can relieve soldiers and the ones left behind of some of their everyday pressures.

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The national version is being proposed in the U.S. House by Representative Bill Foster. If approved, it would be run by the Department of Defense.

IDHS Looking To Learn About Diabetes Through Online Survey

11/06/2009

The Illinois Department of Human Services is hoping to gather information about diabetes through a new online survey.
More than 841 thousand adults are currently living with diabetes in Illinois, and it’s estimated one out of three kids could face the same fate says DHS spokesperson Tom Green.

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They survey is short and easy to complete. You can access it via the website: dhs.state.il.us.

Tips For Gardeners Looking To Shake The Winter Blues

11/05/2009

By this time of year, most Central Illinois gardeners have hung up their spades and gardening gloves for the year. But for some dedicated green-thumbers, even the frigid temps of November can’t keep them from digging into the soil. U of I Extension Christian County Master Gardener Gwen Pddeschi explains a few things that gardeners should be mindful of if they hope to keep the flowers a bloomin’.

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Podeschi says November is a good time to plant bulbs for tulips and other flowers, so that they will sprout up healthy next spring.

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For more information on the Christian County Master Gardeners program, contact the Extension office at 287-7246.

People's Bank & Trust Accepting Scholarship Applications

11/05/2009

Area college students looking for some financial help can now apply for the 2009-2010 Peoples College Scholarship Award, made available by People’s Bank and Trust. Each year, Peoples Bank & Trust awards scholarships up to $5000 to college students who have graduated from area high schools. People’s Bank and Trust Pana Branch Community President George Heintz explains anyone with a year or more of college under their belts already is urged to apply.

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Requirements for applications are that the student must currently be a full time college student, have graduated from Pana, Tower Hill, Altamont, St. Elmo, Taylorville, Morrisonville, Ramsey, Beecher City, Cowden-Herrick, Central A&M, Shelbyville, Nokomis, Edinburg or Chatham-Glenwood High Schools, exhibit financial need, good citizenship, and ability to complete their college education. Applications are available at all Peoples Bank & Trust offices and at each high schools guidance office. Heintz says the total amount of scholarship money awarded each year varies based on the number of qualified applicants.

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This is the twelfth year that Peoples Bank & Trust has sponsored this scholarship program. Since its inception, more than $116,000 has been awarded to 82 winners. Peoples Bank & Trust is an Independent Community Bank with five offices located in Pana, Taylorville, Altamont, Tower Hill, and Springfield.

IPI Survey Gives Illinois Universities A Failing Grade

11/05/2009

A new report from the Illinois Policy Institute and the American Council of Trustees and Alumni gives Illinois’ public universities a failing grade in the areas of cost effectiveness, curriculum and intellectual diversity. The report surveys 10 public four-year universities. Director of Education Policy for the IPI Collin Hitt says the report is based on finding from surveys of students attending Illinois Public University. He says findings show students feel some professors use the classroom to push their own ideologies or political views.

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Hitt offers some suggestions for how the IPI feels the University system can take steps to improve on its failing grades.

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As described on their website, The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to supporting free market principles and liberty-based public policy initiatives for a better Illinois.

State's Attorney Finks Files Judge Petition in Less Crowded Race

11/05/2009

Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks’ name will appear on this February’s primary election ballot, but in a slightly different position than he originally indicated. Earlier this year, Finks announced his candidacy to replace the now retired Judge John Coady as an at large Circuit Judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. However, Monday Finks filed a petition to run for the Circuit Judge seat left open by the retired Judge Kathleen Moran. According to Finks, the positions are essentially identical, and the candidates elected to each will serve the same nine county district. Finks says the change was purely strategic, as the field of candidates to replace Moran is much less crowded than the one to replace Coady.

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The race to fill Moran’s seat is a heads up match-up between Finks and Fellow Democrat Mike McHaney of Salem, with no Republicans on the ballot. The race to replace Coady features Democrats Michelle Coady of Taylorville, Stephen Friedel of Vandalia and Stewart Freeman of Breese. Douglas Jarman of Hillsboro has filed on the Republican side to fill the Coady opening.

Crop Report: Wet End To October Delays Harvest Further

11/05/2009

Although Central Illinois has finally strung a few dry days together this week, last week brought another soaking dose of precipitation to the area, finishing off a record setting October for precipitation, and yet again stalling Illinois farmer’s harvest plans. As USDA Agricultural Statistician Margie Whitcotton tells us in this week’s crop reports, saturated soil is what is most hampering farmers efforts to make significant harvest progress.

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Margie Whitcotton reporting. Tune in for weekly crop reports during Regional Radio Newscasts and on Taylorville Daily News dot crop through the end of harvest.

Fire Marshall Looking Into Taylorville House Fire

11/04/2009

The Illinois State Fire Marshall has been called in to investigate a fire that broke out at a house located at 425 South Cheyenne in Taylorville Tuesday. Crews responded to the call shortly after 10am, and arrived to find smoke billowing from the top floor of the two story structure. Multiple people, including an 8-year-old boy were home at the time of the fire, and all made it out unharmed. Fireman had the fire controlled within about 90 minutes, which is reported to have caused about 70 thousand dollars in damages to the insured home. The cause of the fire is under investigation, although firefighters believe it started in a bedroom on the top floor of the home. The Red Cross has been called in to assist the displaced family.

International Harvester Accident Leaves One Man Hospitalized

11/04/2009

A Windsor, Il. man was hospitalized after a crash near Sharpsburg Tuesday Morning. According to reports from the Christian County Sheriff's Department, 61 year old Carl E. Orndoff was headed north on Route 29 approaching an intersection at Township Road 1800 North when an International Harvester truck driven by 74 year old James P. Spengler of Edinburg turned into his path. Orndoff reportedly hit the implement on the grain trailer tire. Orndoff was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital for treatment of serious injuries suffered in the crash. Spengler was uninjured, and there were no passengers in either vehicle.

Taylorville Native Defeated In N.J. Gov Re-election Bid

11/04/2009

A Taylorville Native running for re-election as Governor of New Jersey has been defeated. Incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine fell to Republican Challenger Chris Christie in a close race. Corzine, who graduated from Taylorville High School, served one term as New Jersey Governor. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Senate. Corzine was also chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs.

Landers Kicks Off State Rep. Run At Christian County Courthouse

11/04/2009

Charles Landers, the Macoupin County Coroner, announced his candidacy to replace Betsy Hannig as the 98th District State Representative yesterday (Tuesday), with a tour of public appearances that began in Carlinville and ended on the Christian County Courthouse lawn in Taylorville around 3 o’clock. Landers, a lifelong resident of the 98th district, took over as the Macoupin County Coroner back in 1980. Landers opened up his speech by outlining downstate Illinois’ biggest challenges, and why he feels he’s the man to lead the district in these tough times.

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While at the podium, Landers provided a detailed background of his life, including how he became a self-employed businessman at the age of 25.

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Landers has been involved in community affairs throughout the majority of his work life. Throughout his 28 years as Coroner, Landers explained how he has been there during the worst times in the lives of many.

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Landers joins two other Democrats, Chris Sherer (of Hillsboro), Fred Snodgrass Jr. (of Virden), and Republican Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville in the race for 98th District State Representative.

LIHEAP Application Period Opens To All

11/04/2009

The C.E.F.S Economic Opportunity Corporation is currently taking applications for the 2010 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap). The program provides one time grants to income eligible homeowners and renters to help pay for winter energy bills and reconnection of energy service. Energy Programs Operation Manager Kathy Walk explains how folks can take advantage of the program.

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Walk encourages prospective applicants to apply quickly, because the grants are provided on a first come first serve basis.

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Christian County LIHEAP appointments can be made in Taylorville by calling 824-4712, or 562-2311 in Pana. Walk says there is nearly 473 thousand dollars in one time grants available for Christian County residents.

PubStool Open Returns To Taylorville This Weekend

11/04/2009

The Senior Citizens of Christian County will once again be the beneficiary of the annual “Pub stool Open,’ in Taylorville. During the event, which will be held this Saturday, participants will tour local establishments, where they will have the opportunity to enjoy beverages and camaraderie, and compete in a mini-golf challenge. Senior Center Director John Heldman says the event has proved popular and lucrative over the years.

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At each establishment, contestants will play a mini-golf hole, with the low score recipient earning a cash prize.

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Teams of four can register until Friday for $25 dollars per participant. For more information 824-4263.

IDOR To Publish Non-Payers Online

11/04/2009

The Illinois Department of Revenue is posting another batch of deadbeat taxpayers on its website.
The names and addresses of 100 businesses and individuals collectively owing the state more than six million dollars is now online. Revenue Spokesperson Sue Hofer says it’s an effective way to get them to pay up.

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Before their names went up on the web, the deadbeat taxpayers were given two notices and a chance to pay what they owe.

Sec. Of State Warns of Investment Scams

11/04/2009

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse white is urging Illinoisans to beware of unscrupulous investment brokers.
Tanya Solov, Head of Secretary of State Jesse White’s Securities Division, says they are currently handling more than 600 cases of suspected fraud, 39 of which involve criminal acts.

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Secretary White says often when the economy is in a slump; con artists try and take advantage of people looking to make more money.

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You can see if your broker is licensed by the state and has ever been disciplined by visiting the website, avoidthescam.net.

Taylorville Kiwanis Holds Monthly Business Meeting

11/04/2009

(Taylorville)—The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their monthly business meeting at their weekly luncheon today (Tuesday) at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auditorium.

Committee chairs gave reports on recent Kiwanis Club activities that benefit children and youth in the Taylorville community.

Finance committee chair Dan Sneed reported that last month’s annual Peanut Days fund-raiser netted the club a record $5300 that will be put back into the community.

Key Club committee member Eric Kahle reported that the Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club collected can goods for UNICEF, last Friday night during Taylorville’s Trick or Treating.

And Kiwanis Park committee chair Jerry Woodard reported that 2 security cameras and high density lights, have been installed at the new restrooms in Kiwanis Park.

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

Local Candidates Set For February Primary

11/03/2009

The filing petition period for candidates running in the upcoming February primary election for county and state offices ended (Monday.)

As Expected, six candidates filed to replace Bob Kinderman as the next Christian County Sheriff including:

Dave Mahan (D)

Don Broaddus (D)

Mick Molliske (D)

Gary Slovic (D)

Thomas Strawn (D)

Bruce Kettelkamp (R)

In other Christian County county-wide races, the following candidates have filed:

Treasurer- Colleen Hadley (D)

Supervisor of Assessments – Ron Finley (D)

County Clerk/Recorder – Linda Curtin (D)

In Christian County Board races, the following candidates have filed petitions:

District 1- Timothy Carlson (R)

Tim Butcher (D)

Craig Paulek (D)

District 2- Michael Drea (D)

Carol Foli (D)

District 3- Unexpired two year term:

Marilyn Voggetzer (D)

Regular Term:

Greg Hager (D)

James (Mike) McClure (D)

Darrell Robertson (D)

District 4 Lloyd Washburn (R)

Joseph Marley (D)

In Christian County Board of Review races, the following candidates have filed petitions:

District 1 Jeffrey Beyers (D)

District 2 Miriam Boyd (D)

Candidates filing for other area district/state/federal races include:

19^th District U.S. Congress

SHIMKUS, JOHN M.
COLLINSVILLE, IL
REPUBLICAN Active

FIRSCHING, MICHAEL
MORO, IL
REPUBLICAN Active

BAGWELL, TIM
OLNEY, IL
DEMOCRATIC Active

51^st District Illinois Senate

McCARTER, KYLE
LEBANON, IL
REPUBLICAN Active

BLIEFNICK, AMY M.
DECATUR, IL
DEMOCRATIC Active

DUDLEY, TIM
DECATUR, IL
DEMOCRATIC Active

49^th District Illinois Senate

McCANN, WILLIAM "SAM"
CARLINVILLE, IL
REPUBLICAN Active

DEMUZIO, DEANNA
CARLINVILLE, IL
DEMOCRATIC Active

87^th District Illinois House of Representatives

MITCHELL, BILL
FORSYTH, IL
REPUBLICAN Active

WISSMILLER, GEORGE H.
DeWITT, IL

REPUBLICAN Active

98^th District Illinois House of Representatives
ROSENTHAL, WAYNE ARTHUR
MORRISONVILLE, IL
REPUBLICAN Active

LANDERS, CHARLES
BUNKER HILL, IL
DEMOCRATIC Active

SHERER, CHRIS
HILLSBORO, IL 62049
DEMOCRATIC Active

SNODGRASS JR., FRED J.
VIRDEN, IL
DEMOCRATIC Active

101^st District Illinois House of Representatives

SCRANTON, MARK
DECATUR, IL
REPUBLICAN Active

FLIDER, BOB
MT. ZION, IL
DEMOCRATIC Active

4^th Judicial Circuit Judge (Coady)

JARMAN, DOUGLAS L.
HILLSBORO, IL
REPUBLICAN Active
10/28/2009 1:56 PM

FRIEDEL, STEPHEN
VANDALIA, IL
DEMOCRATIC Active

FREEMAN, STEWART
BREESE, IL

DEMOCRATIC Active

COADY, MICHELLE
TAYLORVILLE, IL 62568

DEMOCRATIC Active

4^th Judicial Circuit Judge (Moran)

McHANEY, MIKE
SALEM, IL

DEMOCRATIC Active

FINKS, TOM
TAYLORVILLE, IL

DEMOCRATIC Active

Christian/Montgomery Regional Superintendent of Schools

BOLLINGER, KELLY J.
STONINGTON, IL
REPUBLICAN Active
10/29/2009 10:32 AM

TRADER, THERESA (TERRY)
HILLSBORO, IL
DEMOC

Shimkus Tours Rockies Express Compressor Facility

11/03/2009

Nineteenth District Illinois Congressman John Shimkus (Monday) toured the Blue Mound Compressor facility for the Rockies express East Pipeline, which was recently completed and put into service. The compressor site, which is actually located near Mt. Auburn, is a nearly 40 million facility that helps natural gas flow along the nearly 17 hundred-mile pipeline that runs from Colorado to Ohio. Local Electric Co-op’s as well as the Ameren Illinois Utilities will partner with Rockies express to provide natural gas heat to area homes. Shimkus says he encourages alternate means of energy to be brought into the area to create a competitive marketplace.

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Shimkus says he sees natural gas as an emerging source of affordable alternative energy.

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The Rockies Express East Pipeline wrapped up construction in Central Illinois earlier this year, pipeline officials say land restoration is nearly complete in the area.

Pictured: Congressman John Shimkus (Right) tours the Blue Mound Compressor Facility with Rockies Express Pipeline Officials Monday.

Caring Leaders Play Big Role In United Way Campaign

11/03/2009

In its effort to increase financial support for several agencies that serve area residents, United Way of Christian County initiated a “Caring Leaders” program three years ago. U-W officials say the program has pumped new life into the agency, which, along with individual contributions, was able to allocate full funding to member agencies last fiscal year.
“Members of the ‘Caring Leaders’ program have ended up providing two-thirds of the campaign goal, according to Joni Beyers, United Way’s Executive Director.

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Beyers said that the commitment of Caring Leaders not only succeeded in exceeding United Way’s fundraising goal of $125,000 last year by an additional $8,000, it brought in more volunteers to support the organization. She explains the criteria that community business leaders must meet in order to be a part of the ‘caring leaders’ program.

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This year’s campaign with a goal of $128,000 will end on November 12, although contributions are welcome at any time throughout the year, Beyers said.
For more information about United Way of Christian County, contact Beyers at 824-8404 or visit the organization’s website at www.unitedwayofcc.org.

ISP To Pick Up 50 New Squads

11/03/2009

After coping with squad cars well past their prime in recent years, the Illinois State Police is finally getting some new additions to its fleet.
State police will get 50 new vehicles by the end of this year, with more to come through next summer. The purchases are being made thanks to a new law this year creating a one-dollar surcharge on vehicle registration fees. State Police Director Jonathon Monken says the new cars are desperately needed.

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Monken says they expect to get 325 new cars by the end of the fiscal year next June.

College Illinois Enrollment Now Open

11/03/2009

Enrollment is now open for the state’s College Illinois program.
State Student Assistance Commission Spokesperson Paul Palian says College Illinois lets parents pay for their children’s future tuition expenses, at today’s prices.

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And for the first time, enrollment will remain open all year round. The College Illinois program has a new website, 529prepaidtuition.org. There you can sign up for a variety of payment plans.

Extension Looking For New Master-Gardeners

11/03/2009

The University of Illinois Extension Christian County is in search of new members for its Master Gardeners program. Anyone interested in joining can call the extension at 287 7246. Extension Director Linda Smith says Master Gardeners rack up a lot of volunteer hours throughout the year, helping with area beautification projects, and backyard-outdoor training for homeowners.

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Smith says the training to become a Master Gardener is thorough.

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The ‘Gary’ that Smith refers to is U of I Natural Resources Educator Gary Letterly. The program holds its monthly meeting next Thursday, November 12th at 7 pm in the extension office, located at 1120 N. Webster in Taylorville.

Mitchell; Flider Weigh In On Ameren Rate Increase Request

11/03/2009

The Illinois Commerce Commission gave people a chance to have their voice heard, by holding a utility rate hearing in Decatur Monday evening, regarding the latest rate increase request from Ameren. The Decatur Public Library hosted the event. Prior to the hearing, Representative Bill Mitchell released a statement, saying the ICC needs to stop being a rubber stamp for utilities.

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Representative Bob Flider was at the helm of requesting the hearing. He says last night gave the public an opportunity to express their disapproval of Ameren’s latest rate increase.

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Flider has been a strong advocate for utility reform. Last year, he sponsored legislation that would require the ICC to hear public comments and testimony at meetings before they decide on an issue.

City; Hospital Officials Pleased With New Springfield Clinic Taylorville

11/02/2009

Officials from Springfield Clinic, Taylorville Memorial Hospital, and the city of Taylorville were on hand Sunday afternoon for the official dedication and ribbon-cutting of ‘Springfield Clinic Taylorville’. All those in attendance at the clinic’s new medical office building heard speeches from Springfield Clinic CEO Randy Bryant, TMH President/CEO Dan Raab, Springfield Clinic Board of Directors William Putman, and Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton. The event celebrated the completion of the first phase of a major expansion and renovation of medical facilities on the TMH Campus. While at the podium, Brotherton took the time to express his appreciation for the new facility.

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The crowd also heard from Dr. Yaser Freij, Specialist in Pediatrics for Springfield Clinic Taylorville. Freij told everyone how thrilled he is with the new building.

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Following the remarks and ribbon-cutting, Springfield Clinic Taylorville staff offered guided tours of the facility and light refreshments. The new 40,000 square foot office is home to Springfield Clinic’s Taylorville-based medical team of 8 physicians and 6 mid-level providers. The building also houses more than 20 Springfield-based medical specialists who see patients in Taylorville as part of Springfield Clinic’s Specialty Outreach program.

Cow/Calf Field Day To Return To U of I Extension

11/02/2009

The University of Illinois Extension Christian County will put the latest in local agriculture research on display, during November’s ‘Cow-Calf Field Day’ on November 18th. The day represents part of the Dudley Smith Initiative, which invests in research and outreach to strengthen agriculture in Illinois. U of I Natural Resources Educator Gary Letterly says the program will highlight many developments of ongoing local research, including the rotational grazing/paddock system in place at the Dudley Smith Farm near Pana.

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Weather permitting; Letterly says the program will feature a field trip to the Dudley Smith Farm.

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Registration for the Field Day closes on November 13th. All those interested in registering can call 217-287-7246, or online at Christian.extension.uiuc.edu.

Eddy: Campaign Finance Reform Falls Short

11/02/2009

After months of negotiations between legislative leaders and reform groups, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a campaign finance bill last week. Representative Roger Eddy says the measure doesn’t accomplish the mission of cleaning up corruption in Illinois.

Eddy key-0 :40 cue: we’re not doing it

Senate Bill 1466, sponsored by Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan, includes campaign contribution caps for individuals, corporations, unions and political action committees. However, the bill does not limit contributions from a political party or caucus PAC to a candidate.

House Republicans filed an amendment to the bill to make the limits on party/caucus contributions apply not only for the primary election, but also for the general election. Democrats bottled up the Republican proposal in the House Rules Committee. The bill must still be signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn.

Calling All Entrepreneurs: GTCC To Host Small Business Seminar

11/02/2009

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar this month geared towards entrepreneurs in Illinois. Director of the Small Business Development Center for Lincoln Land Community College Kevin Lust will teach a class called ‘How to Start a Business in Illinois’. Chamber President and CEO Fred Ronnow says anyone thinking about starting a business should give Lust a try.

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The seminar takes place in the Chamber conference room from 2 to 4 pm on Tuesday November 10th. Although space is limited, Ronnow says seats remain. For more information call the chamber at 824-4919.

Flider Pleads With U of I Board To Reconsider Big Salaries

11/02/2009

State Representative Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion) sent a letter Friday to the members of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, asking them to reconsider the contracts and continued salaries approved for former President B. Joseph White and former Chancellor Richard Herman, whom recently stepped down in light of controversy surrounding an unfairly influenced admissions process. Flider labels the board’s decision to award the Herman and White lucrative teaching positions as ‘offensive’.

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Flider’s letter came in response to the high salaries awarded to White and Herman upon their resignation. White is set to receive $300,000 and Herman to receive $244,000, and both will be stepping down into teaching positions with the University. He also worries that this arrangement could cost the university even more once they hire a new chancellor and president.

Randy France, 57, Unexpectedly Passes Away

11/01/2009

(Taylorville) Randy France, a prominent leader in the Taylorville community, unexpectedly passed away Saturday morning. Alderman Earl Walters says he received a call around 7:30 Saturday morning from Mayor Greg Brotherton with the bad news. Walters says France, who was 57 years old, apparently suffered a heart attack.

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France was involved with numerous organizations, including the United Way of Christian County, the Taylorville Optimist Club, and the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. Walters says France will be sorely missed.

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France was also a gas and electric supervisor for Ameren CIPS. Due to the unexpected passing, Mayor Greg Brotherton has cancelled Monday’s bi-monthly City Council meeting.

CDC: H1N1 Pediatric Deaths Up Sharply

11/01/2009

(Atlanta, GA) -- There have now been 114 deaths among children from the H1N1 flu virus. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention says over the past week, they confirmed 19 more deaths of children from the virus, the largest one-week increase since the pandemic started last spring. CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden [[ FREE-den ]] says widespread flu is now reported in 48 states. Over the past two months there have been more hospitalizations of people under the age of 65 than in most entire flu seasons.

Frieden says the H1N1 flu is a young person's flu. While 90-percent of seasonal flu deaths are among people over 65, 90 percent of H1N1 flu deaths are among people under 65. Frieden says he is concerned that many people at risk for complications from the H1N1 flu are not going to a doctor when they get sick. Even among people who have an underlying condition, only half went to their provider when they came down with flu-like symptoms.

Lawmakers Cracking Down On Gang Members With Guns

11/01/2009

Illinois lawmakers have sent the governor a bill that sends gang members caught with a loaded gun to prison.

The measure was sponsored by senator Tony Munoz of Chicago who says they have to do something to curb gang violence.

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The offense will carry a prison term of three to 10 years. Munoz says there are 70 to 100 gangs in Chicago alone, with 70 to 125 thousand members each. The bill must still be signed into law by the governor.

House Approves Cemetery Reforms

11/01/2009

The Illinois house is pushing ahead with tough state regulations in response to the Burr Oak Cemetery tragedy.

House members approved several reforms, requiring many cemetery workers to be licensed, for cemeteries to keep maps showing each gravesite and to keep grounds well maintained. Representative Monique Davis of Chicago sponsored the legislation, saying it’s needed to give families peace of mind.

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The bill comes after the scandal at burr oak cemetery, where hundreds of bodies were dug up and their graves resold. Religious and public cemeteries would be exempt from the licensing requirements. The measure now heads to the senate for a vote.