'09 Toy Safety Report Released

11/28/2009

The 2009 Trouble In Toyland report from Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) is now available to help guide parents in choosing safe toys. PIRG also found loud toys present problems for children. This factor is of particular concern with nearly 15 percent of kids ages six-to-17 years old showing signs of hearing loss.

The loudness standard for most toys is set at 85 decibels. Toys for use "close to the ear" are held to a 65 decibels rule. PIRG determined some toys currently exceed 85 decibels at close range. The organization lists choking on small parts, small balls and balloons as the number one cause of toy-related deaths and injuries. Items with phthalates are also a possible danger to children. Phthalates are compounds used for softening vinyl.

Early Numbers Indicate Booming Black Friday

11/28/2009

Black Friday is over and early indications are consumers turned out in strong numbers to search for holiday bargains. However, industry executives are questioning whether the momentum will last. Still, up to 134-million people say they may shop for gifts through this weekend. Also, the day was not without some glitches for online shoppers. "USA Today" reports a promotion by retailer Kohl's caused a massive rush and crashed its website for hours. Shoppers either could not get on the site or were unable to check out.

American Cancer Society Still Suggesting Starting Regular Mammograms At 40

11/27/2009

Contrary to research released from the United States Preventive Services Task Force suggested that women should not have regular mammograms completed until the age of 50, the American Cancer Society says women should begin the tests at age 40. Steve Turner of the local ACS chapter explains early detection is key to preventing breast cancer related deaths.


The USPSTF’s new guidelines are largely put in place as an effort to save money for insurance companies on health related claims, but Turner says catching cancer early could keep medical bills lower in the long run.


For more information on the American Cancer Society and the services they provide, visit the web site cancer.org.

Taylorville Police Department Set To Host Kids, Cops, And Christmas Program

11/27/2009

The Taylorville Police Benevolent and Protective Association #16 is once again sponsoring the Kids, Cops, and Christmas Program. Program Coordinator and Taylorville Police Officer Alan Mills explains the Kids, Cops, and Christmas Program has allowed officers of the Taylorville Police Department to give children in need throughout Christian County a chance to have a brighter Christmas.


The program is funded totally through donations. Since its inception the program has helped hundreds of children and families. Last year over 30 children were able to be assisted through this program. The Taylorville Police Department is currently taking applications for children that could be helped.


Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2009. The date of the event will take place on December 9, 2009 at the Taylorville Wal-Mart, starting at 6:00 pm. Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact the Taylorville Police Department at 824-2211.

Taylorville PTA To Hold Mostaccioli Dinner Fundraiser

11/26/2009

Area folks can enjoy a home cooked mostaccioli dinner next weekend, and help some local school kids all at the same time. Saturday December 5th from 4:30 until 7:00, North School will be the site of the Taylorville Parent Teacher Association fundraiser. PTA member and event organizer Sara Ellinger explains money raised will go toward funding new playground equipment for North School.

The North School Mostaccioli Dinner fundraiser is Saturday December 5th from 4:30 until 7 at North School. Tickets are six dollars each and can be purchased at the door.

Quinn Hopeful For Thomson Correctional Center Decision Before The End Of 2009

11/26/2009

Governor Pat Quinn is hopeful a decision on the Thomson Correctional Center proposal will come by the end of the year.

The Obama administration is considering buying Thomson, and turning it into a federal prison. Terrorism suspects may also be housed there. Governor Quinn says the sale of Thomson would be good for Illinois.

An economist at the University of Illinois agrees. J. Fred Giertz says the money from the sale of the prison would help the state’s ailing budget. Critics worry about public safety.

Tools Stolen From Assumption GSI Earlier This Month

11/25/2009

Christian County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a report of a burglary from the GSI Group, Inc. Shop near assumption. According to reports, someone stole a plasma cutter, bench vise and impact wrench from the shop sometime between November 8th and 9th. The report was filed on November 9th but just released by the Sheriff's Department Wednesday. The total value of the items missing is reported to be around $2700. There are currently no suspects in the case.

Authorities Investigating Stonington Burglary

11/25/2009

Christian County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a report of a residential burglary that allegedly occured Monday afternoon in Stonington. According to reports, some broke into a house in the 200 blo9ck of South Livergood street sometime between two and four pm. About a hundred and fifty dollars in currency was reported missing. It is unclear is the residence was locked at the time of the alleged break in. There are currently no suspects in the case

Tenaska To Partner With Siemens Energy On TEC

11/25/2009

Siemens Energy, Inc. has been chosen to provide the coal gasification technology for the Taylorville Energy Center (TEC), the 730-megawatt advanced clean coal generating plant being developed near Taylorville, the company announced earlier this month.

Tenaska, managing partner for the $3.5 billion project, has signed equipment contracts and licensing agreements with Siemens for four gasifiers that will convert Illinois coal into substitute natural gas. Siemen’s Harry Morehead explains the gas will be used for electricity generation or fed into the interstate natural gas pipeline system.

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TEC's integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) technology also will capture and provide storage for at least 50 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) that would otherwise enter the atmosphere. Morehead says the Taylorville Energy Center could become the nation’s first commercial-scale, coal gasification plants with carbon capture and storage capability.

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Siemens has already begun the engineering process to apply the technology to the proposed plant. Morehead says for now its just a waiting game for Tenaska to get the necessary approvals to allow further work to continue.

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TEC is in advanced development, with the front end engineering and design (FEED) work required by the Illinois Clean Coal Portfolio Standard law under way. The FEED is expected to include more than 100,000 work hours by the time its facility cost report is presented to the Illinois Commerce Commission in early 2010. TEC is projected to be completed and in operation in 2014.

Taylorville Fire Dept. To Sponsor Annual Angel Tree

11/25/2009

The Taylorville Fire Department is once again teaming up with the local Wal-Mart to sponsor the ‘Angel Tree’ program, in an effort to help spread some holiday cheer to some needy children this holiday season. Firefighter Chris Smith says folks simply choose a child and buy them a gift, a bring it to the fire department for firefighters to deliver.

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Smith says the TFD will also accept cash donations in addition to the gifts, to allow firefighters to deliver Christmas food baskets to needy families as well.

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Again the Angel tree program runs from November 30th thru December 18th. To enroll a child in the Angel Tree program, call the Taylorville Fire Department at 824-3395.

Sheriff's Candidate Don Broaddus Speaks To Kiwanis

11/25/2009


(Taylorville)—One of the many candidates for the Christian County Sheriff’s job in the February 2010 primary, was (Tuesday’s) guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

            Don Broaddus, one of 5 Democratic candidates for the post, spoke to club members, citing his accomplishments in his over 15 years in law enforcement.

            Broaddus has served the past 6 years as Morrisonville police chief, and is also a farmer.  Broaddus previously spent 8 years in the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.  He cited his goals as sheriff as having open communications with other law enforcement agencies, developing community oriented programs, improving the fight against illegal drugs, and promoting strong DUI enforcement.

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            If elected Sheriff, Broaddus told the group one of his priorities is to open the lines of communication between the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies.

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            Blain Cornwell, president of the First National Bank in Taylorville, was inducted as the newest member of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club at today’s (Tuesday’s) meeting.  Cornwell has been president of the local bank since January of this year, previously serving at financial institutions in Carthage, Dalton City, and Niantic.

            Kiwanis members are encouraged to continue to bring non-perishable food stuffs to weekly meetings, to be given to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

            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 on Tuesdays at noon at Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.



Accused Cab Killers Court Date's Re-Set Pending DNA Results

11/24/2009

A backlog of work at the State’s crime lab is blamed for stalling a Springfield man’s decision on whether to accept a plea deal and avoid trial on murder charges. Twenty Six year old Brandon Allsup has been jailed since his arrest in July, when authorities say he shot and killed cab driver Steven Brummett in rural Christian County during an attempted robbery. During a court appearance in Christian County today, a judge re-set Allsup’s pre-trial to December 21st, pending DNA test results. Christian County State’s Attorney Tom Finks said last month that a plea deal had been offered to Allsup, although he did not disclose the terms. Allsup has opted to hold off on the making a decision on whether to accept the plea until test results come back. Family members and friends of Brummett were in Christian County Court today expected Allsup’s decision on a plea. His brother Jeff Brummett says the continued delays are frustrating.

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Two others charged in connection to the killing appeared in Christian County Court today as well. A judge granted the state’s motion to allow DNA samples to be collected from Donella Hamilton and Ashley Davis. Hamilton is charged with first-degree murder and Davis is charged with concealment of a homicide. Davis’ attorney also filed a motion to allow his client, who has been jailed since her arrest, to be released on her own recognizance pending trial. A judge indicated that motion would be considered during her next court date, which along with Hamilton and Allsup, is December 21st.

Plans Set For X-Mas in the Park Extravaganza

11/24/2009

The economic recession isn’t stopping local businesses from being a part of this year’s Christmas in the Park. Taylorville Park District Recreation Director Bailey Hancock told the board during Monday night’s monthly meeting that sponsorship and the number of displayers are up from last year.

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The annual light-filled display of Christmas cheer at Manner’s Park in Taylorville is just weeks away from getting underway. Christmas in the Park 2009 runs from Friday, December 11th through Christmas Day.

EREC Groundbreaking Set For Next Week

11/24/2009

The long awaited start to the construction of the new 12 hundred square foot classroom facility on the Campus of Lincoln Land Community College’s Eastern Regional Education Center Satellite Campus is Taylorville is nearly over. Officials from LLCC and community leaders will be on hand next Wednesday December 2nd at noon for a ceremonial groundbreaking to begin work on the new 2.2 million dollar facility that will replace the modular building currently in use. EREC Executive Director Jim Brubaker runs down the roster of dignitaries expected to address the crowd.
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Brubaker says once the building is complete and open to students, it will give the EREC a sense of permanency in the community. Brubaker explains some of the amenities that will be include with the new facility.

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Listen to live coverage of the groundbreaking during the expanded regional radio newscast at 12pm on Wednesday December 2nd.

Shelby County ACS Returns Christmas Cards For Cancer Drive

11/24/2009


The American Cancer Society of Shelby County is again this year is teaming up with area newspapers and radio stations to allow people to share Christmas greetings in exchange to a donation to help fund cancer research. Program coordinator Emily Marsland explains ‘Christmas Cards For Cancer’ will appear in four newspaper, and all three of the Regional Radio Stations.

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Marsland says the longstanding tradition has allowed people in the community to touch the lives of others without ever even meeting them.

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Donations should be mailed to Emily Marsland at Rural Route 1 Box 164 Windsor Il., with checks made payable to the American Cancer Society.

Camp Care-A-Lot Honored By ACAI

11/24/2009


A Central Illinois organization that helps kids overcome a tough home life has been awarded the 2009 Program Excellence Award from the American Camp Association-Illinois. Camp Care-A-Lot officials received the award during a ceremony in Chicago last Thursday. The camp is a weeklong residential, educational program for Central Illinois children ages 6-10 who are living in families with limited or no income. The camp focuses on giving children ownership of skills designed to make them better leaders and productive citizens in their communities. Camp Care-A-Lot Executive Director Eydee Schultz explains the criteria the Association considers when handing out the award.

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This years camp, which will pull kids from all over central Illinois, will be held in Pittsfield in July. Schultz explains some of the activities kids will participate in during their time at the camp.

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With multiple people on the board of directors, including Board Vice President Bill Barnes hailing from the area, Camp Care-A-Lot has a decidedly Taylorville flavor. Schultz explains the group is getting ready to celebrate 10 years of service to the local community.

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To make financial contributions or to volunteer July 17-24, 2010 contact Eydee Schultz at 546-4777. For more information, check out the website www.Campcarealot.org.

Carlinville Hombuilder Launches Bid For 49th District Senate Seat

11/23/2009

Sam McCann, a construction company owner from Carlinville, feels a sense of duty to save the state of Illinois, which is why he’s officially entering the State Senate race in the 49th District. The Republican announced his candidacy on the Christian County courthouse late last week. McCann believes job creation is the number one priority.

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McCann explains why the state’s budget problems may be a bit bigger then publicized.

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McCann is married and has two children. He’s been involved in numerous community projects throughout his life in Illinois, but believes being a State Senator would be the ultimate community service project.

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Last week McCann made formal announcements of his candidacy in all 11 counties that make up the 49th District. The race for the 49th District becomes a two-way contest now, with McCann running against incumbent Democrat Deanna Demuzio.

PCH Rehab/Wellness Center Nearing Complete

11/23/2009

Officials at the Pana Community Hospital are hopeful that the state of the art Rehab/Wellness Center will be up and running by the end of December. Major strides have been made during the fall months, and the outside of the 2.2-million-dollar-building is all but complete, according to PCH Marketing Coordinator Missy Rybolt.

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With the arrival of the Rehab/Wellness Center, comes the 2nd installment of the Pana Community Hospital Weight Loss Contest. The contest was heavily popular last year, with community participation surpassing all expectations. Rybolt hopes the Rehab/Wellness Center will enhance this year’s competition.

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‘Rehab Well, Live Well’- That’s the slogan in place for the new center. While the facility plans to put patients first, Rybolt says its services will also be open and available to the public.

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The Rehab/Wellness Center is located on the campus of the Pana Community Hospital. Construction on the Center commenced in June of 2008. Nine months after that in March of 2009, the Hospital Foundation reached its goal of raising half a million dollars, which will go towards erecting the facility.

Rep. Flider Supports Low Income Rx Bill Passage

11/23/2009

More low-income needy senior citizens will have access to prescription drug coverage thanks to legislation supported by State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt. Zion), which became law on November 3.

The bill provides needed changes to the ways that the Department of Aging determines who is eligible for the Illinois Cares Rx and Circuit Breaker prescription drug assistance program and the benefits they are able to receive. Flider says the legislation should ease the concerns of many seniors.

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The bill overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate and goes into effect on January 1, 2010.

Dairy Council Encourages Kids To 'Play 60'

11/23/2009

A new health and fitness program that is sparking action on playgrounds across the country is now gaining popularity in schools throughout central Illinois. Fuel Up To Play 60, a youth health and fitness program sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League is designed to empower students to take action for their health by eating right and exercising at least 60 minutes a day. Joyce Fickri, of the St. Louis Dairy Council, says the focus of the program is to combat childhood obesity.

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The most interesting aspect of the program, according to Fickri, is that it thrusts kids into leadership roles.

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The program allows students to track their progress online, and win prizes like I-Pods through competitions with other schools. Fickri says the program is resonating with America’s youth, and getting real results.

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Again, for more information on the innovative program, visit the website fueluptoplay60.com.

IDOT To Suspend Road Closures During Holiday

11/23/2009

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Gary Hannig announced last week it is giving motorists a break by suspending lane closures where possible over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.

“Because we know so many Illinoisans are planning to travel during the holiday weekend, we’re doing everything we can to keep the roads open and delay free.,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “We hope suspending construction and opening lanes this Thanksgiving holiday will increase the chances of motorists getting to their destinations safely.”

Secretary Hannig also urged drivers to closely monitor weather reports before beginning any long distance car trips, and to check IDOT’s website - www.gettingaroundillinois.com – for travel directions and the latest information on winter road conditions across the state. Information is also available by phone from a toll-free hotline.

Work in as many construction zones as possible around the state will be suspended for the Thanksgiving Holiday from 3:00 pm, Wednesday, November 26 through Midnight, Sunday, November 29.

Due to the nature of some projects, there will be construction zones throughout the state that will continue to have lane closures in effect. IDOT is reminding motorists to obey the law and slow down while driving through work zones. Holiday travelers are reminded that work speed zone limits are still in effect.

Manner's Park Announces Closing Hours For X-Mas In The Park

11/22/2009

Manner's Park in Taylorville will be closed from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Wednesday December 9th, and Thursday December 10th for the pre-lighting of 'Christmas in the Park'. The Park will be also be closed from 10:00 pm until 5:00 am, beginning Friday, December 11th through Christmas Day as the park observes 'Christmas in the Park'.

LLCC Veterans Club Collecting Cards For Troops

11/22/2009

The LLCC Veterans Club is collecting homemade or store-bought holiday cards to send to troops overseas. Anyone wishing to donate cards may bring them to the Veterans Affairs Office in Menard Hall on the main campus, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield. The final day for collecting donations is Dec. 1.

ISAC Still Has Low Interest Student Loans Available

11/22/2009

At a time when many banks are dropping out of the college loan business, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission reminds there are other options.

ISAC spokesperson Paul Palian says thanks to a partnership with credit unions across the state, there are still low interest, federally secured loans to be had for qualified families.

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For more information, and to apply online, visit the website, IDAAP.com.

Indications H1N1 May Be Subsiding

11/22/2009

The incidence of H1N1 flu remains high in the U.S., but there are indications the pandemic may be subsiding just a bit. The CDC's Dr. Anne Schuchat says Forty-three states are reporting wide-spread flu activity, that's down from 46 states last week.
Influenza tracking continues to show that children are becoming ill disproportionately. Since the Pandemic began last spring, there have been 171 laboratory-confirmed pediatric deaths from H1N1 flu. Dr. Schuchat says vaccine availability has improved with 54 million doses ready to be shipped to the states. That is 11 million more doses than were available last week.

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