State Officials Reminding Illinoisans December is Peak Month for Candle Fires

12/12/2009

December is the peak month for home candle fires in Illinois and across the country.

Acting state fire marshal Dave Defraites says they see the most home fires caused by candles this time of year, especially over Christmas and New Year’s.

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Defraites says candle fires occur most often because people get busy and forget they lit them, leaving the candles to burn down or go to bed without blowing them out. He recommends extinguishing taper and pillar candles when they get within two inches of the holder, and votives when only about a half inch of wax is left.

Ameren Promoting Efficient Holiday Gifts

12/12/2009

This year, you can give gifts that will keep giving throughout the New Year with energy-saving holiday gift ideas from the Ameren Illinois Utilities.

According to Ameren Spokesperson Leigh Morris, a good place to begin is with a gift for your own home. The Ameren Illinois Utilities Act On Energy program allows residential customers to save money by purchasing, at sharply discounted prices, energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs, or more commonly referred to as CFL’s.

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Morris adds another great gift idea for your home is new ceiling fans. Residential customers can receive a $20 rebate by purchasing a qualified ceiling fan, which will help save you energy throughout the year.

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Morris says a unique gift idea involves getting rid of that old, second refrigerator or freezer that is sitting out in the garage or down in the basement. AIU will pay an electric customer $35 for a standard size working refrigerator or freezer manufactured before 1993.

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Details of these and many other home gift ideas are found at www.ActOnEnergy.com. If you are looking for that perfect gift for someone else, then check out the Energy Star web site, www.EnergyStar.gov, for suggestions that will save on energy bills.

Christmas in the Park Underway

12/12/2009

(Taylorville) Christmas in the Park 2009 is officially underway. The annual two-week celebration of Christmas cheer kicked off on Friday night with ‘Supper with Santa’. The event featured a performance by Richard Landry, and dinner provided by the local McDonalds.

Tonight (Saturday) features the Little Miss and Mister Snowflake pageant from 6 to 8 pm. Despite a slow start, Taylorville Park District Recreation Director Bailey Hancock says the pageant has a good number of contestants.

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A plethora of other activities are scheduled for the initial phase of Christmas in the Park. Hancock says Sunday will feature a bake-off and sleigh rides.

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Hancock says children will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and their pets during Kids-N-Critters Monday night.

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And finally, one of the highlights of the first week includes ‘Supper And Bingo With Sonny’ on Tuesday. Hancock says tickets for the event can still be purchased.

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For a complete lineup of all Christmas in the Park 2009 events, go to taylorvilleparkdistrict.com.

Christian County Seniors Keeping Busy This Holiday Season

12/11/2009

Christian County Senior Center Executive Director John Heldman recently appeared on Regional Radio’s “Inside Central Illinois” to discuss what the senior center is doing for the holiday season. Heldman says that this time of year can be a difficult time for senior citizens due to the loss of loved ones, but that the senior center tries to plan events to help.

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Heldman says Santa Clause will be in attendance at the CEFS Christmas Party at the Christian County Senior Citizens Center prior to the seniors heading to Hickory Estates for Christmas tea.

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Heldman adds that last month’s Thanksgiving dinner was “well received.”

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For more information about the Christian County Senior Center or the CEFS Golden Circle Nutrition program call 217 – 824 – 4263.

'Y' Reflecting On Annual Auction

12/11/2009

The Christian County YMCA recently held its annual auction fundraiser on November 13th. Christian County YMCA Executive Director Chris Weittenhiller says that although this auction was his first, it was “hugely successful.” Weittenhiller says that a total of 245 paying attendees showed up for the event.

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Weittenhiller adds that a portion of the $80,000 raised goes towards the “Fund-A-Project,” and that this years project is outdoor playground equipment to be used by the YMCA youth.

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Weittenhiller also says that some of the money raised will go towards YMCA memberships for those who are in need of financial assistance.

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For more information regarding the Christian County YMCA call 217 – 287 – 7271.

Harvest Numbers Down For '09 Firearm Deer-Hunting Season

12/11/2009

Deer hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 99,419 deer during the seven-day 2009 firearm deer-hunting season. The preliminary total compares with 105,595 deer taken by hunters during the 2008 firearm season.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources preliminary numbers for the second season, which was held December 3rd through December 6th, show that 33,293 deer were harvested which is down from the second season of 2008 when hunters were able to take in 33,701 deer. Numbers from the 2009 first season show that over 66,000 deer were harvested, which is down from the first season total of 71,894 in 2008.

Spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources Tim Schweizer says the numbers were good this year, but for the second straight year, they were down from the previous firearm season.

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Like the rest of the state, Christian County hunters saw their numbers for the 2009 season come down from a year ago. This season, hunters were able to harvest 604 deer, which is down from 667 during the 2008 season.

Schweizer says that most hunters in the state blamed the low numbers on the standing corn crop, which provided plenty of shelter for the deer.

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Schweizer adds that the state does have a few more chances left for hunters to claim a deer for the 2009 late-winter season and muzzleloader season, as well as the archery season which ends January 17th, 2010.

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Other counties in the Regional Radio listening area reporting a decline in deer harvested were Effingham, Macon, Montgomery, and Sangamon. Early reports show that Pike County once again topped the county deer harvest totals for the firearm season as hunters there took 3,265 deer.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources asks successful hunters to report their harvest by 10 p.m. on the same calendar day the deer was taken by calling the toll-free check-in system 1 – 866 – 452 – 4325, or by going to the online check-in system at www.dnr.state.il.us/vcheck.

Nokomis Witt Ambulance Services Receive Grant

12/11/2009

19th District Congressman John Shimkus has announced that the Nokomis Witt Area Ambulance Service is the recipient of both a grant, and a loan, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program.

The ambulance service will be receiving a $20,000 grant, and a $155,000 loan, through the Community Facility Loan and Grant program. The funds will be combined with $13,255 in local funds to purchase a new ambulance for the seven Montgomery County townships served by the Nokomis Witt Area Ambulance Service.

Congressman Shimkus adds that the money will also go towards purchasing four new defibrillators.

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Shimkus says that one of the easiest ways to find out more information about the Rural Development program is to go online.

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Congressman Shimkus says that the program is one of the best governmental programs offered when it comes to assisting rural areas.

Sales Tax Increase Goes Into Effect on the 1st

12/11/2009

Taylorville City Treasurer Terri France would like to remind all retailers and servicepersons conducting business in the city of Taylorville that the sales tax rate on general merchandise will increase from 6.25% to 7% effective January 1st of 2010. The Non-Home Rule Sales Tax of .75% was voted in by the citizens of Taylorville as a referendum item on the April 7th General Election.

The new tax rate excludes property titled and registered with the state; medicine, drugs, medical appliances, diabetic medical supplies, and food to be consumed off the premises where it is sold, other than alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and food that has been prepared for immediate consumption.

Approximately two weeks ago, the Illinois Department of Revenue sent an informational bulletin to all retailers and servicepersons advising they must adjust their cash registers and any computer software program so that beginning January1st they will collect and remit the correct sales tax. For further information, contact the Illinois Department of Revenue’s telephone number is 800 – 732 – 8866 or 217 – 782 – 3336. You can also go online to www.tax.illinois.gov.

CCEDC Holds End Of The Year Business Meeting

12/10/2009

On Tuesday, the Christian County Economic Development Corporation held its end of the year business meeting. Among the topics discussed was the annual meeting to be held on January 18th at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Director of Economic Development for the CCEDC Mary Renner says Scott Clausen, CEO of GSI, and Pat Curry from the U of I Extension Services, will be some of the speakers at January’s meeting.

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Renner adds that the cost analysis and FEED study are going well for the Tenaska project.

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Renner says that the Prairie Fork Wind Project has been put on an “indefinite hold” according to the Dominion Energy’s corporate office in Richmond, Virginia.

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The mission of the Christian County Economic Development Corporation is to promote job creation and retention for existing businesses, as well as attracting new business to the Christian County area.

For more information contact Director of Economic Development for the CCEDC Mary Renner at 217 – 638 – 5032.

U of I Extension Office Hosting Pancake And Sausage Breakfast In January

12/10/2009

The University of Illinois Extension of Christian County will host its annual pancake and sausage breakfast in January. Ann Lupton with the University of Illinois Extension of Christian County Ag Literacy says that this fundraiser will help raise funds for supplies and materials to be used for the ag literacy program.

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Lupton adds that the theme of this year’s event is “Renewable Energy.”

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For more information regarding the “Renewable Energy” pancake and sausage breakfast, or any U of I Extension of Christian County programs, call the extension office at 217 – 287 – 7246.

Quinn Signs New Campaign Finance Bill

12/10/2009

On Wednesday, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law a groundbreaking campaign finance bill that imposes Illinois’ first-ever contribution limits on candidates, political parties and political action committees. The new law also makes campaign contribution and expenditure information more open and available to the public.

The signing of this important campaign finance legislation caps Governor Quinn’s “Year of Reform,” which includes passage of other tough ethics laws and implementation of government reforms in the areas of appointments, freedom of information, governmental and pension ethics, procurement and accountability.
Quinn says that this bill was created to help keep the government honest and clean, stating that fair competition is a fundamental principle of American democracy.

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The new law also creates the Campaign Finance Reform Task Force, which will study the impact of contribution limits and make recommendations following the 2012 and 2014 elections. The task force, which will consist of 11 members appointed by the Governor and the Illinois General Assembly, will also do an in-depth study on the feasibility of implementing public financing for statewide, legislative and judicial offices and make recommendations by September 30, 2012. A final report will be issued by March 10, 2015.

Signing the campaign finance reform law is the latest in a series of government ethics reforms put into action by the Quinn Administration this year.

Nokomis Witt Area Ambulance Service To Receive U.S. Department of Agriculture Grant And Loan

12/10/2009

19th District Congressman John Shimkus is pleased to announce that the Nokomis Witt Area Ambulance Service is the recipient of both a grant, and a loan, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program.

The ambulance service will be receiving a $20,000 grant, and a $155,000 loan, through the Community Facility Loan and Grant program. The funds will be combined with $13,255 in local funds to purchase a new ambulance for the seven Montgomery County townships served by the Nokomis Witt Area Ambulance Service.

Congressman Shimkus adds that the money will also go towards purchasing four new defibrillators.

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Shimkus says that one of the easiest ways to find out more information about the Rural Development program is to go online.

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Congressman Shimkus says that the program is one of the best governmental programs offered when it comes to assisting rural areas.

* BREAKING NEWS * Edinburg Boil Order Lifted

12/09/2009

At 3:30pm today the village of Edinburg Public Water Supply lifted a precautionary boil order affecting customers on Washington and Douglas Streets east of Eaton Street. Water supply personnel have returned the system to normal operation.

Customers in the affected area were encouraged to treat all water for drinking, or culinary, purposes by bringing it to a rolling boil for at least five minutes.

For additional information, contact Mike McKean at 217 – 623 – 5542.

GTCC Selling Gift Certificates

12/09/2009

If you’re looking for a great, last minute Christmas gift that will not only put a smile on your loved one’s face, but will also help the local Taylorville economy, look no further than the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President and CEO Fred Ronnow says the certificates are good at over 100 locations, and for some holiday-goers, “is always a good idea.”

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Ronnow adds that to date, the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce has sold
$195, 326 in the chamber gift certificates, which has created an economic impact of a little more than $1.1-million dollars for the city of Taylorville.

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For information regarding the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce gift certificates contact the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce office at
217 – 824 – 4919.

Kincaid Police Investigating Robbery

12/09/2009

The Kincaid Police are investigating a robbery that took place sometime between November 25th and November 28th. According to Kincaid authorities, there was a burglary in the 200 block of Borah Street. Stolen items ranged from hand tools to car parts. The estimated loss could be as much as $60,000, or more. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Christian County Crime Stoppers at
217 –824 – 9100, or 1 – 800 – 568 – TIPS, or you can also call the Kincaid Police Department at 217 – 237 – 5568.

Taylorville "Christmas In The Park" Begins December 11th

12/09/2009

Christmas in the Park 2009 gets underway this weekend at Manner’s Park in Taylorville. The annual two-week celebration of Christmas cheer kicks off on Friday night with ‘Supper with Santa’. Taylorville Park District Recreation Director Bailey Hancock says opening night will feature a magic show and dinner provided by McDonalds.

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Saturday night will feature the "Little Miss and Mr. Snowflake" pageant from 6 to 8 pm. Hancock says that although the application deadline has passed, there will be a good number of contestants for the pageant.

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Hancock says Sunday will feature a bake-off and sleigh rides.

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Hancock says children will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and their pets during ‘Kids-N-Critters’ Monday night.

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And finally, ‘Supper And Bingo With Sonny’ takes place on Tuesday. Hancock says tickets for the event can still be purchased.

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For a complete lineup of all Christmas in the Park 2009 events, go to www.taylorvilleparkdistrict.com.

Jarman Announces Candidacy For 4th Circuit Judge

12/09/2009

4th Circuit Judge Douglas L. Jarman, who was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill the vacancy of retired Judge John Coady, has announced his candidacy for election to the Coady vacancy in the 4th Circuit for the November 2010 general election.

Jarman was sworn into the office of Circuit Judge by Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier at an official ceremony on October 16, and is serving in a rotating capacity of hearing cases in all nine courthouses in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

Prior to joining the judiciary, the 52-year-old Republican was a solo practitioner in general practice of all types of law in Hillsboro. He received his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1985 and is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. Jarman also is a veteran of the United States Army and served in the White House Communications Agency.

Jarman will run unopposed in the February primary election. The Fourth Circuit includes Christian, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Marion, Montgomery and Shelby counties.

LLCC President Says New Facility Will Head To The Growth of Taylorville Campus

12/09/2009

It’s been almost a week since the groundbreaking of Lincoln Land Community College of Taylorville’s new classroom facility. President of Lincoln Land Community College Dr. Charlotte Warren says that the campus of LLCC of Taylorville continues to grow, and that more space is needed.

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Dr. Warren adds that the new facility will have seven classrooms, including a state-of-the-art science lab, as well as a student life gathering area.

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Construction on the new classroom facility is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010.

4H Selling Special Edition Cookbooks

12/09/2009

If your child is looking for a new, fulfilling hobby, then look no farther than the local 4H. They will be holding culinary courses for children between the ages of 8 and 18 on Thursday evenings January 7th, 14th, and 21st. 4H Community Worker Jody Heberling says that kids don’t have to be a member of 4H to participate.

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Heberling says the kids can gain some self-accomplishment through the culinary course.

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Heberling adds that these events are a good way to recruit new 4H members.

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For more information about the courses contact the 4H at 1120 North Webster Street in Taylorville, or call 217 – 287 – 7246.

Taylorville Fire Department Rescues Injured Pelican

12/08/2009

On Tuesday, someone seeking assistance in rescuing an injured pelican called the Taylorville Fire Department. Firefighters were called to the wetland area east of town, just south of the Assumption blacktop, to rescue the bird. Among the equipment used by the responders were the department’s ATV, and one of the firefighter’s personal watercraft. With temperatures in the low 30’s, maneuvering through the icy waters required delicate precision, as the ice was a little over an inch thick.



After an hour, they were finally successful in obtaining the bird. Upon its capture, the Decatur Scovill Zoo was called for assistance in placing the pelican in custody. Scovill Zoo Director Dave Webster says that if the bird had not been rescued, it would’ve likely died this winter.

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Webster adds that with limited space at Scovill Zoo, it is likely the bird will get transferred to a zoo with more room to care for and treat the bird. Webster also says that it is not uncommon for pelicans to stay in Illinois through the winter.

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The bird was missing its entire left wing, likely the result of an attack from a predator. Webster says Scovill Zoo will care for the bird until an alternative facility has been found.

Doug Jarman Announces Candidacy For 4th Circuit

12/08/2009

(Hillsboro) Fourth Circuit Judge Douglas L. Jarman, who was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill the vacancy of retired Judge John Coady, has announced his candidacy for election to the Coady vacancy for the November 2010 general election.

Judge Jarman was sworn into the office of Circuit Judge by Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier at an official ceremony on October 16, and is serving in a rotating capacity of hearing cases in all nine courthouses in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The Fourth Circuit includes Christian, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Marion, Montgomery and Shelby counties.

Prior to joining the judiciary, Judge Jarman, 52, was a solo practitioner in general practice of all types of law in Hillsboro, IL. He has served as counsel in nearly every area of civil and criminal law, including service as an attorney for governmental entities such as the City of Hillsboro and the Villages of Panama and Irving.

“My first two months of service in the judiciary has been both humbling and rewarding,” said Judge Jarman. “The Fourth Circuit serves a large geographic area. I’m enjoying the opportunity to meet citizens and lawyers from all nine counties and appreciate the warm welcome I’ve received in my new duties.”
Judge Jarman received his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1985 and is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. Judge Jarman also is a veteran of the United States Army and served in the White House Communications Agency.

On October 28, 2009, Judge Jarman filed petitions to seek the Republican nomination for Coady vacancy. Jarman will be unopposed in the February primary election.
“It’s an honor to serve the people of Illinois,” said Judge Jarman. “I have promised myself and the citizens I serve that I will bring honesty, integrity, and impartiality to this job each and every day. I would be honored if the voters would consider this appointment as a job interview for a full six-year term.”

Judge Jarman lives in Hillsboro with his wife Cheryl. They have three children. Doug has been active in the Illinois Bar Association the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Hillsboro Lions Club, and coaching youth sports. Until being named as judge, Jarman was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hillsboro Hospital, First Community Bank in Hillsboro, and the Montgomery County Multidisciplinary Committee whose goal is to serve senior citizens.

Montgomery Man Killed in ATV Crash

12/08/2009

(Farmersville) An ATV crash claimed the life of a Montgomery County man Sunday afternoon in the Farmersville area. According to reports from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, 38-year-old Dale A. Gudgel, of Waggoner, was riding an ATV the day before (on Saturday), and was last spotted by friends at a local tavern. Gudgel’s body was found with his ATV on top of him around 2:30 pm Sunday. The body was located on property owned by the Canadian National Illinois Central Railroad Company near Depot Lane in Farmersville. The Montgomery County Coroners Office will hold a Coroners Inquest at a later time.

City Council Has Bi-monthly Meeting Monday Night

12/08/2009

It was business as usual for the Taylorville City Council Monday night. With only two meetings left for the 2009 calendar, the council covered a laundry list of topics. Among the more discussed topics was the discussion of “Tommy the Tornado” THS street signs initiated by alderman Earl Walters. The signs would adorn the THS school colors purple and gold, aside from the customary green and white. Although a number of council members were in favor, alderman Martin Vota had some reservations about the dedicating signs to just the Taylorville High School mascot.

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Taylorville City Council member Bruce Jones also had some concerns about dedicating street signs to just the high school, stating that “there might be a continuity problem.”

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The city council would pass the motion by a vote of 6-2, with Vota and Jones providing the no’s in the decision.

Tuesday night’s meeting was started with a warm and heartfelt moment of silence provided by Mayor Greg Brotherton in observance of the 68th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Authorities Finish Chicago Sanitary And Ship Canal Barrier Maintenance Work

12/08/2009

The Asian Carp Rapid Response Workgroup is finishing main project operations on a 5.7-mile stretch of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal that began December 2nd. Maintenance on the CSSC electric barrier was completed, and now the barrier has been returned to normal operation.

In support of scheduled routine barrier maintenance, biologists working with the Asian Carp Rapid Response Workgroup began applying Rotenone, a fish toxicant, on Wednesday. Rotenone application was chosen as the best option for keeping Asian carp from breaching the lower voltage demonstration barrier while the more powerful barrier was taken down for scheduled routine maintenance. The application of rotenone, and a detoxifying agent, was successful, as was the successful clean-up of dead fish along the canal.



Fisheries Biologist for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Dan Stephenson says that although only one specimen of the Asian carp was found in the vicinity of the canal, the initiative was more than just a search for the invasive specie.

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Stephenson adds that while the barrier was under construction, the barge traffic was shutdown to help prevent the possible movement of carp.



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Stephenson reports that a large majority of the fish killed in the rotenone application were common carp, and that only a small amount of sport fish were harmed, or killed, during the process. To date, Asian carp have showed up in local waters such as the Sangamon River, Kaskaskia River, Illinois River, and Lake Decatur.

Website For Parents To Combat "Cyber Bullying"

12/08/2009

A new website launched by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office makes it easier for parents to detect and stop "cyber bullying."

If you aren’t sure what "LMAO," or "POS" means, the website, www.Ebully411.com may be worth a look. Attorney General Madigan says it’s a good place to go to learn more about what kids are experiencing on line and over their phones every day.

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The website describes types of cyber bullies and what you can do about them. There’s also a list of text abbreviations, and advice for teens that come across something online that makes them uncomfortable.

Tough Economy Hitting Christian County Soil And Water Conservation District

12/08/2009

Many agencies across the state of Illinois have been hit hard as a result of the state’s massive budget cuts. One of those agencies suffering the consequences is the Christian County Soil and Water Conservation District. The local agency provides technical, educational, and financial resources to meet the needs of landowners and users. Christian County Soil and Water Conservation District Administrative Coordinator Sue Davis says the agency has lost over 1/4th of its staff statewide since 2007, and as a result their services are taking a substantial hit.

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Overall, Davis says the Soil and Water Conservation finances have been cut by nearly 50%.

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Because of the severe budget cuts, the Christian County Soil and Water Conservation District is now down to just one employee. Davis says the office is in dire need of a resource conservationist, a technically trained position they have been devoid of since last October

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Also because of the drop in state funding, the district announced they are suspending the distribution of their quarterly newsletter. The district considers the newsletter as a valuable informational tool for producers and landowners in Christian County. The district office is located at 951-2 West Spresser, behind Gambinos Restaurant in Taylorville.

Shelbyville Man Found Dead

12/07/2009

38 year-old Steve L. Arterburn of Shelbyville was found dead in a maintenance work area of the Lake Towers in Shelbyville. The Lake Towers is a residential facility at 414 S. Morgan in Shelbyville.

Coroner Brian Green pronounced Arterburn dead at 7:25 AM Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 in Lake Towers, where he was a resident. An investigation is currently ongoing by the Illinois State Police, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Shelbyville City Police Department and the Shelby County Coroners Office.

At this time, foul play is not suspected.

An autopsy will be performed at the Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield and an inquest will be held at a later date.

* BREAKING NEWS* Edinburg Boil Order

12/07/2009

At 3:30pm today the village of Edinburg Public Water Supply issued a precautionary boil order affecting customers on Washington and Douglas Streets east of Eaton Street. Water supply personnel will return the system to normal operation as soon as possible.

Customers in the affected area are encouraged to treat all water for drinking, or culinary, purposes by bringing it to a rolling boil for at least five minutes.

For additional information, contact Mike McKean at 217 – 623 – 5542.

Chamber Raffling Off TV

12/07/2009

(Taylorville) In just two weeks The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce will give away a brand new television to the lucky winner of their annual holiday season raffle. The winner will be chosen on Monday December 21st. Chamber President/CEO Fred Ronnow says Miss Christian County will be on hand to help give away the 800-dollar prize.

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For more information on the raffle call the chamber office at 824-4919.

On a semi-related note, Ronnow says for the first time ever, the Chamber will be a part of this year’s Christmas in the Park.

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Christmas in the Park, the annual two week celebration of Christmas at Manner’s Park in Taylorville, kicks off this Friday (December 11th).

As for the Chamber’s monthly stats: Ronnow reports 119 phone calls in November, down from 307 in October, 28 referrals, 64 requests for information, and 38 people came through the front door.

City Officials, Residents Getting Ready For Sales Tax Increase

12/07/2009

(Taylorville) Last April 53% of the voters in Taylorville gave a sales tax increase referendum the green light. That increase, which bumps the sales tax up from 6.25% to 7%, finally takes effect on the first of next month. Almost a year later, Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton says its still a surprise to many that the increase passed.

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The increase is expected to generate upwards of 750,000 dollars in added revenues. Brotherton says there’s been a heated discussion between aldermen as to how the city should put the money to work.

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Perhaps some of the money will go towards repairing the city’s downtrodden roads. The Mayor says Cheney and Spresser Streets will be repaved within the next two years.

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Brotherton says the city won’t receive revenues from the sales tax increase until this coming April.

Nokomis American Legion Hosting Special Event For Pearl Harbor Rememberance Day

12/07/2009

In honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the Nokomis American Legion Post 94 is hosting a special event Monday morning, which will feature speeches from two veterans who survived the attacks. The event takes place at 10 am at the Veterans War Memorial in Nokomis Memorial Park. Post 94 Public Relations Manager C.F. Marley says everyone is welcome to attend and ask questions.


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Again, the event is slated to begin at 10 am.

Illinois One Of Nations Largest Producer Of Christmas Trees

12/07/2009

Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states, but Illinois is home to nearly 300 tree farms.

That puts Illinois at about 17th for the most tree farms in the nation says State Department of Agriculture Spokesperson Jeff Squibb.

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McHenry County in northern Illinois harvests the most trees, followed by Macon, St. Clair, and Henry. On average, about 2,000 Christmas trees are planted per acre, but no more than 1500 usually survive to maturity.

IDPH Expands H1N1 Flut Hotline Service

12/07/2009

The Illinois Department of Public Health is expanding its H1N1 flu hotline service.
Public Health Spokesperson Kelly Jakubek (jake-a-beck) says the hotline will be open around the clock, and staffed by experts.

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The hotline number is 1-866-848-2094.

Governor Quinn Signs Construction Bill

12/07/2009

Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill Wednesday that will help fund construction projects throughout Illinois.

The new law lets the state issue bonds supported by the federal stimulus package for things like road and bridge repairs, and school construction. Quinn says getting the state’s new capital program moving will help create jobs in Illinois.

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The federal government will reimburse the state for part of the bond’s interest costs. Officials expect to issue up to 488 million dollars in school construction bonds during the first few months of next year.

Oconee Man Dies In Christian County Trainwreck

12/07/2009

A volunteer for the Pana Fire Department is dead, after a freak motor vehicle accident in Christian County Saturday afternoon. 35-year-old Jacob “Joe” Oreskovich, of Oconee, drove into the path of a train on Route 16 just west of Pana around two o’clock. Pana Fire Chief Rod Bland says Oreskovich was transported to the Pana Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Bland says the sun may have obstructed Oreskovich’s view, causing him to collide with the train. Bland adds that no one else was hurt in the crash.

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Bland says the Pana Fire Department will talk with the Oreskovich family about holding a special memorial service for their fallen comrade.

Nokomis American Legion Hosting Special Event For Pearl Harbor Day

12/06/2009

(Nokomis) In honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the Nokomis American Legion Post 94 is hosting a special event Monday morning, which will feature speeches from two veterans who survived the attacks. The event takes place at the Veterans War Memorial in Nokomis Memorial Park. Post 94 Public Relations Manager C.F. Marley says everyone is welcome to attend and ask questions.

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The event is slated to begin at approximately 10 am.

IDPH Warning Illinoisans About H1N1 E-mail Scam

12/06/2009

SPRINGFIELD – Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, is alerting Illinoisans to a nationwide H1N1 phishing e-mail scam. The fraudulent e-mails (phishing) claim to be from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and reference a CDC sponsored State Vaccination Program. The messages request that users must create a personal H1N1 (swine flu) Vaccination Profile on the CDC Web site. The message then states that anyone 18 years or older has to create a personal Vaccination Profile on the CDC Web site.

The Illinois Department of Public Health encourages anyone who receives these e-mails to delete them immediately as the CDC has NOT implemented a state vaccination program requiring registration on www.cdc.gov. Users that click on the e-mail are at risk of having malicious code installed on their system.

People should take the following steps to reduce the risk of being a victim of this or other phishing attacks:
· Do not follow unsolicited links and do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.
· Use caution when visiting un-trusted Web sites.
· Use caution when entering personal information online.

'Toys For Tots' Accepting Toy Donations

12/06/2009

The Straight Shooters Motor Cycle Club of Pana is currently accepting toy donations, as well as monetary donations, for their “Toys For Tots” campaign. The club is collecting toys for children of all ages and economic backgrounds in the Pana area. Justin Jones of the SHMC says the club has toy drop offs set up at the First Natonal Bank, as well as the Land of Lincoln Credit Union, in Pana.

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Jones adds that this is a benefit the Straight Shooters Motor Cycle Club has done for a number of years.

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For more information regarding the SHMC’s “Toys For Tots” toy drive, contact Justin Jones at 217 – 823 – 2358. Jones also encourages anyone wishing to donate to stop by the SHMC’s clubhouse on west route 16 in Pana this Saturday, December 5th, between the hours of 1pm and 5pm.

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